Project 01 · Outdoor Gear
Project 01 · Outdoor Gear
Overview
The ThermaLoft Hammock bridges the gap between casual summer camping and extreme cold weather hammocking. It features integrated 700 fill power down insulation that removes the need for added pads or blankets. The ThermaLoft is built in layers to prevent bunching and movement from the insulation and to maintain the comfortable feel of a traditional summer hammock.
Comfort rated to 40°F (4°C)
Discipline: Industrial Design · Program: USU OPDD · Year: 2025
Research
Problem Statement
The hammock market is split between basic non-insulated models that become uncomfortably cold in moderate temperatures and high-performance insulated systems that are expensive and often overbuilt for casual use. As a result, recreational campers lack an affordable, streamlined option for comfortable, moderate weather hammocking.
Design Question
"How might we create a hammock that keeps users comfortable in moderate temperatures, is easy to use, and cost-effective"
Mood Board
Market Research
4Season Survivorman Zip XL
$288
The foam pad must be removed and stored separately when not in use, adding setup complexity and a loose component that can be misplaced or forgotten.
Superior Voyager Hammock Orange
$220
A true winter hammock rated for extreme conditions — but the full system is heavy, expensive, and overbuilt for casual moderate-weather use.
Ember™ UnderQuilt
$120
An add-on accessory that requires separate purchase and attachment to an existing hammock. Adds cost and setup steps without integrating into the hammock itself.
The market is open to a budget hammock with integrated insulation.
Ideation
Development
20d Ripstop Nylon
A lightweight, tear-resistant nylon with a grid reinforcement pattern that prevents small tears from spreading. Chosen for its balance of durability and low pack weight in the hammock shell.
700 Fill Power Down Insulation
High-loft goose down that provides exceptional warmth-to-weight ratio. Sewn into baffled channels to prevent cold spots from insulation shifting during sleep.
Polyester Webbing
Strong and stretch-resistant suspension webbing that distributes load evenly across anchor points. UV-stabilized to maintain strength after extended outdoor exposure.
Bent Gate Aluminum Carabiners
Lightweight aluminum carabiners with a bent gate for quick one-handed clipping. Anodized finish resists corrosion and reduces friction during setup.
The ThermaLoft uses a floating sleep layer — an inner shell that suspends the down insulation away from the outer hammock body. This prevents the insulation from compressing under the sleeper's weight, maintaining loft and warmth throughout the night. The layered construction also allows the hammock to feel and hang like a traditional summer hammock while providing integrated cold-weather performance.
Final Design
