Switchback Light Hiker

[joggerjohn]

I just ordered a Switchback Light Hiker. I was wondering if anyone else on this Forum has any experience with them. It is a shorter hammock which should small enough to fit into a Pea Pod. I hope that is more comfortable than the Speer Hammock which I currently use while in the Pea Pod. Has anyone ever tested it or has experience using it?

[dant8ro]

Have a look here,

there are already videos of the new hammock.
http://www.hammockforums.net/forum/showthread.php?t=23274

Dan.

[MacEntyre]

...small enough to fit into a Pea Pod?
Although I have not tried the Light Hiker with the PeaPod, I have thought about it a good bit. I have no doubt that it will fit. People have been able to use the PeaPod with larger hammocks, like MedicineMan discovered recently with his Traveler.

The Light Hiker with the PeaPod will be rigged with the ends of the PeaPod open at least enough for the hammock and the gathered bugnet. That means you will have good control of the ventilation at the ends and the sag underneath.

I sleep with my head inside the PeaPod, and a vent hole above my mouth. A tiny opening at each end makes a chimney effect, so that moisture laden breath will exit before condensing. In particular, I make sure there is a generous (fist sized or bigger) opening at the head end, to complement the one above my face.

If you hang the PeaPod just a little looser than you would with the Speer hammock, you will be able to use the Light Hiker's excellent diagonal lie. MedicineMan found that he is able to use the diagonal with the Traveler and PeaPod.

Speer hammocks have high sides. The Light Hiker does not. Hanging the PeaPod loose in a Light Hiker means there will be no void between you and the PeaPod. You may not need a top blanket to fill up the space that typically was open between you and the PeaPod in your Speer hammock.

BTW, the lack of high sides is what allows you to lay more on the diagonal in the PeaPod. It is possible that the PeaPod will be more comfortable and keep you warmer in a Light Hiker than it did in a Speer hammock!

Give it a try and let us know how it works for you!

- MacEntyre

P.S. I've recently velcroed my Speer hammock to my Snugfit, and plan to leave it that way for the rest of the winter. I'll give the PeaPod a try with the Light Hiker and see if it works as I have speculated.

[blackswift]

I have the Light Hiker... really like it... haven't used it with a PeaPod.

[joggerjohn]

I purchased a couple Insultex underquilts from Molly Mac Gear awhile ago. I have used them to compliment my Pea Pod and they worked well.

[MacEntyre]

I have used them to compliment my Pea Pod and they worked well.
Inside or out?

[joggerjohn]

Inside. I purchased one of your early Five in One Jerry Chairs.