Re: The Alpine Hammock is REAL!
Thanks for keeping us updated. I also like to see people innovating in this area.
You wondered why others aren't excited. Here is my constructive feedback.
You say there is no need for a tarp, but what is the 'weather cover' if not another name for a tarp? Its not like there is one less piece of gear you are bringing.
I think many would prefer to be under a tarp in the rain. Being in this would be more like a bivy or a tent.
I would also be concerned putting my hammock near or on the ground if the system was used in tent mode, even with some layer in between. If the fabric were to catch on a sticker, sharp rock, etc it would be an issue. With a tent this isn't as big of a deal because it isn't bearing my weight.
Finally it solves a problem I don't have, which is needing a hammock that can be converted into a tent. Maybe if I lived in an area with more tundra.
I do hope you make a video if you get one of these so we can see how it works in action.
Problems with tarps - The Alpine hammock to the rescue!
You enjoy sleeping directly under sky but if You leave the tarp away it will rain couple hours later when it is dark and You must get up to hang Your tarp. At least here in Finland we have those rain showers which pass over you during night. The Alpine Hammock solves that problem - go to sleep under the netting or even without it and close the cover if rain comes.
Sometimes there are no trees, if using UQ and Tarp You must carry a pad and also hiking poles or you must find poles from the baron ground, for example when on the hill tops. The Alpine Hammock solves this problem also. You have a pad with you and there is no need for other pole than the one You use anyway with the Alpine Hammock.
People use those small diamond tarps to get away only with two ground anchor points - easier setup and lighter pack. But with the Alpine hammock it is even better, no need to hang tarp at all. (And those very small/light tarps do not give you a very good protection anyway).
Tarp needs more space around it than hammock, it can sometimes limit the hanging site selection. The Alpine hammock helps, if You can hang the hammock then the site is good enough.
And then there are those short one day hikes, canoe-, ski- or bike trips. Now You can have a one piece of gear with You and You are covered from short term rain showers and storms and You can take a wonderful nap anytime just like in normal hammock (in this kind of short use insulation is not necessary). So just throw the Alpine Hammock to Your pack and You have a resting place and a shelter from the elements with You if needed. What could be simpler, faster and easier?
And for the Cannibal: Sweating is good point supporting DL pad use, but do You really sleep butt and backside naked in Your hammock?! :eek:
;) (Just the vision I got if the most important layer between You and the pad is hammock material as You said)
But seriously maybe I just sleep so still - and on the other hand I wake up many times during a night anyway - that I do not have problems with my pad directly under me.