Buying the new gear can be kinda expensive. I think you might be able to use some of the stuff you have already to dabble in the hammock realm a bit more.

I don't know how long your flat tarp is corner to corner, but it might have enough coverage to use as a asym diamond style tarp.

You can make a cheap bug net out of tulle. this could be made for less than $10 and they weight less than 1.5 oz
http://www.hammockforums.net/forum/showthread.php?t=21063

if you feel that an asym hammock would be more comfortable then you can turn your gathered end hammock into an asym easily
http://www.hammockforums.net/forum/showthread.php?t=670

fleece underquilts are cheap and easy.
http://www.hammockforums.net/forum/showthread.php?t=29

I'm sure you could pull together a decent hammock kit for less than $50 with the stuff you already have. it'll weight a bit more than a bivy and tarp, but I don't think you'd have any problem getting a 10 pound base weight.

Then you can have an option to go both ways.


-Loki

Yeah, I've had my eye on that DIY Asym thread on HF. It might be a little harder since I have a 1.1 double.

I've also considered taking an old (12+ yrs) 20* synth bag and cutting it down to a 3/4 length UQ. It already packs small and light, so cutting it down would make it pretty light/small, and I imagine it would work well down to ~35* and up if there isn't much wind.

How long does an asym tarp need to be? 1' longer than the SRL? If so, would a 9.5' x 5' asym tarp with angled short sides work well? That should be cheap and the ridgeline length would be ~10.5' (one foot longer than my hammock).

Then that leaves me with needing a new bugnet...or maybe just a head covering that cinches around my torso? It would be lighter, and I have the noseeum mesh already.

Even still, with work ramping up, I might have to wait before these project begin.

Edited by FightingTheTide on 01/07/2013 12:22:48 MST.

I've been stuck in between the hammock and the ground before...



In all seriousness, kick out the underquilt and put the sleeping pad IN the hammock. No more torquing, plenty of warmth underneath you, and the flatter surface makes changing positions and moving around easy. I use a Thermarest inflatable and a Hennessy Hammock down to 0º.

-M