Folks I’d like to introduce you to a little project that I have been working on with Jared from Simply Light Designs. These are called the “Sunset Saddle Bags” (SSSB) or just “Saddle Bags” for short. I was looking for a way to create additional storage outside of your common symmetrical gathered end hammock like the Trail Lair. It utilizes the hammock quilt hooks for stability not for weight bearing. Also you could use some Dutchware quilt hooks/alligator clips for netless hammocks. Haven't tried these on any other hammock except the Trail Lair.
04-sunset-saddle-bag.jpg
I felt that the best area for what I was after was the empty space on either end because it would still be under the tarp and accessible from the hammock while inside if you needed it to be. The idea is to create a dry and bug proof space to store things like your empty pack, hiking boots, poncho or jacket. I was getting annoyed at being out from under the tarp accessing my back pack as well as being concerned about where to keep my boots etc. The fabric helps to keep the ends dry and the bug mesh helps to keep critters out as well as air out any funk.
03-sunset-saddle-bag.jpg
I created a few sketches and brainstormed about the idea and did some testing of my own (Originally called "The Rat Sack"). To best keep the angle of your hammock like you want it seems best to keep the weight of gear stored to around 5 pounds or so. You can use one or two depending on how you want your load out to be and they weigh just 2.5 ounces each with the hardware.
02-sketch.jpg
The first prototype that I created myself at home was big and messy and I soon realized that I needed the help of a master hammock craftsman. I reached out to some other vendors and basically got no response except for Jared at Simply Light Designs who after completing some orders quickly took my idea and sketches from paper to reality.
The SSSB version 1.0 came out a little big and the zippers needed to be reversed along with some minor changes, but Jared quickly fixed and came out with version 2.0; which, is what you see below. He is now on version 3.0 which is essentially the same but he made some modifications to make sewing it easier and quicker for him to maximize workflow.
05--sunset-saddle-bag.jpg
06-sunset-saddle-bag.jpg
These are or will be available on his site www.simplylightdesigns.com or you can email him at [email protected]. I don’t get any kick back revenue from Jared and I paid to have the prototypes developed. My goal is to spread the word to help better the hammock community and for anyone that may want a storage solution like this as well as support cottage hammock vendors.
I setup the saddle bags with my Hammock Gear under quilt to see if it would interfere with either operation and it did not cause any issues. I also setup my small Warbonnet Edge tarp with doors to see how well the coverage would be over the bags and with the doors closed. There didn’t seem to be any functional issue or concerns about coverage at all.
07-sunset-saddle-bag.jpg
08-sunset-saddle-bag.jpg
09-sunset-saddle-bag.jpg
10-sunset-saddle-bag.jpg
I will be posting a video on my channel sometime soon showing a review of these in depth but feel free to comment on this thread with your opinions or reach out to Jared if you are interested. I think but don't quote me the price will range around $25-$35 each depending on if you go bare bones or choose pair or choose hardware or want special colors or material but I’m not sure at this time what Jared will price his at. Thanks for taking the time to read and enjoy your day!
/////////////UPDATE/////////////
Here is the store link that Jared sent me with product as a pair.
Change the options to fit your quantity, price and need.
https://www.simplylightdesigns.com/c...roducts_id/655
/////////////MY VIDEO REVIEW/////////////
https://youtu.be/Q8mzw4XVmNA
Reply With Quote
Originally Posted by Flash Grundelore
Bookmarks