First overnight in the Sparrow!

**bansheekitty** · 04-10-2016, 01:45

I took my Sparrow out on its inaugural trip last weekend to the coasts of Oregon and Washington. Thanks to the Smurfs for getting replacement tree straps to me in time for my trip!

The hammock performed splendidly- no calf ridge, extremely comfortable. I definitely have to work on my technique for using an underquilt with a gathered end hammock though- I think I need to watch some of Shug's videos! I had some issues keeping the underquilt in place and particularly the second night, had some cold shoulder issues. I think I had the quilt bungies tightened too much at the foot end so that the quilt kept being pulled down off my shoulder.

The peak shelf was awesome- perfect to hold my Kindle and a beanie, and the other pockets were really handy as well, holding keys, a headlamp, and various other miscellaneous things you might want to lay your hands on at a moment's notice.

In addition to the underquilt, I also need some more practice hanging the hammock at the right angle. After using a bridge hammock which requires a greater distance between the trees, my gauge for choosing trees is off. The first night I didn't have many tree options- I had arrived at the campground late at night and was just trying to find an empty spot. The second day I got the campsite in the morning so I had plenty of time to mess with it, but still didn't quite get a 30 degree angle. It would help if I were taller- it would definitely be easier to get the right angle if I could hang the straps higher on the trees. Even though the angle wasn't perfect, the hammock was still extremely comfortable.

The Sparrow in Oregon:

IMG_6272.jpg IMG_6273.jpg IMG_6276.jpg

The view from the inside of the hammock:

IMG_6279.jpg IMG_6281.jpg

The Sparrow in Washington:

IMG_6340.jpg

And some other random trip photos:

IMG_6294.jpg IMG_6301.jpg IMG_6357.jpg IMG_6347.jpg

**Hot Roj** · 04-10-2016, 03:59

Nice report.

I've got a couple naps in the backyard with my new Thunderbird. Hope to get an all nighter in this week or on the weekend.

**babaloo** · 04-10-2016, 07:13

Those pink color accents really pop. I like it!

Don't you fancy a tarp at all? Instead rely fully on the overcover?

Oh, girl, those coastal shots really wake some strong ocean desire in me.
Time for a trip I think.

And about that 30* angle. Papa Smurf himself has made an excellent video about it.
I share it a lot lately. : )

**JmBoh** · 04-10-2016, 08:37

great trip report! that's some beautiful scenery you have out west and that Sparrow is just WOW!!!!

what temp was it? just curious about how the over cover worked for you. any condensation inside or anything? i haven't used my over cover on a trip yet.

**PapaSmurf** · 04-10-2016, 08:45

Thank you very much for sharing your first night in the Sparrow with everybody.
That looks like a great area. Mama and I have never been that far West and maybe it time we find a hang out there to have a good excuse to visit.

**babaloo** · 04-10-2016, 15:11

Kitty, when you'll ever need some guylines, grab a box of pink Skyline.
Should fit perfectly.

**Canahang** · 04-11-2016, 14:57

For your UQ you could try shortening the primary suspension a few inches at the head end. It'll help keep it above shoulder and it holds the UQ tighter to the bottom of the hammock. Many people suggest shortening the primary suspension to relieve cold spots

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk