Looking for other Pak-It-Lite hammock users

[TZ75man]

Thanks Stevie! The reason I want to try it in Bivi mode is in case I need to go to the ground, It'll still give me a bug net that way. By the way, How cold does it get where you live?

[Stevie]

Probably around the low minus figures (celcius) is about the lowest I get out in mate

[Crawldaddy]

Im feeling too much shoulder squeeze in mine so going to give to my wife.

[TZ75man]

Crawdaddy, are you using a pad?

[theseakayaker]

Question,

Does anyone 'statke out' their F.O.B?
Looking at photos on facebook it appears that this can be done using the space where the seams meet at the front and back.

Thanks,

You can if you want. The best set up is to use 2 to 3 feet of 3/8 bungee and 3 feet of flat cord. Use a fisherman's knot to tie both together. You will also need a cord lock and line adjuster. The bungee will go through the corner loop. The cord lock allows you to adjust the tension while laying in the hammock. That said, there is really no reason to stake the corners out unless you are getting claustrophobic. The hammock is designed to conform to your body which is needed in colder weather. The photos attached will better explain the set up described.Corner Tie Out.jpgCorner Tie Out in use.jpg

[sargevining]

You can if you want. The best set up is to use 2 to 3 feet of 3/8 bungee and 3 feet of flat cord. Use a fisherman's knot to tie both together. You will also need a cord lock and line adjuster. The bungee will go through the corner loop. The cord lock allows you to adjust the tension while laying in the hammock. That said, there is really no reason to stake the corners out unless you are getting claustrophobic. The hammock is designed to conform to your body which is needed in colder weather. The photos attached will better explain the set up described.Corner Tie Out.jpgCorner Tie Out in use.jpg

I'd like to have an explanation of what's bolded there.

What effect does the shape of the hammock have on keeping one warm in colder weather and why?

Follow up question:

Are there any hammocks out there that do not conform to your body?

[theseakayaker]

Tony, the large didn't want to fit very well, I'm not sure why unless it's because of mine being custom. But, the regular size Ridgerest fits great, works great and also fits in my ruckpack perfect so it ended up being a blessing in disguise.
Stevie, I had already planned on trying to set mine up on the ground in Bivi mode just for sh!ts and giggles once it gets warm again.

The large should fit in all your hammocks as the pockets are the same size. Unless they changed the size of the pad and made it bigger. It does take some effort to work the large pad into all the corners and smooth it out. The easiest way to do that is to put your pad in before you hang the hammock. If you watch my video, I am stuffing a large Ridgerest into the pocket by folding it in half lengthwise and sliding it all the way down into the foot end first. Then do the head end the same way. Also, there is a method for setting up your hammock for ground use provided you are using hiking poles. I hope to have some new videos on my site soon to show this. I have used the ReconMN as a bivi on several of my sea kayak tours when camping on a beach with no trees. Instead of hiking poles, I use my paddles. On all my open water tours I have two paddles. One for surf and another for touring. Taking the paddle apart, I can use them on each end of the fly (the blade goes against the end wall at the peak) and my other paddle can be used for the front peak of the fly. Hiking poles and a stick or small limb will do the same thing. Once the fly is staked out you can hook the end loops of the hammock at the top of your pole or in my case, my paddles. Just be sure to use a ground cover if the ground is already wet. In sand, it's very comfortable.

[theseakayaker]

I'd like to have an explanation of what's bolded there.

What effect does the shape of the hammock have on keeping one warm in colder weather and why?

Follow up question:

Are there any hammocks out there that do not conform to your body?

Most hammocks are very "open" by design as they are made from a more rectangular shaped material. My hammock beds have a different shape. This shape is what creates the foot and head pocket so when you lay in the hammock it lays flatter. This also makes the hammock conform more to the shape of your body. My hammocks are also designed to work without an underquilt. The bed pocket holds a CCF pad and the side pockets will hold your clothing. If you are using down jackets and pants or even fleece, this along with other clothing goes into those pockets and add insulation to the hammock. In cold temps having this added insulation close to your body is what will keep you warm. This is why a mummy bag works better to retain heat than a rectangular sleeping bag. I also saw your question about why I say it's a four season hammock. It's the same thing as a four season tent. The heat retention design of a four season tent is different than on a three season. Same on my hammocks.

[mountainm]

Most hammocks are very "open" by design as they are made from a more rectangular shaped material. My hammock beds have a different shape.

have you compared it to a hammock Bliss sky bed bug free? Sounds like a very similar design.

[theseakayaker]

have you compared it to a hammock Bliss sky bed bug free? Sounds like a very similar design.

Completely different design. Most hammocks don't take into consideration the stretch of the material on the bias. Mine do. Take a closer look on my site as to how the hammock hangs. Then compare that hang to the hammocks you spoke of. Just not the same. It's all in the design of the bed.