Got my Trail Lair from Simply Light Designs today

**Hiker Boy** · 05-24-2018, 15:55

I finally got out in my Trail Lair two weeks ago.

**Tony c** · 05-24-2018, 15:59

Originally Posted by HandyRandy

Does the Trail Lair have any curved ends or cat cuts like the Streamliner? What are some it’s not so obvious features?

It's a regular cut hammock. The only magic trick it has its that it's very comfortable, and can be cheap or expensive as you want. The new winter cover is cool and somewhat unique.

**QFT** · 05-24-2018, 16:23

Originally Posted by Tony c

It's a regular cut hammock. The only magic trick it has its that it's very comfortable, and can be cheap or expensive as you want. The new winter cover is cool and somewhat unique.

Is it? I think the sag is different than most gathered end setups. And I was wondering if the cut near the center of the hammock is different. I've heard people prefer a larger tarp with it because it hangs a little differently.

**rweb82** · 05-24-2018, 16:44

Originally Posted by QFT

Is it? I think the sag is different than most gathered end setups. And I was wondering if the cut near the center of the hammock is different. I've heard people prefer a larger tarp with it because it hangs a little differently.

I wonder if Jared uses a shorter ridgeline than the standard 83%. This would give it the extra sag. Perhaps someone who owns one could chime in.

**Tony c** · 05-24-2018, 17:12

I think the netted cover hangs higher than others. When I fully retracted the net I had a normal hammock, although if it was cut a bit I might not know, but it definitely didn't feel like a stream liner, and I've had both. A far as I know the 11ft model uses a standard 83% ridgeline

**rweb82** · 05-24-2018, 17:19

If the bug net hangs higher from the hammock, I'm thinking there would have to be something different with the ridgeline length relative to the hammock length that causes the hammock to hang lower- thus increasing the head space under the RL. I can't think of any other factors that would increase or decrease that space. Or the sides are cut a little narrower- requiring longer netting to fill that space, creating the illusion that there is more space between the RL and hammock.

Last option, it's just sorcery- which is highly plausible, given how he manages to make and ship products "instantly"- as it seems.

**mikespranger** · 05-24-2018, 20:39

Originally Posted by rweb82

If the bug net hangs higher from the hammock, I'm thinking there would have to be something different with the ridgeline length relative to the hammock length that causes the hammock to hang lower- thus increasing the head space under the RL. I can't think of any other factors that would increase or decrease that space. Or the sides are cut a little narrower- requiring longer netting to fill that space, creating the illusion that there is more space between the RL and hammock.

Last option, it's just sorcery- which is highly plausible, given how he manages to make and ship products "instantly"- as it seems.

+1 on the sorcery. it's symmetrical, so no dedicated way to lay in it. other than that, think it's mostly standard. Just really well built and in record time. I'll be trying it out this weekend hopefully, so i'll comment back if i notice anything too different

**rweb82** · 05-24-2018, 21:35

Originally Posted by mikespranger

+1 on the sorcery. it's symmetrical, so no dedicated way to lay in it. other than that, think it's mostly standard. Just really well built and in record time. I'll be trying it out this weekend hopefully, so i'll comment back if i notice anything too different

If I didn't already have my DH Raven, I would seriously consider a Trail Lair. But I think both hammocks are very similar in their shape- which apparently makes them both very comfortable.

Looking forward to hearing your report!

Sent from my Pixel XL using Tapatalk

**mikespranger** · 05-31-2018, 16:16

Originally Posted by mikespranger

+1 on the sorcery. it's symmetrical, so no dedicated way to lay in it. other than that, think it's mostly standard. Just really well built and in record time. I'll be trying it out this weekend hopefully, so i'll comment back if i notice anything too different

Only got to sleep in it one night, but it was SO comfortable. Got up once to pee, but otherwise slept fine until my alarm went off.
Peak shelf at head end is perfect. Fits everything I need with minimal added weight.
Underestimated the problem with a wide hammock and not wide UQ. Hopefully my HG Econ will adjust enough to make it workable. I hope I just need to get it to more of an angle so it follows my side angle.
Had to choose between my head and feet being uncovered. Not a problem since it was warm overnight, but would be bad if colder.
Also wish I had got the pull outs. I'll have to modify it to get the extra material off my face/neck. Might be able to clip extra material to UQ or something. Anyone have any ideas? Otherwise I'll have to take it to a local tailor to get pull outs added. no big deal though.

Also - Going to need longer tree straps for some situations, the ones that came with it were cutting it close on the big pines at the state campsite. Any recommendations for light straps? How much weight variation is there? I'm thinking 6-8 feet maybe?

**HangingUp** · 06-03-2018, 20:33

I am enjoying my new SLD Trail Lair as well. I went with 60” width in 1.2 Robic. I love the high quality craftsmanship and customization I was able to request (Jared never blinked at anything I requested) and the insane speed that Jared delivered. It’s like sleeping in a cloud! I can’t wait for cold weather so I can try out the windshield.
For my suspension, I use Dutch’s 15’ UHMWPE and polypropylene mixed webbing w/Beetle Buckles. The length may be overkill in most situations, but I don’t have to worry about big trees being an issue! It has definitely come in handy in a few mature stands. The buckles make setup simple and quick.
https://dutchwaregear.com/product/be...e/#dutch-clips