“For the Guys

…5. How often are you away from home and wish that you had your tunes to enjoy? The compact Hi-Fi Speaker System ($19.95 at Eagles Nest Outfitters) works with any phone or MP3 and will blast his favorite songs anytime he fancies. Thanks to the handy hook, this cool speaker can attach to a belt loop, a backpack or just about anywhere.”

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Hammocks have roots in equatorial regions and traditionally are used only in summer months. Eagles Nest Outfitters hopes to change that equation with its new Blaze “under-quilt” and Ignitor “top-quilt.”

In short, the down-stuffed pieces work. We tested it this month. You can stay warm in freezing temps in this setup.

Caveat: It’s going to cost you. Together this winter hammock setup will cost about $600, including $300 for the Blaze and $230 for the Ignitor plus around $60 for the hammock.

I tested it last week in Minnesota where spring temps still sit around freezing. Crawling into the hammock it felt like I was in a cocoon. The down-insulated covering above and below me was warm even as brisk winds whirled outside.

The top- and bottom-quilts are sold individually but they work well as a team. The Blaze weighs in at 24 ounces. The down-filled quilt fits snugly underneath the hammock and keeps cold air from seeping through.

It attaches easily to a suspended hammock by adaptable shock cords that hook on to the hammock systems’ carabiners.

Once inside, pull up the Ignitor to seal in your body heat. This 23-ounce, down-filled quilt is rated to 35 degrees Fahrenheit. It eliminates the ill fit and the struggle of getting in and out of a sleeping bag while in a hammock.

In the end, the hammock add-ons did what they promised, keeping me warm on a winter night. They cost a lot, but when compared to a high-end sleeping bag of similar quality the pricey hammock pieces might be worth it if you want to sleep suspended all year long.

—Amy Oberbroeckling is assistant editor.

ENO DoubleNest Deluxe hammock (MSRP $84.95): Sleeping in a hammock slung from trees is relaxing. Sleeping in a double hammock slung from trees with your honey is euphoric. And ENO has recently made some updates to their popular hammock to complement your campground gear. New snaps and an aluminum carabineer lighten the weight of the hammock, but increase its durability. ENO also now offers an interior hanging kit! If you can’t swing a tropical beach vacation this year, at least you can pretend.

“Because the only thing better than lazing around in your backyard is lazing around at a sweet campsite with an incredible view. Eagles Nest Outfitters’DoubleNest hammock has room for two, packs down to the size of a softball, and sets up in a few seconds. $65″

Image: Inga Hendrickson

“When you start to think about it, it’s actually quite hard to figure out what is so appealing about the simple pleasures you receive as a hammock enthusiast. Is it the gentle rocking which puts you into a comfortable sleep? Is it the idea of being completely suspended from the ground…while sitting? Prior to Eagles Nest Outfitter’s invention of the Singlenest Hammock ($55) these simple hammock-related joys of life were often restricted to suburban backyards, now the possibilities are endless—especially for overlanders. I’ve personally owned a Singlenest for almost 5 years, and while the thin and lightweight material may seem a little bit worrysome at first, I’ll say that I’ve never had an issue. If I could offer a suggestion on setting the Singlenest up—purchase their Slap Strap setup and hang it between your vehicle and a sturdy connection point like a big tree or rock. If I was to start an extreme overlanding hammock club, would you be in?”

“DoubleNest Hammock Sleeps 2, Holds 400 lbs, Stuffs in a Pack.

There’s nothing better after a long day on the trail than relaxing in a hammock under the stars. (Especially when you’ve got someone special next to you.) But there’s nothing worse than hauling a big, bulky, heavy hammock along in your gear pack.

The DoubleNest hammock from Eagle’s Nest Outfitters takes care of both issues. Constructed of strong, breathable, tightly woven nylon (that means no waffle marks on your back after a trail nap), it measures a huge 9’4” x 6’2” and can support up to 400 lbs. Plenty of room for you and your hiking date.

But as big and roomy as it is, the DoubleNest weights a featherlight 22 oz. and stuffs down into its own attached compression sack, where it takes up less space in your pack than a couple of softballs.

Use the attached super strong nautical grade line and carabineers to hang the DoubleNest with your own line, or grab a set of ENO’s Atlas straps, designed make set up of the hammock quick and easy. The 11 oz. straps are constructed with 15 loops on each side to provide the perfect option for hanging, and are made of a poly-filament webbing to prevent them from providing extra and unnecessary give. Because nothing ruins a good double hammock afternoon like a droopy line.”