First timer with ?'s

I weigh 180 lbs, plan to use the hammock for backpacking and I'm pushing 60 so pack weight is a consideration. I want a double in order to use a pad (cold sleeper even in spring and fall). I camp in some occasionally buggy areas so I'm looking at a Blackbird double 1.1 rather than Traveler and adding a bug net.

How am I doing so far?

Now suspensions. I'm not afraid of knots except when my hands are frozen which isn't often. The two suspension options from WB appear to have a 3oz wt difference. How much lighter is the whoopie sling system? Just looking at cost/weight/benefit.

Great forum. Lot of lurking here after returning from a backpacking trip in the Sawtooth wilderness in Idaho. Rocky terrain and minimal flat ground. My daughter and I discussed hammocks every day. So here I am.
Thanks

I use the adjustable webbing suspension on my blackbird and I love it. In my opinion it is well worth the extra few ounces to have the ease of adjustment. Cinch up, slide down, easy peezey.

Shug has a video on the blackbird where he talks about the adjustable webbing

Thanks

The ease of adjustment of the webbing seems like an overwhelming plus.

I just found Shug's videos and I'm learning a lot there too.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Lostarra

Thanks

The ease of adjustment of the webbing seems like an overwhelming plus.

I just found Shug's videos and I'm learning a lot there too.

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That should take up the rest of your afternoon, ha. I love Shugs videos and re-watch them constantly. I am always picking up little tips. I also subscribe to Fronkey and Pizza's videos too. :)

I'll make the argument for whoopie slings. You can expect about 3 ounces saved, plus a decent amount of pack space. I also find whoopies easier to adjust. Lastly, if I have a whoopie failure, I always have an extra in my pack, which I think would be tougher to do with other suspensions.

Welcome to the forum;
I also use Blackbird DB1.1 with the webbing susp. Pretty simple. I used a pad a couple of times and then tried an Under Quilt and haven't used a pad since. Lots of good tarps out there to choose from.

good luck

bill

Ditto on the adjustable webbing suspension with Dutch Clips as it make for a very fast and easy set up. A UQ will weigh a bit more than a pad but takes up less room and is much more comfortable.

My BB 1.7 double , tarp, tarp ridgeline, tarp lines, stakes, UQ and TQ, and pillow comes in at 7 lbs and is good to 40 + degrees.

I think you're on the right track so far. Keep in mind there are some things that you may need to fiddle with. Gathered end hammocks (not just the BB) have a tendency to create a ridge of pressure under the calfs. Does not always happen but it is common enough. The frequent recommendations are to set up with the foot end higher than the head end. How much depends on the person but raising the foot end helps to keep your centre of gravity towards the middle and alleviates some of the pressure on your legs. Laying more towards the shelf also helps. Finally, some never have an issue and some people can never really solve the calf pressure issue. Those that can't use padding like a folded jacket or a small sit pad under their knees. It all come down to you trying it out and seeing if it is an issue and if it is, trying to adjust things to solve it.

With regards to suspension, I tend to fiddle with my gear and so I switch my suspensions from time to time. The whoopies and webbing is a tad lighter and smaller but the webbing and cinch buckles are also good. For me it really depends on my mood. If you want to save weight and bulk go with the whoopies and webbing.