Opinion, wait for WBBB or go with HH Deep Jungle

[Stewart329]

My son and I are going to start section hiking Vermont's Long Trail in June. We've decided we'd like to use hammocks along the way. Having researching hammocks, scouring this forum, youtube and too many web sites to mention I attempted to order a couple Warbonnet Black Birds. The site says they are overwhelmed with orders and have stopped accepting orders until caught up and said possibly mid may.

We're headed out for a few days starting June 18th and I hate to be caught without hammocks so I'm considering ordering HH Deep Jungle's as I really like the idea of the double bottom hammock for bug control and warmth as we'll be using sleeping pads. It can still get down in the 40's here in the evening.

I'm wondering if I should just wait until Warbonnet catches up and risk not having hammocks for the first leg of the trip or bite the bullet and order the Hennessy's?

Thoughts from experienced hangers? This will be a first for us other then for recreational use of hammocks while canoe camping. It also seems like a very big investment with neither us having slept in a hammock before. FYI, I'm 51, 5'5" 200 lb, my son is 15, 5'8" 130lb. I'm open to suggestions and feed back even if its pointing me toward other products. One of the reasons I've decided to go the hammock route is that over the past few years the ground has gotten harder and harder and my hips and shoulders will throb keeping me awake at night while ground camping with a decent ground pad. Hoping a hammock will alleviate some of this.

[aka.jobbe]

Wait, wait, WAAAAAIIIIITTTT, for good sakes wait.
You won't regret it!!!!!

[gunner76]

I would wait for the BB

[goobie]

Rather than be without hammocks, if the blackbirds don't show up in time, I'd get a couple Dutch hammocks to get you two hanging. They're cheap enough to hang onto, or sell them when you get back. Pads will work just fine in single layer hammocks.

[BrianWillan]

I'd also keep an eye on the for sale forum. Warbonnet Blackbirds come up often, but they do go fast.

Cheers

Brian

[Picaro]

I have a Blackbird and a Hennessy Explorer. Personally, I find the HH more comfortable.

With a current special you can get the Supershelter for 1/2 price with either the Expedition or Explorer. Then you are fully setup down to 30 is degrees, and the biggest mozzies won't bite through a super shelter. If you go with Hennessy, don't forget to customise for the tarp upgrade to a hex. I find the Supershelter is efficient and fuss free.
But you also get a pad with the Deep Jungle if you want to go that way.

[Ridge_Dog]

Can't speak on the Hennessey but the WBBB is tops to me. You could always check out Dutch's offerings as well. He has double layer Nylon D hammocks.

http://www.dutchwaregear.com/netless-hammocks.html
I think the double layer is 58.00. Tree straps, whoopies, tarp and a bug net and you are good. Not sure about the budget on your end. Make sure to get Dutch to add continuous loops to those hammocks.

Other offerings for cheaper(cheaper then HH and WB) double layer hammocks are out there.

http://www.simplylightdesigns.com/ca...roducts_id/331

http://www.wildernesslogics.com/Night-Owl-Night-Owl.htm

http://www.dream-hammock.com/Hammocks.html

[bkrgi]

I have the HH DJ XL and Just got the WB Traveler and it is just that much better than the DJ and I would think the WB BB would be the same and worthy of the wait.
But if time is of a essence then nothing wrong with the HH DJ but for go the stock tarp and add the Hex tarp instead using the customize button.

[altruistguy]

Like many folks, I got my start in a HH and graduated to more evolved hammocks like the WBBB. If your heart is set on the BB (and it sounds like it is), then I recommend you E-Mail and/or telephone Brandon at WB and ask what your chances are of getting the BB in time. Tell him your situation. If he can commit to get it to you in time, he will tell you that and you can count on it. If he is unsure whether he can get it to you in time, he'll tell you that too -- in which case you'll buy the HH.

For what it is worth, I've got extensive experience with all of the following hammocks:

Hennessy Hammock Explorer Deluxe Asym Classic
Warbonnet Blackbird DL 1.1 w Whoopies
Warbonnet Blackbird XLC DL 1.1 w straps
Warbonnet RidgeRunner DL (one with line, one with straps)
Dream Hammock Dangerbird DL 11' x 72"
Dream Hammock Nighthawk DL 11' x 60"

I loved all of them in different ways.

At the moment, I'm most in love with the Nighthawk. Of course, your mileage may vary.

Eric

[Pie Guy]

Going out in whatever hammock you get without several outings in your backyard or near by park could be a big mistake. Hanging is different and you will have many minutes perfecting your hang angle and tarp setups. To rush is a mistake.