Just bought a Switchback 1.9DL

**MAD777** · 01-30-2011, 12:49

I just bought a Switchback 1.9DL.
I tried one at the recent Florida hang and it was like laying on a cloud in heaven!

For frame of reference, my only other hammock is a WBBB 1.1DL. I am a side sleeper only and I switch sides often. I found that I could get comfortable in the WBBB only on my left side: I felt a prisoner of that position.

In the Switchback, feel free to move around as wish. It sees to like a bit tighter setup than most hammocks (less than the standard 30*) at least for me.

Before hanging it, I weighed it and immediately started modifying, without even getting it near a tree. The bottom line is that I reduced the weight by half a pound! It still weighs 11 ounces more than my WBBB but, for me, that's the price of a good night's sleep!

I'm laying in it as I type this post and I'm hungry & I have to go to the bathroom, but I just can't get myself to leave this bed of comfort!

Tree2Trail makes a lighter version, appropriately called the Light Hiker, but I am over 6' tall and 200#, so I didn't want to take a chance and miss out on that comfort. I'm sure the Light Hiker would be perfect for someone smaller than me. Actually, I hope to catch up with one some day & give it a try. Oh no! I'm going to end up owning every hammock there is, like Cannibal,

**turtlelady** · 01-30-2011, 13:13

Mike,

I also find the Switchback calls for a tighter set up.

What mods did you make to your Switchback?

**Alan** · 01-30-2011, 13:18

I've been looking at the Light Hiker lately. I know you have a different model, but can you comment on the under-knee ridgeline (or lack thereof) of fabric while laying in it?

I'm also curious as to your thoughts on having to tie up the netting separately, as opposed to it being an integrated design/structural ridgeline a la WBBB.

**MrTiles** · 01-30-2011, 13:45

Good to hear you pulled the trigger!

**Gumbo** · 01-30-2011, 14:28

Nice Mike!

I admit I'm a tad jealous. One of the things Tim and I did not get a chance to do was try a few other hammocks at the 1st Annual Florida Hang. To be honest, I was worried I might find something I like better and then I'd have to fully join the modification madness.

Tim is already talking about plans for a custom tarp.

**MAD777** · 01-30-2011, 16:49

Originally Posted by Gumbo

Nice Mike!

I admit I'm a tad jealous. One of the things Tim and I did not get a chance to do was try a few other hammocks at the 1st Annual Florida Hang. To be honest, I was worried I might find something I like better and then I'd have to fully join the modification madness.

Tim is already talking about plans for a custom tarp.

Don't worry, I'll make sure that you & Tim take the Grand Tour down Hammock Alley at the next hang

**MAD777** · 01-30-2011, 16:51

Originally Posted by turtlelady

Mike,

I also find the Switchback calls for a tighter set up.

What mods did you make to your Switchback?

I ran my Whoopies right through the hammock end channels. I have only 5 ft. of 1" tree strap on each end, that is lighter weight material than Tree2Tree's straps.

The other things I did was get rid of most of the 1/8" shock cord. That stuff is heavy. I replaced it with 1/3rd the length of shock cord, plus I used 3/32" diameter shock cord. Then, I finished out the length of the original lines with 1.75mm zing-it.

I replaced all of the non-stretch cord throughout with 1.75mm zing-it.

Oh yeah, I made my own stuff sack at 1/2 the weight of theirs.

Basically, it's just a couple of tenths of ounces here, there and everywhere. Adds up to pounds, sooner or later

I'll say one thing, if hurricane Andrew came back here, I'd hide in a Switchback hammock!!!

**MAD777** · 01-30-2011, 16:56

Originally Posted by Alan

I've been looking at the Light Hiker lately. I know you have a different model, but can you comment on the under-knee ridgeline (or lack thereof) of fabric while laying in it?

I'm also curious as to your thoughts on having to tie up the netting separately, as opposed to it being an integrated design/structural ridgeline a la WBBB.

Alan, it lays very flat. That is the very first thing I noticed when I tried my friend's last week. "Notice" isn't the right word, my eyes popped open. I thought to myself, "This doesn't feel like a hammock."

The netting is a pain in the rear end. However, you do end up with a spacious area under the net. I'm too long & gangly, but my 5' tall friend sits up and switches ends of the hammock with no problem.

**flatline** · 01-30-2011, 17:10

the switchback is a sweet hang. that will be my next hammock. congratulations.

**^shane^** · 01-30-2011, 21:49

Hey Mike,

I'm thinking about grabbing a Switchback to see how it compares to the WBBB.

My chief complaint with the BB is the whole calf ridge issue. If I hang the hammock super loose, I can get rid of most of the ridge, but never all. How does the Switchback compare regarding the calf ridge?

Would love any input on your comparisons of the two. Thanks for sharing!

Shane