Ultralight Modifications

**SlowBro** · 07-19-2009, 15:55

Grizz is right, back on the 1st page of this thread, the stock BB line with tree straps is the lightest option. The Whoopie Sling will add extra weight to the stock suspension. It would be the weight of about 10 extra feet of cord- roughly 0.8 oz or the weight of 2 SMC rings. For the extra 0.8 oz you get easy adjustability, reliability, no backup knots to worry about, security, quick setup and take down, and a built in drip line.

I'll admit that I am one of those ultralight gram weenies,

but I'm taking my medication and I'm much better now!

Seriously, I have had issues with the weight of a hammock vs ground shelter, but I've come over to the "dark side" and have decided that the comfort/site versatility/multi-use/LNT aspect of hammocks, more than offsets the few extra ounces.

**beep** · 07-19-2009, 17:14

Originally Posted by SlowBro

I'll admit that I am one of those ultralight gram weenies,

but I'm taking my medication and I'm much better now!

Seriously, I have had issues with the weight of a hammock vs ground shelter, but I've come over to the "dark side" and have decided that the comfort/site versatility/multi-use/LNT aspect of hammocks, more than offsets the few extra ounces.

What he said!!! Well put, SlowBro!

**speyguy** · 07-20-2009, 15:00

Glad to hear that I'm not the only one who's struggled with the weight issue of the hammock set up. While I don't really think of myself as a gram weenie, I have worked pretty hard the last 4 years or so to get my pack weight down.

One of the areas that I've struggled with is with bottom insulation and the comfort of that. I always carry a small half length pad just for sitting on the ground. I decided it was silly to carry both this pad and a full length underquilt and decided it would make more sense to incorporate the pad into the system. I have a 1.1 double Blackbird and recently bought one of the 40 x 60 x 3/16" pads for it. I thought it worked very well. While not as comfortable as my underquilt, it allowed me to ditch both the underquilt and my camp ground (hanging around the fire) pad.

As my system seems like it's in a perpetual state of evolution, I've decided that a 1/2 or 3/4 length underquilt would make the most sense to go along with my 1/2 length pad. This would also allow me to trade my double layer hammock for a single layer since I use the double layer primarily for holding the pad in place. I haven't crunched the numbers, but I'm guessing I could shave at least a pound off the weight this way.

**GrizzlyAdams** · 07-20-2009, 16:52

Originally Posted by speyguy

As my system seems like it's in a perpetual state of evolution, I've decided that a 1/2 or 3/4 length underquilt would make the most sense to go along with my 1/2 length pad. This would also allow me to trade my double layer hammock for a single layer since I use the double layer primarily for holding the pad in place. I haven't crunched the numbers, but I'm guessing I could shave at least a pound off the weight this way.

this is exactly where I've converged (for now

), and for those same reasons. Had been making double-layered hammocks....with the quilt, no need. Make the quilt as small as possible... 1/2 length pad comes into the hammock.

now if you follow this line of thinking through to the end we'll make a bridge hammock hanger out of you. A single-layer bridge uses significantly less material than a gathered end hammock, and your 1/2 length quilt can be narrower and hence lighter because it doesn't have to account for a diagonal. My summer UQ is 48" long, and weighs 8.5 oz. including suspension cords.

Bigger tarps are nice for bridges, but not absolutely necessary. My summer tarp this year is a MacCat Deluxe...

just keep following the dots, connecting them up...

Grizz

**Shug** · 07-21-2009, 12:41

Originally Posted by speyguy

As my system seems like it's in a perpetual state of evolution, I've decided that a 1/2 or 3/4 length underquilt would make the most sense to go along with my 1/2 length pad. This would also allow me to trade my double layer hammock for a single layer since I use the double layer primarily for holding the pad in place. I haven't crunched the numbers, but I'm guessing I could shave at least a pound off the weight this way.

Sorry you will not be! Seriously ... you will spend 1/3 or more of your day/night in the hammock and a wee bit more weight for comfort makes sense to me now. I am better rested .... my 51 year old body feels better and my hiking and ground-pounding time is more productive. Plus I just like tweaking and dinking and the whole hammock and components are so fun for me that way. My tents bored me......

**speyguy** · 07-21-2009, 14:06

Originally Posted by Shug

Sorry you will not be! Seriously ... you will spend 1/3 or more of your day/night in the hammock and a wee bit more weight for comfort makes sense to me now. I am better rested .... my 51 year old body feels better and my hiking and ground-pounding time is more productive. Plus I just like tweaking and dinking and the whole hammock and components are so fun for me that way. My tents bored me......

Shug............ya lost me. I "will not be" what?

**animalcontrol** · 07-21-2009, 14:09

Originally Posted by speyguy

Shug............ya lost me. I "will not be" what?

Originally Posted by Shug

Sorry you will not be! ...

reverse the order You will not be sorry...if you switch to 1/2 or 2/3 length UQs + a short pad.
And I agree with Shug...shorter UQs offer great weight savings and versitility

**speyguy** · 07-21-2009, 14:24

Ah! He lost me with that cockney speak. Makes perfect sense now. Thanks.

**Gailainne** · 07-21-2009, 14:32

More like "Yoda speak",

but I agree with him.

**Shug** · 07-21-2009, 14:57

Speak me sometimes upside-down!
Yes ... you won't be sorry with a 1/2 UQ and short pad. It is truly a wonderful set-up. My 1/2 UQ is 11 ozs with shock-cord and all.
guhS