Different Spreader Bar Weights on RidgeRunners

**russwestwood** · 02-28-2015, 11:45

Hello everyone,

Hope you all are enjoying your hammocks in winter as much as I am!

Quick question, I was looking through the Warbonnet website and noticed that the spreader bar weight for single layer RidgeRunners are 10oz and the weights for double layers are 12oz. Can anyone shed any light on why the double layer spreader bars are heavier?

Is it because they are longer or of thicker gauge to withstand a heavier hanger?

I have a Double layer Multicam for use with pad, but can get away with a single layer as I am not that heavy, and could save a whole 8 ounces if I use a Single layer in Olive Brown.. Tempted to get another and pass the double layer to the wife as she loves it too!

Thanks..

**barchetta** · 02-28-2015, 12:05

I'd email Brandon, might just be a typo.

**russwestwood** · 02-28-2015, 12:52

Thanks barchetta, I thought about emailing Brandon but decided to check here first and see if anyone knew. I'll email him after the weekend and see what he comes back with.

In the mean time, here are some pics of a recent hang..

Happy Hanging!

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**ChacMool** · 02-28-2015, 13:23

When the Ridgerunner first came out, there were problems where some head spreader bars collapsed under heavier loads, IIRC. The bars were strengthened (thicker guage, I'd guess) for the double layer models because they're rated for heavier loads / people than single layer models. I think that's why they weigh a little more.

**barchetta** · 03-01-2015, 07:52

Originally Posted by russwestwood

Thanks barchetta, I thought about emailing Brandon but decided to check here first and see if anyone knew. I'll email him after the weekend and see what he comes back with.

In the mean time, here are some pics of a recent hang..

Happy Hanging!

IMG_2267.JPG

IMG_2250.JPG

IMG_2274.JPG

IMG_2273.JPG

IMG_2219.JPG

Great pics! I love my spindrift and hyperlite pack :-)

**TNhunter** · 03-02-2015, 20:14

I believe the difference is the head end spreader bar for the double layer is a thicker diameter than the foot end. At least that is how both of my double layer ridgerunners bars are configured.

**russwestwood** · 03-03-2015, 03:15

Thanks TNhunter.

So I emailed Brandon and he said that the single layers have a smaller diameter pole (similar to the foot ends) and the double layers have a thicker pole at the head end. I have a double layer and assumed that the single layer had the same setup.

As I weigh 170lbs, I'm within the 200lbs rating of the single layer and can get away with using the thinner diameter pole for the head end. Something worth knowing.

Obviously I have the thicker poles on the double layer, and they are only 2oz heavier according to the specs on the website, hence I would feel more comfortable using the thicker poles on short trips for better peace of mind. But on longer trips where I'd want to go as light as possible, I feel should go with the thinner poles.

I also asked and he reckons using a pad (for going to ground option) with a single layer shouldn't be much of an issue while hanging instead of an underquilt. So a single layer in all olive brown setup (including spindrift sock) instead of multicam will weigh almost a full 15oz less, approximately the weight of a lightweight cuben fiber tent and worth considering for longer trips.

**TNhunter** · 03-03-2015, 08:14

I'm looking at the carbon spreader bars as an option to save 6 oz. they were mentioned in another recent Ridgerunner thread.

**russwestwood** · 03-03-2015, 14:10

Yeah, those look pretty cool. I've sent Josh an email, waiting for a reply.

Ideally, I would like to find some lightweight poles that were strong enough for the job. I won't really need poles for tarp pull-outs or for porch mode on longer hikes when traveling light is paramount.