New Switchback Impressions

[Miguel]

My new 1.1 Dbl Classic Switchback arrived yesterday. I ordered it last Friday...shipped on Monday...arrived on Weds.....great service. My first impression out of the box was it's lightness and size. I haven't officially weighed it yet but it was just a tad heavier than my WBBB1.0 and just a tad larger. Great first impression!

I ordered the straps and rings and already had a set of Dutch Clips. (love those Dutch clips) Set-up was a breeze....zero fiddle factor. Mac's IX UQ fit like a glove.

I won't go into great detail with descriptions or pics but there were a few things I particularly liked and/or changed. I liked the location of the hammock side tie-outs....they facilitated a diagonal lie and did not interfere with the netting or exit/entry into the hammock.

LOVE the dual zippers! Both smooth as silk.

Loved the two mesh pockets which are large enough to actually hold some gear. The two interior end loops are really handy....I hung a large roll up gear bag from the foot end and it did not interfere at all. I will probably suspend my pillow from the head end to prevent it from sliding down. (can't wait for that!)

I was pleased to see that it's not even necessary to use spreader bars with the netting but when you do it seems cavernous inside. I just used a branch which was in the yard and it worked fine....no need for a fancy arrow spreader bar. I probably won't even use one. The netting is suspended first by a bungee then by a static line which ties off to the tree/biner etc. I removed the static line and attached a #0 Nite Ize biner directly to the bungee. I then hooked that to the tarp....very simple and clean.

One thing I wasn't too crazy about (the only thing actually) were the ribbons used to secure the netting to the non-strucural ridgeline when it's rolled up. I used a couple of six inch velcro tie down straps which I will leave right on the ridgeline. They weigh nothing and are simple to use. I may later switch over to the bungee system I read about somewhere here. The non structural ridgeline hold up the netting well and could probably be used to hang a small light....nothing too heavy.

I can't say enough about the comfort. The extra width and length was perfect for me at 6'2". No lumps...bumps..or dreaded knee lock. Just a sweet diagonal right from the gitgo. The view was unobstructed.

I had planned on using my Maccat Deluxe tarp. I could probably get away with it but coverage was minimal. Fortunately I had just bought my wife a Syl Hennessy Rainfly at Trail Days. It has a 144" centerline which is more than adequate for the Switchback. My wife is now the proud owner of the Maccat which fits nicely with her inherited WBBB.

In sum....I am 100% satisfied with my new switchback and the service I received from Dale at Tree to Tree Trail Gear. He took the time to answer questions before the sale and mailed it quickly. I highly endorse the Switchback with no reservations.

See attached pic as proof that it happened.

Miguel

[Dutch]

Dale is making one darn good hammock there. An with the ix UQ and teh OES tarp you are stylin'.

[Miguel]

Dale is making one darn good hammock there. An with the ix UQ and teh OES tarp you are stylin'.

Actually, that's a Hennessy Tarp which sports a 144 centerline. The OES Deluxe was borderline too short IMHO. In a blowing rain I fear I might get wet. My wife took the Deluxe for her WBBB and I'm using the Henny which is more than adequte.

I agree with your comment about the hammock. Out of the five that I own, it's hands down my favorite.

And speaking of darn good gear....I am Loving my Dutch Clips!

[dragon360]

Ya. I really like mine and Dale was great to deal with.

[OutandBack]

Hi Miguel,
Enjoyed your review. Pros and Cons you listed was exactly how I felt playing with my 1.9 single layer SB.
It's a great well built hammock.

[JaxHiker]

One thing I wasn't too crazy about (the only thing actually) were the ribbons used to secure the netting to the non-strucural ridgeline when it's rolled up. I used a couple of six inch velcro tie down straps which I will leave right on the ridgeline. They weigh nothing and are simple to use. I may later switch over to the bungee system I read about somewhere here. The non structural ridgeline hold up the netting well and could probably be used to hang a small light....nothing too heavy.

I picked up some 3/32 (heck, it might even be 1/16) stretch cord and micro cord locks. Works very well.

[Darby]

Thanks for the kind words. About the net ties, if you use a surgical knot to tie the net(delete the top overhand knot), the ties hold fine and are easy to tie/untie.

Cheers, Dale

[brushybill]

hey miguel
congrats on your new sb, like you, i own several hammocks, but i think it will be some time before something comes along that can top my sb for comfort, at least i sure hope so

[Shug]

Good stuff....yet the meet a SB in person. I live a sheltered existence.
Shug

[HWS]

Miguel.

Nice reveiw and Pic too. Looks like your Mac's IX UQ does fit like a glove. Congrats on your new purchase and Happy Trails...