Nailed again Mark, great video! The "Darien" was named that because the prototype was a hammock Papa Smurf made for my expeditions in the Darien (Panama/Colombia border). Then in 2013 we used all Darien Hammocks on an ocean-to-ocean expedition to retrace the steps of Spanish conquistadores 500 years before through the Darien Gap, when they first laid eyes on the Pacific Ocean. The Darien hammocks are the VIP shelters we use in our company for our high-end clients. Although, I have to say I'm a bit jealous of your XL Robic. Might have to try that extra wide version some time.
Wow, very cool! Thanks for the info on the background of the name, it's always something I wonder about, how do they come up with some of the names. Thanks!
Dream Hammocks are addicting. I have two at the house , one on order and I still find myself constantly perusing their product page planning my next order. Also Dream Hammock's customer service is as great as their product.
My first thought before even watching this- "this guy has a ton of hammocks!" I've noticed no warbonnets as of yet in your arsenal.. you may have to try out the updated xlc..
I love Dream Hammock. With regards to the shorter ridgeline, that is most likely a function of the width of the hammock. To benefit from a wide hammock, you need to use that wide fabric. To use that wide fabric, you need to lay at a higher degree angle from center. To support this new geometry, the ridgeline needs to be reduced in length, which causes a greater sag. It's this greater sag (compared to an equal length hammock in a less wide fabric) that puts the ridgeline higher. This is actually the reason I've backed away from wide hammock fabrics.
Excellent review and I love the black and red color options. Personally I went without the pull-outs, but I'm 6'1" so not needed with the specs I chose during purchase. Look forward to your review of the Sparrow.
Just ordered my Darien in Mtn. 1.2. So now I have to watch every RUclips video available on the Darien until it arrives (of course!). I am really looking forward to this hammock. I've lost over 25 lbs, and am now finally able to (comfortably) try out this fabric. How does it feel as compared to Hyper D 1.6? Is it more or less stretchy?
Maybe slightly more stretchy, but not bad. I really like the 1.6 personally, but enjoy the weight savings of the lighter weight fabrics as well. Thanks!
I believe that is exactly what Rainman has, the Darien in the 1.2. He loves it! I have mine in the 1.1, which isn't offered anymore. Depends on the trip as to which hammock I bring, but I do spend a lot of time in the Darien. Check the most recent trip along the OHT.
Dyneema Dreama In this case it’s 1” wide white dyneema webbing. I have a couple setups that use mule tape, they all use kevlar tree huggers in 1 or 2 inch widths. Thanks!
They are different hammocks. I haven't done the side by side comparison yet, I actually think the comparison might be closer between the Dream Hammock Sparrow I am having built and the Chameleon. That might make a great comparison video. Between the two of these there are some significant differences that would tip me in one direction or the other depending on the day. Both are great hammocks and I don't think you could go wrong with either, honestly.
Chris Williams to be fair the chameleon is more comparable to the DH raven. Since the raven is symmetrical and you can add and remove the budget and topcover. The sparrow is by far the best dream hammock you can get but it's asymmetrical so you do have to choose your lay.
I have the Sparrow and Chameleon and quickly went back to the Sparrow. The Chameleon is very cool in terms of user friendliness (left or right lay, ease of addons, short wait time), however in my experience the DH is much better quality/attention to detail. The stitching on the DH is amazing and there are no loose treads or visible tie off points in the stitching, where as in the Chameleon I see lose threads all over. The stitching failed and tore where the hood meets the body and actually had to send it back for repairs (I'm 170lbs). Other things that I feel are better on the DH are the UQ hooks, netting, zippers. The hooks on the Chameleon doesn't seem to hold the shock cord well and comes out, the zippers I think snag a lot and aren't as smooth as I would have hoped. I don't mean to bad mouth as I do love my Dutch gear and it's still a great hammock and it could just be mine, but if you have the time to wait and know which way you lay, I would recommend to my friends a DH over the Chameleon. Also, getting into a hammock that is custom made and cut for you, that you spent the time waiting for, makes you just feel happy to be laying in it ;o)
Great points Joshua, I have about 6 Dariens, 2 Chameleons, 2 WBBBs, and who knows how many Hennessys, not to mention the few Grand Trunks. Regardless of the brand I find there's a major flaw with all of them: I haven't found a way to sleep comfortably in all 28 of them at the same time! ;-D Now, seriously. I think comfort-wise my Darien hammocks beat the other brands/models, and this is considering the fact that they are 10', versus the Chameleons, which are 11' and therefore should be more comfortable. Still, the Chameleon is pretty comfy, and I'm loving more and more the idea of customization in the field that it offers. For example, adjusting the shock cord tie outs while lying in the hammock. Or for instance, I never knew how useful having zippers on both sides would be. This allows me to enter the hammock from either side, and most importantly, make use of the real estate below the tarp on the other side of the hammock. With a zipper on just one side obviously all my gear and ground stuff ends up on a pile next to the entrance of the hammock. Leaving the other half of the space empty. With the two zippers I can put some things on one side and some on the other, and keeping them within arm's reach. You're right about the zippers though. The DH zippers are so smooth right out of the box. The Chameleon zippers need quite a bit of use before they become smooth. The first few times they get stuck easily. I try to convince myself that I do have a need and use of all these hammocks. For instance, I tell myself that the Darien is good when going minimal. In the tropics, you can't afford to be without a bugnet, and the Darien is perfect for that. Then in other world regions where bugs are seasonal, I can take a Chameleon, and either leave it netless or put the overcover on, if it gets cold.
You're right I do love the moroccan blue, and that is my color, but I have 3 hammocks with blue right now. This one is black and red, the next one is different again!
![Noob To Max With DRAGON REWORK In Blox Fruits [FULL MOVIE]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/LnBMOinoOvA/mqdefault.jpg)
I'm 5' 8" and the 10' Darien in 1.6 is very comfortable. I have an 11' Sparrow as well and I keep going back to the Darien
Right on! I'll let you know what I think between the two after I get my Sparrow.
Great hammock and great company. I have two Dariens.
Tim Watson they really are. I'll be getting my Sparrow and meeting up with them down at the TX hang next month!
Nailed again Mark, great video! The "Darien" was named that because the prototype was a hammock Papa Smurf made for my expeditions in the Darien (Panama/Colombia border). Then in 2013 we used all Darien Hammocks on an ocean-to-ocean expedition to retrace the steps of Spanish conquistadores 500 years before through the Darien Gap, when they first laid eyes on the Pacific Ocean. The Darien hammocks are the VIP shelters we use in our company for our high-end clients. Although, I have to say I'm a bit jealous of your XL Robic. Might have to try that extra wide version some time.
Wow, very cool! Thanks for the info on the background of the name, it's always something I wonder about, how do they come up with some of the names. Thanks!
Such a cool fact!
Dream Hammocks are addicting. I have two at the house , one on order and I still find myself constantly perusing their product page planning my next order. Also Dream Hammock's customer service is as great as their product.
Haha, this whole hobby is like that. Just when you think you have your full kit set, you see something else you "need"!
Wicked hammock! Love hearing the customer service side as well
Matty_Outdoors It's a great hammock. Sleeping in it tonight!
Spiguyver Backpacking jealous! Enjoy it!
I love my Darian as well. Excellent workmanship, customer service and price point. One would say the cats meow.
It's a great hammock, have a couple nights in it now, and I sleep well in it! Very comfy!
I have over 10 hammocks (love most of them) and no dream hammock yet. That may change here in the very near future-- great review as always!
My hammock count keeps going up! Might have to have a sale or give away soon!
My first thought before even watching this- "this guy has a ton of hammocks!" I've noticed no warbonnets as of yet in your arsenal.. you may have to try out the updated xlc..
I have several more that I am testing and I hope to be able to get a test of a warbonnet sometime in the not too distant future.
I don't doubt you at all- only heard amazing things about them..
I love Dream Hammock. With regards to the shorter ridgeline, that is most likely a function of the width of the hammock. To benefit from a wide hammock, you need to use that wide fabric. To use that wide fabric, you need to lay at a higher degree angle from center. To support this new geometry, the ridgeline needs to be reduced in length, which causes a greater sag. It's this greater sag (compared to an equal length hammock in a less wide fabric) that puts the ridgeline higher.
This is actually the reason I've backed away from wide hammock fabrics.
Good point! I think you're right, I'm sure Papa Smurf can confirm that for me.
thats a badass color scheme! gonna get something similar for my DH sparrow
Excellent review and I love the black and red color options. Personally I went without the pull-outs, but I'm 6'1" so not needed with the specs I chose during purchase. Look forward to your review of the Sparrow.
Irish Zombie Nation Thanks, your review was great. I like your double layer and color options, I love the look of the zipper hoods.
I love my Darien. So light. So comfy.
Yup!
Dream Hammock, forever hanging soul dream to have.
Good stuff! thanks!
Just ordered my Darien in Mtn. 1.2. So now I have to watch every RUclips video available on the Darien until it arrives (of course!). I am really looking forward to this hammock. I've lost over 25 lbs, and am now finally able to (comfortably) try out this fabric. How does it feel as compared to Hyper D 1.6? Is it more or less stretchy?
Maybe slightly more stretchy, but not bad. I really like the 1.6 personally, but enjoy the weight savings of the lighter weight fabrics as well. Thanks!
Awesome video good review on this hammock👍
Thank you, still the hammock I take backpacking most of the time!
I'm getting ready to purchase my darien but confused about suspension any suggestions?
Mark,
Can you suggest of Darien and 1.2 fabric how comfortable ? Most of the trail I saw your bring the Chameleon .
Thanks
I believe that is exactly what Rainman has, the Darien in the 1.2. He loves it! I have mine in the 1.1, which isn't offered anymore. Depends on the trip as to which hammock I bring, but I do spend a lot of time in the Darien. Check the most recent trip along the OHT.
Great video! You mentioned a shorter ridge line on this hammock. What's the length on this hammock?
I will have to go measure it. I'll let you know!
Is that mule tape you're using for your suspension? Any tree straps, or just the tape?
Dyneema Dreama In this case it’s 1” wide white dyneema webbing. I have a couple setups that use mule tape, they all use kevlar tree huggers in 1 or 2 inch widths. Thanks!
Have you tried the blackbird xlc? If so how does it compare to the Darien?
I have not, I have reached out to Warbonnet and am exploring the possibility of purchasing one since I've had quite a few questions about them.
Do you recommend this or Dutchware Chameleon?
They are different hammocks. I haven't done the side by side comparison yet, I actually think the comparison might be closer between the Dream Hammock Sparrow I am having built and the Chameleon. That might make a great comparison video. Between the two of these there are some significant differences that would tip me in one direction or the other depending on the day. Both are great hammocks and I don't think you could go wrong with either, honestly.
Chris Williams to be fair the chameleon is more comparable to the DH raven. Since the raven is symmetrical and you can add and remove the budget and topcover. The sparrow is by far the best dream hammock you can get but it's asymmetrical so you do have to choose your lay.
True, and I'm looking forward to receiving mine next month!
I have the Sparrow and Chameleon and quickly went back to the Sparrow. The Chameleon is very cool in terms of user friendliness (left or right lay, ease of addons, short wait time), however in my experience the DH is much better quality/attention to detail. The stitching on the DH is amazing and there are no loose treads or visible tie off points in the stitching, where as in the Chameleon I see lose threads all over. The stitching failed and tore where the hood meets the body and actually had to send it back for repairs (I'm 170lbs). Other things that I feel are better on the DH are the UQ hooks, netting, zippers. The hooks on the Chameleon doesn't seem to hold the shock cord well and comes out, the zippers I think snag a lot and aren't as smooth as I would have hoped. I don't mean to bad mouth as I do love my Dutch gear and it's still a great hammock and it could just be mine, but if you have the time to wait and know which way you lay, I would recommend to my friends a DH over the Chameleon. Also, getting into a hammock that is custom made and cut for you, that you spent the time waiting for, makes you just feel happy to be laying in it ;o)
Great points Joshua, I have about 6 Dariens, 2 Chameleons, 2 WBBBs, and who knows how many Hennessys, not to mention the few Grand Trunks. Regardless of the brand I find there's a major flaw with all of them: I haven't found a way to sleep comfortably in all 28 of them at the same time! ;-D
Now, seriously. I think comfort-wise my Darien hammocks beat the other brands/models, and this is considering the fact that they are 10', versus the Chameleons, which are 11' and therefore should be more comfortable.
Still, the Chameleon is pretty comfy, and I'm loving more and more the idea of customization in the field that it offers. For example, adjusting the shock cord tie outs while lying in the hammock. Or for instance, I never knew how useful having zippers on both sides would be. This allows me to enter the hammock from either side, and most importantly, make use of the real estate below the tarp on the other side of the hammock. With a zipper on just one side obviously all my gear and ground stuff ends up on a pile next to the entrance of the hammock. Leaving the other half of the space empty. With the two zippers I can put some things on one side and some on the other, and keeping them within arm's reach.
You're right about the zippers though. The DH zippers are so smooth right out of the box. The Chameleon zippers need quite a bit of use before they become smooth. The first few times they get stuck easily.
I try to convince myself that I do have a need and use of all these hammocks. For instance, I tell myself that the Darien is good when going minimal. In the tropics, you can't afford to be without a bugnet, and the Darien is perfect for that. Then in other world regions where bugs are seasonal, I can take a Chameleon, and either leave it netless or put the overcover on, if it gets cold.
What??? No moroccan blue? That's your color! (I love moroccan blue as well)
You're right I do love the moroccan blue, and that is my color, but I have 3 hammocks with blue right now. This one is black and red, the next one is different again!