Mix and match or buy from one vendor?

**Bart412** · 08-13-2012, 10:17

I have been backpacking for many years but am totally new to hammock camping. I have no hammock gear what so ever. Before this, I always thought that choosing my backpack was the hardest equipment choice I had to make. Choosing hammock gear is much more difficult.

After reading these forums for a few months, I have noticed that most people seem to have a mix of different branded gear. My question is this, is it better to mix and match or go to one website and order everything from the same vendor.

For example, after doing tons of reading, I’m pretty sure I’m going to purchase a Blackbird Double Layer 1.7 hammock. If I go this route, why not just get everything here (tarp, UQ and TQ)? I could also do the same thing from Jacks R Better and other vendors.

Does anyone do this? I know that many people might not be able to purchase everything at once because of money restraints. What are your thoughts?

**Cannibal** · 08-13-2012, 10:21

Picking and choosing allows the user to get the most from each vendor's perceived, or real, strengths. Not that I think you'd get a bad deal from buying at a one-stop shop. All of our vendors do a top-notch job. It really just boils down to what you need and who does the best job, in your mind, of making the piece of gear that fits that need.

I like options.

**BrianWillan** · 08-13-2012, 10:21

There main reason to get everything from a single vendor is the savings in shipping costs. However, sometimes a vendor doesn't offer something that you want. Ie a full length underquilt (which warbonnet doesn't offer). Other times there is savings to be had by ordering from multiple vendors even accounting for shipping costs.

In case you weren't aware Warbonnet offers discounts for ordering multiple items at the same time.

Cheers

Brian

**packeagle** · 08-13-2012, 10:26

A lot has to do with personal preference. Each company designs their gear a bit differently. This example isn't warbonnet but its something to think about. I personally like my underground quilts under quilt better than my hammock gear top quilt. The DWR is far superior. Also the way warbonnet makes their tarps is unique their ridge seam is sewn quite a bit differently than a Toxaway from AHE.
For me the majority of my mix matched gear comes from ordering at different time and different sales/promotions. I have also bought gear, decided it didn't fit my needs, and turn around to sell it. Only to replace it with a piece from another vendor.

**Beansprout** · 08-13-2012, 10:42

As a noob, I got all my kit from one seller. I emailed him for advice, and he was very helpful. I think it helped to get it from one place to start with, being a noob, as I didn't know about the alternatives, or much about the products. Now I have used the gear for a year, and I if I were to upgrade, I could pick and choose from different vendors... However I'd probably prefer still to get it from one guy, just out of pure ease. (and shipping costs).

You feel you know what you want, and you are able to buy from different vendors, go for it. The whole point of you being the consumer is that you have a choice!

**kayak karl** · 08-13-2012, 10:53

its great that you CAN mix and match. i remember when the only quilt for the HH (bottom entry) was the JRB Nest

some many options now. kind of mind boggling.

**dakotaross** · 08-13-2012, 11:37

Most of the vendors you see here are very responsive. Unless you really know what you're looking for, I'd just contact one that has everything and tell them your needs and let them help you. I bet most of them will refer to other vendors for certain items depending on your needs, so you may end up with a variety anyway.

But keep in mind that they don't have customer service departments either, so responsiveness is relative, but still good.

**LFCRed** · 08-13-2012, 11:54

The DWR is far superior

Maybe its just me but I find all of the abbreviations on this forum rather confusing. What does DWR stand for? I can't find anything on Underground Quilts' website that would fit those letters.

**Sidewinder** · 08-13-2012, 11:59

Originally Posted by LFCRed

The DWR is far superior

Maybe its just me but I find all of the abbreviations on this forum rather confusing. What does DWR stand for? I can't find anything on Underground Quilts' website that would fit those letters.

DWR (durable water repellent) coating applied to fabric to make them water-resistant.