Chrysalis 2011 Edition and General Thoughts

**Danalex** · 11-14-2010, 12:43

Hey guys and Dolls,

I'm new to hammocking and man is there lots to learn. Good thing I've got OCD and time

I've read and read and googled and .. you get the idea. I'm a design and gear junkie so I like to look for well though out, detailed and maybe even artistic designs.

First crush was for a Clark NX-250 because of the weather cap. hoops etc. but some said the lay wasn't quite comfortable enough in the knee department.

Next I fell for the JRBBH (notice how good I am at these abbreviations

) Like the idea of the separator poles and the flat lay but some say it squezes the shoulders.

All the time I'm going through all these comparisons everyone is posting about the HH and the WBBB and how comfy they are. Except for some knee issues that seem to be spoken in hushed terms because it may go against the grain

Since I'm one to go against the flow sometimes I still look around. OCD helps here as well.

I keep coming back to the Chrysalis that most seem to knock.

I've been seeing it pop up on lots ot tent sites while I searched for my solo tent last year. Looks like a lot of thought went into it. Looks like something that will go up really fast with no particular fuss. Two cinch buckles and Bob's your uncle. The tent (I'll call it a tent as it looks like a tent on straps) area is nice and tall, not like some that hang over your face like a JRBBH. Spreaders keep it wide.

I am really fascinated by the panels on the bottom and how they are cut to follow the contours of the body. I think that took a lot of thinking and experimenting. Some say it is very comfortable and the storage pockets at the ends seem ideal.

http://helsdonoutdoors.com/chrysalis.aspx

I know the downsides of the hammock are the small weather cover and the chance for condensation. Some don't like the buckles and spreaders because they are heavy but can be changed. I'm also moto camping so a couple of pounds on a 400 pound bike while I'm at 240 isn't much either way.

I see these on sale for $119. Seems like a pretty good price to start from.

Then it's possible to buy the optional bug screen http://www.gear-up.com/cart_showproduct.php?pid=13108 and remove the weather cover and use a regular tarp like most do. If the weather gets bad, remove the bug screen and put the weather cover back on like the Clark does to keep some heat and be windproof. Pretty nifty.

Now I see the new 2011 version comes bare bones and you buy the hammock itself

http://www.gear-up.com/cart_showproduct.php?pid=16497

then add what you want to it like the camper sleeve with full bug net that even goes under the hammock.

http://www.gear-up.com/cart_showproduct.php?pid=16497

Or, you can use the tropic screen without the solid fabric top

http://www.gear-up.com/cart_showproduct.php?pid=14633

And then add the flarp or any other tarp of your choosing

http://www.gear-up.com/cart_showproduct.php?pid=14632

I'm not handy on a keyboard so you have no idea how long this has taken me. I'd really appreciate some thoughts on all this to settle the voices I'm hearing

**angrysparrow** · 11-14-2010, 12:50

I think that drawing is a bit misleading, since it doesn't take into account that most hammockers lay on the diagonal in a gathered end hammock, rather than 'inline'.

There are lots of good choices of hammocks, though. Everyone should experiment and find what appeals to them and works for their style.

**KayakCarl** · 11-14-2010, 12:52

Very intresting. I went with the NX150, and I don't think I could be happier.

**Bradley** · 11-14-2010, 12:55

I think it is a very cool hammock,

the misleading part is; the back will sway to get full support,
Just the knees don't.

Being I love my NX150 . . .
I really like this one as well . . .

Here is what I found;

**poker88** · 11-14-2010, 13:04

I think the biggest issue with this hammock is the weight.

**Danalex** · 11-14-2010, 13:06

I edited my post with the 2011 version. Maybe someone can post the pics themselves I'm a computer dummy.

**Danalex** · 11-14-2010, 13:07

Originally Posted by poker88

I think the biggest issue with this hammock is the weight.

I did read that 2 pounds can be saved by changing the suspension and spreaders.

**hangnout** · 11-14-2010, 14:31

I am really fascinated by the panels on the bottom and how they are cut to follow the contours of the body. I think that took a lot of thinking and experimenting. Some say it is very comfortable and the storage pockets at the ends seem ideal.

Looks a lot like a bridge with smaller foot end and slowhike style end caps

**poker88** · 11-14-2010, 15:09

Originally Posted by Danalex

I keep coming back to the Chrysalis

I'm also moto camping

I see these on sale for $119. Seems like a pretty good price to start from.

I'd really appreciate some thoughts on all this to settle the voices I'm hearing

I say go for it. It is a good price and since you are moto camping the weight doesn't matter so much. I think a lot of people here would be interested in your review after you get it.

**Bunk** · 11-14-2010, 17:46

Too heavy and not enough weight capacity for larger hammockers...I ended up returning mine. I just feel that there are better options out there, perhaps Eureka will continue improving it's design to make it more backpacker friendly. I suppose for a smaller size person who either canoes, ATV's, or simply does not have to hike with it in their pack...it could work in that case.