Tell me about the Blackbird

**Lamboy** · 12-19-2013, 13:46

I am looking to upgrade my hammock from my little surplus gathered end camo hammock to something more substantial. I am still trying to wrap my head around all the cool stuff there is available for hammocks now, but I digress. I am considering purchasing a black bird 1.1 double layer. I am about 6 ft tall and 150-160 lbs.

My question is how compatible is the blackbird with various underquilts and other insulation?

I see all the pros for the blackbird, but are there things I should consider as possible cons with the blackbird?

I might add that the idea of camping in colder weather never seemed possible before since I am from Florida so this is all new to me.

**sullythehiker** · 12-19-2013, 14:02

Well when I was researching quilts for my BB XLC I found that a majority of people on this forum with a BB either used hammock gear quilts or underground quilts. I myself went with the later and it works great. One thing to consider is the regular BB versus the XLC version. I am only 5'7" so I would have been fine with the standard one but I opted for the XLC because I see it as the next generation BB. In the end either model will be great for you.

**Law Dawg (ret)** · 12-19-2013, 14:43

I have used the Arrowhead Equipment (AHE) New River on my Birds (regular and XLC) and it worked like a charm. Now it is the Hammock Gear (HG) 20 degree Incubator and I am plotting on a 0 degree version. Like the Incubator for a smaller compressed size and the luxury of down but both fit the Birds well.

I'm with Sully BTW go for an 11' hammock. As far as I know any UQ will work, depending on hammock width.

**Nodust** · 12-19-2013, 15:00

I've used a HG Phoenix and a JrB greylock3 on mine. Both work fine. I've even used them with a pad with great comfort and warmth.

**ChacMool** · 12-19-2013, 15:30

I'm guessing you don't sleep on your stomach or side because you don't mention the RidgeRunner, which I believe is better for those sleeping positions.

**Lamboy** · 12-19-2013, 15:52

Well I move around in a normal bed and side sleep there some. However I did not notice myself being uncomfortable when I used my hammock. I can only imagine the blackbird being even better?

**dammfast** · 12-19-2013, 16:00

On my wbbb 1.7dl I use a PLUQ, a Jarbidge, and a homemade 7/8th down quilt. They all work well after you get them adjusted.

**Shug** · 12-19-2013, 16:01

Here is my 4¢ worth…..
Shug

All with BlackBird

BlackBird at 4:35

**Lamboy** · 12-19-2013, 19:22

Leave it to Shug the enabler to make an appearance. I have literally been hooked on your videos since Thanksgiving. I watched the first video before and honestly should have remembered it.

I guess now the question is should I buy it new or wait until a possible sale/ someone on the forums selling?

Am I going to really save that much since I will be looking to buy the superfly also?

Also I looked at the sizes again and the xlc makes more sense since I am right at that 6 ft mark.

**dchrismer** · 12-19-2013, 20:13

Originally Posted by Lamboy

Also I looked at the sizes again and the xlc makes more sense since I am right at that 6 ft mark.

I'm 6 ft and I have to admit, it's a tweener size and I find that I'm usually much better off going for something longer. Being at the edge of the recommended height just doesn't seem to work for me (most of the time).