Has anyone used the peapod with their WBBB? If so, what do you think about the interface between the two?
Has anyone used the peapod with their WBBB? If so, what do you think about the interface between the two?
I have!
Using a PeaPod can not reasonably be done with some hammocks. (Bridge, some RL/fixed netting systems)
Among the compatible hammocks, it comes down to pros and cons and what your goal is. I have used my PeaPod with my WBBB, it is definitely doable. But because the net and right side "wall/shelf" can not be moved completely out of the way, I do not consider it an optimal setup. (the RL is not a problem, just close the pod under ther RL) On the right side, there will be considerable top side gap, where the pod is lifted above your body, decreasing the top warmth rating on that side.
This is in contrast to something like a Claytor No Net, which has low "walls" or minimal "bathtub effect" and is narrow, allowing the pod to pretty much lay down in contact ( or nearly so) with your body for most of the hammock length. So I think this is more weight efficient, requiring less added top side insulation for a given temp. It is also not as easy or convenient to close the Velcro- due to the netting/wall right side interference. But you can learn to get 'er done.
OTOH, there is more than one way to look at that. While it might not be as warm ( for the weight) on top, it is wonderfully roomy at whatever temp it does work for you. Sort of like being in an insulated tent or bivy. For colder temps, adding a summer weight TQ or even lots of puffy clothing can fill all(mostly right side) gaps, and then you have a super warm system combining the loft of the TQ with the loft of the pods top layer.
So it is definitely doable, but with a different set of pros and cons compared to something like a Claytor No Net. And there is also the PolarPod, which I am sure would be able to drop down and fill those gaps even on a WBBB, or other wider or more "bathtub" style hammocks.
I have used a Speer PolarPod with the WBBB.
When I am having guests I some times go to the nearby forest and use it as an extra room.
Last time I did that I grabbed the WBBB instead of the WB Traveler by mistake.
Setting up camp I realised I had a problem, but it being late I decided to try to combined the PolarPod with the WBBB.
When using the stakeouts on the WBBB and deploying the mosquito netting, the PolarPod will only works as an under quilt.
Not using the stakeouts and the mosquito netting on the WBBB allows you to use the PolarPod as it was intended to be used, though the netting lifts the Pod so there is a big interior room filled with air.
I suggest you use a Pod with a Traveler or similar hammock.
When the obvious is unthinkable.
My videos.
http://www.youtube.com/user/tbhan55/videos
http://vimeo.com/user7103369
Well there goes my theory! I thought maybe a PolarPod- unlike the PeaPod- would be big enough to sag down on top and overcome the WB netting on one side to minimize gaps, but I guess not.
So, what kind of temps, did you use anything else on top to fill the gaps and were you warm?
The netting keeps the Pod high, but I always use a topquilt with it so it really doesn’t matter in my case. (The Pod do sag down a bit on the side with no netting).
The temp. at the mentioned hang was around 5 to 10 degrees Celsius, I used a HG Winter Burrow topquilt and I was more than plenty warm. The WBBB was staged out and the netting deployed.
But this hang with the WBBB and PolarPod was a mistake. I intended to bring the Traveler.
I believe the PeaPod and the PolarPod is intended to be used with an open hammock like the WB Traveler.
When the obvious is unthinkable.
My videos.
http://www.youtube.com/user/tbhan55/videos
http://vimeo.com/user7103369
Oops, I didn't see in your OP that you were using the netting, so then you were just using the Polarpod as an UQ.
In case any one has misunderstood me, there is no way I can use the PeaPod- except maybe as an UQ or a TQ inside the hammock- on the WBBB while also using the netting. Because in that case the pod would have to go over the hammock's RL, and that ain't happening. If I use these 2 together, I have the net completely unzipped and pushed as far to the right side as I can get it. Then the pod can be closed under the RL, in a pretty much normal use. With the only problem being the net and high right side ("wall") of the hammock lifting the pod on that side. So it won't be as warm on top as it should be(unless you fill the gaps with clothing or TQs), though still quite warm for moderate temps.
The gap with the WBBB is really no greater- plus only on one side- than it is with many other no net hammocks. Any that are wide and/or deep, will cause a top side gap that- depending on temps- will need to be filled with some other insulation. For example, even on the Speer hammock- for which it was designed to be used, there is a significant topside gap. But using that combination, I was OK at 10F after the addition of a summer bag on top, and a space blanket on bottom. I have been OK with that combo with nothing extra into the 40s and 50s. ( YMMV! People- and conditions like wind/wet- obviously vary greatly!)
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