Photos courtesy of Sea to Summit
Sea to Summit is bringing their version of the backcountry hammock, the Ultralight Hammock to market.
What really sets this hammock apart from others on the market is the fabric. The unique Monofilament Nylon used in the Ultralight Hammock was specifically developed for Sea to Summit’s purpose, the brand told us at last week’s Outdoor Retailer trade show in Salt Lake City. The brand’s designers spent more than a year improving and tweaking the fabric to transform it into a high-tenacity, ultra-packable and breathable hammock material.
The Ultralight Hammock packs down using the UltraSil Compression Sack which integrates into the hang system, ensuring you don’t lose the stuff sack in the wind or overnight. Custom suspension straps with adjustable buckles make it easy to pitch in a matter of minutes. The complete system – hammock, suspension, bug net and tarp – takes up very little space in a pack. Hammocks slip out of their integrated UltraSil Compression Sacks, buckles slide into place, and suspension straps adjust for length.
A lightweight quick-connect buckle system is on the hammocks now, and next year, they get even smaller and lighter with a new half-inch Dyneema strap and quick-buckle system. Sea to Summit will also introduce an Ultralight (UL) Single XL that weighs 7.2 oz., for $99.95; as well as the Ultralight Dyneema Straps, for 2018.
It’s described as a single XL because it’s not quite a double but is wider and longer than the standard size. The UL Single XL is 9.8 x 4.9 ft and the UL Single is 8.5 x 4 ft. The reason for the addition is due to feedback from taller people wanting to sleep in the UL version.
Pricing looks like this: Ultralight Hammock single, $89.95; Suspension Straps, $24.95; Tree Protector $19.95; Bug Net, $69.95; Tarp, $149.95; Gear Sling, $29.95; so it’s right in the meaty price point amongst the many other hammock brands out there.
There’s also a Pro Hammock model that uses a 70 Denier soft, ripstop nylon, and the attached buckles are steel (Single – $69.95 / Double – $79.95).
The company takes its name from co-founder Tim Macartney-Snape’s 1990 solo expedition from the Bay of Bengal to the top of Mt. Everest. Its research, design and development teams are based in Perth, Australia, where the company was founded, and its North American headquarters are in Boulder, Colorado.
The Bug Net attaches around the suspension straps via draw cords and a 31” (80cm) spreader bar provides plenty of internal space. The Tarp is easy to pitch with its integrated guylines and gear can be stowed underneath using the optional Gear Sling.
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