Warbonnet XLC or Wilderness Night Owl

[Billiard Pete]

I have a problem, I have the hammock bug and want to get a nicer hammock. Right now I have the ENO DN with the ENO Bug Guard bag.

The hammock though very comfy, still a little tight, and I got a calf cramp in it.

The other thing is my size, I'm a heavy weight 320 at 5'11", so I need a hammock that can handle my size.

Both of these hammocks seem to be a good fit for my size, but I don't know which to pick. Now I know it is always a very personal decision, but want some input from those who have tried one or both and what they think.

The external bug net part makes me unsure about the Night Owl. And I need bug protection in my neck of the woods.

I figure it will cost me a little more for the WBBB XLC (about $70 more), but it has the features like the shelf, foot box, ridge line, the removable bug net, and the sock cover.

So I have a lot to think about. Sadly, I can't buy both.

So what are your thoughts???

Pete

[Black Foot]

Sounds like two great choices, I'd also suggest you check out the Thunderbird from Dream Hammock

[lesspayne]

My thoughts on the XLC.
https://www.hammockforums.net/forum/...ad.php?t=75387
I am a noobie so I don't have much experience in much else. I do wish I had discovered them earlier as I have had one of the most comfortable camping trips in a long time.

[OCDave]

My entry into hammocking was also with the ENO DN and associated accessories.

I now have 2 WBBB and a WL Light Owl. I prefer the lie (flatter)of the Light Owl (same as Night Owl) to the BlackBirds. I resort to the Blackbirds only when it it buggy.

Recently added a Buginator to my collection so I may become monogomaous with respect to my choice in hammock.

Good Luck

[desmobob]

I also started with the ENO DN. I'm 6'2" and 235lbs. I recently bought a WBBB XLC dlb. 1.7 and I absolutely love it. I camp year-around, so the removable bug net and solid top cover option were appealing to me. I love all the advertised features of the XLC, but the feature it turns out I like the best is the comfort! I would recommend it.

I don't have any experience with the Night Owl. I hope you find some folks nearby who have these hammocks so that you might get to look at them and lay in them first-hand.

Take it easy,
desmobob

[Ratdog]

I started with GT double then moved to a wbbb and finally a diy tablecloth.

A wbbb xlc is in my future and a thunderbird is on the list.

I'm certain you won't be disappointed. The xlc cover is a bonus in serious cold temps.

[bear bag hanger]

ditto on looking at the Dream Hammocks (http://www.dreamhammock.com/index.html). At 320 lbs an 5' 11", you'll need two layers of fabric of at least 1.8 oz, plus I think an eleven foot model would be noticeably more comfortable. I like the Dream Hammocks because you can get in and out of them from either side, unlike the War Bonnet hammocks. I don't really like the bug net setup of the Night Owls. I've had hammocks with separate bug nets, the problem I have is every once in a blue moon, when getting in I miss the hammock and wind up in the bottom of the bug net!

Of the two choices you mention, I think the War Bonett is a better, more comfortable setup. Just be sure you get one that can handle your weight. I think a double layer, 1.7 oz fabric will work. Not sure if they have an eleven foot model or not.

[hutzelbein]

Have the Night Owl. A very comfortable hammock. I don't have the XLC. Only Blackbirds. Nice hammocks as well, but different. People seem to like the XLC, and I thought of getting one. But then decided to go with Dream Hammocks. Those are in the same price range, but you decide how long, how wide, which fabric etc.

Before you have tested both hammocks, you will never know which one is better for you. Just look at the features and pick the one you think would suit you better. Do you think you would like an integrated bug net or not? Do you think you would like the shelf or not? Is a lighter set-up more important?

If it really shouldn't work out, you should be able to sell without too much of a loss.

[Yukon]

Warbonnet! You can't go wrong with the XLC

[Billiard Pete]

Well the decision has been made. I have the Warbonnet Super Fly (this past week had it's first test with plenty of rain), I seam sealed the pull outs, but obviously not good enough as they did weep a little, so I will re-do them this week.

As for the new hammock set up, I am going with the Night Owl and the No Seeum Bug Net with Draw cord and a down pillow.

I know me, and know at some point I will get a WBBB XLC, but for now, this is the direction I am going.
Also going to order a weather shield from 2QZQ.

Pete