Condensation in Clark hammocks? Sleeping position?

[bristolview]

Another question... In warmer weather, the weather shield will likely be fully open. In cold weather, it will be closed at least partially to block breezes and trap more heat in. That makes it kinda like a big bivy, and bivy bags often have condensation issues. Is this an issue on the Clarks? Any tips to handle, reduce, eliminate condensation? Thanks!

Question 2:
I've slept in a Henessey recently, and the diagonal sleep line is fairly flat and comfortable. Is the Clark NA a bent banana sleeper or a flat diagonal type? Or something else entirely?

Thanks everybody.

[Bradley]

I can't address the condensation issue yet . . . but

I have noticed in my NX150 the placement of my feet is crucial.
The centerline at the foot end seems to be the tightest
and placing feet there will cause problems with the knees.
But if I place my feet outwards, near the sides more,
they seem to hang lower, allowing my knees to bend more naturally.

It is still a bit of a banana lay, but I think the issue with that is the knee issue.

I like it as is.

[Cookie]

I have the Clark North American. I use the NA exclusively for winter camping. In the warmer seasons I use my Hennessey or JrB bridge. I find that the Clark is ideal for winter. The ability to fully close the storm shield adds at least 10 degrees of warmth. As far as condensation issues go I leave the bug net in and zip it up along with the storm shield. I am not sure why but the extra barrier of the bug net seems to prevent any condensation. Surprisingly the bug net adds significant warmth as well. I also leave a part of the storm shield un-zipped above my head for ventilation if needed. The NA does have a banana lie similar to my Hennessey but the trick of putting a stuff sack of clothes or something under my knees keeps the hyper extension issue at bay. I have no problem with sleeping on my side as well.

[bigbamaguy]

In my NX-200 I will sleep with my legs in a figure 4 position. One knee bent, leg under the other. This eleminates the knee hyperextension feeling. I have also found the way bradley describes to work as well. Condensation I have never had an issue with. I leave a small section of the weather shield unzipped over my head and have had no issues.

[TinaLouise]

I've got the tropical with the weathershield. I'll use the weathershield whenever I need it, year round. I've had to use it during super hot humid summers because of being camped next to the river and temps dropping at night (plus fog). The tropical is more open than the NA and I'm not able to fully close the top like you NA's can. There's always a gap at the head end for condensation to escape. During the winter, I've had a little condensation, but not enough to soak any of my quilts. If you're having problems, just leave a gap at the head end with the weathershield.
When sleeping, I'm on my side. Or I'm in that sort of half way position, not quite on my side but my legs are turned as if I am on my side. The sides of the Clark hammock tend to encourage this postion of sleeping. At least for me. And if I did try sleeping on my back, if I've got both legs straight out, for me, it's not comfortable. That's where that banana position is most extream. I have to bend at least one knee. The Clark is an end to end banana/cocoon shaped sleeping hammock. It's also a much more confinded on the inside than the Hennessy. There is no "diagonal" lay in a Clark.

TinaLouise

[Jdubbery]

I've got the tropical with the weathershield.

Hey Tina,

I've decided on getting a Clark, mainly because of the weathershield, and I am deciding between the tropical and the standard NA.

How come you went with the Tropical + weathershield instead of the North American?
Also, what do you do for warmth? I'm going to be spending 6 weeks in Colorado high mountains soon. Last year it dropped into the 20's, and i think it'll will be even colder this year.

A novice hanger seeking the advice of seasoned veterans.

[TinaLouise]

How come you went with the Tropical + weathershield instead of the North American?
Also, what do you do for warmth? I Last year it dropped into the 20's,

Did you happen to notice where I'm located?? Most of my camping is in some fairly hot and humid conditions. Last year at BSA Summer Camp (I'm there for a week) the temps hit 110 during the day and didn't come out of the 80's at night. And then it rained!! Even in my tropical, I was still using a fan inside the hammock to stay cool at night.

For warmth, I've made my own down UQ's and TQ's. Both summer and winter versions. I've camped with my winter quilts down to about 19 degrees. My friend had a NA and since we've camped together on quite a few trips, I've noticed that I need way more insulation than she does. But during the summer, I'm way cooler than she is.

If you're gonna be camping in mostly hot, humid conditions, look more to the Tropical. If you're gonna be in cooler temps mostly (like under 80 degrees I would consider cooler!!) then look at the NA.

I got the optional weathershield mostly for the winter. After I got the hammock and got to using it during the summer/spring/fall, I found that the weathershield was not only good for the winter. It also helps with summer temps that drop at night and I'd get cool (so I'll zip up the shield about half way). And it helps when fog rolls in to keep all that moisture off of me. I was surprised at how often I do use that shield year round. I've even used it on just one side to block out someone else's light from shining in my eyes.

TinaLouise

[Jdubbery]

Did you happen to notice where I'm located??

I didn't notice that!! Hey I'm seriously considering moving out that way (NC) if I'm lucky enough to graduate in May (which is the plan) and find employment of course.

Thanks for the advice. I think I'm going to go with the NA because of the warmth factor. I was COLD last year in CO, so that's a big priority for me right now. I still lust after a WBBB, so I might just have to be a hammock for the season kinda guy!

You and all you swinger are just plain cool.

[Bradley]

How come you went with the Tropical + weathershield instead of the North American?
.

Another way of thinking about it is:
It is about the number of pockets underneath
the NA has the six pockets which fully cover the torso area,
warmer.
The Tropical has 4 pockets
but they don't cover the torso area
they are two at each end . . .
hence cooler lay.

[keikepono]

Hey Tina,

I've decided on getting a Clark, mainly because of the weathershield, and I am deciding between the tropical and the standard NA.

How come you went with the Tropical + weathershield instead of the North American?
Also, what do you do for warmth? I'm going to be spending 6 weeks in Colorado high mountains soon. Last year it dropped into the 20's, and i think it'll will be even colder this year.

A novice hanger seeking the advice of seasoned veterans.

For me, i slept in 20 degree weather with just the NA and was fine...a little on the cold side but i would highly recommend an underquilt...those are fantastic i hear for adding warmth to your hammock.