Bushcraft UK/Snugpak Coc(c)oon Questions

[Steve M]

First of all, what is the correct spelling? :)

Other than that, I've been playing with setting it up and am using a ridge line underneath to create a roof. I'm tying a couple of tensioning lines to the loops to go on this ridge line to keep the thing in place. But here are the questions ...

Why are there two of those loops on each end?

Which way up is it supposed to go? The logo implies one way, the zip flap implies another and the pocket yet another.

Any thoughts on the "best" way to set it up?

[wentworth]

I tried mine out yesterday. Here are my thoughts:
-Having a ridgeline inside creates more dead air space. Too much dead air space for your body to heat in my opinion. If the gap is too large, you'll need to fill it up with a jacket or quilt.

- Don't have the ends of the cocoon open. This allows heat to escape. Several people have commented on cold from underneath and I think this is the reason.

-Seal the ends off and have the zip slightly open so your nose is poking out.

-The webbing loops at the ends are to attach to prussic lines to tension the cocoon. I used them to seal off the ends and to secure it to the ends of the hammock.

-Look at Ed Speer's Peapod. It's cut much larger than the cocoon and as a result needs another quilt inside to keep it warm. Since the cocoon is smaller and therefore requires less insulation, why try and make it a little tent? You can't have a tent and sleeping bag in one.

-Using a ridgeline in the cocoon means the insulation is compressed where it comes in contact with the cord. This leaves an area of zero insulation. And since heat rises, this line of zero insulation is where heat will rise to and out of the hammock.

Overall I think it's a good design and am looking forward to using mine this winter.

Hope this helps :)

[Bodge]

Hi Smarvell, have you read this thread?
http://www.bushcraftuk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=40046

hth