Blackbishop's Sack

Hey guys. I just made a stuffsack like the one Blackbishop was using at Hot Springs. My insulated hammock and NS top quilt both fit inside, and it's a little bigger than a gallon milk jug. Should fit nicely sideways in the bottom of my pack. I think I'm gonna like this idea - I'm glad Keith showed up that weekend! Pics here.

I also updated my gear list to see what the weights would be with this new gear. My base is just under 11 lbs for three-season temps...probably 35 F or so. Adding an insulated jacket would get me several more degrees. I could knock off 2-3 lbs with very little effort but I'd rather have a few comforts - like the sit pad, the buckle/strap supports instead of Air Core and Huggers, etc.

Told you you'd like it! :D

Looks good! I was a bit worried it wouldn't work as well with quilts inside too, but I like the way yours turned out, so I think I'll definitely go that way....when I finally get quilt(s)...

Jeff I was thinking about the Black Sack you made. I have a ULBPA and a KAQ. I am beginning to wonder if I put my skins between the quilt tie and the hammock instead of the other, I could put my skins on then stuff it all into the Black Sack. Do you think I am trying to over think something simple?

That would work fine, but why carry the weight of the skins if you're already carrying a stuff sack?

Good question and I apparently have no answer. I have the KAQ large stuff sack, I think i will try to make a similar bag for my winter quilts

Just Jeff - I am still working on my sewing skills. This is a tip my mother told me.

When sewing very thin material, sew tissue paper on the back side of your project, then just tear off the paper. This gives the machine more material to bite on (less slippage) and your projest will feed through the foot of the machine with ease.

I ask about the paper removal and she says it will tear down the stich and is easy to remove.

I wonder if this will work for your button hole in the 'Blackbishop bag'?

Sandy B

Y'know....I just noticed that there's something terribly wrong with the way Jeff decided to name this thread....:eek:

I didn't know my "sack" was worth this much discussion and attention, to be very honest...:D

Sandy - that might be a good solution. I'll try that next time.

Keith. You're just wrong man. Well, you're right, but you're wrong.

I know. I try :D

A couple of general questions for anyone who's made a BB Sack:

1) How is this, in regard to degree of difficulty, as a first/early DIY project?
2) How much material does it take?

I'm all ears, said Ross Perot! :eek:

It really isn't that hard. Basically a stuff sack with a hole in the bottom. I just used scraps from other projects. But if I had to say, I think a yard of sil would be more than enough.

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Originally Posted by hammock engineer

It really isn't that hard. Basically a stuff sack with a hole in the bottom. I just used scraps from other projects. But if I had to say, I think a yard of sil would be more than enough.

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Since you mention sil, what about other materials? How about 1.9 ripstop?

With BB stated dimensions (10" diameter and 16" long) you are probably looking at a piece of fabric 18" x 22". The square bottom version would be a breeze to make. Stuff sacks are one of the best beginners projects out there. Really easy. A round bottom would take a little more practice, but not much.

I would go with sil or some other fabric with some amount of weather protection, IMHO.

Muchos Gracias, appreciate the input! :D

JJ and/or BB351 - please walk through a description of how you hang the hammock and then take-down using the stuff sack. Be as detailed as you can. Thanks

SETUP:

1. Holding sack under arm, remove foot-end suspension from mesh pocket and loosely attach to foot-end tree.

2. Put slight tension on foot-end suspension by moving toward head-end tree, still holding sack.

3. Open drawstring, grab head-end suspension end (just inside sack opening), and move to head-end tree. Move quickly enough so hammock/UQ does not touch ground as it emerges from sack.

4. Attach head-end suspension, center, and tension.

TAKEDOWN:

1. Loosen and then remove foot-end suspension from foot-end tree. Hold foot end of hammock so hammock/UQ does not touch ground. Let foot-end suspension dangle loose - doesn't matter if it touches the ground.

2. Holding opening of sack (on hammock foot-end), stuff hammock/UQ into sack. Move toward head end as necessary.

3. If suspension is dry, remove head-end suspension from tree and stuff into sack with hammock/UQ, then cinch drawstring closed. If suspension is wet, cinch drawstring closed around suspension attachment point, then remove head-end suspension from tree and place in mesh pocket on bottom of sack.

4. Coil foot-end suspension into mesh pocket on bottom of sack.

Yep - I do just like BB.

To pack it away, sometimes I take off the head end first and roll it down until I'm close enough to the foot end to start stuffing. Just as easy as starting at the foot end...just depends on which end I feel like disconnecting first.

What do you think about making the BB Sack as a cylinder with drawstring openings at each end and netting sewn to the side for straps, etc.?

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Originally Posted by Hooch

What do you think about making the BB Sack as a cylinder with drawstring openings at each end and netting sewn to the side for straps, etc.?

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That would work, but IMO there's no benefit to having two open ends. As a matter of fact, it might take even more time to use since you have to open/close two drawstrings.

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Originally Posted by angrysparrow

As a matter of fact, it might take even more time to use since you have to open/close two drawstrings.

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I'm not too worried about the whole time issue, it's just an idea to toy around with; just something a little different.

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Originally Posted by Hooch

What do you think about making the BB Sack as a cylinder with drawstring openings at each end and netting sewn to the side for straps, etc.?

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I had thought about that a while ago. I called it a hammock burrito:D My idea involved a roll closure on both ends with webbing on one end and buckles on the other that would create a compression style sack.

I really like the roll top on the BB I just made. Really helps to compress the hammock down into a small package.

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Originally Posted by headchange4u

I had thought about that a while ago. I called it a hammock burrito:D My idea involved a roll closure on both ends with webbing on one end and buckles on the other that would create a compression style sack.

I really like the roll top on the BB I just made. Really helps to compress the hammock down into a small package.

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I think I saw a drawing you did of that on your Photobucket album, right?
Not a bad idea at all. Would you make that with plain ripstop, DWR or sil? I like the idea. :D

That drawing was a different take on the BB sack. I gave that one up because I felt it was to complicated to sew and wouldn't really provide that much benefit. My original idea is just like you described;basically a cloth tube, but instead of drawstrings I was going to use roll closure.

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Originally Posted by headchange4u

That drawing was a different take on the BB sack. I gave that one up because I felt it was to complicated to sew and wouldn't really provide that much benefit. My original idea is just like you described;basically a cloth tube, but instead of drawstrings I was going to use roll closure.

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Ok, I'm with you on that one, hence the idea of it doubling as a compression sack. D'oh! I don't believe I just used "hence" in a sentence. :eek: Someone please shoot me.