Thermarest Slacker Hammock Double 2018/03/10
Sleeping out in the woods under a tarp with just a hammock suspended
between two trees must be one of the simplest and most immersive
outdoor experiences I can think of. It’s pure relaxation to have
nature all around you and not be enclosed in a tent or bivi. This is a
full review and field test on the Thermarest Slacker Hammock.
Introduction
Thermarest are a well known outdoor brand and recently they have brought
their knowledge on sleeping out in comfort to produce a new range of
hammocks and hammock sleeping accessories. The foundation of which is
the Thermarest Slacker Hammock which comes in a single or double size.
You can buy the hammock on its own or make use of a whole range of
complimentary products Thermarest has designed to go with it. This
system can therefore be adapted to suit individual needs which enables
the user to sleep out in a hammock in any environment.
Design
The Thermarest Slacker Double is a great hammock. I have been enjoying
late winter and very early spring camping with it. The design is well
thought out as it simplifies pitching so you can get it ready for
sleeping in really quickly. It can also be rapidly adapted for use in
colder conditions as you can attach an under quilt in seconds.
I went for the Thermarest Slacker
Hammock in double size as I have had bad experiences with single
hammocks not having enough space to move around in. This always
prevented me achieving a comfortable nights sleep. The Slacker Double
however has plenty of room for the single sleeper and the pack size is
hardly affected when going for this larger option.
Fabrics
The Slacker Double is made out of 100% polyester with a ripstop. It’s
strong and will help stop a tear propagating through it. No hammock can
prevent serious damage happening if a sharp object is pressed against it
when the user is suspended within it, so care must always be taken when
in any hammock not to puncture it but the presence of a rip stop is a
nice touch. The fabric feels very forgiving against the sleeper and is
breathable when sleeping out for more than a single night. Your sleep
system won't get too damp through sweat due to this breathability. Above
all good hammock practice dictates that we hang our sleeping bag every
couple of days to make sure moisture is not building up.
Pitching
Thermarest makes the Slacker hammock very easy to pitch with its Slacker
Suspender straps. The choice of webbing material on the straps allows
the user to get the hammock up in no time. With the knowledge that he or
she is well secured to the anchor point. To pitch the hammock you simply
pass the Suspender Straps around the tree and through a loop on the end
of the strap, do exactly the same on your second tree and then the
hammock can simply be clipped in. It’s very simple to then adjust the
tension on the hammock by pulling on the tab of the Suspender Straps.
Having used some other suspension options like the Whoopie Slings and a
homemade flat cord. I can say that I prefer the Slacker Straps for their
ease of use and durability.
Attachment Points
The carabiner you attach the straps to the hammock with sits very close
to the hammock itself. Therefore it’s very easy to attach an under quilt
as you can pass the lanyard from the under quilt though the carabiner at
each end and then the under quilt is ready to go. This is one of the
easiest ways to quickly and securely attach an under quilt that I have
used. Having the carabiner sat so close to the hammock itself means your
last line of defence against rain seeping into the hammock down the
webbing is very close to you. Consequently on prolonged trips I would
set up some drip lines. These can be positioned along the webbing strap.
Also making sure the carabiner has a low point to gravity. As the water
could drip off before it reaches you and your hammock. The tightly woven
webbing of the Slacker Suspender straps does not wick water well which
is a good thing.
Conclusion
The Slacker Double has a pocket that acts as a stuff bag for the
hammock. This can be used to store books and small belongings, such as
an eReader when sleeping in the hammock. I use a small 4 litre dry bag
to hold the hammock as its easier to use than trying to get it back into
the stuff pocket which is square shaped. Highly Recommended.
