Deep Winter Hammock Camping System

A look at my Cold Weather Winter Hammock Camping Setup for Backpacking Trips that have Potential for Sub-Zero Temperatures.

Deep Winter Hammock Camping System Components

Total Hammock System Weight: 1.75 lbs (793 grams)
Total Insulation System Weight: 3.25 lbs (1.47 kilos)
Shelter System Weight (tarp plus all lines & adjustment hardware): 8.75 oz

Deep Winter Hammock Camping System Grand Total Weight: 5.55 lbs (2.52 kilos)


Other Gear Seen

Snow Shovels for Winter Camping & Backpacking

Thoughts on Snow Shovels for Winter Camping & Winter Backpacking Trips.

Items Seen / Discussed in this Video

I’m not sure if they make the actual Camp brand snow shovel seen in this video anymore. That’s why I linked the other brand above which looks similar and appears to have solid reviews.  But I did find a new plastic version by Camp that weighs in at only 9 oz. I’m sure it’s not nearly as resilient though, as the blade is made of polypropylene, as opposed to a coated aluminum.

Olight HS2 Headlamp for Running & Hiking – Review

A Review of the Olight HS2 Headlamp for Running & Hiking.

In this gear video I go over my personal experiences with using the Olight HS2 rechargeable headlamp system, specs, features, and operational procedures to access the Olight H2R Nova’s light modes and charging functions. As a backpacker more so than a runner, I also go over my thoughts and experiences with using this as a running headlamp vs a hiking and camping headlamp.

HS2 Specs, as per the Manufacturer

  • Beam Distance Max: 279 feet / 85 meters
  • Max Performance (lumens): 400
  • Charge type: Micro-USB
  • Compatible Batteries: Customized LiPo Battery
  • Light Intensity (candela): 1,800
  • Light Form: Wide/broad hotspot. Perfect for up close illumination.
  • Lens / Reflector Type: TIR bead lens (wide/broad beam)
  • Mode Operation: Side Switch
  • Size Factor: Small size (Car key / Zippo Lighter)
  • Series: Series H (Headlamps, Multitasking)

Unique Characteristics

  • Can be powered directly from any USB power source – never run out of battery.
  • Dual LED system for long range and up-close wide illumination.
  • Audible beep at 10% battery capacity to alert the user to charge.
  • Compact and lightweight at only 4 ounces.

Lighting Levels

  • Dual Beam High: 400 lumens , 2 hours 12 minutes
  • Dual Beam Low: 100 lumens , 9 hours
  • Single Beam High (wide or spot): 200 lumens , 4 hours 30 minutes
  • Single Beam Low (wide or spot): 50 lumens , 18 hours
  • Moon 1 lumens Cool White / 1 lumens – Neutral White – 45 days
  • Strobe: No
  • SOS / BEACON: Yes

Technical Characteristics

  • Waterproof: IPX4
  • Weight: 4.06 oz , 115 grams
  • Length: 24mm / 0.94 in
  • Head Diameter:  23mm / 0.91 in
  • Body Diameter: 45mm / 1.77 in
  • LED: Cree XH-G2
  • Use: EDC, car, camping, fishing, household, general use, fishing, climbing, cave exploration, outdoor activities, house activitie

Package Contents

  • Flashlight Olight HS2 x 1
  • Rechargeable  2000mAh 3.7V Lipo x 1
  • head strap x 1
  • Pouch x 1
  • Replacement Cable Clip x 2
  • 1.5-meter Micro-USB Cable
  • instruction manual x 1

Other items Seen / Discussed in the Video

Two Hammocks, One Bug Net – Double Dutch and Birds Nest Bugnet Systems

Checking out two bugnet options for double hammock camping – The Bird’s Nest (for use with any two hammocks), and the Double Dutch Bugnet (for use with the Chameleon Hammock), both made by Dutchware Gear.

Both of these bugnet systems are designed specifically for use with double hammock, spreader bar systems.  i.e. Putting two hammocks on a single pair of trees for use with the same tarp. While I showed the Beetle buckle suspension (stock suspension that came with my Chameleon Hammock) for use with the spreader bar, there are several suspension options that would work with this setup as well (links below.

Gear Seen and Links for More Info

Two other suspension options (not shown) that would work with the spreader bar

Tarp mentioned in the video for use with the double hammock setups

Investing in a Cuben Fiber Tarp – Thoughts & Considerations for Hammock Camping

A discussion on Cuben Fiber Tarps for Hammock Camping (specifically, the Hammock Gear Cuben Hex Tarp models, both with & without doors).

I recently received a message from a viewer asking for feedback / advice regarding the potential purchase of an ultralight cuben fiber tarp for hammock camping and backpacking, as well as the pros and cons related to some of the options available for these tarps.

Below are his two main questions, which Mike and I used as a jumping off point for our discussion on these tarps.  While our reference point throughout the video is HG Cuben Hex Tarp line of tarps (also know as Dyneema Tarps), this discussion is pretty much applicable to cuben tarps in general as well as cuben fiber’s properties as a backpacking gear material.

Lyle’s Questions & Talking Points

  • I’m considering purchasing the Hammock Gear Cuban Fiber Tarp, but given the price I thought I’d ask some people who own it a couple of questions.
  • 1) 11ft vs 12ft
    I have an 11ft hammock (Warbonnet – Blackbird XLX)… I’m leaning towards the 12ft length, only because I like the idea of greater coverage.
  • 2) Doors vs no-doors
    This is my biggest question … if I should order it with doors…or can get away without them?I’m primarily a 3 season camper…BUT, I would like to do more winter camping. When would you have preferred a “door” version of this tarp vs. a “non-door” version?
  • I’ve seen you use this tarp in several of your videos.  Is there anything you’d do/choose differently if you were purchasing this tarp again?

Other Topics Discussed

  • Cuben Fiber Cost
  • The advantage of cuben fiber’s lower volume in addition to the more obvious weight savings.
  • Cuben fiber strength & durability considerations for hammock camping.
  • Tarp ridgeline length and finding the right trees.
  • Tarp ridgeline length vs doors for rain and snow camping situations.

Tarps Seen in the Video (all weights are tarp only, no lines etc)

Hammocks Seen in the Video

Day Hiking w/ the Amok Segl Hammock & General Discussion on Hammock Camping, Set-up, Tips, etc

Day Hiking and trying out the Amok Segl hammock, as well as some general talk about Hammock Setup and Camping vs Lounging on the trail.

Topics Discussed on this Episode

  • A detailed look at the features and setup of my new Amok Segl Hammock.
  • Proper hang angle for hanging a hammock (ideally, 30°) and why you should avoid hanging your hammock suspension too tight / flat.
  • Proper strap position when using carabiners or Dutch Clips.
  • Nylon vs Polyester tree straps
  • Hammock length and how it relates to diagonal lay.
  • What I look for in a camping hammock compared to an on-the-go lounging / sitting hammock.
  • Hammock strap length and why you may or may not pack longer or shorter straps.
  • Fabric differences for hammocks (stretch, texture, water resistance)

Specs and Features of the Amok Segl Hammock, as per the Manufacturer

  • Plug and play suspension system included.
  • Ultralight weight: 15 oz (total)
  • Weight Breakdown – Hammock (7 oz), Suspension straps (5 oz), Carabiners and buckles (3 oz)
  • 20D Robic Nylon (30% stronger than regular nylon)
  • Capacity: 330 lbs

Other gear seen in the video: ULA Ohm 2.0 Pack, Dutchware Half-Wit Hammock, Amok Draumr 3.0 Hammock.