VIDEO: FishinFinn's Top Cover for Warbonnet BlackBird Hammock

**kwpapke** · 02-27-2009, 11:17

Originally Posted by Shug

Yeah .. it weighs about 5.5oz. and I was impressed that it did so well at keeping the wind off of my top parts.

Looks a lot like my HH SuperShelter Overcover, which weighs in at 4.8 oz. Overcovers/topcovers are nice, but in very cold weather I get quite a bit of frozen condensate. Is there a ventilation hole on this model? The hole on the HH SS overcover helps a lot, as it is positioned right over the head area.

--Kurt

**fin** · 02-27-2009, 11:40

No ventilation hole. That was one of the things I wanted shug and cavediver to determine - whether a vent hole was necessary with the breathability of this fabric. The way shug is using it, apparently not. I still like a sock better than a topcover, but for a lightweight option, it does the job of keeping in a little extra heat.

The extra weight difference between your SS overcover and this is probably from the ggr end tabs and shockcord/cordlocks. I really have to work hard to think like a gram weenie. I've never seen a SS overcover, so it would be interesting to see how they compare.

**kwpapke** · 02-27-2009, 11:55

Originally Posted by FishinFinn

I've never seen a SS overcover, so it would be interesting to see how they compare.

I'll bring mine to the June NCT hang. Probably won't need it, but at that weight its not much to carry.

--Kurt

**Shug** · 02-27-2009, 12:03

Hey .... slept out last night ... making a video .....and used the TC un-vented (I pull the head end back to vent) my 0º bag, Thermadrape sewn to my old weather-shield of ripstop nylon, UQs and finally DriDuck poncho weather-shield. Slept really warm!! Some condensation on bug netting (pulled back over shelf) and a bit on the TC. Expected that.
*Had some moisture on my hammock material under me and the Thermadrape felt moist ... but I was truly warm. The ol' Shug is a heavy sweater!
It was really windy last night and the TC did a FANTASTIC job of keeping the wind off of me and did retain a little heat but not as much as a sock would.
For my money keeping the wind off is worth using it. Plus I am liking camo now.
Sweaty yet Warm Shug

**fin** · 02-27-2009, 12:18

Originally Posted by Shug

.....and used the TC un-vented (I pull the head end back to vent)

Originally Posted by FishinFinn

No ventilation hole.

Yes, thank you for pointing that out, shug. I designed it so the head end can be vented by releasing the shock cord at the head end. The unique design of the BB wings allows it to be vented this way. That is why there is no vent hole - the head end becomes the vent hole if needed.

shug, I'm pleased as punch that you like the topcover. PM me if you think there are any design "tweeks" that you'd like to see done.

**Big D** · 02-27-2009, 19:55

FF are you gonna post directions for the OC?

I think I remember you saying you were not going to sell them, but I would be interested
if you change your mind.

**fin** · 02-27-2009, 21:32

Originally Posted by Big D

FF are you gonna post directions for the OC?

I think I remember you saying you were not going to sell them, but I would be interested
if you change your mind.

Hang tight - there is something in the works. I will definitely not be selling them or making any money off them at all - that's not my thing, but have offered the design up to another member here if he wants to make and sell them. I am sending him the pattern and a completed one this weekend. I will let him decide when to post details. Obviously, he needs to make one to determine what his costs would be.

**Big D** · 02-27-2009, 23:25

Originally Posted by FishinFinn

Hang tight - there is something in the works. I will definitely not be selling them or making any money off them at all - that's not my thing, but have offered the design up to another member here if he wants to make and sell them. I am sending him the pattern and a completed one this weekend. I will let him decide when to post details. Obviously, he needs to make one to determine what his costs would be.

Great news! I will keep my eyes open.

**Counselor** · 03-10-2009, 09:51

Hey Fish Is the top cover waterproof? It would be neat to have a form fitted one as a tarp as well.

**Shug** · 03-10-2009, 17:14

Originally Posted by Counselor

Hey Fish Is the top cover waterproof? It would be neat to have a form fitted one as a tarp as well.

The one I have from FF is not waterproof but untreated ripstop nylon. It is very breathable and it needs to be to let moisture out as sweaty as my Irish body is. It blocks the wind quite well and adds some warmth.
counselor ... are you thinking to use only a top-cover as sort of a mini-tarp? I have an old hammock that incorporated that idea. It sorta worked in some conditions.......
Shug