I bought a Traveler with the line/strap suspension just to see if hammocks were for me. The Traveler is without a doubt the best piece of gear I own. I keep it with me everywhere I go. Nice review, keep them coming!
This was a really helpful review. So many reviewers neglect to mention the suggested distance between trees. Thanks a lot. I sleep in hammock for my back and would like this for in the house; so distance needed is important.
@1swampwalker depends on your weight. I tend to go single layer if I'm using quilts. Unless you need more support due to weight. Warbonnet has a great guide on which layer and fabric to use based on weight on his info page.
depends on the model. I have both single layers both with Whoopies, 1.75 zingit ridgeline. Traveler with external bugnet from Dream Hammock is 12oz. Blackbird is 18.4oz
I have had the calf cramp in the BB a couple of times. Each time it was due to the fact that it was hung a bit too tight and the foot end was a bit too high. But I am very satisfied with the Traveler. Used the Traveler on my 100 mile hike with a bug sock. It was awesome. But I have to say I did miss the shelf.
Excellent review on the traveler. I was looking for some on hammock forums, but finally found one on here. My blackbird has been giving me calf cramps, and I have been eyeing up the traveler as a possible solution. I am going to try the blackbird a few more times (it might be that I am hanging it too tightly) but if the problem persists the traveler looks like an excellent fallback plan. Thanks again for the review, Watermonkey!
@Kasukoxr Yes and no… Yes if you took away the integrated bug net, shelf, and footbox you would have a traveler. No I personally feel the lay is a bit different. I feel a bit more foot tension on the Traveler than when using the footbox for the BB. Also, set up is a bit different to get the traveler’s ridgeline right and you need a bit more sag with the traveler than the BB (confirmed by other users on HF). Plus the footbox limits your comfort lay to one side in a BB.
Thanks for the review. Just bought a Blackbird XLC. I've got a lot of things to figure out to learn to be comfortable. Suggestions of videos and such to help me?
I have only been out in it a couple times. I am 100% sure I hung it too tight, as I didn't get the bend you indicated in your video. I am going to give it a few more tries before I completely give up on it.
This is an excellent review. I purchased the DD Travel and really love that thing a lot but, I think I just may give the War Bonnet a try just for SAG. Thanks for doing this.
@1swampwalker I think you may find it less comfortable than if you used the Traveler hammock because the shelf side sits up higher than the non-shelf side. I'm actually making my way to just using the traveler and a removable bugnet. Gonna see how that goes in a couple of weeks. That's saving me about 6oz this way.
@1377stick - I'm a side and belly sleeper in bed. In a hammock I'm fine sleeping on my back. Many do sleep on their sides in a blackbird hammock. If you want a flatter lay which makes it easier to side sleep you might want to think about getting a Bear Mountain Bridge Hammock from Jacksrbetter
@RaulPerez1 I was simply saying the hammocks are the same in terms of lay, yes if you compare the bugnet and shelf then of course they are two different hammocks with different pros and cons. I am simply saying that if you want a traveler but think "It won't be as comfortable because it doesn't have a footbox" this is a misconception. The footbox only helps with the bugnet (and possibly foot security), not the lay of the hammock.
When you moved away from the integrated bug net hammock, did you consider other hammocks, like the Grand Trunk Ultra Lite? The GT is 6" narrower but even if you upgrade to a sling/strap suspension and ridge line, it seems a lot less expensive.
@OldePete I considered other hammocks but reviews were spotty on the GT UL. So I went with a vendor I was familiar with and knew the comfort of the hammock would be solid.
Great video, but why do you now prefer a hammock without an integrated bug net? I just ask b/c Im trying to decide between the Blackbird, Traveler w/ bug sock and Nano7 w/ bug sock. The Nano7 is prob. not as comfortable as the Traveler....but it is lighter lol
I'd like to point out the very common misconception between the traveler and the blackbird, they are the exact same! If you take the bugnet off of the blackbird you now have a traveler. The foot box doesn't "add" additional foot room. What it DOES do is get the bugnet away from the feet giving you more toe room. Since the traveler doesn't have the bugnet it doesn't have this problem. But you will still have the same lay! (This is all confirmed by Brandon on the hammock forums)
@Kasukoxr You’re comparing apples to oranges. But I get what you are saying. They are in fact 2 different hammocks… both of which achieve essentially the same comfort lay (personal experience may differ). If you want to further this discussion lets do it off line so I can type more :)
@RaulPerez1 Do you have your feet the exact same way in the BB and in the traveler? If you look at the line in the BB you will find your feet are often really close to it, like your toes are sticking out above it. You would have to stick your toes out in the traveler to achieve the same lay but it is the same. (Some DIY BB without bugnet have a foot box for this reason) As for the limiting of your comfort lay on the BB, this is an issue with the bugnet and not the foot box.
Well done. Thanks for taking the time to show the hammocks. It answered all my questions. Happy camping!
I bought a Traveler with the line/strap suspension just to see if hammocks were for me. The Traveler is without a doubt the best piece of gear I own. I keep it with me everywhere I go. Nice review, keep them coming!
This was a really helpful review. So many reviewers neglect to mention the suggested distance between trees. Thanks a lot. I sleep in hammock for my back and would like this for in the house; so distance needed is important.
Glad it was helpful!
Great review! I just ordered a WBBB and can't wait to try it out.
Great review Raul and ditto on the new cinch buckles
@1swampwalker depends on your weight. I tend to go single layer if I'm using quilts. Unless you need more support due to weight. Warbonnet has a great guide on which layer and fabric to use based on weight on his info page.
Really good review. I have the same squeeze problems with my HH. Just ordered a WB 1.7 dl.
Thanks
depends on the model. I have both single layers both with Whoopies, 1.75 zingit ridgeline. Traveler with external bugnet from Dream Hammock is 12oz. Blackbird is 18.4oz
I have had the calf cramp in the BB a couple of times. Each time it was due to the fact that it was hung a bit too tight and the foot end was a bit too high. But I am very satisfied with the Traveler. Used the Traveler on my 100 mile hike with a bug sock. It was awesome. But I have to say I did miss the shelf.
Excellent review on the traveler. I was looking for some on hammock forums, but finally found one on here. My blackbird has been giving me calf cramps, and I have been eyeing up the traveler as a possible solution. I am going to try the blackbird a few more times (it might be that I am hanging it too tightly) but if the problem persists the traveler looks like an excellent fallback plan. Thanks again for the review, Watermonkey!
@Kasukoxr Yes and no… Yes if you took away the integrated bug net, shelf, and footbox you would have a traveler. No I personally feel the lay is a bit different. I feel a bit more foot tension on the Traveler than when using the footbox for the BB. Also, set up is a bit different to get the traveler’s ridgeline right and you need a bit more sag with the traveler than the BB (confirmed by other users on HF). Plus the footbox limits your comfort lay to one side in a BB.
great review. thanks.
Thanks for the review. Just bought a Blackbird XLC. I've got a lot of things to figure out to learn to be comfortable. Suggestions of videos and such to help me?
pick up the book "The Ultimate Hang". Also you can check out my website.... watermonkey dot net I have a section and videos on hanging.
Thanks. Finished that book a week or so ago. I'll have to go back and study it. Will look at your site!
I have only been out in it a couple times. I am 100% sure I hung it too tight, as I didn't get the bend you indicated in your video. I am going to give it a few more tries before I completely give up on it.
Thanks for the reply, checking out your vids, i'll be busy for a while lol. Thanks for posting.
@Xare420 - glad you liked the review. This is my favorite hammock set up ;)
This is an excellent review. I purchased the DD Travel and really love that thing a lot but, I think I just may give the War Bonnet a try just for SAG.
Thanks for doing this.
awesome glad you liked it.
Brother great hammocks for sure and great view on them both.....
Awesome glad you liked it and it helped you out.
@1swampwalker I think you may find it less comfortable than if you used the Traveler hammock because the shelf side sits up higher than the non-shelf side. I'm actually making my way to just using the traveler and a removable bugnet. Gonna see how that goes in a couple of weeks. That's saving me about 6oz this way.
@1377stick - I'm a side and belly sleeper in bed. In a hammock I'm fine sleeping on my back. Many do sleep on their sides in a blackbird hammock. If you want a flatter lay which makes it easier to side sleep you might want to think about getting a Bear Mountain Bridge Hammock from Jacksrbetter
@RaulPerez1 I was simply saying the hammocks are the same in terms of lay, yes if you compare the bugnet and shelf then of course they are two different hammocks with different pros and cons. I am simply saying that if you want a traveler but think "It won't be as comfortable because it doesn't have a footbox" this is a misconception. The footbox only helps with the bugnet (and possibly foot security), not the lay of the hammock.
When you moved away from the integrated bug net hammock, did you consider other hammocks, like the Grand Trunk Ultra Lite? The GT is 6" narrower but even if you upgrade to a sling/strap suspension and ridge line, it seems a lot less expensive.
Great review man. Will be taking the traveler into consideration on my hammock hunt. Any info on the weight difference?
@OldePete I considered other hammocks but reviews were spotty on the GT UL. So I went with a vendor I was familiar with and knew the comfort of the hammock would be solid.
I use my Warbonnet Traveler indoors daily on my Vario Hammock stand.
Great video, but why do you now prefer a hammock without an integrated bug net? I just ask b/c Im trying to decide between the Blackbird, Traveler w/ bug sock and Nano7 w/ bug sock.
The Nano7 is prob. not as comfortable as the Traveler....but it is lighter lol
I'd like to point out the very common misconception between the traveler and the blackbird, they are the exact same! If you take the bugnet off of the blackbird you now have a traveler. The foot box doesn't "add" additional foot room. What it DOES do is get the bugnet away from the feet giving you more toe room. Since the traveler doesn't have the bugnet it doesn't have this problem. But you will still have the same lay! (This is all confirmed by Brandon on the hammock forums)
great review but whats up with the shorts man
How about laying on your side in a hammock. Does that work?
@Kasukoxr You’re comparing apples to oranges. But I get what you are saying. They are in fact 2 different hammocks… both of which achieve essentially the same comfort lay (personal experience may differ). If you want to further this discussion lets do it off line so I can type more :)
@RaulPerez1 haha Im just kidding bro. you the man
@Newton240sx What you not diggin my duds?!
@RaulPerez1 Do you have your feet the exact same way in the BB and in the traveler? If you look at the line in the BB you will find your feet are often really close to it, like your toes are sticking out above it. You would have to stick your toes out in the traveler to achieve the same lay but it is the same. (Some DIY BB without bugnet have a foot box for this reason) As for the limiting of your comfort lay on the BB, this is an issue with the bugnet and not the foot box.