Get off the ground – Sleep in a hammock

Peregrine REFUGE 1 | Trail Navigator If you are still sleeping in a tent, you should try ditching the tent on one trip and relax in comfort. If you are already a “Hammock” camper/hiker, then this may be the upgrade worth looking into. I have used the Peregrine Refuge 1 hammock on a few trips and would like to review it for you. Having spent 100’s of nights sleeping peacefully in hammocks of all kinds, I think this one is worth looking into. This review is about the REFUGE 1 single person hammock; some things may apply to both models. Personally, I am 5’11” tall weighing in at around 220lbs, and I found this hammock to be large enough for hanging out or sleeping. I prefer to sleep and sit in my hammock solo, so this is what meets my requirements. If you prefer a larger one with more room or enjoy sharing your’s it may be worth the extra weight to upgrade to the REFUGE 2.

Here are the general specifications of the Peregrine REFUGE Hammocks.

Two models:
– REFUGE 1 (One Person) – This is the one I am reviewing
– REFUGE 2 (Two Person)
Capacity:
– 400lb – For either model
Construction Materials:
– 70D and 160D Nylon (1 Denier is equivalent to one strand of silk)
– Woven Dyneema slings (premium brand of Polyethylene)
– CYPHER CE Certified climbing carabiners
Design Considerations:
– Triple stitched seams
– Stuff sack with stash pocket
Carry Weight REFUGE 1:
– 1lb 6.2oz’s (22.2Oz’s) Total weight without straps
Packable Size REFUGE 1:
– 7″ X 5 1/2″ Compressed in stuff sack
In Use Size REFUGE 1:
– 8′ 4″ (100″) x 4′ 8″ (56″) Hammock size
– 9′ 6″ (114″) long (Hanging size including carabiners)

How much does it weigh

Peregrine Refuge 1 weight | Trail Navigator Weight is the first thing I look at when deciding on a new piece of gear for backpacking. The Peregrine REFUGE 1 is slightly on the heavier side at 22.2 Oz’s. Most hammocks around this size usually come in around the 16 Oz mark. Other factors offset this weight as we look at the whole picture. Depending on what you are looking for or where you plan on using this hammock, this may not be a factor at all.

How much space does it take in my backpack

Peregrine Refuge 1 pack size | Trail Navigator Pack size is second in importance for choosing a hammock to carry backpacking. When compressed in its built-in stuff sack the REFUGE 1 has a small footprint of 7″ x 5 1/2″. Again, this is slightly longer than many hammocks in this range, but not by much. If you compare this to a small tent with poles, there is no comparison the hammock wins hands down.

The overall size of the hammock

At 8′ 4″ the hammock felt adequately long for me, again I am 5′ 11″ tall. The available width of this hammock is 4′ 8″, which again felt adequate for sitting or sleeping. The sides of the hammock are drawn tighter than the middle, which causes the hammock to “cradle” you during use. The size of hammocks is a preference that may change person to person, so if you like more room than the REFUGE 2, may be a better choice.

How easy is this hammock to hang

Peregrine Refuge 1 hang |Trail Navigator This hammock hangs exactly like every other I own, and it is very simple to hang and use. The ways to hang this hammock are numerous from ropes, cords, slings, straps, hooks, etc. Peregrine has included carabiners on both ends as connection points; this makes it very easy and versatile to use. The carabiners easily remove if needed for your particular use. Peregrine also sells a strap set separately “C2 Hammock Strap Kit“. I have used and tested these straps and will review them separately.

How comfortable is the Peregrine REFUGE

If you are going to spend any amount of time in this hammock comfort can be a major consideration, this is where the REFUGE excels. The core of the hammock is 160d nylon and has a smooth, comfortable feel. When you first pull it from is stuff sack, you can feel the difference from the ordinary hammock. It feels durable, substantial, and smooth. Peregrine took a different approach and focused on a higher quality material than the average hammock, and this shines through in the comfort of this product.

Durability and longevity

Peregrine Refuge 1 carabiner | Trail Navigator I expect the Peregrine REFUGE to last for the long haul. After using the hammock on three trips and it shows no wear. The use of the 160d nylon gives it a real durable feel; it just feels better. All I can report now is predicted or expected longevity at this point. I will try to update this over time on this factor.

Where to use the Peregrine REFUGE Hammock

This hammock can be used in many situations and is very versatile.
Backpacking, camping, hiking, picnic, watching sunsets, hanging out in the yard, etc. Anywhere there is a place to hang it you can use it. Keep it in your car; you never know when it will be handy to pull it out and relax. I am a hammock enthusiast; you never know where I might hang mine.

Performance and usability of this hammock

The Peregrine REFUGE performed well. It score’s high for having a good balance between all the factors that make up this hammock. Everything is a trade off weight, size, durability, comfort, etc. It is easy to use, entering and exiting the hammock take very little effort. Once in the hammock, it feels stable, and there is little risk of falling out. While laying in the hammock, the sides come up along the side of you and prevent rolling out.

Affordability of the Peregrine REFUGE

The Peregrine REFUGE is priced affordably at $59.00 for the REFUGE 1 (Single), and $69.00 for the REFUGE 2 (Double). For an even more affordable option, Peregrine offers the REFUGE LITE for $29.00.
Remember the hammock DOES NOT include straps, they are sold separately, or you can use one you already own. Peregrine sells their C2 Hammock Strap Kit for $29.00. Peregrine’s prices are right in line with the industry; they are not the cheapest, and not the most expensive. However, the quality of this hammock makes it a real value compared to its competition.

My conclusions

I have been sleeping in hammocks on my backpacking adventures since the early 1990’s, and have spent 100’s of nights swinging gently under the stars.

The Positives

The Peregrine REFUGE has many things going for it. The quality of the materials used jumps out at you as soon as you take it out of its stuff sack. My first thoughts when I first felt it was “Wow this feels nice!” Even in the summer, a hammock can get a bit cool at night unless you compensate for it. The Peregrine REFUGE surprised me with a feelable difference from the first time you crawl into it. I can see ditching the underpad I use in the summer. However, I have only used the REFUGE in the winter. All hammocks require a little effort in cold weather to protect yourself from the cold.
The use of 160D Nylon, Woven Dyneema slings, CYPHER CE Certified climbing carabiners all speak quality about this hammock. Peregrine has taken no shortcuts in the manufacturing, so if the quality is your primary decision maker, this hammock wins.

The Negatives

  • It weighs a little more than similarly sized hammocks. From my viewpoint, this is due to the higher quality materials and heavier fabric, so its biggest plus has an offset of weight.
  • It is packable size again is a little larger than a comparably sized hammock, again I feel this is due to using 160d nylon instead of the 70d nylon most manufacturers use.
  • Packing the straps in the same stuff sack’s hard. Honestly, this is a beef I have with every hammock I own. I would love a slightly larger stuff sack. All hammocks are useless unless they can be hung, so to forget the straps will make a miserable trip. I learned this firsthand. My cure for this is to leave the straps connected to the hammock when not in use, storing them together assures you will not forget to bring them.

Final Summary

The Peregrine REFUGE wins hands down for quality material and craftsmanship. The quality offsets the slightly heavier weight and size. So if you desire a higher quality hammock, the Peregrine REFUGE should be your choice. If you just can’t swallow the additional Oz’s, you may want to set your sites on the Peregrine REFUGE LITE.

Update Peregrine 1 person hammock | June 2017

The Peregrine 1 person hammock is still going strong. Over the past few months, I have lent this hammock to several people to get their opinion of its features. I sent it with instructions to use it any way they saw fit, and to give me an update of their opinion of this well built 1 person hammock. Except for the dirt, the hammock has come back unscathed. The overall consensus was the hammock performed above expectations. The weight did not come up as an issue, however, it was not carried in a backpack, just used in camp and backyards.

So, why am I lending it and not carrying the Refuge 1 in my pack? The weight difference from my other hammocks just can’t justify it for me. However, it makes a GREAT buddy hammock! I love the fact that it is bullet proof, so lending it to friends is no worry at all. It does still get used, I hang it in the yard near the creek on occasion, so this 1 person hammock still has a spot reserved in my outdoor gear. I still have not acquired the REFUGE LITE, will update one I purchase and use.

 

Places to find the Peregrine REFUGE

Peregrine

http://www.peregrineequipment.com/hammocks/refuge

Amazon

http://amzn.to/2lYtGhE