The Haven Spectre™

Sleeping on uneven, sloped or damp ground is a familiar problem for campers and hikers. Haven Tents' answer has long been to lift the sleeper off the ground entirely while keeping them level, and the Haven Spectre™ continues that approach. According to the maker, the goal is a flat, comfortable sleeping position in the middle of the outdoors, closer to a bed than a conventional hammock.

Lay-Flat design and materials

At the core is the company's Lay-Flat construction, which the maker says supports the whole body on a flat plane while distributing pressure on the hips and shoulders. The Spectre uses an independent frame structure that, according to the maker, reduces tilt and sway compared with a typical hammock, and the interior is roomier than earlier models, accommodating sleepers up to 198cm (6 ft 6 in).

The shell is made from 30D ripstop nylon, described as light, strong and highly water-resistant, while the fly sheet uses 15D silicone-coated nylon. The maker states a weight of 4 pounds (about 1.8kg).

Details and modularity

• Built-in pockets and a gear loft
• Entry zippers on both sides, designed to be operated while wearing gloves
• Removable mosquito net
• Rain fly
• Optional insulation kit, sold separately, for colder conditions

Beyond backpacking and mountaineering, the Japanese source suggests the Spectre could suit car camping and motorcycle touring, and possibly serve as a makeshift bed in emergencies such as earthquakes, where staying off the ground may offer hygiene and safety benefits. The Haven Spectre™ was introduced as a Kickstarter project, where it reportedly drew strong backer interest well beyond its stated goal.