Hi William
Nice to hear from you. Really appreciate your support over the years for the SS concept. Twenty years ago, many "experts" told the forum that radiant reflectors wouldn't work. In recent years, even Columbia has patented breathable radiant reflective clothing and sleeping bags. Sometimes, these things take time.
Over the years we have received reports from different users of the SS. There are many factors which produce differing results. Some people sleep hot, some sleep cold. Some perspire more than others. Some don't change position during the night to allow moist air to rise and evaporate off the mesh. The ambient temperature, humidity and the rating of the sleeping bag are all part of the equation.
Even the sleeping bag manufacturers are reluctant to say that a 30 degree bag will definitely keep you warm at 30 degrees. There are too many other factors to consider.
For efficiency, I basically still agree with you about keeping the Space Blanket as close as possible to your body. Not touching the SB will radiate the most heat. A small air space, even the air spaces between fabric fibers is often enough for it to work. However if temperature rises too much, perspiration occurs. With the SB, the solution is to remove the SB or blow off heat by venting your bag like a bellows but you must be awake to do this.
What I found when sleeping without a SB is that the moisture coming off your body will pass through the porous foam pad and condense on the inside surface of the UnderCover and slowly evaporate through the very lightly DWR coating of the bottom fabric and away from the absorbent sleeping bag. The light DWR coating prevents blowing rain and splashed rain from penetrating from outside.
We also have had reports that putting the space blanket under the open cell foam pad solved the problem of damp sleeping bag but with less efficient radiation. We used this info in the instructions because it is a better all round solution to moisture.
The next step for HH in the evolution of dry, comfortable nights rest is BrEaThAbIlItY I have been a huge fan of SOL breathable heat reflecting fabric that they use in their SOL Bivy. I have tested this Bivy and believe it is the best solution available. I recommend getting one of these bivys for anyone having issues with moisture. We are awaiting samples from SOL to replace the space blanket. It will be offered as an accesssory for both of the new 4Season hammocks in our next production and all four of the SuperShelter accessory insulation systems.
For any one interested in getting one of these new 4Season hammocks from this production, we will send a free SOL breathable heat reflecting UnderSheet when we get them in stock. They will clip into position on top of the breathable open cell foam UnderPad. This is a major breakthrough for lightweight, warm, dry comfort in hammocks.
Thanks for asking your question William and feel free to post this on your forum if you think others would like to hear my thoughts.
Cheers, Tom
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