for living life outdoors

Transcription

WILDLIFE L E A R N T O U S E Y O U R S E N S E S A N D F I E L D C R A F T
‘for living ors’
life outdo
& SURVIVAL SKILLS
Spoon carver Giles Newman
on quitting the rat race
The Bushcraft Show 2016
Iconic UK tree species
How-to make simple wooden
tongs for camp cooking
and much more...
WIN!
A ROS
DOUG S
LAS
KNIFE
Bushcraft & Survival Skills Magazine Issue 63 July/Aug 2016
ITH
COOKING W
E
YOUR BAR
HANDS
BEGINNING : KIT
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BUSHCRAF TIONS
A
CONSIDER
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The UK’s First
TEMS
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REVIEWED
Issue 63 July/Aug 16
Cert no. TT-COC-2200
REVIEW
AUTHOR PROFILE:
SLEEP
SYSTEM
REVIEW
Grant Neale
Born and bred in Rhodesia (now Zimbabwe), Grant
recently retired from serving as a British Police Officer
for over 20 years, with duties that included being
an authorised firearms officer on Armed Response
Vehicles, and a National Rifle Officer (Sniper). Grant
more than enjoys the outdoors and is very interested in emergency
preparedness and living life to the full. His motto is ‘it’s better to have it and
not need it, than need it and not have it’. The first priority of survival is unanimously
considered to be shelter, as you will die sooner from
hypothermia/exposure than from thirst or hunger.
A sleep system forms part of your shelter just as
much as your tent or clothing, and it should not be
scrimped on. The old adage, ‘You get what you pay
for’, really does apply when it comes to investing in
your sleep system! I have met people who believe
a £9.99 sleeping bag will be sufficient used alone
for camping year round in the UK. These people are
obviously the ones who have never actually done
so, as they would surely rue the day if they did.
So what is a sleep system?
A sleep system should consist of three main parts, which
are: 1) The weather barrier, which, as its name suggests
provides protection from the weather/elements, most
notably the heat wicking effects of wind, rain and snow.
2) The base layer, this is the surface that you will lie on
to protect you from the surface beneath that will conduct
heat away from you and cold to you. They say one layer
underneath is worth two on top.
3) The cover or sleeping bag is the method you use to
sleep in or are covered by and it is the main agent for
retaining body warmth.
Maintaining body temperature is vital to your health.
72 • BUSHCRAFT & SURVIVAL SKILLS MAGAZINE
Body temperature can be reduced in four ways:
1) Evaporation of bodily fluids such as sweat and
respiration.
2) Conduction, when the body contacts a colder surface,
such as water, sitting on a cold bench, sleeping on the
ground.
3) Convection, a type of conduction where one of
the objects is in motion, such as wind displacing the
insulated air close to the body by cold air from the
outside.
4) Radiation is when the heat generated from within the
body is given-off to the surrounding atmosphere. The
body loses 65% of its heat through radiation.
A sleep system should therefore negate each loss factor.
The weather barrier
Barriers include such kit as tarps or bashas, bivvis,
swags, ponchos and tents. They are available in many
different styles, fabrics and designs but have one thing
in common; to protect the user from the wind and rain.
Deciding upon which barrier is most suitable will depend
on where, why and how you will be using it as well as its
size, weight and price.
The basic entry and most versatile barrier is the tarpaulin
(tarp) or 'basha' which is a Malay word meaning 'a
shelter' or ‘hut’. A tarp is basically a lightweight, normally
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rectangular sheet of waterproof fabric that can be made
into a low profile shelter by the use of two poles and
some cord. A tarp/basha is invaluable for use alongside
other barriers, even a tent, as it provides the user with
an additional layer of overhead protection to operate in.
Ideally the tarp should be waterproof, large enough to
be effective and have sufficient eyelets or tabs to secure
it properly.
from the basic ‘foam roll mat’ to ones with an inflatable
honeycomb foam and some that are a luxurious
combination of being inflatable with a memory foam
core. The right choice of mattress is generally influenced
by your personal needs with consideration of its size
and weight, as well of course by price. Camp beds are an
option too, and are very effective when used together
with mattresses to be an ultimate base layer.
A popular barrier which can be used alone or
preferably with a basha, is the bivvi, a term abbreviated
from bivouac, a French word meaning ‘temporary
encampment’. A bivvi is an extremely lightweight,
waterproof shelter, an alternative to the more traditional
tent systems. It’s essentially a waterproof/windproof sack
for your sleeping bag to go inside. This protects you from
the negative wicking effects of wind and rain. Bivvis can
be used without a sleeping bag, but are most effective
when used in synergy with a sleeping bag and can be
used inside a tent and they are ideal in a hammock. The
most basic bivvi should at least be waterproof and made
from a breathable fabric like Paratex or Gore-Tex. The
downside to bivvis is that if they are your primary barrier,
they are close fitting and so you feel the impact of rain
and wind. They are also difficult to get in and out of in
such conditions without the ingress of water into your
sanctuary.
A mattress is especially recommended for use with a
hammock; as the air that passes underneath you in a
hammock conducts heat away from your body just as
much as the cold floor, if not more so! Alternatively there
are under blankets for hammocks or hammock cocoons,
which aim to do insulate the user from this conduction.
If you see a wafer thin mat and think it looks ineffective,
that’s because it probably is. Foam mats are not that
great and will still conduct heat/cold even with reflective
coatings. The better choice would be an inflatable foam
mat as the air pocket is a better barrier for conduction.
You get what you pay for and this review has some great
Therm-a-Rest mats and hammock accessories to consider.
One step up from a simple bivvi, is the bivvi shelter or
one-man tent, and the swag, which all provide a greater
degree of protection with room to move and live in.
One-man bivvi shelters or tents are ideal for solo or
lightweight travelling and are a really good alternative to
larger tents. They are made of lightweight waterproof/
breathable fabric and are designed with a frame/poles
of some kind to provide a low profile shaped shelter for
the user. Swags are a heavyweight, more substantial
alternative to the bivvi shelter and often have a mattress
already built in. These are generally made of canvas
and are too heavy for hiking, so are more suited for car
camping. The pros of the Swag over the lightweight
fabric one-man tent is that due to the thicker canvas and
bulk, they give a sense of greater protection from the
elements when inside. I shan’t go into tents too much at
this time, but will do so in issue 67 (Mar/Apr 2017). Tents
are the ultimate barrier (good ones are at least) and like
everything, you get what you pay for.
The base layer
Ground mattresses or mats are the most common
and versatile base layer as it provides both a means of
comfort and reduces conduction from the user to the
ground and vice versa. The right mattress ideally should
be the correct length and width for the user to allow this
conduction barrier to be most effective. The mattress
should also be able to provide the user with a degree of
comfort from the surface that they will lie on. Mattresses
are available in a myriad of designs, shapes and sizes,
If you’ve never tried sleeping in a hammock, best you
do so before deciding on using one and if you have a
bad back, I wouldn’t even bother. Hammocks are like
Marmite and they have some great advantages over
ground sleeping, not least because they keep you off
the rocks/roots and up away from the creepy crawlies.
Hammocks also are lightweight, versatile, easy to erect
and take down as well as being easy to stow for carriage.
The disadvantages of hammocks are that you are more
at the mercy of the wind passing all around you wicking
away all your lovely heat. Plus unless you have bought
your own frame for your hammock, you need to have two
hanging points (usually trees) to suspend the hammock
from, and a top cover to protect against the elements.
The hammock suspension system usually incorporates
using some cord and/or webbing and often some
combination of metal hooks or rings. It would be wise to
use at least a 6mm static climbing rope and not the 2mm
Para cord supplied, as this flexes too much meaning your
set up under the canopy often drops lower, leaving you
more exposed. Hammocks come in a range of styles and
have varying prices, don't forget to make sure it can take
your weight!
Sleeping bags
Sleeping bags are categorised as being 1, 2, 3 or 4
season, so a 1 season sleeping bag will only be good for
summer camping, for example. They are usually sold
with temperature ratings showing their comfort and
extreme zones. This information should be seen as a
guide and not a guarantee. It is important to remember
that temperature ratings will vary from person to
person, the way you sleep and how easily you feel the
cold will have a bearing on the bag you choose. The
sleeping bag user is still required to comply with a few
BUSHCRAFT & SURVIVAL SKILLS MAGAZINE • 73
REVIEW
basic sleeping bag guidelines in order to achieve the
designated temperature rating. These guidelines are
that the users firstly select a sleeping bag that is the
right size for their height and weight, as a bag that’s
too big will not be effective due to heat been lost in the
voids. The user should be dry and suitably attired when
getting in the bag. Ideally the user should try to lock
in as best as possible their body heat by use of a neck
baffle or something like it. The idea is create a personal
microclimate, with body heat providing/sustaining the
warmth by trapping air to insulate you. Lastly, try not to
breathe into your bag as breath contains moisture, which
will condense, and as we all know, water conducts heat
away.
Sleeping bags come in a myriad of designs, shapes
and sizes, made from all kinds of materials, with fillings
that are either natural down/feather or synthetic. With
regards fillings, down is lighter and can be compressed
smaller for storage, but are often more expensive and
when wet don’t perform as well and can’t generally be
washed. Some people are also allergic to feathers, so best
try before you buy.
Bags containing synthetic fillings can
be washed, compressed and they are
still effective even when wet and assist
with wicking away sweat effectively.
Sleeping bags can be bought as part of
a set containing both the barrier and
bag or as part of combination system
that allows bags of a lower season
rating to be added together. This
combination system is useful for year
round use and adds to the versatility.
Removable sleeping bag liners are
recommended as they help maintain
your sleeping bag's technical
performance by keeping it clean. They
are available in a variety of materials,
and all add an extra layer of insulation
and a means to wick moisture away.
Liners can be used in warmer situations
as a sheet, once again, try before you
buy. I advise that you be professionally fitted for your
sleeping bag. Snow & Rock in Covent Garden, London
are one such company that offers this service. Hopefully
this article will also assist with your decision-making/
purchasing.
A special thank you to Snugpak, Alpkit, Buffalo and
Cascade Designs, who kindly provided kit for me to use
as examples for each of the three parts of a sleep system.
I selected these brands, as I trust their kit and all are
worth considering.
Weather Barrier
This barrier is intended to protect
the user from the elements such
as rain and wind which wick away
body heat.
Bivvi Bag
Available from: www.snugpak.com
Price: £64.95
Lightweight, waterproof and windproof, the Bivvi Bag
provides protection from weather elements all year
round and is small enough to be carried on its own for
emergencies, as well as used in conjunction to form part
of a sleeping system.
• Made of Paratex Dry, a lightweight, and durable 100%
waterproof and breathable fabric. Hydrostatic Head in
excess of 5000mm (Hydrostatic Head over 1500mm are
generally considered waterproof)
• Supplied with its own stuff sack
Colours available: Olive, Black or
Coyote Tan
Weight: Standard - 300g, Extra Long
- 310g
Dimensions (cm): Standard - Width
(Chest) 75 / Width (Foot) 50 / Length
220 • Extra Long - Width (Chest) 87 /
Width (Foot) 60 / Length 275
Pack size (cm): Standard - 13 x 10, Extra
Long - 15.5 x 10
Please Note: Snugpak Bivvi Bags have
a solid coating, and although designed
to be breathable, sufficient air cannot
pass through the fabric to sustain
breathing. Care should be taken not to
completely seal any Bivvi Bag system,
so as to prevent suffocation.
Reviewer’s comments:
The bivvi bag is the multi-purpose
entry-level barrier that should be included in every sleep
system. This Snugpak Bivvi is one that has all the desired
qualities for a bivvi, it is waterproof, breathable, large
enough to use and yet can be compacted to be pocket
sized. On its own, this bivvi is comfortable to use and I
didn’t get clammy in it due to its ability to breathe. It is
good value for money, especially ideal for hiking due to
its compactness and being lightweight.
‘Bivvis are lightweight shelters and an essential part of
any sleep system’
All Weather Shelter
Stratosphere
Price: £54.95
Price: £129.95
The Snugpak All
Weather Shelter is
an impressive 9.3m2
rhombus shaped tarp
shelter, designed for Bushcraft. It can be configured as
a Fly, Tarp, Lean-to Shelter, Emergency Bivvi, as well as
other freestanding shelter designs. It can also be utilised
as an emergency
stretcher if necessary.
This one-man bivvi
shelter is smaller than
a standard tent. The
Stratosphere packs
into its own compression sack.
• PU Coated 210T Rip
Stop Nylon
• Waterproof
• SPF30 Protection
• 8 ultra lightweight
alloy stakes / 4 Guy
Ropes
• Seams are taped
and sealed for
waterproofness
• Webbing tabs
are reinforced
along the sides.
• Stuff sack
Colour
available: Olive
Weight: 1kg
Dimensions
(cm): 305 x 305
Pack size (cm):
(Shelter only)
24 x 12
• Fabric Outer: 50D Nylon Rip stop
• Fabric Bottom: 70D Nylon Taffeta with PU coating
• Highly Breathable
• Poles: 8.5 mm Aluminium with screw lock tip
• Seams are waterproof and taped
• Mesh Mosquito Net
• Ultra light alloy pegs
Colour available: Olive
Pack weight: 1.13kg
Dimensions (cm): 230 x 106 x 49
Pack size (cm): 31 x 14
The ‘basha’ is the entry-level shelter and this Snugpak
All Weather Shelter is more than large enough to be
able to be used in any desired configuration to be an
effective shelter and top cover. It is very well made and
has sufficient tabs and eyelets and comes with enough
Para cord for guy ropes as well as pegs to be instantly
useable. The rhombus design of this shelter makes it
handy for use with hammocks if used in a fly shelter
configuration. The packed size of this tarp is too big to
be pocket sized and not light enough for taking back
packing. It is though ideal for car camping and adding to
your ‘bug out bag’ as well as for use in any emergency.
Snugpak also market the lightweight ‘Stasha’, which
is similar in quality and effectiveness, only smaller,
covering just 4 m2
The Snugpak ‘Stratosphere’
is basically a souped-up
bivvi with some tabs and
flex poles to make a rigid
head dome. I appreciate
that the design is intended
to provide the user with
more protection than a
basic bivvi, but getting
in and out is fiddly,
with stiff zips. When
eventually inside, it is
surprisingly claustrophobic and contact with the fabric
is unavoidable, which to the touch feels cold. I would
recommend using a bivvi bag and a separate basha/tarp
instead, which would be cheaper and more effective.
‘9.3 m2 of high quality tarp that will make an effective
shelter and top cover’
‘A souped up bivvi that’s bit of a tight squeeze’
REVIEW
Ionosphere
Grand Solo2 swag
The Ionosphere by Snugpak is a two-pole, one-door
compact tent. The Ionosphere has an impressive floor
space, measuring 2.4m long and 0.9m wide, creating
ample room for a single person with their equipment;
in an emergency the Ionosphere can accommodate
two people. It can be used in the worst four-season
inclement weather.
This simple swag bag is
an updated version of the
traditional Aussie camping
equipment combining tent and mattress in one.
Price: £149.95
• Green ripstop outer flysheet with waterproof coating.
• Waterproof nylon groundsheet.
• Black polyester mesh inner (mosquito net)
• Taped waterproof seams.
• Single-point side
entry
• Two Aluminium Poles,
with press fit
connections.
• 14
Lightweight
Alloy CrossStakes
Colour
available:
Olive
Pack Weight:
1.52kg
Pack size
(cm): 48 x 14
Dimensions
(cm): 265 x
100
Front Pole
Height: 70cm
Back Pole
Height: 40cm
Reviewer’s
comments:
Compared to Snugpak’s Stratosphere, the Ionosphere
hits the mark for being a worthwhile shelter/barrier.
It is easy to set up, consisting of a separate flysheet
over a mesh inner with an attached decent waterproof
groundsheet. Its design allows for good airflow yet
remaining protected. It is sufficient to accommodate
1 normal sized person only, yet it is marketed to fit 2
people. I find this claim to be unrealistic, and cannot
envisage it been comfortable or practical even in a dire
emergency unless you are a stick man. The Ionosphere
is expensive compared to other such marketed shelters,
but it is good quality and will last.
‘An impressive good quality, but pricey one man tent’
Available from: www.outhausoutdoors.com
Price: £179.90
• 400g waterproof, rip stop, rot proof polycotton canvas
material
• 50mm mattress with zip on/off washable cover
• Steel pegs &
guylines with
black sliders
• 38mm heavy
duty webbing
compression
straps
• Internal
pocket
• 2 x PVC
attached boot
mats
• 550g PVC floor
• Double zip
allowing fulllength entry
and ventilation
with bug-stop
mesh at the
head end
Colours available: green or brown
Weight: 7 kg
Dimensions (cm): 97 x 36 x 36
The swag is becoming more commonplace here in the
UK. Swags are generally made from canvas and so are
heavy and bulky, ideally suited for car camping. The
convenience of a swag is that they have a mattress
already included and so are easy to set up; just unroll,
fit the poles/pegs and voila. In issue 44 (May/Jun 2013)
I reviewed swag bags and this Outhaus swag is half
the price and almost as good as the Coolabah swag
that won my ‘best in test’. The main selling point of
swags compared to other one-man tents is how secure
and protected the user feels when inside. The thick
canvas wall/roof, bathtub PVC groundsheet and built in
mattress instantly provides a sense of being safe in your
own sanctuary. The main problem is their portability
and weight. This swag can be used even in a building or
barn and will last for years and years even with rough
treatment. The same cannot be said for most other
lightweight synthetic tents. This Outhaus Swag is easy
to get in and out of either through the top/front or end;
both have canvas flaps that velcro in position and a bug
net. The top end bug net isn’t secure at the bottom,
which is a bit of a let down. This swag will be included in
my Tent Review in issue 67 (Mar/Apr 2017) when a more
thorough assessment will be presented. If you want a
good swag, then this is one I would recommend.
‘A swag bag that will last years and gives great
protection for any user’
Base Layers
Base layers are intended to provide both a means of
comfort and also reduce conduction from the user to
the ground and vice versa.
RidgeRest SOLite
Available from: www.heinnie.com
Price: £22.95
A virtually
indestructible
lightweight foam mattress, coated with a layer of
reflective ThermaCapture technology that redirects
radiant heat back to your body to amplify warmth.
Moulded closed cell foam, crosslinked polyethylene fill
Thickness: 1.5cm
Insulation: R-Value 2.8
Dimensions (cm): Small - 122 x 51, Regular - 183 x 51,
Large - 196 x 63
Pack size (cm): Small - 17 x 51, Regular - 20 x 51, Large 22 x 64
Weight: Small - 260g, Regular - 400g, Large - 540g
Colour available: Silver/Sage
The RidgeRest SOlite is a top end foam mattress and one
that I think is
the basic entry
level standard
for a base layer
for a sleep
system. Foam
mattresses are
all pretty much
indestructible;
this one like all
others I have
used provided
minimal
comfort and
insulation. If
foam mats are
used on a wet
floor, they can
soak up and retain water, so reducing their effectiveness
as a barrier to conduction, even with any fancy coating
or texture. This foam mattress is lightweight and rolls
down to a manageable size to hang off a backpack for
hiking. I never recognised any noticeable benefit from its
ThermaCapture technology coating or its shaping, but I
am informed it boosts heat retention by 13%.
‘A base layer that is virtually indestructible yet
affordable and reliable’
Z-Lite Sol
Available from: www.ultralightoutdoorgear.co.uk
Price: £39.99
The Z-Lite mattress
is Therm-a-Rest’s most compact closed-cell mattress.
Featuring a compact accordion-style shape and heat
trapping dimples, with ThermaCapture coating to
capture radiant heat.
The foam is softer on
top for comfort and
denser on the bottom
for durability.
Moulded closed cell
foam, crosslinked
polyethylene
Thickness: 2cm
Dimensions (cm): Small
130 x 51,
Regular
183 x 51
Pack size
(cm): Small
51 x 10 x
14, Regular
51 x 13
x 14
Weight: Small 290g, Regular 410g
Colours available: Limon, Silver and Coyote
The Z-Lite Sol is an impressive mattress with its
accordion design that I like as it enables the mat to
lie flat instantly without the annoying curling up of a
roll mat. It is about as comfortable as the SOLite and
I did not notice any benefit from its ThermaCapture
technology coating or in its peak and valley design, but I
am informed it boosts heat retention by 20%. The Z-Lite
fitted well in a hammock and is overall a good bit of kit.
‘A great accordion design, that easily lies flat without
rolling up’
REVIEW
BaseCamp
NeoAir Camper SV
Available from: www.raymears.com/Bushcraft_
Products • Price: £60 (Regular)
Available from: www.facewest.co.uk
Price: £112.50 (Large)
The Therm-a-Rest
BaseCamp Sleeping
Mattress is an exceptionally comfortable sleeping mat
for year-round use. Its larger size and thick padding
make this an excellent choice when a good night's rest
is your main priority. Self-inflating design is lightweight
and soft.
Therm-a-Rest took their thick, ultra-supportive NeoAir
Camper mattress and added their new SpeedValve (SV)
design. This special valve allows the mattress to inflate
up to three times faster than traditional valves, with a
fraction of the effort. Efficient heat capture to deliver
reliable, compact three-season comfort.
75d polyester fabric and expanded PU foam
Thickness: 5 cm
Self-Inflating Mattress with a single top up valve that
screws open/closed.
Dimensions (cm): Regular - 183 x 51, Large - 196 x 63,
XL - 196 x 76
Pack size (cm): Regular - 13 x 53, Large - 13 x 66, XL - 13
x 79
Weight: Regular
- 1080g, Large
- 1450g, XL 1670g
Colour available:
Blue Nights
Includes stuff
sack
Reviewer’s
comments:
The BaseCamp is
noticeably more
comfortable than
any foam mattress,
particularly when lying
on your side. The air
and compressed foam
core means your body
weight feels evenly
distributed when lying
down. The firmness can
be adjusted to suit by
means of adding/expelling air from the top up valve. The
provided stuff sack has an adjustable nylon strap that
can be hung over your shoulder or hung off a rucksack.
The Regular is about the largest that you’d want to
take hiking in terms of size, but for comfort I personally
would opt for the Large as the 63cm width is about right
for a man. The price is comparable to others of similar
quality and with more than twice the insulation and
more comfortable than foam it is worth every penny!
‘Twice the insulation and more comfortable than foam;
worth every penny’
75d polyester
Thickness:
7.6cm
Insulation:
R-Value 2.2
Dimensions
(cm): Large
- 196 x 63,
X-Large 196 x 76
Pack size
(cm): Large
- 27 x 15,
X-Large - 31
x 15
Weight: Large - 1.05kg, X-Large - 1.28kg
Stuff sack and repair kit included
Colour available: Mediterranean Blue
I first saw and tried out the NeoAir Camper SV at the
Outdoor Retailer Tradeshow in Salt Lake City (USA) in
August 2015. I saw it in February 2016 at the ExCel in
London where it was on display along with the rest of
kit chosen to be finalists for the UK Outdoor Industry
Awards 2016. It won this award and several others too.
The SV (Speed Valve) is really impressive requiring only
a few blows into an extended piece from the top of the
mat and then secure it just like you would a dry bag. A
smaller traditional valve can then adjust the mattress to
your required firmness. To deflate, simply reverse the
procedure and roll it up, no fuss, no waiting for air to be
expelled.
The mattress is comfortable to lie on and packs away
to a very manageable size, ideal for backpacking and
general camping.
‘Winner of several awards including a UK Outdoor
Industry Award 2016, in the ‘camping’ category’
Hammocks
The commonly used sleep choice for the modern
bushcrafter.
For hammocks, I would recommend using Therma-Rest's Slacker Suspenders hanging kit. Simple to
wrap around your chosen trees, pass one end loop
through the other, clip-in your hammock and adjust to
the perfect length with an auto-locking slider. They’ll
fit around any tree up to 173 cm around and their
2.5 cm width is tree-friendly for your (and the tree’s)
convenience.
Available from: www.cotswoldoutdoor.com
Price: £20
‘A reliable easy option to secure a hammock’
Para cord flexed too much causing the hammock to sag
to the ground even when not under load. At 6’6” tall I
found it to be a snug fit and it could do with an extra 20
cm added to the width and length. If you replaced the
2mm Para cord with either 6mm static climbing rope or
Therm-a-Rest's Slacker Suspenders hanging kit, it would
be alright.
‘A simple no frills, sturdy hammock’
Jungle Hammock
Price: £44.95
Tropical Hammock
Price: £34.95
A 4-season hammock
made from
lightweight but extremely strong parachute material,
with heavy-duty
carabiners and
triple stitched
seams for extra
support.
• Manufactured
from parachute
nylon material
• Suspension
attachment
system included
(550 Para cord), two steel carabiners
• Maximum user weight: 180kg
Weight: 590g
Dimensions (cm): 275 x 135
Pack size (cm): 20 x 17 x 7
The Snugpak Tropical Hammock is an entry-level basic
hammock. It is designed with simple fabric, gathered
at both ends, which are attached to carabiners.
The hammock itself is OK quality, but the provided
suspension system is inferior at best and dangerous at
worst. The Para cord included to suspend it is simply
not adequate and has stress points at every knot. The
A 4-season hammock made from lightweight but
extremely strong parachute material, with heavy-duty
carabiners and triple stitched seams plus a mosquito net
to provide protection from biting insects.
• Mosquito net made from 20D Polyester with 1000
mesh per square inch
• Hammock manufactured from parachute nylon
material
• Suspension attachment system included (550 Para
cord), two steel carabiners & 4 elasticated guy ropes.
Complete weight: 790g
Dimensions (cm): 275 x
145
Pack size (cm): 23 x 18 x 7
The Snugpak Jungle
Hammock is basically the
same as the Tropical Hammock, only with a mosquito
net added. The additional mosquito net has a full-length
zip on one side and can be elevated by being hung
from the provided elasticated guys threated through
tabs. My concern about the provided suspension system
involving the 2mm 550 Para cord is the same as for the
Tropical Hammock and you would need to replace this.
After minimal use of the Jungle Hammock, the mosquito
net tore away from the hammock sheet and the zip also
failed, making it ineffective.
‘A sturdy hammock but a flimsy mosquito net’
REVIEW
Slacker hammock (Single)
Available from: www.heinnie.com
Price: £53.95
Slack off in style with
a polyester fabric
hammock that easily stuffs into its own attached pocket.
• Materials: 100% polyester ripstop
• One-piece design
• 2 x Ultralight aluminum carabiners
Colours available: Green and Orange
Weight: 570g
Dimensions (cm): 295 x 160 x 25.4
Of all the hammocks tried in this review, I would have
to say that the Therm-a-Rest Slacker Hammock was
the most sturdy, comfortable and best value one and
overall the one I would recommend. Of course if DD
and Hennessey were in the mix, the result might be
slightly different. The Slacker’s polyester fabric is more
comfortable than nylon and it is 20 cm longer and wider
than the others too. This hammock would be ideal for
use in the garden or for use when camping.
‘A super comfortable polyester hammock’
• Materials: Outer fabric: Micro Diamond 100% polyester
water repellant ripstop fabric • Inner fabric: Paratex
Antibacterial, 100% polyester • Filling: Travelsoft (100%
polyester)
• Full-length zip (allowing easy access in and out)
• Fits most hammocks
• Complete with Compression Stuff Sack
Weight: 1950g
Note: The Hammock Cocoon is NOT designed to be load
bearing!
The concept of the ‘Hammock Cocoon’ sounds good
and with some imagination might appear to be the
solution to achieving hammock heaven. However in
reality it isn’t and doesn’t! Getting in and out of the
hammock with a fitted Cocoon is simple as is zipping
yourself in, remembering it has a wider chest than foot
end. The bulk of the cocoon and weight of nearly 2 kgs
makes it heavy and when in situ the 2 gaping open ends
are basically chimneys to let out all the valuable trapped
air. The Cocoon may suit some people, but overall I was
not impressed and would rather spend the money on a
decent sleeping bag.
‘A sleeping bag that goes along and around the outside
of a hammock’
Hammock accessories: -
Hammock Cocoon
Price: £79.95
The hammock
cocoon is essentially
a removable 2-season sleeping bag that fully encases
the hammock (rather like a giant banana skin) trapping
warm air within the hammock/filling. A full-length zip
allows easy access in and out of the hammock.
Hammock Under blanket
Hammock Bushcraft Quilt
The Snugpak Under
Blanket is basically a
section of a 2-season
sleeping bag hung on the underside of the hammock,
intended to insulate the user from passing cold wind.
The Hammock
Bushcraft Quilt has
been designed for
use in a hammock as a cover that also incorporates a
foot sack. Providing the user with warmth as well as the
means of getting in and out of a hammock easily.
• Materials: Outer fabric: Micro Diamond (100%
polyester), a water repellant ripstop fabric
Inner fabric: Paratex Antibacterial (100% polyester)
Filling: Travelsoft (100% polyester)
Weight: 1100g
Dimensions (cm): 188 x 109 without flaps each Flap
25cm
Price: £49.95
• Materials: Outer fabric: Micro Diamond 100% polyester
water repellant ripstop fabric.
Inner fabric: Paratex Antibacterial (100% polyester)
Filling: Travelsoft (100% polyester)
• Fits most hammocks
Weight: 1450g
Unlike the Snugpak Cocoon, the Under Blanket is a
worthwhile accessory for hammock users. A hammock
usually feels permanently cold, but when fitted with
the under blanket it doesn’t feel as cold. Certainly when
in the hammock it made a noticeable difference to
comfort and the maintaining of warmth was noticeably
improved. The bulk and weight though of the ‘under
blanket’ may be a put off considering the need to still
carry a sleep mat and sleeping bag. I would certainly
recommend trying it at least and I believe it will improve
one's hammock experience.
‘A novel and practical solution for hammock users’
Price: £39.95
The Hammock Bushcraft Quilt is a welcome accessory,
it is functional and a practical solution for those who
struggle with getting in and out of sleeping bags in
the tight confines of a hammock. The foot sack and
side flaps tuck in to keep it in place and work well to
lock in some body heat. I even found it was practical,
warm and useful when watching the TV indoors and I
am considering using it in hotels rather than using their
dodgy bedding. Compared to a using a sleeping bag,
it wasn’t as good as heat got lost, not least because
there is no under insulation even when using the
Under Blanket. For a warm night when minimal cover is
needed, then this ‘quilt’ is the answer.
‘Forget the hammock hassle of getting in a sleeping
bag, this quilt solves the problem’
REVIEW
Sleeping Bags
Sleeping bags are the mainstay
for both retaining body heat and
keeping the user warm and protected, ensuring a good night's
sleep.
The Navigator SQ
Price: £31.95
The Navigator is part of Snugpak’s Basecamp Range of sleeping bags.
The Navigator is an ideal introduction to Snugpak's range of sleeping
bags. These chunky, warm and comfortable bags are made to the
same exacting standards as the rest of the range; with Supersoft
lining that’s soft to the touch and provides considerable warmth. The
Navigator can even be opened to make a versatile square quilt.
The Navigator is a good example of a basic sleeping bag; it is a
straightforward rectangular soft comfy bag with an adjustable hooded head and minimal inner baffle. This bag is
suited for users under 6 foot, as I found that the baffle came up to my armpit rather than my neck. The chest width
is snug and for a larger person it might be too restrictive. The build quality and comfort of the material and filling is
very reasonable and for the price great value. It is quite heavy and bulky as a hiking bag, but for seasonal or festival
camping, it will do the job well. Additionally, it's cheap enough not to worry too much if it gets ruined or lost.
‘An economical cosy bag, ideal for festival goers’
Jungle Bag
Price: £39.95
A sleeping bag for tropical conditions with a built in mosquito net. It
can be opened to make a versatile square quilt. The whole bag packs
down to about the size of a large coconut.
The Jungle bag is very similar to the Navigator in shape and design, but
without as much insulation and with a removable mosquito net. This
bag was more accommodating of my 6’5” length but the Chest width
is snug and for a larger person it might be too restrictive. The mosquito
net over the face area is zipped to enable it to be removed and stowed
into a handy pouch. The zip is small and fiddly to operate and I kept
getting the side fabric caught in the run. Opening the net up in the
dark is really annoying and a little bit of frustration/panic can creep in
to get out. In the past I have done wild camping in Zimbabwe where
there’s plenty of bugs; I don’t like the way the mosquito net rests on the
skin/face as from experience they will still get you if the net is touching
skin. The overall build quality and comfort of the material and lightweight filling is comfortable, but I wouldn’t trust my
jungle experience to it.
‘A lightweight, compact bag for use in the summer, but issues with the mosquito net’
Softie 15 Discovery
the bag too. I managed to free
(break) the baffle’s elasticated
draw cord immediately from its
fixed position, but was still able
to utilise it well enough. This
sleeping bag is certainly snug
and if you like sleeping with
your arms across your chest
and are large, then maybe think
again. The bag is very well made
and certainly up to the task of
being a super insulator and will
last years. It is though probably
going to be too warm to be
used for the British summertime
alone. This bag is quite heavy for
going hiking with, but is overall
a superb 4-season bag that will
please its user.
Available from:
www.snugpak.com
Price: £159.95
Originally designed for people
working and operating in Arctic
conditions who demand serious
performance from their kit, the
Softie 15 Discovery provides
maximum warmth in extreme
temperatures, yet still packs to a
relatively small, handy pack size.
The Softie 15 Discovery is super
soft, generously padded and
expertly designed, with basically
a 360° neck baffle and ‘mummy’
shape to maximise heat retention. The side zip goes
down to the feet where there is the handy reinforced
foot section meaning if needed boots can be worn in
Special Forces Complete
System
Available from:
www.snugpak.com
Price: £299.95
The SF Complete System includes
the Special Forces 1 Bag for use in
above freezing temperatures and
the Special Forces 2 Bag for use in
temperatures right down to -10°C.
In extreme conditions, the user can
place the Special Forces 2 Bag inside
the Special Forces 1 Bag and join
them together with the extra zip
baffle, giving protection in conditions
right down to -20°C.
The SF Complete System is really
all about giving the user various
options and covers contingencies in
case of deployment to any location
Quart
(All weather Sleep System)
Price: £179.95
‘The ultimate sleeping bag for softness and warmth’
BEST
IN
TEST
and climate. Both the SF1 and SF 2 sleeping
bags are exceptionally well made and are
formidable. The versatility of having both
to either interchange or combine
depending upon the activity is
this product's selling point and
will be as useful to hikers and
bushcrafters as it is to the military.
A zip baffle is provided to assist
combining the bags, whilst handy
and convenient to use it is a bit
fiddly and the same result can
be achieved with out it. Both
the bags on their own are light
and compact, admittedly their
combined weight tips the scales
to be the heaviest in this review.
The price may seem steep but
‘you get what you pay for’.
‘Combining the SF1 and SF2
sleeping bags is both practical
and ingenious’
The Quart System combines Snugpak’s Softie 3 Merlin
sleeping bag with their TS-1 Liner and Bivvi bag. It can
be used as a one or two season sleeping bag. With this
system, the user gets all three components for a reduced
REVIEW
price, rather than purchasing them all separately.
I was glad to see that
a thermal liner was
incorporated into this set up,
but I am not fond of sleeping
bags that are just ‘bags’. The
Softie 3 sleeping bag has no
zip, just an elasticated neck
that isn’t that large and for
me this was too snug and
uncomfortable. The Quart
understands the spirit of a
sleep system and has gone
some way to deliver on it, but
in my opinion used the wrong
sleeping bag. I would advise
that the SF1 be used instead. The TS-1 thermal liner is
described as being ‘thermal suede with an incredibly
soft finish’. This is a generous
description as I found it to be
soft but rough, inasmuch that it
seemingly caught on everything,
even my dry hands and was overall
quite annoying. The Quart is
reasonably compact but the price
is too steep for what you actually
get. I would not recommend it
as is, rather suggest for the same
money to build up your own set
combining the Bivvi and SF1 bag,
forgetting the TS-1.
Antarctica RE
over side opening varieties and so once again this feature
pleased me. Size wise, the Antarctica RE
is a beast, weighing in at nearly 3kg and
achieving the stated pack size is unrealistic;
add 5cm each way at best.
Price: £189.95
The Antarctica RE is Snugpak’s most
extreme performance bag. Ideal if
the user is planning an expedition in
extreme conditions, or somewhere
that the temperature could plummet
during the night.
The ‘Antarctica RE’ is a formidable
super warm, extreme weather
sleeping bag. It at first reminded me
of my favourite 20-year-old Soldier
95 bag, but this one is far superior
in every way, maybe not so roomy, but way toastier and
more luxuriously soft. I am a fan of centre opening bags
Alpine Dream
Available from: www.alpkit.com
Price: £230
I had to include a ‘down’ sleeping
bag in this review and from what I
have read and seen myself, Alpkit’s
Alpine Dream is perhaps one of the
best examples to choose. My dad
used to have an old beige ‘down’
sleeping bag that he used to use
during the bush war in Rhodesia.
He found the bag very effective
and it lasted many years, but I can
still remember the musty smell
‘The concept is good, the kit isn’t
so much’
It is by far the warmest bag in this review as
far as both advertised temperature ratings
and my experience of the reviewed bags
goes. It is also reasonably priced considering
it’s an extreme weather bag, cheaper than
its peers like the SF complete system and
Alpkit but on a par with Buffalo’s 4s. If I was
planning a trip or expedition to a freezing
place and carriage wasn’t a problem, I would
definitely take the Antarctica with me.
‘Ideal for use in any extreme weather’
JOINT
as it could not be washed
RUNNER UP
due to the feathers. This
experience put me off using
FOR BEST
down myself but I have now
IN TEST
become converted as down
bags are so much lighter,
compact and seemingly warmer.
The Alpine Dream is less than half the weight of
Snugpak’s SF complete system with the same
overall temperature rating. Ideal for hiking
and backpacking where weight and size are a
consideration. The high quality of this sleeping bag
and Alpkit gear in general, might explain the high
price tag. I wish it were also available in a longer
length, as for me at 6’5” it is too short.
‘A ‘down’ right good lightweight sleeping bag’
UP
T
4s outer bag (Large)
Available from: www.buffalosystems.co.uk
Price: £163
Part of the Buffalo Sleep System, that can be used on its own as an efficient 2/3-season bag from April to September.
When combined with the 4S Inner, it can be used all year round in sheltered places. Using a Thermaliner, this is then a
full 4+ season system, for comfort all year round.
JOINT
RUNNER UP
FOR BEST
IN TEST
I am a big fan of all the kit from Buffalo Systems
ltd. and I have owned several items of their
clothing and a sleeping bag over the last 20
years. I cannot expound enough praise for
how great I think Buffalo’s Double Pertex (DP)
material is and I would recommend their kit to
anyone and everyone who is serious about being
well equipped for the outdoors.
The 4s outer sleeping bag is available in 4 sizes to suit the user's
dimensions and can be combined with the 4s inner to make it a
true 4 season all weather bag. The Pertex 5 outer shell material, whilst
able to withstand showers isn’t totally waterproof, so in really wet weather it
should preferably be used in a bivvi. Getting in and out of the Buffalo 4s is easy
and the central zip is really handy and glides well. The head section
is my favourite part of the design, inasmuch that it is actually head shaped. This feature for me works better than a
neck baffle at retaining body heat and is more comfortable and less claustrophobic too. The head also zips closed over
the raised face section, still leaving enough of a gap for breathing. The 4s can be used as is, but I’d recommend getting
and using a silk or thermal liner for both added insulation, hygiene and protecting the bag's pile interior. I would say it
is value for money and from personal experience, it will last for many years and still be as good as the first day you got
it. A lot of service men I know also highly recommend this sleeping bag too.
‘The Pertex and Pile combination, make this sleeping bag exceptional’
Concluding remarks:
This sleep system review has
hopefully gone some way to explain
the rationale behind choosing kit
that makes up a sleep system, as
well as providing some examples
to choose from. The choice of kit
out there is immense and it would
be impossible to obtain or list all
the kit that I’d recommend. Having
an understanding about what each
bit of kit does towards making up
a sleep system is as important as
the kit itself. In my experience kit
works best when used in synergy
with other kit like good boots need
good socks. Sleep systems follow
the same logic of combining kit so
as to maximise their effectiveness
and functionality. Don't forget that
common sense and experience
are also an essential foundation
to decision-making. Try before
you buy and bear in mind my
comments are subjective, based on
my experience, likes and dislikes.
In closing, I will reiterate what I
believe, which is that ‘you get what
you pay for’!
WIN!
A Snugpak
Hammock
Bushcraft Quilt
& Hammock
Under Blanket!
Email competitions@
bushcraftmagazine.com
or post in your details for a
chance to win.
(See T&Cs p4)

for living life outdoors

Transcription

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