Blackbird or Traveler?

**wiiawiwb** · 05-04-2011, 13:56

I'm a newbie to hammocks and looking to get my first one. It would be for backpacking in the Northeast where it is rainy. I'm 5'11" and 215. It would be 3-season use only.

I definitely want a double just not sure whether the Traveler or Blackbird is best. Being a newbie I don't know exactly the subtle differences.

Any advice would be appreciated.

**Law Dawg (ret)** · 05-04-2011, 14:10

Originally Posted by wiiawiwb

I definitely want a double just not sure whether the Traveler or Blackbird is best. Being a newbie I don't know exactly the subtle differences.

Any advice would be appreciated.

They are both based on the same build. The WBBB has a built in Skeeter net and gear shelf (VERY handy) and added foot box. The Traveler has none of the WBBB extras and is my favorite hammock...I have both. Anytime I am camping in a place without too many bugs or real cold (needing the Bear Burrito Oven) the Traveler will be the go to hammock.

Oh I have a 1.7 dbl WBBB and a 1.1 dbl Traveler (6-3 @ 260ish)... like the feel of the 1.1 best. YMMV

**taylo** · 05-04-2011, 14:19

I have a traveler single layer 1.7 and like it alot more than my blackbird which I sold. I have the warbonnet bugnet for the traveler so bugs are not an issue when I need the net. I can get alot flatter in the traveler in either direction - left or right. Can't do that in the blackbird. The bird is cool looking and really hyped on here but trust me you'll end up wanting a traveler.

**Raul Perez** · 05-04-2011, 14:21

I would recommend the black bird as it has a bug net.

I've laid in both and both are real comfy hammocks!

**Wags** · 05-04-2011, 15:03

if you care more about comfort then get the blackbird.

if you care more about weight then get the traveler.

i have both and don't really seem to have any rhyme or reason as to which one i take. both are comfy. occasionally my feet slip off the end of the traveler at night...

**pizza** · 05-04-2011, 18:37

I have a double 1.7 Traveler and a double 1.1 Blackbird. If I could only have one I'd take the Blackbird. If there is any chance of bugs you want a bug net. Both are very comfortable. For me I have to lay with feet to the left in the Traveler otherwise my feet fall out of the hammock.

**cataraftgirl** · 05-04-2011, 18:52

I had a Blackbird, but sold it and got a Traveler. I prefer an open hammock. I didn't like the "zipped in" feeling of the Blackbird. The footbox & shelf are nice features of the Blackbird, and a lot of folks love it. I have a WB bug net that I can bring along if bugs might be a problem. I am a rafter, not a hiker, so my preferences aren't influenced by weight of gear. I got a 1.7 single Traveler, since I use an underquilt not pads. Warbonnet gear is very well made, so either choice will be top notch.
KJ

**Law Dawg (ret)** · 05-04-2011, 19:15

Originally Posted by pizza

If I could only have one I'd take the Blackbird.

Good point and I would also stick to the WBBB for that scenario. Thank God for the two I have.

Hey, why fuss!? Buy both of them you are going to anyway you know. Then you are going to need an UQ and a TQ, not to mention (but I will anyway) a tarp or three... DAMHIK!

**kobold** · 05-04-2011, 19:23

i got both. i enjoy hammocks without bugnets more (but only when there are no bugs

**wiiawiwb** · 05-04-2011, 20:56

In my case, bug netting is a necessity not a luxury. In the Adirondacks it is always wet and very buggy.

If I've done my math correctly the BB 1.1 DL would be 26.50 oz. and the Traveler w/BugNet 31.00 oz. making it 17% heavier than the BB 1.1 DL.

The Traveler, from the pictures as best I can see, appears to have more netting and thus more "view".

So, if netting is mandatory would that sway anyone's opinion?