Don't be afraid to learn to sew one as well. I did that back in early march and did one prototype initially, then a final version that is far nicer than anything available from a shop. I made a 12' hammock using 6' wide MTN XL fabric, then added a integrated bugnet made out of the monolite nylon instead of noseeum mesh. I used heavier #5 YKK zippers but snipped the metal pulls off using pliers and used bright red zingit to chop a few ounces. There's a nice zip storage bag sewn inside, a hanging storage, and a amsteel ridgeline instead of zingit. The hammock is completely black except the continuous loops and zipper pulls (bright red), so all the critical pieces really stand out and you find them fast when entering/setting up. Works incredibly well for stealth camping and I've never slept so well in my life camping. The extra length and width enables me to sleep at a 45 deg angle and completely flat, and there's a ton of overhead room for hanging items on the ridgeline. In short, don't be afraid of tinkering with a sewing machine, hammocks are fairly simple to make and you can shape it all to precisely what you want. The hard part is calculating the dimensions on the hexagon shape of your bugnet if you plan to build a hammock with a integrated bugnet.
A backpacker for sure. But she is new to giving a hammock a real try. I am actually really interested to see her outcome since I just got a RCP hammock I want to try out in warm weather. I have always been a tent guy.
I bought my Warbonnet Blackbird About 8 years ago and I haven't spent a night in a tent since. The comfort is amazing. In fact I sold or gave away most of my tents and kept only my six person and my solo tent. I went with a double layer and their Superfly, which offers more coverage than their other tarps. Weight isn't a concern for me because I mostly canoe camp these days. It's hard to go wrong with a Warbonnet. Great gear and great customer service.
I hope you enjoy your hammock, I'm sure you will. There is nothing more comfortable. However a word of caution. Leave a lot more distance when you tie off. You need a few drip points with thin para cord. If it rains, as you have it currently set up, your hammock and you will get flooded out. leave a couple of feet of cord between your hammock and the tie off point, then add a couple of drip points with thin para cord. Also ensure your tarp over hangs the hammock by at least a foot to prevent rain entering. Happy hammocking.
I was one of the people who told you to give hammocks another chance. You made a great choice with the one you got. Even the color is not a problem unless you are a stealth camper. Think of it like this, when you are in a deep forest the hammock like a tent is your mobile home. So the bigger and wilder is always better. Who wants to be cramped when you need to sleep. Also as a after thought I wish that someone would make a tent designed to cover a hammock to close it in better from animals that might walk right up to a sleeping person. Cheers to you beautiful lady.
I agree with you about trying to figuring out all the components to Hammock Camping, I went with Everest hammocks and one onewind tarp and under quilt based on cost, I have done two trips to the AT starting from Harpers Ferry South, three nights each, and enjoyed it very much. I am 52 and I have never done anything like this before I learned a lot from you and Frozen on RUclips thank you for taking the time to do this. it has been very helpful.
Hi Dixie! Great video. I started with a cheap hammock just to see if I would like it. I ended up adding pieces as I went.I love my War Bonnet super fly. it closes up around my hammock like a small tent lots of privacy for changing clothes. With my walking poles in porch mode I have plenty of room to cook under it too. My walking polls also Make it into a great ground tarp shelter when no trees are around. I am a very cold sleeper and have a full length under quilt and top quit from Hammock Gear. I use compression sacks to help with the volume. I went with a separate bug net from War Bonnet so the skeeters couldn't bite from below. I have had them bite right through my jeans out here in the Rockies. Sleeping in a hammock has really been good for my back. Snake skins really help with setup/teardown time.I hope you really like your new set up! Can't wait to hear about your experience.
Yay Dixie! I love my blackbird, going on 6 years of scout camping and hiking. It saved my back and hips from the pain wrenching (sciatica?) tent and sleeping pads and worth my comfort at night to carry the heavier and bulkier weight (at least I tell myself that as I stumble up the mountain). If I could I would hang in my bedroom full time. Beware and don’t give it up - if you are a cold sleeper, the Yeti won’t be enough. I had it but switched over to: war bonnet zero degree full under quilt, zero degree over quilt AND use a Sea to Summit ultralight blow up pad in my double layer. It is amazing how cold it is at 3am even in summer. The only time I don’t use the big underquilt is late July/August even in SC. Always use my Sea to Summit all year long. Dec-Feb camping (below 35) I also have a fleece liner, in SC! Prolly the only post that will add weight to your load! Love your adventures. You were my first ever RUclips hiker to follow and introduce me to the AT. Thanks for that and being able to share my love of mountains and hiking to my sons and scouts in our troop.
Warbonnet is the Cadillac of the hammock world. As you said, there are lighter and less expensive options, but the tradeoff is needing to learn a few more tips, tricks and knots and spend a lot more time in the field fiddling with it to get it right. Anyone can throw a tent and pad on the ground in the woods, but once you get it dialed in, hammocks are far more comfortable and just as warm and (almost as) weatherproof. You just need to start out understanding that there's a bigger learning curve! For your knee issue, try a stuff sack filled with your other stuff sacks, dry socks, etc. I like prussic knots on my ridgeline to keep the tarp tight. Thanks for the great content! Ditto to everyone plugging Shug Emery's wonderful videos on hammocking!
WB Blackbird XLC here, heavyweight double layer. WB webbing and buckles and a WB Mountainfly. For warmer temps I use my Helikon-Tex Swagman Roll as an underquilt and I made my own cold-weather underquilt using ClimaShield Apex and a couple of different rip-stop nylons. I'm not shooting for lightweight here, as you can see. My intent is to drive to within maybe 5 miles of my destination, hike in and set-up a camp for a few days. I get my best sleep in my XLC. With that said I have had some bad nights too. It always comes down to the fact that I don't have the foot of the hammock high enough and my body position suffers for it. I recommend you rig it according to the instructions and stick with the program. Tweak it a bit maybe but if you find yourself uncomfortable, go back to the basics.
I absolutely love the Shug Emery references by your subscribers. He is a hoot with a ton of useful information. I have matriculated into the hammock camper mode because, as many people have suggested, the restful sleep is much more comfortable. But, I think what you will miss is the space for your pack and camera equipment. A tent is a better place to "hang out" with everything within reach and protected from the rain and wind. The other thing that is a pain with a hammock is site selection. Sometimes, it is difficult to find trees that are spaced appropriately for a proper hang. So, there are some trade-offs to get a consistently more comfortable sleep. I have noticed, however, that younger backpackers tend to tolerate a ground sleep better than older woodsmen. Good luck. I am eagerly looking forward to your first travel adventure with your new setup. March on.
From a hammock lover - no one should criticize this setup, especially as a starter setup. I'd carry this, happily. You CAN go lighter if you're willing to go down the custom gear rabbit hole, learning about fabrics, and getting creative with suspension systems. My hammock and tarp are from Simply Light Designs. The total weight of my hammock, tarp, and underquilt comes out to about 2.8 pounds, and a smidge under 4 pounds with my 20f top quilt included. (Edit: note that I'm including everything: guylines, suspension, stakes, etc.) -14.5 oz: Hammock: includes 11' Streamliner in Hexon 1.0 fabric, with 6' whoopie slings, structural ridgeline, and 6' treehugger nylon webbing straps. -13.7 oz: Tarp: includes Trail Haven 11'x8' catenary cut in Xenon Sil fabric, with 4x12' guylines, ridgeline, and Dutch Wasp -2.2 oz: 4 small Y stakes -Total: 1.91 lbs. -15 oz: Summer Underquilt: DIY Costco quilt (A Hammock Gear Phoenix 20F is about the same weight). So 2.84 pounds instead of a tent and sleeping pad. An UL DCF tent setup with a summer pad is ultimately slightly lighter, but not a LOT lighter. They're comparable. To drop my setup's weight even more, I could switch to a DCF tarp, buy a much lighter underquilt, change my suspension to mule tape, shorten my 12' guylines, switch from a tarp ridgeline to a simple tie-off on each end, lose the structural ridgeline. I once hiked over a week without stakes, so I'm comfortable calling those "optional" as well. I could probably lose another 8-16 oz in total. But it's all a trade-off on $$$, weight, and camp comfort. To me, the biggest drawback to a hammock is that I sleep in way too often. I wake up early and it's just too comfortable to move, so I end up dozing back off...
I got the trail lair hammock from SLD and it is so comfortable and so lovely. Granted I'm not much of a backpacker, but the couple 5 day trips I've taken here or there (with my awful DIY Tyvek tarp, I don't recommend) has been very, very manageable.
I am six years in on my WB Blackbird and Yeti. You will love never being in the mud. Six years ago it was just dark green hammock and black quilt. At little bungee on the ends of your tarp guy lines is very helpful. Snake skins on your tarp are also nice. Dutch's Tarp Flyz are great.
I have been Hammock camping for 4 years now. It took me a little while to get used to it but now that I have I will only use a tent in areas where there are no trees. 99.9% of my camping there are trees. Lol I find it to be a lot more comfortable than having a tent just for the simple fact that you can relax in your Hammock like a chair. You always make great videos and it seems like every time I watch one there’s something I learn every time. Keep them coming we all of them.
Not a bad setup to start with. If you like to tinker, you’ll love hammocks for hiking and camping. Don’t get discouraged if you don’t sleep well the first few nights. I have a few Warbonnet hammocks and I struggled to get comfortable at first. Then I saw a video somewhere and they mentioned using the little Warbonnet CO flag on the net as a guide to where about your shoulder should be, from then on I had found the elusive “sweet spot” and they are now my favorite hammocks to sleep in.
To me, the comfort vs setup/tear down time is worth it to go with a Hammock setup. I dove in to the Sierra Madre Research products myself. If you're comfortable with the weight of a complete hammock setup (SMR: Ninox or Stratos along with the quilts), I wanted to mention they also have a compatible 'ground protection' option that would have you covered if you didn't find a suitable camp spot with trees to hang (It adds 21.5oz/609g). It utilizes trekking poles for setup. My weight summary: Stratos, Shield, 4x stakes, Suspension, Hammock (Pares), 1x Down Quilt 40 deg , Klymit pad: 6lb3oz (2808g). Add floor yields total versatile sleeping shelter setup of 7lb 8oz/3417g. Thanks for all your great videos!
That is correct. By placing the fishhook in the middle of the tree and having the suspension bend back, the force is being placed on the fishhook which could cause it to fail. By positioning the fishhook at the edge of the tree so that the strap wraps around the tree and then runs straight to the hammock, that will keep the weight on the strap itself which is probably much stronger.
I logged in to say the very same thing as these other guys... ... In the end, the strap to the hammock is straight to the SIDE of the tree, wrapping around, with the fish hook ( Or whatever is being used) reaching across the tree face, hooking onto to the straight portion. You will have no angles and stress points in your rope or tape or on that hook. Friction on the tree is used to the fullest. The term of properly laying in the hammock is at a bias, you are not in line with the straps, so you find the sweet spot and lay almost flat. I can sleep on my side- something that surprises everybody! These camping hammocks are asymmetrical with the ends being"blousy" to allow this biased position. For anyone this is foreign to, your feet are to one side of the hang, and your shoulders to the opposite side . This way you are NOT a banana. The one drawback is being solo, I almost always have a partner in one tent. I think I saw you using a quilt- they are perfect for hammocks ... I have always used my sleeping bag only zipped up far enough to make a pocket for my lower legs, with the rest of the bag just on top. The compression of hammock makes the down compress on three sides unlike on the ground- hammocks can be cold if you don't have a pad or when colder, a quilt- even in the summer. I have a hyper light ( 1.8 lbs) single layer hammock, and have a thin 1/8" thick, approx 3' x 3' wide closed cell foam pad for my upper body- (like a yoga pad- but not dense like they are... I add this to a regular ground pad in the hammock with me.. it can shift ( which the double layer does not) but have had no problems really. . ( this extra pad rolls up in my regular foam pad and adds practically no weight and just a little bulk.) . Also the second layer you mention can be helpful as mosquitos can't bite though the two layers as your arms are tight against the sides, they can stick their rotten tubes right through the fabric! Two layers - no problem- and I live in mosquito country. Welcome to the most comfortable rig you can back country sleep in, can be set up over any terrain or pitch, over muck, sticks, brambles, rocks, on a mountain side or even a stream I guess... you can comfortably set up where no tent can fit or any apparent camp site- you just need two spaced trees... and if it rains, you pack up everything dry, leaving the fly the last thing you pack.
I have been a tent camper all my life and want to try out using a hammock. I will probably bring a light tent as back up. This thread is teaching me a bit, thanks ya'll.
Looks good. My first hammock was a Warbonnet Blackbird with the same underquilt and similar tarp (unfortunately that setup was stolen when I was in NZ). Good choice of suspension too I reckon, what I currently use and I fell this is the lightest and most flexible. FWIW, my current setup is a Duchware Chameleon (486 grams with winter cover - lighter with no-see-um), MLD DCF asymetrical tarp (129), Antigravity Gear mule tape and tree straps (156) and Hammock Gear underquilt (444). So similar weight despite the more minimalist DCF tarp. I don't have separate suspension for my tarp but came up with a way of attaching the ridgeline to my hammock suspension with hooks and prussic loops (and to the hammock tieouts). As such it reduces setup time and only requires two pegs (while still allowing me to set up and take down the hammock and tarp separately if required). Does mean I need to wrap my ponch around one end in bad weather though for peice of mind. Periodically agonise about going back to a hex tarp for more coverage and an easier go-to-ground option.
Right now I'm more campground/single site camper than backpack camper. My first hammock was a Grand Trunk Skeeter Beeter which I still use occasionally. But I found the bug netting setup on it a bit too fussy for my taste. I now use a DD Hammocks Frontline double layered hammock. It is short (abt. 9 ft.) but good. The bug net suspension is great and I love the zippers on both sides. I use webbing straps for the main suspension which I secure with cinch buckles (climbing rings in my case) because they allow me to adjust my hammock to really dial in my lay. My first tarp was a Kelty Noah 12 cat-cut. It did wonders. But I moved to the DD Hammocks 4x4 for greater foul weather coverage and this thing is bomb-proof! I can fashion doors when needed or luxuriate under its huge canopy on fair weather days. For colder weather I add a Dutchgear hammock sock. For milder weather such as cooler spring and fall nights I'll turn to my still new OneTigris 40 degree underquilt. Good luck with your return to hammocking and I hope this information helps you!
The Blackbird is what I started with hammock wise after trying the Eno once and absolutely hating it. Absolutely love my blackbird. I went double layer so I could add in my sleeping pad since I didn't have an underquilt yet and figured the added layer was light enough, why not. I'd also heard a few people say they'd gotten bit by mosquitos thru the single layer hammock. The ability to add my sleeping pad saved my butt one night camping when it was supposed to be 50 and ended up by 38 that night when I didn't have the solid top rather than the bug netting, it also made it that much more comfy for someone new to hammock camping. Once you have that stuff shelf, you won't go back, it's awesome. I ended up getting a larger tarp that I could tie the ends together for better wind protection and the walls are longer for better rain protection as I'd had rain blow up under my tarp before and was not a fan. The large tarp I got was the Kelty Noah 16 I think, great for cold weather because of the ability to almost make a tent from it but still have the option to tie up the side for a view or a one sides shelter instead for warmer weather to to fend off wind from one direction.
Hey Dixie. I spent six months watching RUclips videos going back-and-forth whether to go with a hammock or not. I made the switch a couple years ago and honestly I will never go back. There are a lot of things like continuous ridge lines, tarp worm hooks all of that that makes setting up your hammock a complete breeze. I hope you enjoy your hammock and look forward to watching the videos and hearing your thoughts.
I have two hammocks, both from Dutchware; the Chameleon and their new Banyan bridge hammock. I am a side-sleeper, and found the transition to a hammock a bit of a challenge. While learning to set up and sleep in both of these hammocks, there was an adjustment period for me. I have had both the best night's sleep, and the worst in these hammocks, heh. I can side sleep fine in the Bridge hammock, but not as well in the Chameleon traditional style hammock. I also spent the extra bucks and and got a rectangle camo Dyneema tarp that I use with whichever hammock I am using. The Dutchware "bling" like the Stingers (set up the tarp and adjust between trees and center over the hammock Very Swiftly) Wasps & Fleas (Fast staking out of the tarp corners to the stakes) and the Dutch Clips (Fast connecting of straps to trees for hammock) are outstanding for quick and sure setup, adjustments and take-down of your tarp, stakes and hammock. I can get the tarp up and staked out in a pouring rain in less than a couple minutes, and then set up my hammock in the dry area beneath the tarp in a couple more minutes. Then I will spend about 5-10 minutes futzing around with the hammock hang until I get the lay I like, lol. So Dutchware has been my supplier for all my hammock gear, and I am well pleased. I believe you will be well-pleased with your Warbonnet purchases too, but I cannot recommend enough to look at the Dutchware bling, especially the Stingers for the tarp. I bought a sil-poly tarp with doors from Hammock gear for when I know the weather may be nasty, and put Stingers it, and use Fleas for the stakes because they just rock.
I saw a tip, use your puffy jacket or something under/around your feet or at the headend to get some more insulation (since you have a torso quilt) then you just use what you already have with you in more ways than one. I like my feet warm and saw in a video that you do to 😊 with kind regards from a fellow newbie in hammocking 😊
I remember you specifically being against hammocks after your first try, but I’m glad you’re trying again. Hammocks are wonderful for multiple reasons, but one of my favorite is the customizable options and how you learn to hammock. With hammocks you typically need to learn more about “why” you’re doing something. This gives you a much better approach to simplifying gear and trying new techniques
I have both the XLC and BB (plus a Duplex for ground camping) and its really a horses for courses thing. Hands down the hammocks win for comfort for me and are our go to for kayak camping where sites are often along a shore and over damp ground. Both ours are dual layer and the main reason is that they are better at stopping mozzie bites thru a single layer that you are pressed against. In you video it seems you have the setup a bit tight... again its a learning process like you say and everyone needs to find that "sweet spot" What I do is use this trick to get it roughly right before final adjustments... use your open hand , thumb up. palm towards you as a rough 30 degree guide. With your fingers pointing horizontal and you thumb vertical the suspension line should make this angle (tip of thumb to tip of fingers) with no weighty in the hammock. Set the height of the straps on the tree so the sit height is correct and when lying down do the ridgeline tension twist test as per Brandon from Warbonnet. No need for a level. Happy hanging
REI had their Quarter Dome hammock on clearance and I bought it with the under quilt that's made for it. Probably not for people counting grams, but it came with a tarp, suspension, bug net, etc all in one purchase so it was almost too easy and cheap to not try. So far, i've enjoyed using it.
I've had several hammocks and used them on trail. I started with single layers because of weight. I will say the main difference I notice between the single layer and double is the way it affects my "lay" in the hammock. The double layer is much more comfortable. I now think its worth a few more ounces for the comfort.
Nice setup! I would definitely recommend adding a carabiner at each end of the hammock between the hammock loops and the suspension straps. When it rains, the tree straps are going to get wet, and that moisture is going to work its way down into your hammock if you don't create some sort of brake. Make sure that your carabiners are covered by your tarp when you hang it, and always use carabiners that are rated for climbing.
I got a Blackbird 8 or 9 years ago with a Yeti underquilt and it was probably the best gear change I've made other than switching from boots to trail runners. At 6'9", 225 I fit very comfortably in the original and getting off the ground really helped with quality of sleep. Only do a few weekenders a year so I can't speak to thru hiking with it.
@@Starbreaker666 especially for side sleepers! If having a long enough hammock (1.7-1.9 times the body length seems to be the sweet spot) and having the setup dialed in I as a side sleeper absolutely love my hammock!
@@Starbreaker666 Everyone is different but I side sleep /fetal position and its very comfortable. I think its just stomach sleepers that may have issues. Again it may be different for others but I find I sleep in all sorts of positions in the hammock and rate it the best sleep hands down anywhere including a good bed. I'm 6'4" so found the XLC better and less side squeeze compared to the Warbonnet, YMMV
I think you made some good choices for your first setup (we’re not counting the start of the AT.). I could quibble with some of the details (I like knots vs hardware bling. I use whoopies and a marlin spike hitch vs the straps and becket hitch) but, all in all, I think you did very well. As you probably have found out by now, there are a few details to get ironed out before you find that perfect position to get an amazing night’s sleep but once you do, you may find it hard to go back to being a ground dweller. Even though you’re not over 6’ tall, if you have some difficulty getting comfortable, you may want to try the Blackbird XLC or the Eldorado. They’re a foot longer which, in my opinion, makes them more comfortable. Happy Hanging
You did just fine for your first hammock. This is similar to my set up but i opted for cubin fiber tarps. I have two, one for the lightest choice has less coverage and weighs 7 ounces and the larger tarp is really full coverage and weighs about 14 ounces. At my age weight is more important than the cost of things, especially since the material is very rugged. I might also recommend an app for your phone that can help with getting angles correct. The Ultimate Hang is the app. Hammocking requires fiddling, but once you get some nights under your belt, it becomes pretty automatic. Also you don’t need flat ground. And, the best sleep ever!
We all started out somewhere with hammocking. The Hammock Forums was a big help for me when I started. Granted mine is still mismatched between purchased and DIY. The cottage vendors in the hammocking world come up with some nice stuff. For the record, I really like the tarp. Nothing wrong with camo.
Nice set up Dixie. Like that it is a USA company. My budget manager (wife) "suggested" that I didn't break the bank with my hammock set up so I went with the OneWind hammock, tarp and under-quilt. Got all in olive green so it doesn't stand out if I want to stealth camp. and all in with shipping was just over $200. The hammock has a built in bug net and all of it sets up easily. Tarp can be set up to make a "tent" enclosure around the hammock for privacy and warmth. So if budget managers are stopping anyone from getting the big dollar set ups, this could be an option. I have used mine a couple of times and haven't had any problems. Safe travels.
I'm really glad to see you re-try hammock camping. I'm on my 4th hammock gear and I'm happy. I didn't go through just one company. My hammock is Dream Hammock and my tarp is Hammock Gear. Looks about like yours only it's Dyneema at 10.94 ounces. It's called the Dyneema Fiber Palace Tarp. It's supposed to protect through everything for 495.00. Welcome to the hammock folks.
I can't wait to hear how you compare the different sleep systems on trail! I love my hammock, but sometimes I stress about finding trees, especially when some of the trail is above tree line. My two hammocks are from dreamhammock. My tarp is a cuben fiber winter palace. I started out with a torso length underquilt, but it was a 40 degree. I made the mistake of taking it into the mountains and spending a couple of nights in high winds and temps that dipped below 20. I truly love the comfort of snuggling into the warmth of the underquilt and will probably get a longer one. There is just something wonderful about waking up in the morning in a hammock, gently swinging and watching the sunrise from bed. My six moon design tent had a great design so that I could see the stars, something the zpacks duplex does not. When I was in my hammock in high winds and cold, my dreamhammock had a winter zip up cover that could be used in place of the mosquito netting. I used it for the first time and was amazed that I could still see the sky and stars. All that said, I usually take my duplex to save a bit of weight when on trail. I never sleep as well in a tent, but its slightly less complicated to set up. I look forward to your reviews. All the different sleep systems have pros and cons and you are truly a seasoned expert and I look forward to your insight!!
Certainly can't go wrong with the set up you went with. Sounds like Warbonnet did a great job of clueing you into most of the tips and tricks. You'll always be able to shed weight once you get it all figured out. Sleeping pads in a hammock are kind of a pain, so I'll be curious to see if you feel you need one paired with your under quilt. Thumb and finger (finger gun) pretty good way to check your hang angle. Yama 8.5x8.5 silpoly tarp, Outdoor Vitals 20 deg. Aerie quilt, Wilderness Innovations poncho/hammock is what I use.👍
Tip to make your straps last: Where you wrap them around the tree, have the strap heading to the hammock leave the tree at it's tangent, you had it wrap halfway around and then down to the hammock from the center of the tree. You put a ton more stress and strain on your suspension where it passes through that loop/hook doing it that way.
My son bought a nice hammock and hung it in our backyard and my wife and I started using it to relax in the evenings before going to bed. We would often fall asleep in the hammock and wake up around midnight to go inside. Son ended up taking his hammock but gifting us a 2-person setup instead. I honestly felt, for sleeping purposes, the 1-person setup was more comfortable for 2 people. But we didn't have a mosquito net or tarp, so once the bugs came out in the late spring, our hammock use would kind of wane until fall. And we could get down to near-freezing temps and still be comfortable with JUST warm clothes, a simple blanket inside the hammock that we would lay on, and a shared blanket over top. So, some kind of insulation underneath in colder weather is essential. But it's hella more comfortable to sleep in a hammock than on the ground in a tent even with one of those expensive, inflatable sleeping pads (I have a Big Agnes pad FWIW). Honestly thinking about switching to hammock camping for that reason. Thanks for the vid, Dixie, you're the best.
Love this video! I use the Oak Creek Lost Valley hammock. About $60 on Amazon, 3.5lbs, and an all in 1 package. I have an Ozark Trail sleeping bag as my underquilt, and a fleece travel blanket. My favorite part is the hammock's storage bag is sewn on not loose to blow around. Dyed it green and black and spent many nights making marines jealous as they slept on the ground 🤣
You are off to a great start! Made great choices with Warbonnet gear, but now that you are no longer a noob, don't be afraid to get gear from more than one vendor. You ordered a backpack, shoes, quilt, all from different places. A tarp is no different. Look up Hammock Gear and get an 11 foot Dyneema hex tarp. 5.14 oz.
I run a Hennesey Jungle... Living in FL its close to being in a jungle sometimes... Mine has a double layer to help keep mosquitos from biting you thru the bottom...I ran a Lawson Hammock for few years loved it cause you did not get that cocoon wrap that rest of hammocks will give you..But Mosquitos would bite me thru the bottom if I come off my pad.....I got the Klymmit hammock pad with my Hennesy jungle makes for a 3pd setup but worth it....Good choice on the hammock good luck...
Don’t worry about colors. I make my own gear and tend to use what fabrics I have on hand. My hammock is purple, underquilt and top quilt are red with geeen suspension, my Dynema is all mixed colors, tarp is black with red tie outs. Guy lines are reflective neon. “Big foot don’t care how pretty your gear is.”
I’d love to see a video on what you liked and didn’t like about the blackbird after using it over the summer - especially your thoughts on a hammock’s practicality vs a tent.
Never used a hammock or tarp set-up and your set-up made it look desirable. My main issue is setting it up-it looks labor intensive and expensive with all the add-ons. Why I choose a tent is I appreciate being able to use a tent not only for sleeping, but as a place to hang out, write, eat, organize for the next day, etc. A hammock seems practical only for sleeping. Thanks for the as always, thorough review. 🌿
Kammok. Small company out of Austin, TX with lifetime warranty’s and excellent customer service. I use the Mantis - straps, tarp, guylines, integrated ridgeline, stakes, hammock, bugnet all in one little lightweight bag. No additional items needed. I use the UL version (up to 250lbs) and it weighs just over 2lbs. I also have several of their Firebelly down quilts for insulation.
I'm a lady at 5'8" and found the 11' hammock the most comfortable with less calf-ridge. Agree with others that Shug is a great vid resource and The Ultimate Hang book. I started heavier to get the basics and have been getting more UL with DCF tarps, etc. Fun to learn and evolve. Hope you have a great time!
I've got the Warbonnet as my first venture into hammock camping too and have absolutely loved it. The one stop shopping all-in-one nature of it definitely made it less overwhelming for a newbie. I sleep like a baby!
For what it is worth I go back and forth between my hammock and tent. It is trip dependent. I sleep more comfortably in my hammock. I like the little house my tent is. Sometimes I like to have fun being bushcrafty and roll with a military poncho as a shelter. I also went with a hammock company that I could get the whole package package from. It made it simple for me to match everything I needed up and be confident it would work well together. I'll be looking forward to your thoughts after your use it a little.
Dixie is so awesome. I love how straight-forward her videos are. It's pretty evident why she has three times the number of subscribers as some of the other popular backpacking channels who sometimes try to be a little too funny or too cute or too clever. She just cuts right to the chase in terms of content, and when you're talking about a ten minute video, that's a lot of content (without the fluff you get some other places.) Bravo, Dixie. Well done. Every time.
Congratulations on your hammock setup. I look forward to your review after using it for several nights. Once you get the setup down, I think you’ll love it. When it’s raining, it’s nice to get the tarp up first, stow your gear under it, and then set up the hammock. I switched from ground dwelling 3 years ago and haven’t looked back. I sleep better in a hammock and my body thanks me for it.
You did extremely well! I have many years of hammock experience and you are well equipped! Tents are lighter, but hammocks are more comfortable. This is a great start to your hammock collection!
They always get you with the underquilt! (lolz) I've been hammock camping for years... especially in the winter. I don't know why. Maybe it's some sort of sickness. But there's just something about hanging that tarp low and tight around my hammock, keeping out the cold and wind.... checking my thermometer and seeing that it's in the high 30s inside my little silnylon nook while the wind and snow are howling in the low 20s or teens outside. But I digress. For an underquilt, I have two options I use, depending on the weather. For anything 30 and above, I use my Snugpak hammock cocoon. It's exactly like it sounds... encasing the entire hammock in plush, downy warmth. For anything 29 and below, I use my homemade underquilt. See, when I was looking at the underquilts, I was having a tough time finding one that fits. I'm a fairly big guy and something that reaches from my shoulders to my knees leaves a lot exposed to the elements. So what I did was purchase a rectangular sleeping bag of the extra long variety, secured a length of shock cord to the corners, one piece on the bottom and another up top, and then I use that to attach it to my hammock at the end points. This provides protection from head to toe. And I've camped down into the single digits and been toasty warm with this set up. The truly horrible thing is having to go to the bathroom... but that's what the "P" bottle is for. Yes, they made a model just for the ladies!
You made some great selections! I switched to hammock camping 6 years ago and have not looked back. My Blackbird XLC was a big part of that. I have continued to make modifications and changes over the years but your setup is going to give you a great start and should last you a long time! Realize it may take some time to get your underquilt dialed in and to get the hang just how you like it. (I find the foot end 10-12” above the head end is right for me) HYOH!Whoo Buddy!!
I find that I’m more and more of a hammock person when I get outside. I do bike bike-packing and it’s a lot easier to pack up an ultralight hammock setup than a tent. I overhauled all my gear recently and bought my first backpacking quilt, which I wish I would’ve done ages ages! The weight and packability is amazing. Love the content Dixie! It’s awesome to see other women who are outdoorsy :) it’s been helpful in investing and researching gear. I’m looking to start doing some short backpacking trips so my gear has to do double duty. ☮️
Congrats on your new hammock Dixie - and that is a nice setup you have chosen. But would definitely suggest you learn a few simple knots popular amongst hammockers (incl. marlin spike hitch, prussik knot, truckers hitch etc.) as these will provide you with additional flexibility and contingencies on your travels. I am sure you have already researched hammock gurus on RUclips, but would definitely include Derek Hensen (who literally wrote the book), and the well travelled 'marine' (Backpacking With a Hammock) - as have found both to be very helpful. Shugemery is also very knowledgeable, but some find his Robin Williams style delivery a bit off-putting. Professor Hammock, Spigyver and Sintax77 are also worth checking out. Anyway, I am looking forward to seeing how you adjust back to life in a hammock. But you definitely need to give it time, after being a 'ground-dweller' for so long 🤣 ATB from across the pond, and happy hangin !
Hey that's my same setup! I've only taken it out once in a downpour and will say that the tarp ticks do make it pretty fast, but a tautline hitch will do the same thing in about the same amount of time and easier to adjust (imo). Just the Minifly held up really well in a downpour! It rained all night and I had no issues.
Awesome! Glad to see you're giving hammock camping another shot and a decent trial. Looking forward to seeing what you conclude when you've put your hundred miles into it. I'm still building my hammock setup - and nowhere near as lightweight as yours (but I'm not planning on doing massive distances for prolonged periods of time.) I started out my hammocking adventure with a _DD Hammocks_ TravelBivi (double layer 3000mm waterproof hammock with built-in Noseeum net) then got some Grand Trunk daisy-chain tree straps and a couple of Black Diamond carabiners for my suspension system (all bought while they were on special). I've got a length of Dyneema as a fixed ridgeline. Everything else is shaping up for _DD Hammocks_ (purchased from gearshop.co.nz) being my "one-stop-shop" for hammocking gear - got their whoopie slings, a couple more carabiners and lightweight tarp pegs and intend to get a DD tarp, underquilt, gear sling (to keep my pack etc off the ground and under the tarp) and a hammock sleeve to facilitate setting up and stowing the hammock in windy conditions. DD also make a great range of informative videos showing how to set up and use their gear (and we've always got _shugemery_ and _Backpacking With a Hammock_ to show us all the tips and tricks that we need to know. By the time I've finished buying everything I want, I'm looking at more than NZ$700 - that might sound like a lot but that's for *everything* I'd need for hammock camping. The double-layer Warbonnet Blackbird original is NZ$435 for the hammock alone, here in New Zealand, and they don't seem to sell the single layer, lightweight version here. For comparison, my DD Hammocks TravelBivi cost me NZ$135 - that alone saves me NZ$300 which is enough to get the DD Hammocks tarp and underquilt. Buying US-made stuff is highly expensive here as it costs a fortune to get anything sent from the USA to pretty much anywhere else in the world. If I wanted to buy the Dutchware "Wasp" recommended by many US hammock/tarp campers, it would cost me US$15 to ship that tiny bit of titanium to New Zealand. I'm also looking at around 4kg (~8.8lb) total weight including hammock, suspension, tarp, underquilt etc but I don't have to be ultralight since I'm just going out for a night or two and I'm more focused on what's going to be a) comfortable and b) affordable.
Since you only have a partial length underquilt and your bug net covers just the top, be advised that you can still get bug bites through the hammock itself where your body is against the fabric. To prevent this, also treat your hammock with Permethrin so you can avoid bug bites. :)
I remember when you decided to ditch the hammock and go with a tent and I thought, I wish you had tried it a little longer, you would have loved it. Glad to see you are trying it again. I still use a tent occasionally when Kayak camping or where trees are scarce, but I prefer the hammock. Obviously there are a lot of references to Shug here, because he has shown many of us the way, and I highly recommend you watch a few of his vids. Good luck and give a little time before you make your judgement. Btw, I prefer foot end about 6” higher than the head rather than 16”.
Agreed on the 6" rise. I was looking for a flatter lay to maybe get a comfortable side sleep and it was recommended I raise the foot 12" and then walk it down to the sweet spot. That worked great. 16" sounds crazy. On a 10 foot hammock? I'm definitely going outside to try it on mine now. :)
I jumped in head first and used a $60 Amazon hammock for 2 years including 75 miles of the AT. I liked the freedom to kinda be wherever I wanted, but got tired of my bug net in my face. Over those two years I researched and found the REI quarter dome air. It’s a bridge hammock that lays flat and has shoulder room. I’m pleased with the upgrade and and can’t wait to get back on the trail!
Awesome. Glad to see you're giving hammocking a second chance. Looking forward to see if you're able to sleep comfortably in it. Whether or not you end up getting your best nights sleep with your current set up, as long as you can afford to experiment with a variety of options, you definately will eventually get there. Oh, and if you sometimes carry a camp chair, you can offset the weight calculation of your hammock set up a bit because you can use your hammock even more comfortably than any chair. Granted, you can't easily move it to a group fire, but you can cook from it if you're not somewhere that you have to be concerned about predators. And, now that you have that type of tarp, you can enjoy a rainy day at camp much more than you could in a tent, without any extra weight. (And, just want to mention that if you have to go to ground, you'll still need a pad, which is why I went for a set up that works with a pad and I"ve found tthat I only have to bring an underquilt to supplement it if I'm going to be at freezing temps.)
In freezing rain and cold winds, you may have issue with the smaller tarp and untieing the becket hitch. Water soaked frozen knots are problematic. Cold wind will suck the heat out of your Underquilt in a hurry. Consider an underquilt protector or a larger tarp, at least 10 -11 ft wide. Consider a larger Dyneema tarp only for weather above freezing. Also get 9 inch Y-stakes at least for the four tarp corners. I had my AT tarp set-up blow down on the AT with 6" V-stakes. Consider adding a third stake-out point on the middle perimeter of the tarp just in case and then take two extra Y-stakes. Leave the level at home, you will not need it after you set up a few times.
Hi Dixie, I love your videos. I also dig the mix match of colors! I recently got into hammocking and was feeling overwhelmed also. I started with an ENO complete set from REI so I could see if I would sleep okay. I tested it and loved it. The hammock was only 9 foot, so way to short to get a good flat lay, so returned it and started searching the cottage companies. I wanted to share this "kit" from Hammock gear in case any one here is looking to get into Hammocking also. Its not quite as light as your set up, but its a complete kit including Hammock, tarp, suspension for 229.00. or 499.00 if you want a 20 degree top and bottom quilt included. They also have an ultralight bundle, but I was okay with the extra weight for now. Funny enough the bundle is called the Hammock Gear Wonderlust.
Dixie, if you're overwhelmed, read The Ultimate Hang. The second edition adds a lot of info on DIY setups, but either edition has all the info you need to know, laid out in a very accessible way.
I JUST bought a warbonnet! Haven't got to use it yet due to the virus shutting down parks in my area. Really excited to get out and try it out. I watched hours of reviews over various hammocks and I thought the warbonnet would suit me best. I don't want this to be taken as criticism, but just for other viewers I purchased my quilt and underquilt through a company called "Cedar Ridge Outdoors" I found that they offered better pricing and more options. If other people are on the market for hammock gear, check them out for sure!
Great video. I would only mention, (I’m sure many have already mentioned it) that SOFT SHACKLES, made from 7/64” Dyneema cord and WHOOPEE SLINGS, from the same material, can open up a lot of options without adding much weight. I make my own. I buy a 500’ role of Dyneema and use SELMA FIDS to make accoutrements. Also, you are operating without a RIDGE LINE. It should be 83% of your hammock length and can be made from the same Dyneema cord or even para cord.
Hi Dixie, I use the Exped Ergo Combi setup - hammock/tarp which I highly recommend. Many comfortable days and nights in that thing. Exped stopped making it but they should start again. It is still available in some online shops. The thing is, it keeps your body flatter than almost any other system, you can use a normal sleeping pad instead of a quilt and has an integrated bug net which works well. I love it and reading around most hammockers give up because of back pain. None with this thing. I will buy a second one when I can afford it! Price about 300 and something Euros/Dollars.
@Spitch Grizwald polyester is tougher actually. Chances are, whoever wrote that is comparing a standard thickness silnylon vs ultralight/thin membrane silpoly. Polyester is far stronger, that's why you use poly ropes/straps instead of nylon for your suspension on hammocks.
I used a silnylon tarp on my first hammock backpacking trip, and after the experience of having it sag so much just from heavy dew, I replaced it with a Hammock Gear cuben fiber tarp. No sag, because it doesn't absorb water, and it's a lot lighter weight... it was worth the extra cost.
I just want to start by saying you’ve been hugely inspirational to me. I’m headed out for my first long distance hike this summer. I’m hitting the Colorado Trail in a few weeks for a thru hike with a convertible hammock setup. I’ll be set for ground and hammock camping with really just one extra piece of lightweight gear to make both setups work. I’m excited about my hummingbird hammock! Crazy lightweight and strong!! I got the single + for a deeper diagonal lay. I won’t be using an underquilt, but I’ll be staying warm with the zenbivy light inflatable sleeping pad with their 25° light sheet and 10° light top quilt. I may switch out to a klymit v hammock pad if I’m finding the Zenbivy pad too narrow and it should work with the Zenbivy sheet which I’m pumped about it having a sewn in hood to keep my bald head warm. They’re both within a few ounces of each other in weight. For the bugs I got hummingbird’s warbler bug net. I’ll be using hummingbird hammock’s pelican tarp for my shelter which I can setup with my trekking poles when above the tree line and I’ll have a paria outdoor products breeze mesh Bivy for a makeshift tent shelter. Plus I can set it up under my hammock to keep my gear and trail runners bug free and secure while snoozing. I also grabbed the Zenbivy pillow and it’s my new favorite piece of gear. It’s so soft! All together everything I mentioned comes in at a little over 6lbs (including top quilt). My newbie status is probably showing through but I’ll be around a 10-12lb base weight and I’m comfortable with that and I’m sure I’ll be fine tuning things as I go. Seriously again, thank you so much for your channel. It’s so inspiring, informative and entertaining. I’m so excited to be getting out there and seeing what this is all about!! Gear shopping has been an absolute blast, I can only imagine how much fun it will be to use it all!
So many hammock options out there, I’ll be looking forward to hearing your review after you have used it. Personally I find when I sleep in a tent even with a good mat I’m constantly having to turn and then wake up with a sore back but not in a hammock. I’ve had back surgery so I like that the hammock allows me to sleep well without discomfort. I have a... Hummingbird single+ hammock, 7.6 oz, $69.95 Hummingbird tree straps+, 2.3oz, $44.95 I think when in stock I don’t like having to carry the weight of a under quilt and top quilt so I have the... Hyke and Byke Antero 15degree hammock sleeping bag, 2.87 lbs, $164.97 I don’t have a bug net. I have hammock camped in AZ many times and have not yet had a problem with bugs. My rainfly is a Chill Gorilla from Amazon, 1.9 lbs which includes the stakes and lines. $47.99
Once upon a time I could sleep on a z-rest foam pad. Those days are long gone. It's taken me some time to figure out how to get comfortable & sleep in a hammock, but it's been a game-changer for me. Nothing better than being wrapped in a down cocoon in a hammock.
Warbonnet is great, love Brandon. Super helpful and great stuff. The most important piece of you hammock kit is your TOP QUILT. Trying to get in a sleeping bag after peeing in the middle of the night is the WORST. I have a double layer Blackbird. Mistake. Doesn't help AT ALL with pad. Again, and issue getting in the hammock in the middle of the night. I did replace my minifly with a Hammock Gear dyneema fly with doors, but $$$. Wish I didn't have to have my Yeti underquilt because I hate the bungees rubbing on my face, and another obstacle to getting in and out, but it's a necessity. I use Woopie suspension because that was lightest when I got into hammocks. Agree on the camo tarp, as stealth camping is one of the joys of hammock camping. Not for novice campers, but once you get the setup down, the sleep is awesome. BTW, finding two trees 16' apart with no obstruction is not as simple as you think.
A helpful tip for anyone who doesn't have a large bag for storing your down quilts/bags is to use a pillow case. If you store down while it is compressed, it will not loft as well and not keep you as warm.
At 12:04 - when tying the Becket hitch be sure it wraps around the loop you are securing it to (like you would a sheet bend). At this point in the video, you are just wrapping the strap around itself. Love the setup!
dixie, i have been sleeping in a warbonnet blackbird XLC every night for some years now. you did great on your hammock choices, and you got a good setup. the blackbird can be fiddly learning to find the one place where you're most comfortable, but when you find it, it's a slice of heaven. i will never go to ground (or bed) again. you didn't mention if you're using a topquilt instead of a sleeping bag (if you did i missed it), but with an UQ that will be a weight savings. my basic setup is a BBXLC with a zero degree wooki and a superfly tarp. that thing keeps me warm and dry even if it's raining sideways, but it's three and a half pounds. in COLD weather i use the topcover and add an EXTRA underquilt below, and it's toasty. i have two topquilts, both from Hammock Gear. i know, i know, not all one vendor, but i didn't buy the topquilts until i was a year and a half into it. i may buy other hammocks, but i'll always have a functional blackbird.
I hope hammocks become a part of your future camping and hiking. I still sleep on the ground like a worm sometimes, as I like to practice being comfy in any situation - but hammocks are amazing once it clicks. It can sometimes take a while. I wasn't super happy until I discovered how to adjust sag and what a structural ridgeline did.
the double layer also helps keep insects from biting through. because that is a thing. your reasoning about the tradeoffs and your choices is all very sound. but warbonnet is a fine company that makes fine hammocks. it's hard to go wrong when you buy good quality. i own hammock stuff from several of the main cottage companies. i think you will enjoy this hammock very much. i sleep in a WB BBXLC every night, indoors and out. i use a larger tarp because sometimes it rains sideways. my main setup is a WB BBXLC (because i am a side sleeper and the larger hammock helps with that) with a 0 degree wooki (the WB full UQ built for this model) and i am on my second superfly tarp. i like the superfly because in the winter i like the additional full windbreak and when it's raining sideways it stays really dry. it also has a really big shelter in porch mode, so in light rain or even just downpour i get a lot of open space in my "house". comfort in bad weather is more important to me than weight savings, because i am not a long distance hiker, but i am a four season camper. i think you are going to love the porch mode and the comfort. your choices have not maximized comfort, but i think you've done about as well as you can at that weight.
Congrats Dixie! Welcome to the world of comfort. I am glad that you decided to have another go at hanging. Your AT setup left alot to be desired in comparison to your warbonnet setup. You made a wise decision with your choices in my opinion. There is a myriad of options out there that can be overwhelming as you found out. Look into some driplines for your suspension and a piece of tyvek for on the ground under the hammock and seamseal that tarp ridgeline. Best wishes as always and sweet dreams of restful slumber!
I think that it is cool that you are giving a hammock a try again. I think once you get things dialed in after experimenting you will enjoy it. I back pack in all shelter because I enjoy having new experiences but hammock are often my best nights of sleep. I hope that the partial underquilt works for you. I have always been to nervous to try one because I get to cold at nights.
Welcome to the hammock community. Great choice of equipment!. I have a double Warbonnet Blackbird and a Superfly. I think the weight you quoted for the Minifly was for the Superfly, the Minifly "tarp only" weight is actually only 11.75 oz. I chose to go with the Dutchware Beetle Buckle suspension, it may be worth a look if you get tired of tying Beckett hitches.
I use a Hennessey hammock set up. Ultralights about 2lb $230, I use the expedition - about 3lbs $160. Tarps are included. Use some caribeners and 4 rap rings for the set up to make it easy.
Dixie great choice on setup. Used the same hammock and under quilt. Winter palace DCF tarp with doors and all lines 16 oz. continuous ridge line. Learn to set tarp up first then hammock ( for rain ) also practice in dark and after a couple of 🍺 Your gonna love it in the rain. Have fun. Doing Pinhoti in Oct.
Hammocks are so comfortable to sleep in lol. I started hammock camping and then ended up replacing my bed and sleeping hammock only for a year. Best sleep ever for me had an Eno Doublenest.
I started my backpacking and hammock camping at the same time. I purchased the Blackbird XLC and the Mamajamba tarp I was sold after a few trips with it. I think you'll be good to go. I still tent on occasion but I do find hammocks to be more comfortable still after 4 years. I prefer setting a hammock up in the rain over a tent since I can just throw up the tarp before anything else. Good luck with the new gear if you still prefer the tent you atleast of another tool at your disposal.
when I decided to moved up to a hammock and off the ground I looked at a lot of set ups. I settled on Sierra Madre research. I bought the nube set up and love it. I love that is has the built in gear loft. I have never camped out in such comfort.
Happy to see that you decided to give hammocks another try. I have used one for a couple of years now and my backcountry sleeping greatly improved. I knew nothing when I started considering a hammock but after watching a lot of Shug's videos on RUclips and reading hundreds of posts on the HammockForums, I feel much more informed and comfortable with the hammocking routine. Great video as always!
Nice work. It’s a good setup, especially to pick up from a single cottage vendor. I think you’ll enjoy it. Make sure you have something to go under your feet - even in 60-65° nights, your feet will likely get cold without anything beneath them! Looking forward to hearing how you fare with it over a few nights on the trail!
Great video Dixie! Love my blackbird XLC. Just so you know the max weight on hammocks usually has more to do with comfort than risk of the hammock tearing. If you weigh more than or close to the max weight, then the fabric will stretch alot and be much less comfortable for you. Kinda 1 reason for double layer hammocks as well, larger people tend to like them.
The Auburn/Orange doesn’t look terrible, especially with the Blue, as they are Complimentary Colors. I’m more interested in the results.. I have never used a hammock on trail, but.. I do definitely know that camping gear and packing gear are not usually synonymous terms. I can’t say it enough.. I have watched several of your videos, and.. I really appreciate what you are doing.. rekindling interest for me, and being the spark for others, your channel is great!!
I went with Kammok for my gear. To be honest, I also was overwhelmed and under impressed with the complexities of 'building my own hammock set up' - and was deterred by the lack of color options with Warbonnet and Dutchware. Kammok also came with a lifetime guarantee, which makes everyone happy. Kammok Mantis: $229 MSRP - 1lb 11.8 oz (without rainfly). This came with straps and hardware Kuhli Pro Tarp: $199 MSRP - 26 oz. Included guy lines and stakes Firebelly 30 degree UQ - $279 MSRP - 28.5 oz. Included hardware and connectors Hurts to actually total this up, but I ran $707, not including the random hardware that I've bought from Dutchware gear like the Wasp. I have also found through trying a few different hammocks, that Kammok seems to have some of the softest material on the market. All that being said, GREAT video. Glad you are giving it another try. I don't think you'll be disappointed with any of it.
Good instincts. Got my Warbonnet setup and never looked back. Not the lightest set up, but the better rest you get makes carrying you whole pack a lot easier every day. Love my Warbonnet Blackbird XLC, Mammajamba tarp and Wookie UQ.
I always struggled with getting good sleep in my week-long section hikes, and thought strongly about switching to a hammock setup, but was intimidated by the learning curve and its associated cost, fiddle factor, and weight. My silnylon Tarptent Notch is awesome - 28 oz including stakes, cords, and stuff sack - has two doors and two vestibules, and pitches with only 4 stakes in under one minute... I believe the DCF version is 19 oz (complete) and costs about $600. Then I bought the NeoAir xlite, learned to NOT firmly inflate it, and sleep great now. There is still the occasional issue of finding level ground, but I'm sure that hammocking has some issues, too, as does shelter sleeping. . HYOH, experiment, find what works for you, and enjoy being out on the trail.
Don't be afraid to learn to sew one as well. I did that back in early march and did one prototype initially, then a final version that is far nicer than anything available from a shop. I made a 12' hammock using 6' wide MTN XL fabric, then added a integrated bugnet made out of the monolite nylon instead of noseeum mesh. I used heavier #5 YKK zippers but snipped the metal pulls off using pliers and used bright red zingit to chop a few ounces. There's a nice zip storage bag sewn inside, a hanging storage, and a amsteel ridgeline instead of zingit. The hammock is completely black except the continuous loops and zipper pulls (bright red), so all the critical pieces really stand out and you find them fast when entering/setting up. Works incredibly well for stealth camping and I've never slept so well in my life camping. The extra length and width enables me to sleep at a 45 deg angle and completely flat, and there's a ton of overhead room for hanging items on the ridgeline. In short, don't be afraid of tinkering with a sewing machine, hammocks are fairly simple to make and you can shape it all to precisely what you want. The hard part is calculating the dimensions on the hexagon shape of your bugnet if you plan to build a hammock with a integrated bugnet.
We really appreciate hearing Dixie say “I’m a beginner” even though she’s a verified triple crowner.
I think she meant shes a beginner with hammocking.
A backpacker for sure. But she is new to giving a hammock a real try. I am actually really interested to see her outcome since I just got a RCP hammock I want to try out in warm weather. I have always been a tent guy.
I bought my Warbonnet Blackbird About 8 years ago and I haven't spent a night in a tent since. The comfort is amazing.
In fact I sold or gave away most of my tents and kept only my six person and my solo tent.
I went with a double layer and their Superfly, which offers more coverage than their other tarps. Weight isn't a concern for me because I mostly canoe camp these days.
It's hard to go wrong with a Warbonnet. Great gear and great customer service.
I hope you enjoy your hammock, I'm sure you will. There is nothing more comfortable. However a word of caution. Leave a lot more distance when you tie off. You need a few drip points with thin para cord. If it rains, as you have it currently set up, your hammock and you will get flooded out. leave a couple of feet of cord between your hammock and the tie off point, then add a couple of drip points with thin para cord. Also ensure your tarp over hangs the hammock by at least a foot to prevent rain entering. Happy hammocking.
I was one of the people who told you to give hammocks another chance. You made a great choice with the one you got. Even the color is not a problem unless you are a stealth camper. Think of it like this, when you are in a deep forest the hammock like a tent is your mobile home. So the bigger and wilder is always better. Who wants to be cramped when you need to sleep. Also as a after thought I wish that someone would make a tent designed to cover a hammock to close it in better from animals that might walk right up to a sleeping person. Cheers to you beautiful lady.
I agree with you about trying to figuring out all the components to Hammock Camping, I went with Everest hammocks and one onewind tarp and under quilt based on cost, I have done two trips to the AT starting from Harpers Ferry South, three nights each, and enjoyed it very much. I am 52 and I have never done anything like this before I learned a lot from you and Frozen on RUclips thank you for taking the time to do this. it has been very helpful.
Hi Dixie! Great video. I started with a cheap hammock just to see if I would like it. I ended up adding pieces as I went.I love my War Bonnet super fly. it closes up around my hammock like a small tent lots of privacy for changing clothes. With my walking poles in porch mode I have plenty of room to cook under it too. My walking polls also Make it into a great ground tarp shelter when no trees are around. I am a very cold sleeper and have a full length under quilt and top quit from Hammock Gear. I use compression sacks to help with the volume. I went with a separate bug net from War Bonnet so the skeeters couldn't bite from below. I have had them bite right through my jeans out here in the Rockies. Sleeping in a hammock has really been good for my back. Snake skins really help with setup/teardown time.I hope you really like your new set up! Can't wait to hear about your experience.
Once you get the suspension systems down to a habit you’re golden. Love being off the ground and to sit and swing after a long day.
Yay Dixie! I love my blackbird, going on 6 years of scout camping and hiking. It saved my back and hips from the pain wrenching (sciatica?) tent and sleeping pads and worth my comfort at night to carry the heavier and bulkier weight (at least I tell myself that as I stumble up the mountain). If I could I would hang in my bedroom full time.
Beware and don’t give it up - if you are a cold sleeper, the Yeti won’t be enough. I had it but switched over to: war bonnet zero degree full under quilt, zero degree over quilt AND use a Sea to Summit ultralight blow up pad in my double layer. It is amazing how cold it is at 3am even in summer. The only time I don’t use the big underquilt is late July/August even in SC. Always use my Sea to Summit all year long. Dec-Feb camping (below 35) I also have a fleece liner, in SC!
Prolly the only post that will add weight to your load!
Love your adventures. You were my first ever RUclips hiker to follow and introduce me to the AT. Thanks for that and being able to share my love of mountains and hiking to my sons and scouts in our troop.
Warbonnet is the Cadillac of the hammock world. As you said, there are lighter and less expensive options, but the tradeoff is needing to learn a few more tips, tricks and knots and spend a lot more time in the field fiddling with it to get it right. Anyone can throw a tent and pad on the ground in the woods, but once you get it dialed in, hammocks are far more comfortable and just as warm and (almost as) weatherproof. You just need to start out understanding that there's a bigger learning curve! For your knee issue, try a stuff sack filled with your other stuff sacks, dry socks, etc. I like prussic knots on my ridgeline to keep the tarp tight. Thanks for the great content!
Ditto to everyone plugging Shug Emery's wonderful videos on hammocking!
WB Blackbird XLC here, heavyweight double layer. WB webbing and buckles and a WB Mountainfly. For warmer temps I use my Helikon-Tex Swagman Roll as an underquilt and I made my own cold-weather underquilt using ClimaShield Apex and a couple of different rip-stop nylons. I'm not shooting for lightweight here, as you can see. My intent is to drive to within maybe 5 miles of my destination, hike in and set-up a camp for a few days.
I get my best sleep in my XLC. With that said I have had some bad nights too. It always comes down to the fact that I don't have the foot of the hammock high enough and my body position suffers for it. I recommend you rig it according to the instructions and stick with the program. Tweak it a bit maybe but if you find yourself uncomfortable, go back to the basics.
I absolutely love the Shug Emery references by your subscribers. He is a hoot with a ton of useful information. I have matriculated into the hammock camper mode because, as many people have suggested, the restful sleep is much more comfortable. But, I think what you will miss is the space for your pack and camera equipment. A tent is a better place to "hang out" with everything within reach and protected from the rain and wind. The other thing that is a pain with a hammock is site selection. Sometimes, it is difficult to find trees that are spaced appropriately for a proper hang. So, there are some trade-offs to get a consistently more comfortable sleep. I have noticed, however, that younger backpackers tend to tolerate a ground sleep better than older woodsmen. Good luck. I am eagerly looking forward to your first travel adventure with your new setup. March on.
From a hammock lover - no one should criticize this setup, especially as a starter setup. I'd carry this, happily.
You CAN go lighter if you're willing to go down the custom gear rabbit hole, learning about fabrics, and getting creative with suspension systems.
My hammock and tarp are from Simply Light Designs. The total weight of my hammock, tarp, and underquilt comes out to about 2.8 pounds, and a smidge under 4 pounds with my 20f top quilt included. (Edit: note that I'm including everything: guylines, suspension, stakes, etc.)
-14.5 oz: Hammock: includes 11' Streamliner in Hexon 1.0 fabric, with 6' whoopie slings, structural ridgeline, and 6' treehugger nylon webbing straps.
-13.7 oz: Tarp: includes Trail Haven 11'x8' catenary cut in Xenon Sil fabric, with 4x12' guylines, ridgeline, and Dutch Wasp
-2.2 oz: 4 small Y stakes
-Total: 1.91 lbs.
-15 oz: Summer Underquilt: DIY Costco quilt (A Hammock Gear Phoenix 20F is about the same weight).
So 2.84 pounds instead of a tent and sleeping pad. An UL DCF tent setup with a summer pad is ultimately slightly lighter, but not a LOT lighter. They're comparable.
To drop my setup's weight even more, I could switch to a DCF tarp, buy a much lighter underquilt, change my suspension to mule tape, shorten my 12' guylines, switch from a tarp ridgeline to a simple tie-off on each end, lose the structural ridgeline. I once hiked over a week without stakes, so I'm comfortable calling those "optional" as well. I could probably lose another 8-16 oz in total. But it's all a trade-off on $$$, weight, and camp comfort.
To me, the biggest drawback to a hammock is that I sleep in way too often. I wake up early and it's just too comfortable to move, so I end up dozing back off...
I sleep in too often in general. Lol
that cost me money just reading it lol
I got the trail lair hammock from SLD and it is so comfortable and so lovely. Granted I'm not much of a backpacker, but the couple 5 day trips I've taken here or there (with my awful DIY Tyvek tarp, I don't recommend) has been very, very manageable.
I am six years in on my WB Blackbird and Yeti. You will love never being in the mud. Six years ago it was just dark green hammock and black quilt. At little bungee on the ends of your tarp guy lines is very helpful. Snake skins on your tarp are also nice. Dutch's Tarp Flyz are great.
I have been Hammock camping for 4 years now. It took me a little while to get used to it but now that I have I will only use a tent in areas where there are no trees. 99.9% of my camping there are trees. Lol I find it to be a lot more comfortable than having a tent just for the simple fact that you can relax in your Hammock like a chair. You always make great videos and it seems like every time I watch one there’s something I learn every time. Keep them coming we all of them.
Not a bad setup to start with. If you like to tinker, you’ll love hammocks for hiking and camping. Don’t get discouraged if you don’t sleep well the first few nights. I have a few Warbonnet hammocks and I struggled to get comfortable at first. Then I saw a video somewhere and they mentioned using the little Warbonnet CO flag on the net as a guide to where about your shoulder should be, from then on I had found the elusive “sweet spot” and they are now my favorite hammocks to sleep in.
To me, the comfort vs setup/tear down time is worth it to go with a Hammock setup. I dove in to the Sierra Madre Research products myself. If you're comfortable with the weight of a complete hammock setup (SMR: Ninox or Stratos along with the quilts), I wanted to mention they also have a compatible 'ground protection' option that would have you covered if you didn't find a suitable camp spot with trees to hang (It adds 21.5oz/609g). It utilizes trekking poles for setup. My weight summary: Stratos, Shield, 4x stakes, Suspension, Hammock (Pares), 1x Down Quilt 40 deg , Klymit pad: 6lb3oz (2808g). Add floor yields total versatile sleeping shelter setup of 7lb 8oz/3417g. Thanks for all your great videos!
Dixie, shift your straps around the tree so they come off the tree straight, through the fish hooks, to reduce the stress on your suspension.
That is correct. By placing the fishhook in the middle of the tree and having the suspension bend back, the force is being placed on the fishhook which could cause it to fail. By positioning the fishhook at the edge of the tree so that the strap wraps around the tree and then runs straight to the hammock, that will keep the weight on the strap itself which is probably much stronger.
I logged in to say the very same thing as these other guys... ... In the end, the strap to the hammock is straight to the SIDE of the tree, wrapping around, with the fish hook ( Or whatever is being used) reaching across the tree face, hooking onto to the straight portion. You will have no angles and stress points in your rope or tape or on that hook. Friction on the tree is used to the fullest.
The term of properly laying in the hammock is at a bias, you are not in line with the straps, so you find the sweet spot and lay almost flat. I can sleep on my side- something that surprises everybody! These camping hammocks are asymmetrical with the ends being"blousy" to allow this biased position. For anyone this is foreign to, your feet are to one side of the hang, and your shoulders to the opposite side . This way you are NOT a banana.
The one drawback is being solo, I almost always have a partner in one tent. I think I saw you using a quilt- they are perfect for hammocks ... I have always used my sleeping bag only zipped up far enough to make a pocket for my lower legs, with the rest of the bag just on top. The compression of hammock makes the down compress on three sides unlike on the ground- hammocks can be cold if you don't have a pad or when colder, a quilt- even in the summer. I have a hyper light ( 1.8 lbs) single layer hammock, and have a thin 1/8" thick, approx 3' x 3' wide closed cell foam pad for my upper body- (like a yoga pad- but not dense like they are... I add this to a regular ground pad in the hammock with me.. it can shift ( which the double layer does not) but have had no problems really. . ( this extra pad rolls up in my regular foam pad and adds practically no weight and just a little bulk.) .
Also the second layer you mention can be helpful as mosquitos can't bite though the two layers as your arms are tight against the sides, they can stick their rotten tubes right through the fabric! Two layers - no problem- and I live in mosquito country.
Welcome to the most comfortable rig you can back country sleep in, can be set up over any terrain or pitch, over muck, sticks, brambles, rocks, on a mountain side or even a stream I guess... you can comfortably set up where no tent can fit or any apparent camp site- you just need two spaced trees... and if it rains, you pack up everything dry, leaving the fly the last thing you pack.
I have been a tent camper all my life and want to try out using a hammock. I will probably bring a light tent as back up. This thread is teaching me a bit, thanks ya'll.
Looks good. My first hammock was a Warbonnet Blackbird with the same underquilt and similar tarp (unfortunately that setup was stolen when I was in NZ). Good choice of suspension too I reckon, what I currently use and I fell this is the lightest and most flexible.
FWIW, my current setup is a Duchware Chameleon (486 grams with winter cover - lighter with no-see-um), MLD DCF asymetrical tarp (129), Antigravity Gear mule tape and tree straps (156) and Hammock Gear underquilt (444). So similar weight despite the more minimalist DCF tarp. I don't have separate suspension for my tarp but came up with a way of attaching the ridgeline to my hammock suspension with hooks and prussic loops (and to the hammock tieouts). As such it reduces setup time and only requires two pegs (while still allowing me to set up and take down the hammock and tarp separately if required).
Does mean I need to wrap my ponch around one end in bad weather though for peice of mind. Periodically agonise about going back to a hex tarp for more coverage and an easier go-to-ground option.
Right now I'm more campground/single site camper than backpack camper. My first hammock was a Grand Trunk Skeeter Beeter which I still use occasionally. But I found the bug netting setup on it a bit too fussy for my taste. I now use a DD Hammocks Frontline double layered hammock. It is short (abt. 9 ft.) but good. The bug net suspension is great and I love the zippers on both sides. I use webbing straps for the main suspension which I secure with cinch buckles (climbing rings in my case) because they allow me to adjust my hammock to really dial in my lay.
My first tarp was a Kelty Noah 12 cat-cut. It did wonders. But I moved to the DD Hammocks 4x4 for greater foul weather coverage and this thing is bomb-proof! I can fashion doors when needed or luxuriate under its huge canopy on fair weather days.
For colder weather I add a Dutchgear hammock sock. For milder weather such as cooler spring and fall nights I'll turn to my still new OneTigris 40 degree underquilt.
Good luck with your return to hammocking and I hope this information helps you!
The Blackbird is what I started with hammock wise after trying the Eno once and absolutely hating it. Absolutely love my blackbird. I went double layer so I could add in my sleeping pad since I didn't have an underquilt yet and figured the added layer was light enough, why not. I'd also heard a few people say they'd gotten bit by mosquitos thru the single layer hammock. The ability to add my sleeping pad saved my butt one night camping when it was supposed to be 50 and ended up by 38 that night when I didn't have the solid top rather than the bug netting, it also made it that much more comfy for someone new to hammock camping. Once you have that stuff shelf, you won't go back, it's awesome. I ended up getting a larger tarp that I could tie the ends together for better wind protection and the walls are longer for better rain protection as I'd had rain blow up under my tarp before and was not a fan. The large tarp I got was the Kelty Noah 16 I think, great for cold weather because of the ability to almost make a tent from it but still have the option to tie up the side for a view or a one sides shelter instead for warmer weather to to fend off wind from one direction.
Hey Dixie. I spent six months watching RUclips videos going back-and-forth whether to go with a hammock or not. I made the switch a couple years ago and honestly I will never go back. There are a lot of things like continuous ridge lines, tarp worm hooks all of that that makes setting up your hammock a complete breeze. I hope you enjoy your hammock and look forward to watching the videos and hearing your thoughts.
All secure in Sector Dixie. Whooo Buddy!
I reckon!
@Thais lol
Thais lol. I think it depends on whether or not she gets herself a hillbilly pot!
Maybe the Maple King will visit lol
Now she can have BREEKFAAST from the HAAAMOCK
I have two hammocks, both from Dutchware; the Chameleon and their new Banyan bridge hammock. I am a side-sleeper, and found the transition to a hammock a bit of a challenge. While learning to set up and sleep in both of these hammocks, there was an adjustment period for me. I have had both the best night's sleep, and the worst in these hammocks, heh. I can side sleep fine in the Bridge hammock, but not as well in the Chameleon traditional style hammock. I also spent the extra bucks and and got a rectangle camo Dyneema tarp that I use with whichever hammock I am using.
The Dutchware "bling" like the Stingers (set up the tarp and adjust between trees and center over the hammock Very Swiftly) Wasps & Fleas (Fast staking out of the tarp corners to the stakes) and the Dutch Clips (Fast connecting of straps to trees for hammock) are outstanding for quick and sure setup, adjustments and take-down of your tarp, stakes and hammock. I can get the tarp up and staked out in a pouring rain in less than a couple minutes, and then set up my hammock in the dry area beneath the tarp in a couple more minutes. Then I will spend about 5-10 minutes futzing around with the hammock hang until I get the lay I like, lol.
So Dutchware has been my supplier for all my hammock gear, and I am well pleased. I believe you will be well-pleased with your Warbonnet purchases too, but I cannot recommend enough to look at the Dutchware bling, especially the Stingers for the tarp. I bought a sil-poly tarp with doors from Hammock gear for when I know the weather may be nasty, and put Stingers it, and use Fleas for the stakes because they just rock.
I saw a tip, use your puffy jacket or something under/around your feet or at the headend to get some more insulation (since you have a torso quilt) then you just use what you already have with you in more ways than one. I like my feet warm and saw in a video that you do to 😊 with kind regards from a fellow newbie in hammocking 😊
Thank you for grams and centimeters 😃
Yeah, I also need that translation! 😀
I remember you specifically being against hammocks after your first try, but I’m glad you’re trying again. Hammocks are wonderful for multiple reasons, but one of my favorite is the customizable options and how you learn to hammock. With hammocks you typically need to learn more about “why” you’re doing something. This gives you a much better approach to simplifying gear and trying new techniques
I have both the XLC and BB (plus a Duplex for ground camping) and its really a horses for courses thing. Hands down the hammocks win for comfort for me and are our go to for kayak camping where sites are often along a shore and over damp ground. Both ours are dual layer and the main reason is that they are better at stopping mozzie bites thru a single layer that you are pressed against. In you video it seems you have the setup a bit tight... again its a learning process like you say and everyone needs to find that "sweet spot" What I do is use this trick to get it roughly right before final adjustments... use your open hand , thumb up. palm towards you as a rough 30 degree guide. With your fingers pointing horizontal and you thumb vertical the suspension line should make this angle (tip of thumb to tip of fingers) with no weighty in the hammock. Set the height of the straps on the tree so the sit height is correct and when lying down do the ridgeline tension twist test as per Brandon from Warbonnet. No need for a level. Happy hanging
REI had their Quarter Dome hammock on clearance and I bought it with the under quilt that's made for it. Probably not for people counting grams, but it came with a tarp, suspension, bug net, etc all in one purchase so it was almost too easy and cheap to not try. So far, i've enjoyed using it.
I've had several hammocks and used them on trail. I started with single layers because of weight. I will say the main difference I notice between the single layer and double is the way it affects my "lay" in the hammock. The double layer is much more comfortable. I now think its worth a few more ounces for the comfort.
Nice setup! I would definitely recommend adding a carabiner at each end of the hammock between the hammock loops and the suspension straps. When it rains, the tree straps are going to get wet, and that moisture is going to work its way down into your hammock if you don't create some sort of brake. Make sure that your carabiners are covered by your tarp when you hang it, and always use carabiners that are rated for climbing.
I got a Blackbird 8 or 9 years ago with a Yeti underquilt and it was probably the best gear change I've made other than switching from boots to trail runners. At 6'9", 225 I fit very comfortably in the original and getting off the ground really helped with quality of sleep. Only do a few weekenders a year so I can't speak to thru hiking with it.
The most comfortable sleep in the backcountry once you get everything dialed.
not for side sleepers
@@Starbreaker666 especially for side sleepers! If having a long enough hammock (1.7-1.9 times the body length seems to be the sweet spot) and having the setup dialed in I as a side sleeper absolutely love my hammock!
@@Starbreaker666 Everyone is different but I side sleep /fetal position and its very comfortable. I think its just stomach sleepers that may have issues. Again it may be different for others but I find I sleep in all sorts of positions in the hammock and rate it the best sleep hands down anywhere including a good bed. I'm 6'4" so found the XLC better and less side squeeze compared to the Warbonnet, YMMV
@@HCWYC but it's heavy, and not insulated.
I think you made some good choices for your first setup (we’re not counting the start of the AT.). I could quibble with some of the details (I like knots vs hardware bling. I use whoopies and a marlin spike hitch vs the straps and becket hitch) but, all in all, I think you did very well. As you probably have found out by now, there are a few details to get ironed out before you find that perfect position to get an amazing night’s sleep but once you do, you may find it hard to go back to being a ground dweller. Even though you’re not over 6’ tall, if you have some difficulty getting comfortable, you may want to try the Blackbird XLC or the Eldorado. They’re a foot longer which, in my opinion, makes them more comfortable. Happy Hanging
You did just fine for your first hammock. This is similar to my set up but i opted for cubin fiber tarps. I have two, one for the lightest choice has less coverage and weighs 7 ounces and the larger tarp is really full coverage and weighs about 14 ounces. At my age weight is more important than the cost of things, especially since the material is very rugged. I might also recommend an app for your phone that can help with getting angles correct. The Ultimate Hang is the app. Hammocking requires fiddling, but once you get some nights under your belt, it becomes pretty automatic. Also you don’t need flat ground. And, the best sleep ever!
We all started out somewhere with hammocking. The Hammock Forums was a big help for me when I started. Granted mine is still mismatched between purchased and DIY. The cottage vendors in the hammocking world come up with some nice stuff. For the record, I really like the tarp. Nothing wrong with camo.
Nice set up Dixie. Like that it is a USA company. My budget manager (wife) "suggested" that I didn't break the bank with my hammock set up so I went with the OneWind hammock, tarp and under-quilt. Got all in olive green so it doesn't stand out if I want to stealth camp. and all in with shipping was just over $200. The hammock has a built in bug net and all of it sets up easily. Tarp can be set up to make a "tent" enclosure around the hammock for privacy and warmth. So if budget managers are stopping anyone from getting the big dollar set ups, this could be an option. I have used mine a couple of times and haven't had any problems. Safe travels.
I'm really glad to see you re-try hammock camping. I'm on my 4th hammock gear and I'm happy. I didn't go through just one company. My hammock is Dream Hammock and my tarp is Hammock Gear. Looks about like yours only it's Dyneema at 10.94 ounces. It's called the Dyneema Fiber Palace Tarp. It's supposed to protect through everything for 495.00. Welcome to the hammock folks.
I can't wait to hear how you compare the different sleep systems on trail! I love my hammock, but sometimes I stress about finding trees, especially when some of the trail is above tree line. My two hammocks are from dreamhammock. My tarp is a cuben fiber winter palace. I started out with a torso length underquilt, but it was a 40 degree. I made the mistake of taking it into the mountains and spending a couple of nights in high winds and temps that dipped below 20. I truly love the comfort of snuggling into the warmth of the underquilt and will probably get a longer one. There is just something wonderful about waking up in the morning in a hammock, gently swinging and watching the sunrise from bed. My six moon design tent had a great design so that I could see the stars, something the zpacks duplex does not. When I was in my hammock in high winds and cold, my dreamhammock had a winter zip up cover that could be used in place of the mosquito netting. I used it for the first time and was amazed that I could still see the sky and stars. All that said, I usually take my duplex to save a bit of weight when on trail. I never sleep as well in a tent, but its slightly less complicated to set up. I look forward to your reviews. All the different sleep systems have pros and cons and you are truly a seasoned expert and I look forward to your insight!!
Certainly can't go wrong with the set up you went with. Sounds like Warbonnet did a great job of clueing you into most of the tips and tricks. You'll always be able to shed weight once you get it all figured out. Sleeping pads in a hammock are kind of a pain, so I'll be curious to see if you feel you need one paired with your under quilt. Thumb and finger (finger gun) pretty good way to check your hang angle. Yama 8.5x8.5 silpoly tarp, Outdoor Vitals 20 deg. Aerie quilt, Wilderness Innovations poncho/hammock is what I use.👍
Tip to make your straps last: Where you wrap them around the tree, have the strap heading to the hammock leave the tree at it's tangent, you had it wrap halfway around and then down to the hammock from the center of the tree. You put a ton more stress and strain on your suspension where it passes through that loop/hook doing it that way.
My son bought a nice hammock and hung it in our backyard and my wife and I started using it to relax in the evenings before going to bed. We would often fall asleep in the hammock and wake up around midnight to go inside. Son ended up taking his hammock but gifting us a 2-person setup instead. I honestly felt, for sleeping purposes, the 1-person setup was more comfortable for 2 people. But we didn't have a mosquito net or tarp, so once the bugs came out in the late spring, our hammock use would kind of wane until fall. And we could get down to near-freezing temps and still be comfortable with JUST warm clothes, a simple blanket inside the hammock that we would lay on, and a shared blanket over top. So, some kind of insulation underneath in colder weather is essential. But it's hella more comfortable to sleep in a hammock than on the ground in a tent even with one of those expensive, inflatable sleeping pads (I have a Big Agnes pad FWIW). Honestly thinking about switching to hammock camping for that reason. Thanks for the vid, Dixie, you're the best.
Love this video!
I use the Oak Creek Lost Valley hammock. About $60 on Amazon, 3.5lbs, and an all in 1 package. I have an Ozark Trail sleeping bag as my underquilt, and a fleece travel blanket. My favorite part is the hammock's storage bag is sewn on not loose to blow around.
Dyed it green and black and spent many nights making marines jealous as they slept on the ground 🤣
You are off to a great start! Made great choices with Warbonnet gear, but now that you are no longer a noob, don't be afraid to get gear from more than one vendor. You ordered a backpack, shoes, quilt, all from different places. A tarp is no different. Look up Hammock Gear and get an 11 foot Dyneema hex tarp. 5.14 oz.
I run a Hennesey Jungle... Living in FL its close to being in a jungle sometimes... Mine has a double layer to help keep mosquitos from biting you thru the bottom...I ran a Lawson Hammock for few years loved it cause you did not get that cocoon wrap that rest of hammocks will give you..But Mosquitos would bite me thru the bottom if I come off my pad.....I got the Klymmit hammock pad with my Hennesy jungle makes for a 3pd setup but worth it....Good choice on the hammock good luck...
Don’t worry about colors. I make my own gear and tend to use what fabrics I have on hand. My hammock is purple, underquilt and top quilt are red with geeen suspension, my Dynema is all mixed colors, tarp is black with red tie outs. Guy lines are reflective neon. “Big foot don’t care how pretty your gear is.”
I’d love to see a video on what you liked and didn’t like about the blackbird after using it over the summer - especially your thoughts on a hammock’s practicality vs a tent.
Never used a hammock or tarp set-up and your set-up made it look desirable. My main issue is setting it up-it looks labor intensive and expensive with all the add-ons. Why I choose a tent is I appreciate being able to use a tent not only for sleeping, but as a place to hang out, write, eat, organize for the next day, etc. A hammock seems practical only for sleeping. Thanks for the as always, thorough review. 🌿
Kammok. Small company out of Austin, TX with lifetime warranty’s and excellent customer service. I use the Mantis - straps, tarp, guylines, integrated ridgeline, stakes, hammock, bugnet all in one little lightweight bag. No additional items needed. I use the UL version (up to 250lbs) and it weighs just over 2lbs. I also have several of their Firebelly down quilts for insulation.
I'm a lady at 5'8" and found the 11' hammock the most comfortable with less calf-ridge. Agree with others that Shug is a great vid resource and The Ultimate Hang book. I started heavier to get the basics and have been getting more UL with DCF tarps, etc. Fun to learn and evolve. Hope you have a great time!
I've got the Warbonnet as my first venture into hammock camping too and have absolutely loved it. The one stop shopping all-in-one nature of it definitely made it less overwhelming for a newbie. I sleep like a baby!
For what it is worth I go back and forth between my hammock and tent. It is trip dependent. I sleep more comfortably in my hammock. I like the little house my tent is. Sometimes I like to have fun being bushcrafty and roll with a military poncho as a shelter. I also went with a hammock company that I could get the whole package package from. It made it simple for me to match everything I needed up and be confident it would work well together. I'll be looking forward to your thoughts after your use it a little.
Dixie is so awesome. I love how straight-forward her videos are. It's pretty evident why she has three times the number of subscribers as some of the other popular backpacking channels who sometimes try to be a little too funny or too cute or too clever. She just cuts right to the chase in terms of content, and when you're talking about a ten minute video, that's a lot of content (without the fluff you get some other places.) Bravo, Dixie. Well done. Every time.
Congratulations on your hammock setup. I look forward to your review after using it for several nights. Once you get the setup down, I think you’ll love it. When it’s raining, it’s nice to get the tarp up first, stow your gear under it, and then set up the hammock. I switched from ground dwelling 3 years ago and haven’t looked back. I sleep better in a hammock and my body thanks me for it.
You did extremely well! I have many years of hammock experience and you are well equipped! Tents are lighter, but hammocks are more comfortable. This is a great start to your hammock collection!
They always get you with the underquilt! (lolz) I've been hammock camping for years... especially in the winter. I don't know why. Maybe it's some sort of sickness. But there's just something about hanging that tarp low and tight around my hammock, keeping out the cold and wind.... checking my thermometer and seeing that it's in the high 30s inside my little silnylon nook while the wind and snow are howling in the low 20s or teens outside. But I digress. For an underquilt, I have two options I use, depending on the weather. For anything 30 and above, I use my Snugpak hammock cocoon. It's exactly like it sounds... encasing the entire hammock in plush, downy warmth. For anything 29 and below, I use my homemade underquilt. See, when I was looking at the underquilts, I was having a tough time finding one that fits. I'm a fairly big guy and something that reaches from my shoulders to my knees leaves a lot exposed to the elements. So what I did was purchase a rectangular sleeping bag of the extra long variety, secured a length of shock cord to the corners, one piece on the bottom and another up top, and then I use that to attach it to my hammock at the end points. This provides protection from head to toe. And I've camped down into the single digits and been toasty warm with this set up. The truly horrible thing is having to go to the bathroom... but that's what the "P" bottle is for. Yes, they made a model just for the ladies!
You made some great selections! I switched to hammock camping 6 years ago and have not looked back. My Blackbird XLC was a big part of that. I have continued to make modifications and changes over the years but your setup is going to give you a great start and should last you a long time!
Realize it may take some time to get your underquilt dialed in and to get the hang just how you like it. (I find the foot end 10-12” above the head end is right for me) HYOH!Whoo Buddy!!
I find that I’m more and more of a hammock person when I get outside. I do bike bike-packing and it’s a lot easier to pack up an ultralight hammock setup than a tent. I overhauled all my gear recently and bought my first backpacking quilt, which I wish I would’ve done ages ages!
The weight and packability is amazing.
Love the content Dixie! It’s awesome to see other women who are outdoorsy :) it’s been helpful in investing and researching gear.
I’m looking to start doing some short backpacking trips so my gear has to do double duty. ☮️
Congrats on your new hammock Dixie - and that is a nice setup you have chosen.
But would definitely suggest you learn a few simple knots popular amongst hammockers (incl. marlin spike hitch, prussik knot, truckers hitch etc.) as these will provide you with additional flexibility and contingencies on your travels.
I am sure you have already researched hammock gurus on RUclips, but would definitely include Derek Hensen (who literally wrote the book), and the well travelled 'marine' (Backpacking With a Hammock) - as have found both to be very helpful. Shugemery is also very knowledgeable, but some find his Robin Williams style delivery a bit off-putting. Professor Hammock, Spigyver and Sintax77 are also worth checking out.
Anyway, I am looking forward to seeing how you adjust back to life in a hammock. But you definitely need to give it time, after being a 'ground-dweller' for so long 🤣 ATB from across the pond, and happy hangin !
Hey that's my same setup! I've only taken it out once in a downpour and will say that the tarp ticks do make it pretty fast, but a tautline hitch will do the same thing in about the same amount of time and easier to adjust (imo). Just the Minifly held up really well in a downpour! It rained all night and I had no issues.
Awesome! Glad to see you're giving hammock camping another shot and a decent trial. Looking forward to seeing what you conclude when you've put your hundred miles into it.
I'm still building my hammock setup - and nowhere near as lightweight as yours (but I'm not planning on doing massive distances for prolonged periods of time.)
I started out my hammocking adventure with a _DD Hammocks_ TravelBivi (double layer 3000mm waterproof hammock with built-in Noseeum net) then got some Grand Trunk daisy-chain tree straps and a couple of Black Diamond carabiners for my suspension system (all bought while they were on special). I've got a length of Dyneema as a fixed ridgeline.
Everything else is shaping up for _DD Hammocks_ (purchased from gearshop.co.nz) being my "one-stop-shop" for hammocking gear - got their whoopie slings, a couple more carabiners and lightweight tarp pegs and intend to get a DD tarp, underquilt, gear sling (to keep my pack etc off the ground and under the tarp) and a hammock sleeve to facilitate setting up and stowing the hammock in windy conditions.
DD also make a great range of informative videos showing how to set up and use their gear (and we've always got _shugemery_ and _Backpacking With a Hammock_ to show us all the tips and tricks that we need to know.
By the time I've finished buying everything I want, I'm looking at more than NZ$700 - that might sound like a lot but that's for *everything* I'd need for hammock camping.
The double-layer Warbonnet Blackbird original is NZ$435 for the hammock alone, here in New Zealand, and they don't seem to sell the single layer, lightweight version here. For comparison, my DD Hammocks TravelBivi cost me NZ$135 - that alone saves me NZ$300 which is enough to get the DD Hammocks tarp and underquilt.
Buying US-made stuff is highly expensive here as it costs a fortune to get anything sent from the USA to pretty much anywhere else in the world. If I wanted to buy the Dutchware "Wasp" recommended by many US hammock/tarp campers, it would cost me US$15 to ship that tiny bit of titanium to New Zealand.
I'm also looking at around 4kg (~8.8lb) total weight including hammock, suspension, tarp, underquilt etc but I don't have to be ultralight since I'm just going out for a night or two and I'm more focused on what's going to be a) comfortable and b) affordable.
Since you only have a partial length underquilt and your bug net covers just the top, be advised that you can still get bug bites through the hammock itself where your body is against the fabric. To prevent this, also treat your hammock with Permethrin so you can avoid bug bites. :)
I remember when you decided to ditch the hammock and go with a tent and I thought, I wish you had tried it a little longer, you would have loved it. Glad to see you are trying it again. I still use a tent occasionally when Kayak camping or where trees are scarce, but I prefer the hammock. Obviously there are a lot of references to Shug here, because he has shown many of us the way, and I highly recommend you watch a few of his vids. Good luck and give a little time before you make your judgement. Btw, I prefer foot end about 6” higher than the head rather than 16”.
Agreed on the 6" rise. I was looking for a flatter lay to maybe get a comfortable side sleep and it was recommended I raise the foot 12" and then walk it down to the sweet spot. That worked great. 16" sounds crazy. On a 10 foot hammock? I'm definitely going outside to try it on mine now. :)
Summer is here. Tents turn into saunas.
I jumped in head first and used a $60 Amazon hammock for 2 years including 75 miles of the AT. I liked the freedom to kinda be wherever I wanted, but got tired of my bug net in my face. Over those two years I researched and found the REI quarter dome air. It’s a bridge hammock that lays flat and has shoulder room. I’m pleased with the upgrade and and can’t wait to get back on the trail!
Awesome. Glad to see you're giving hammocking a second chance. Looking forward to see if you're able to sleep comfortably in it. Whether or not you end up getting your best nights sleep with your current set up, as long as you can afford to experiment with a variety of options, you definately will eventually get there. Oh, and if you sometimes carry a camp chair, you can offset the weight calculation of your hammock set up a bit because you can use your hammock even more comfortably than any chair. Granted, you can't easily move it to a group fire, but you can cook from it if you're not somewhere that you have to be concerned about predators. And, now that you have that type of tarp, you can enjoy a rainy day at camp much more than you could in a tent, without any extra weight. (And, just want to mention that if you have to go to ground, you'll still need a pad, which is why I went for a set up that works with a pad and I"ve found tthat I only have to bring an underquilt to supplement it if I'm going to be at freezing temps.)
In freezing rain and cold winds, you may have issue with the smaller tarp and untieing the becket hitch. Water soaked frozen knots are problematic. Cold wind will suck the heat out of your Underquilt in a hurry. Consider an underquilt protector or a larger tarp, at least 10 -11 ft wide. Consider a larger Dyneema tarp only for weather above freezing. Also get 9 inch Y-stakes at least for the four tarp corners. I had my AT tarp set-up blow down on the AT with 6" V-stakes. Consider adding a third stake-out point on the middle perimeter of the tarp just in case and then take two extra Y-stakes. Leave the level at home, you will not need it after you set up a few times.
Hi Dixie, I love your videos. I also dig the mix match of colors! I recently got into hammocking and was feeling overwhelmed also. I started with an ENO complete set from REI so I could see if I would sleep okay. I tested it and loved it. The hammock was only 9 foot, so way to short to get a good flat lay, so returned it and started searching the cottage companies. I wanted to share this "kit" from Hammock gear in case any one here is looking to get into Hammocking also. Its not quite as light as your set up, but its a complete kit including Hammock, tarp, suspension for 229.00. or 499.00 if you want a 20 degree top and bottom quilt included. They also have an ultralight bundle, but I was okay with the extra weight for now. Funny enough the bundle is called the Hammock Gear Wonderlust.
Dixie, if you're overwhelmed, read The Ultimate Hang. The second edition adds a lot of info on DIY setups, but either edition has all the info you need to know, laid out in a very accessible way.
I JUST bought a warbonnet! Haven't got to use it yet due to the virus shutting down parks in my area. Really excited to get out and try it out. I watched hours of reviews over various hammocks and I thought the warbonnet would suit me best. I don't want this to be taken as criticism, but just for other viewers I purchased my quilt and underquilt through a company called "Cedar Ridge Outdoors" I found that they offered better pricing and more options. If other people are on the market for hammock gear, check them out for sure!
Great video. I would only mention, (I’m sure many have already mentioned it) that SOFT SHACKLES, made from 7/64” Dyneema cord and WHOOPEE SLINGS, from the same material, can open up a lot of options without adding much weight. I make my own. I buy a 500’ role of Dyneema and use SELMA FIDS to make accoutrements. Also, you are operating without a RIDGE LINE. It should be 83% of your hammock length and can be made from the same Dyneema cord or even para cord.
Hi Dixie, I use the Exped Ergo Combi setup - hammock/tarp which I highly recommend. Many comfortable days and nights in that thing. Exped stopped making it but they should start again. It is still available in some online shops. The thing is, it keeps your body flatter than almost any other system, you can use a normal sleeping pad instead of a quilt and has an integrated bug net which works well. I love it and reading around most hammockers give up because of back pain. None with this thing. I will buy a second one when I can afford it! Price about 300 and something Euros/Dollars.
silpoly is worth more than just "dry weight" , it absorbs 50% less water than silnylon so you save even more weight after a rainy/humid night
It won't fade from UV rays like the silnylon as well, and it's also less stretchy and tougher. It won't sag when wet like nylon does.
@Spitch Grizwald polyester is tougher actually. Chances are, whoever wrote that is comparing a standard thickness silnylon vs ultralight/thin membrane silpoly. Polyester is far stronger, that's why you use poly ropes/straps instead of nylon for your suspension on hammocks.
I used a silnylon tarp on my first hammock backpacking trip, and after the experience of having it sag so much just from heavy dew, I replaced it with a Hammock Gear cuben fiber tarp. No sag, because it doesn't absorb water, and it's a lot lighter weight... it was worth the extra cost.
I just want to start by saying you’ve been hugely inspirational to me. I’m headed out for my first long distance hike this summer. I’m hitting the Colorado Trail in a few weeks for a thru hike with a convertible hammock setup. I’ll be set for ground and hammock camping with really just one extra piece of lightweight gear to make both setups work. I’m excited about my hummingbird hammock! Crazy lightweight and strong!! I got the single + for a deeper diagonal lay. I won’t be using an underquilt, but I’ll be staying warm with the zenbivy light inflatable sleeping pad with their 25° light sheet and 10° light top quilt. I may switch out to a klymit v hammock pad if I’m finding the Zenbivy pad too narrow and it should work with the Zenbivy sheet which I’m pumped about it having a sewn in hood to keep my bald head warm. They’re both within a few ounces of each other in weight. For the bugs I got hummingbird’s warbler bug net. I’ll be using hummingbird hammock’s pelican tarp for my shelter which I can setup with my trekking poles when above the tree line and I’ll have a paria outdoor products breeze mesh Bivy for a makeshift tent shelter. Plus I can set it up under my hammock to keep my gear and trail runners bug free and secure while snoozing. I also grabbed the Zenbivy pillow and it’s my new favorite piece of gear. It’s so soft! All together everything I mentioned comes in at a little over 6lbs (including top quilt). My newbie status is probably showing through but I’ll be around a 10-12lb base weight and I’m comfortable with that and I’m sure I’ll be fine tuning things as I go. Seriously again, thank you so much for your channel. It’s so inspiring, informative and entertaining. I’m so excited to be getting out there and seeing what this is all about!! Gear shopping has been an absolute blast, I can only imagine how much fun it will be to use it all!
So many hammock options out there, I’ll be looking forward to hearing your review after you have used it.
Personally I find when I sleep in a tent even with a good mat I’m constantly having to turn and then wake up with a sore back but not in a hammock. I’ve had back surgery so I like that the hammock allows me to sleep well without discomfort.
I have a...
Hummingbird single+ hammock, 7.6 oz, $69.95
Hummingbird tree straps+, 2.3oz, $44.95 I think when in stock
I don’t like having to carry the weight of a under quilt and top quilt so I have the...
Hyke and Byke Antero 15degree hammock sleeping bag, 2.87 lbs, $164.97
I don’t have a bug net. I have hammock camped in AZ many times and have not yet had a problem with bugs.
My rainfly is a Chill Gorilla from Amazon, 1.9 lbs which includes the stakes and lines. $47.99
Once upon a time I could sleep on a z-rest foam pad. Those days are long gone. It's taken me some time to figure out how to get comfortable & sleep in a hammock, but it's been a game-changer for me. Nothing better than being wrapped in a down cocoon in a hammock.
Warbonnet is great, love Brandon. Super helpful and great stuff. The most important piece of you hammock kit is your TOP QUILT. Trying to get in a sleeping bag after peeing in the middle of the night is the WORST. I have a double layer Blackbird. Mistake. Doesn't help AT ALL with pad. Again, and issue getting in the hammock in the middle of the night. I did replace my minifly with a Hammock Gear dyneema fly with doors, but $$$. Wish I didn't have to have my Yeti underquilt because I hate the bungees rubbing on my face, and another obstacle to getting in and out, but it's a necessity. I use Woopie suspension because that was lightest when I got into hammocks. Agree on the camo tarp, as stealth camping is one of the joys of hammock camping. Not for novice campers, but once you get the setup down, the sleep is awesome. BTW, finding two trees 16' apart with no obstruction is not as simple as you think.
BTW2: My top quilt is Purple and Gold (LSU) but both of my boys are Auburn Engineering grads. Civil and Wireless.
A helpful tip for anyone who doesn't have a large bag for storing your down quilts/bags is to use a pillow case. If you store down while it is compressed, it will not loft as well and not keep you as warm.
At 12:04 - when tying the Becket hitch be sure it wraps around the loop you are securing it to (like you would a sheet bend). At this point in the video, you are just wrapping the strap around itself. Love the setup!
dixie, i have been sleeping in a warbonnet blackbird XLC every night for some years now.
you did great on your hammock choices, and you got a good setup. the blackbird can be fiddly learning to find the one place where you're most comfortable, but when you find it, it's a slice of heaven. i will never go to ground (or bed) again.
you didn't mention if you're using a topquilt instead of a sleeping bag (if you did i missed it), but with an UQ that will be a weight savings.
my basic setup is a BBXLC with a zero degree wooki and a superfly tarp. that thing keeps me warm and dry even if it's raining sideways, but it's three and a half pounds. in COLD weather i use the topcover and add an EXTRA underquilt below, and it's toasty. i have two topquilts, both from Hammock Gear. i know, i know, not all one vendor, but i didn't buy the topquilts until i was a year and a half into it.
i may buy other hammocks, but i'll always have a functional blackbird.
I hope hammocks become a part of your future camping and hiking. I still sleep on the ground like a worm sometimes, as I like to practice being comfy in any situation - but hammocks are amazing once it clicks. It can sometimes take a while. I wasn't super happy until I discovered how to adjust sag and what a structural ridgeline did.
the double layer also helps keep insects from biting through. because that is a thing.
your reasoning about the tradeoffs and your choices is all very sound.
but warbonnet is a fine company that makes fine hammocks. it's hard to go wrong when you buy good quality. i own hammock stuff from several of the main cottage companies. i think you will enjoy this hammock very much.
i sleep in a WB BBXLC every night, indoors and out.
i use a larger tarp because sometimes it rains sideways. my main setup is a WB BBXLC (because i am a side sleeper and the larger hammock helps with that) with a 0 degree wooki (the WB full UQ built for this model) and i am on my second superfly tarp. i like the superfly because in the winter i like the additional full windbreak and when it's raining sideways it stays really dry. it also has a really big shelter in porch mode, so in light rain or even just downpour i get a lot of open space in my "house".
comfort in bad weather is more important to me than weight savings, because i am not a long distance hiker, but i am a four season camper.
i think you are going to love the porch mode and the comfort. your choices have not maximized comfort, but i think you've done about as well as you can at that weight.
Congrats Dixie! Welcome to the world of comfort. I am glad that you decided to have another go at hanging. Your AT setup left alot to be desired in comparison to your warbonnet setup. You made a wise decision with your choices in my opinion.
There is a myriad of options out there that can be overwhelming as you found out. Look into some driplines for your suspension and a piece of tyvek for on the ground under the hammock and seamseal that tarp ridgeline. Best wishes as always and sweet dreams of restful slumber!
You done good. I'm experienced with hammocks. You got a good, reliable rig from a great supplier. Congratulations.
You’re the knot guy, right??
I think that it is cool that you are giving a hammock a try again. I think once you get things dialed in after experimenting you will enjoy it. I back pack in all shelter because I enjoy having new experiences but hammock are often my best nights of sleep.
I hope that the partial underquilt works for you. I have always been to nervous to try one because I get to cold at nights.
At this point I just want to see Dixies gear closet lol
That is a good idea for a video! Unless she sold all her old stuff at the REI Garage Sale?
It has got to be a full sized storage unit by now LOL. I had to rent a unit for my stuff and I don't go out nearly as much as I would like.
Welcome to the hammock community. Great choice of equipment!. I have a double Warbonnet Blackbird and a Superfly. I think the weight you quoted for the Minifly was for the Superfly, the Minifly "tarp only" weight is actually only 11.75 oz. I chose to go with the Dutchware Beetle Buckle suspension, it may be worth a look if you get tired of tying Beckett hitches.
The Warbonnet Blackbird is a fantastic hammock! You're going to love the comfort. And don't forget the top quilt
I use a Hennessey hammock set up. Ultralights about 2lb $230, I use the expedition - about 3lbs $160. Tarps are included. Use some caribeners and 4 rap rings for the set up to make it easy.
Looks like a right fine setup to me. I'm sure it goes without saying, but don't forget your top quilt/sleeping bag for upper insulation.
Dixie great choice on setup. Used the same hammock and under quilt. Winter palace DCF tarp with doors and all lines 16 oz. continuous ridge line. Learn to set tarp up first then hammock ( for rain ) also practice in dark and after a couple of 🍺 Your gonna love it in the rain. Have fun. Doing Pinhoti in Oct.
Hammocks are so comfortable to sleep in lol. I started hammock camping and then ended up replacing my bed and sleeping hammock only for a year. Best sleep ever for me had an Eno Doublenest.
I started my backpacking and hammock camping at the same time. I purchased the Blackbird XLC and the Mamajamba tarp I was sold after a few trips with it. I think you'll be good to go.
I still tent on occasion but I do find hammocks to be more comfortable still after 4 years. I prefer setting a hammock up in the rain over a tent since I can just throw up the tarp before anything else. Good luck with the new gear if you still prefer the tent you atleast of another tool at your disposal.
when I decided to moved up to a hammock and off the ground I looked at a lot of set ups. I settled on Sierra Madre research. I bought the nube set up and love it. I love that is has the built in gear loft. I have never camped out in such comfort.
Happy to see that you decided to give hammocks another try. I have used one for a couple of years now and my backcountry sleeping greatly improved. I knew nothing when I started considering a hammock but after watching a lot of Shug's videos on RUclips and reading hundreds of posts on the HammockForums, I feel much more informed and comfortable with the hammocking routine. Great video as always!
Nice work. It’s a good setup, especially to pick up from a single cottage vendor. I think you’ll enjoy it. Make sure you have something to go under your feet - even in 60-65° nights, your feet will likely get cold without anything beneath them! Looking forward to hearing how you fare with it over a few nights on the trail!
Ive had my Blackbird for over a decade now. I love it! You made a good choice.
Great video Dixie! Love my blackbird XLC. Just so you know the max weight on hammocks usually has more to do with comfort than risk of the hammock tearing. If you weigh more than or close to the max weight, then the fabric will stretch alot and be much less comfortable for you. Kinda 1 reason for double layer hammocks as well, larger people tend to like them.
The Auburn/Orange doesn’t look terrible, especially with the Blue, as they are Complimentary Colors. I’m more interested in the results.. I have never used a hammock on trail, but.. I do definitely know that camping gear and packing gear are not usually synonymous terms.
I can’t say it enough.. I have watched several of your videos, and.. I really appreciate what you are doing.. rekindling interest for me, and being the spark for others, your channel is great!!
Been a Hammock camper for many years And can’t wait to see what you think about it.
I went with Kammok for my gear. To be honest, I also was overwhelmed and under impressed with the complexities of 'building my own hammock set up' - and was deterred by the lack of color options with Warbonnet and Dutchware. Kammok also came with a lifetime guarantee, which makes everyone happy.
Kammok Mantis: $229 MSRP - 1lb 11.8 oz (without rainfly). This came with straps and hardware
Kuhli Pro Tarp: $199 MSRP - 26 oz. Included guy lines and stakes
Firebelly 30 degree UQ - $279 MSRP - 28.5 oz. Included hardware and connectors
Hurts to actually total this up, but I ran $707, not including the random hardware that I've bought from Dutchware gear like the Wasp. I have also found through trying a few different hammocks, that Kammok seems to have some of the softest material on the market.
All that being said, GREAT video. Glad you are giving it another try. I don't think you'll be disappointed with any of it.
Good instincts. Got my Warbonnet setup and never looked back. Not the lightest set up, but the better rest you get makes carrying you whole pack a lot easier every day. Love my Warbonnet Blackbird XLC, Mammajamba tarp and Wookie UQ.
I always struggled with getting good sleep in my week-long section hikes, and thought strongly about switching to a hammock setup, but was intimidated by the learning curve and its associated cost, fiddle factor, and weight. My silnylon Tarptent Notch is awesome - 28 oz including stakes, cords, and stuff sack - has two doors and two vestibules, and pitches with only 4 stakes in under one minute... I believe the DCF version is 19 oz (complete) and costs about $600.
Then I bought the NeoAir xlite, learned to NOT firmly inflate it, and sleep great now.
There is still the occasional issue of finding level ground, but I'm sure that hammocking has some issues, too, as does shelter sleeping.
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HYOH, experiment, find what works for you, and enjoy being out on the trail.