PeaPod

**joggerjohn** · 12-07-2009, 23:41

I just used my Speer pea pod with my Claytor no net hammock on the top of Hunter Mountain in the Catskills. It was snowing and windy and the pea pod worked like magic.. The system is very simple and functional.. I now feel like a real high class hobo or homeless hippie.

**Hawk-eye** · 12-08-2009, 04:46

Originally Posted by joggerjohn

.... I now feel like a real high class hobo or homeless hippie.

Well ye be from Woodstock ... it's only natural!

Saw MacEntyre using one in Linville Gorge back in Oct. Pretty darn impressive rig!

**BillyBob58** · 12-08-2009, 09:14

Good to hear! What kind of temps and what did you use/wear inside the pod? Any top quilt?

**lazyboy** · 12-08-2009, 09:20

I have been told a down jacket worn backwards works well as a top layer in the Peapod, it fills up the void above you and prevents cold air infiltration from around your face into the rest of the bag, especially if it has a hood.

**joggerjohn** · 12-08-2009, 09:35

The temps were in the low twenties and I used an old down sleeping bag as over insulation. I also used a hammock sock to cut down on the winds. I just wore long johns and an old wool sweater.

**BillyBob58** · 12-08-2009, 10:05

Originally Posted by lazyboy

I have been told a down jacket worn backwards works well as a top layer in the Peapod, it fills up the void above you and prevents cold air infiltration from around your face into the rest of the bag, especially if it has a hood.

I have found the above approach to be a pretty big help, especially when I tested it with a narrow Claytor NN. Though I'm sure it would help with most any hammock. Even just my down vest worn backwards is a big help. Not as helpful as a separate TQ no doubt, but I was able to do mid 20s using a very light 14 oz PG jacket and 9 oz down vest. I don't think I could have done much lower without either heavier jackets or a summer top quilt.

I think the TQ is a warmer and more convenient approach when approaching the top layer temp limits of the pod. But also obviously heavier, especially if you already have jackets/vests with you. Unless of course, you are lucky enough to be using a wearable JRB TQ for TQ and jacket. That would also be a great way to go.