Mule's Weather Cover for Blackbird

**Mule** · 12-16-2008, 17:55

This weather cover has a zipper on the same side and same place as the Blackbird. I zip it up to the pullouts on both head and foot ends and then velcro shut where the zipper does not close. It also has a separate slot for the pullouts as an option, but it is easier to get in and out of if the zipper works like the Blackbird zipper does. The non zipper side just has a slot which closes using Omni velcro.
I had to add 24 inches to the 72 inches used on my weather cover for a Claytor or Speer style. This assures that there is not compredssion of the JRB quilt.
It now weighs 14 ounces. It used to weigh 7 before the addition of fabric and zipper. I can live with that. It is cinched up on both ends by a draw cord and cordstop.
As those of you who use a weather cover all around the hammock know, it immediately adds warmth and stops the breezes. Mule

**Cannibal** · 12-16-2008, 18:10

Nice job Mule. Have you tried it in the wind yet? I bet the way you have it attached inline with tie-outs keeps the material off you pretty well.

I've got to finish at least one of my half dozen half done projects. I put this one away for a while, but your pics give me a couple of ideas. Thanks!

**Take-a-knee** · 12-16-2008, 18:13

Looks great! The weight penalty isn't bad when you consider the weight of a JRB WS plus a Hennessy top cover (for those of use who haven't yet traded up). Also you may not need the extra weight of an oversize tarp. There is a weight penalty for cold weather sleeping, on the ground or in a hammock.

**Mule** · 12-16-2008, 18:36

I know there is some extra fabric gathered on it that appears to be not needed, but I need to get a person in it and inspect it to be sure. The footbox end needs the extra room but I don't think the head end does. It would only save a coupe of ounces though. Mule

**fin** · 12-16-2008, 18:57

Love the weather cover mule! How did you finish off the wing openings? And your zipper is up higher than I did mine - how is it getting into the hammock with the zipper higher? Your zippers are a little lighter than mine as well, where did you get them from?

**sbmcghee** · 12-16-2008, 20:16

I'm jealous. That looks pretty sweet. You're squared away for all this nasty weather.

**GrizzlyAdams** · 12-16-2008, 21:24

great stuff Mule.

First week in January. You and me. Mano a mano. You in your DIY weather cover, and me in mine. Southern Indiana. Battle of the storm shelters. Bring it on.

Grizz

**Mule** · 12-16-2008, 21:30

Originally Posted by GrizzlyAdams

great stuff Mule.

First week in January. You and me. Mano a mano. You in your DIY weather cover, and me in mine. Southern Indiana. Battle of the storm shelters. Bring it on.

Grizz

Most any day will work for me. Let's do it. Mule

**animalcontrol** · 12-17-2008, 08:30

Originally Posted by GrizzlyAdams

great stuff Mule.

First week in January. You and me. Mano a mano. You in your DIY weather cover, and me in mine. Southern Indiana. Battle of the storm shelters. Bring it on.

Grizz

ooohhh, I'm gonna come and be the "impartial" judge.

"In this corner..."

**GrizzlyAdams** · 12-17-2008, 09:30

Originally Posted by animalcontrol

ooohhh, I'm gonna come and be the "impartial" judge.

"In this corner..."

the more the merrier...
The weekend of Jan 3/4 is tied up with family birthdays...Jan 5/6 is looking good, although I do have flexibility that week (but not the weekend).

Grizz