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  1. #1
    New Member
    Join Date
    Aug 2012
    Location
    Oklahoma
    Posts
    3

    First timer with ?'s

    I weigh 180 lbs, plan to use the hammock for backpacking and I'm pushing 60 so pack weight is a consideration. I want a double in order to use a pad (cold sleeper even in spring and fall). I camp in some occasionally buggy areas so I'm looking at a Blackbird double 1.1 rather than Traveler and adding a bug net.

    How am I doing so far?

    Now suspensions. I'm not afraid of knots except when my hands are frozen which isn't often. The two suspension options from WB appear to have a 3oz wt difference. How much lighter is the whoopie sling system? Just looking at cost/weight/benefit.

    Great forum. Lot of lurking here after returning from a backpacking trip in the Sawtooth wilderness in Idaho. Rocky terrain and minimal flat ground. My daughter and I discussed hammocks every day. So here I am.
    Thanks

  2. #2
    Senior Member Atlas918's Avatar
    Join Date
    Aug 2011
    Location
    Rochester, NY
    Hammock
    DH Darien
    Tarp
    WB Edge/Superfly
    Insulation
    Burrow, Phoenix
    Suspension
    Whoopies
    Posts
    913
    I use the adjustable webbing suspension on my blackbird and I love it. In my opinion it is well worth the extra few ounces to have the ease of adjustment. Cinch up, slide down, easy peezey.

    Shug has a video on the blackbird where he talks about the adjustable webbing

    The more I learn about people, the more I like my dog.

  3. #3
    New Member
    Join Date
    Aug 2012
    Location
    Oklahoma
    Posts
    3
    Thanks

    The ease of adjustment of the webbing seems like an overwhelming plus.

    I just found Shug's videos and I'm learning a lot there too.

  4. #4
    Senior Member Atlas918's Avatar
    Join Date
    Aug 2011
    Location
    Rochester, NY
    Hammock
    DH Darien
    Tarp
    WB Edge/Superfly
    Insulation
    Burrow, Phoenix
    Suspension
    Whoopies
    Posts
    913
    Quote Originally Posted by Lostarra View Post
    Thanks

    The ease of adjustment of the webbing seems like an overwhelming plus.

    I just found Shug's videos and I'm learning a lot there too.
    That should take up the rest of your afternoon, ha. I love Shugs videos and re-watch them constantly. I am always picking up little tips. I also subscribe to Fronkey and Pizza's videos too.
    The more I learn about people, the more I like my dog.

  5. #5
    Senior Member
    Join Date
    Jul 2012
    Location
    Bloomington, IN
    Hammock
    WBBB 1.1DL/Grand Trunk UL
    Tarp
    Toxaway/Tadpole
    Insulation
    AHE Jarbridge
    Suspension
    Whoopies
    Posts
    208
    I'll make the argument for whoopie slings. You can expect about 3 ounces saved, plus a decent amount of pack space. I also find whoopies easier to adjust. Lastly, if I have a whoopie failure, I always have an extra in my pack, which I think would be tougher to do with other suspensions.

  6. #6
    Senior Member mbiraman's Avatar
    Join Date
    Nov 2009
    Location
    West Kootenays,BC,Canada
    Hammock
    Warbonnet BB DL 1.1 & Lite Owl
    Tarp
    Black MacCat Del.
    Insulation
    Yeti 3,4 & HRQ/HGB
    Suspension
    webbing/whoopie
    Posts
    4,244
    Images
    7
    Welcome to the forum;
    I also use Blackbird DB1.1 with the webbing susp. Pretty simple. I used a pad a couple of times and then tried an Under Quilt and haven't used a pad since. Lots of good tarps out there to choose from.

    good luck

    bill
    " The mind creates the abyss, the heart crosses it."

    “The measure of your life will not be in what you accumulate, but in what you give away.” ~Wayne Dyer

    www.birchsidecustomwoodwork.com

  7. #7
    gunner76's Avatar
    Join Date
    Dec 2009
    Location
    Murphy NC
    Hammock
    Blackbird 1.7 double
    Tarp
    HG Cuben
    Insulation
    UGQs ZEPPELIN
    Suspension
    Dutch Clips
    Posts
    10,860
    Images
    39
    Ditto on the adjustable webbing suspension with Dutch Clips as it make for a very fast and easy set up. A UQ will weigh a bit more than a pad but takes up less room and is much more comfortable.

    My BB 1.7 double , tarp, tarp ridgeline, tarp lines, stakes, UQ and TQ, and pillow comes in at 7 lbs and is good to 40 + degrees.
    I am still 18 but with 52 years of experience !

  8. #8
    Senior Member Bubba's Avatar
    Join Date
    May 2010
    Location
    SW Ontario, Canada
    Hammock
    WBBB 1.7 SL
    Tarp
    WB Superfly
    Insulation
    WB and UGQ
    Suspension
    Whoopies or Straps
    Posts
    7,184
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    248
    I think you're on the right track so far. Keep in mind there are some things that you may need to fiddle with. Gathered end hammocks (not just the BB) have a tendency to create a ridge of pressure under the calfs. Does not always happen but it is common enough. The frequent recommendations are to set up with the foot end higher than the head end. How much depends on the person but raising the foot end helps to keep your centre of gravity towards the middle and alleviates some of the pressure on your legs. Laying more towards the shelf also helps. Finally, some never have an issue and some people can never really solve the calf pressure issue. Those that can't use padding like a folded jacket or a small sit pad under their knees. It all come down to you trying it out and seeing if it is an issue and if it is, trying to adjust things to solve it.

    With regards to suspension, I tend to fiddle with my gear and so I switch my suspensions from time to time. The whoopies and webbing is a tad lighter and smaller but the webbing and cinch buckles are also good. For me it really depends on my mood. If you want to save weight and bulk go with the whoopies and webbing.
    Last edited by Bubba; 08-19-2012 at 19:37.
    Don't let life get in the way of living.

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