I'm starting out as a full-time hanger -- three weeks in -- and I'm loving it. After an iffy first few days, my sleep has become more restful and my back and neck have felt better than they have in years. But I've got some limitations most don't and I'm encountering an unanticipated complication.
First, the limitations: Due to my weight (I'm 5'5" and 320#), I had to go to a geodesic structure to bear me. The top bar of the Turtlelady stand we built bowed way upward (yikes!) the one time I tried it. I had edgedome build me a custom structure a little smaller than their usual 10' footprint so it would fit in my apartment. So my hang length is 9'4", non-negotiable. That's plenty for my 10' Breezy. It wasn't quite enough for my 10' Blackbird, whose integral ridgeline hung slack enough to threaten to garrote me every morning.
In the Blackbird, I used regular blankets for insulation. I didn't have a sleeping bag that fit me, never having been a camper. I like some heft to my covers, and weight isn't an issue at home in the dome, so I used the wool blankies I already have and love. In the Blackbird, with its net tied off to my right, no problem. But the netting itself was a bit in the way, as was the ridgeline, so I got a Breezy for home use.
Double layer Hexon 2.4, plenty hefty, way comfy, beautiful blue. But it turns out, lacking the couple of inches of extra height on my foot side, I kick off my covers at night. Then cold.
I DIYed a sort of demi-topquilt -- or rather, Ewan did (thanks honey!). Sewed an old sheet onto one of my smaller wool blankets, offset toward the bottom so as to fold the sheet back up and seam the sides, making a full-width footbox. It helps. It seems to stay better than it did without the mod. But it's still chilly up here in Minnesota and the blanket I use above it, not modded, still dumps to the floor, leaving me cold enough to wake up.
I tried hanging a sheet from a ridgeline above me as an ozan or open-bottomed travel sock. Retained a little warmth, not much. Tonight I'm going to try doing that with a wider wool blanket.
So my questions for you full-time hangers, particularly those in cold regions: How do you keep your top insulation in the hammock, where it does you good? Do you use camping gear full-time indoors? Have you made mods to regular bedding to make it serve?
I appreciate any and all ideas!
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