Hello all! I've been using the Clark's Hammocks since the first ones and found things that work well with them. I plan on making a video, but here’s a tidbit for now.
Insulation: I use an Adventure Medical 2 person emergency blanket and when absolutely necessary, an automotive dashboard protector, the aluminized type that has the small bubbles in it. It's the kind that is used to reflect\block heat away from the inside of the car.
Start by loosely tying one end length ways, to one end, of the “outside” of the hammock body. Then go to the opposite end and while holding the loose, outside corners of the emergency blanket, roll them with an inward twisting motion until there is just enough to cover the hammock body. This will prevent a lot of slack in the blanket and reduce heat loss. Fasten this to the hammock with a small, loose knot at the very ends of the blanket. Don’t tie it so tightly as to constrict the hammock. Just needs to be snug. Now walk down to the other end and perform the same procedure. This will keep you very warm in cold weather.
In even colder weather, simply slide the reflective dashboard protector between the emergency blanket and the hammock body. This setup is so warm that I had to unzip my sleeping bag and steam came rolling out. I have only had to use this extra step once. The blanket has always been more than sufficient.
The emergency blanket also serves as a great ground cloth when the hammock is setup as a tent to both reflect heat up to you, or away from you (depends on orientation of the reflective surface) as well as protect the hammock from the ground and the elements.
It can also be placed on top of the canopy to reflect heat away from the inside of the hammock on hot days. Caution! You may need to flip it over when doing this. It could be taken as an emergency signal. Personally, I don’t worry about it, but check with local laws on this if there are any.
It also serves to block moonlight during a full moon so that you can get some sleep and aren’t up all night howling! LOL!
These are both very light weight and much less expensive than the traditional ideas used. I have been doing it this way for many years and have never had any difficulty staying warm. Always very warm and cozy and I’m still using the same emergency blanket I originally bought and I never go out without the blanket.
The blanket is orange on the outside with a lot of invaluable survival information written on it. So, it isn’t pretty when attached. But it works great!!!!
Good blessings!
P.S. Just posted a couple pics in my thingy-ma-doodle to show what I'm talking about.
P.S. x 2 These are now referred to by Adventure Medical as a "HeatSheet".
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So this does show the huge advantage over bottom entry hammocks. Good for you.
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