Dutch Quilt Hook + Pack Hook = XLC cold shoulder fix

[Ratdog]

This will work with any hammock that has a zipper for a detachable bug net or cover. In my case it was an Warbonnet Outdoors XLC.

The problem: Underquilts popping off the outside (head side) shoulder.

Solution: Use a Dutchwaregear.com quilt hook and pack hook to create a movable, removable, attachment point for shock cord. The pack hook is connected to the quilt hook and the quilt hook clipped over the zipper on the edge of the hammock. The quilt hook holds firmly over the zipper and does not move easily. The position allows one, on the XLC, to close the bug net or top cover completely locking the position of the quilt hook and pack hook.

In the case of the XLC, the quilt hook clips on nicely right at the end of the zipper run near the head. This has, for me, eliminated any chance of an underquilt popping off the shoulder in the middle of the night.

This approach has worked well for me using an Underground Quilts Zeppelin and an ArrowHead Equipment Jarbidge.

The quilt hook did not stay in place on a standard hammock edge, i.e. no zipper.

[Ratdog]

Pics of a the Dutchwaregear Quilt Hook and a pack hook in use on a Warbonnet Outdoors Blackbird XLC with an Undergroundquilts Zeppelin.

packhook2.jpgpackhook.jpg

[Ratdog]

Admittedly, a properly installed under quilt usually stays in place. There have been however, plenty of nights when I rushed my setup and overtightened the end suspension of the under quilt and it resulted in the quilt popping off my outside shoulder in the middle of the night.

I do plenty of camping in colder months and in sub 40 degree temps, it was annoying enough that I contemplated sewing on a few pack hooks and this was just a quick workaround that came together on one chilly night.

Nothing earth shattering, but handy for those that have had a cold shoulder or two using a hammock that does not have pre-installed pack hooks.

[Brady]

Interesting solution. Any reason why this over one of the sew on quilt hooks?

[Ratdog]

No reason other than it was a quick fix one night and I haven't bothered to sew on the pack hook yet.

[DanglingModifier]

Ratdog, I'm not sure what the pack hook is, or what it is doing for your setup, but I've been doing exactly the same thing with my XLC and a snap on quilt hook just hooked directly to my UQ suspension shock cord. It's worked flawlessly. The biggest risk is a lost quilt hook if it gets pulled off the shock cord or zipper when packing up.

Brady, to answer your question, in my case I'm not comfortable enough sewing yet to want to poke sharp things through my XLC. I'm worried I'll screw it up.

[Dutch]

Ratdog, I am missing something. Why don't you put the shock cord in the quilt hook.

[Ironman65]

Ratdog, I am missing something. Why don't you put the shock cord in the quilt hook.

I'm baffled as well.

[Ratdog]

The shockcord on the UnderGroundQuilts Zeppelin was the thicker diameter and did not fit the quilt hook itself. The smaller diameter shockcords work with the quilt hook by itself just fine.

So it was just a diameter of the shock cord thing.

My Zep was purchased from a forum member, not sure if it is the original suspension, think it is. Another reason is I have been using heavier shock cord for the full channel synthetic quilts I've been testing.

What I really like about the quilt hook is that by clipping it over a zipper, it has a very positive 'lock' on the hammock and doesn't move much. On tablecloth hammocks and the like, I quilt clips pop off on me, so a sew in hook is the way to go there.

In thinking about it for a minute, I'd also mention, the shockcord seems to move more easily through the pack hook when the quilt suspension is stressed on entry and exit, so the quilt hook seems to stay in place that much better.