How long to become a "Hammock Snob"

**Slackdaddy** · 07-04-2009, 07:33

Just got my used HH exped.
and hung it for the 1st time, very comfy.
but in 5 min. I "see" some mods I need to do.
I need a larger rain fly,
I need some sort of "double layer bottom" too hold a mat.
Slightly larger would be good,
The zipper mod?

So I guess I am ready to upgrade from my starter hammock

Slack

**Shadowmoss** · 07-04-2009, 08:57

Welcome, you'll fit in quite well. Yep, it's all about how to change things up when you are comfortable enough to look around.

**sclittlefield** · 07-04-2009, 09:07

I still love my HH expedition... but I know what you mean.

If you're open to do-it-yourself, a whole world of options opens up for you. It is surprisingly simple to build your own hammock or tarp if you've got the time and access to a sewing machine (just remember, you're not so much sewing as repeatedly stabbing things with sharp objects).

If you want pre-made, check out the Gear Manufacturers sub-forum here. Warbonnet Blackbird comes to mind as it solves all the issues you mentioned except the rainfly (very likely to be my next commercial hammock).

You can retrofit your HH to fit all the needs you mentioned though. The zipper mod is an excellent choice.

Bigger Tarp: lots of of options. OES, Speer, JRB, Warbonnet, etc...
Double layer for pad: even better, get an underquilt. Or the Hennessy Super-Shelter, that get's good reviews.

**Ramblinrev** · 07-04-2009, 09:10

I strongly endorse the Super Shelter.

**fin** · 07-04-2009, 11:01

Originally Posted by Ramblinrev

I strongly endorse the Super Shelter.

Really?!?

I didn't know that, RR!

It seems like a great system, really it does. How tough would it be to build your own Super Shelter, as I have never seen one. I had an HH, and may be getting a different version again soon (purely for testing, I promise!)

Welcome to the world of never being satisfied with your gear, and always looking for a way to improve it.

**Ramblinrev** · 07-04-2009, 11:20

Yeah... I tend to hide my opinions very carefully. The idea of making a super shelter is not out of the question but I personally would probably not try it. If you want to take the time and make the effort to drape the undercover so it fits just so and the track down the kind of foam you would need to make it work I suppose it would be reasonably easy to clone. But for the price, I just don't think it is worth that kind of effort. Whatever floats your boat.

**sclittlefield** · 07-04-2009, 13:12

What is the size of the foam pad in the super shelter? Is it big enough to give full coverage or is it more like a 3/4 underquilt?

I bet you could make something similar with 3 yards of silnylon, some gross grain, and a cut out from a crappy synthetic sleeping bag (the kind that doesn't compress too much - if it did, it might minimize the heat retention value to be unworkable).

**fin** · 07-04-2009, 13:21

Originally Posted by Ramblinrev

Yeah... I tend to hide my opinions very carefully.

Don't we all.

**Ramblinrev** · 07-04-2009, 13:32

The ocf in the Super Shelter provides the full coverage in the diagonal position. It is not a regular shape but rather coffin like, wider at the shoulders than the feet. But at least for me it does a good job of keeping me warm where it counts. I don't have the measurements for it. It is also available from HH as a replacement piece so you can buy just the foam if you want to try and make the undercover. The undercover has to fit properly though in order for the foam to work properly.