Using tarp for "quilt"

**JaxHiker** · 09-23-2008, 12:51

This is probably a goofy question but I love to be abused so I'll go ahead and ask. Thanks to a cold front we're seeing some cooler temps here in FL. I've got a 3-day hike coming up Friday and I was thinking with night temps down in the 60s it might be good to cover my backside.

I don't think the temps will warrant a true underquilt (and I don't have one anyway). I was thinking of maybe hanging my stocky Hennessy tarp upside down to at least block some of the wind blowing across my back. I figured I could use clothespins to fix the edges to the hammock. Think this would work? I also thought of a fleece blanket fixed the same way.

I do have a blue pad from Wally World but I've never slept in the hammock with it

Any ideas appreciated.

w00t! My 100th post!

**jaiden** · 09-23-2008, 13:49

IMO

rig the tarp... the wind break will help a lot. The JRB weathershield is this basic idea, though more breathable. bring the pad in case the tarp doesn't work

**CajunHiker** · 09-23-2008, 14:50

Like this?
http://www.tothewoods.net/ImagesStay...flyProject.pdf

**JaxHiker** · 09-23-2008, 15:06

Dang CH, I just found that and was going to post it back here.

Now if only I can knock it out before Fri. My only free night is Wed.

**Hector** · 09-23-2008, 16:37

But then if it rains you have the choice of freeze dry or freeze wet.

How about carrying a poncho and using that? A fleece blanket will work fine in the hammock, BTW -- just wear it like a cape when you climb in to make it easy to get it under you.

**JaxHiker** · 09-23-2008, 21:20

Oh, I have a MacCat for the rain so I'm not worried about that. I've tried a sheet in the hammock and I just slid everywhere and it was a mess under me. That's why I was thinking of rigging something up outside.

**Hector** · 09-24-2008, 08:26

> Oh, I have a MacCat for the rain so I'm not worried about that.

MacCats are nice tarps, but not so good as ponchos. You're not carrying two tarps, are you? Double-use items, man!

> I've tried a sheet in the hammock and I just slid everywhere and it was a
> mess under me. That's why I was thinking of rigging something up outside.

Sheets slide, fleece doesn't. In 62°-68° weather I just throw in a cheap fleece sleeping bag, unzipped, and climb on top of it, then roll over. Colder than that, I bring the Big Agnes which is more comfortable than sleeping at home in the bed.

**Spock** · 09-24-2008, 12:34

JaxHiker,
Assuming that you don't want to sink money into an experiment, but want something that will do exactly what you described:

The original HH solution was to string a lightweight "survival blanket" - the reflectorized kind about the size of a billfold - under the hammock with elastic. It is windproof but so noisey that you will need ear plugs.

The cheaper and much quieter method is to use 2 or 3 mil plastic 'drop cloth' and some 3/5" dime store elastic. Cut the drop cloth to 5' x 7 or 8', Tie each corner with a 12" length of small cord in a sheet bend and tie a small loop in one end cord, Tie 18" (or so) of elastic to each unlooped cord. Tie the elastic through the opposite loop at each end and finish with a half hitch so you can adust the length. On a HH, hook the elastic on the tarp hook. On other designs, you may have to go so far as to use a safety pin to hold the elastic at the hammock end. Bid deal.

**JaxHiker** · 09-24-2008, 12:55

That's a good idea. I'm sure I've got some drop cloth in my garage and I'll be where I can pick up some elastic on the way home. Thx! I'll try to post pics after the trip with what I end up with.

**RonW** · 09-24-2008, 18:09

Hi: I found that a 42" self-inflating Thermarest or Big Agnes sleeping pad, partially inflated worked well underneath me with the Hennessy. My Clark North American works very nicely in keeping my back warm by sticking my extra clothing into the six under-pockets, creating dead air space. Ron