Polycro Peak Beaks

**MDSH** · 07-18-2013, 11:33

In my thread "Storm's Coming" I asked about peak beaks, saying that I had looked it up and found nothing. There are Grizz Beaks, yes, but this week's rain in Texas allowed me to get weather experience with all my new gear. I lit upon this idea for weather protection and if it is already known then forgive me for being redundant.

I cut triangles out of some cheap polycro window insulation, which is very light, taped up the hypotenuse, and draped them over the hammock ends between hammock and bug net. The one at the foot is 42" and hits about mid-calf, providing some warmth retention. The one at the head is 30" stops just short of my noggin. Both can easily be pushed to the ends for more ventilation.

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**SwinginIt** · 07-18-2013, 12:24

They're like endcaps, that's kinda brilliant. Provided it doesn't cause overheating, or condensation. What's the weight on a set and where do you get polycro?

**MDSH** · 07-18-2013, 14:00

This is what I used from Wally's but it was marked way down; think I got it for $5 thereabouts: http://www.walmart.com/ip/Duck-Brand...-Pack/15077942

There was no condensation that I could see. They weigh 1.7 ounces.

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**nwatkins** · 07-18-2013, 16:53

Would these be single use or how would you store them?

**MDSH** · 07-18-2013, 17:21

Originally Posted by nwatkins

Would these be single use or how would you store them?

They'll stay in place and be useful, I think, for a long time as a permanent part of my basic set-up. But silnylon or the lightest cuben would work well, too, and be more durable.

Eventually, when my UL UQ gets done, I'll make a bishop bag and stuff the hammock, suspension, UQ, bug net, and these peak beaks inside there intact. John Sawyer suggested an oversize bag so it can filter in around other items in the pack. I think that's a good idea.

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**gargoyle** · 07-18-2013, 17:56

How about an oversized sil stuff sack/bishop bag that your hammock and quilt fit into for packing?
Then when deployed the sack acts as an endcap?

Nice work on the polycro endcaps.

**MDSH** · 07-20-2013, 18:38

Originally Posted by gargoyle

How about an oversized sil stuff sack/bishop bag that your hammock and quilt fit into for packing?
Then when deployed the sack acts as an endcap?

Nice work on the polycro endcaps.

That'll work for one end, sure!

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**Deadphans** · 07-21-2013, 11:50

That is pretty smart. Good job! One of the things I especially love about this forum is obtaining great, innovative ideas, such as this!

**southmark** · 07-21-2013, 16:36

I did something a similar a couple of years ago with trash bags. I just sniped off a corner and the threaded my whoopie through the corner.

**Trambo** · 07-21-2013, 17:21

This seems like a cheaper alternative to Grizz Beaks.
I say alternative, because I would think that both beaks
would provide the same function. They would stop rain
and wind and add some warmth.

For me, living in South Texas, Grizz Beaks would allow me
to use them more on hot days. I could see these beaks
being useful in harsh winter climates, or in times
where there is driving rain.