Wb Blackbird + Fin`s Custom Topcover

[STOCKHOLM-SYNDROME]

HI ALL -
Just been out to try Fin`s - CUSTOM TOPCOVER for the BLACKBIRD HAMMOCK that he sent me .
This is one of Fin`s early proto types with elasticated edges , his newer style CUSTOM TOP COVERS use a draw cords for gathering in the edges around the sides of the hammock .

It works like a charm .
And still lets in plenty of light , even though it is a dark multy camo patern !!
It is simple to use and after it is fitted to the hammock you just leave it on when you are finished ,
and it still fits into the original stuff sack that the BLACKBIRD CAME IN !!!!!

It fixes to either end of the hammock by shock cord and the at the shelf wings , where velcro holds it onto the shelf wings either side .

I was very impressed with the workmanship in the sewing all around the edges of the top cover , Fin says he is not a profesional sewer , but what I can see with the stiching it looks the business !!!!!

I have to thank Fin for sending me the top cover in the first place .
Thanks .

Dave ...

[Dutch]

Tell me about your stove, that looks interesting. Is that liquid with espit tabs?

[fin]

Well, thanks for the kudos, but that is one of my original topcovers, and it is a very bad job and fit, compared to the new ones.

BTW, you missed what I consider the best feature. Once you have the topcover rigged, you can release the cordlocks on the head end of the hammock, and it creates a natural vent gap. The topcover will stay on because of the wing slots. Try it - I guarantee you will like it.

Somebody will be going into production with these very soon. Not me, but the person who will be making these is getting my pattern and a completed new version of the topcover to start. Just waiting for my last completed topcover to be returned to me from a 3rd party that was looking at it. I will let him make the announcement when he has a chance to look it over and see what it will cost him to make them.

To those of you whom I have already pledged to make a topcover - I will still do so (Lori, DeShazo, SarahGirl.) I always honor my promises. But it is time to move on for me.

[gargoyle]

Very nice fin, You are a crafty fella. Another good video S-S. I like your style.

[STOCKHOLM-SYNDROME]

Tell me about your stove, that looks interesting. Is that liquid with espit tabs?

HI Dutch -

The stove uses GREEN HEAT ethonal gel , it is non toxic and eco friendly to the enviroment , well thats what is on the packaging !!!!
The cook kit is a BCB INTERNATIONAL CRUSADER COOK KIT from
here - http://www.lakelandbushcraft.co.uk/acatalog/BCB.html .

I had this system before I got into alcohal stoves from TINNY and my main cooking pot a PRIMUS LITECH TREK 0.9L POT .

I purchased tons of green heat fuel sachets and esbit- hexamine tablets for it ,
so I thought I might as well use it once in a while .

The principle of the kit and water bottle integrated into the pot is a fantastic idea ,and it is bomb proof , you have to go a long, long way to damage either the water bottle , cup and pot .
The only down side it is made of stainless steal and not aluminium , which does not conduct heat as good as aluminium, and is heavier than aluminium , but is far stronger and durable than aluminium .
So it is stronger , heavier and more durable , but not as fast heating up compared to aluminium .
You cant have everything now can you .

I have used this kit with my MINI ATOMIC alcohal stove just to compare the boil times to my PRIMUS LITECH TREK POT .

BCB CRUSADER COOK KIT + 0.5L and a mini atomic stove = 15 minutes to boil
PRIMUS LITECH TREK POT + 0.5L and a mini atomic stove = 6 3/4 minutes to boil .

It is far slower but the design with the water bottle and cup , and cooking pot integrated in one unit , is a winner , if only it was made from aluminium

Dave ...........

[DiverDn]

Is the top cover meant to keep in heat or keep out rain or both?

[fin]

Keep in heat mainly. It is not waterproof, but will keep a light dew out of the hammock if you go sans tarp.

[Hogg Tyed]

I was thinking in a heavy rolling fog it might keep everything from get wet.

[fin]

I was thinking in a heavy rolling fog it might keep everything from get wet.

It helps for awhile, but nothing keeps out a heavy rolling fog when you are in the middle of it for an extended period of time. Anybody who claims they can do that with fabric that you have to enter and exit is hanging inside a structure, and not outdoors.

[Hogg Tyed]

It helps for awhile, but nothing keeps out a heavy rolling fog when you are in the middle of it for an extended period of time. Anybody who claims they can do that with fabric that you have to enter and exit is hanging inside a structure, and not outdoors.

Thats sounds like the voice of experience