So I've just seen pictures of these clark hammocks and I must admit I am intrigued especially for winter use. What I don't understand is the insulation that you use with theses. Can a traditional down under quilt be used on these hammocks?
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So I've just seen pictures of these clark hammocks and I must admit I am intrigued especially for winter use. What I don't understand is the insulation that you use with theses. Can a traditional down under quilt be used on these hammocks?
A 2/3 or 3/4 UQ fits nicely between the pouches on the Tropical versions of the NA hammocks. Not that the pouches on the NA and other models, being just thin nylon, would be in the way of the UQ.
If you don't mind packing its 7oz with zippers, the weathershield zipped in to the Clark hammocks that have them standard or as add-ons is a distinctly excellent feature. Adds lots of warmth along with protection from mist and horizontal rain and spray.
I've used underquilts on an NA and NX model; no problems at all.
SW, have you considered an NX model? I don't have a Clark personally, but when I was researching them the NX looked nicer in my opinion.
You can use a regular UQ with the NX model with no issues, I recommend the KAQ New River UQ. Very comfortable down to mid 20's for me.
Some folks have tried using insulating pillows in the pockets. My understanding it met with mixed results. Not having a Clark I have not followed this experiment very closely. But I know it has been tried and refined some. My understanding is the total weight of the pillows was quite small but I don't know how effective it has been.
MML has a good review on an underquilt with the clark.
I use the Hammock Gear Winter Incubator under my Clark North American and it works great. You can't put much in the storage pockets when using the under quilt as it pulls the UG away from your back and you get cold. I'm not a big fan of the storage pockets underneath. That's what you back pack is for.If nothing else it helps keep mosquitos from biting thru the bottom.It seems to cool off enough most nights in Alberta that you need some kind of under quilt.I like all the other Clark features,net,weather shield etc.
And the difference between Clark and, say Warbonnet? Where in the US made, and who does the sewing. Also a one-time expenditure --long ago -- on a fancier web-page, and extensive product differentiation.
'cause what you suggest is that you'd be happy with the the same-size-bed minimal Clark model (if it included the weathershield option, which, it unfortunately, does not.) But, a Tropical would do nicely with an UQ for sub-tropical and colder sleeping.
My point is that there's little but design, sentimentality and tribe between Clark and other "cottage industry" camping hammock makers.