I'm glad you find it helpful. That's the intent of my videos!

Go to a hang and/or ask people who live near you! ;)

Kinda pointless too invest a bunch in a hammock just my opinion

I think you've made a great decision!

And did you buy a Dream Hammock? If yes: which ordere number?

Spencer_Lives Thanks for your input! There are a lot of people out there who love their Blackbirds.

Thanks! I haven't been back out in the XLC in a while, but haven't fully given up on it just yet.

They started selling the gear sling which many have pointed out to me this morning. I think I'm going to have them add the gear loft/shelf, and a gear sling, then I'll do a video showing them both!

Yes, the head space is for sure noticable. As you lay in them you also notice the difference in internal space. Thanks!

I like the gear sling, I got to see them and how versatile they are at Hangcon. I think I might be grabbing one of those at the same time I have them add the peak loft! Thanks!

Also didn't mention the footbox for diagonal lay in the war bonnet. Did they even use it, it's a pretty big feature?

Thanks! It's always tough to pick which you like best. It's very subjective which is why I used various points of view!

Thanks!

Right on! Glad you're enjoying it!

Thanks! I appreciate it.

Mike Kovitch I was never able to really get comfortable in the Warbird XLC. The Chameleon and Sparrow are so close. The cut is different, as is the sag (ridgeline length). The Sparrow has a much deeper sag, which gives you a very nice sweet spot! Hope this helps!

@@SpiguyverBackpacking1 Thks for the input Mark. Very interesting. I just ordered a Hammockgear journey tarp during a sale they had a few days ago and am considering their Sparrow hammock, as well, based on your videos and commentary of same. Also, just ordered some more Dutchware hookworms to rig out the Journey when I receive it, also based on my usage of same on another tarp after watching your Dutchware gear video a yr or so ago. Liked your recommended Dutchware and shock cord tarp set up so much that I now want to do the same on my Journey. Man, your videos are a cut above with real world practical use covering whatever subject matter you are presenting at the time. Love the way you think your skill set through before your presentation, then proceed to show us how it's done, like the simple but effective way you show how to secure the doors on a tarp, tied back on the underside of the tarp so they are accessible for closing in the event of inclement weather. I employed that technique on my last camping trip during a downpour. Man, was I ever glad I had watched your video on this technique. Saved my butt, which stayed dry I might add. LOL!

The Sparrow is by Dream Hammock, not Hammock Gear. Just want to make sure you're getting the right thing, the real deal! Glad the videos I make have been helpful! I'm very happy to hear that! Thanks!

@@SpiguyverBackpacking1 Thks and you are right. Sometimes, as we get older, CRS sets in.

I appreciate that and thank you!

I spend the money so you don't have to!

Glad you are enjoying your Chameleon. I don't mind the 1.0 fabric, but I have found that I do prefer the lay in the 1.6 weight a little better. Thanks!

Yeah I wanted to go with the lightest setup possible. I'm being a graham weenie. I also have a very inexpensive Explore Outfitters Camouflage double 12'. The suspension that came with it weighs a ton though. Its mostly for lounging around the campsite when we take the camper. But I'll tall ya it is awesome and super comfortable. I've taken it on a few hikes, just with different suspension. If anyone ever asks you what's a budget hammock you'd recommend they should check it out, I don't think there's better. Just as long as its the 12' double. I've seen some that are 9' and I cannot speak for those.

i have the Chameleon in 1.0 and love it too.

Sweet!

If you have any specific questions, don't hesitate to ask! Thanks!

Thank you! Good luck with your own comparisons!

Goat! good to see you on here! Good call on the adjustments to the ridgeline, you'd be surprised how big a difference that can make in many different hammocks! Thanks! I have my 3rd DH just about finished up from Randy and Deanna, should be shipping today or tomorrow, worth the wait!

Can’t wait to see it Mark. I was just browsing their website as we speak. I need more gear like a whole in my head but you know how that goes. Keep up the good info. Take care buddy.

Should be to me tomorrow!

DragonsTrails Thanks for your input. I haven’t given up hope for the XLC!

Good luck with it worse case you have other great hammock options available to you.

Thanks! I'm going to keep playing with the hang in my XLC and see if I can find that perfect sleep!

Probably 15 feet or so.

I used their videos to guide me as I was getting it set up for the first couple times. I know people love them, I just never got all that comfortable in mine. Thanks!

@@SpiguyverBackpacking1 Mark - I agree with you 100%! I really want to love it and since Brandon posted additional setup instructions (foot end higher, etc.) the XLC IS more comfortable but I can't quite get it dialed in. I have a WB Ridgerunner and it is AWESOME - very flat and comfortable lay but a bit heavy to take backpacking. I might try and lighten that up a bit. I've also ordered a new Amok Draumr XL to take boat, car, kayak, canoe camping - tried out a friends 3.0 and IT IS like a bed. For serious multi-day backpacking though I'm going to have to try out a Chameleon or Sparrow I guess. Wonder if the Wooki UQ from WB would fit either of those??

I believe so, let me check with some people. Thanks!

Yes, it will work with other hammocks, just did a quick look on Hammock Forums.

Thanks! Ah, someone finally noticed the shirt! There will be a sale on them coming soon, check for a video with the details soon!

I don't know. I would love to try it. But for me the difficulty finding the right lay happened even without the UQ. I have used this hammock with the Sheltowee UQ, which is more similar to the Wookie than the ones we were using and it was still not the most comfortable lay I've had. I am going to keep playing with it and see if I can get it dialed.

Depends on the trip! Depends on the time of year. Winter or a more leisurely enjoyable trip, the Chameleon likely, for a quicker, higher mileage trip, the Darien. But either would work in the place of the other at any point!

Spiguyver Backpacking That’s kind of what I thought, but it helps to get confirmation. At this point I think I’ll get the chameleon body then add once I figure

Stuff out I’ll add to it. Again, thanks for the help.

It was very subjective, which is why I wanted to have 3 of us doing it and not just me giving my opinion. I can't point out exactly what it is about the XLC that doesn't feel quite right to me, I just have a hard time finding the sweet spot and being comfortable.

I can say for me, it was just that I had to work to get a good lay in it. Every time I moved in the night it woke me up and I had to actively try to find the sweet spot again. That was not the case with the chameleon and the sparrow. I could get comfortable in it, but it did require effort. Also, I do like the outer d rings on the other 2 hammocks for clipping my underquilt to, the war bonnet did not have those.

They are a little pricey... now I remember why I started making my own! Great vid though!

J Perry Yeah man, go with what works for you! There are still a lot of Hennessy Hammocks out there.

Great rule! Thanks!

@@SpiguyverBackpacking1 Ha, I don't have that kind of money to be buying three hammocks. I have to rely on reviews. I have the WBBB and sleep like a baby.

@@Macdivers1 Haha! As long as you love it, that's what counts! Everyone has different likes and dislikes, I just tell what I feel! Thanks!

I am going to talk with Dutch and see if he might revise it, or offer two different version. One for us guys with shorter arms!

There are more expensive hammocks than the BB XLC. Some Clarks and Dream Hammocks. At Dream Hammock they have the most choices and some choices cost extra money. I love my 3793-Sparrow ;)

@@SpiguyverBackpacking1 I have the WBBB. The deph of the sidecar needs to be much more shallow.

@@Macdivers1 Yeah, I agree, which is why they came out with the side sling (I believe that's what it's called), it's longer and more shallow. Works much better. Thanks!

I believe that Kris did have that problem. Thanks!

I did have problems with keeping my Uq where I wanted it throughout the night

Thanks. My wife remedied the problem by sowing some loops onto the hammock and using some Dutch clips. Now all is good, in the woods.

I do know! I have several of their options on my other hammocks. Thanks!

taedawood Honestly, I have tried the wide Chameleon, and I have other wider hammocks, and I’ve found for me the optimal width is about 60-62 inches. More than that and it’s just excess loose fabric. But it varies for everyone.

They do all come fixed, and what I found afterwards was that the ridge lines are actually both about the same length, the difference is how they are connected which effectively makes the Sparrow an inch or so shorter than the Chameleon. Hope that helps.

Of these three, the Sparrow then Chameleon. There are some other ones out there, but these are still some of the best!

@@SpiguyverBackpacking1 I have just ordered a 12ft Sparrow an hour ago. Thank you for this video ir really helped me out!

Okay, so all of these hammocks are 11 ft hammocks. The ridgeline on both the Chameleon and Sparrow are actually the same length, however because of how the two are attached differently, it results in the Chameleon having effectively a 1.5-2 inch longer ridgeline. There are some videos on KZfaq that I was pointed to by another viewer that shows the difference. Thanks!

How tall are the three of you?

Hi @@BMad-we6qf , that is a great question, because the length and width of the hammock has to match the body length. I made a list of Information Sources: bit.ly/2QOT5wM

Hi@@SpiguyverBackpacking1 , please share the url's of those videos! ;)

Just do it! You won't regret it, but I think I did just see a sale coming for Black Friday!

Spiguyver Backpacking I’m probably going to get a Freebird , because I want a free floating bug net.

@@Hotled1944 Not a bad way to go about it. This does give you a little more freedom of movement inside too.

Spiguyver Backpacking ya it’s my first hammock. I’m disabled and a veteran and I want to watch my pennies lol.

@@Hotled1944 Thank you for your service! I don't think you'll be disappointed at all.

Thanks! glad you enjoyed it!

I do like both of them. The Darien is in the 1.2 Robic XL and the Sparrow is in the 1.6 Hyper D. I really prefer the 1.6 Hyper D feel and support. The Darien has grown on me quite a bit, but I think of the two I prefer the Sparrow. But I will continue to use the Darien for the UL Backpacking trips, it's quite a bit lighter. Thanks!

Very helpful. Thanks. I think I would be willing to sacrifice some versatility for less weight.

I don't recommend Sierra Madre.

Not only did I not really enjoy it, I let 3 other friends use it and they didn't really enjoy it. I have since traded it with someone for some other gear. I know there are a lot of people who love it, I just wasn't one of them. Thanks!

Thanks! The comparison here was with like weight fabrics so that the fabric didn't play a huge role in the comfort level. We ranged from 5'7 - 6'1 and 175 - 210 lbs.

I am most comfortable in my Dream Hammock Sparrow.

Ron, thanks for the comment! I have a video on a prototype Ninox, but have not seen a production model in person yet. I will tell you many have mentioned how comfortable they are, however, that comes with a pretty big tradeoff. The new Ninox is heavy, and very large. The fabric stretches and so it has to be hung much higher in the trees to avoid being on the ground. A lot who got the new Ninox have not been happy and have returned it or sold it. I can't say one way or another on it, since I haven't had the chance to try it, but it hasn't had a dazzling debut like the Chameleon did.

@@SpiguyverBackpacking1 Thanks for the quick reply Mark. One more question on the left or right lay direction. Does this only affect the bug net/cover venting or does it actual change how the bottom/sides of the hammock are designed.

Ron Brill All of the major manufacturers create the asym using the top cover or bugnet shape. Both the Chameleon and Sparrow can be made with top covers that are asym or sym, using the same hammock body. Now I’m not saying there aren’t any out there that the cut of the body is asym, but not from any of the big players!

Thank you!

I believe the Chameleon is 58 and I go the Sparrow in the 62. My Darien is a little wider at 64-65, and I don't think the extra width adds anything. For me the length is so much more important than the width.

Spiguyver Backpacking excellent. Thank you. I’ll probably go with the normal width then. Save a little money and weight too.

Anytime!

Chameleon is the standard, which is 58 inches, and the Sparrow is 60 or 62 inches, I can't recall. Thanks!

Michael Foster-Brown The HyperD is one of my favorite fabrics available. Such a silky smooth feel. The Hexon and nylon used by Warbonnet are both great as well. No issues with the fabric or the feel in my opinion.

Hangtime hook!

Eno hammocks are not in the same league as any of these. They are mass produced, don't have a Ridgeline, are of inferior fabrics, and are of dimensions not really suited for sleeping. They are great for lounging though! Thanks!

@@SpiguyverBackpacking1 Thanks for reply. But i think you miss something. Look at ENO JungleNest Hammock with ridgeline, nylon 40D, Integrated bug net, 10 ft. hammock body length. 570 g weight. It seems that it can be a full access to the league of the tracking hammocks.

Kirill T Looks like you’re right. I had not seen the new version of the Junglenest, only the older version where the net attached to an outside line run above the hammock. I’ll admit this looks like a decent entry into a camping hammock, but still slightly shorter than the standard. However just 5-6 years ago 10’ was the standard and many still enjoy that length. Thanks for keeping me honest!

I don't recall, probably 58-60 inches.

haha!Thanks!

Exactly!

And did you buy one? which number?

True, that's why I tell you my thoughts and get input from others as well!

I do about 1/3 of the time. I think it depends on how tired I am, after a really tough day of hiking I end up sleeping on my back, but some nights I find myself on my side. Thanks!

There are some great budget ones out there. Take a look at Cedar Ridge Outdoors, they have some good ones. If you need a bugnet, look at something like the Halfwit or the Half Zip from Dutchware Gear.

They are both 11' hammocks, the Sparrow was custom made for me in 62" width and the Chameleon is standard at 58", I believe, you can check their websites for more specifics. Thanks!

If you know which way you lay, and that's the only way you lay, go asymmetrical, if you don't know, you flip flop, or you think you may let others try it or borrow it, go with symmetrical.

The Sparrow was done in a 62" width. All three hammocks were 11ft long. Thanks!

@@SpiguyverBackpacking1 Thanks, ln and width was what I needed to know. I can understand why there is a problem with the vent. We can thank our lucky stars that hammock manufacturers are not involved in the manuf. of straws.

And it rocks!

The Elusive Woodland Hobo That was the trail name I was given about 12 years ago. It is a combination of Spider and McGuyver.

cool...thanks, I figured it was a trail name or you tinkered on stuff with both arms hands and feet lol ....thanks for the great vids and god bless

Anytime! Have a great one!