DIY Undercover?

**goatman** · 07-09-2007, 13:56

Just wondering if anyone has made an undercover for their hammock? If so was it difficult? I'm waiting for my HH Hyperlight to arrive

and wondering how to optimize it for season ahead and warmth? I've done a little sewing on silnylon and it's not difficult. It would seem one could do a DIY undercover using the hammocks bottom as a pattern pretty easily. Or am I missing something

? Suggestions?

Tks, Steve

**headchange4u** · 07-09-2007, 14:04

Are you trying to make something for weather protection or are you wanting something more like what's on the HH Super Shelter system? If want some weather protection take a look at this thread. I used Tyvek to make mine. You want something that is a breathable. Silymay work but you since sil is waterproof you run the risk of the "bath tub effect" where moisture like sweat, condensation, or rain would pool in the undercover directly under your hammock.

BTW, welcome to the forum I really enjoy your site, especially the videos of your goats.

**goatman** · 07-10-2007, 17:48

I was thinking of both weather protection and as an insulation pocket.

BTW My Hyperlight arrived yesterday

and I spent my first night in a hammock last nght. It was great ...really comfortable

! With both side and back positions I experienced no pressure points like when I sleep on the ground! I used an old combo CCF-OCF pad that I picked up in a garage sale for a buck. It worked pretty good except for the buckling and shifting. I used my WM Hyperlight (16oz bag) quilt fashion and was very comfortable but the low temp was only 55F until the wind kicked in then my feet got cold where they were touching the hammock! So I've got some fine tunning to get a working system.

Also thanks for thread link it was great info!! Man, what's with those gonzo tree hugger straps and giant biner I saw in your pics? You could lift the Titanic with that set up? Do you carry those on the trail?

**headchange4u** · 07-10-2007, 20:14

Those aren't tree huggers. I changed the stock HH spectra line to webbing. It's easier to use.

**FanaticFringer** · 07-10-2007, 21:10

Welcome Goatman,

I have a Hyperlight as well. Great hammock for sure. Check out the Speer SPE.
Works really well:www.speerhammocks.com/Products/SPE.htm
This is the support system many have switched to. Really makes set-up a breeze: http://www.hammockforums.net/forum/s...ghlight=buckle

**warbonnetguy** · 07-10-2007, 22:12

hey goatman,welcome to the forum, its good to see another coloradoan here (even though i still consider myself a Tennesseean)

you could use the hammock body as a patteren, but as this shape is rectangular with ends gathered, you will have lots of excess fabric being unused, you could save several ounces by cutting a shape that is custom fit to the bottom, like the hh undercover does.

too bad about your feet cramming into the side of the hammock and crushing the insul, its due to the bad shape of your hammock, not much you can do except to lay more in-line/less diagonal, i guess you could carry an extra long pad to insulate the side of the hammock where the compression is taking place too. had you gotten a warbonnet hammock instead, there would be plenty of room for your feet and you would not have this problem...Brandon

**Coffee** · 07-10-2007, 23:22

One thing you might want to consider adding in is a gear storage pocket similar to the clark hammocks. That might be nice storage or added insulation fator.

**goatman** · 07-11-2007, 11:33

Thanks for the ideas guys!

Yup another gear pocket for sure! I hung my 1/2 liter water bottle on one of those little hooks for middle of the night dry mouth fixes. Also looking into the ring buckle system. I can see like all activities it can become another hobby where the journey becomes the destination.

As far as waking jammed into the foot area I think that was from not hanging the hammock level. Worked much better last night. I pitched (old tent term!) rather hung it more level this time and didn't wind up pile at the foot end. Lots to learn here but the more time I spend in it the better like it!

http://picasaweb.google.com/n0tu.qrp...67257385409458

**Cannibal** · 07-11-2007, 12:03

I actually find I'm a little more comfortable with the foot end of my hammock hung a couple of inches higher than the head end. Personal preference, but you might try it while your still in the steep part of the learning curve.

**FanaticFringer** · 07-11-2007, 16:06

Yea most here raise the foot end a little higher. Since most of your body weight is from hips upward, it helps to prevent your body from shifting downwards.
Nice pic Goatman. One suggestion. Get yourself a bigger tarp. The Hyperlight tarp is itty bitty.