Sierra Madre Research Stratos Modular Hammock Shelter System

[@danielkutcher5704]

New subscriber. I have been hanging since the turn of the century. To minimize weight, I assembled a hammock system with a short hammock (8.5 ft.) and shorter tarp, actually a Gossamer Gear SpinTwinn, normally used on the ground. This works well for winter use, when I use an insulation system composed of sleeping bag that I pass my hammock through (discontinued Golite zipperless bag with foot vent), and a full zip Montbell summer liner, that I use as a top quilt in weather between +5 and +32 for additional warmth. I like the design of the Stratos Shield, except for the height, which requires a wide tarp, but I'm in the market for a DCF tarp with doors, for the weight, zero water retention, and, of course, doors, for a possible future AT thruhike, and would be purchasing something wider than the G.G. tarp. I just wanted to see the Shield in actual use. Can the floor be lifted off the ground for a "storm pitch "? That's important to me, because I wouldn't want to lug a saturated mosquito net around after a night of wind driven summer rain. Thanks for the information.

[@SpiguyverBackpacking1]

I think that the Stratos floor could be lifted off the ground, but then you might risk ripping it when you step out. It is a waterproof material, so it should stay dry even in storms. I think the dyneema tarps with doors are the way to go. I just got a new one, the HG Winter Palace, and it's amazing! So much room and versatility!

[@SpiguyverBackpacking1]

I had some comments on my video here and on FB today about my comments about the ridgeline needing some sort of hardware. Let me explain my reasoning here. I think it's awesome that this system comes with all the lines, even the stakes are included. What I was pointing out was that while there is hardware everywhere, and all the connection points have been color coded and made as simple as can be, the spot that I would most like hardware would be the ridgeline, and it's the only spot that doesn't have any. Yes, you should be able to tie a knot, and if you watch the videos you will learn how, but hardware is easier, and this whole system is set up for ease of use.

[@SpiguyverBackpacking1]

Thanks!

[@adamcates603]

Great, in-depth review. I heard those guys from Sierra Madre on the HYOH podcast and they were great.

[@SpiguyverBackpacking1]

Yeah, that was a great HYOH episode, you got to learn a lot about the type of people they are for sure!

[@Sierramadreresearch]

Thanks! :)

[@snaponjohn100]

I am very disappointed in Sierra Madre! I got the ninox flat-lie hammock. It’s got such a sag in it that I can’t put it high enough in the tree unless they’re so close together that I can’t get a tarp in between them. I emailed them for five times. They never responded and finally when they did respond they told me that I could get a full refund if I sent everything back and had the same the box. It took so long for them to respond that the box got thrown out. If they put as much money into their customer service as they do their advertising they would be a lot better company. i’m stuck with my hammock because I wouldn’t take it back. I never even took it out other than in my yard and tried it one time. I would only recommend there hammocks to people over 9 or 10 feet tall!!! I love your videos brother. Be blessed. John

[@SpiguyverBackpacking1]

So many people are with you on that. I'm not a fan.

[@snaponjohn100]

@@SpiguyverBackpacking1 They are made in China!!! I would never have even ordered the thing if I thought that they were not made in the United States. All of my Hamic’s that I bought this far have been cottage industry hammocks in the United States.

[@MrDaveB123]

Thanks for your review Do they make a bigger tarp ?

[@SpiguyverBackpacking1]

I don't believe so. There are other great companies out there that do though.

[@josephduncan1605]

would you suggest using a mattress in the hammock tent?

[@SpiguyverBackpacking1]

I think you'll find the comfort is much better with an under quilt. If you are not sure about hammocks, give it a try with a sleeping pad and see what you think.

[@FloridaAdventurers]

I think I saw this on Shark Tank not too long ago. Looks like a pretty cool system, and I'm digging the bunk option! Thanks for the review!

[@SpiguyverBackpacking1]

Yeah, they were on Shark Tank and got picked up by Richard Branson. They were also on the HYOH Podcast. I recommend going and listening to their episode, you get a view into the kind of people they are!

[@Sierramadreresearch]

We were! It was a great experience!

[@MrPickl78]

Mark you raise some great concerns. When I got my Nube the first thing I did was switch out the Ridgeline for some Dutch bling and reflective guy lines for the whole thing. As for the issue with the lay. I have the same head right lay as you do and I was a major factor in my choosing the Nube over the Stratos.

[@SpiguyverBackpacking1]

Thanks for your input Chris, I was curious why you went with the Nube over the Stratos. At this point there is a compromise whichever way you choose to go. Great system, but can still get better!

[@Sierramadreresearch]

Great Chris! The Nubé does certainly solve the issue with the lay as it is symmetrical. But we also hope you will check out the hardware additions we will have soon if you choose to need them for your system!

[@bofadeezFool]

Nice review! Thanks for adding the weights of the system, maybe they will come out with a more ultralight version in the future.

[@SpiguyverBackpacking1]

Thanks!

[@Sierramadreresearch]

Hey there! We are working on lighter versions along with other new gear coming soon. But in getting lighter you generally lose space and/or durability. We are working to find a way to keep both while shedding some ounces. Thank you for the input!

[@ccladiesman]

Great video. Every downside you pointed out are all the reasons why I am not buying this shelter system from SMR. It's a well thought out design, but I'll wait a few more iterations.

[@SpiguyverBackpacking1]

Sometimes it pays to wait and get a product after a few iterations! Let others provide the feedback that leads to the best product it can be!

[@Sierramadreresearch]

Thank you for your input ccladiesman! We will be addressing these in a main reply shortly, but we would be happy to address any concerns you may have personally if you want to shoot us a message! [e-mail] Some of the concerns are as easy as picking the right system, or are covered by hardware we are creating. We are also certainly building new systems and multiple variations, but like to have all the input from customers and potential customers. We would love to hear from you!

[@ronmathias6719]

Im considering getting the Nube Stratos complete combo with new all terrain floor for a trekking pole tent set up..My question is are you still currently using yours and how do you like it?? Thanks for info

[@SpiguyverBackpacking1]

I was only testing this one out, I never actually owned it. I got several nights in it, some with some good storms. What I found is that because I lay head right, foot left, I am better off with he Nube tarp, as it's not directional. Unfortunately the Stratos is designed for head left, foot right. I am interested to see what the final Ninox ends up looking/performing like. Thanks!

[@TheWasatchGearReview]

That is sweet Mark! I've never seen that system. Thanks for the info!

[@SpiguyverBackpacking1]

Glad I could show you something new! Thanks for watching!

[@Sierramadreresearch]

Thanks Wasatch Gear Review!

[@Dbcooper581]

Been using the Stratos since it came out, about 30 nights under it and some pretty heavy midsummer thunder storms and haven’t had an issue yet, I lay head right. Dutch tarp flyz solve the ridgeline issue.

[@Dbcooper581]

Also any tarp you get is going to require a knot or some type of hardware, I’m not sure why it’s such a big deal here ?

[@SpiguyverBackpacking1]

You're right, the reason I bring it up on this one is that it is an all in one system, it includes line and line locks everywhere else, but for the ridgeline there isn't any hardware.

[@Sierramadreresearch]

Thanks @Dbcooper81 :)

[@Dbcooper581]

Spiguyver Backpacking I gotcha, valid point

[@Sierramadreresearch]

We are also creating our own hardware that will be a perfect fit for our gear :)

[@bradmiller1784]

can you turn it upside down ??

[@anywhereroam9698]

Was thinking the same thing. Turn it upside down (inside out), for people laying goofy.

[@Sierramadreresearch]

You could! It is an interesting idea, but could definitely work!

[@SpiguyverBackpacking1]

Thanks!

[@billk5061]

Mark, how was the comfort of the hammock, compared to the many others out there? Calf ridge? Shoulder room, etc.?

[@SpiguyverBackpacking1]

Bill K I slept well in it. I have a video coming out next week that answers some of the other questions so check back for that one! Thanks!

[@rmoran113]

Meant to ask you this before..just ordered the HG tarp w doors and debating std stuff sack vs mesh snake skin. I carry a small 38l MLD Burn as you know it gets tight with winter insulation and few days worth of food. Seems to me the stuff sack would be easiest to pack but snake skins seems worthwhile thoughts...

[@SpiguyverBackpacking1]

Check out my mesh vs dyneema snake skin video to see how I do mine. I really like using the snakeskin, it makes setup and teardown super quick and easy. Also, you can just roll it like I do and it doesn't take up much more room (if any) than using the stuff sack.

[@DonP_is_lostagain]

Thanks for the review Mark! Won't be going for this one as I lay like you. Plus that whole ridgeline deallie is a deal breaker for me. Cheers! DonP

[@SpiguyverBackpacking1]

Thanks! The ridgeline isn't a huge deal, as you can use any hammock you want with this system so if you have a favorite hammock you can use it. For me the only real big issue is the asymmetric fly, the rest of the concerns I listed are easy fixes.

[@Sierramadreresearch]

The Stratos is definitely asymmetrical. Created this way for both easy of entry as a multi piece system, and for view. However, raising the hammock higher in the system should leave you completely covered, OR you can also check out our Nubé system (sierramadreresearch.com/products/nube-hammock-shelter) which is symmetrical and a all-in-one combined system.

[@Hangs4Fun]

Good review.. dang you look just like my brother. We used to go camping and spend a lot of time in the woods together (then we became dad's in different states) Time to call my brother :-)

[@SpiguyverBackpacking1]

Yeah, give him a call! Thanks!

[@bluefire025]

Off topic what do you think of the ghost whisper?

[@SpiguyverBackpacking1]

It's a great jacket. It's warm and light. The only thing is, with the fabric it's made from, I will only use it around camp, I won't hike in it for fear of shredding it. Now I may be overly cautious, because I know several who wear it all the time and have no issues.

[@mrjsorr]

To lay head right, couldn't you just flip the tarp upside down?

[@SpiguyverBackpacking1]

If this was a normal tarp, yes, but given this tarp, no. The reason you can't is that there are attachment points inside for the bugnet (yes, the inside of the tarp). As it's part of a system, it has to go this way to work properly. Thanks!

[@chrisrasmussen5018]

Hope the top bunk doesn’t have gas.

[@SpiguyverBackpacking1]

True!

[@Sierramadreresearch]

The Inferno Under Quilt on the top bunk would solve that problem ;-P

[@arcana1973]

looks convoluted. why couldn't they just keep things simple

[@SpiguyverBackpacking1]

They try to make it easy, I think it's headed the right direction.

[@Sierramadreresearch]

Hi @Arcana73 ! We have worked hard to make the system as easy as possible, but we are always welcoming feedback on what more we can do in future models and gear. Please feel free to email us at [e-mail] we would love to hear from you!

[@Zak_McKracken]

If you are not able to learn and tie one simple ridge line knot, and instead have to rely on expensive dutch bling, you should definately not go out in the wild. Better stay on the couch at home.

[@SpiguyverBackpacking1]

It isn't that it's hard to tie "one simple ridge line knot", it's that there are hardware devices everywhere else, it is designed for simplicity in setup, and the ridgeline is the only spot where they don't have them. If you've watched much of my channel, you'd know that I don't use hardware on my hammock suspension, because I prefer the simplicity of a beckett hitch.

[@Zak_McKracken]

Spiguyver Backpacking Yeah, knots are the simpliest and lightest way to bring a line around a pole/tree. Seamen used them since the invention of lines on ships. A knot is often faster to tie than fiddlimg around with the hardware bling stuff.

[@Sierramadreresearch]

:)