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Q: Kayak friendly? Small compact?

The bag with everything in it measures 2' long and 7.5" wide. Weight is manageable and would not be a concern on a kayak IMO. I would not describe it as small or light. I just kayaked up the Colorado this summer. I didn't use this but it would have worked well as a ground tent. With no rain and 100 degree nights I just used a tarp. When I purchased the tent, the bag was made of tent material so it has some ability to keep out water if splashed etc. I think this would be a handy kayaking option.

Q: The description says you can eliminate the Sleeping pad. What part of the design compensates for that?

I camped in mine 2 times so far. First time hanging. It was 40 degrees outside and to make it worst I had it hanging over top a cave entrance. It was a long miserable night. I wish I had a pad under me of rextra insulation. 2nd time was mid august and hot. I used it on the ground as there was no-where to hang it. Thats the idea, it can be either. I used a pad to cousion the ground. I had to pull the rainfly back half way to get air. It was too closed up and hot. another thing is on the ground it is very low. I sleep best on my side. My upper arm was touching the top. I like it best as a hammock. I enjoy hammocks anyway. I have my next trip planned. Its going to be a cold weather backpack trip. I plan to bring a pad and also a bag liner too ( didn't have last time ). May even put hand warmers down in the bag by my feet. Warm weather hanging, I wouldn't even think of a pad. Very nice hammock. I also recommend tree hugger straps and a tention system called a whoopie sling. google that. Real aesome way to hang it.

Q: Could this hammock be hung from a portable hammock stand? If so, what should the length, height of the stand be? Thank you.

I hung mine on a hammock stand that is about 15 feet long and that was bought on Amazon. It does not hang on the shorter stands like what Ikea sells.

Q: Is it free-standing when used as a tent?

We haven't used it on the ground yet, but the answer is yes. You would just have to stake out the ends to the ground so that the poles stand up. Simple.