Q: Chameleon & Sidecar placement...

[Snaps]

I'm considering replacing my XLC with a Chameleon for a whole host of reasons, and coming from the XLC's shelf, I'm curious about the Integrated Sidecar bugnet/zip-in Sidecar placement as it relates to lay direction.

• The Chameleon obviously can lay in either direction with the tieouts. The Sidecar has its own tieouts. Can/do these replace the head-end hammock tieouts, for those that are using a Sidecar?
• If you have a Sidecar, do you put it on the side next to your head, or the side opposite your head? How is that working out?
• Anyone zip in a Sidecar toward the foot end, on either side? What do you think?

I'm definitely interested in a Sidecar if I go this way... I'm just weighing the integrated top vs. the zip-in version.

Thanks!

[JmBoh]

The sidecar tie outs do replace the original tie outs. After trying mine on both sides head and foot, I prefer mine on the head end and on the head side. I sleep head left, so it's by my left shoulder. I just found this easier for me to reach and use. When I tried the foot end I wasn't able to access it while laying in the hammock, but this would be a great spot for storing clothes or other items you won't need until morning.

Oh, and a tip: If you want the side car to be half as deep, you can reach inside it and pull the inner D rings up and attach to the D rings on the hammock body with mitten hooks or something. This will halve the depth and the bottom seam then becomes a vertical wall to create two compartments. This alleviates having to reach to the bottom of the sidecar to reach any small items. Everything is high and tight.

[Snaps]

Thanks JB! I wondered about comfort with the Sidecar on the head side, especially since the XLC has the shelf on the opposite side.

I'd also read in another thread about the Sidecar half-depth configuration... that guy thinks of everything.

[JmBoh]

Thanks JB! I wondered about comfort with the Sidecar on the head side, especially since the XLC has the shelf on the opposite side.

I'd also read in another thread about the Sidecar half-depth configuration... that guy thinks of everything.

No problem! Glad to help. The only thing about the sidecar on the opposite side of the head end is "the wall". That wall of fabric on that side puts the opening of the sidecar up high and makes it even farther to reach the bottom. That's the only reason I chose head side. BUT, you can stake out the side car at a steep angle making more like the WB shelf and it'll pull that wall of fabric out a little too, which is nice. Only thing about that is it'll sag with heavier items. I put my 20* quilts in it like that and it sagged quite a bit. I think the sidecar is by far the best add on for the Chameleon.

[SilvrSurfr]

I never thought to put the Sidecar at the foot end - seems kind of inaccessible. I guess it could be done.

I see no reason why you can't use the tie-outs on the Chameleon in addition to the tie-outs on the Sidecar. Last time I went out I did that - my beagle Joey was annoyed by the unused tie-outs and wanted to chew on them. For some reason he only wants to chew on unused tie-outs.

Of course, you can remove the tie-outs on the Chameleon once you install the sidecar. I'm just too lazy to do so.

[Burg54]

I went from an XLC to a Chameleon. I was so nervous I was going to miss my XLC shelf. Took the plunge and did miss it. THEN the sidecar came out. Lets just say....I no longer miss my shelf.

I set the sidecar up just like my old XLC shelf...so opposite my head. Works great. I think down by your feet would be a PIA to get stuff. But if you got two sidecars...you could keep one at the foot end for quilts or extra clothes etc. Stuff you dont need access to that often.

JmBoh..thanks for the tip about making the sidecar into two smaller compartments! I have never thought of this and its a smart idea. I will be giving it a try.

[aikirunner]

I never thought to put the Sidecar at the foot end - seems kind of inaccessible. I guess it could be done.

I see no reason why you can't use the tie-outs on the Chameleon in addition to the tie-outs on the Sidecar. Last time I went out I did that - my beagle Joey was annoyed by the unused tie-outs and wanted to chew on them. For some reason he only wants to chew on unused tie-outs.

Of course, you can remove the tie-outs on the Chameleon once you install the sidecar. I'm just too lazy to do so.

If you get a net sidecar and put your shoes in there, you might want it down by you feet so you don’t have to smell them.


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