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  1. #1
    Member schillke's Avatar
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    VIDEO: Dutchware Chameleon VS. Warbonnet Blackbird XLC - Comparing/Contrasting

    This is not so much of a product review, rather a review of the similarities and differences between two of the more popular cottage hammocks on the market - the Dutchwaregear Chameleon, and the Warbonnet Blackbird XLC.

    We are spoiled to own both of them and have taken both on multiple backpacking trips and spent several nights in both of them. We always get asked about the comparisons between the two, so we decided to put together a video comparing/contrasting them.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0A7mqgd4WTc

    In short:

    A few similarities:
    -Both 11 ft hammocks
    -Both have convertible style bugnets
    -Both are from cottage companies, made in the USA
    -Both are similarly priced (XLC - 195, DW - 199)
    -Both Winter topcover options
    -Both have tie outs

    A few differences:
    -Design style - Shelf on WBBB (which we LOVE)
    -Ability to move tie-outs around on the DW
    -Weight - ~24oz (DW) vs 28oz (XLC)
    -Suspension options
    -Winter topcover on DW is modular, topcover for the XLC must be ordered with hammock
    -The obvious one: Ability to change lay direction on DW/move tie-outs around
    -Taking off bugnet on the XLC removes footbox, whereas it does not on the DW
    -Pack hooks on DW
    -Fabric options/colors on DW
    -XLC has a specific/catered underquilt (the wooki)

    We want to make one thing clear - we LOVE both of them, and cannot recommend one over the other. As we talk about in the video, there are definitely certain situations/preferences that would favor one over the other though.
    SBO YouTube Channel
    https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCFB5MZ1uYOsGgg7kVZazp1g

  2. #2
    Herder of Cats OutandBack's Avatar
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    Good job guys. Thanks for sharing your compare/contrast video on these two excellent hammocks.

  3. #3
    Senior Member TrailSlug's Avatar
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    Thanks for sharing your video. Good job on the pro's and con's of each hammock. They both are very nice Hammocks.

  4. #4
    Member schillke's Avatar
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    We feel so spoiled being able to use both.


    Now to get our hands on a dream hammock....
    SBO YouTube Channel
    https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCFB5MZ1uYOsGgg7kVZazp1g

  5. #5
    Senior Member TrailSlug's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by schillke View Post
    Now to get our hands on a dream hammock....
    It's only a few clicks away

  6. #6
    Member swalkerv's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by TrailSlug View Post
    It's only a few clicks away
    Do it! Muahaha


    Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

  7. #7
    Member swalkerv's Avatar
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    Nice job guys! I was going to make a similar video but you beat me to it! I have both as well and was able to bring both on a recent four night trip and split time between the two. On this past trip I preferred the warbonnet. I enjoy using both and appreciate having the ability to switch back and forth. I am curious though... why compare the weight of the 1.0 Chameleon to the 1.7 Blackbird (as opposed to the 1.6)?


    Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

  8. #8
    Member schillke's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by swalkerv View Post
    Nice job guys! I was going to make a similar video but you beat me to it! I have both as well and was able to bring both on a recent four night trip and split time between the two. On this past trip I preferred the warbonnet. I enjoy using both and appreciate having the ability to switch back and forth. I am curious though... why compare the weight of the 1.0 Chameleon to the 1.7 Blackbird (as opposed to the 1.6)?


    Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
    Purely because we both use/prefer the 1.0 Hexon chameleon (the wife uses the 1.6). The 1.6 weighs practically the same as the WBBB XLC
    SBO YouTube Channel
    https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCFB5MZ1uYOsGgg7kVZazp1g

  9. #9
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    VIDEO: Dutchware Chameleon VS. Warbonnet Blackbird XLC - Comparing/Contrasting

    If my math serves, I count 7 plusses, minus one if you equate the fabric/weight tie, 1 for the WBBB. As a consumer, that counts for a lot in a potential decision...

    The differences list really serves as a pro/con list if you ask me.

    Great comparison.

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