Initial Report - Speer Hammocks 2x2
Segmented Pad Extender

Product information: Manufacturer:  Speer Hammocks URL: http://www.speerhammocks com Listed weight: 3.6 oz (102 g) Actual Weight: 3.6 oz (102 g) Listed Dimensions of main panel: 20 x 46 in (508 x 1170 mm) Actual Dimensions of main panel: 20.25 x 46.25 in (514 x 1176 mm) Listed Dimensions of side panels: 5 x 20 in (127 x 508 mm) Actual Dimensions of side panels: 5 x 20 in (127 x 508 mm) Listed Weight of Closed Cell Foam Wing Inserts: 3.2 oz (91 g) Actual Weight of Closed Cell Foam Wing Inserts: 3.3 oz (94 g) Listed Dimensions of CC Foam Wing Inserts: 5 x 20 in (127 x 508 mm) Actual Dimensions of CC Foam Wing Inserts: 5 x 20 in (127 x 508 mm) MSRP of SPE: $35.00 US MSRP of CC Foam Wing Inserts: $8.00 US

Product Description | Manufacturer's Website | Field Information
Test Plan | Initial Impressions | Reviewer Info

Product Description:[back to top]

The Speer Hammocks Segmented Pad Extender (SPE) is essentially a large tube of nylon fabric which is sized to accept a standard 20 in (51 cm) sleeping pad,  along with 4 smaller tubes of cloth that are designed to hold smaller insulation items, such as clothing, leaves or foam pads. The concept is that you can configure the SPE with the desired amount of insulation and have a large amount of a hammock bed covered, while not having to carry oversized pads or specialized equipment. Instead the user can use standard pads along with other gear that they may already be carrying to configure the amount of coverage they need.

When the SPE arrived, I quickly unpacked it for inspection. This thing was small and light and had been shipped with a set of Closed Cell Foam Wing Inserts, which are precut to fit the Segmented Pad Extenders side sleeves. I was first impressed by the lightweight material that was used. It is very light and somewhat transparent.  It did not come with a container for packing, such as a stuff sack, or an envelope. It is, however, very compact and I plan on simply rolling it in with whatever pad I use for any given trip.
 
I slid the provided inserts into the side sleeves and also inserted a self inflating pad. The side sleeves seem to be just a bit loose for the inserts, while the main panel may be just a bit narrow. After assembling this basic configuration, I laid down on it to see how the coverage was and was glad to see that when I put this into my hammock, it would give me ample coverage side to side.

Manufacturer's Website:[back to top]

The Speer Hammocks website provides a set of clear diagrams depicting the use of the Segmented Pad Extender. It also provides pictures explaining the use of the SPE with the foam inserts as well as other insulation items, such as clothing. The information provided was clear and concise.

Field Information:[back to top]

In the next 6 months I have trips planned that will provide great testing opportunities for the Speer SPE. My plan is to change out to a quilt for the testing period, as this will provide a true test of the system. My upcoming trips include:

A 60 mile (97 km) kayaking trip along the Edisto River in South Carolina USA from Ghivens Ferry State Park to Charleston Bay. During this trip I will be dealing primarily with damp conditions at or near sea level. I will be packing my gear into the holds on the kayak and will be sleeping in my hammock system. Temperatures during this trip, while warmer, will still be chilly at night. I will most likely use a blue foam pad in conjunction with the SPE as well as any dry clothing for the wings.

A number of short trips as well as an extended trip into the Dahlonega Uplands in North Georgia to work on backpacking skills with new Boy Scouts as well as a bunch of grumpy leaders. These trips will offer varying higher altitudes and varied weather conditions. During some of these trips I will be cutting my gear list to a minimum and will be using foraged material (moss, leaves, etc.) instead of standard pads to eliminate weight and volume in my pack.

A trip to the Keys which will give a chance to test the SPE in salt air and warm breezes. Temperature should not be an issue on this trip, except for the distinct possibility of getting too hot. It will be nice to still have the padding in my hammock as I will probably be sore from paddling all day. There is a possibility that I could use seaweed as an insulation material, but if I cannot find a volume of that, I will resort to a full length Thermarest and towels for the wings.

A horseback camping trip somewhere in Alabama. Packing for this trip will be less of a concern, but I don't ride often so I will probably be sore. I will bring a 3/4 length ThermaRest as well as my blue pad. At this point I will probably want to create blue foam inserts for the wings of the SPE and see if they work out.

Test Plan:[back to top]

The outings I have planned for the next six months provide a wide array of conditions, and will allow for a varied testing base. The specific issues I am hoping to determine are:

1. Convenience: One thing I like about Hammocking is that it is a lot simpler to set up than a tent/ground sheet, pad, sleeping bag setup. How much work is involved in configuring the SPE? Does it take more time than getting a tent set up? Do the individual pads stay put, or am I going from 1 pad moving to 5 or 6?
   
2. Comfort: Is the SPE effective at keeping the pads positioned properly, therefore keeping me ON THE PADS? I know that pad selection is my own educated choice, so the SPE cannot actually be responsible for warmth, but if it keeps my chosen material in place, we are golden.
   
3. Adaptability: How many different lofting materials can I cram into the compartments? I see blue foam, and clothing. What about inflatable shipping material? Do leaves and other natural products stay put or fall out of the chambers?
   
4. Durability: I will probably need to wash the SPE. Will it hold up to laundering? Is the material fairly durable, able to withstand use with natural fiber, pine needles and the like?
   
5. Overall Design: Is the level of workmanship high? How small does it pack? Can I leave it in my hammock and just pack the hammock without adding undue bulk?

Initial Impressions:[back to top]

The Segmented Pad Extender is an interesting approach to dealing with the common concern of staying warm in a hammock system. I am interested to see how the SPE will perform its task. From the start, I will point out the following areas of excitement and concern:

Excitement: The SPE is very lightweight  Will not require special equipment

Concerns: Will the thin nylon hold up to regular use? Will the side inserts stay put?

Thanks to Backpackgeartest.org and Ed Speer for the opportunity to share my experiences!

Reviewer Info:[back to top]

Name: Arron Robinson
Age: 33
Gender: Male
Height: 5' 9.5" (1.77 m)
Weight: 230 lb (104.3 kg)
Email address: mouserar-at-gmail-dot-com
City, State, Country: Dallas, Georgia, USA
Date: 07 July 2005

Backpacking Background:  Camping and hiking since 11, I've been in a constant search for the perfect balance between usability, durability and weight. These days my camping is generally a mix of Boy Scout style crew camping, kayak or canoe camping or light to mid weight hiking. I generally carry 20-25 lb (9-11.3 kg) and sleep in a hammock system.