Outdoors

MummyPod keeps you warm and cozy while hanging around

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MummyPod is currently on Kickstarter 
The MummyPod is a warmer way to sleep above ground
The MummyPod sleeping bag packs up nice and small 
The zippers on the MummyPod have been designed to avoid snagging 
A MummyPod set up in the wilderness
There are a few different sleeping bags on offer, with both synthetic and down versions available to make the MummyPod sleep system 
Outdoor Vitals has made its sleeping bag of RipStop fabric
The MummyPod is available in a range of colors 
The MummyPod has already reached its funding goal on Kickstarter 
There are synthetic and down versions of the MummyPod on offer
The foot box on the MummyPod sleeping bag unzips to attach it to a hammock 
Attaching the MummyPod to the hammock has been designed to be a simple process
A fully enveloped camper looks comfortable in the MummyPod 
An unzipped MummyPod looks like a puffy hammock
YKK zippers on the MummyPod
The hammock and sleeping bag are designed to be hung tautly off a pair of trees
The opening foot box of the MummyPod
The MummyPod certainly looks warm to us
A packed up MummyPod sleeping bag
A MummyPod takes to the air 
The hooded sleeping bag that attaches to the MummyPod
MummyPod is currently on Kickstarter 
The little loops on the hood of the sleeping bag are used to attach it to the MummyPod hammock 
The MummyPod is water resistant 
The YKK zipper on the MummyPod 
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Rugged hammocks have become a popular way to enjoy the outdoors lately, but for all the clever modular solutions we've covered, none have integrated a sleeping bag. Outdoor Vitals is trying to change that with the MummyPod, a sleeping bag for campers who want an all-in-one solution to stay warm while hanging around on cold nights.

Outdoor Vitals is billing the MummyPod as an integrated "sleep system." It's made up of three basic parts, all of which can be purchased separately or combined to create the fully formed chrysalis pictured above. The base hammock is able to hold 300 lb (136 kg), and attaches to sturdy trees with double-looped polyester straps securing 7/64-in whoopie straps. The hammock by itself weighs just 13.4 oz (379 g).

The sleeping bag is remarkably easy to attach to the hammock. To start with, you simply feed the hammock through the unzipped foot-box of the sleeping bag and pass it out the head hole. Once it's hanging loosely around the hammock, it's simply a matter of securing it to same tree (or stand) as the hammock, and tightening the included cables to make sure the bag isn't drooping.

The MummyPod is a warmer way to sleep above ground

There are a few different bags on offer, starting with a synthetic-lined version rated to 30° F (-1° C) and running to a down-lined sleeping bag rated to 0° F (-18° C). All the bags are made of water-resistant RipStop fabric, and the zippers are all YKK units designed to minimize snagging. The final piece of the puzzle is a hexagonal tarpaulin, designed to hang above the hammock and protect you from the elements.

Given it's designed to be carried deep into the wilderness, it should come as no surprise that the team at Outdoor Vitals has worked to make the MummyPod as small and light as possible. The complete sleep system – hammock, tarp and sleeping bag – weighs just 4.4 lb (2 kg), and packs up to slightly larger than the average sleeping bag.

Outdoor Vitals is seeking funding on Kickstarter, where it has raised almost US$31,000 over its $15,000 goal with 21 days remaining. Pledging $55 is enough to secure you a suspension hammock, $59 secures an early-bird tarpaulin and $114 pays for the cheapest sleeping bag. A pledge of $198 is the cheapest way to get your hands on a full sleep system, while the most expensive down system is worth $364.

If things go to plan, deliveries should start before the end of the month. This isn't the first product Outdoor Vitals has created – the company has been around for a number of years – which should instil a little more confidence that the product will actually "get off the ground" if it meets its funding goals.

You can check out a guide to setting the MummyPod up below.

Source: Outdoor Vitals

View gallery - 24 images
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1 comment
Bruce H. Anderson
This idea is an oldie but a goodie. About 30+ years old at least. A friend of mine back then had one of these, since getting off the ground allowed the underside to be insulated, and he never hiked above tree line. And he had a waterproof sleeve in case it rained. It might have been a home-built using a Frostline kit. But even now there are the Crua Hybrid, the ENO, and the Insulhammock. Based on comments from real hiker message boards, this is an example of a fool and his money being quickly parted.