Cuben hammock w/built in dual differential cut asym karo step winter UQ - first ever?

Hello Guys,

This is my new winter hangout.

Shell/hammock - 8.5oz (.74oz/sq yd cuben)
Fill - 18oz of 800+ Down
Total - 26.5oz without suspension

Hammock is 10' 8" by 53"

Quilt is built with 3" baffles and loft is 4-5"

The UQ is extra large to allow me to move around all I want and remain insulated.

It is very comfortable and VERY warm.



Kids, don't try this at home. :D

View from top

http://i87.photobucket.com/albums/k1...oo/topshot.jpg

View underneath

http://i87.photobucket.com/albums/k1...o/P9280050.jpg

Hammock flipped upside down

http://i87.photobucket.com/albums/k1...o/P9280056.jpg

I'll blab more about details in the next post ;)

This project kinda took over my life for a couple weeks.
It was easily a week of planning and design, and a week of building, and adjusting to real life measurements.
I used a lot of 3D CAD, calculations, measurements, etc

Here is how it all started:

I have been a bit unsatisfied with the lack of efficiency when a standard winter underquilt is used. The little gaps that form in the gathered end hammock fabric are tiny freeways for heat to leave you. Add to this the problem of having it adjusted perfectly to avoid any dead spots, or gaps, and it was just lacking too much IMO.
Perspiration freezing in your down is also a real concern. I'm no arctic explorer, but like to pretend sometimes.:rolleyes:

Also, I do not like to use a tarp because of any temperature needs.
I want it up when there is precipitation and want to have a full tree/sky view otherwise.

A UQ protector is not the best idea in sub zero weather.

Thinking about building a UQ into a normal nylon hammock brought too many problems to mind. Mostly based on the hammock stretching creating thin spots in the quilt, wind chill, etc.


Enter Cuben Fiber>>>

-Very little stretch
-Windproof
-Waterproof
-Vapor barrier keeps your insulation dry
-Flatter lay
-Lighter

Once I realized that this COULD work. I was unable to leave the idea alone. This is definitely a prototype, and I will see how well it works. My confidence is high though, and I can hardly wait for the cold weather to settle in.:thumbup:


More to come. Thanks for looking.

Wow thats incredible.

Dang you ain't messin' around. That is a great idea

Very nice! Calculating from the weight, I figure you used between 22 and 23 linear feet of cuben. I'm most interested to learn how you calculated the size and shape of the bottom layer. Whatever you did, it looks great.

Needless to say, construction details (bonded baffles rather than sewn?) desired, too.

Whoa, that is a nice piece - great looking work.
I hope the hammock does not rip on you - like it did when Lawson was testing cuben hammocks.

That's an awesome looking piece of gear you made your self their. I am very impressed. Very innovative and the craftsmanship looks most excellent. Two thumbs up
LRR

Thats crazy awesome. Now on to the 3season version.

I like it. One question.
1. This can't pack down very well can it?

Cuben will get softer the more you handle it though.

Very nice. A lot of work there. Looks like you taped the Karo baffles? Channeled ends?

Ryan