As a seasoned camper and an avid fan of spending the night outdoors, I’ve always been intrigued by the idea of Hammock camping. The simplicity, the connection with nature, the promise of a night under the stars – it all sounded too good to resist. So, when I got my hands on the ‘Ticket to the Moon Mat Pro’ hammock and the ‘Moonblanket Compact’, I was eager to give them a whirl on my next bikepacking adventure. Here’s how it went.
‘Ticket to the Moon Mat Pro’ Hammock
The ‘Ticket to the Moon Mat Pro’ hammock is a great bit of kit. It’s lightweight, compact, and designed with comfort in mind – perfect for a bikepacking enthusiast like me. The hammock comes with a pocket that fits all standard mattresses, a ridgeline for ensuring comfort, and even mosquito and bug protection, perfect for evading those dreaded midges. It’s an all-rounder, and I was keen to put it to the test.
The Setup Saga
Finding two trees the perfect distance apart was my first challenge. In hindsight, I was probably being a bit of a perfectionist, but I spent far too long looking for the right trees, but eventually, I found a pair that was just right. The setup took much longer than pitching a tent, but I chalked that up to my hammock newbie status. I’m sure with a bit more practice, I’ll have it down to a fine art. The first attempt was too high, the second too low, and by the time I finally got it right, it was almost dark.
A Night in the Trees
Once I was finally swaying gently in my hammock, I could see what all the fuss was about. The Mat Pro was spacious and comfortable, and the ridgeline ensured I wasn’t cocooned too tightly. The hammock-shaped stuff sack made packing away a breeze the next morning. It’s not the lightest or most packable hammock on the market, but for the comfort and versatility it offers, I’d say it’s well worth the extra grams.
The ‘Moonblanket Compact’
The ‘Moonblanket Compact’ was another revelation. This technical blanket doubles as a camp poncho, making it a versatile addition to my camping gear. It’s insulated with Thermore ECODOWN synthetic insulation, which kept me cosy as temperatures dropped in the evening. Plus, it’s made from 100% recycled PET, so it’s a win for the environment too.
A Blanket for All Seasons
The Moonblanket Compact was great to use. It’s large enough to wrap around me comfortably, and the cuff-style neck protection was a nice touch. The design allowed me to use it as a sleeping bag, saving me the weight of carrying an extra piece of kit. And when I wasn’t sleeping, I wore it as a poncho around the campsite. It’s safe to say, this blanket is a jack of all trades and one that I’ll be using a lot.
Converted
All in all, my first hammock camping experience was a success. The ‘Ticket to the Moon Mat Pro’ hammock and the ‘Moonblanket Compact’ made for a comfortable and enjoyable night under the stars. Sure, there were a few hiccups along the way, but that’s all part of the adventure, isn’t it? I’m looking forward to many more nights swaying gently in the trees, wrapped up in my Moonblanket. Hammock camping, I’m officially a convert.
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