Video: REI Hammock v. Ridgerunner

[BeechGirl]

Good review, I would like to point out a couple things...

1. For a long time we have been adding rings to the underside of the RR netting at the customers request, if anybody wants this feature it can easily be added.

2. The weight comparison is comparing apples to oranges, the cloudburst tarp from the comparison is twice the size of the stock REI fly. Our Edge model would be a close comparison in size however, it is nearly half a pound lighter than the Cloudburst for reference.

3. The height of the side-wall on the REI vs RR...I do not see how a layer of lightweight fabric provides any warmth to your knees whatsoever. If anything, pressing your knees against a sidewall compresses the insulation of your sleeping bag in the knee area creating a cold spot there, while having nothing in that spot in the RR would still allow the insulation to retain some loft.

4. Lead time to ship Ridgerunners has been under a week for awhile now and is advertised as such. In fact many items are currently in-stock with little to no lead time. We have run longer lead times in the past, but this does not mean we are currently, the 1-3 week lead time to ship that was mentioned in the video is inaccurate.

5. Hardware. You can buy everything you need right from our website. Being able to pick which tarp model you want and choose to buy carabiners or not because maybe you already have some, pick between a couple different suspension options, add extra hardware beyond what comes stock...these things are not necessarily a downside, in fact it gives you more options to mix, match and customize your setup for your specific needs.

6. The REI is described as having built-in spreader bars. Are you able to remove them and substitute hiking poles in their place for weight savings like you can on the Ridgerunner?
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Well said. I agree. The REI tarp is way too small, so the weight comparison is not accurate. Also, I agree on the other points. Maybe a review of the REI alone would have been better. I think your video gave me the opposite conclusion as you; I would definitely get the warbonnet RR and skip the REI. The major negatives of the REI definitely outweigh the positives (having to use a pad, small tarp). I really like REI, I have lots of gear from them and think they have great customer service; but, I do not think the REI hammock is better than a warbonnet.

[PharmGeek]

Taking a step back from my previous "firing squad" sort of post - a follow up question.

Willl this tarp, in a heavy summer pop up rain that can indeed happen often, actually keep you dry? I watched a different YT review and it looked like once you sat down in the hammock, the spreader bars nearly pop out beyond the edge of the tarp line?

I mean, is it "useless" or is it "marginal"....example...it appears the asym hennesy tarp was often cited as being "just a bit too small for my taste" but if used right would work in most rain conditions....vs "useless"?

Thanks.

[Mogollon Monster]

Taking a step back from my previous "firing squad" sort of post - a follow up question.

Willl this tarp, in a heavy summer pop up rain that can indeed happen often, actually keep you dry? I watched a different YT review and it looked like once you sat down in the hammock, the spreader bars nearly pop out beyond the edge of the tarp line?

I mean, is it "useless" or is it "marginal"....example...it appears the asym hennesy tarp was often cited as being "just a bit too small for my taste" but if used right would work in most rain conditions....vs "useless"?

Thanks.

If you pitch it low and tight it will protect you from the rain. It will not protect your underquilt from blowing sideways wind IMHO. In light rainy conditions it will do its job for sure, but I wouldn't trust it in a read downpour

[PharmGeek]

This may be a dumb question as I am still pretty new to hiking and backcountry camping....

Can one really predict "light" vs "heavy" rain?

My limited experience so far has proven some unpredictability

I guess what I am asking is that since this is a great "starter setup" are you recommending for a noob swapping out the tarp?



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[PharmGeek]

And do they sell the hammock without the tarp?


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[Mogollon Monster]

This may be a dumb question as I am still pretty new to hiking and backcountry camping....

Can one really predict "light" vs "heavy" rain?

My limited experience so far has proven some unpredictability

I guess what I am asking is that since this is a great "starter setup" are you recommending for a noob swapping out the tarp?



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I would keep it - no reason not to. But I would get a second tarp for when more weather is expected. This is not uncommon. I have a Blackbird XLC. On nice days I'll bring the Mamba Jamba tarp and I use it mostly for shade and wind protection. In the winter I carry the Superfly. So if you're buying the REI hammock or any other hammock, I don't think its unreasonable to get a second tarp to help with bad weather.

[drsolarmolar]

Really liked the video.

I agree the REI hammock is more likely a starter hammock for someone just trying hammocking out or is more of a fair-weather camper. (And a lot of people are.). Although the $200 plus price tag makes it a pricey way to try it.

[photomankc]

This may be a dumb question as I am still pretty new to hiking and backcountry camping....

Can one really predict "light" vs "heavy" rain?

My limited experience so far has proven some unpredictability

I guess what I am asking is that since this is a great "starter setup" are you recommending for a noob swapping out the tarp?

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Not entirely but you can get a good idea looking at the details of the forecast. Is it all day rain with rainfall total of 0.2" and light wind? Then you are likely talking just dreary drizzle. All day rain with totals in the inches, then you are looking at all day soaking onslaught of rain. (Did you seam-seal?). Thunderstorms.... all bets are off. Could be just moderate rain, could be wind driven heavy rain, could feel like lake Michigan is falling from the sky, or maybe just drizzle.

Usually the forecast 1 or 2 days out is decent. Not 100% for sure but more likely than not to be close to the actual weather. In that tarp, I would not go expecting any kind of likely thunderstorms, or heavy drenching rain that starts splattering up from the ground to get you from underneath.



Still I have seen several people now report that they were dry after fairly heavy rain in the standard REI kit, but I suspect they are not noobs at tarp pitching. I am fanatical about having as much coverage as I can. Being cold sucks, being cold and wet is complete misery. I like to hedge my bets and just stick to a large tarp. If I carry a few extra ounces and the weather ends up being calm, well so what, I get that much more shade. But if I try to skimp and the weather turns to crap then I'll be kicking myself for not having brought something bigger. I like having more defense from the wind and rain coming at me from the sides too. But that's me.

[Rouskof]

[QUOTE=Just Bill;1769807]

How about your attractive co-host?

I love her !

[Obiecamper]

Rookie gear that's what I was looking for anyway.

Weather needs to turn so you guys have less keyboard time.

Thinking I was having some buyers remorse, I went back into the competitors site and dropped the bridge hammock and a tarp in the cart.

I got the old model with 25 dollars off...135 vs. 455.
On a teachers salary.