Hammock Underquilt Suspension

Two questions we regularly get related to our Hammock Underquilt Suspension System are:

“Seriously, is a shock cord and 2 carabiners gonna work… It can’t be this simple”

“Why don’t you include a secondary suspension?”

The simple answers are. Yes, it is and it’s not necessary with JRB underquilts and can work against getting the perfect hang.

Since we are by nature a curious bunch here is a bit more detail.

In 2004 we tested several different underquilt suspension designs the clear winner being an elastic end suspension for full-length underquilts. However a few years later while designing our first partial-length underquilt we found a channel suspension to be the best solution.

End Hammock Underquilt Suspension:

hammock underquilt suspension
The simple but very effective JRB Hammock Underquilt Suspension

An end suspension is a simple length of cordage that connects the hammock suspension to the ends of the underquilt.

Since there is no need to adjust a full-length quilt, and a channel suspension is heavier, requiring an additional “secondary” suspension (which adds more weight) to hold it in place. As a result, we chose to use an elastic end suspension on our full-length quilts.

Adding a secondary suspension to our full-length quilts can cause the quilt to drape and fall away from the hammock, causing an air gap.

In summary, the key reasons why we chose the elastic end suspension over other solutions are for our full-length quilts:

  1. Simplicity
  2. Lightweight
  3. Works on any hammock
  4. Allows the quilt to move along with the user as they move around in the hammock

For an example of how to hang our full-length hammock underquilts check out this video: Hanging a Nest on a Hennessy Hammock

Channel Hammock Underquilt Suspension:

Through Channel Suspension
Channel Suspension on A Mt Greylock Partial Length Quilt

A channel suspension runs cordage through the length of the side hem of the underquilt.

Channel suspensions enable the moving of the quilt along the length of a hammock. Obviously, channel suspensions are a great solution for partial-length quilts.

The challenge with channel suspensions is that the ends of the hammock underquilt slide toward the middle of the hammock. As a result, the quilt sags away from the hammock in the center and causes a cold spot. Consequently, another solution must be added to hold the quilt in place.

Jack does a great job of showing the challenges of through-channel suspensions and ways to fix them in this video. Greylock Hang Tips

Have a good one!

-Don