I exchanged my HH Expedition Zip for a WW BB XLC. Hope I made the right choice!

**mickey78** · 07-20-2016, 10:47

Hi guys.

Long story short, my girlfriend offered me this HH Expedition Zip for my birthday about a month ago. I used it for 3 nights and was not reaching the comfort level everyone was talking about when they sleep in a hammock. The sleep was not bad, but I felt a little cramped and uncomfortable, maybe due to the fact that it was the Expedition model and not something bigger. Anyways, I am from Canada and it was purchased at MEC who is somewhat similar to REI in the state. They have awesome return policy so I'm returning the Exped and I ordered a WB BB XLC. When I ordered the WB, I did go straight for the XLC for 2 reasons:

1) I wanted something a little roomier than my Expedition. I'm 5' 8" and 140lbs so I don't think I need all the space but I was able to afford it.
2) I really wanted to try the wintertop option which is only offered on this model. Here in northern Canada spring, winter and fall can get very cold and I think this will help a little.

That same day, I ordered a 20F down quilt to go with the WB. I also own a separate HH HEx tarp.

I hope I made the right choice. Importing the WB hammock cost relatively more since I am from Canada and I just hope I will not regret. The WB is on it's way so didn't try it yet.
Any input on people who did similar choices?

Thanks.

**Shug** · 07-20-2016, 11:08

It is subjective. I really like my XLC especially when I need good bug protection.
Hopefully it will suit you. Get the proper hang angle of around 30% and get the foot end a wee bit higher than head. Warbonnet has videos on set-up.
Carry forth.
Shug

**mickey78** · 07-20-2016, 11:37

Originally Posted by Shug

It is subjective. I really like my XLC especially when I need good bug protection.
Hopefully it will suit you. Get the proper hang angle of around 30% and get the foot end a wee bit higher than head. Warbonnet has videos on set-up.
Carry forth.
Shug

Being answered by you is like getting the call from god. I watched all your videos, even the non hammock related. I live where there are TONS of bugs and thanks for the tip. I also admit that you were part of the influence going to the BB but as you said it is very subjective.

Take care

**TrailSlug** · 07-20-2016, 16:04

Congrats. If you can't get comfortable in the BB XLC then it's going to be hard to find a hammock you like

Let us know how you like it and posts some pics when you get it set up.

**mickey78** · 07-20-2016, 18:57

It's in the mail..... it's killing me.. Shipping to Canada takes some time... In the meantime, here are some pics of me and my RIP Hennessy on my last trip.

image-20160717_072435.jpg IMG_20160716_142640.jpg IMG_20160716_155232.jpg IMG_20160716_155255.jpg IMG_20160716_155320.jpg IMG_20160716_180401.jpg

**LuvmyBonnet** · 07-20-2016, 23:08

Congrats Mickey! Your going to love it. Very versatile hammock. I'm glad I got the over cover. Hint on the top cover. When it's super cold leave it unzipped a bit by your head to let condensation out. Other wise you wake up to a snow shower. I speak from experience.

**mickey78** · 07-21-2016, 06:47

Originally Posted by LuvmyBonnet

Congrats Mickey! Your going to love it. Very versatile hammock. I'm glad I got the over cover. Hint on the top cover. When it's super cold leave it unzipped a bit by your head to let condensation out. Other wise you wake up to a snow shower. I speak from experience.

Thanks buddy, good tip I have read same thing elsewhere so I will sure do this once it gets cold.

**sqidmark** · 07-21-2016, 07:38

On this outing at least, your suspension looks awfully flat. Maybe this contributed to the (dis)comfort level?

**mickey78** · 07-21-2016, 07:40

Originally Posted by sqidmark

On this outing at least, your suspension looks awfully flat. Maybe this contributed to the (dis)comfort level?

Yes in some way but I had no choice my ATV was the only other place to attach it and I was at the highest point on the rack

I have used it some other times with a 30* angle, as I said the comfort is OK but not the best for me.

**Rob3E** · 07-21-2016, 09:21

I used a Hennessy Expedition for years. I found it to be very comfortable, but one issue I had was that the stock suspension was very difficult to adjust. If it wasn't hanging quite the way I wanted, I would often just put up with it rather than redo the suspension. I changed the suspension out and was much more happy with it. But now I'm in an XLC and I believe I like that even more. I don't notice that the sleeping situation is dramatically different than the Hennessy, but there is more room. And the suspension it ships with is far easier to adjust. I also went with the XLC in part because of the top cover, but I haven't had temps were it would be useful yet, but having used the top cover add-on for the Expedition, I know it's a handy piece of equipment, and I suspect it will be even better in the Blackbird given that it zips into place, rather than just laying over top of everything.

I've slept in it less than a dozen nights so far, but it's been great and I'm very glad I got it. If you felt too cramped in the Expedition, I think this may solve your problem. Good luck.