I would like the option of having a customizable pod length. My very limited experience with pods tells me that the pod while efficient can be improved by shortening the ends so there is less air space to warm up that is further away from the body. Sort of a short squat son of pod.
For 3 season use it would have to be pretty light for me to consider. As it stands now I will use my current pod for fall/winter and TQ/UQ for spring/summer.
S
For me the peapod method is the way to go.No matter what the season.
If using one of Spears or a large sleeping bag with draw string bottom
(Exped Dreamwalker,Wiggys Ecot bag) . Also if a person adds a draw
string bottom to a zippered end bag. They all do the job.
fourdog
www.fourdog.com
Also never used a true pea pod, but sleeping bag style pod and had amazing results. Very fond of this method.Originally Posted by fourdog
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After watching shug's video on using a SB I have started experimented with my WM 5 degree SB. Will be doing a backyard test very soon. Need a nice cold nite.
Fourdog if you're still reading this thread. Could you elaborate in the draw string bottom.
I'm just zipping the foot end closed over the hammock.
What is the weight of you TQ + UQ(plus hood if needed?)? Clearly significant weight and bulk can be saved with a torso UQ, even in winter. But if you are a tall person, the weight of a 20F UQ and a long TQ is, surprisingly to me, not going to be much if any lighter than a PeaPod. Of course, if it is 3 season and you are looking at 40-45F quilts( and you are), then the dif will become more noticeable. Then again, if you compare to a 45F rated pod, if there was one to compare to? There used to exist the 55F Speer pods, but no more.
If there was a short, squat son of pod, I'm thinking it would lose one of the big pluses of the pod. By being 9 ft or longer, the pods go almost to, or even over, the narrow ends of the hammock. And they cinch down to nearly or completely closed. So, there is not going to be any cold air sinking inside from the ends, something that is always a consideration with a less than perfectly adjusted UQ. Or even a less than perfectly tucked TQ. Unless the hammock is extra long or wide, this is not much of a problem with a PeaPod.
Another thing that would be lost is: built in hood. A surprising problem I have had a few times using my PeaPod(mostly on my narrow Claytor No Net which allows the pod to drape down onto me) is my head/face area actually overheating in some frigid temps. So I have had to increase the size of the vent or remove hats or jacket hoods, or scoot the down away from my face. I don't think that is an often reported problem by hammockers. But this function would not be near as important anyway at 50F.
But a lighter pod design might prove very useful for summer time.
O and B,After watching shug's video on using a SB I have started experimented with my WM 5 degree SB. Will be doing a backyard test very soon. Need a nice cold nite.
Fourdog if you're still reading this thread. Could you elaborate in the draw string bottom.
I'm just zipping the foot end closed over the hammock.
Using the drawstring helps cinch the ends closed, reducing drafts and lost heat. Similar to many underquilt designs.
Have someone occupy your hammock with your sb/pod in place and notice if there any gaps at the head and foot ends.
A simple shockcord drawchannel and a cordlock will help seal it off.
Synthetics for a pod work. Not as packable as down. But we are talking winter temps, so the rules change. Winter temps mean more clothes, more food, more fuel...
Sleeping bags can work as a pod. Some mods may be needed.
Thin pods can definetely help supplement any standard uq.
MM, The price of the original pod reflects both the labor involved in building the LONG baffles and the overall amount of down. IMO.
I like to think of pods as creating your own microclimate. Layers work, be it with clothing or hammock insulation.
Ambulo tua ambulo.
Thumbs up ! Couldn't have said it better myself.
fourdog
www.fourdog.com
gargoyle, fourdog, thank you both.
MM, hope I'm not hyjacking your thread? If I may ask 1 more question
on the foot end drawstring?
Once you cinch the foot end closed do you run a shockcord up to the hammocks gathered end like you would an UQ's foot end?
I have done this to a green military patrol bag. I know pics or it didn't happen. I'll get them taken and hopefully posted in a few hours when I'm off work.
I have not gotten to test it yet. The thought did occur to me that it might work for the 10 year old in the warmer months.
Actually, the process of riping the seams out began almost 6months ago. Along the way I decided an actual UQ was a better option and discovered the magical goosey goodness. I kind forgot about the SB until recently when I actually started using a thread injector. It was a pretty simple project once all the seam ripping was completed.
EDIT: So as not to derail the thread anymore than it already has been I have uploaded the pics of my drawcord channel to my gallery. I will respond to any questions via PM.
Last edited by AaronAlso; 11-04-2011 at 17:47. Reason: Gallery update
"Good people do not need laws to tell them to act responsibly, while bad people will find a way around the laws." -Plato
The cord on the end ties around the gathered end knot. The snugness that you tie it allows for different configurations and temperature ranges.
In short, there is no need for a shock cord since the drawstring is the fastener on both the head and foot ends.
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