View Full Version : Hammock nirvana!
I've finally found hammock nirvana!
Thy name is Switchback.
Just took delivery of a new SB 1.9 DL and it is by far the most comfortable hammock I've been in...and I've owned a TON of them over the past few years.
Spacious interior doesn't even begin to describe it. Lots of space to twist and turn.
It will be even bigger once I get some arrow shafts and install them at each end of the net.
The construction is faultless. I'm sure this thing will outlast me. Gotta be bulletproof!
The fabric feels good against the skin.
There are mesh pockets on the interior at each end of the hammock for small items. Nice touch.
...and most important of all: no calf ridgeline under my knees!!!
Nirvana at last!
Instead of using toggles, I wrapped the provided straps around the tree a couple of times and threaded it through the other loop. I then attached a carabiner to the exposed loop.
http://i56.photobucket.com/albums/g185/MrLaptop/IMG_1274.jpg
Here you can see the whoopie sling and netting shock cord loop attached at the carabiner.
It works perfectly! When I get into the hammock, it drops away creating a HUGE cavern of netting above me.
http://i56.photobucket.com/albums/g185/MrLaptop/IMG_1275.jpg
http://i56.photobucket.com/albums/g185/MrLaptop/IMG_1272.jpg
http://i56.photobucket.com/albums/g185/MrLaptop/IMG_1271.jpg
Even the sun seems to favor the Switchback.
Look at the extra glint and halo effect as it shines upon it! :laugh:
http://i56.photobucket.com/albums/g185/MrLaptop/IMG_1270.jpg
sandpiper
02-07-2011, 17:36
Saweet! :D
oldgringo
02-07-2011, 17:54
But...do you like it?;)
Hey Alan, sounds like you had the same reaction that I did with my Switchback. I'm really glad you like it.
I don't know what those guys did differently, but whatever it was, it surely worked for me.
Now begins the fun part where I get to dial-in all my gear. I have to figure out how things like my UQs and my Exped DAM are going to work with it.
Need to go to Gander Mountain tonight to pick up some cheap arrow shafts.
flatline
02-07-2011, 18:25
that is awesome. congratulations. i'm lustin' after one of those girls myself.
Looking forward to eye-ballin' one in person someday!
I'm happy that your happy........
Shug
Dang... that was quick.
I've sent the guys an email and am waiting on the reply.
How does the hammock hang without the net spreader bars? Could you go that way 100% of the time? (thinking backpacking)
Need pics of the hammock with a body in it... want to see the calf ridge miracle for myself (call me Doubting Thomas:cool:).
cataraftgirl
02-07-2011, 19:32
Is the SB a gathered end hammock? It looks like it from the pictures. Is it a whipped end, or a end channel? I'm trying to figure out if an end channel -vs - a whipped end has anything to do with the calf ridge thing?????
KJ
Dang... that was quick.
I've sent the guys an email and am waiting on the reply.
How does the hammock hang without the net spreader bars? Could you go that way 100% of the time? (thinking backpacking)
Need pics of the hammock with a body in it... want to see the calf ridge miracle for myself (call me Doubting Thomas:cool:).
You don't need spreader bars at all. It just gives me an excuse to buy something else! :laugh:
Pictures coming in a few minutes...
Is the SB a gathered end hammock? It looks like it from the pictures. Is it a whipped end, or a end channel? I'm trying to figure out if an end channel -vs - a whipped end has anything to do with the calf ridge thing?????
KJ
Channel end.
My Trek Light is also channel end and I don't get the calf ridge in it, either.
Seemingly the same shot over and over again...but I was moving in different positions and flipped end to end to try it that way, too. Doesn't matter which way I lay in it - no calf ridge for me.
http://i56.photobucket.com/albums/g185/MrLaptop/IMG_1280.jpg
http://i56.photobucket.com/albums/g185/MrLaptop/IMG_1279.jpg
http://i56.photobucket.com/albums/g185/MrLaptop/IMG_1278.jpg
http://i56.photobucket.com/albums/g185/MrLaptop/IMG_1277.jpg
http://i56.photobucket.com/albums/g185/MrLaptop/IMG_1276.jpg
Dang... that was quick.
How does the hammock hang without the net spreader bars? Could you go that way 100% of the time? (thinking backpacking)
I'm planning on leaving the arrowshafts at home and picking up a couple of (fairly straight) twigs at the campsite. Next morning at breakfast, those twigs become part the fuel for the woodburning stove :D
It must be my lucky day.
I headed up to my local Gander Mountain to buy some cheap aluminum arrows. Turns out, all they had were carbon shaft. Yeah, they would work...but at $15 bucks for 3 youth practice arrows?
I walked over to the indoor archery shop in the store and talked to Doug. Asked him if he had any scrap shafts. He found two aluminum shaft arrows, cut the fletching off, and handed them to me. I asked how much and he said it was "on the house".
(Shout out to Doug and the other fine folks at Gander Mountain in Spring!
You guys rock!)
Came home, cut them down to 22", used a Dremel to smooth out the cut ends, and installed them on the netting on my new Switchback.
Wow! :scared:
Worked like a champ. :shades:
very nice. hard to go wrong with TTTgear...
millarky
02-07-2011, 23:12
All hail the mighty (comfy) SB :boggle:
Okay... I believe:D... now hit me with specs.
Yours is a 1.9 double. Need weight info on the hammock and whoopies (don't need the weight of the straps) when you get a chance. Or just compare to your WBBB - is it close to the same weight?
When they introduced the Switchback they were offering a 1.1 double. I know the SB light hiker is a 1.1 double, but I want the bigger hammock. Does anyone know if a 1.1 double Switchback is an option? (Again, thinking weight for backpacking.)
Shane,
Unfortunately, I don't have a scale that will precisely measure weights of small items like this so I won't be much help there.
I'm sure either Dale or John can provide weight specs on the hammock.
I don't have a 1.7 DL WBBB any longer so I can't compare it to that but I will say the SB is heavier than my 1.1 SL WBBB, but that's a no-brainer.
oldgringo
02-08-2011, 08:10
Can't wait for the Ozark hang, so I can see this beauty!
Okay... I believe:D... now hit me with specs.
Yours is a 1.9 double. Need weight info on the hammock and whoopies (don't need the weight of the straps) when you get a chance. Or just compare to your WBBB - is it close to the same weight?
When they introduced the Switchback they were offering a 1.1 double. I know the SB light hiker is a 1.1 double, but I want the bigger hammock. Does anyone know if a 1.1 double Switchback is an option? (Again, thinking weight for backpacking.)
Shane,
I can compare the WBBB 1.1 Dbl to the SB 1.7 Dbl after my modification to both.
WBBB 1.1 Dbl = 28.5 oz
SB 1.7 Dbl = 39 oz
Both have 6' of 7/64" amsteel whoopies with 5' of lightweight 1" poly tree straps with dutch clips.
All 1/8" shockcords have been replaced with only 12" long 3/32" shockcord and the remaining lines replaced with 1.75mm zing-it.
Also made a lightweight stuff sack for the SB.
They no longer offer the full size 1.1 Dbl according to Dale. That would have been my preference.
Why oh why did I wait so long to get one?!?
Water under the bridge now. All I know is that it was money well spent!
Jackalope
02-08-2011, 12:21
I've got my eye on one of those puppies, too! Any problems getting the hang angle (hangle?:))right without a structural ridgeline?
I've got my eye on one of those puppies, too! Any problems getting the hang angle (hangle?:))right without a structural ridgeline?
I heard through the grapevine that the SB actually prefers a more straight hang on the trees than at an angle so I placed the straps on my trees about shoulder height. I made sure to milk the whoopies at each end to negate any sort of droop once I got in. Seemed to work pretty well, but I've only been able to play with it for an hour or so. Hope to get more time in it tonight.
Jackalope
02-08-2011, 13:01
Thanks for the update -- I'm very tempted by the Switchback.
From what I've read (guess I'm just a paper hanger right now!) you need a tarp that can adequately cover the 10' length. I saw somewhere that you need a 144" ridgeline or so.
JaxHiker
02-08-2011, 14:02
Hey Alan, sounds like you had the same reaction that I did with my Switchback.
Are you a full convert now? I think I'm going to get one in the next couple of months. Definitely before my next AT hike in May.
Are you a full convert now?
I was only able to spend a very short amount of time with it yesterday afternoon and am anxious to get home from work today to really concentrate on it...but I think it's pretty safe to say that I'm converted.
sandykayak
02-08-2011, 14:34
I've been singing the joys of the Switchback for over a year now, glad to see more converts. Just wait til you try it with the spreader bars. That's when the word "cavernous" comes into play.
I just got my LightHiker last night (and slept in it on the deck) so will post my impressions/weight on a separate thread.
Just wait til you try it with the spreader bars.
Cathedral ceilings!
I got lucky at my local Gander Mountain. See post here (http://www.hammockforums.net/forum/showpost.php?p=405314&postcount=15).
Alan, I may have to find my way back out to Texas at next year's hang so we can display our SB's side-by-side!
Everyone else can stand around in awe :lol:
Of course, it sounds like Shane is pulling out his wallet as I type this :eek:
....
I just got my LightHiker last night (and slept in it on the deck) so will post my impressions/weight on a separate thread.
Very interested in the Light Hiker. Looking forward to your impressions.
Mustardman
02-08-2011, 20:01
? I'm trying to figure out if an end channel -vs - a whipped end has anything to do with the calf ridge thing?????
KJ
The difference in calf ridges has very little to do with the whipping, and much more to do with the sag of the hammock. If I hang my Trek Light just right, I can get the calf ridge in it too. I used to get the calf ridge in my Warbonnet when I was hanging with a too-taut ridgeline, and it went away when I started adjusting the sag angle.
A fixed ridgeline takes SOME of the guesswork out of hanging a hammock, but not all of it. I've been eying these switchbacks ever since they came out, and definitely thinking about giving one a try - the main thing that has stopped me was the lack of a structural ridgeline, but that cavernous bug netting is oh so appealing....
Alan, I may have to find my way back out to Texas at next year's hang so we can display our SB's side-by-side!
Everyone else can stand around in awe :lol:
Sounds like a plan!
Of course, it sounds like Shane is pulling out his wallet as I type this :eek:
I hope I don't steer the poor guy in the wrong direction and he ends up not liking it! For me, the Switchback is just more comfortable when compared to hammocks I've had in the past.
Sounds like a plan!
I hope I don't steer the poor guy in the wrong direction and he ends up not liking it! For me, the Switchback is just more comfortable when compared to hammocks I've had in the past.
No worries Alan:cool:. I'm in search of "my hammock" and if I'm following you guys around for now, that's fine with me. If I get a SB and it isn't "my hammock" I'll just keep testing. Isn't that half the fun? Still trying to see if I can get them to make me a 1.1 double full sized SB before I order... I'm willing to pay...
Sure wish you were closer to me, Shane. I'd be glad to lend you the SB for a few days so you could take it for a test spin!
cataraftgirl
02-08-2011, 23:41
The difference in calf ridges has very little to do with the whipping, and much more to do with the sag of the hammock. If I hang my Trek Light just right, I can get the calf ridge in it too. I used to get the calf ridge in my Warbonnet when I was hanging with a too-taut ridgeline, and it went away when I started adjusting the sag angle.
A fixed ridgeline takes SOME of the guesswork out of hanging a hammock, but not all of it. I've been eying these switchbacks ever since they came out, and definitely thinking about giving one a try - the main thing that has stopped me was the lack of a structural ridgeline, but that cavernous bug netting is oh so appealing....
Thanks for the info. I have a new WB Traveler, but I haven't had a chance to hang it yet. Anxious to see how it compares to my Trek Light. I'll have to pay close attention to how taut the RL is.
KJ
UncleMJM
02-09-2011, 13:47
No worries Alan:cool:. I'm in search of "my hammock" and if I'm following you guys around for now, that's fine with me. If I get a SB and it isn't "my hammock" I'll just keep testing. Isn't that half the fun? Still trying to see if I can get them to make me a 1.1 double full sized SB before I order... I'm willing to pay...
Sure wish you were closer to me, Shane. I'd be glad to lend you the SB for a few days so you could take it for a test spin!
Need a gear delivery man?
I have a meeting in The Woodlands this Fri/Sat and one in Arlington next Friday. Be glad to haul it up there, (of course between the two weekends, I'd try it out too. :D)
sandykayak
02-09-2011, 15:47
I have/had a Treklight double, Byer's Moskito Traveller, SB, SB Light Hiker.
I've never used a structural ridgeline nor do I have any idea of the calf ridge that people are talking about.
Maybe an advantage of being short!
And don't see how anyone could not love the switchbacks!!!
I can't remember if I've posted this yet...but just for the sake of folks being able to search on it later...my new AHE Shangri La tarp (in stealth brown!) works perfectly over the Switchback. Room to spare at each end, too.
Need a gear delivery man?
I have a meeting in The Woodlands this Fri/Sat and one in Arlington next Friday. Be glad to haul it up there, (of course between the two weekends, I'd try it out too. :D)
Oh Mike... you are a trouble maker:D.
I'm really torn... My head says order the light hiker... It's only 8" shorter than the SB and is the same width as the SB. I read Joggerjohn's post about his light hiker. He's 6'1" and didn't have any trouble with the length of the hammock. Besides... if the light hiker doesn't fit me, it will fit the wife, and then we can sell her BB and order me a full sized SB.
I CAN'T MAKE UP MY MIND:scared:
I have/had a Treklight double, Byer's Moskito Traveller, SB, SB Light Hiker.
I've never used a structural ridgeline nor do I have any idea of the calf ridge that people are talking about.
Maybe an advantage of being short!
And don't see how anyone could not love the switchbacks!!!
Sandy, is the shorter length of the light hiker really noticeable?
I CAN'T MAKE UP MY MIND:scared:
I debated it in my mind for quite some time, too.
What ultimately made me decide on the regular is that I'm really not a hiker. I've been all of a couple of times...and only once did I actually stay overnight in the woods in a hammock. I mostly car camp.
Is there enough of a weight savings to matter? Not to me.
If it comes down to it I can shave weight somewhere else in my pack, but there's really not a whole lot of difference between the LH and the regular SB.
Besides, I like the idea of having the extra space. With the LH, I can't add any extra space to the interior.
It's like the old saying goes: I'd rather have it and not need it than need it and not have it.
(That probably doesn't help you, does it?)
Shane, I'm 6'-1" tall and I THINK I'm near the comfortable limit in the regular SB. However, I have never tried a LightHiker, so I'm eyballing this by laying in my SB. I am a backpacker and I agonized over this decision. Someday, I'll get to try a LighHiker, and if I can' feel a difference, I'll be posting a SB for sale.
JaxHiker
02-10-2011, 10:17
Ok, we need someone 6'1"-ish to try both for us. :-) I'm waffling back and forth myself.
sandykayak
02-10-2011, 11:42
Yes, there IS a difference.
In the original SB, the storage pocket was waaaaay up there and I couldn't reach it..in the LH, I can reach it just fine.
In the SB I just felt that there was so much wasted fabric and the pack size is definitely larger. They also use a #3 zipper in the LH v #5 in the SB.
But I'm 5' so for someone, say 5'8", they could probably go either way and be fine. If primarily for backpacking, and weight/bulk is important, then the LH. If mostly car/kayak camping the SB is sheer luxury.