A top cover can be used with any type of hammock. A top cover is more like a bivy sack, or a top quilt — it’s a windproof or even wind/water proof shell that goes around your sleeping bag or top quilt. It isn’t meant to wrap around the top of the hammock. As a top cover, it just goes around the insulation.

As an under cover or winter shield on the _bottom_ of the hammock, it is on the outside of the hammock, but the principle is largely the same — the shield is wrapped closely around the insulation, whether on top or on the bottom. It just so happens that under quilts are wrapped around the outside and bottom of the hammock itself.

If you have a modular hammock where the bug net can be replaced with a solid piece of fabric for cold nights, that largely duplicates the use of a top cover, although I would argue that a top cover provides more insulative properties than a zip-in modular cover.

I hope this helps.

Great ideas. I agree.

Thanks! I’m glad you found it useful.