11' Thunderbird Pics?

**BabbyDaddy** · 12-20-2013, 22:28

I thought you couldn't get extra zipper pulls on the thunderbird.

**jlink79** · 12-20-2013, 22:35

I might be wrong but I don't see how is would be different than a double zipper on one end and a single on the other so the single would me the inner of the double upon closing. The DD uses basically a reverse double zipper. I'll have to double check when I get mine. I remember now that he said something about using 2 types of zippers though.

**PapaSmurf** · 12-20-2013, 22:58

Originally Posted by BabbyDaddy

I thought you couldn't get extra zipper pulls on the thunderbird.

This is correct. Extra sliders are available on the ThunderBird's separating zippers.
Full details on the other zippers is located here. http://www.dream-hammock.com/ZipperOptions.html

**Gadgets** · 12-20-2013, 23:06

I had thought about getting extra sliders on mine. There really isn't any reason. Unless you are really short, reaching the zippers at the top is not awkward or hard. I'm also only 5' 10".

**BabbyDaddy** · 12-20-2013, 23:30

Originally Posted by PapaSmurf

This is correct. Extra sliders are available on the ThunderBird's separating zippers.
Full details on the other zippers is located here. http://www.dream-hammock.com/ZipperOptions.html

Sorry, I'm a little confused. Are zipper pulls and sliders two different things? Is it possible to have two zippers meet in the middle for a Thunderbird hammock?

Would having two sliders help make it easier to get in your hammock while preventing bugs from getting in?

**HangFan** · 12-21-2013, 01:26

Originally Posted by jlink79

I've usually have had more issues not finding trees close enough here in Ohio. Having laid in all of Paul's hammocks at the Michigan hang and a couple of them "other" birds I have am saving up for a Thunder Bird. I found that the shelf is not my thing and is a little claustrophobic and the pullouts in the way being part of the cover. I'm a lean 5'6" and was able to reach up for the zippers but would recommend the extra zipper pulls if you like a mid zip option. I did almost drift off testing out that 11' TB but was never comfortable in the xlc bb I tried.

My issue exactly. I am not fond of the "shelf" or the pull outs. It looks cumbersome and I am pretty sure I would never use the shelf. Ridgeline organizer has always been enough for me. I am NOT lean or 5'6" so a DL will be be a must have. Thanks for the advice!

**PapaSmurf** · 12-21-2013, 12:08

Originally Posted by BabbyDaddy

Sorry, I'm a little confused. Are zipper pulls and sliders two different things? Is it possible to have two zippers meet in the middle for a Thunderbird hammock?

Would having two sliders help make it easier to get in your hammock while preventing bugs from getting in?

Zipper Sliders are the little metal pieces that are installed on the zipper tape and actually mesh the zipper teeth together.
http://diygearsupply.com/product/ykk-zipper-sliders/

Zipper pulls are installed on the sliders to make it more convienient to operate the zipper.
http://diygearsupply.com/product/zipper-pull-cord-end/

See this page for different zipper configurations available in the DangerBird & RoamingGnome hammocks, which use a non-separating zipper.

The ThunderBird hammock uses a separating zipper and extra zipper sliders that meet in the center isn't an available option.

In the photo below, the ThunderBird zipper would be like the second one that's labeled "Open-end [Seperator] (O)"

**PapaSmurf** · 12-21-2013, 12:18

Originally Posted by Gadgets

I had thought about getting extra sliders on mine. There really isn't any reason. Unless you are really short, reaching the zippers at the top is not awkward or hard. I'm also only 5' 10".

I'm a towering 5'7" and 265lbs with short, stubby arms and legs. I don't care for the 11ft length on my personal hammocks partly because the zippers and ridgeline organizer are harder to reach. I can reach the zippers on a 10 footer just fine, but I gotta scootch up a ways to reach in an 11 footer. Even in my netless indoor sleepers, I'm perfectly comfortable in the 10ft length and don't feel a longer hammock provides any benefit to me.

Also, I never install extra sliders on my own hammocks. Just more things for me to fuss with. I'm perfectly happy to add them for others who wish to have the ability to open the hammock from the center.