The Speer PeaPod and TopBlanket

Offer Superior Hammock Warmth

 

BAFFLED 900-Fill down PeaPods and TopBlankets

 

Ed Speer October 2007

 

 

 

                          

                  Speer PeaPod III                                                                                                      Speer TopBlanket III

 

 

The Speer Peapod III, our current version with 900-fill down and baffle construction, is our warmest Peapod ever!  It’s actually 40% thicker than the PeaPod II without any increase in weight.  Likewise, our TopBlanket III, with 900 down and baffles, also offers a major increase in warmth over previous versions.  Together, they offer the ultimate in uncomplicated lightweight hammock warmth!  Now hammock comfort at any temperature is possible. 

 

PeaPods are insulated ‘sleeping bags’ that completely surround an occupied top-entry camping hammock while TopBlankets are insulated quilts designed for use on top of a hammock sleeper.  These are exclusive Speer Hammocks’ designs.  Together they replace the camper’s usual sleeping bag and provide lightweight, low-bulk warmth that is flexible and efficient over a wide range of temperatures and field conditions.

 

The unique Speer PeaPod/TopBlanket stay-warm system is based on many years of field testing in all kinds of weather conditions.  It is designed with the hammock camper in mind and has many user-friendly features not found in other outdoor gear.

 

 

PeaPod Design

The Speer PeaPod III is designed with extra girth and length to accommodate the fit around an occupied hammock.  It is symmetrical and tapered at both ends to reduce cold spots and to save unnecessary weight and bulk.  It’s made with lightweight, breathable ripstop nylon shells with Durable Water Resistant (DWR) finish.  The insulation is 900 fill-power goose down, meaning that one ounce will expand to fill a volume of 900 cubic inches—this is the lightest and highest quality down available.  No-see-um bug-netting baffles keep the down in place and give maximum loft.  Down tubes run the entire length of the PeaPod, allowing the down to be manually shifted during use for maximum warmth when and where needed.

 

The PeaPod III has drawstring end closures and a full-length hook-&-loop central closure so it can be placed on, or removed from, a hammock that is already strung between trees without having to take the hammock down.

 

The PeaPod III is designed to work with any top-entry hammock, including, but not limited to the Speer Hammock (with ridgeline and bug net removed).  Unfortunately it does not fit around camping hammocks that have spreader bars, or permanent ridgelines and bug nets.

In addition to its primary use, the PeaPod III is designed with multiple uses in mind, including use as a:

 

1) Robe

2) Sleeping bag

3) Over bag for a sleeping bag to extend its range

4) Large blanket

 

The Speer PeaPod III fits all Speer Hammocks (8.0, 8.5 & III).

 

The PeaPod III comes with two insulation choices:  A) regular fill, or B) 2 ounce overfill.  See Table 1 for more details.

 

 

PRODUCT

Size       (ft)

Weight Down Fill (oz)

Total Weight (oz)

Loft           (in)

Temperature Rating (OF)

PeaPod III 900 Fill Down

 

 

 

 

 

Normal Fill

9.5 x 6

17

35

4.2

30

2 oz Overfill

9.5 x 6

19

38

5.0

20

TopBlanket III 900 Fill Down

 

 

 

 

 

Normal Fill

3.5 x 6

9

17

2.0

30

1 oz Overfill

3.5 x 6

10

18

2.5

25

 

Table 1  Speer PeaPod III & TopBlanket III Specifications

 

 

TopBlanket Design

The Speer TopBlanket III is designed similar to the PeaPod III.  It is made with lightweight, breathable ripstop nylon shells with Durable Water Resistant (DWR) finish.  The insulation is the same 900 fill-power goose down used in our PeaPods.  No-see-um bug-netting baffles keep the down in place and give maximum loft.

 

The TopBlanket III has an 18-inch-deep foot pocket at one end.  The foot pocket is created with hook-&-loop fasteners, allowing the blanket to be opened flat for other uses.  When employed, the foot pocket, in combination with the sides of the hammock, keeps the TopBlanket in place over the sleeper’s body.

 

In addition it its primary use, the TopBlanket III is also designed with multiple uses in mind, including use as a:

 

1) PeaPod liner

2) Sleeping bag liner

3) Jacket liner

4) Lap blanket

 

The Speer TopBlanket III comes with a one-ounce overfill option---See Table 1 for details.

 

 

PeaPod Setup

The PeaPod III should be positioned around a hammock that is already strung between two trees and has the proper amount of hammock sag that is suitable for that hammock sleeper.  The PeaPod should be tied so it has slightly more sag than that of the occupied hammock—trial and error is the best teacher.  Too much air space between the hammock and the PeaPod will result in a layer of cold air, while too little sag of the PeaPod will result in stretching it resulting in loss of loft and the resultant loss of heat, especially under one’s bottom where the maximum stretch occurs.  The object is to get the PeaPod as snug against the occupied hammock as possible without stretching the PeaPod itself.

 

When setting the correct sag of the Peapod, one should allow for the anticipated hammock stretch that will occur during occupancy.  Especially when they are new, most fabric hammocks stretch as much as 6 inches during the course of a single night.  The need to readjust the PeaPod during the night can be eliminated by correctly anticipating this stretch when first setting it up.

 

Attach PeaPod to hammock (Figure 1):

 

1.  Cinch the drawstring toggles tight on one end of the PeaPod

2.  Position that end of the PeaPod around the hammock and close the hook-&-loop fasteners just below the hammock end knot

3.  Adjust the distance between the end of the PeaPod and the hammock end knot to set the proper sag of the PeaPod (see additional comments below)

4.  Gather the ends of the drawstrings and wrap 3-4 times above the hammock end knot, securing with a simple slip knot to prevent the closed PeaPod end from sliding toward the center of the hammock during use

5.  Repeat steps 1-4 for the other end of hammock

 

When placing more insulation inside the PeaPod (see discussions below), additional PeaPod sag is necessary to prevent loss of loft due to stretching—just loosen the PeaPod drawstrings and allow the PeaPod ends to move further down the ends of the hammock—even 3” to 5” inside the hammock end knots may be necessary for some setups (Figure 1).  Remember that each hammock setup is different—thus re-adjusting the PeaPod tie offs may be necessary each time your set up your hammock.

 

 

    

         I”                                                                          2”                                                             4”

  Figure 1  PeaPod III End Tie Offs on Speer Hammock

 

 

Of course, should the weather be too warm and you’re looking for a cooler setup, a similar tie-out procedures may be called for---increase the sag of the PeaPod by lengthening the drawstring ties until you have a layer of air between your PeaPod and your hammock.

 

 

Closing the PeaPod

Close the PeaPod over the hammock with the hook-&-loop fasteners, leaving a suitable breather hole near your head (Figures 2-7).  Yes, you can even close the PeaPod entirely (it has breathable shells), but be aware that your exhaled breath may add considerable moisture to the inside of the PeaPod.  On some really cold windy nights, the tradeoff may be worth it!

 

 

 

            

 

 Figure 2  PeaPod III open for ventilation                      Figure 3  PeaPod III open with windward side up    

 

 

            

 

 Figure 4  PeaPod III 2/3 closed                                       Figure 5  PeaPod III with large breather hole                         

 

 

           

 

 Figure 6  PeaPod III with small breather hole           Figure 7  PeaPod III for maximum warmth

 

 

The lightweight hook-&-loop fasteners are reliable, fast and easy to use; they provide easy opening and closing of the PeaPod for entry, exit or venting.  However, the biggest advantage of hook-&-loop fasteners is they avoid the ‘stuck-in-the-fabric’ problems common with zippers.  Eventually every zipper fails, and in the confines of a hammock this can be dangerous and may result in injury.  Besides, being trapped in a hammock on a dark night because your gear failed or because you can’t find the zipper slider is no fun.  Hook-&-loop solves these problems forever.

 

Closing the PeaPod is best done from inside the hammock itself:

 

1.    Reach above your head with both hands, grab the PeaPod edges, pull them straight toward you and touch them together (Figure 8).  The hook-&-loop strips will stick together enough for you to next run your hands along them to tighten the closure.

2.    Reach down to your knees, grab the PeaPod edges, pull them up towards your waist, touch them together and run your hands along them to tighten the closure (Figure 9).  CAUTION:  Do not sit up and lean forward in an attempt to close the hook-&-loop fasteners near the foot end of your hammock—this could raise your center of gravity enough for the hammock to tip over!  If needed, use your knees or feet while lying down to press up against the hook-&-loop on the center closure where your hands can’t reach.

3.    Repeat the process for your torso, closing the PeaPod as much or as little as needed for warmth

 

Note: You may find it easier to start closing the ends of the PeaPod prior to lying in your hammock, but it can easily be closed entirely from a lying-down position with minimal practice.

 

                

 

  Figure 8  Closing head end of PeaPod III                       Figure 9  Closing foot end of PeaPod III                    

 

 

 

Repositioning Down in the PeaPod

Each PeaPod III is designed so the down can be repositioned as needed.  For instance, if you find your shoulders or bottom getting cold during the night, you can reposition some of the down from the ends of the PeaPod where less insulation is needed anyway, to the center of the PeaPod where it is needed more.  Simply grasp the ends of the PeaPod with your hands and slide them toward the center of the PeaPod.  This shifts down from the ends to the center of the PeaPod and might give you just the extra warmth you need to remain toasty until morning.  In this manner, the down can be shifted while one is inside or outside the hammock (Figure 10).  Of course, the opposite down shift might be called for if you’re too warm.

 

 

 

  Figure 10  Repositioning down in PeaPod III  

(This can also be done in similar manner while inside the hammock)

 

 

Venting the PeaPod

In many situations, you may find the closed PeaPod is too warm and you need to vent it.  No problem, just open the PeaPod’s central closure as much as needed (Figures 2-7).  You can even open it at your head and at your feet, leaving it closed in between!  You can completely open the PeaPod and let the sides droop down both sides of the hammock, thus allowing warm air to escape from beneath the hammock and cooler air to enter (Figure 2).  You can open the PeaPod, droop the lee side down while keeping the windward side tucked inside the hammock to block cold wind (Figure 3).  For those hot summer nights, you might want to untie one end of the PeaPod and let it fall to the ground for maximum cooling, until later in the night when it’s colder and you can easily retie the PeaPod and close it around you as much as needed.  The adjustable combinations are endless and allow you to ‘match the conditions’ no matter what they are or how much they change while you’re in the hammock.

 

 

PeaPod & TopBlanket for Superior Warmth

While a PeaPod is comfortable by itself over a wide range of temperatures, there comes a time when more insulation is needed (Table 2).  The Speer TopBlanket is the perfect solution.

 

A PeaPod’s lower temperature rating is based on the thickness of the bottom insulation since that is the most critical area of heat loss.  However as outside temperatures drop, PeaPods can become colder on top sooner than they do on the bottom because there is an unoccupied air space above the sleeper’s body.  Since PeaPods go completely around an occupied hammock and the sleeper is down inside the hammock, a potentially cold empty air space is left above the sleeper’s body.  TopBlankets are designed to fill this space; of course any lightweight blanket, quilt or sleeping bag might work as well.  Therefore a TopBlanket, or a suitable substitute, may be necessary to reach the PeaPod’s lower temperature rating.  When used as a quilt over the sleeper, the Top Blanket or substitute also blocks the PeaPod’s central closure and prevents the escape of heat through that less-insulated strip.

 

Temperature       OF

Speer PeaPod III

Speer TopBlanket III

reg fill

2 oz overfill

reg fill

1 oz overfill

+65

 

 

 

X

 

65-50

X

 

 

 

 

50-30

X

 

 

X

 

30-25

 

 X

 

X

25-20

 

 

X

 

X

less than 20

See additional information below

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                     

 

 

 

 

 

Table 2   Using Speer PeaPods and Top Blankets together for Superior Warmth

 

 

As discussed below, TopBlankets, summer sleeping bags or winter sleeping bags are just some of the items that can be used with PeaPods for hammock camping in extremely low temperatures.  Other items include sleeping pads, extra clothes, jackets, raingear, pack covers, and ground cloths--even leaves can be used for insulation.  Read on!

 

 

The Plus 30F PeaPod III Solution

Bottom insulation is typically needed in a hammock anytime the temperature is below about 65F.  Therefore, I carry my PeaPod most of the time.  No matter which PeaPod model you use, it can easily be vented as described above for temperatures up to about 65F.  The full-length hook-&-loop closure can be opened as much as needed and the PeaPod sides can be drooped to allow cool air to circulate around and under the hammock.  However, the PeaPod can also be closed as much as needed once the temperature begins to cool during the night—this is the ultimate in flexibility!

 

 

The 30F PeaPod III Solution   Regular Fill

The regular-fill 900 PeaPod III with a loft of 4.2 inches is designed for hammock warmth to about 30F.  As noted earlier, some folks might also need a light quilt like the Speer Top Blanket to fill the space above their body.  At only 32 ounces for the 8.0 model or 35 ounces for the 8.5 model, the regular PeaPod III is not only an elegant solution, but is extremely lightweight as well.  Read the discussions below to learn how to also use this PeaPod at much colder temperatures.

 

 

The 20F PeaPod III Solution   2 oz Overfill

With 2 ounces overfill, our warmest PeaPods have 5” loft and are rated to 20F.  The addition of a one-ounce-overfill Speer TopBlanket, or a summer-weight sleeping bag, makes this a cozy winter bed (Table 2).  At only 34 ounces for the 8.0 model or 38 ounces for the 8.5 model, these PeaPods are the ultimate in hammock warmth.  However, read the discussions below to learn how to also use this PeaPod at much colder temperatures.

 

 

The Less Than 20F PeaPod III Solution

No matter which PeaPod III model you use, lower temperature ratings are easy to achieve!  Once a PeaPod is positioned around a hammock, it can now easily serve as part of a component system combining with numerous other types of insulation.  Additional bottom and top insulation are necessary for extreme cold–weather hammocking and the discussions below should give you plenty of ideas; just remember to successfully test your gear before trusting it to the backcountry.

 

Pack Items   Adding simple items like extra clothes, jackets or rain suits between the PeaPod and the hammock provides surprisingly greater warmth.  Now items carried in the backpack, but otherwise not used at night, can be incorporated into your stay-warm system.  Things like pack covers, sweaters, unused clothing, empty stuff sacks, ground cloths, and many others can be added to the PeaPod for more warmth---and the warmth they add is significant.  So, if you have to carry these items in your backpack anyway, why not use them in your stay-warm system?  These simple readily available items can add as much as 5-10F to the comfort of any PeaPod!  Thus a regular–fill 30F rated PeaPod becomes 20-25F rated; and the two-ounce overfilled 20F PeaPod becomes 10-15F rated!

 

Blanket Liners   Lightweight blankets or quilts placed between the hammock and the PeaPod also add significant warmth.  The Speer TopBlankets are ideal for PeaPod liners.  They can be laid flat for single thickness under your full body, or folded for double thickness under your torso and hips, giving 2 to 5 inches of extra 900-fill loft, effectively lowering the temperature rating of any PeaPod III by as much as 35F, depending on which model is used.  Thus the use of a Speer TopBlanket as a liner can significantly improve the bottom warmth of any PeaPod.

 

Leaves or Grass   Lower temperatures can also be achieved with dead leaves or grass!  Any PeaPod III can have as much as 15-30F lower temperature rating just by adding dead leaves or grass!  Without carrying any additional weight in your backpack, you can use the natural insulation found lying on the ground.  Yes, even wet leaves work well, but you may want to put them in several individual plastic trash bags to keep your gear dry.  Packing leaves inside a PeaPod takes up much of the interior room and can result in a very tight fitting PeaPod that limits your available sleeping positions; however the possibility of sleeping toasty warm on a frigid winter night without carrying any extra weight is not to be dismissed!  Once you’ve tried it, you’ll be hooked forever

.

Vapor Barriers   Placing a vapor barrier sheet between any PeaPod and the hammock can add 5-10F of warmth.  For safety’s sake, carrying a ground sheet is recommended for those times when you must sleep on the ground instead of in your hammock.  For instance, trees may not be available where you want to camp, or it may be too cold for your hammock gear.  Since you are already carrying a ground sheet, it makes sense to incorporate it into your stay-warm system.  Thin plastic or Mylar sheets stop most convective heat loss in a hammock, but may result in the buildup of excessive body moisture that wets your clothes, sleeping bag and hammock.  The sheet should be positioned as a liner inside the PeaPod and below the hammock—never enclose the sheet completely around your body.  This is definitely a technique to perfect at home before trying in the backcountry.  But when used properly, a vapor barrier sheet can be a low-weight, low-bulk way to add warmth, especially when a strong cold wind is blowing. 

 

Sleeping Pads   Of course, many folks use sleeping pads inside hammocks for warmth and these can also be used in combination with PeaPods to reach lower temperature ratings.  It’s advisable to carry a sleeping pad anyway when hammock camping in unknown terrain in case you end up sleeping on the ground or in a trail shelter; so if you’re carrying a pad anyway, again it only makes sense to incorporate it into your PeaPod stay-warm system.

 

Any sleeping pad used inside the hammock or between the hammock and the PeaPod will add significant warmth.  Closed-cell-foam pads and foam-filled inflatable pads are the most commonly used.  Estimated temperature ratings of the Speer PeaPod III and some of the more common sleeping pads can be found in Table 3.  Please note that these are guid