It's my money, but you can help me spend it :)

[Tikker]

One thing I've noticed, ever since I made some (simple) gear for myself, I respect the work that the cottage gear guys and gals do 1000% more. I'm so impressed by their skill and speed...

I had sewed on 2 pieces of nylon, folded over to make a channel, to mod a Costco Down thro into an UQ, and did simply seams to another to make top quilt.

then I go meet up with Firesong (James from Little shop of hammocks) and see the stuff he does and the envy meter goes to 100

[jamie shard]

Well, just ordered a UGQ Winter Dream.

Except for some suspension decisions, I'm all set. Yeah, I know, that's a whole other universe of decisions...

But THANK YOU everyone for your input. Even if I didn't take your recommendation, you helped point me towards the items that I needed to consider in making my purchase. You made it easy to evaluate a few really great recommendations. I'm very thankful for the advice!

Hmm... I was about to say "I hope to see you all hanging from a tree" but that has weird connotations.

Happy hangs!

[brazilianguy]

lol that was a fun read through thread

i know you already ordered, but i'm going to share what i use! :P

integrated UQ with hammock -> https://shellhammocks.com/

[jamie shard]

Wow, that is an interesting version I hadn't seen before. Thanks for posting!

[jamie shard]

Got my SL Trail Lair a few days after ordering. Got my UGQ today... the 12' ridgeline extends just about 6" on both sides of the 11.5' SL Trail Lair Hammock. I think it's going to work great.

I decided to use descender rings and foxpoop's slipped hitch knot, works just fine.

IMG_0322 (Medium).JPG

IMG_0345 (Medium).JPG

IMG_0343 (Medium).JPG

[jamie shard]

Tried a 9.5x10.25 tarp on the diagonal (so ~15' ridge line) that worked great, too. So I think I have a nice summer and winter version set up...

I should also mention it is a 1.7 foliage green on the outside layer and 1.1 gray on the inside. I think the double layer will help minimize summer insect bites and might make using a thin foam pad easier.

IMG_0346 (Medium).JPG

Really comfortable.

IMG_0329 (Medium).JPGIMG_0330 (Medium).JPG

[hamator]

-Warbonnet XLC with bugnet and topcover
- Wookie UQ (3-season)
-Warbonnet Superfly (with doors) and tarp skins

Yep! also like Warbonnet, especially their Expedition Zip https://goo.gl/4C5ZF7 great quality good customer reviews (over 250) great for warm and rainy/windy days

[ScooterInVegas]

Yep! also like Warbonnet, especially their Expedition Zip https://goo.gl/4C5ZF7 great quality good customer reviews (over 250) great for warm and rainy/windy days

Think your a little confused. The Warbonnet XLC and Hennessey Expedition are two different hammocks from two different companies. I have both and much prefer the XLC.

[rweb82]

Okay I'm getting closer -- and it's my quirk, but I like my gear in gray, so that's driving some of the decisions... plus I'm slightly a gram weenie, a little less so for hammocking, so the bridge style might be too much for me... So, maybe probably almost definitely:

UQG Winter Dream 12 (unless going to 11 is recommended for a 11' ridgeline hammock? I do like to minimize weight and I do like to have the tarp close to the hammock during stormy weather.) In charcoal gray.

UQG Zeppelin 20 or HG Incubator Econ 20. In charcoal gray.

Now for the hammock... I like the simplicity of the Dream Hammock Raven (symmetrical lay, detachable bug net, no extras). I really like the idea of a symmetrical lay and I'm thinking I'll really like a wide and 11' gathered end hammock over the 10' HH Explorer that I have -- I think that will get me the comfort I'm looking for. HOWEVER, I don't think I could buy a hammock that didn't have the bug net completely zipped or sewn to the body. I've known way way way way too many clever mosquitoes in my life.

So suggestions for a 11' long, wide body, simple design with completely attached but unzippable net?

I have the Raven, and can say with full confidence that bugs will not be an issue. The way Randy designed it allows the ends to create a full seal with your weight in the hammock. I've used it in some buggy areas, and have yet to experience a problem with the design. I'm not trying to steer you away from a fully-integrated hammock & bug net; but I wouldn't worry about the bug protection provided by the Raven.

[QiWiz]

You did not say in your original post how much if any portaging you will be doing. A nice thing about a canoe trip is that you can splurge a bit on weight (unless you have long portages). For example, an oversized tarp that weighs a bit more than a minimalist one would be no big deal when canoeing and nice to hang out under in bad weather.