First Time Out

**Guyon** · 06-08-2011, 20:30

A couple of weeks ago, I got over to the Smoky Mountains and slept in my Hennessey for the first time. Below is a pic of the hang. That's an Ultralight Explorer A-Sym Zip with the upsized tarp. I used one of the bigger blue pads from Wal-Mart and my standard down bag. Wound up just using the bag more or less as a cover.

I want to do some overnighters out of a relatively small pack--the Maxpedition Falcon II, and I've just about got it down as far as gear. I was looking for a good, compact, summer weight bag, and I stumbled on the REI Travel Sack. This thing is great for warm weather, and with a compression sack, it gets down to 6" x 9". I also picked up a Thermarest Ridgerest SoLite pad with that new Trekker Roll Sack that protects the pad in transit and that can double as a pillow with clothing stuffed in. When I get a chance, I'll post up a picture of the pack with everything in/on it. I'm also thinking I should use the standard tarp in really hot weather, get more of a breeze, and carry one less pound.

**jraffini** · 06-08-2011, 20:33

Looks like a great rig. Good to see you get out there.

**NewtonGT** · 06-08-2011, 20:34

you can check out hammock gear's new topquilt. its only 169.00 and is down filled and extremely comfy from what I hear

**Guyon** · 06-08-2011, 20:40

I'm assuming the topquilt would be good for cooler weather? Right now, lows here are in the 70s. The Travel Sack I mentioned is rated for 55 degrees and is more than enough. I like that it unzips to the point that it becomes just a blanket if you don't want to use it as a bag. The RidgeRest SoLite pad I ordered is supposed to have reflective aluminum on one side that raises body temp if need be. From what I read, you flip the reflective side down in hot weather, and you flip it up if you need to be a little warmer. We'll see how it works.

**NewtonGT** · 06-08-2011, 20:45

Originally Posted by Guyon

I'm assuming the topquilt would be good for cooler weather? Right now, lows here are in the 70s. The Travel Sack I mentioned is rated for 55 degrees and is more than enough. I like that it unzips to the point that it becomes just a blanket if you don't want to use it as a bag. The RidgeRest SoLite pad I ordered is supposed to have reflective aluminum on one side that raises body temp if need be. From what I read, you flip the reflective side down in hot weather, and you flip it up if you need to be a little warmer. We'll see how it works.

the new topquilt is rated for 45-50. They have topquilts that go low as 0 to negative 5 or so. but thats the highest temp rating ive seen for a summer quilt. its a good deal

**Roche** · 06-08-2011, 20:52

Hey Guyon - do you plan to join the E TN hang scheduled for 15-17 JUL?

**Guyon** · 06-09-2011, 12:31

Originally Posted by NewtonGT

the new topquilt is rated for 45-50. They have topquilts that go low as 0 to negative 5 or so. but thats the highest temp rating ive seen for a summer quilt. its a good deal

Well, my Travel Sack was only $40, so I'm going to give it a go for a while.

Originally Posted by Roche

Hey Guyon - do you plan to join the E TN hang scheduled for 15-17 JUL?

Doubt I can make it this year, but I'll keep my eyes open for future events.