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Post by Christian on Oct 27, 2016 5:02:50 GMT -8
I'm from Oregon, just got stationed in Florida. I'm new to backpacking, so idk how good my choice was, but I got a byer of Maine mosquito hammock and really enjoy it. It was a little pricy though because I added in some Atlas straps and a tarp. I definitely prefer hammocks over tents.
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crawford
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Opportunity is missed by most people because it is dressed in overalls and looks like work.--Edison
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Post by crawford on Oct 27, 2016 5:57:15 GMT -8
I just feel something to sit down on, other than the floor, would be nice. You are spot on there. Though zeke is correct in that the more you use one the more you will probably stick with it. There are some low weight and low cost options out there depending on the climate you plan to be in. I like my Grand Trunk Skeeter Beeter because of the integrated net for late spring and summer use. The net is a pain when adjusting the underquilt from inside the hammock, but a bug free environment is nice. Also, I can turn mine upside down when in winter and just bunch the net up between the underquilt and hammock. If weight is a concern, there are lots of low cost and DIY options as well. I will also second the notion that you should take a look at Shug's (Sean Emory) videos on YouTube. A good resource.
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chris
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Post by chris on Oct 27, 2016 6:32:33 GMT -8
crawfordYea I'm trying to see where I can add / drop items from my system. currently looking at hammocks, fishing poles, and stoves. these wouldn't be essentials and could be swapped for other items depending on where I'm going / what I'll be doing when I get there. so far weight hasn't been an issue, it's been space. working with my tried and true Redwing 50. I find that I keep running out of space. Hmmm... maybe my Tetris skills aren't what I thought they were
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Post by ashepabst on Oct 27, 2016 6:34:48 GMT -8
don't make the same ENO mistake that I did. the companies these guys are talking about are lighter and cheaper. for awhile there ENO was selling suspension systems that stretch as you use them --a real PITA. and they won't re-sell as well because the HammockForum guys already know ENO ain't that great.
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bushmaster
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The mountains are calling, and I must go.
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Post by bushmaster on Nov 22, 2021 11:01:50 GMT -8
Knowing nothing about hammocks, and after reading posts at the hammock forum, as well as the info given by the different companies, I'm in total confusion. All I know is that I don't want to sleep on the ground any more. I have narrowed it down to the original blackbird, but being 5ft 9 / 150 lbs / and a side sleeper, I don't know if it would work, or whether to go with a single or double.
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Post by Coolkat on Nov 22, 2021 11:20:03 GMT -8
zeke, trinity, and others will be more than able to help you out.
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Post by trinity on Nov 22, 2021 13:11:42 GMT -8
Yes, always happy to confuse things with more info. But to keep things as simple as possible; there are lots of good hammock options out there, but you won't do better, imho, than the Blackbird. It should serve you well. As for single vs. double, I think each has its advantages. The single will be lighter, and will be plenty strong to support your weight. Primary advantages of the double are incresed durability, ability to put an inflatable pad between the layers for insulation, and increased mosquito protection. Are you planning on using a pad or an underquilt for insulation? I always recommmend underquilt, but I believe zeke has been plenty confortable using a sleeping pad. If you plan to use a pad, and don't mind a couple extra ounces, definitely go with a double-layer.
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bushmaster
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Post by bushmaster on Nov 22, 2021 13:17:49 GMT -8
you posted this as I started another thread on the subject. woops. As far as pad and quilts, I haven't thought that far ahead yet. probably use a pad as it probably has less bulk, but I'm still trying to learn. when it says double, does that mean double nest like the ENO, which are for 2 people, or the layers of fabric used with the width remaining the same. LOL. told you I didn't know anything.
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zeke
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Peekaboo slot 2023
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Post by zeke on Nov 22, 2021 13:47:21 GMT -8
A WBBB (war bonnet black bird) double has 2 layers of fabric, with a large access so one can slide a sleeping pad in between the layers. I've been doing that for over 10 years. Side sleeping is entirely feasible, as that is favored by many of the users, including me sometimes. I will say that it matters, IMO, which side you want to sleep on. At home I sleep on my left side predominantly, and in the hammock the same. It's a matter of preference for where the zipper is. Black Birds are either left side zipper, the regular WBBB, or a right side zipper was offered once upon a time, called a Lefty, because it was most comfortable for left handed people to reach across their own body to unzip it. I have no idea if it is even still offered.
For a beginning hammocker, I'd suggest going with the standard strap suspension. Once you get a little more comfortable with the entire set up. swap out the suspension for whoopie slings. Lighter, stronger, and take up less space.
Don't forget you'll need a tarp for rain protection. Find a Cat Cut tarp and you'll be happy. Maybe a 10 or 12 foot tarp would be best to give you plenty of space protected from any precip. I'll keep an eye here to answer any further questions.
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bushmaster
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Post by bushmaster on Nov 22, 2021 14:05:14 GMT -8
Already have a 10 X 10 tarp at a little over a pound, good for now I figure. Accessories page says, complete polyester webbing / buckles suspension. is that what you meant?
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Post by trinity on Nov 22, 2021 14:24:05 GMT -8
probably use a pad as it probably has less bulk True, but a pad will, generally speaking, provide less effective coverage. See zeke 's comment in the other thread about using two pads. I also, personally, find a pad less comfortable. An underquilt and topquilt will enclose you in a cocoon of down. Might not be an issue, depending on the temps in which you use your hammock. In my personal experience, some sort of insulation is needed anytime the temps drop much below the upper 70s. Hammocking can be extremely confusing at first, so don't feel bad for asking questions, and I promise you'll get the hang of it (pun intended), and it will be worth it.
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driftwoody
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Post by driftwoody on Nov 22, 2021 17:21:52 GMT -8
I bought the original Blackbird, then a few years later the Blackbird XLC which suits me better (I'm 6'-1/2"). Both times I got the double layer in case I wanted to use a pad, though I much prefer my down underquilt for reasons trinity stated. It packs down small, about the size of a pad. It helps to have insulation wrap around your shoulders, as an underquilt does. The pad I occasionally use (in warmer weather) is a Z-Rest cut in two pieces. The longer piece goes lengthwise under my torso, and the shorter piece goes crosswise to come up around my shoulders. It takes a bit of fussing to get these optimally placed. If you need to buy a new pad for the purpose of hammocking, I recommend skip the pad and spend more on an underquilt. I almost always sleep on my back, but found I can sleep on my side in the Blackbird. The body of the hammock is cut so that you lie at a slight angle to the line of the hang between trees. Though not quite flat, this greatly reduces the "banana" curvature. The "catenary" tarps made for hammocks provide better coverage than a standard 8×10 because greater length is needed above the line of the hang. Another item that comes in handy is a "snakeskin" sheath for packing and deploying the tarp. There is a fair amonunt to learn for the beginner, but it's far from daunting. The Hammock Forums are a great resource, including Shug's videos which are informative and entertaining.
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ErnieW
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Post by ErnieW on Nov 22, 2021 17:51:50 GMT -8
After decades of tent camping I just this season added a Warbonnet Blackbird XLC double with standard strap suspension and a Mamajama for a tarp. I got the double to start with a pad but quickly for me an under quilt was the way to go. I popped for one earlier this year and it is better for me but I have only two nights with it so far. A lot less fussing than with the pad. I went with the 20F version. I am hoping to get an overnighter soon at about 30F to further test.
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gabby
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Post by gabby on Nov 23, 2021 13:02:16 GMT -8
I think that's the same tarp I bought (many years ago), but you left out the "b". :^) | The Mamajamba is a great mid-sized 3-season tarp and when combined with the Door-Kit the MJ provides Winter/All-season protection to the Blackbird, Blackbird XLC and Traveler hammocks. |
I didn't buy the "Door-Kit", but I have a Speer Winter Tarp that would do well for that, even if it is a bit (3 or 4 oz) heavier. (I just saw a picture of a Kelty Noah 12' used as a winter tarp: I hadn't even thought about that! I have one somewhere in my closet. Now, if I can just find it ...
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bushmaster
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Post by bushmaster on Nov 23, 2021 13:16:29 GMT -8
I already own a Klymit insulated, static V rectangle sleeping pad. I'm wondering if it will fit inside a origional blackbird double, or will I need to get one that is specifically designed for a hammock.
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