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  1. #1
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    Simply Light Designs – “Voyageur” Hammock with Beak Storage review

    voyageur_12-14-17_IMG_6349 by michigan dave, on Flickr

    I’ve always been a strong advocate for Jared’s products at Simply Light Designs. About 8 months ago, I came up with an idea for a variation of his Trail Lair netted hammock. I really liked the lay and comfort of the TL when the bugnet was removed. Well, summer hiking season got in the way of putting any more thought in it, so in mid-September, I got in contact with Jared with my ideas. We went back and forth a bit with various prototypes and that’s how the Voyageur was born, since it kind of looks like a canoe. My 11’ black hexon 1.6 version weighs in at 16 oz., in the double sided stuff sack with attached whoopies.

    voyageur_full2 by michigan dave, on Flickr

    The Voyageur is geared for cold weather camping, when you don’t need a bugnet. Hexon is my favorite fabric for comfort and durability, so my Voyageur is made out of black 1.6, with contrasting beaks of coyote brown. The beaks are oversized, creating room in the peak for storage. It also pulls up the ends that makes for a very comfortable lay. Jared added storage inside the beaks out of no-seeum netting. One thing about cold weather or winter camping, is that there’s always a lot of extra gear that you have to keep track of or have it easily accessible.

    voyageur_12-14-17_IMG_6360 by michigan dave, on Flickr

    voyageur_head-beak by michigan dave, on Flickr

    Mine has the beak storage at both ends when I can toss a fleece, hat, balaclava, water bottlem, down puffy, and multiple pairs of gloves that I switch in and out of throughout the day. There’s an adjustable toggle that cinches the end of the bag along the ridgeline, plus another toggle to cinch in the size of the netting. The toggles are easy to adjust with gloves on and a lot simpler than using a mitten hook or prussick,

    I also had Jared add a zippered rectangular pouch inside the foot end that I use to store extra socks or layers.

    voyageur_zipped-storage by michigan dave, on Flickr

    When I ordered the Voyageur, I also had Jared make me a matching climashield pillow.
    http://www.simplylightdesigns.com/ca...roducts_id/357

    voyageur_head-beak-sldpillow by michigan dave, on Flickr

    So far I’ve gotten about 10 nights out in my new Voyageur. It’s comfortable and having the beak storage really helps keep me organized when I’m out there fumbling around in the cold weather. Looking forward to getting lots of use out of it as my new go-to hammock for winter camping!

    Here’s the link: http://www.simplylightdesigns.com/ca...roducts_id/596

    More pictures of the Voyageur: https://flic.kr/s/aHsmbem2vG
    Last edited by michigandave; 12-25-2017 at 07:56.

  2. #2
    Senior Member Flash Grundelore's Avatar
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    How long is the fixed ridgeline set to for the photos?
    What is the fabric width used?
    >> Onward thru the fog...>>
    Find me on my blog Moosenut Falls https://moosenutfalls.wordpress.com/

  3. #3
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    Quote Originally Posted by Flash Grundelore View Post
    How long is the fixed ridgeline set to for the photos?
    What is the fabric width used?
    It's the standard hexon 1.6 that's 60" wide, so after it's hemmed it's probably 58". I made the ridgeline at 110 inches.
    Last edited by michigandave; 12-25-2017 at 07:50.

  4. #4
    Senior Member
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    Jan 2015
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    Fairfield Vt
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    Dutchware 11ft wide
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    Very nice design and love the storage. Getting a below zero patch of weather here in Vermont this week. Heading out to the woodlot Thursday. Stay warm this winter.

  5. #5
    Senior Member johnspenn's Avatar
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    Jan 2016
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    Marietta, GA
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    DIY TCF Sage Green
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    Noah's Tarp 12x12
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    webbing/whoopies
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    Looks like a well-thought out and assembled piece of gear! Congrats on your new addition!

  6. #6
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    I'm very happy with how it all turned out. My black one is the first one made. I tested it out for a couple weeks, meanwhile Jared surprised me with 2 more prototypes made with regular and wide fabrics and different variations on the size of the beaks. I'd have all 3 set up in the basement and it let me go from hammock to hammock to compare the various lays. I ended up sending all 3 back to Jared to modify my 1.6 hexon with the larger beaks and the storage.

    Jared does amazing work and having the opportunity to develop and refine ideas with him was great experience.

  7. #7
    TxAggie's Avatar
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    Jun 2016
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    Pasadena, MD
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    Half-wit (3 season), Chameleon (win
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    Very nice, looks like a great winter hammock.

  8. #8
    Senior Member Big Flounder's Avatar
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    Jul 2014
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    Stuck in the Hoosier State
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    SLD Trail Lair/WB XLC
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    Very nice Dave! I've had the pleasure of seeing Dave's hammock in person this past October. As usual the craftsmanship is superb and the design very well thought out.
    -Jameson
    Proud Member of the North Country Trail Association-Hiawatha Shore to Shore Chapter
    http://www.northcountrytrail.org/

  9. #9
    Senior Member Flash Grundelore's Avatar
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    Nice seeing what ya'll have come up with.
    I have been flirting with the idea of a large Kam-snap head-beak as a windbreak/dew-shield where you could "fly" one side or the other on a whisker [really thin/flexy pole] as a sunshade as well.
    [Feel free to run that one past Jared since I don't know him and you do]

    What is the largest beak you guys have experimented with?
    It seems like attaching one too far out along the sides might start to affect the droop, or the ease of getting in and out. Does it just keep pulling up the sides even at longer lengths?
    I was looking to come out 36-40" on the side seam and mebbe 50"+ bungeed and adjustable/slidable on the ridge.
    Last edited by Flash Grundelore; 12-25-2017 at 17:19.
    >> Onward thru the fog...>>
    Find me on my blog Moosenut Falls https://moosenutfalls.wordpress.com/

  10. #10
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    You're correct in that the further out the beak goes does affect the droop of the sides. Mine comes out about a foot along the top of the ridgeline.

    That's an interesting idea for an extended version. Best bet is to shoot him an email with your proposal, since he does custom work.

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