Overnight observation and a little DIY

[PointPastor]

I got a chance to get out overnight this past weekend for the first time this year. Way over due for an evening of camp fire and hammocking. Last year I picked up a yukon double off a forum member and have been hooked ever since. Thanks to him it came with whoopies and tree straps. I also got a yukon tarp that I have been using the stock lines with. They are a pain to work with, super long low quality rope.

So as I was sitting around with some friends, and that fact no hiking was involved I had just thrown a bunch of gear in the car, I decide to grab some amsteel I had with me and make a SRL. This was a total game changer in the lay, plus being able to hang stuff on it is sweet. I also swapped part of the tarp suspension out for some paracord I had with me in a continuous ridgeline setup with some figure nines attached to short loops attached to the tarp ridge. While paracord is almost taboo for this purpose it worked well and after resetting the tension before I crashed for the evening the tarp held taught through the night. This configuration was also good to get the tarp down closer to the hammock. Rain was in the forecast but unfortunately there was none, I was really hoping to see how the tarp would do in the rain, and if it got to bad I could have slept in my Traverse. Maybe next time. Also Made a quick ridgeline bag out of a bandana and a carbiner, multipurpose at it finest. Loved not having my phone under my back when I woke up.

What I found out. My Black MSS bag was way to hot for 60 degrees, I sleep hot, even laying on it open I was sweating. Hoping to mod part of the MSS into an under quilt before my next outing as down quilts aren't in the budget right now. A bug net is required before I do another overnight this time of year, even if I just make one out of tulle. Several tiny bites on my arms and head where they were exposed. Final observation there is always something to tweak or mod and half the fun is getting there. Hope some other people new to hammocking find some of this useful.

FullSizeRender (19).jpg

FullSizeRender (20).jpg

[Xtrm tj]

I have done some diy, bought some items with hope of modify this and that. The thing I find every trip, I think of something new to tweak. Something I didn't have....etc, that is half of the fun. Hammocking is a very specific hobby, and when you are always thinking and have a mind that wonders "hey I wonder if this would work, simplify or just be cool" it never ends.

Glad you got out and played a while....having fun is the #1 thing.

[SilvrSurfr]

I'd chuck the paracord - too stretchy for any part of the hammock/tarp. Zing-It 1.75 mm is better.

[DBamaC]

When I decided to try out hammock camping again I bought a Yukon double off Woot! to see if it I would still enjoy it. I've since moved on to a more expensive alternatives, but I still keep the Yukon handy for a quick hang and always seem to find a comfortable position.

Still use my Yukon tarp...

[arolfsen]

i to have a double yukon and their matching tarp. I had dutch make me a SRL for it. I had already made a ridgeline for the tarp with the ropes that came with it. I'm not a fan of the tarp. at all. guess i'm just used to a standard tarp than a hammock tarp.

either way my new mountain wilderness gear hammock/net/tarp will be ready in a few weeks. can't wait to take possession of it.

[PointPastor]

I'd chuck the paracord - too stretchy for any part of the hammock/tarp. Zing-It 1.75 mm is better.

It is definitely on my list, trying to use what I have until I save up some play money to upgrade to lighter stuff.

i to have a double yukon and their matching tarp. I had dutch make me a SRL for it. I had already made a ridgeline for the tarp with the ropes that came with it. I'm not a fan of the tarp. at all. guess i'm just used to a standard tarp than a hammock tarp.

either way my new mountain wilderness gear hammock/net/tarp will be ready in a few weeks. can't wait to take possession of it.

Congrats on the new setup. I am working on a DIY 11' hammock out of some a-tacs ripstop nylon I got in a trade, but I have never been disappointed with the comfort of the yukon double. Still up in the air about the tarp. By the end of summer I hope to get my hands on some silnylon to diy a hex tarp.