• Here ’s our "carb-free "Crib!...features a fully zippered no-see-um bug netting canopy with 70D coated ripstop nylon bottom, along with Easton® 7075-T9 aluminum poles and an internal sleeve that accepts a sleeping pad for added comfort. Also inside are two accessory pockets. Nylon jersey - mesh pole sleeves are positioned on the exterior for convenient set-up and easy zipper use. Crazy UltraLite Tarp is made of 30D silicone coated cordura ripstop. Includes guy lines, stakes, and stuff sack.

Description [return to top] The Crib LEX Lightweight w/ UltraLite Tarp consists of a rectangular nylon body with an integrated zippered bug netting canopy supported by poles, as well as an internal sleeve for a sleeping pad. There is an un-attached sil-nylon fly that may be used to provide coverage, or left off in nice weather. For a much more detailed description, along with photos, please see my Initial Report.

Field Information [return to top] Our Boy Scout troop camps monthly, generally in the wooded areas of southeastern Pennsylvania and the Pocono Mountains. Almost all of these outings included a minimum of 2 nights of camping, with temperatures from lows around 35 ºF (2 ºC) to highs around 105 ºF (41 ºC) during the 4-month test period. Elevations ranged from sea level to approximately 1,500’ (457 m).

Since my Field Report, I spent a weekend at the Gettysburg battlefield, with nights spent in a nearby wooded campground. Temperatures ranged from lows around 35 ºF (2 ºC) to highs around 65 ºF (18 ºC), with elevations about 500’ (150 m). I used my Insulated Air Core mattress and the Exped Wallcreeper. I did not zip the netting while sleeping, as there were no bugs to worry about, eliminating the contortions I mentioned in my Field Report. Hanging the fly just high enough to stand under and the hammock about even with the bottom of the fly proved to be a very workable combination for me – I could get in and out fairly readily, but was just above any breezes blowing by. The trees I used were fairly large (I could wrap my arms around them with just a little overlap), creating a bit more stability than the smaller trees I used previously, but not enough to keep me from feeling a bit tipsy getting in.

Things I was looking for: Ease/speed of set-up. Can I get it up easily in bad weather? When I’m tired? When it’s dark out (I prefer to know all of my gear by touch)? How long does it take? Pack size/weight. Experience to date tells me that bulk is more of a problem for me to pack than weight, though age continues to creep up on me, so packed size will be fairly important. My current shelter/sleep system is fairly light, so I hope not to increase it too much. Dimensions. Do I fit? Comfortably? With my gear? How large a site do I need? Durability. Are there any significant wear points, especially over time? The spots where poles contact the shelter will be investigated, along with tie-out points, zippers, etc. Waterproofness. I don’t mind being wet during the day, but I prefer that my gear be dry when I use it, particularly while sleeping. Ventilation. Do I need to worry about condensation? Adjustability. How high/low can/must it be pitched? Pads. Which of my pads may be used with the Crib? How easy is it to get them in and out? Is it more comfortable to have the pad in the sleeve, or just inside the hammock? Ground-pitching. What if there are insufficient trees? Can the Crib be pitched as a tent if necessary?

My findings: Ease/speed of set-up. I can get the hammock up in under 5 minutes. The fly, with its great variabilty, can take a bit longer. Pack size/weight. It’s almost 2 pounds (~1 kilo) heavier than my current setup, and half again as large when packed, but still smaller than all but my very smallest solo tent. Dimensions. It seems plenty big enough. Durability. I see no wear issues, and the only breakage is due to me falling on it. Waterproofness. I experienced no rain while in the LEX. However, my experience with the fly’s fabric indicates that the fabric itself is waterproof, but I can not speak for the seams, which are not sealed. Ventilation. The entire canopy is mesh, and the fly can be pitched as far above as desired. Adjustability. My experience indicates that the LEX should be hung between knee-high and hip-high. Pads. It works well with my Air Core. Ground-pitching. With a few extra stakes (for stability) and a pair of trekking poles, the LEX makes a decent solo tent. I would likely use a ground sheet to keep the hammock clean, or eliminate the hammock completely and just use the fly with a groundsheet when bugs aren’t an issue.

Things I like [return to top] Complete. Comfortable. Easy to ground-pitch. Things I don't like [return to top] A bit heavy. Lighter-weight body fabric could be used. Tree distance limited to 16 feet (5 meters). VERY top-heavy – especially when hung tightly – making it unstable, particularly when attached to small trees.

Summary [return to top] This is a well-made, bug-resistant hammock with a full-coverage fly. Other than balance issues – which may be my own – I found it comfortable, durable, and fairly easy to deploy. I will be adding the LEX to my gear closet (to my wife’s chagrin) as a back-up, or as a loaner for those interested in trying out hammocking for the first time. My personal preference is for a different hammock design, but I would have no problem recommending the LEX to anyone.

Thank you for your time. Chuck Kime a.k.a. Fuzzy

Reviews > Shelters > Hammocks > Crazy Creek Crib LEX Lightweight > Chuck Kime > Long Term Report