Turk
2007-09-04, 21:16
(56K WARNING - LARGE IMAGES CONTAINED IN THIS POST)
The following is a review in progress. This original post may be updated in
future should any information require alteration or further explanation.
Product: Convertible sleeping bag, with built in hammock
Manufacturer: High Peak / Simex Sport
Model: Panda Hammock
Images and Comments:
1. At first glance you have a synthetic fill mummy style sleeping bag.
2. Note the center-line zip with over cover and draft tube. This
feature
also seen in the Feathered Friends Wren series of bags, the Speers Frog
Sac, and Exped Wallcreeper, is sheer brilliance and functionality for
hammock users.
3. & 4. Much like a transformer, two velcro tabs on either end of the bag
release the body-ends of the hammock and suspension system which is
permanently attached as part of the sleeping bag.
5. Dimensions and material composition. NOTE! This bag is
advertised as not recommended to anyone over 190cm.
In my limited evaluation of this product, and being 5ft,10" myself,
I can say this is a fair assessment.
6. The bottom of the hammock/bag features a separate full sleeve
insert to accomodate a full length pad, or series of pads. A personal
note: - your full length pads will need to be cut to a taper at the
foot end if you intend to use the entire length of the sleeve. I
would hypothesize this sleeve could accomodate up to 2" of
stacked pads without problem. I will confirm this at a later date.
7. Temperature rating is listed on the bag. The manufacturer
provides 3 different ratings for the bag +7 deg C, +2 deg C and
-13 deg C depending on your individual comfort. (I have no test data
on the accuracy of these ratings yet available)
8. Inside of hammock/bag features a small zip storage pocket
for personal items.
9. Side view of hammock/bag suspended
10, 11, 12. Various detail shots of bag/hammock interior
13. No ropes included with hammock. Provide your own suspension
system. Couldn't resist a blatent cameo for my modified Figure 9
setup.
14. The rig that is supplied with the hammock is a continuous loop of
webbing. This will be the first thing I cut and replace as it is an awkward
inefficient length, and prone to significant stretch.
http://ehko.info/HQ_panda_ham_col.jpg
End notes:
In my testing so far (current as of Sept 4/07) there are a few
items I would like to address. I am much more used to asym hammocks.
Because of this, I find the hammock far more confined. It is not possible
to lay as far on the diagonal as I would prefer.
I also feel the stock suspension system needs to spread. Perhaps I will
try a spreader bar or some means of allowing the ample gathered ends
to expand further than currently possible with a tight closed loop.
The following is a review in progress. This original post may be updated in
future should any information require alteration or further explanation.
Product: Convertible sleeping bag, with built in hammock
Manufacturer: High Peak / Simex Sport
Model: Panda Hammock
Images and Comments:
1. At first glance you have a synthetic fill mummy style sleeping bag.
2. Note the center-line zip with over cover and draft tube. This
feature
also seen in the Feathered Friends Wren series of bags, the Speers Frog
Sac, and Exped Wallcreeper, is sheer brilliance and functionality for
hammock users.
3. & 4. Much like a transformer, two velcro tabs on either end of the bag
release the body-ends of the hammock and suspension system which is
permanently attached as part of the sleeping bag.
5. Dimensions and material composition. NOTE! This bag is
advertised as not recommended to anyone over 190cm.
In my limited evaluation of this product, and being 5ft,10" myself,
I can say this is a fair assessment.
6. The bottom of the hammock/bag features a separate full sleeve
insert to accomodate a full length pad, or series of pads. A personal
note: - your full length pads will need to be cut to a taper at the
foot end if you intend to use the entire length of the sleeve. I
would hypothesize this sleeve could accomodate up to 2" of
stacked pads without problem. I will confirm this at a later date.
7. Temperature rating is listed on the bag. The manufacturer
provides 3 different ratings for the bag +7 deg C, +2 deg C and
-13 deg C depending on your individual comfort. (I have no test data
on the accuracy of these ratings yet available)
8. Inside of hammock/bag features a small zip storage pocket
for personal items.
9. Side view of hammock/bag suspended
10, 11, 12. Various detail shots of bag/hammock interior
13. No ropes included with hammock. Provide your own suspension
system. Couldn't resist a blatent cameo for my modified Figure 9
setup.
14. The rig that is supplied with the hammock is a continuous loop of
webbing. This will be the first thing I cut and replace as it is an awkward
inefficient length, and prone to significant stretch.
http://ehko.info/HQ_panda_ham_col.jpg
End notes:
In my testing so far (current as of Sept 4/07) there are a few
items I would like to address. I am much more used to asym hammocks.
Because of this, I find the hammock far more confined. It is not possible
to lay as far on the diagonal as I would prefer.
I also feel the stock suspension system needs to spread. Perhaps I will
try a spreader bar or some means of allowing the ample gathered ends
to expand further than currently possible with a tight closed loop.