Blackbird Fabrics - so many choices

[Rabid Deer]

I'm planning on getting a WBBB soon. I bought an ENO Singlenest at REI but I'm going to return it in favor of the BB. I'm on a budget so I can only buy one hammock and one tarp right now. I'm 5'6" 150 pounds and I will be winter camping and also hanging in the muggy, mosquito infested Minnesota woods.

For my weight and application, what is the best fabric choice? I'm not a gram counter but I don't want to carry more than I need. In a double layer BB, can you put a pad between the layers? Shug seems to like his Gossamer Gear 1/4" Thinlight, but I don't know which hammocks he uses that in. I've heard about mosquitoes biting through fabric and I don't want that.

So, any advice? Which BB do you have?

[Bat]

Pad fits between the layer and STAYS PUT! double layer is mosquito proof.

[Bat]

I have a 1.0 dbl and used to have a 1.1 dbl. Don't think he is making the 1.0 any longer.

[mugs]

Welcome to the forum.

I would go get the WBBB1.1 DL...it will fit you just fine. And if you swap out the suspension for 6ft whoopies and cut Brandon's tree strap down to 6ft, and use Dutch buckles, you can drop about 6ounces...but for now just use the stock suspension and get used to everything and hammocking.

You can get away with a pad for while, till you start learning things, but eventually you will more then likely go with a UQ...once you discover the lofty goodness of down on top and on bottom, it is hard to go back to a pad...you will only use one to amp the super cold winter temps up in you hammock in case it gets colder then expected.

You can't get a better hammock for your money.

[mugs]

I have a 1.0 dbl and used to have a 1.1 dbl. Don't think he is making the 1.0 any longer.

Nope he doesn't make them any more...I got one of the last original ones

[Rabid Deer]

Thanks for the replies, everyone. I will go with a 1.1 double per your advice.

mugs: I want a complete quilt setup eventually, but I can't afford it right now. I'm getting what I need in order of importance. I am also going to get Whoopie Slings and Dutch Clips eventually, as money warrants.

I decided to go with a WBBB because after I figured out how much my ENO, suspension, and bug net would cost and weigh, it just wasn't worth it for me.

Soon I'll be hangin' and happy!

[mugs]

mugs: I want a complete quilt setup eventually, but I can't afford it right now. I'm getting what I need in order of importance. I am also going to get Whoopie Slings and Dutch Clips eventually, as money warrants.

I decided to go with a WBBB because after I figured out how much my ENO, suspension, and bug net would cost and weigh, it just wasn't worth it for me.

Soon I'll be hangin' and happy!

We all started out small...heck I am just now cutting my teeth with the whole TQ/UQ thing....just get out there and hang...the rest will follow.

[MrClean417]

You can get by with a pad and people did for years. If you need to make yourself an SPE Speer Pad Extender, SHUG shows one in his primer. The 1.1 Dbl will be skeeterproof during the times you don't need the extra insulation. Next winter is quite a long time away if you don't get out much this year. You can start sending a little money at a time to Paypal and before you know it, you'll have enough money to buy an Underquilt. A Tarp, UQ, Hammock and a sleeping bag will probably be enough to get you by till the really cold temperatures. Then you'll want to add more BUT the guys that go out in the lows to negatives (like Shug) are hardcore, and well layered.

Welcome to the forum.

[gunner76]

Welcome to the BB clan

Most of us can not afford to buy everything at once either. Take your time and do your research and then buy.

After the hammock, get a good tarp
Use a wallyworld blue ccf pad for bottom insulation untill you can save up for a UQ
Use your sleeping bag as a TQ untill you can save up for a TQ

Most important...have fun

[kobold]

i am 198lbs / 6'1" and picked the 1.1dbl. spent many enjoyable nights in it!