WBBB vs. Clark - then inner battle rages

[Passinthru]

As I am looking for my first hammock, I have had several questions answered in the 'Clark' forum. Now a few questions about the Warbonnet.

Here's what I really like about the WBBB:
1. Lighter weight - since Brandon pointed out that I only needed the 1.0 or 1.1 oz fabric.

2. The web suspension.

3. The foot box.

4. The double bottom.

5. The price.

What I wish was different:

1. Wish the netting could be completely tucked away (zipped on both sides)

2. A storm sheild would be nice ( I know - starting to lose the weight advantage)

3. Spreader poles seem like a good idea - eliminates side tieouts.

So, my questions - is it possible or practical to have a zipper mod done to the netting so it opens on both sides?
Is it practical to sew in some pole pockets so spreader bars can be used?
Is a storm sheild mod possible?

Having never been in a camping hammock maybe these changes are unrealistic or unnecessary. Don't beat me up too badly.

[Cannibal]

On the spreader bars, I don't view them as practical.

For one, they are more cumbersome stuff to shove into my pack. One of my first favorite things about hammocks was that I got to lose the tent poles. Last thing I want is to add them back into the mix. Second, I'm not sure you'd be able to get the shelf to work very well with the spreader bars. Honestly, that's about the only thing (IMO) the tie-outs are good for; supporting the shelf. More often than not, I don't use the tie-outs on the hammock. If I need/want the shelf, I just run the shelf tie-out to the stake holding the corner of my tarp; works even better on a 2-stake diamond tarp since it lines-up very well with that tie-out.

The netting doesn't bother me when it's tossed over, but I can understand your desire. I do like the weathershield on the Clarks, but in all honesty isn't used by me very much. There is an aftermarket topcover for the Blackbirds and I have one of the originals, but only on the coldest trips does it ever get used.

Most all of this is just a matter of preferences. Hard decisions to make when you haven't used a hammock yet. Best bet is to find some folks near you that will let you play with their gear a little bit. Good luck, both are excellent hammocks. They just serve different niches is all.

[angrysparrow]

- The footbox isn't an 'addition', it's just a shaped piece of fabric to accomodate the non-asym cut of the BB's net. That was a patent workaround.

- Instead of installing some sort of zip-mod, it would be cheaper to just get a Traveler (same dimensions as BB, just no net at all) for when it wasn't needed.

- Many people find that a 'storm shield' promotes condensation. A properly pitched tarp will eliminate rain or spray anyway.

- The side tie-outs don't have to be used. Some simply take that cording off anyway.

[Miguel]

- The footbox isn't an 'addition', it's just a shaped piece of fabric to accomodate the non-asym cut of the BB's net. That was a patent workaround.

- Instead of installing some sort of zip-mod, it would be cheaper to just get a Traveler (same dimensions as BB, just no net at all) for when it wasn't needed.

- Many people find that a 'storm shield' promotes condensation. A properly pitched tarp will eliminate rain or spray anyway.

- The side tie-outs don't have to be used. Some simply take that cording off anyway.

I feel like I must point out the real benefit of the weather shield is not to keep out rain or spray but to keep out wind and keep in heat. I've never had condensation issues with mine. I simply leave a small opening unzipped above my head. In fact, I've zipped it tight and still had no issues. A weather shield makes a HUGE difference when the it's cold and windy. The value of a weathershield should not be underestimated in my opinion. I'd like to see them as a removable item that could be brought when the weather warrants it.

Miguel

PS I also own a WBBB 1.0 and love it. it's my warmer weather go to hammock.

[warbonnetguy]

I haven't made a formal announcement yet, but i've added a bit of ribbon between the shelf and the footbox along the side of the hammock, this allows the netting to be pulled all the way off to the side, (giving a fully open top above you). This isn't on the imported dl1.0's because those are already made, or on the single 1.1's because there's some old inventory of those, but IS now on the double1.7, double1.1, and single 1.7.

somebody at the winter hang convinced me to do this (can't remember who, i think one of the guys from NM)

[Trevlett]

Very cool Brandon, will mine i just ordered be one of the new ones?

Cheers
Trev

[Phobos]

Very cool Brandon, will mine i just ordered be one of the new ones?

Cheers
Trev

I was wondering the same thing. Ordered mine Feb 24.

[Law Dawg (ret)]

I haven't made a formal announcement yet, but i've added a bit of ribbon between the shelf and the footbox along the side of the hammock, this allows the netting to be pulled all the way off to the side, (giving a fully open top above you).

You did not! No pics...

[tritan]

what is the wait time for a 1.1 double?

[warbonnetguy]

i think if it shipped recently it will have the new mod. the last dl1.7's that didn't have it shipped a couple weeks ago. would be easy to do yourself if you or someone you know can sew.

first batch of dl1.1's (slate grey) are in production now.

sorry no pics, imagine a strip of ribbon that hangs down at the bottom of that funny shaped black patch (the patch between the footbox and the shelf) anyway, there's one on the inside of the hammock and one on the outside, you just roll the net up and tie it out of the way.