Hello everyone

[lori]

What specificaly make the Blackbird more comfortable than a compareable model from Clark, HH, Claytor (thanks for the suggestion smithobr) etc.

Is it the way you sleep in it?

Yes and no.

I can't predict what you will like or dislike about any hammock. I can tell you that I picked up a HH and was comfortable - relative to the tent I used to have, I was in paradise. Then I picked up the Blackbird and sold the HH. I'm claustrophobic and prefer the perceived roominess of the BB. The bugnet hangs higher than the HH ULB I had. The BB has a different way of providing flatness - rather than being asymmetrical it has a footbox. I like the shelf, the full length zipper, and the tie outs. I like that I don't get my socks stuck to the velcro on the way out anymore like on the HH. I like the straps instead of tying the HH figure eight.

But those are my likes, and you may decide the Clark is better for you.

[Cannibal]

What specificaly make the Blackbird more comfortable than a compareable model from Clark, HH, Claytor (thanks for the suggestion smithobr) etc.

Is it the way you sleep in it?l

lori said it well. One can't really compare a Clark or Claytor to a Blackbird, or any Warbonnet hammock for that matter. The Clarks and Claytors are, by comparison, very narrow hammocks. As far as I can tell from my own experiments they excel most when hung tight. You can not get anywhere near as diagonal in them as you can a BB. Not to say they are less comfortable, but this is where preferences come into play. The BBs provide a more flat lay than either of those hammocks and are substantially lighter. However, the Clarks have a couple of really nice features built-in, like the weathershield (I'm a bit of a fan of that) and they come complete with a tarp too. Arguments can me made for and against their stock tarps, but I believe them to be quite adequate and in many ways very functional in all elements.

I own two Claytors, but do not really care for the lay of them. I've slept quite well in them, as well as a couple of Clarks, but the BB wins hands-down IMO on comfort. But, as always, opinions they do a vary!

[DiverDn]

hey welcome to the forums and if you have everything else I would probably get a black bird. But I personally use a modified eno and really like it but many feel differently.

Thanks for the welcome bombdiggity.

hmmm...wonder what to get. I've a long history of buying cheap, learning, and then buying right. You are budgeted for 200 bucks. Get a dang blackbird (BB to everyone else) and forget the tarp. If its raining, you already aren't having having fun on the moto, you're soaking wet and campoing out won't dry you. The BB will make you happy on a dry and warm night. Buy a cheap closed cell pad (CCP) and you're warm. You'll end up with an underquilt (UQ). Finally, buy a tarp and you can be warm and dry. Moto $12000. Hammock set up, priceless. Just buy a great hammock to start with and nature will take its course...

I agree sailor, I try to buy right the first time, that's why I take so much time researching. I'm just worried I won't like sleeping in a hammock or won't use it much. I wish I had $12000 for a moto, I would have a BMW if I did. I just have a cheap ole Suzuki.

Yes and no.

I can't predict what you will like or dislike about any hammock. I can tell you that I picked up a HH and was comfortable - relative to the tent I used to have, I was in paradise. Then I picked up the Blackbird and sold the HH. I'm claustrophobic and prefer the perceived roominess of the BB. The bugnet hangs higher than the HH ULB I had. The BB has a different way of providing flatness - rather than being asymmetrical it has a footbox. I like the shelf, the full length zipper, and the tie outs. I like that I don't get my socks stuck to the velcro on the way out anymore like on the HH. I like the straps instead of tying the HH figure eight.

But those are my likes, and you may decide the Clark is better for you.

Thanks for the hints, I doubt I can convince myself to spend the money for a Clark when other hammocks get good reviews for half the price. Don't get me wrong I'm sure they are well built, but that's a lot for me right now.

lori said it well. One can't really compare a Clark or Claytor to a Blackbird, or any Warbonnet hammock for that matter. The Clarks and Claytors are, by comparison, very narrow hammocks. As far as I can tell from my own experiments they excel most when hung tight. You can not get anywhere near as diagonal in them as you can a BB. Not to say they are less comfortable, but this is where preferences come into play. The BBs provide a more flat lay than either of those hammocks and are substantially lighter. However, the Clarks have a couple of really nice features built-in, like the weathershield (I'm a bit of a fan of that) and they come complete with a tarp too. Arguments can me made for and against their stock tarps, but I believe them to be quite adequate and in many ways very functional in all elements.

I own two Claytors, but do not really care for the lay of them. I've slept quite well in them, as well as a couple of Clarks, but the BB wins hands-down IMO on comfort. But, as always, opinions they do a vary!

Thanks again cannibal!

[Perkolady]

Hi and welcome to the forum, John!

If I were starting over, and knew what I know now, I would shoot for the Blackbird. You can always go with an inexpensive tarp for now, and replace that later on. (Once the addiction really kicks in)

[kayaknut01]

and the the best part if for any reason your not happy with your hammock , chances are yyou could sell it here in under 4 hrs and walk away not losing a penny, and if its a blackbird your selling give it seconds and its sold

[Knotty]

I use a Hennessy and am very happy with it. It's probably the most commonly purchased camping hammock.

Were I to start over from scratch I'd go with the Blackbird. Simply because so many on the forum who've used other hammocks choose the BB.

[DiverDn]

Hi and welcome to the forum, John!

If I were starting over, and knew what I know now, I would shoot for the Blackbird. You can always go with an inexpensive tarp for now, and replace that later on. (Once the addiction really kicks in)

Perkolady - thanks for the welcome

and the the best part if for any reason your not happy with your hammock , chances are yyou could sell it here in under 4 hrs and walk away not losing a penny, and if its a blackbird your selling give it seconds and its sold

kayaknut01 - that thought has crossed my mind. I have been watching the for sale area and good hammocks don't last long.

I use a Hennessy and am very happy with it. It's probably the most commonly purchased camping hammock.

Were I to start over from scratch I'd go with the Blackbird. Simply because so many on the forum who've used other hammocks choose the BB.

Knotty - there does seem to be a lot of satisfied customers with the Blackbird. That says a lot for Warbonnet.

[DiverDn]

Welcome to the forum John!!!!

Sarahgirl - I was looking at the section of the forum that talks about different gatherings and noticed you were part of the Wis gathering.

I also noticed that you are practically my neighbor. I live in Waukee and my Dad and I come to Van Meter for tenderloins all the time.

It's a small world.

John