I have been the proud owner of a Blackbird for a while now.
This is a hypothetical question, sort of.
If you could change or would want something added to the blackbird to make it better what would it be?
Printable View
I have been the proud owner of a Blackbird for a while now.
This is a hypothetical question, sort of.
If you could change or would want something added to the blackbird to make it better what would it be?
Warbonnet T-shirt.
The only thing I'd add to the blackbird would be a better way to secure the pad. Even with the double layer, the dang thing is so HUGE inside that the pad can move around a bit.
More color options, especially black! Blackbird hammocks should be available in black IMHO. ;p
Bigger triangle rings on the straps to make it easier to loosen.
Some way to hang back the netting when you don't need the bug net without having to get out of the hammock.
We got a foot box, would a head box make it even more comfortable? hehehe
Little pieces of fabric tied on the zippers for easier pulling. I know this is an easy thing for everyone to do , but i'm just trying to help. 8)
Yes I agree with the big space for the pad with the double layer. I have found that you can not just slide the pad in and leave it. There is a little aligning to do but it is not a real big problem. The way it is sewn together it is just a second layer sewn on top of another layer and it goes all the way up the sides of the hammock until it meets the netting on both sides. These leaves a lot of space in between layers. It would be nice to set it up so that it does not go all the way up the sides but I can not think of a better way so I have no suggestions.
Due to a right shoulder problem I am only able to lay on my left side, so my feet extend to the left. If the foot "pocket" was available on the opposite side, I'd be interested in one, but right now, without that, there isn't a great advantage over the Speer I already have.
A way to bring the right side "wall" and net down closer to the same height as the left side is. This would allow it to work better with the PeaPod, like my Claytor does. And a cure for the left calf pressure I feel just as with all other gathered end hammocks. Though this varies from hang to hang, or from person to person(I may be the only one who feels this with this hammock) and is probably not a problem when using a leg pad with a torso UQ or with something under your knees, it would be more excellent with out this gathered end effect. In fact, if I didn't feel the calf pressure I don't think I would even need anything under my knees with this hammock.
Although it is designed to be the perfect length ... an easy to adjust ridge line.
One in every house.
Oh, I'll be first. Pick me, pick me! (hand waving frantically..)
A left-footedBB (assuming mne is right-footed)
I'm pretty sure Brandon will customize the side of the footbox for us. Didn't someone get this done recently?
A detachable weather shield I think should do it
The zipper pulls are just too small, and really need an attached string.
I don't like the overhead netting on the left side. It is hard to duck underneath, and I often knock the shockcord off the groundstake and have to redo everything. I wish the pull outs on the side were attached to the hammock body instead of the netting.
I don't like the material they are made from, it is too slick, it does sag a lot, and it seems cold to the touch.
I wish there was an option to have netting above the zipper, instead of more fabric, and also on the top part of the footbox. It blocks a lot of wind, but if I use it this summer I am going to roast from not having a breeze in the heat and humidity. You can't see out of it either.
I wish you could take all the netting off, or get it out of the way.
I can't seem to get my torso UQ to stay in place. It always slips off to the rightside while I sleep and roll, and then I freeze. There is not way to grab it without a zipper on the right side, so it wears me out to fight with it all night.
A zipper on both sides would be nice.
I don't like the white and thin amsteel blue line, it's not so much an issue with a strap suspension, but I've never liked the stuff. It is not very good for knot tying, and if you mess up you sure can't get it untied.
I wish the ridgeline had an adjustment and wasn't made out of the amsteel blue.
I wish the whipping had some kind of covering, it just looks unrefined.
I don't like the white stretchcord, it's just not a pretty color.
I've only slept in mine a few nights, so far I've awakened with a sore right shoulder half the nights. (I don't have shoulder problems) I can't figure out how to lay to the right at al w/o feeling the pressure on the rightside, and when I lean to the left my underquilt slips to the right side and I can't retrieve it. I've been just fine in other hammocks, after a night's sleep.
I've never tried to put a pad in it, I only got the double layer for mosquito protection, but I know it's hard to keep a pad in place in these kind of hammocks w/o a channel or pocket.
I think it's actually more comfortable to sleep with my head in the footbox, as there is more shoulder room, but I suffocate that way.
I wish it had a logo or tag somewhere.
That's all I can think of right now, but it's only been four nights of use.
A tab or an attachment point sewn at the top "point" of the footbox. That would allow you to "custom fit" your UQ to totally cover the footbox by adding an extra attachment point on your UQ.
Tie-backs on the bugnet.
A pretty girl with a cold (or warm, depending on the season) beverage and a warm sandwich standing near the hammock at all times, that only says nice things, and sings you to sleep while massaging you.;)
A "triple layer," inside the current double layer, that is made entirely of $100 bills. :rolleyes:
Buy one, get one free.:lol:
I don't know what to do yet, I thought the Blackbird was supposed to be the be all and end all of hammock innovation.
I'm actually thinking about a Hennessy Explorer Ultralight with zipper mods, if only they had a double layer for the mosquitoes. I've got the UL Backpacker with the zipper mods and it is a comfortable and functional hammock, I just wish it was a little larger.
Feel free to tie a small piece of cord or grosgrain to the zipper to improve the feel
I'd suggest you watch Shug's tutorial here at 1:10 minute mark. Might help...
I have no problem seeing out of it. Here is a pic I took from inside the hammock.
http://www.hammockforums.net/gallery...0026_thumb.jpg
You can't see out of it??
I had the same problem...fixed it using techniques from this thread. here
BTW, I've had the same issues (UQ moving with me) on every hammock I've owned.
Again, feel free to add an adjustable ridgeline. Very easy to do...
Not a pretty color? :confused:
LMAO...swap it out with black then...:laugh:
Yea, when is any piece of equipment the "end of innovation"? Nothing fits everyone...and some people simply don't want to be satisfied.
You want to sell it...let me know. Better yet, put it up for sale here and see if it lasts 1 day...
I'd suggest you stick with the HHUL...seems to fit you better (with all the mods, of course). Maybe you can find someone to add a second layer...ask around, plenty of creative DIY people here
That is a good hammock ( my original, I still pretty much like it), and with the HHSS UC, it has essentially a double layer for mossy defense. If I had the zipper mods on it, it would probably still be a main contender for me for use with either the SS or PeaPod. I have not yet tried the MWUQ on it, but I'm sure it would work just fine.
You are the first one I've heard of who wasn't really comfortable in the BB. My only complaint was the typical left calf pressure, which I might be more sensitive to than most, and I didn't have much luck on my right side, though I was fine on my left or in fetal. You can probably get a refund or if not it should be real easy to sell. Or maybe you just need to work with it some more.
I have only one suggestion, and it's one that someone mentioned previously. It has to do with a sleeping pad. Now, this isn't such a bit deal now that I've decided to get an SPE, but here goes anyway.
Some method of securing a sleeping pad to the hammock. This can be done, I figure, in a multitude of ways. These could be optional accessories.
1- Hook and Loop. One side sewn into the hammock material. I'm not sure how it would stand up to the stresses of the hammock with someone in it, which leads me to my second suggestion.
2- Pad Pocket. Yes, I know the double layered hammocks have a spot to put the pad in, but think of this added to it. A strip of fabric a few inches long at the foot, head and middle of the hammock. Slip the pad under the sections of fabric. Voila, no slippy slidy pad.
To be honest, my problem hasn't really been having the pad slide out from under me. It's been me rolling off of the pad. Perhaps Brandon could make the first hammock belts to hold me in place :).
The BB is just another step in the evolution of the camping hammock. I don't think will ever be a be all end all hammocks, or at least I hope not. I think there will always be people like me and the other DIY'ers out there that will always be tweaking, trimming, cutting, sewing, and experimenting.
Overall I'm really happy with my BB. It's very comfortable and roomy. I would like to see something like velcro to hold the edges of the 2 layers together. Not the whole length of the hammock, just a piece here and there would suffice.
I would also like to see a loop placed at the corner of the footbox. I have never had a problem with my under quilt and the footbox area, but the loop would be nice to have just in case you needed it.
Oh yeah... and some tie backs for the bug netting.
I'd bet my BB that it wouldn't last much more than 15 minutes. It would be a record for sure:p :lol:Quote:
Originally Posted by animalcontrol
I mean, you had so many criticisms that actually affect the use of the hammock, did you REALLY need to include trivial crap like this? Honestly, it sounds like you're just looking for things to nitpick at this point. The color of the stretch cord and the whipping looking "unrefined"???? That's just silly. :lol:
You made some good points about why the blackbird doesn't seem like the right hammock for you, why trivialize those points with this goofiness?
For what it's worth, I too had some issues with getting the blackbird perfectly dialed when I first started using it - the way the shock cord attaches to the netting was weird to get used to, and I was tending to hang it too tight, with the feet too high, and had some trouble getting comfortable. Once I got those issues sorted, though, the blackbird has been a dream. You have obviously used hammocks other than the BB, so maybe you're doing something that worked well with them, and doesn't work well with the BB - I would experiment a bit more before you're so harsh on the design.
And maybe it's just not the right hammock for you, in which case, I'm sure Brandon would take it back, or someone on these forums will buy it up in a heartbeat.
coldspring, the lay should be very similar to your traveler. what are the fabric weights of each, i can't remember. fabric weights would be the only thing that would cause more shoulder squeeze that i can think of.
that's my torso uq isn't it? try tightening up the shockcord, if it's tighter, it'll stay put better. i use it pretty tight lately and it seems to work better.
you shouldn't be ducking under the pull tabs on the entrance side, approach from the foot end and sit down in the center, or even a little past. there is a black reinforcement patch between the footbox and the shelf, it's about in the middle of hammock. when i sit down, the pulltab is at least a foot to my left.
for more shoulder room, try laying your torso slightly more towards center. it'll probably form a groove there so to speak. your shoulder should be no farther over than the zipper, and that still leaves 8" to the net for shoulder room. pull tabs should be one just above and the other just below your shoulder.
I would like to make a second plea for loops to hole the underquilt where it needs to be for the footbox, then other loops near the head end to hold it diagonally as it needs to be to keep your left shoulder covered with underquilt. I have put these mods on mine and use shock cord to pull the underquilt in position and keep it there for the night. Mule
Relative to the two previous hammocks owned the BB is the hammock of choice. Any improvements I would like to see are minor tweaks that are easy DIY minor tasks.
The 1.1 single as is with a few mods (tab pull strings, suspension points for UQ & WS, wing tie out mods) is fine for warm weather hanging.
Would consider a full zipper fly on a double layer with a pad slip design that keeps the pad from drifting around. The added weight of the second layer would be offset by removing the bug net when not needed during cooler bug free season.
Not a real big fan of the AmSteel suspension line. No problems as a structural ridgeline. Slippery & flattening when using ring/Garda hitch. Revert to the simple no ring attach to the tree huggers using a slipped buntline hitch. Not a significant issue. Will probably change line after the AmSteel wears out allowing for ring/Garda option. A quick and convient method of attachment especially in a cold rain/snow.
I cut some ripstop scraps and tied tails to the zipper tabs; just made life a wee bit easier. I'd like some color choices too! The 1.1 is a really nice color gray, but I would like a black 1.7 Blackbird. No real reason, just seems cool.
Well, I just laid out all the things I could think of, off of the top of my head.
If I buy something for $170 and I then have to go out and do a bunch of mods and replacements, I think I have a right to have a few complaints. It really gets to be a hassle to find all this stuff.
Is the Blackbird a commercial product, or is it a DIY product? I'm not a MYOG or DIY person, I like simplicity. And how many times do I have to experiment to get it dialed in? My arm and shoulder are still sore tonight, and it's been some time since I was in the hammock.
Wasn't there a thread about a Blackbird cult a while back? When I see everyone incapable of finding any faults it makes me wonder. I guess I'm just goofy and stupid though.
Honestly, I think some of you have been a bit hard on coldspring.
I don't own a BB but I am very impressed with the design and with the quality of work by warbonnetguy. But that doesn't mean that there isn't room for improvement. I understand that some of you are very protective of your BB's (who wouldn't be? it looks awesome!), but the nature of this thread was to discuss ways of improvements. Coldspring did nothing other than that.
I have almost purchased a BB so many times, but I can't get past the idea that I want to make most if not all of my own gear. My DIY skills aren't there yet, but in time they will be. I'm a proud member here on HF and I like the fact that we share ideas for improvement. Some things work for some, some things work for most, but nothing will work for all.
For example: I know a couple of people that think it's weird to sleep in a hammock and a few more that won't even TRY one out.
To each their own, hike your own hike, and your mileage may vary. Hammock or tent, at least you're in the woods.
And to keep this post somewhat on topic... I too would like to see a black 1.7 BB. I think I would own one already if it was offered.
Thank you Coldspring for you inputs. This thread was design for inputs for changes or additions that BB owners would like to see done. Your inputs were helpful to what I was looking for. I can see where others may have thought that you were getting nit picky but I asked the question and you replied. Thank you very much.
like cold spring said it would be nice to have netting above the zipper on the left side it would give more "sideview" myabe even just a little window or something also would help with summer heat .
living here in SC now i have come to respect how hot it gets here in the swamps and i find myself not just needing a winter quilt and summer quilt but also a hammock for each extreme. Just making a BB with more netting maybe on the side and over the foot box would really ventilate when it is 85 degrees at night with 100% humidity.
Really though this type of thread probably helps brandon tons he gets free R&D for his hammock company so the more picky we are the more we help him out.
Easily fixed by adding glowpulls.
Both of mine are custom fabric. As long as you talk to him ahead of time, and can find fabric that meets the required width, Brandon will make it in your own fabric.
I know what you mean about the fabric panel between the zipper and the bugnet. You feel blind to the right or left looking at the fabric panel while laying in the hammock. Not a terrible thing, but could be improved in just the way you suggested. That is actually a very good idea, and would make an excellent mod! Or even to make the fabric panel a zip-off or dropdown panel, to reveal a bugnet mesh! I had planned on doing that for a permanent zip-off topcover, but it makes even more sense to do it here for summer breathability and for the ability to see! That would be TOO COOL!. It would add weight, and some gram weenies may not like that But I really, really like that idea. Maybe even just add a couple of small 1/2 length zip-off fabric panels, with a non-zipoff bugnet backing. Like small windows.:cool:
We are all goofy and stupid, according to some that refuse to look at alternative options, and only see and understand their narrow view of life.
I don't think anyone meant to come down hard on you - they are just protective of one of our own - a great person, and a great product. The Blackbird Cult.;) Can it be improved? Absolutely. And your comments were constructive observations from your point of view, which is the context of this thread - not meant to just be critical. I love the idea of the bugnet panel - brilliant idea.
Agreed, wholeheartedly. Not everyone is happy with their out-of-the-box equipment, and not everyone is a DIY-er that enjoys making mods on their own. I like making mods, but would also like some things to be options that you could choose so I wouldn't have to make the mods, even if it meant raising the price a little for the different options.
His comments were very helpful to me, as well. I think Brandon can get some good fodder from this thread.
Oh, yes - The BB should be offered in Black in whatever weight. It is the BlackBird, after all.:laugh:
Did you mean on the "right" side? EDIT: (Or, maybe not, I guess there is some fabric above the zipper on the left side) If so, that is the "wall" I have referred to, which in addition to preventing visibility out of the right side, also keeps the PeaPod from being optimum fit on the right side. That is nitpicking from me, because it is really no worse on the right side than it is on BOTH sides with the Speer hammock for which the PeaPod was designed. But it would work a little better if that "wall" or some netting in it's place were either removable or at least designed to allow moving fully out of the way.
Of course, it is just as easy to use a WBUQ or MWUQ with the BB and not worry about the Pod. But I really do still like the PeaPod and hate to not be able to use it with this hammock as an option- although I can use it, but it is "lifted" some on the right side, not really a huge deal. Or, if I must use the Pod while trying to maximize top warmth without adding a top quilt, then I could just stick with my Claytor No Net with which the Pod works perfectly, and I don't have to carry the weigh of the net.
And for all I know, altering the right side "wall" or making it removable or replacing with netting would alter the basic characteristics of how the BB works with it's footbox and shelf and all. Love that shelf!
I have trouble with all netted hammocks when it is even moderately warm. I tend to be hot with the net closed ( in the humid south anyway) but can't survive without a mossy net, or lot's of deet (can't stand that either). So mostly I am a cool weather camper.
It was not my intention to be hard on Coldspring...I simply was trying to address some of his easier concerns/suggestions.
I guess I misunderstood the intention of this thread. I assumed (my fault) that if someone had an easily fixable issue, they would be open to someone suggesting a solution or a fix. How silly of me...
See thats my point, though - if the hammock is causing you that kind of discomfort and pain, thats a serious issue. Complaining about the color of the shock cord and size of the zipper pulls looks like you're just finding stuff to hate because you're grouchy from getting a bad night's sleep :lol:
It would be like one of us having to go to ground for a weekend, and ending up with a sore back, and then going on whiteblaze and posting a big rant about how we hate tents because the rain flys aren't pretty and we didn't like the color of the guy lines that came with it. Or how the included stakes were so crappy and I shouldn't have to upgrade to MSR Groundhogs because I'm not a DIYer.
By wasting time complaining about aesthetic nonsense, you take attention away from the important point - sleeping in the blackbird caused you pain! That's a pretty serious point, and one that's pretty darn surprising to those of us who love our blackbirds, and it's one worth devoting some attention to.
Slept in mine last night ..21º ... used the winter Yeti and was warm as could be. I now sleep with my feet in the footbox using the Yeti and a foot pad. Did get a "dead leg" for a bit from the middle ridge common to gathered end hammocks. I put a stuff sack with jacket in it under my knees and that helped. Happened with my DIY but I was able to adjust ridge lines and hang angles to find the sweet-spot.
EDIT...I think netting in the footbox would be terrific as my bag is always a bit damp even with just a pad. Venting would be stellar!!!
In the BB you are a bit more limited on the sweet spot.
I am going to play with the ridge line some and tweak it ... may or may not work but I am a "dinker".
I could find ways to improve everything I own if asked. I can find some faults in all my gear.
Also I understand that most of us want it perfect right out of the box. Of all the hammock companies offering products on here I have read pro's and con's on all of them. Yet we buy and tweak and mod and most of us still don't want to go to sleeping on the terra firma.
I truly enjoy my BB but equally love my DIY hammock. They are just tools to "get away" for me.
Shug
I see Warbonnetguy addressed the shoulder concerns in post #25. Lots of good (free) R&D for Brandon as well. Not everyone will like the same hammock out of the box, but some tweaking will be needed for each individual. If you can't find a solution on this forum it must be broke, because there are some awesome DIY'ers here with a solution to just about everything I have read here. If it doesn't work for you list it here for sale and try something else. Hike your own hike! Be happy!
kmat
as for the knee ridge, you can try hanging it a little looser, also if you "kick" the bunched up fabric out from under your knees that seems to help too, and scooting up or down a little.
netting over the footbox wouldn't help much with ventilation, and it and the shelf are one piece of fabric so both would have to be net and i'm not thrilled about that.
there is nothing that can be done with the wall on the right side, it's part of the end gathered hammock, especially a wide one where you lay diagonal.
new zip pulls are on the way, ykk actually told me they didn't have any of the ones i wanted here in the us, so they're coming from japan by boat, should be here in several more weeks, will be a longer shiny colored pull.
shock cord is white so you won't trip on it, i always tripped on black shockcord, not too many other color options.
i am getting some black 1.1, so "black"birds may be possible again eventually.
i did make a change to the pad pocket seam. i opened it some in the left shoulder area so you have access to the corner of the pad for easier pad adjustment or to reach an air valve. this can easily be done with a seam ripper and a couple backtacks at the start/stop points.
coldspring. if you're not used to sleeping on your right side and you slept on it all night then i could see that making your right shoulder sore. sounds like that's not the way you normally sleep, but resorted to it due to the uq slideing out from under you. like i said before, if you tighten it up more (so the loop of sc is a couple inches smaller than the perimeter of the uq) it will be more stable. you can also unzip enough to get your hand out there to grab it for adjustments. last resort might be attaching a small piece of string to the edge and then tying it off to the pulltab so it can't slide so far over.
if you've only used it 4 times, you can still return it if you want. maybe the travel net would be a better option for you if your other hammock is comfy enough.
i do appreciate people's ideas, i'm not going to be able to make every improvement i get of course, but i have made a few and the ones i don't, it's not because i don't think it's a good idea, but making signifigant changes to the design is pretty time consumeing for me and i really have to pick and choose what i can do. my designs are always evolveing and new ideas are always being thought up. i've actually got a couple more things in the works that have been mentioned by folks here.
I'm not giving up on it yet. I'm going to set it up in the yard, today, and tinker.
I was thinking of doing something to hold the UQ in place the previous time I slept in it, I just never got around to it. I'm thinking some kind of loops with adjustment buckles would hold UQs in place...should be an option. I've always thought having a hammock body perimeter strip with tool/accessory loops at various points would be really handy for lots of things.
The zippers tabs aren't a big deal, but I wish you could find some that were longer with a rubberized coating or something. I'm glad I read this forum, because I never would have thought of using grosgrain, makes sense, and will be better than the strings I have in there now.
On the footbox netting and adding netting above the zipper, I think it would help some people as a tropical option. There are parts of the country that have high humidity and it is just miserable.
I don't know if I'll ever like the amsteel blue line, but it is lightweight.
Hey Brandon....My question ... could there be a square panel of mesh bugnet in that top panel on the footbox? Or would that disintegrate the structural integrity of the design?Quote:
netting over the footbox wouldn't help much with ventilation, and it and the shelf are one piece of fabric so both would have to be net and i'm not thrilled about that.
i think theoretically you could do that (cut in a window), but i think being enclosed in ripstop and netting will still be hot in the summer. netting still stops alot of small breezes. a small window there might catch a little breeze if it hits it right, but it's a pretty major mod and i'm not sure it would make that much difference although i could be wrong.
Do you think you could figure out a way to create a UL beer tap for the BB? Close to the shelf would be fine, thanks!;):D