DIY Climashield All in One Insulated Hammock

**theclark5** · 08-21-2015, 20:52

Finally jumped in and completed my version of an insulated hammock. I am very pleased with the final result and hope it might help others if interested in trying.
I wanted something lightweight for moderate 3 season use that was inexpensive.

Materials:
Insulation Climashield 3.0 2yds
Hammock Body RSBTR 1.1 poly 4yds
Under quilt layer RSBTR .66 Membrane 3 yds
Silk Blanket Binding 4" (2" width when folded)

This design does require you to lay head left and feet right. (could be modified if you sleep opposite). The insulation cut is very adequate to cover my head, shoulders and feet (I'm 6ft tall).

A few considerations:
The under quilt section is about 4" wider than the hammock body to allow for stretch. I accomplished this by cutting the hammock body 2" thinner than the insulation and insulation bottom cover. Also when I added the binding to the hammock body I sewed the allowance 1" from the side. Then when I sewed the under quilt to the sides of the hammock it butt up against that sew line which gave another 2" of width compared to the hammock body. This 4" seems to work well for the poly. I would probably go 5" if I used a light weight nylon.

The ends of the under quilt I left open with a channel for shock cord to "tighten up the ends" just like a normal under quilt. This worked just as I had hoped. By doing this there is no sew line on the hammock body where you lay. As a bonus it actually pulls the sides under the hammock a bit which gives you a better view.

I really like working with the blanket binding. It is polyester so should not break down; Makes it very easy to sew the hammock body (no hemming on the sides); Allows you to add some width for the under quilt; Allows for some personal pizzaz to the hammock and last but not least who doesn't like to lay in a hammock and summon your inner child to feel the blanket binding.

Also my current hammock is 12.4 oz with suspension and Phoenix 20 under quilt is 17.55 oz which is actually heavier than this combination. Granted the climashield 3.0 will probably not be quite as warm. My plan was to use this as the moderate 3 season and add on the Phoenix under quilt for winter.

Happy Hanging!

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Insulated Hammock Instructions.pdf

**Eidson** · 08-21-2015, 21:00

Top notch my friend. It looks amazing and I really like the idea of incorporating the drawn ends rather than sewing the ends. I do imagine the helps with the overall comfort.

**Theosus** · 08-21-2015, 21:06

Looks like a great idea! I recently made my first hammock and found it to be very easy and fun, and pretty inexpensive. I'm guessing you could make both a light version and a heavy version for what you'd spend on one hammock/underquilt combo.
Did you cut the insulation into more of a football shape instead of a rectangle? My hammocks start out as rectangles but once the suspensions are added they turn into sort of a flattened football (pointy oval) shape. How'd you get that part right so you didn't have extra insulation on the ends bunching up?

Oh, I see now... look at pictures, THEN post. D'oh!

**theclark5** · 08-21-2015, 22:12

Originally Posted by Theosus

I'm guessing you could make both a light version and a heavy version for what you'd spend on one hammock/underquilt combo

Since I already own a down under quilt I decided on the 3.0 climashield for summer and majority of spring/fall backpacking. I will add the under quilt for winter. I think Climashield 7.5 would be a good winter option.

**boulderv7** · 08-21-2015, 23:12

Thats a really cool setup you have there. You'll be able to vent the quilt if it gets hot.....good design.

**theclark5** · 08-22-2015, 00:31

Originally Posted by boulderv7

Thats a really cool setup you have there. You'll be able to vent the quilt if it gets hot.....good design.

Thank you. That was my thought as well regarding the venting

**latriper** · 08-22-2015, 01:08

Very nice design!

**V_Allen** · 08-22-2015, 05:58

Great design and very well thought out. I think we have a winner!

**ksbcrocks** · 08-22-2015, 08:00

Woah, great idea.

**theclark5** · 08-22-2015, 09:47

Originally Posted by latriper

Very nice design!

Basically taking the thoughts from everyone on this forum and putting them together. I would love to hear from others about improving or adding to the concept.