Thermarest Space Cowboy 45F: A Lightweight, Warm Companion for Backpacking Adventures
The Thermarest Space Cowboy 45F is a lightweight and compressible sleeping bag designed for backpackers and campers who prioritize weight and packability without sacrificing warmth.
Pros:
Lightweight and Packable: Easy to carry and store.
Warmth: Provides comfortable warmth in temperatures down to 45°F (7°C).
Durable Construction: Built to withstand the rigors of outdoor adventures.
Moisture-Resistant Insulation: Retains warmth even when damp.
Cons:
Limited Comfort: May not be as comfortable as bulkier sleeping bags.
Can Be Noisy: Some users find the synthetic insulation to be a bit noisy.
Overall, the Thermarest Space Cowboy 45F is a great choice for backpackers and campers who need a reliable and lightweight sleeping bag for three-season adventures.
The Suspension Bundle to Elevate Your Hang from Hanging High Hammocks is a versatile and essential accessory for hammock camping enthusiasts. Here’s a detailed review:
NOTE: We ordered only the Amsteel components.
Design & Build Quality
The suspension bundle includes high-quality, adjustable two each; whoopie slings, continuous loops, and robust soft shackles, designed to provide a secure and lightweight setup for your hammock. Additionally, the Adjustable Hammock Ridgeline made from 7/64th Amsteel. The lightweight Amsteel materials are durable and weather-resistant, ensuring longevity even in harsh outdoor conditions.
Weight
Weighing in at 19.6 grams, total, this bundle weighs less than an ounce.
Ease of Use
The slings and soft shackles are easy to set up and adjust, making it convenient to find the perfect hanging angle. The soft shackles are strong, with a secure locking mechanism that adds an extra layer of safety.
Simply replace your existing end loops with the HHH Continuous Loops. Attach the Adjustable Ridgeline, Continuous Loop, and Whoopie Sling with a Soft Shackle. Attach the other end of the Whoopie Sling to Straps. Adjust hammock to level at Whoopie Slings.
Portability
This bundle is lightweight (19.6gr) and compact (about the size of two carabiner), making it easy to carry on hikes or camping trips. It’s designed to fit into a small bag, so it doesn’t add significant weight to your gear.
Performance
In terms of performance, the suspension system holds up well under various loads and conditions. It provides a stable and comfortable hang, allowing you to enjoy your hammock without worrying about slippage or instability.
Value for Money
Given the quality of materials and the ease of use, this suspension bundle offers excellent value for money. It’s a worthwhile investment for anyone serious about hammock camping.
Pros
High-quality, durable materials
Easy to set up and adjust
Lightweight and portable
Provides a secure and stable hang
Cons
May be slightly more expensive than basic options, but the quality justifies the price
Conclusion
The Suspension Bundle to Elevate Your Hang is a must-have for hammock campers. It combines durability, ease of use, and portability into one package, making it a reliable choice for both novice and experienced campers. While it may be a bit pricier than some alternatives, the quality and convenience it offers make it well worth the investment.
For more information or to purchase, you can visit the product page here.
The Neon Reflective Shock Cord is vibrant and eye-catching, perfect for outdoor gear that needs high visibility. The reflective properties work well in low-light conditions, making it a great choice for securing tents, tarps, or backpacks during nighttime adventures. The 1/8″ diameter provides a good balance of flexibility and strength, making it easy to handle yet durable enough to hold tension under load. Overall, this shock cord is a solid choice if you’re looking for a reliable, reflective option in a bright neon color.
2. Tensionlock Lite – $3.25
The Tensionlock Lite is a lightweight yet sturdy hardware piece, ideal for adjusting cord tension quickly and easily. Its compact design makes it a perfect addition to any gear where you need to minimize weight without sacrificing functionality. It works seamlessly with 1/8″ shock cords, making it an excellent companion to the Reflective Shock Cord you purchased. The locking mechanism holds well under tension, ensuring that your setup stays secure. This is a must-have for any DIY gear project where weight and reliability are key factors.
3. TensionLock Hook (2 units) – $3.25 each, $6.50 total
The TensionLock Hooks are versatile and durable, offering a convenient solution for attaching and adjusting cords. They are particularly useful for creating quick-release systems on gear such as backpacks, tarps, or shelters. The hooks are easy to use, allowing for fast adjustments while maintaining a strong grip on the cord. Their robust construction ensures they can withstand significant tension without slipping, which is crucial for maintaining the stability of your setup. The hooks are a great addition to any outdoor gear or DIY project where ease of use and security are important.
4. Reflective Shock Cord (Black / 1/8″) – $7.50
The Black Reflective Shock Cord is a more subdued option compared to the neon version, but it still offers excellent visibility in low-light situations. The black color provides a sleek, professional look while the reflective material ensures safety and functionality during nighttime use. Like the neon version, the 1/8″ diameter strikes a good balance between flexibility and strength. This cord is perfect for those who prefer a more classic look without sacrificing the reflective safety feature.
Overall Impression:
Ripstop by the Roll offers high-quality, functional gear components that are perfect for DIY enthusiasts and outdoor adventurers. The reflective shock cords provide both visibility and durability, while the Tensionlock hardware pieces are lightweight, sturdy, and easy to use. Whether you’re upgrading existing gear or building something new, these items offer great value and performance.
Overview: The ENO Atlas Ext Straps are designed to complement the ENO Atlas Hammock Straps by offering extended length for greater flexibility in setting up hammocks. These extension straps are aimed at providing more options for finding suitable anchor points and adjusting the hammock’s height and tension.
Design and Features:
Material: The Atlas Ext Straps are made from strong, durable polyester webbing. Polyester is known for its high tensile strength, resistance to stretching, and durability in various weather conditions. This material ensures that the straps can handle significant weight and endure regular outdoor use.
Size and Length: Each Atlas Ext Strap measures approximately 6 feet in length. This length is designed to extend the reach of the standard ENO Atlas Hammock Straps, providing additional distance between anchor points. The added length can be particularly useful for situations where trees or other supports are spaced farther apart.
Weight Capacity: The Atlas Ext Straps are designed to support up to 400 pounds, similar to the standard Atlas Hammock Straps. This high weight capacity ensures that they can safely handle the load of the hammock and its occupants.
Ease of Use: The extension straps are designed to integrate seamlessly with the standard Atlas Hammock Straps. They feature multiple sewn-in loops, which allow for easy adjustment and secure attachment. This design ensures that users can quickly and accurately set up their hammock.
Portability: The straps are lightweight and compact, making them easy to pack and carry. They can be stored alongside the standard hammock straps or packed separately, depending on the user’s needs.
Tree-Friendly Design: Like the standard Atlas Straps, the Ext Straps are wide and flat, which helps distribute the load evenly and minimize damage to tree bark. This feature is important for maintaining responsible outdoor practices.
Performance:
Durability: The polyester webbing used in the Atlas Ext Straps is designed to withstand regular use and exposure to the elements. It is resistant to abrasion, UV rays, and moisture, ensuring long-term performance.
Adjustability: The multiple loops on the extension straps provide flexible and precise adjustment options. This allows users to easily achieve the desired height and tension for their hammock setup, even when using the extension straps.
Ease of Integration: The Ext Straps are designed to work in conjunction with the standard Atlas Hammock Straps. This integration ensures a straightforward setup process and maintains the overall reliability of the hammock suspension system.
Pros:
Extended Length: Adds additional 6 feet of length, providing more flexibility in finding suitable anchor points and adjusting the hammock setup.
Durable Material: Made from strong polyester webbing that resists stretching and wear.
High Weight Capacity: Supports up to 400 pounds, ensuring safety and stability.
Tree-Friendly: Wide straps help protect tree bark from damage.
Compact and Portable: Lightweight and easy to pack for outdoor activities.
Cons:
Requires Standard Straps: Designed to be used with the standard ENO Atlas Hammock Straps, so users need to own or purchase those as well.
No Hardware Included: The extension straps do not come with carabiners or other hardware, which may need to be purchased separately.
Conclusion: The ENO Atlas Ext Straps are a practical accessory for enhancing the flexibility and reach of your hammock setup. Their durable polyester construction, additional length, and ease of use make them a valuable addition for users who need to extend their hammock’s hanging distance. While they require the standard Atlas Hammock Straps for complete functionality and do not include hardware, their benefits in terms of increased length and integration with existing gear make them a strong choice for outdoor enthusiasts seeking a customizable and reliable hammock setup.
Overview: The Grand Trunk TrunkTech Hammock is a versatile and durable option aimed at enhancing outdoor relaxation. It combines advanced materials with thoughtful design features to offer a hammock that’s suitable for camping, hiking, and casual lounging.
Design and Features:
Material: The TrunkTech Hammock is made from high-quality, triple-stitched, and reinforced nylon fabric. This material is chosen for its strength and durability, offering resistance to tearing and abrasion. The fabric is also lightweight and breathable, ensuring comfort during extended periods of use.
Size and Capacity: The hammock generally measures around 10 to 11 feet in length, providing ample space for a single person to stretch out comfortably. With a weight capacity of approximately 400-500 pounds, it is designed to accommodate various body types and provide extra durability for long-term use.
Setup and Suspension: The TrunkTech Hammock features a user-friendly setup with included suspension straps and heavy-duty carabiners. The straps are adjustable, allowing for easy and secure hanging between trees or other anchor points. The setup process is straightforward, making it accessible for both novice and experienced users.
Portability: The hammock is designed to be compact and lightweight. It packs down into a small size, which is convenient for carrying in a backpack or storing in a car. This portability makes it an excellent choice for backpacking trips, camping, or casual outdoor activities.
Comfort: The TrunkTech Hammock’s nylon fabric is soft and comfortable, providing a pleasant lounging experience. Its design allows for a comfortable sleep or relaxation, with enough room to move around and find a comfortable position.
Additional Features:
Integrated Stuff Sack: The hammock includes an integrated stuff sack, making it easy to pack and transport. The stuff sack also helps keep the hammock organized and prevents loss of components.
Reinforced Stitching: The hammock features reinforced stitching at stress points to enhance durability and strength.
Performance:
Durability: The use of high-quality nylon and reinforced stitching ensures that the TrunkTech Hammock can withstand regular use and outdoor conditions. It is built to resist wear and tear, making it a reliable choice for outdoor adventures.
Ease of Use: The hammock’s setup is straightforward, thanks to the included suspension straps and carabiners. The adjustable straps provide flexibility in finding the perfect hanging height and tension.
Comfort and Relaxation: The soft nylon fabric and spacious design offer a comfortable and relaxing experience. The hammock is designed to provide a good balance of support and comfort, making it suitable for both lounging and sleeping.
Pros:
Durable Construction: Made from strong, high-quality nylon with reinforced stitching for enhanced durability.
Lightweight and Portable: Packs down into a compact size for easy carrying and storage.
Easy Setup: Comes with adjustable suspension straps and carabiners for a simple and secure hanging process.
Comfortable: Soft and breathable fabric offers a pleasant lounging experience.
Integrated Stuff Sack: Convenient for packing and keeping the hammock organized.
Cons:
Limited Insulation: As with most hammocks, it does not provide insulation or protection from the elements, so additional gear may be needed for cooler conditions.
Single Person Use: While it is spacious for one person, it may not be suitable for sharing or for those who prefer larger hammocks.
Conclusion: The Grand Trunk TrunkTech Hammock is a well-crafted and versatile option for outdoor relaxation. Its durable construction, ease of setup, and comfort make it a strong choice for camping, hiking, or simply enjoying the outdoors. While it may not offer insulation or accommodate multiple users, its combination of durability, portability, and user-friendly design make it a valuable addition to any outdoor enthusiast’s gear collection.
