I don't usually post on here about gear. Everything is pretty well covered on here by those far more entertaining and well versed than I. However today I received a new hammock that was a little out of the box for me and I was so "turned on" I had to post a quick review. I had finally gathered up the funds for a 20 degree setup and had naturally turned to my standard, Hammock Gear to purchase. While I was picking through the different flavors I happened to be browsing here at the same time when I noticed a mention for Sheltowee Hammocks and Alex's Boone integrated under quilt system. This suddenly peaked my interest as I am pretty lazy in the back country. I do not like fiddling on the trail. Love getting my rig dialed and practicing with different tarp setups at home. In the field I want my rig up and I want it up fast. I center almost everything around if I have to setup in the rain first and comfort second. Fortunately most hammock gear works for both. After a lot of searching, researching, review reading and talking with Alex I ordered a Boone 20, crossing my fingers it would be my thing. Let me say right here Alex was wonderful to work with and immensely helpful. I have a custom made bug net with a floor for my dog that is based on a ten foot WB Traveler and a 100" ridgeline. He had no problem modding the Boone to these dimensions and worked with me on a couple of other mods. After a little more than a week, it arrived today.
This is my thing. For my personal hike, this was heaven. Whoopie hook suspension up on the tree, attach from the provided bishop bag, pull her out, throw the top quilt in (which was the usual completely awesome HG Burrow 20). Done. It took minutes and I was ready to "sleep". The half an hour I spent in it was just wonderful. Tried every lay I like and every resting position was pure bliss. Being an 80 degree I started to overheat almost immediately, the heat coming back at me was amazing. We were having a fairly windy day here in Northern Wisconsin, up to 30 mph gust, and with the extra built in material at the head and foot end is indeed the perfect wind block for any gaps. I couldn't feel the wind under me at all. The whole setup just blew me away and I realized this WAS the system I had been looking for. The integrated under quilt just spoke to me. I can't wait to get her into the field. Salute to Alex.
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