Tough choice.
I have a Grand Trunk Ultralight. It is an adequate hammock that is fairly light, but not a Grand Trunk Nano, and certainly not a WBBB. But, it is only about $20, and I sleep in it occasionally in my basement. Long story short, when speaking of hammocks, comfort comes cheap, but heavenly is about $175.
The tarp is something can can weigh a considerable amount if you buy a cheap one. You can save and get a minimal coverage, which by definition is all you need. But, you'll probably want bigger, and the capital invested in your Edge or Fairweather Friend will not be available for your Superfly when the time comes.
So, get the in-expensive hammock, and a good tarp.
I hate to disagree with guys who have a lot more experience than I have but Im going to. I would go with the Blackbird if you can get one in time for your hike. I can go to Rural King or stores like it and buy a cheap poly tarp for less than you can make your hammock to go with your superfly. No it wont be anything as nice as the superfly and probably wont pack nearly as small but it will keep you dry. I think you are taking a bigger risk with the bugs if you use a hammock with no bug net. Some bugs just dont seem to care what chemicals you are wearing to keep them away.
Pete.
The opinions expressed by this user are not those of a competent individual. If they were that would mean I know what I am talking about.
After I read through it a couple times, I figured out what you were saying... but the time for buying one or the other is now... I have the money for either, and that much doesn't roll a round for a 15-yo...
Otter makes a really good point about the cheap tarps. The fact that it's going to take you some time to gather enough coin again just makes it an even better point. Guess it depends on how much you like, or dislike your current hammock.
Trust nobody!
Hooch gave sound advice.
Your tarp is really your shelter. It is the most important piece of any hammocker's gear. I'd upgrade it first and foremost.
“I think that when the lies are all told and forgot the truth will be there yet. It dont move about from place to place and it dont change from time to time. You cant corrupt it any more than you can salt salt.” - Cormac McCarthy
I have what appears to be a gathered-end, piece of canopy with a very soft lining, making an amazing backyard hammock, but most likely, a terrible real hammock. However, it is going to be winter soon, and by the time we get out of that, I should have the change again for the hammock...
If you're OK with the hammock then yeah, get the tarp.
Trust nobody!
Agreed. If you have the money for a BB and buy a Superfly then you theoretically have $30 to $45 to put towards something else. Maybe borrow a few more bucks and get another hammock? Maybe an ENO or something similar. Eventually if you get a WBBB then the other can become a day hiking/ loaner/backyard hammock. Just a thought.
well, it totaly went the other way... my dad went to see my grandpa, and got a eno one-link setup, with the deal that I buy it... it's mine, but if I don't like it, he'll buy it from me, or I can return it.
Happy trails and all that...
-Hikes with "No-Sweat".
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