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OWNER REVIEW – Jacks ‘R’ Better (JRB) Three Season Hammock Quilt Set
BIOGRAPHY
Name: Jeff Jackson
Age: 29
Gender: Male
Height: 5’ 10” (178 cm)
Weight: 185 lbs (84 kg)
Website: http://www.geocities.com/jwj32542/HammockCamping.html
Email: jwj32542 at yahoo dot com
Location: Monterey, CA, USA
Date: 22 Aug 05
Backpacking Background:
I have been backpacking for about eleven years. I started as a three-season overnight-only hiker in the North Georgia mountains, and have since hiked in California, Colorado, Georgia, New Jersey, New Mexico, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, and Virginia. Weather has generally been mild (50-85 F / 10-30 C), although I sometimes hike in winter (~20 F/-7 C) as well. My current pack weight is roughly 30 lbs (14 kg). When I go on a 2-3 day hike with my children (6 and 10), my pack may edge up to 40 lbs (18 kg). I am most often a hammock camper, but I still use a tent when my wife comes along.
PRODUCT INFO
Manufacturer: Jacks ‘R’ Better, LLC
Product: Three Season Hammock Quilt Set (2004)
- Nest underquilt, No Sniveler top quilt, Suspension System, Two Compression Sacks
Website: http://www.jacksrbetter.com/
Listed Weight:
- Nest: 20 oz (567 g)
- No Sniveler: 20 oz (567 g)
- Suspension System: Not Listed
- Compression Sacks: 1 oz (28 g) each
Weight as Delivered:
- Nest: 20 oz (567 g)
- No Sniveler: 17 oz (482 g)
- Suspension System: 2 oz (56 g)
- Compression Sacks: 1 oz (28 g) each
MSRP: $395
PRODUCT DESCRIPTION:
The Jacks ‘R’ Better (JRB) Three Season Hammock Quilt set was designed specifically to provide insulation underneath the Hennessy Hammock (HH) line of products, and consists of the Nest underquilt, the No Sniveler top quilt, a suspension system and two compression sacks. JRB markets this set as a simple solution to extend hammock camping to 30 F (-1.1 C).
Jacks ‘R’ Better based the Nest and No Sniveler on the same design. Both quilts measure 78” x 48” x 2” (198 cm x 122 cm x 5 cm) and are made from 1.1 oz ripstop nylon with Durable Water Repellent (DWR) treatment. The outer nylon is emerald green, and the inner nylon is black for quick sun-drying. Each corner of both quilts has a ½ inch (1.3 cm) grosgrain loop for the suspension system. The box baffle design, made with no-see-um mesh, contains the 750 fill power down. The baffles run perpendicular to the body only, allowing the user to shift the down to the edges or to the center of the quilt as desired to adjust for warmth. I measured the baffling seams every 7 ½ inches (19 cm) on both quilts. The 78” (198 cm) edges of each quilt contain “ladder loops” that attach the quilts to the side tie-outs on the HH. They are aligned for the asymmetrical series of hammocks, but JRB will modify them at no charge to fit the non-asymmetrical hammocks if needed. On both 48” (122 cm) edges of each quilt, a parachute cord drawstring with small cordlocks allows the ends to be tightened to create a footbox or to customize the fit to the hammock. Additionally, a strip of no-snag hook and loop material on each side allows each quilt, on its own, to be folded over and attached to itself. The strip is 18” (45.7 cm) on the Nest and 23” (58.4 cm) on the No Sniveler. When configured this way, and with the drawstring pulled tight to “bunch up” the quilt’s end, a footbox is created for use as a top quilt.
The Nest has some features that differentiate it from the No Sniveler. Designed mainly for use as the HH underquilt, it has a 33” (83.8 cm) slit down the middle of the foot end that lines up with the bottom-entry opening of the Hennessy Hammocks; no-snag hook and loop strips line the slit, which can be connected to itself or to the hook and loop in the Hennessy opening. Additionally, the Nest can be worn as an insulated serape by separating the ends at the slit and putting the quilt over the shoulders. The two sides of the foot end are then crossed in front of the chest, and the drawstring is tied around the wearer to keep it tight. Using the Nest as a worn insulation layer allows the weight-conscious backpacker to leave a separate insulation layer, such as a down vest, at home.
Instead of the HH opening slit, the No Sniveler has a headhole in the middle so it can be used as an insulated poncho. This headhole is a 13” (33.0 cm) slit in the middle of the quilt, lined with no-snag hook and loop so that no drafts cool the sleeper when used as a quilt. While the No Sniveler does not have the HH opening slit, it can still be used as an underquilt; the user simply pushes the No Sniveler aside to enter the hammock, then repositions the quilt under the hammock after entry.
Each quilt can be used individually as an underquilt, top quilt or worn insulation. When used as a set, the Nest generally provides underside insulation for the HH and the No Sniveler is used as a top quilt inside the HH. In temperatures below the recommended 30 F (-1.1 C), both quilts can be attached below the hammock simultaneously, providing 4” (10 cm) of loft underneath the occupant. In this case, the user will need additional insulation inside the hammock, such as a top quilt or sleeping bag.
The suspension system consists of two 26” (66.0 cm) lengths of shockcord and four small carabiners. A carabiner clips to each grosgrain loop and to a loop at each end of the shockcord, then the shockcord is hitched to the hammock support lines. This is a very simple, effective system requiring no alterations to the hammock. To gain the 4” (10 cm) of underside insulation described above, both quilts attach to the same suspension system.
To pack up the quilts, JRB includes a 1 oz (28 g) silnylon compression sack, currently the lightest compression sack on the market, for each quilt. These sacks compress each quilt to a 7” x 7” x 7” (17.8 cm x 17.8 cm x 17.8 cm) plug. When I purchased the set, JRB included Python Skins similar to the Hennessy Snakeskins, which swallow the hammock and underquilt (still attached) into a tube for easier setup. Because of patent concerns, JRB has stopped manufacturing the Python Skins, but Tom Hennessy now offers a #4 Snakeskin set that will accommodate a JRB underquilt. Since JRB no longer includes the Python Skins in the Three Season Set, I will not provide further details on their use. Interested readers should check the Hennessy Hammock website for details on the Snakeskins.
FIRST IMPRESSION:
After hours of online research and trying several methods of insulating the underside of my hammock, including sleeping with pads in the hammock, creating two-layer hammocks with a pad in between, and pulling a sleeping bag over the whole hammock, I decided that the most comfortable method for me is an underquilt. Sleeping bags pulled over the hammock limited my movement too much, and sleeping pads inside the hammock buckled and restricted airflow, but underquilts seemed to combine the best of all systems.
Since Jacks ‘R’ Better is the only company currently providing hammock underquilts for sale, I ordered the JRB Three Season Hammock Quilt Set. Jack “Peter Pan” Tier and Jack “Smee” Myers were exceptionally helpful in answering my questions before the order, and I received the shipment in only three days. When I first picked up the box, I was shocked at how light it was! Upon opening the package, I found that each product appeared exactly as described on the website. The box also contained a small page of instructions.
Jacks ‘R’ Better did not waste any weight on frills or extras; the designs are very simple and very functional. The quilts were soft and comfortable, and each seam was straight with no irregular stitching. I was quickly convinced that I had purchased quality gear. The instructions were easy to understand, and attaching the underquilts for the first time was much easier than I expected.
To install, I hitched the shockcord onto the hammock support ropes, then clipped the carabiners onto the shockcord and onto the grosgrain loops on the underquilt corners. Repeating this on the other end supported the quilt underneath the hammock. Next, running the HH side tie-out lines through the “ladder loops” on the long side of the underquilt ensured the quilt hugged the bottom of the hammock. At this point, tightening the drawstrings snugged the quilt to the hammock for its entire length, eliminating air gaps and providing maximum insulation. [Leaving the drawstrings open, or “opening the windows” as Peter Pan calls it, provides ventilation to make the quilts comfortable in temperatures between 60 F-70 F (15.6 C-21.1 C).] I had to be careful to maintain proper tension on the shockcords; too much tension will stretch the underquilt across the hammock and compress the insulation, and too little tension will create air gaps between the hammock and underquilt, which cause cold spots inside the hammock. Tension is easily adjusted by sliding the hitch along the hammock support rope. While I had to exit the hammock to adjust this tension, this process was generally only necessary upon installation. Once the underquilt is installed, it can be left on the hammock and packed without being disconnected.
In addition to using the underquilts on my HH Ultralite Backpacker A-sym, I often use them on several homemade hammocks based on a design by Ed Speer of Speer Hammocks. The quilts attach to the hammock supports in the same manner as the HH products. (In fact, Peter Pan says he has not found a hammock model that the underquilts will not fit.) However, the Speer-type hammocks do not have side tie-outs, so some care is needed to ensure that no air gaps develop between the underquilt and hammock. Depending on the sag of the hammock, this is usually not an issue. When the sag is substantially different from the HH and does create air pockets (usually under my knees), I simply add a shockcord connection from the “ladder loops” to the hammock’s ridgeline to keep the quilt snug.
USE DETAILS:
I have used this set on several outings, including:
- Backyard, Charleston, SC, and Monterey, CA. I slept in the backyard as soon as I could test the set, and many times afterwards. Temperatures were roughly 50 F (10 C) and I noticed no precipitation. Setup was simple and I was amazed at the comfort. After months of wrestling with pads and searching for other means to stay warm, I was thrilled to find a product that kept me warm and maintained the comfort inherent in a camping hammock. Each time I was completely satisfied with the set.
- Hot Springs Hangout, Hot Springs, NC, April 2005. In April 2005, Ed Speer hosted the 10th Southeast Hammock Hangers Association (SEHHA) Hangout in Hot Springs, NC. Several hammock campers met to trade tips, show off new ideas, and see everyone else’s new gear and techniques. Those of us who used the Nest were pleased with its performance. Temperatures dropped to 40 F (4.4 C) Friday night, and I used the Nest as an underquilt and the No Sniveler as a top quilt on a homemade Speer-type hammock. As before, the JRB set lived up to every expectation. On Saturday, temperatures dropped even more and we woke up Sunday morning to snow! I had used the Nest and No Sniveler as underquilts and a Wiggys SuperLite 0 F (-17.8 C) sleeping bag inside the hammock as a top quilt. This might have been the single most comfortable night I have spent outside; I did not even know it was cold until I opened my eyes to the snow falling. Since most cold in a hammock comes from underneath and the JRB set provided all of my bottom insulation, I credit my comfort and warmth to the JRB quilts.
- Foothills Trail, SC/NC Border, April-May 2005. The heavily forested Foothills Trail runs for 76 miles (122.3 km) along the South Carolina and North Carolina borders, with elevations up to 3520 feet (1073 m). Temperatures reached lows of 40 F (4.4 C) with wind, fog and light rain. I used the Nest as underquilt and the No Sniveler as a top quilt inside my homemade Speer-type hammock. On this trip I discovered the “ladder loop to ridgeline” connection described above; once I utilized that system I was as comfortable as my previous experiences with the JRB set. Additionally, on this trip I used the No Sniveler as a poncho in 45 F (7.2 C) temperatures, and was glad to have the extra insulation for lounging around camp since I did not carry an insulated jacket or vest. While bulkier to wear than a jacket, the poncho served its purpose of keeping me warm and allowed me to leave another insulation layer at home, which lightened my pack by the weight of the jacket.
DURABILITY:
This set is made for lightweight hikers who know how to take care of their gear. Therefore, it is not as durable as some heavier sleeping bags, nor is it marketed as such. With proper care, these quilts have held up very well. The only wear I have noticed during this time is minor feather leakage, which is somewhat normal for down sleeping gear. After approximately a year of use, all seams are still solid and all support tabs are in like-new condition.
The quilts are made of DWR, which is slightly water repellent but can wet through easily. My quilts have gotten slightly wet when sleeping without a tarp, and once with extremely heavy rolling fog. For a short time the water beaded up, but over time the nylon became wet. Even when slightly wet, the down did not clump, and the quilts dried quickly when I laid them in the sun. I have not exposed the quilts to enough water to soak them, but based on my experience I think they would react like any other down bag without a waterproof shell.
WHAT I LIKE:
- Comfort. I have finally found a convenient and comfortable way to use my hammock for true three season camping. With slight modifications I can use the set for light four season camping, and I consider myself a cold sleeper. In my opinion, this is the only system short of a hammock with integral lofting insulation that preserves the hammock’s comfort. I have experienced comfort down to about 40 F (4.4 C) in the JRB set as sold, with no additional sleeping bags or quilts and wearing only lightweight thermal underwear.
- Convenience. When coupled with Python Skins, setup for this system takes no longer than setting up the hammock and putting the top quilt inside. For teardown, I leave the underquilt attached, pull the Python Skins over the hammock and underquilt, and pack it away. Then I put the top quilt into the included compression sack, and camp is broken. Very simple, very quick.
- Versatility. These quilts are very versatile while used for the intended purpose. I can adjust the level of insulation provided by the underquilts, which is difficult to do with other hammock insulation systems. Furthermore, this set is not just a sleeping bag replacement. I also carry fewer insulating clothes because I can wear the No Sniveler as a poncho or the Nest as a serape. The quilts are so comfortable that I often use them to lounge around the house.
- Customer Service. Responsive, patient, knowledgeable. As a cottage gear business, the Jacks know that personalized service is how they can achieve a competitive advantage over the big box producers, and they followed through with personalized service. They provided timely answers for every email and even offered to telephone me when I had questions.
WHAT I DON’T LIKE:
- Shifting down. On some nights, the down shifted to the lowest point of the hammock so much that my shoulders got cold. I couldn’t fluff the down from inside the hammock; I had to get out and shake the down back to the edges of the quilt. While shifting down is common in all bags, and is often useful for altering insulation properties, I wish I had ordered the 2 oz (56 g) overfill. I called JRB and they offered to retrofit the overfill for a charge.
- Weight. Weight is always an issue for a lightweight backpacker. At 2 lbs 8 oz (1134 g) for both quilts, the JRB set is a little heavier than a pad/quilt system. Forty ounces (1134 g) is also a bit heavy for a 40 F (4.4 C) sleeping bag. However, the comfort offered by this set is definitely worth the extra few ounces in my pack. Because of this, I judge the added weight as a minor issue.
SUMMARY:
OUTSTANDING!! I would definitely recommend the JRB Three Season Set to anyone seeking a comfortable hammock insulation solution down to 30 F (-1.1 C), or down to 40 F (4.4 C) for cold sleepers. I have been happy with my set in mild weather, in snow, in humidity, in dry weather, on a Hennessy and on a Speer-type hammock, and even in the house. I have used both pieces as quilt, underquilt, and insulation layer while doing camp chores. This is the only system I have seen available for purchase that truly retains the Hennessy Hammock’s comfort while providing warm and toasty insulation for cold nights.
DISCLOSURE: I designed “Jeff’s Pack Cover and Gear Hammock” that is for sale on the JRB website. My relationship with JRB deals only with this pack cover. I have no interest in their quilts other than as a user. JRB did not offer me any benefits from this review, financial or otherwise. This review reflects my impartial opinion based solely on my use of the product.
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