Family of three wants to hang, please help

**Owl** · 01-23-2012, 22:00

Originally Posted by Ramblinrev

The over cover is a cold weather piece of equipment. In my opinion it would not be useful in the mid year months. I use mine when it gets below freezing by a considerable amount. It works by trapping radiant heat from your body and breath and by adding an additional wind barrier to the system.

You would be much better off with good top/bottom insulation with the addition of a balaclava or hat if needed. At least that's my advice. I will add the Super Shelter is a touchy piece of kit. I have good luck with it plus base layer and 0* bag. (12*F) Others have found it gives them Cold Butt Syndrome as high as 40-50* F so make sure you do some testing before you get into a situation where you would not have recourse to a warm alternative.

Gotta agree with this...always test things out from the safety of Ft Livingroom before you take it out with no backup on the trail. Test hangs in the backyard or someplace where you can car camp and evac if things go south is always a good idea with new/unfamiliar gear.

Like RamblinRev said...the HHSS (overcover, undercover, underpad) are a source of debate here often.

I used mine two weekends ago in temps down to 22F with 30-40mph winds, for two nights. This was in conjunction with a 20deg sleeping bag, fleece liner, and poncho liner along with the undercover/underpad/space blanket combo. I was quite warm, but many others have had issues at those temps or even higher.

One other thought...post for a bit here on the forum, see if there are any forum members near where you live...perhaps even a "hang" in your area that you could attend and try out all sorts of gear.

**gunner76** · 01-23-2012, 22:07

I recommend that you go to a hang in your area so you can check out some different set ups. Tenters are always welcomed and we hangers love to show off our gear and offer advice.

**nothermark** · 01-24-2012, 12:50

I have used an overcover at 50 deg. It is not just for below freezing. If you are having condensation issues tuck up a bit to expose mesh by your face to move more fresh air.

**Cannibal** · 01-24-2012, 12:58

I'll go against the tide and say that the overcover may not be a bad thing. But, only because you mention going "out west". In the dead of summer, the dog days, once you get up to altitude things can get very cool at night. I haven't gone out during freezing conditions during the summer months, but my girlfriend generally carries a winter quilt set when we head up to the mountains.

But yeah, if temps are above, say, 45°F, then the overcover is going to present some condensation issues. A good set of quilts will probably be a better option, but the overcover is much, much, much, much less expensive. Just be cautious with its use when temps are borderline.

**Miguel** · 01-24-2012, 16:03

Just thought I'd add...you might want to consider the Claytor Jungle hammock if you are on a budget. For about $130 you get a real solid hammock and a tarp. They are also good for taller folks. They are the Ford/Chevy of the hammock world IMHO.

Miguel

**thepikey** · 01-24-2012, 18:10

Are you just needing the hammocks or are you looking for complete outfits? What part of the AT are you planning?

Not having any experience with sewing *ahem* thread injecting until I tried to make my own hammock. There is room for improvement of course, but I've been hanging on my rig for over a year now. Trust by the time you got to the third one you'd be a pro. I guess what I'm saying is that even if you had to by the sewing machine, you'd still come out significantly cheaper. My rig with the tarp only ran me about $100. I guess all I'm saying you may not want to rule it out DIY completely after you crunch the numbers.

**peggy29forever** · 01-24-2012, 18:19

You might be right on the sewing thing. Hanging is costly even more if you want to stay warm. VA is the plan. Gonna try and do about 60 to 75 miles. A weeks worth give or take a few days. Counting down for retirement so we can plan longer trips.

**adkphoto** · 01-25-2012, 14:45

I have to second what thepikey said about sewing. The first time I ever used a thread injector, I made a DIY hammock. The seams may not be very straight, but I've slept in it dozens of nights, and it hasn't unraveled yet! And, I have to admit, there's a certain pride in making your own gear that becomes sort of addictive.

Peace,
David