Welcome to the world of hammock gear warmth. I have the same underquilt you have. I use it from mid/late spring, all the way go early fall. Very light. Very warm. Very reliable. I've pushed mine down to the 40* threshold and was very warm. Enjoy your new toy!
I was torn between getting a Hammockgear Econ Borrow 20° or a Outdoorvitals LofTek 15° topquilt, but as you were describing the HG UQ I could detect the honesty in your voice of the warmth and material quality. Few folks actually do a video of themselves out in the cold, (other than Shug), of a product I'm interested in buying. Although I'm not getting a UQ at the moment, your description and honesty sold me on HG! Getting the Borrow!
Good choice. Be careful of the Outdoor vitals stuff. They sent me a product to test out. Though their stuff is going proof. It's a bit heavy and the team rating is a survival rating. Meaning add 10 to 15 degrees onto their rating and that's the confort rating. So a 15 would be good at 25 to 30. My aerie 20 is good to about 35.
I love my Hammock Gear Phoenix 40 and burrow 40(with 2oz overstuff) I use them for all 3 seasons and defiantly have 0 complaints!! it has kept me alive down to 24 degrees before, Emphasis on ALIVE ;-) All of my quilts and tarp are Hammock gear, I couldn't recommend them enough! Thanks for the great video Keep them coming!!
Just got around to watching this and realized we have the same summer set up. I have been using the costco quilt in the summer too but sewed a footbox into it so ot is more top "quilty" amd just ordered a 40 degree Phoenix last week. Tired of trying to stay on a pad. Thanks for the great videos!
I want to thank you for aiding me in setting up my three season gear the past 7 months, I wanted to know why you do not just use the blackbird for winter hammock hanging and any reason you are not using any under quilts from Warbonnet? I have been waiting to hear you mention something but you have not so I figured it's time to ask? Keep it up! 👍🏼
Hey Steve, I could use the blackbird for winter and just pull back the bugnet. But I'd rather save that weight so I went with the traveler. As far as underquilts I didn't use Warbonnet stuff because they only have 2 temp ratings a 0 and a 20, and I just wanted to have some more customization to my quilts.
Outdoor Adventures wicked thanks! I am also wondering if you would make a how to upgrade and what is best practice to go from three season to winter with out really getting all new gear! Thanks!
Most of my hammock camping is in Northern Michigan so our summers are much cooler. I just ordered another 20F underquilt and my wife bought me the top quilt for Christmas. When you do the SHT will you guys fly or drive to it? I live next to highway US2 in the central part of Upper Michigan. You guys are welcome to stay if you don't want to drive it all at once.
With logistics it's going to be easier to drive there and leave the car in northern deluth somewhere. Then get a shuttle to the border. Might take you up on that offer depending on time and dates
Pittsburgh to our house is 11 1/2 hours. Our house to Duluth is 5 hours. It may be a little longer, but mapquest shows the best route is going through Chicago for you. They have about 10 crazy tolls and we now try to avoid going that way. Rush hour is a real nightmare if a person drives through it at that time.
Great video as always..but..what about us folks out there that can only afford one setup..is it possible to have a top quilt and underquilt that is adjustable enough for all 4 seasons?
I have a series of three season camping questions that I am going to ask a couple of my RUclips favourites including you that I have been watching the past couple of years aiding with my set up and I would like to ask what you would do today now that you have experienced and enjoyed many hikes. Let's say hypothetically every brand and item is 10 dollars each to that is not a factor! Three Season Camping 1. Which hammock would you use? 2. Which tarp would you use and type of ridgeline? 3. Which cook set would you use? 4. Which stove would you most use? 5. Which under and top quilt would you use? 6. Which light weight jacket would you use? 7. Which rain gear would you use? 8. Last but not least, which back pack would you choose to carry your three season set up? Thanks in advance for your time and you can just put simple short answers or some elaboration if you have time or would like to add.
Three Season Camping 1. 100% Warbonnet blackbird 2. Zpacks Cuben fiber tarp with 1 side of doors. Always leave one open for condensation. CRL from duttchware it's perfect. 3. Toaks 700ml pot with lid, less the stuff sack add reflectix pot cozy. Just what I need for coffee and boiling my water for meals. 4. Fancee feast alcohol stove is my stove of choice. Lights in all temperatures, fast boil times, and very good on fuel usage. 5. 30 revolt underquilt by EE and 40 revelation topquilt by EE 6. Mountain hardwear ghost whisperer (warm down to 35) 7. OR helium 2 (no pit zips or pockets) 8. I honestly think i'd stay with the Osprey Exos but Zpacks Arc blast is really really good since the redesign updates.
Great vid! I absolutely love your reviews and thanks to you, I'm looking to purchase a blackbird :) I've never used a hammock before because I usually ground sleep. I'm struggling with the decision to have it double layered or not. Potentially I'll be using a mat, that's because I've never used a UQ before. What would you advise ?
If you know someone with a hammock, borrow it. If I had to do everything over again. I would start with a single layer and bite the bullet and purchase a UQ and TQ right from the start. However there is nothing wrong with sleeping on a bed. The double layer blackbird does a VERY good job at holding the pad in place though. If you ca borrow one definitely try a hammock out first. There are also plenty of tutorials on making an underquilt out of that cheap $20 costco blanket and you can use it in temps 55F+. Hope that helps. You can't go wrong with a blackbird either way. I still love mine.
Outdoor Adventures thank you for your quick reply and an informative response :) unfortunately i havent got a hammock to borrow and try out so ive been intentionally watching tutorials to gain some knowledge. Also, if you dont mind what would you advise given that i am 165lbs and 173cm tall? Would you advise the blackbird or the xlc? Also if i go for the single layer, would you recommend the 1.1 or 1.7?
great video! I'm 5'6" and using the wbbb too, planning to get an EE 40F UQ. Will you recommend to get EE regular length or go for the Long version? thanks!
+Steven Tsai regular is a bit too long for me. Their sizes are different from when I ordered mine, but I would stay with the regular. Makes it easier when it's in blanket mode to have a little extra material by your feet.
Now that you have your hands on a hammock gear ug (granted you haven't been able to use it so taking that into consideration ) at this point, if you went back, would you still choose EE for your full length quilts or would you switch to HG?
I'd keep EE. The are practically the same. But EE offers more down to weight ratio (at least the did when I was doing my initial research) and a ton more customization's. HG and EE are both excellent and well respected brands among the hiking and ultralight communities.
The "footbox" is just the flap created by the triangle sewn piece of the bugnet. It's just a standard hammock design but the tirangle makes the material flap a bit for your feet. A full length underquilt fits over that flap perfect. Then the 3/4 sits just before that flap.
+Loftin Outdoors it stays well once you figure out how to get it adjusted properly. It took me probably 13 nights to totally figure it out though. Check out my hammock setup I recently did. Shug has a really good one as well about adjusting underquilts
+Loftin Outdoors that ENO is only about 9.5 feet long. Depending on how tall you are you might want to look at a regular blackbird which is 10 foot. The XLC is meant for tall people. Or people that want a removable bugnet
Outdoor Adventures im between 5'8 and 5'10 tall and around 250 pounds so I will have to go with the double nest either way. But I wouldn't mind having the xlc for that removable bug net that way I could use it like the traveler when the bugs isn't bad.
Bit off topic, but it popped up when you talked about wearing a hat to fight the cold or sticking out a leg when fighting off warmth. I'm under the impression hammockcampers wear (a lot of) clothing while they sleep, and as a tentcamper I'm not used to that at all. I have a 40degree (lowest comfortlevel) synthetic sleepingbag and even on a simple 1" foammat I could easily take that to 30 without problem or any additional cloathing (I don't suffer from the cold very easy). In fact wearing clothes seemed to have an averse effect. Now in a hammock you loose warmth a bit differently, is that why you would wear clothes, or did I just get a wrong impression?
Tent and Hammock campers don't differ in their clothing, it's just that when I was referring to my quilt, they don't have a hood like a typical mummy sleeping bag does, so when it's cold enough you can just wear a hat. But as far as clothes I usually just sleep in some PJ's, not a whole lot of clothes on in either a tent or a hammock for me. But when it starts dipping down to 40 or so I like to wear a hat so my ears don't get too cold.
Has your gf gone in a hammock yet? We finally ordered a couple hammocks since I hate sleeping on the ground but my biggest apprehension is sleeping "alone". Was wondering if she had the same concern and how it went.
Welcome to the world of hammock gear warmth. I have the same underquilt you have. I use it from mid/late spring, all the way go early fall. Very light. Very warm. Very reliable. I've pushed mine down to the 40* threshold and was very warm. Enjoy your new toy!
Those Costco quilts are amazing! I got two of them, and am really pleased with them. I'm looking forward to trying them in the spring.
With the temp thing waking up hot, you REALLY helped me decide on a topquilt. Thanks!
Glad it helped! What did you decide to go with?
I was torn between getting a Hammockgear Econ Borrow 20° or a Outdoorvitals LofTek 15° topquilt, but as you were describing the HG UQ I could detect the honesty in your voice of the warmth and material quality. Few folks actually do a video of themselves out in the cold, (other than Shug), of a product I'm interested in buying. Although I'm not getting a UQ at the moment, your description and honesty sold me on HG! Getting the Borrow!
Good choice. Be careful of the Outdoor vitals stuff. They sent me a product to test out. Though their stuff is going proof. It's a bit heavy and the team rating is a survival rating. Meaning add 10 to 15 degrees onto their rating and that's the confort rating. So a 15 would be good at 25 to 30. My aerie 20 is good to about 35.
dude ...a super THANKYOU for this video review 💨☕
I've been thinking about a summer setup... Costco quilt and 40* Phoenix were my exact plans. Very nice to see that same setup in the video!
I think it will work very well
I love my Hammock Gear Phoenix 40 and burrow 40(with 2oz overstuff) I use them for all 3 seasons and defiantly have 0 complaints!! it has kept me alive down to 24 degrees before, Emphasis on ALIVE ;-) All of my quilts and tarp are Hammock gear, I couldn't recommend them enough! Thanks for the great video Keep them coming!!
I just ordered my Warbird and have been contemplating which UQ to purchase and I think this video just sealed the deal for me. Thanks
Just got around to watching this and realized we have the same summer set up. I have been using the costco quilt in the summer too but sewed a footbox into it so ot is more top "quilty" amd just ordered a 40 degree Phoenix last week. Tired of trying to stay on a pad. Thanks for the great videos!
Very nice setup there. Should work well. I have two sets of HG quilts and love them. Have a good New Years. Al
That will be my next one. 3 degrees a new low for me Hammock Gear 0 degree under quilt nice and warm.
ayeee you went with the Phoenix.. I love mine during the summer
Seems pretty good. Too bad I have to wait like 6 months to use it =p
Outdoor Adventures lol I just ordered my 0° EE quilt last night and itll be spring before I get it lol
Well at least you'll be set for next year.
Great information. Keep up the good work... much appreciated.
have a winter camping trip planned if your interested. it's on the jp Saylor trail.
I want to thank you for aiding me in setting up my three season gear the past 7 months, I wanted to know why you do not just use the blackbird for winter hammock hanging and any reason you are not using any under quilts from Warbonnet? I have been waiting to hear you mention something but you have not so I figured it's time to ask? Keep it up! 👍🏼
Hey Steve, I could use the blackbird for winter and just pull back the bugnet. But I'd rather save that weight so I went with the traveler. As far as underquilts I didn't use Warbonnet stuff because they only have 2 temp ratings a 0 and a 20, and I just wanted to have some more customization to my quilts.
Outdoor Adventures wicked thanks! I am also wondering if you would make a how to upgrade and what is best practice to go from three season to winter with out really getting all new gear! Thanks!
Most of my hammock camping is in Northern Michigan so our summers are much cooler. I just ordered another 20F underquilt and my wife bought me the top quilt for Christmas. When you do the SHT will you guys fly or drive to it? I live next to highway US2 in the central part of Upper Michigan. You guys are welcome to stay if you don't want to drive it all at once.
With logistics it's going to be easier to drive there and leave the car in northern deluth somewhere. Then get a shuttle to the border. Might take you up on that offer depending on time and dates
Pittsburgh to our house is 11 1/2 hours. Our house to Duluth is 5 hours. It may be a little longer, but mapquest shows the best route is going through Chicago for you. They have about 10 crazy tolls and we now try to avoid going that way. Rush hour is a real nightmare if a person drives through it at that time.
Great video as always..but..what about us folks out there that can only afford one setup..is it possible to have a top quilt and underquilt that is adjustable enough for all 4 seasons?
I have a series of three season camping questions that I am going to ask a couple of my RUclips favourites including you that I have been watching the past couple of years aiding with my set up and I would like to ask what you would do today now that you have experienced and enjoyed many hikes. Let's say hypothetically every brand and item is 10 dollars each to that is not a factor!
Three Season Camping
1. Which hammock would you use?
2. Which tarp would you use and type of ridgeline?
3. Which cook set would you use?
4. Which stove would you most use?
5. Which under and top quilt would you use?
6. Which light weight jacket would you use?
7. Which rain gear would you use?
8. Last but not least, which back pack would you choose to carry your three season set up?
Thanks in advance for your time and you can just put simple short answers or some elaboration if you have time or would like to add.
This is an awesome question. I'll get back to you =P
Three Season Camping
1. 100% Warbonnet blackbird
2. Zpacks Cuben fiber tarp with 1 side of doors. Always leave one open for condensation. CRL from duttchware it's perfect.
3. Toaks 700ml pot with lid, less the stuff sack add reflectix pot cozy. Just what I need for coffee and boiling my water for meals.
4. Fancee feast alcohol stove is my stove of choice. Lights in all temperatures, fast boil times, and very good on fuel usage.
5. 30 revolt underquilt by EE and 40 revelation topquilt by EE
6. Mountain hardwear ghost whisperer (warm down to 35)
7. OR helium 2 (no pit zips or pockets)
8. I honestly think i'd stay with the Osprey Exos but Zpacks Arc blast is really really good since the redesign updates.
Great vid! I absolutely love your reviews and thanks to you, I'm looking to purchase a blackbird :)
I've never used a hammock before because I usually ground sleep. I'm struggling with the decision to have it double layered or not. Potentially I'll be using a mat, that's because I've never used a UQ before.
What would you advise ?
If you know someone with a hammock, borrow it. If I had to do everything over again. I would start with a single layer and bite the bullet and purchase a UQ and TQ right from the start. However there is nothing wrong with sleeping on a bed. The double layer blackbird does a VERY good job at holding the pad in place though. If you ca borrow one definitely try a hammock out first. There are also plenty of tutorials on making an underquilt out of that cheap $20 costco blanket and you can use it in temps 55F+. Hope that helps. You can't go wrong with a blackbird either way. I still love mine.
Outdoor Adventures thank you for your quick reply and an informative response :) unfortunately i havent got a hammock to borrow and try out so ive been intentionally watching tutorials to gain some knowledge.
Also, if you dont mind what would you advise given that i am 165lbs and 173cm tall? Would you advise the blackbird or the xlc?
Also if i go for the single layer, would you recommend the 1.1 or 1.7?
great video! I'm 5'6" and using the wbbb too, planning to get an EE 40F UQ. Will you recommend to get EE regular length or go for the Long version? thanks!
+Steven Tsai regular is a bit too long for me. Their sizes are different from when I ordered mine, but I would stay with the regular. Makes it easier when it's in blanket mode to have a little extra material by your feet.
Now that you have your hands on a hammock gear ug (granted you haven't been able to use it so taking that into consideration ) at this point, if you went back, would you still choose EE for your full length quilts or would you switch to HG?
I'd keep EE. The are practically the same. But EE offers more down to weight ratio (at least the did when I was doing my initial research) and a ton more customization's. HG and EE are both excellent and well respected brands among the hiking and ultralight communities.
I am a constant side sleeper. I am looking into hammock camping, any thoughts on if is possible to sleep on your side comfortly in a hammock?
I sleep on my side all the time. Just stay at a diagonal and it will feel flat. Very comfy
How does the UQ stay around the foot box on the blackbird
The "footbox" is just the flap created by the triangle sewn piece of the bugnet. It's just a standard hammock design but the tirangle makes the material flap a bit for your feet. A full length underquilt fits over that flap perfect. Then the 3/4 sits just before that flap.
Did you go with the Premium or Econ Phoenix 40? Any overfill?
Premium always. No overfill
Will, or have you tried the Wookie for your WBBB?
Don't think I will try it no. Any underquilt works great on the WBBB.
How good does the Phoenix under quilt stay in place on the warbonnet Blackbird
+Loftin Outdoors it stays well once you figure out how to get it adjusted properly.
It took me probably 13 nights to totally figure it out though. Check out my hammock setup I recently did. Shug has a really good one as well about adjusting underquilts
Outdoor Adventures in thinking about upgrading from an eno junglenest to the warbonnet Blackbird xlc and i already have the under quilt
+Loftin Outdoors that ENO is only about 9.5 feet long. Depending on how tall you are you might want to look at a regular blackbird which is 10 foot. The XLC is meant for tall people. Or people that want a removable bugnet
Outdoor Adventures im between 5'8 and 5'10 tall and around 250 pounds so I will have to go with the double nest either way. But I wouldn't mind having the xlc for that removable bug net that way I could use it like the traveler when the bugs isn't bad.
links to the hammocks/quilts would be nice
I just put them in the description
Thanks!
Bit off topic, but it popped up when you talked about wearing a hat to fight the cold or sticking out a leg when fighting off warmth. I'm under the impression hammockcampers wear (a lot of) clothing while they sleep, and as a tentcamper I'm not used to that at all. I have a 40degree (lowest comfortlevel) synthetic sleepingbag and even on a simple 1" foammat I could easily take that to 30 without problem or any additional cloathing (I don't suffer from the cold very easy). In fact wearing clothes seemed to have an averse effect. Now in a hammock you loose warmth a bit differently, is that why you would wear clothes, or did I just get a wrong impression?
Tent and Hammock campers don't differ in their clothing, it's just that when I was referring to my quilt, they don't have a hood like a typical mummy sleeping bag does, so when it's cold enough you can just wear a hat. But as far as clothes I usually just sleep in some PJ's, not a whole lot of clothes on in either a tent or a hammock for me. But when it starts dipping down to 40 or so I like to wear a hat so my ears don't get too cold.
Yeh I figured. Thanks for taking your time to answer my silly question :)
HerrFinsternis Not a silly question at all
Has your gf gone in a hammock yet? We finally ordered a couple hammocks since I hate sleeping on the ground but my biggest apprehension is sleeping "alone". Was wondering if she had the same concern and how it went.
0:34 That's what she said.
Pretty realistic delivery skit
That area kinda looks like North Park......if a mountain biker barrels by I'll know for sure.