View Full Version : Switchback?
Hi everyone!
I am about to make my first hammock purchase and was considering the HH deep jungle and the BB.
However I recently saw the switchback. There isn't a ton of information on the website and was wondering if anyone could give me more information about it.
Also if you could compare it to the BB and the HH and just you overall thoughts on it. Like weight, ease of set up, comfort level, does it have any sort of shelf how the BB does?
Just any thoughts in general.
Thanks a lot!
JaxHiker
06-12-2011, 19:18
I can't speak to weight but I found the Switchback more comfortable than my Explorer Ultralight. In fact I dumped the Hennessy and now use a Light Hiker as my go-to hammock. There's no shelf like the BB but I find the shelf just blocks the view on that side. I prefer to have clear visibility on either side. You can read about the Light Hiker on my blog under the Gear section.
jlink,
Welcome to HF!
I've probably owned 95% of all the hammocks on the market. Sometimes 2 or 3 variants. I know...it's a sickness, but I'm trying to deal with it. :laugh:
At any rate, my current inventory consists of a Switchback and a Blackbird. Both are excellent hammocks but the Switchback happens to be my current hammock of choice. The biggest reason for this: no calf ridge pressure underneath from the fabric!
Here's some reading material for you:
Hammock nirvana! (http://www.hammockforums.net/forum/showthread.php?t=28290)
Double layer to single layer Switchback (http://www.hammockforums.net/forum/showthread.php?t=29981)
2 hammocks for the price of 1 (http://www.hammockforums.net/forum/showthread.php?t=28964)
Tie the netting up out of the way and have it ready for quick deployment (http://www.hammockforums.net/forum/showthread.php?t=30267)
Not a fan of whoopie slings so I switched out the suspension method (http://www.hammockforums.net/forum/showthread.php?t=30159&page=2)
brushybill
06-12-2011, 20:17
i have had a clark , a blackbird and a switchback, for pure comfort , i prefer the switchback, although it is a little heavier and requires a larger tarp to get adequate coverage, so there is a wieght penalty involved.
my thinking is that i would rather carry a little more wieght , or cut wieght elsewhere in order to get the best sleep i can, after all , thats why i carry a hammock in the first place.
i can't comment on the hennessy, but i will say that the blackbird is one sweet hammock, i don't think you will be dissapointed with either one
Thanks for all your replies
I have been doing some reading on the switchback and everyone seems to talk about how wide it is. The only dimension I could find it looked like the BB was actually wider. Could anyone confirm that or not?
thanks again.
I was at the Hot Springs hang this year and tried out the Switchbacks. I have really broad shoulders but even the Light Hiker felt comfortable to me. I like that the bug net zips on both sides. Also, you won't find better guys to do business with. Didn't get to talk with Dale but spent a great deal of time talking with John. Throw in Ed Speer and you have a wealth of knowledge. I'll definitely be doing business with these guys.
The only dimension I could find it looked like the BB was actually wider. Could anyone confirm that or not?
Yes the specs show the BB being wider and it is. I have a BB and had a SB Lighthiker briefly. To me the BB felt noticeably wider.
GrizzlyHackle
06-13-2011, 06:56
I too was at Hot Springs and tried out the Switchback. I was really impressed. I like both the greater view you get from the Switchback and the zippers on both sides. When I got home I kept thinking about it and finally ordered one. Dale was great to work with. I got it in short order and have done a couple of test hangs but have not had a chance to do an overnighter yet.
Now to the question as to which I like better. Luckily I do not have to choose. I have both. Maybe once I have some more testing time with the two there may be a clear winner, I just am not there yet.
MacEntyre
06-13-2011, 07:06
I have a Light Hiker, and I just got a Netless Switchback that I like very much! I'm not an unbiased hanger, since Tree to Tree makes Molly Mac Gear, but the Switchback is a great hammock.
When I had a HH, I found that by shortening the ridgeline as much as three or four inches, I could increase the sag and almost eliminate the cut-across-the-left-leg syndrome.
With the Switchback, which has no structural ridgeline, it's the opposite. If you get any cut-across-the-left-leg at all, it's because you are hanging it with too much sag. Tighten it up a little, and find your sweet spot.
- MacEntyre
I have a WBBB and both a SB 1.1 dbl and SB Light Hiker.
I really want to love the BB. The design is great. The shelf is great. I'm trying to tweak out the calf ridge. But, last week when my AC was out and I decided to gear test in the back yard instead of slow simmer in a hot house, I went directly to my SwitchBack 1.1 dbl. I wanted a comfortable night of sleep and I got it. It's all about the comfort and for me that is either of my SwitchBack hammocks.
I have a WBBB and after my recent 120 mile hike with it, I ordered a Switchback 1.1dbl. I loved the shelf, the width and the weight of the BB. Unfortunately there were a couple of things I just found too annoying. I'm fairly tall and when my feet were in the foot box my ankle bones were pushed together and I would find myself waking in the middle of the night from pain.
I also did not like the tie out configuration on the zipper side. The tie out is connected to the upper part of the hammock which includes the netting and a small section of hammock material. That means that when you are in the hammock you can't unzip and flip the netting out of the way without getting out of the hammock. And disconnecting the tie out.
Those same tie outs impede entry and exit from the hammock especially at night. Basically they require you to exit and enter from the foot end of the hammock. More than once I found some body part becoming entangled with the lines. If you want to sit in the BB with the netting out of the way, you pretty much have to unhook that side tie-out.
I know the WBBB is the most popular hammock being sold on this forum but for me it just wasn't happening. Oh yeah....I couldn't see a thing out of it while lying in it.
I started with a Claytor JH but that too had a couple of drawbacks. I see the Switchback as a similar design but with all the improvements I wanted added on the Claytor. The Switchback is wider, has more pockets, dual zippers, dual tie-outs which don't impede the netting, a non structural ridgeline, dual interior end loops and the ability to tie the netting out of the way while being inside the hammock. Kind of a Claytor on steroids so to speak. I'll give my impressions of the Switchback soon as it's in the mail.
On the other-hand my wife has inherited the WBBB and loves it. She's only 5'2" and doesn't even use the foot box.
Miguel
brushybill
06-13-2011, 18:53
if you think you like it now,wait till you get in it!
I have a WBBB and a SB. Hands down the SB is much more comfortable to me.
Now I will qualify that statement. I sleep only on my side and I like to switch sides several times during the night. The BB simply will not let me do this, it is a "directional" hammock when it comes to side sleeping. If I slept on my back without turning, I would probably like the BB, but for pure comfort, I don't think it would ever beat the SB. Be aware that the SB's comfort comes at a price - it weighs more and packs bigger than the BB. As a lightweight hiker, that annoys me, but not enough to leave my SB at home.
Scottybdiving
06-13-2011, 21:27
Another WBBB + SB owner. I don't find a noticeable difference in comfort, I just like the openess of the SB better. I also like the ability to unzip and roll up the netting, allowing for lounging. My SB is a SL and it really seems to stretch. I have to hang it about a foot higher to compensate for the stretch. I don't get to use it much since it belongs to the wife.
Thanks again everyone for your replies.
i have noticed a couple people talk about the stretch of the switchback. Is this in the actual hammock material or is it the suspension that has a bit of give to it?
I am more of a side sleeper. I can never get comfortable in my bed and often switch my sides a number of times through out the night and hardly ever sleep on my back. It sounds as if the switch back would be a better option if this were the case?
Switchback owners with your experience how long did it take for your hammock to ship?
Thanks again everyone!
Scottybdiving
06-14-2011, 06:41
It seems like the fabric stretches but it's the only single layer hammock I own. Wasn't sure if this is normal. It's not a problem for me, once I learned how to hang it. I also sleep in a bed as you described. I find that I don't turn near as much in a hammock. Seems like the wait was 4 - 6 weeks for my SB, but they were just getting started and didn't even have a website yet.
I've not experienced any material stretch in my single layer 1.9 Switchback. Mine was quickly to my doorstep after ordering.
Thanks again everyone for your replies.
i have noticed a couple people talk about the stretch of the switchback. Is this in the actual hammock material or is it the suspension that has a bit of give to it?
I am more of a side sleeper. I can never get comfortable in my bed and often switch my sides a number of times through out the night and hardly ever sleep on my back. It sounds as if the switch back would be a better option if this were the case?
Switchback owners with your experience how long did it take for your hammock to ship?
Thanks again everyone!
I ordered mine on Friday...it shipped on Monday...should be here by tomorrow. It seemes to be next day shipping if it's in stock.
Miguel
brushybill
06-14-2011, 19:23
i have the 1.1 dbl, and have only slept in it a couple of times ,but no stretch, i also sleep on my side and switch a couple of times a night, i like that the lay is the same no matter where i am in the hammock
i ordered mine while the guys were at traildays, so i can't speak to the speed of shipping,
i have the 1.1 dbl, and have only slept in it a couple of times ,but no stretch, i also sleep on my side and switch a couple of times a night, i like that the lay is the same no matter where i am in the hammock
+1 on all of that. No stretch in either my 1.1 dbl or my Light Hiker.
I ordered the Light Hiker when they must have had some stock on hand. It shipped pretty quick. I ordered the 1.1 dbl immediately upon TtTTG making them available - no stock on hand - and it took a bit to get the hammock. It was so worth the wait. Gear from any of the home shops here on HF.net is all worth the wait.
alrighty so I have all but decided I am going to go with the switchback. After work today all I have done is read up on all of the various hammocks and everyone's opinions on them.
I have never really been a back sleeper and as I mentioned earlier I sleep on my side and often toss and turn.
Now I must decide if I want to go with the light hiker or the full switchback.
I am only 5' 10" and 170 pounds.
I liked the idea of the Blackbird mostly because of the shelf and just being able to keep my rain gear there or a fleece. Just some pieces of gear I would like to have quick access to. I was thinking would it be possible to attach some sort of pocket to the end of the switchback that you can stuff a jacket into or a fleece without it affecting the comfort of the hammock?
for those that have ordered the Light hiker does it come with the whoppie slings and tree hugger straps? On the tree to tree trail website it doesn't specifically say it does.
I was wondering if you would think the mac cat tarp that tree to tree offers would be the best choice. I was also looking at the hex rain fly from Hennessy as it is the same size. Does anyone have any experience with either?
Thanks again!
alrighty so I have all but decided I am going to go with the switchback. After work today all I have done is read up on all of the various hammocks and everyone's opinions on them.
I have never really been a back sleeper and as I mentioned earlier I sleep on my side and often toss and turn.
Now I must decide if I want to go with the light hiker or the full switchback.
I am only 5' 10" and 170 pounds.
I liked the idea of the Blackbird mostly because of the shelf and just being able to keep my rain gear there or a fleece. Just some pieces of gear I would like to have quick access to. I was thinking would it be possible to attach some sort of pocket to the end of the switchback that you can stuff a jacket into or a fleece without it affecting the comfort of the hammock?
for those that have ordered the Light hiker does it come with the whoppie slings and tree hugger straps? On the tree to tree trail website it doesn't specifically say it does.
I was wondering if you would think the mac cat tarp that tree to tree offers would be the best choice. I was also looking at the hex rain fly from Hennessy as it is the same size. Does anyone have any experience with either?
Thanks again!
It has a small sewn pocket at each end plus small loops at each end to which you can attach gear bags. It also has a non structural ridgeline to which you could hang various items.
I just ordered a Classic 1.1 dbl and was told I had my choice of whoopies or straps with rings. I tried whoopies but prefer straps.
Can't really help with the tarps. I'll be using a Maccat Deluxe and I'm hoping it's long enough.
I'm scheduled for delivery tomorrow. :D
Miguel
JaxHiker
06-15-2011, 09:06
I was under the impression that they all came with whoopies but I could be wrong.
I have the OES MacCat Deluxe tarp and it seems to work fine for the Light Hiker. fwiw I'm 6'1" and a smidge over 200 and have plenty of room in the LH.
I believe the Lighthiker would be fine for you.
Thanks again! I think I am going to be placing an order either today or tomorrow.
I just wish I could have it before the weekend but I will have to wait until next week most likely.
I am just wondering I plan on getting an UQ soon but I may not be able to right away. How low would you go without any sort of insulation under you?
The first couple of times I use it I will have the ability to bring a thermarest but prefer not to if I could get away with it. I am thinking of getting the jarbridges UQ from Arrowhead. It is a good price and fairly light and rated to 30's.
Any switchback LH users can reccommend a good uq?
Any switchback LH users can reccommend a good uq?
Pretty much any underquilt should work on a LH. I used a Warbonnet Yeti on it for one night and it seemed to work fine.
JaxHiker
06-15-2011, 16:44
I have a Summer Incubator for mine.
MacEntyre
06-15-2011, 17:26
Any switchback LH users can reccommend a good uq?
The tie out loops fit a Molly Mac Gear Baby Orca perfectly...
The tie out loops fit a Molly Mac Gear Baby Orca perfectly...
How small does the baby orca compact to? How low could you go with the baby orca?
brushybill
06-15-2011, 19:07
i use a jrb hudson river quilt, up to about 70 then use a poncho liner under me
Sidewinder
06-16-2011, 01:39
How small does the baby orca compact to? How low could you go with the baby orca?
Packs to Maybe the size of a football. For me, buy itself I go down to 50*F, with an insert may be 5-10* lower. BTW, this is what I use with my SBLH. I think you will like yours.
~S~
Hey everyone thanks for all your input!
So I finally ordered the Switcback LH today along with the baby orca underquilt.
I like the price and the size of the baby orca so I decided to go with that.
I now must decide on a tarp, I was hoping to get the cat cut tarp from tree to tree but they are all sold out and it will take a couple weeks. I am thinking of getting the Warbonnet superfly. It is a bit smaller then the cat cut but also has the built in doors which I like. I don't mind carrying the few extra onces to have that option.
The other tarp I was thinking of was the Hennessy Hex.
Does anyone have expereince withe the LH and the superfly or the Hex?
Thanks!
DemostiX
06-17-2011, 21:56
Is the geometry of the bed of the Switchback a gathered rectangle (or 2) of fabric?
I have a WB BMJ which is the same size as the superfly minus the built in doors, and it provides plenty of coverage for my Light Hiker (or my 1.1 dbl standard SB as well).
I have a WB BMJ which is the same size as the superfly minus the built in doors, and it provides plenty of coverage for my Light Hiker (or my 1.1 dbl standard SB as well).
Thanks for the reply. I am going to order a superfly over the weekend than. The hammock and tarp will have to be shipped up to Canada so I probably wont get them until the following week but I can't wait!
For some reason I am having second thoughts about the baby orca. I have read great reviews about it but I have been looking at the various underquilts people have on here and not sure if I made the right choice with it. As I said before price is bit of an issue so is size. I am just not sure if it would make sense to spend the extra 50 or so dollars to get a UQ that is rated to 20-30 degrees.
Up here in ontario the humidity is rather high in the summer months so maybe the baby orca would be best?