my thoughts on the switchback

[rip waverly]

this is premature- and i know i'll get jumped on without pics, but my switchback is "in the shop" right now getting some work done across the country. when it gets back, i'll do a full video review.

but for now, i wanted to share my initial impressions after 2 nights in the woods.

-classic switchback 1.9 single layer- woodland brown
-27.7 oz's outfitted with 6 ft. 7/64 amsteel whoopies, 6 ft ahe straps, arrow shaft toggles, 2 tttg stock shockcord hmmk tie outs, 2 tttg stock shockcord and line netting tieouts, tttg stock bishop bag.

well, echoing all that's been said recently regarding the switchback, it really is a great hammock, with a great lay. the dim's seem dead on for what i like: 120" long x 52" wide. i attribute a lot of the comfort to the non-whipped ends. a channel end hammock in my experience has allowed for MINIMAL calf ridge down the hammocks center-line. negating the srl doesn't affect comfort, as users have reported. most of the comfort i attribute to the generally large "feeling" the switchback offers, with its open, symmetrical design. the fabric is a soft 1.9 ripstop, very comfortable, with minimal stretch at my 5'8" 155 lb. frame. at my size, yes i could have gone with the litehiker, but its currently only being offered on the website in a DL, and actually weighs more than the classic 1.9 single. this thing really is well built.

i was skeptical on the additional netting tieouts. the added step sounded like a fiddle factor i wouldn't want to deal with. this was a non-issue for the most part. a tautline hitch in the orange cord creates a permanent adjustable loop that can hook to the same msh & toggle used for the hammock suspension. i've seen some attaching to the tarp ridgeline, and i think that is a great solution, but i don't always hang my tarp. i wanted something that would be consistent, and the tautline to msh works great for me. **the netting tieout shockcord is heavy and thick... i plan on switching it out to a smaller diameter shockcord to trim some grams.

regarding the spreader loops on the netting at the head and foot end...while not 100% necessary, i did find them a nice option in opening up the netting and creating space in the hammock. tttg isn't shipping the spreader bars anymore- but o&b and others have come up with elegant solutions. i used a trail stick.. which worked.. but i'd prefer a more permanent solution. dale at tttg sent me diy build instructions on making the spreader bars.. i may go that route. of course... a disassembled trekking pole would work just the same.

i do like the ability to go 'topless'. zippers along both sides of the hammock is a must for me anymore. maybe its just mental, but i love having easy access out both sides of the hammock to adjust a quilt, or reach items outside the hammock, while still in the bugnetting. with the zippers completely open, it was great to be able to roll the net up and secure with the ribbon ties. they are a little short, but i just tie a double half knot, and that holds well enough. i do carry a small loop of shock cord to secure the rolled net at the center, between the 2 head / foot end ties; this more for aesthetics than necessity.

there is, in fact, no structural ridge line. the design of the hammock doesn't really permit it, unless you wanted to put a hole in the netting, as it's stitched into the channel. tttg does include accessory loops of cord at the head and foot end, also stitched into the channel, but those have been deemed non structural, and a ridge line should not be anchored to them. last i read on an old thread about the switchback, the notion had been posed, but the thread died, and no further action taken. it was my experience that the hammock, as reported, doesn't require the consistent sag a ridgeline affords. i suppose though, when the hammock comes back to me, i'll have a chance to install a ridge line, usable in select, bug-free situations.

the internal, non structural ridgeline attached at the netting tieout points, is nice to for typical glasses, headlamp hanging. also, it is adjustable via slipped loop knots, set stock by tttg. advanced users have yet more control over how the netting is set up, though dale communicated to me adjustment of this line doesn't afford much difference.

*its also been said the hammock can be flipped over, netting facing down, and you have a truly netless hammock. i tried this, and yes.. nothing ripped, and it was nice to have simple top-loading hammock, esp. when stopping for a trail break, and resting above ground with a breeze along a sweaty backside. but----i just didn't feel comfortable, for any unspoken reason, in doing that. the netting is sewn into the end channels, and there is no doubt stress in that configuration. i know, i'm sure it's fine and others report great results... i just prefer not to go down that road. this is being worked out right now, making those quick hangs and totally topless nights a reality.

the hammock also has 4 symmetrical tieouts to pull the hammock open at the shoulders and ankles. the switchback ships with only 2 lengths of shockcord for asymmetrical laying, but dale said they are now going to be including 4 lengths to keep everything symmetrical, a main goal in the switchbacks design. these are interchangeable, though, and simply larkshead to a d-ring. its really adaptable in that one could rig the tie outs in any fashion, adding an adjustability mod if desired... or simply remove them. i personally have never been one to tie any hammock out.. i feel it has ill effects on underquilt fit in some cases, but thats my opinion. it also didn't seem to really "widen" the hammock once i was in, only visually when it was unloaded. what is nice though, is how the tieouts support in pulling the bugnet away from the center of the hammock. i slept one night with the hammock tied out, the other without. there was no perceivable difference in comfort, for me, in either configuration. although, i do plan to test this more thoroughly, as there must be a reason people like using them- and will report back when i get the switchback returned from the shop.

while initially it seemed like "a lot" of hammock, with a lot of options and a lot to think about... i found it quite the opposite. its a simple design, with an easy-to-navigate array of hanging options. there's no magical srl tension to dial in. the head / foot end pockets are decent and hold a good amount typical backpacking goods.

the switchback, while only been given a 2 night trial run and now out of my hands for a few weeks, is en route to becoming my go-to hammock. it's weight-to-comfort ratio matches the other integrated mosquito hammocks in my closet, a wbbb and hh ulbp. i'll never have a permanent hammock fixture that fills my pack- each trip calls for different gear. but i'm really liking the tttg switchback 1.9 single.

at this point, i have very little to complain about. at the end of the day, as xuprising said, hammocks are essentially big pieces of fabric with ropes on both ends. it did take me a full calender year and 4 seasons of backpacking to develop a valid critique of my first hammock, the wbbb, enough so that i sought other options. time will tell on the switchback.

video to come ( along with more detailed pictures of the hammock, mods, in raw form )

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-D9pbcSGkhfk/TjDGtruEt4I/AAAAAAAAAOw/I0a64fkkHUA/s400/IMG_0378.jpg

https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-f2lgJt1udNg/TjDGj2d2fYI/AAAAAAAAAMk/-s0rRF0XLGQ/s400/IMG_0356.jpg

[Lonely Raven]

Great writeup! Now if I can just find one for myself...

[Boomer]

Thanks for the review Rip.

[joggerjohn]

The Switchback is back. It is the best.

[DemostiX]

In no way is this review an echo. It is one of the better reviews to appear here, quite comprehensive. You liked it a lot, and are very clear about just what there is to like, or which others might take advantage of.

Would you say in reply and amend your review on whether there is a structural ridge line and what about it. That is unclear to me; and the review would stand better on its own without need to refer to the maker's own description.

You at your size vs. 1.9 single layer is interesting. Likely in no way your hammock, Clarks are also of a heavy single layer that doesn't stretch much, at least under lighter occupants.

[OutandBack]

Very nice write up RW.

[rip waverly]

In no way is this review an echo. It is one of the better reviews to appear here, quite comprehensive. You liked it a lot, and are very clear about just what there is to like, or which others might take advantage of.

Would you say in reply and amend your review on whether there is a structural ridge line and what about it. That is unclear to me; and the review would stand better on its own without need to refer to the maker's own description.

You at your size vs. 1.9 single layer is interesting. Likely in no way your hammock, Clarks are also of a heavy single layer that doesn't stretch much, at least under lighter occupants.


there is, in fact, no structural ridge line. the design of the hammock doesn't really permit it, unless you wanted to put a hole in the netting, as it's stitched into the channel. tttg does include accessory loops of cord at the head and foot end, also stitched into the channel, but those have been deemed not structural, and a ridge line should not be anchored to them. last i read on old thread about the switchback, the notion had been posed, but the thread died. it was my experience that the hammock, as reported, doesn't require the consistent sag a ridgeline affords.

*an additional note, to be added to the review also... is that the internal, non structural ridgeline attached at the netting tieout points, is adjustable via slipped loop knots, stock. advanced users have yet more control over how the netting is set up, though dale communicated to me adjustment of this line doesn't afford much difference.

at this point, i have very little to complain about. at the end of the day, as xuprising said, hammocks are essentially big pieces of fabric with ropes on both ends. it did take me a full calender year and 4 seasons of backpacking to develop a valid critique of the wbbb, enough that i sought other options. time will tell on the switchback.

[^shane^]

Nice write-up Rip. Welcome to the club. Your secret SB decoder ring is on the way...:cool:

I'll echo the comments on the tie outs. I started out by adding two additional pull outs, making four total. I now only use the two tie outs at my shoulders when hanging my Phoenix, and I use no tie outs when hanging my Incubator. I find that the right foot side tie out blocks the Incubator from getting around my feet (I posted this in another thread yesterday or today).

[OutandBack]

:blush: I never use the tie outs to tie out the hammock.
I hang my ditty bag from one. :cool:

[SoCal Mike]

Thanks for the write up, Rip. But now I'm getting even more eager for the Switchback SL I just ordered yesterday! I know Dale is backlogged. I'll be patient. Reading your review (and the 5,000 conversations I've had with Miguel) has me thinking I made a great choice when I selected the SB hammock. Hope you love it.

SoCal Mike

[rip waverly]

i keep seeing the same avatars pop up in these tttg threads.

an sb army instead of a wbbb cult?!?! i kid, i kid. :rolleyes:

is there a central location where we repeat tttg admirers can
take our switchbacks out for a group hang and 'ooo' & 'aww' at
each others take on the rig???:lol:

[BillyBob58]

So then, no SRL, eh? And still great, apparently? I have yet to add a SRL- or any RL- to my Claytor No Net, and I have yet to miss it comfort wise. It still rates pretty high among the most comfy hammocks I have used, and it doesn't seem to matter a lot about how much sag I end up with.

[brushybill]

So then, no SRL, eh? And still great, apparently? I have yet to add a SRL- or any RL- to my Claytor No Net, and I have yet to miss it comfort wise. It still rates pretty high among the most comfy hammocks I have used, and it doesn't seem to matter a lot about how much sag I end up with.

i started out with a clark ultralite and used it for ten years , no structural ridgeline, then went to the wbbb,and realised that ,apparently ,there is a "proper way" to hang a hammock, who knew? i thought that as long as i was comfortable ,that was the right way, with a little experience you can just see if it is hung the way you like it

[MAD777]

So then, no SRL, eh? And still great, apparently? I have yet to add a SRL- or any RL- to my Claytor No Net, and I have yet to miss it comfort wise. It still rates pretty high among the most comfy hammocks I have used, and it doesn't seem to matter a lot about how much sag I end up with.

BillyBob, what kind of end does your Claytor have? Is the suspension threaded through and end channel or is it larks headed around the end?

[finskie]

Well done review. Descriptive and to the point. I love reviews that aren't just about the joy of having the new gear. I do have a question though... based on design and dimensions, could it be said that this hammock is very similar to the GT skeeter beeter? They are both channel end vs whipped: both have seperate bugnet suspension with spreader loops; the dimensions anly differ by 6" in length. The main differences are weight (skeeter beeter is about 4oz lighter unrigged after removing the s hooks); stock suspension on the GT is basically unusable; there are no side tyouts on the GT; there is no ability to completely open the GT bugnet on both sides; no pockets or loops (bells and whistles) on the GT. I know the GT is not really good for tall people due to the 6" length loss, but for someone that is 5'7" and 170lbs like me, I am having trouble justifying the nearly triple price of the switchback vs a GT. Even if i spend $30 adding suspension to a GT, the extras (pockets, tyouts, loops) are not really enough to convince me to take the penalty in price and weight, especially considering i will likely not use the tyouts like you. I'm not putting the switchback down, just trying to weigh out all the info objectively:) I am anxious to hear an extended use review.

[dragon360]

Great write up. Lots of info there. Thanks rip.

[rip waverly]

Well done review. Descriptive and to the point. I love reviews that aren't just about the joy of having the new gear. I do have a question though... based on design and dimensions, could it be said that this hammock is very similar to the GT skeeter beeter? They are both channel end vs whipped: both have seperate bugnet suspension with spreader loops; the dimensions anly differ by 6" in length. The main differences are weight (skeeter beeter is about 4oz lighter unrigged after removing the s hooks); stock suspension on the GT is basically unusable; there are no side tyouts on the GT; there is no ability to completely open the GT bugnet on both sides; no pockets or loops (bells and whistles) on the GT. I know the GT is not really good for tall people due to the 6" length loss, but for someone that is 5'7" and 170lbs like me, I am having trouble justifying the nearly triple price of the switchback vs a GT. Even if i spend $30 adding suspension to a GT, the extras (pockets, tyouts, loops) are not really enough to convince me to take the penalty in price and weight, especially considering i will likely not use the tyouts like you. I'm not putting the switchback down, just trying to weigh out all the info objectively:) I am anxious to hear an extended use review.

good points fin. i have always written off the skeeter beater, albeit my encounter with the hammock was at my upstart, and i was comparing it to my new-found love, the wbbb, so it may have been in haste. the put-downs i had against the skeeter beater may no longer be valid, as knowledge and feature requests have mutated over the past year. maybe its time to give the gt sb another run for its money. i do love my gt ul, and this hammock looks exactly like that, with a bugnet sewn on. i do foresee the stock, 1-sided zipper to be the only downfall against my feature requirements- (of course a skilled thread injector unlike myself could fix this). for the reasons, features and ideas listed above via fin, i'd like to give the hammocks a head-to-head comparison- and may gather the scant $59 to do so.

[Boomer]

I do have a question though... based on design and dimensions, could it be said that this hammock is very similar to the GT skeeter beeter?

Actually,

I was wondering if you guys know if the design was the same as the DD Hammock? I watched some reviews of them and saw that the bug netting on the SB appears to be the same, even down to having loops to put a stick in to spread the netting...

[finskie]

good points fin. i have always written off the skeeter beater, albeit my encounter with the hammock was at my upstart, and i was comparing it to my new-found love, the wbbb, so it may have been in haste. the put-downs i had against the skeeter beater may no longer be valid, as knowledge and feature requests have mutated over the past year. maybe its time to give the gt sb another run for its money. i do love my gt ul, and this hammock looks exactly like that, with a bugnet sewn on. i do foresee the stock, 1-sided zipper to be the only downfall against my feature requirements- (of course a skilled thread injector unlike myself could fix this). for the reasons, features and ideas listed above via fin, i'd like to give the hammocks a head-to-head comparison- and may gather the scant $59 to do so.

I also had an early experience with the skeeter beeter that i sort of wrote off, but i have an UL on the way to give GT another shot. Let me know how the comparison goes.

[rip waverly]

35XIRit19KY

more info when i actually receive the hammock
these are some pics 2QZQ took at the "Pennsylvania Mod Shop"

[brushybill]

great , and i thought i was done changing gear for a while!

[^shane^]

Ok Rip... enough kidding around. Just what did ZQ do to your hammock? Was that a shot of the bug net bunched up in the foot end?

Inquiring minds WANT TO KNOW!!!

Details, man, the details.

[millarky]

Actually,

I was wondering if you guys know if the design was the same as the DD Hammock? I watched some reviews of them and saw that the bug netting on the SB appears to be the same, even down to having loops to put a stick in to spread the netting...

I use the SB and won :D a DD. The DD is like a mini SB with subtle differences-but might be heavier in spite of it's smaller size. IHNS (I have no scale).

m

[rip waverly]

Ok Rip... enough kidding around. Just what did ZQ do to your hammock? Was that a shot of the bug net bunched up in the foot end?

Inquiring minds WANT TO KNOW!!!

Details, man, the details.

ok ok. but i still don't have it back....

ZQ hooked up the switchback with what is essentially a Mod 4- i'm
calling it the "convertible" for lack of a witty name.

yes, that is a peak bag at the "foot end" holding all the netting.

she added some reinforcement fabric and velcro to secure the netting at the "head end" when the bugs are a threat and you need to zip up.

i believe she also added a 3rd zipper on both sides.

now.. i know what you're thinking, "JUST FLIP THE HAMMOCK OVER AND YOU'RE TOPLESS". well, yes, i agree. however... for some reason i just don't like laying 'on' the bugnetting. there's gotta be some stress on it. so it seemed only natural to try to figure this out with ZQ.

i've also heard about people trying to install a srl. now, of course we've learned the hmmk doesn't need one. nonetheless, i've read of people burning holes in the netting to run one anyways. this mod allows the addition of a srl, but only when the netting is tucked away and the hammock is in 'convertible' mode, i think. (those orange channel loops aren't designed for the tension, per darby)
so, we'll see how the ridgeline thing goes.

aside from that... well, that's about it. it will make, for me, those hiking break rests along the trail that much easier with no bugnetting to roll up. and i'll have the peace of mind of not having to gingerly get in the hmmk so to not stress the 'flipped-over' bug net. there's also something pure about not having the rolled bundle of net to deal with, be it for views or principle of task.

maybe ZQ can explain the details of her work?--- and we are still thinking about cost for those interested. again.. this is the first one, so there may be changes, and that's what HF is for----innovation.

[OutandBack]

ok ok. but i still don't have it back....

ZQ hooked up the switchback with what is essentially a Mod 4- i'm
calling it the "convertible" for lack of a witty name.

yes, that is a peak bag at the "foot end" holding all the netting.

she added some reinforcement fabric and velcro to secure the netting at the "head end" when the bugs are a threat and you need to zip up.

i believe she also added a 3rd zipper on both sides.

now.. i know what you're thinking, "JUST FLIP THE HAMMOCK OVER AND YOU'RE TOPLESS". well, yes, i agree. however... for some reason i just don't like laying 'on' the bugnetting. there's gotta be some stress on it. so it seemed only natural to try to figure this out with ZQ.

i've also heard about people trying to install a srl. now, of course we've learned the hmmk doesn't need one. nonetheless, i've read of people burning holes in the netting to run one anyways. this mod allows the addition of a srl, but only when the netting is tucked away and the hammock is in 'convertible' mode, i think. (those orange channel loops aren't designed for the tension, per darby)
so, we'll see how the ridgeline thing goes.

aside from that... well, that's about it. it will make, for me, those hiking break rests along the trail that much easier with no bugnetting to roll up. and i'll have the peace of mind of not having to gingerly get in the hmmk so to not stress the 'flipped-over' bug net. there's also something pure about not having the rolled bundle of net to deal with, be it for views or principle of task.

maybe ZQ can explain the details of her work?--- and we are still thinking about cost for those interested. again.. this is the first one, so there may be changes, and that's what HF is for----innovation.

I think that's really thinking out of the box Rip and I love your idea to tuck the net away when not needed. Now I just have to figure out when I can be without my SB to get the RW(HH Mod-4) mod done to mine.

[SoCal Mike]

I use the SB and won :D a DD. The DD is like a mini SB with subtle differences-but might be heavier in spite of it's smaller size. IHNS (I have no scale).

m

Millarky beat me to it, but the DD is very similar to the SB. I don't have the DD, so no first hand knowledge, but I was looking at them quite a bit. I went with an SB 1.9 SL , which should be here in a week or so (can't wait!).

The DD Frontline caught my eye because the body is very similar in design and the net s virtually the same in design--double zip, tie outs, spreader design, etc. The DD is much, much smaller, though, in length--by well over a foot. The DD is wider, but just by a couple of inches. The suspension on the DD is different, similar to a Claytor, I believe; whereas the SB offers the option of rings/buckles or whoopies. DD Frontline (and Traveller) is a good price and has nice reviews. I wanted a bigger hammock and I just couldn't resist the SB after having tried one out. I kept finding trying to find a hammock I liked more than the SB and just couldn't do it. I hope I've found my new shelter.

SoCal Mike

[rip waverly]

Millarky beat me to it, but the DD is very similar to the SB. I don't have the DD, so no first hand knowledge, but I was looking at them quite a bit. I went with an SB 1.9 SL , which should be here in a week or so (can't wait!).

The DD Frontline caught my eye because the body is very similar in design and the net s virtually the same in design--double zip, tie outs, spreader design, etc. The DD is much, much smaller, though, in length--by well over a foot. The DD is wider, but just by a couple of inches. The suspension on the DD is different, similar to a Claytor, I believe; whereas the SB offers the option of rings/buckles or whoopies. DD Frontline (and Traveller) is a good price and has nice reviews. I wanted a bigger hammock and I just couldn't resist the SB after having tried one out. I kept finding trying to find a hammock I liked more than the SB and just couldn't do it. I hope I've found my new shelter.

SoCal Mike

i don't think the SB will let you down!

the DD was heavier, and the "waterproof" body turned me off. otherwise, it looked like a great option to me.

the long switchback, and perfect width make it a great hammock.

i like that tttg is offering suspension choice. 1.9 SL is awesome.

enjoy.

[^shane^]

I guess I'll contact ZQ about my light hiker. Thanks Rip! Great idea.

[Scottybdiving]

Thumbs up for your review, and i agree on all counts. There may be a 2nd SB in my future.

One note: At 5' 10 and 230, I do get a lot of stretch in the SL 1.9. Therefore it has became Kristen's hammock and she loves it. My next one will probably be a DL.

[russmay]

i've also heard about people trying to install a srl. now, of course we've learned the hmmk doesn't need one. nonetheless, i've read of people burning holes in the netting to run one anyways. this mod allows the addition of a srl, but only when the netting is tucked away and the hammock is in 'convertible' mode, i think. (those orange channel loops aren't designed for the tension, per darby)
so, we'll see how the ridgeline thing goes.

I'm no switch back expert. In fact I have one ordered and patiently waiting for it to arrive. You state the end channel loops aren't designed for STR. What if you used an adjustable Whoopie sling with 2 s binners on the ends and attach them to the suspension.

[OutandBack]

I'm no switch back expert. In fact I have one ordered and patiently waiting for it to arrive. You state the end channel loops aren't designed for STR. What if you used an adjustable Whoopie sling with 2 s binners on the ends and attach them to the suspension.

I don't see why you could not do that.
However a SRL is really not required on the SB and for me, I prefer not having a line knocking my hat off and always getting in the way when I setup.

[rip waverly]

I'm no switch back expert. In fact I have one ordered and patiently waiting for it to arrive. You state the end channel loops aren't designed for STR. What if you used an adjustable Whoopie sling with 2 s binners on the ends and attach them to the suspension.

generally, a structural ridgeline attaches where the suspension meets the hammock body. it attaches to the suspension as a load bearing anchor, runs "thru" the whipping and into the hammock, and supports the bugnet while also setting the consistent sag. this is how i've seen it on my blackbird and HH.

now, by nature of the switchback design, the hmmk ends are not "whipped", but instead use a triple stitched sewn channel. the problem attaching a SRL arises due to the bugnetting being sewn into that channel seam- effectively making it impossible to connect a ridgeline to the suspension anchor: they are separated by the channel seam.

when i refer to the "end channel loops", those are simply small loops of orange drawcord also sewn into that channel seam, designed to be inside the bugnetting and utilized to hang gear from, not to be used as load bearing anchors.

the convertible mod allow the net to come off, thereby allowing a ridgeline to attach at suspension / hmmk connection points, just like any other netless hammock. i plan to do exactly as you say, though, just to test the switchback with a ridgeline. i'll be using my fancy new dutch ridgeline biner and lash it adjustable whoopie ridgeline, to experiment with different amounts of sag.

[russmay]

I'v used the Warbonnett Traveler for the last year and the ridgeline was connected to the Whoopie sling suspension at the whipping end of the hammock. Just larks head on the Whoppie slings. That is what I was thinking now that you have the convertible mode, this should be feasible.

[Lonely Raven]

I'm still hoping to find a Switchback used.

I did however spend a great night in my Blackbird last night. Stiff competition.

[OutandBack]

i plan to do exactly as you say, though, just to test the switchback with a ridgeline. i'll be using my fancy new dutch ridgeline biner and lash it adjustable whoopie ridgeline, to experiment with different amounts of sag.

Hi RW,
I think you'll find if you drop the sag on the SB (like a wbbb or traveler) to incorporate a RL it won't lay
as flat and if you hang the SB for the most comfortable/ flat lay and then attach a RL it
will be very low and always in the way. YMMV

Did the mailman bring your SB today?

[rip waverly]

Hi RW,
I think you'll find if you drop the sag on the SB (like a wbbb or traveler) to incorporate a RL it won't lay
as flat and if you hang the SB for the most comfortable/ flat lay and then attach a RL it
will be very low and always in the way. YMMV

Did the mailman bring your SB today?

thats kinda what i imagined happening O&B. i haven't had the opportunity to really play with the SB... only had it on the overnighter in the woods... and playing with suspension angles and sag takes away from the fun of the whole hiking / camping thing.

i still plan to, maybe ill-advisedly, tweek the heck outta the sag now that i have the opportunity...likely to only confirm that the SB need be hung tight without a ridgeline.

ugh, its unlikely there will be a red, white and blue box on my porch today. it shipped from ohio yesterday, which likely gets it here thursday.

[Darby]

when i refer to the "end channel loops", those are simply small loops of orange drawcord also sewn into that channel seam, designed to be inside the bugnetting and utilized to hang gear from, not to be used as load bearing anchors.



That is correct, the loops are not designed to be load bearing at all. The orange cord is just a locator for the GG ribbon loops that are sewn into the seam between the net and liner/hammock body (depending on DL/SL). We found that the loops were hard to see, black ribbon on black liner, with the end of the hammock cinched up so we added a small piece of "No Tangle" to make it more visible. We have now started putting D rings on the GG loops to make it easier to attach a small biner to. These loops are designed for clothes bags, pillows, storage bags etc. If a heavy load was applied to these loops, the load would be pulled "across" (perpendicular) the triple stitches and would rip out quickly when the load was applied.

Cheers, Dale

[rip waverly]

this was made on the trail- before the convertible mod.
some initial first impressions have changed since this was filmed-
most notably the "in-line girth hitch" used to suspend the netting.
that has been switched out to a permanent tautline hitch loop.
&
the spreader bars: they don't ship with the hmmk. this has been covered though in the tttg forum. darby sent me directions on making them- or the
clark bars will work too, thank to the O&B mod.
&
comfort is situational and personal. when i speak of "comfort"- i mean overall
hammock design, lay and attributes- i.e. opens sides, lack of ridgeline, symmetrical design, etc.


Zrp7r5nj5JQ

[OutandBack]

Enjoyed your pre review.
I agree the tie out are more in the way when using an UQ.

I do use them (shoulders only) during the day when reading and the net is deployed
for bugs. Pre UQ install. It helps spread the net . Have not tried the SB with
Clark spreader bars yet. Tieouts might not be required then.

[hurtinfeet]

Good vid rip
This weekend we finally got to try out the SB LH.
I got to sleep in it one night and the wife got it the next night. Both of us had very comfortable nights in it. and we didn't hang it as tight as it probably should have been. We're kinda brainwashed with 30 degree angle.

[DemostiX]

Hi RW,
I think you'll find if you drop the sag on the SB (like a wbbb or traveler) to incorporate a RL it won't lay
as flat and if you hang the SB for the most comfortable/ flat lay and then attach a RL it
will be very low and always in the way. YMMV



The ridgeline doesn't need to be attached at the end of the hammock. Assuming you started with and keep a 30 degree slope, attach the ridgeline 1 foot out from each end and you will have effectively raised the the ridgeline for a given hang angle around that value by exactly 1 foot.

If your target slope is flatter, look up 2 x sine( angle) to estimate how much you will raise the the ridgeline for each inch you extend the attachment point.

Every hammock has a virtual ridgeline. Some are so virtual you don't see it or feel it at all. When Warbonnetguy says that for his WBBB the ridgeline is to have a particular tension, he is assuming a specific prior hang angle so the ridgeline causes the slightest pinching of the line running from the tree through the attachment point of the ridgeline on down to the bottom of the hammock.

Smilies all implied.

[Shug]

I have a fondness for my ridgeline. Hanging stuff, consistent sag, a place to put my hand and balance myself when I change clothes, hang my headlamp and knife at night.
Shug

[^shane^]

Great video Rip. Thanks for sharing.

[rip waverly]

I have a fondness for my ridgeline. Hanging stuff, consistent sag, a place to put my hand and balance myself when I change clothes, hang my headlamp and knife at night.
Shug

i'm agreegious on this point.

the non-structural ridge does a decent job of providing-- it is a "high reach" for these Finnish arms though

[BlazeAway]

Great review Rip. The Switchback looks like a great hammock.
But I will stick with my WB Traveler because of its simplicity.

[RockChucker30]

Does the convertible mod make the bugnet completely detachable? That could shave several ounces in colder weather.

[^shane^]

I asked that question to ZQ. She said no, so I went with a netless 1.9 SL SB when Dale put the hammocks on sale. If I'm going netless, I want to go ALL THE WAY!!! No offense Rip.

[OutandBack]

I asked that question to ZQ. She said no, so I went with a netless 1.9 SL SB when Dale put the hammocks on sale. If I'm going netless, I want to go ALL THE WAY!!! No offense Rip.

If one has the bucks to own two SB's to cover all seasons that is the way to go.
My SB (rigged) weighs 1 3/4# I don't have an issue with that weight and it's nice to know the net is always there just in case.

35 bucks is awful cheap to have both in one hammock.

[OutandBack]

Great review Rip. The Switchback looks like a great hammock.
But I will stick with my WB Traveler because of its simplicity.

Hi BlazeAway,
I love my traveler to, as a stand alone hammock it's extremely comfortable.

Once i add an UQ it becomes an unruly monster dumping everything out on the ground that I try to put in it.

One of the big selling points of the SB is even when you lay asym you don't have a hug wall of fabric blocking your view like most gathered end hammocks have.
The 2QZQ RW convertible mod just improves your view even more by tucking the netting away when not required.

[BlazeAway]

Hi BlazeAway,
I love my traveler to, as a stand alone hammock it's extremely comfortable.

Once i add an UQ it becomes an unruly monster dumping everything out on the ground that I try to put in it.



Hi OutandBack.
I too know the unruly monster the Traveler can become, but that is mostly if I use it with the WB Yeti. Applying the 2QZQ windbreak tends to keep things a bit more together.
With HG Incubator or the PolarPod the Traveler behaves just fine for me.

My problem is that I do not like pullouts on a hammock. The same goes for a tarp. For ease of setup a diamond shaped tarp is to be preferred.

[rip waverly]

i guess the goal was to have an all in one option. this is what makes the HH Mod 4 so popular.

i love my wb traveler and TL double, but hate bringing a separate net "in case". with the skeeter hatches at some of the alpine lakes, its hit or miss if you'll need the protection. i also find a separate net has disadvantages:
-its finicky to set up
-drags on the ground
-doesn't help keep stuff in the hammock
-sags into the hammock as there is nothing to spread it out generally
-is tough to open and close
-weighs more than an integrated net- unless you're going UL with options like papa smurf and a gt nano or whatever. but if you're owning a wbbb or SB, then features are more important than shaving oz's.

as stated... the truely netless hmmk has, for me, been troublesome in keeping my stuff, most notably, the TQ in the hammock... i.e. legs are always falling out over the edge. some have combatted this with a sewn-on footbox, or adding shockcord to cinch up to create a "pouch". i won't say i've deemed the traveler a "non- hiking" hmmk, but it is definitely reserved for colder temps or lounging.

another thing i like about the mod is that i can pull about a 1/4 of the net out of the foot end storage pouch, zip it just far enough to create a "ceiling" for my feet, to keep them in the hammock.

ultimately, we can all defend or praise or wish for this or that.. believe me, my gear neurosis is out of control sometimes. but 2QZQ offer some of the most all inclusive, innovative options there are, while retaining the primary functions of the gear being modified. there is never any right or wrong... hence the HYOH default.

[rip waverly]

well.. this is ridiculous...

a word, don't ship usps parcel post. spend the extra 2 bucks and go priority. i've been waiting since last tuesday- 10 days- to get this SB mod from ohio--- driving me nuts knowing its sitting around somewhere- when i can get a priority rate to the East Coast in 2 days.

venting- as i see the new netless SB ^Shane, and am jealous to finally receive mine back.

[OutandBack]

well.. this is ridiculous...

a word, don't ship usps parcel post. spend the extra 2 bucks and go priority. i've been waiting since last tuesday- 10 days- to get this SB mod from ohio--- driving me nuts knowing its sitting around somewhere- when i can get a priority rate to the East Coast in 2 days.

venting- as i see the new netless SB ^Shane, and am jealous to finally receive mine back.

That really sucks. 10 days!?! That's un-believable.

[Boomer]

Great video review Rip! Thanks.

[rip waverly]

Great video review Rip! Thanks.

sure thing. still missing it though!


c'mon usps. saturday and no delivery as the post-dude tossed the bills in the box and sped off. nothing monday means some research at the ohio post office and my own.

maybe i'll just order a new one, send it to ZQ and get tracking info from her to me!!