Warbonnet Blackbird 1.1double layer Hammock (Images)

[ULWalkingPhil]

I ordered a 20F Burrow top quilt a few days ago.

Top quilt good down to -6°C? Superfly with doors = full coverage tarp? I thought the weather was better than that up in QLD.

Just curious about where your trips take you, since I've found the smaller, doorless, Edge tarp fine for here in NSW, and I'm planning on getting a 40°F Burrow. Though I'll probably need to supplement it with a S2S thermal liner in the wintertime up in the hills. +1 on the WB 3-season Yeti...

Hi, I'm currently using a old one planet -4 down bag, zipped up similar to a quilt. It's been working well, but is to heavy and bulky. If it gets to warm, I remove part of the bag of me.

I like to go camping in the ranges just west of where I live. Night time temps can get to freezing. Was planning on a off track hike this weekend at Mt Walsh near biggenden, expected minimum 0 possibly lower. But last weeks hike damaged my toe nails, having problems with shoes.
Also Camp along our coast just behind the sand dunes, with the sea breeze, night time can be cold even in summer.

Plan to start doing a bit of traveling and explore this country of ours.

[ofuros]

The figure 9's so far are working great. Makes for a very quick setup. The only thing I don't like about the figure 9's is where the line is locked in, it appears to roughing up the line a bit. I don't know the line will be like long term. Time will tell.

Speaking of line wear in general, my hammock lines seem to to copping a bit of abuse from the Rap ring set up I have in place.



Just outside casing wear at the moment, something to keep in mind if plan on going the rap ring route for your suspension.
You should be checking your gear anyway, everytime you hang.

[Marwood]

Edge tarp in wind and rain report pretty please?

So far I've used the Edge tarp in heavy rain and moderate winds, but only in reasonably sheltered locations, i.e. under trees. Though of course hanging under the only two trees in the middle of a meadow wouldn't be too sheltered. Neither the hammock nor me has got at all wet as yet, though I took care to be perpendicular to the wind, to get the tarp as low above the hammock ridgeline as I could, and guy out the sides of the tarp as low as possible. Usually I have the tarp on the hammock's zipper side propped up with one or both of my hiking poles in "porch mode", and the tarp about 30cm above the ridgeline.

I've been down below freezing with ice on the tarp in the morning. On a recent outing to Kanangra Boyd NP, it got down to 1°C overnight, but it stayed at 6°-7° under the tarp. I know people use their hammocks in reasonably severe weather, but if I'm going somewhere where that kind of weather's likely I'm going to be taking my 4-season tent rather than the hammock. Though I guess sometimes you just have to deal with the weather you get with the gear you have with you. I think the biggest problem with tarps is strong winds, and I think the Superfly would handle those better than the Edge. I saw a video on hammock forums a few months ago where a group got hit by a wild thunderstorm in the night and various people had their tarps blown away. Fortunately for them they were near their cars and were able to get to shelter.

I'm currently using a old one planet -4 down bag, zipped up similar to a quilt. It's been working well, but is to heavy and bulky.

I'm doing the same still with a 1.5kg sleeping bag so I'm also shopping for a top quilt (or at least I will be if SWMBO releases the funds). Right now I use the bag unzipped and half on, half off me because it's mostly too hot especially since I switched from pads to the UQ plus footpad. I'd like to only have one TQ for summer and winter so I figured I go lighter and supplement the TQ with the thermal liner and wearing all my clothes when I need to. The 40°F Burrow translates to being good down to 5°C, so I think that'll be good for most if not all my outings. I've got a really thin down summer bag as well but it's too cold for that bag at the moment. It weighs ~700g so it's not particularly lightweight.

[ULWalkingPhil]

With all this weight saving and reduce in bulk of late, I reckon I could fit all my gear into my Deuter 28 litre pack. I'm going to give it a try today and see if it does.

In regards to Superfly, That is one component I didn't want to compromise on. Not that I think the other tarps are no good, I wanted to make certain I have something I can rely on, that will give me some privacy when I want it and shelter from sideways driven rain.

The 20F Burrow Top Quilt, would have came in very handy this weekend.
I had planned for sometime now a hard off-track hike through un-walked section at Mount Walsh National Park, leaving tomorrow with a few other guys. Was so much looking forward to this hike for weeks, unfortunately had to be wise in my decision and cancel the trip, I think the other's are still going. My hike at the Sunshine Coast Hinterland last week, was a bit of a disaster on my feet. My feet are in bad condition. I suffered some problems with my shoes, both my toes are black and blue under the toe nails. One of the nails is coming off. It's still painful, but a lot better than a few days ago. I don't think it's wise I go climbing mountains, particularly carrying a load and boots that give me havoc. I been having major dramas with my feet of late, with blisters on the heel, and now my toes being jammed walking down hill last week. It's the first time I encountered the problem with my toe's. I did carry a spare pair of shoes with me, which caused the problems with my toes. my other shoe I had taken with me, caused some major blisters on my heel. I've spent a lot of money of late with hiking shoes, so far I can't find anything that works for me.

To tell you the truth, the hiking boots I started the walk on last week, where brand new Zamberlan boots I purchased the day before I left for the hike from Mountain Designs on the Sunshine Coast. The salesman ensured me that the boots will be fine and insisted that they are the correct size and will not cause any issues for me. Well, what a flop that turned out to be. Blisters formed on my heel within 4km into my 4 day hike. Had to take them off and wear some cheap hiking shoes I picked up at Aldi for 40.00 for the rest of the walk, they didn't cause any blisters but my toes got a big pounding walking down hill. Maybe the Zamberlan boots need some time to break in, I'm giving them a chance, got no chose really, I can't really take them back to store, as I've warn them outside the store for a few km's. I know for a fact they will not take them back. Paid 220.00 for those torture instruments.

[ULWalkingPhil]

When am I ever going to learn, to stop believing in these salesman?

I'm going to go up town for a drink and a meal, than come back home and see if I can fit all my hiking gear into my Deuter 28 litre pack. I reckon I can. Don't have the Burrow, i'm still waiting on that to be sent from the states. I know it will be worth the wait.

What is the packed size of the Burrow? particularly the 20F burrow.

[photohiker]

To tell you the truth, the hiking boots I started the walk on last week, where brand new Zamberlan boots I purchased the day before I left for the hike from Mountain Designs on the Sunshine Coast. The salesman ensured me that the boots will be fine and insisted that they are the correct size and will not cause any issues for me.

Just for future reference. Don't ever head off on a multiday hike in new boots. Even if they are the right size, you need to break them in some, and you need to make sure your feet are 'happy' in them. People have gotten away with it, but many more have suffered than rejoiced. The only time I haven't followed this rule was with a pair of light Innov8's the same style and size as a pair I had just worn through the heel on, even then I was very weary and I put 10km on them the day before I left just to make sure. Other than that, with boots, I wouldn't take them multiday without at least a month of regular walks in them.

Bottom line: YOU have to KNOW they are right before you go. The salesman won't come out and carry you back!

[ULWalkingPhil]

These are not exactly a boot. More like a mid shoe. I thought they would not have required any breaking in, obviously they do. I'm wearing them everyday this week for as long I can, which is a few hours per day, before I have to take them off, mainly because of my sore toes.

Do you think, breaking them in will help stop the blisters forming on the back of my heel? I'm a bit dubious it will make any difference. I hope i'm wrong. Otherwise, I might have to seriously look into those Innov8's. I'm going to sell my Zamberlan Baffin size 47 only worn a few times, there way to big for me. anyone here want them? make an offer, otherwise I will put them in the for sale section over the weekend.

It's pissing down rain here at the moment with squally winds. I'm glad I own a Superfly Tarp. I don't think any of the tarps without the doors would keep you dry in this storm. The rain is coming down sideways.

[Ticklebelly]

I've put my toe in the water for a Hammock. (thanks Phil, that's your fault!)

Yes, Phillip. You got me interested too, and the finance director is not happy with you. I do a little canoe trip down the Brisbane river once a year and finding a flat spot to camp overnight is always a problem. I see a hammock would make finding a camp spot much easier. Please keep the reports coming.

Ticklebelly

[photohiker]

Do you think, breaking them in will help stop the blisters forming on the back of my heel? I'm a bit dubious it will make any difference.

That's the point, isn't it? If you break them in, you find out about any problems in a controlled situation and get to solve problems using wear-in, mods and tuning, or at worst, replacement.

Blisters on the heel are usually a sign of excessive heel lift. Very common to have it on one foot and not the other. Is your heel snug in the back of the boot, and can you feel your heel lift slightly when you walk, especially uphill? There are things you can do to reduce heel lift. You got your toenail problem from your other shoes, yea? So its possible that the sizing on these is not too bad. Are there any other issues other than heel blisters?

The first thing I would do would be to contact the salesman or shop where you bought the boots and see if they can help resolve the issue, if its an outdoor store, they often have experienced people to deal with fit problems. Find out and book an appointment with them if you can.

[ULWalkingPhil]

Do you think, breaking them in will help stop the blisters forming on the back of my heel? I'm a bit dubious it will make any difference.

That's the point, isn't it? If you break them in, you find out about any problems in a controlled situation and get to solve problems using wear-in, mods and tuning, or at worst, replacement.

I was desperate, I need some shoes for the 4 day Conondale Range Great Walk. No one sells any boots like these here where I live. It was the only opportunity I had to purchase a new pair of shoes for the hike. I really wanted to do that hike. In the end it backfired big time and I'm paying for it now. Learnt a huge lesson. Will never take the risk again.

Wearing the new boots everyday and there starting to adapt to my feet. Still concerned about blisters on my heel. There not tight enough for my liking around my heels, they do appear a much better fit than my other zanberlan's. Tried wearing two pairs of socks this morning, which helped to lock the heel in place, Time will tell if this will work or not. Don't believe in all these so called blister preventative measures, tried them all, none worked on my Zamberlan Baffin's, however those boots are 3 sizes larger, the MD store at the Gold Coast told me 47's where my size and sold me the 47's The new boots are 44.

[ULWalkingPhil]

I'm beginning to think MD stores main goal is to get a sale no matter what. After shopping there every opportunity I get, this indeed appears to be there approach, get a sale, even if it's wrong. Spent a lot of money with them in the past year. They will not see a single dollar from me ever again.

There not interested in helping me. Because I worn the shoes outdoors, I can't replace them. worse come to worse and they do cause blisters, I can wear them for work. There fine on flat ground. It's walking uphill that worries me.

Planning on hiking part of the Cooloola Great Walk, as soon my new Hammockgear.com 20F Burrow top quilt arrives from the states. Just a overnight hike. I'm eager to get my hammock gear out again and now that my pack weight is a lot lighter, should make it a lot more enjoyable.

[Maelgwn]

Have you tried alternative lacings?

I use a lock lacing (like http://www.fieggen.com/shoelace/locklacing.htm) on all of my outdoor shoes to increase the grip on the heal.

If you are really struggling with fit, buying shoes that are close and then taking them to a podiatrist helps a lot for me.

Most staff at MDs in Adelaide don't know what they are talking about and have very limited real life experience. While unlikely to give you a refund, talking to the oldest member of staff (i.e. the manager) might help.

[ULWalkingPhil]

Have you tried alternative lacings?

I use a lock lacing (like http://www.fieggen.com/shoelace/locklacing.htm) on all of my outdoor shoes to increase the grip on the heal.

If you are really struggling with fit, buying shoes that are close and then taking them to a podiatrist helps a lot for me.

Most staff at MDs in Adelaide don't know what they are talking about and have very limited real life experience. While unlikely to give you a refund, talking to the oldest member of staff (i.e. the manager) might help.

I might just do that, I'll let these shoes settle in a bit more to my feet, than visit a podiatrist. while I'm at it, I should get them to file my feet down, so a regular size shoe would fit me. Was also considering visiting the local cobbler.

It will take me 3 hours to drive to the nearest MD store, than 3 hours back home. They need to hire more experienced staff or at least train the ones they do have.

[Stibb]

Might be worth trying some specialist/Orthotic insoles too. You should get help from a podiatrist. Maybe even try Athlete's Foot if you got one close by. They know what they are talking about and I found them very helpful wherever I've visited them.

[ULWalkingPhil]

I already own a pair of insoles, they cost me over 70.00.

Amazing this cold weather of late where receiving. I might have mentioned it somewhere here but Hammock gear.com had a sale of 20% savings on all stocked items a week and a half ago, a bargain I could not refuse. So I purchased a 20F 3-season Burrow Top Quilt, made with 900 quality goose down for apx $180.00 US dollars plus 35.00 for USPS express mail international. The top quilt according to there website specs is good for down to -7 degree celcius. And it only weighs 569 grams including stuff sack.

Because the items where all in stock, delivery within 2 to 3 days was advertised and express mail international mail for postage to Australia as an option. After my dramas of late with priority mail, I made a decision to never use priority mail again. So it all sounded great to me. Placed the order and paid for express mail international. Got confirmation back on order indicating USPS express mail international will be used.

These cottage industries as they call them in the states, make some top quality products that no large manufacturers can match. The quality of these products have to be seen to be believed.

A week and a half later and my order has only just been dispatched. unfortunately with priority mail chosen as the freight. Well you all know what I think off priority mail. Here we go again.

[forest]

A week and a half later and my order has only just been dispatched. unfortunately with priority mail chosen as the freight. Well you all know what I think off priority mail. Here we go again.

They should know better than that, much better.
My order they shipped priority from them ended up in Mexico and I nearly missed having my quilts for a trip last year !!

They vowed never to use priority again. I'm suprised they did that, I'd send them and email.

Great people to deal with and they got it all sorted in no time and actually sent me a whole new set of "loaner" quilts express so I wasn't without them for my trip.
Day before the trip the right set arrived that was lost..... always the way.

You will love the 3 S burrow, I've confirmed the rating of -7°C in mine and was still nice and warm at that temp (With matching 3 S 3/4 UQ, both with a little overfill though). Still comfy at much warmer temps too.
I think the warmest I've slept in mine was about 12°C at night and was very toasty indeed but not uncomfortable or hot.
If you have the snapped footbox it will easily vent anyway.

Yours should weigh close to what the site lists, mines 6" wider than standard and has 2oz overfill, tips the scales at 687g (Not in the stuff sack though which adds 18g....)

Let us know how you go !!

[photohiker]

Wearing the new boots everyday and there starting to adapt to my feet. Still concerned about blisters on my heel. There not tight enough for my liking around my heels, they do appear a much better fit than my other zanberlan's. Tried wearing two pairs of socks this morning, which helped to lock the heel in place, Time will tell if this will work or not.

Phillip, I've got a little bit of Evazote left over from my sleeping pad extender - its the same stuff as the GG Thinlite Pad 1/8" You could try it to try and fill some space under your whole foot, or just use it as a heel lift. (remove insole, place evazote, replace insole) I've used it as a heel lift pad in one of my boots where I had a bit of movement, worked well for me. This is the same stuff Podiatrists use to make custom footpads.

Anyway, if you're interested, PM.

[ULWalkingPhil]

Thanks photohiker, I've sent you a pm.

I mentioned a few days back, I was going to try to fit my gear into a Deuter 28 litre daypack. It all fit, but was a very tight fit and did not feel so comfy on my back as my Aarn Load Limo is. So I've given up the idea on using the Deuter pack for overnight trips. The Aarn pack is heavier but feels lighter if that makes sense.

Reducing weight and volume, with my hammock gear has made a huge difference to my pack weight of late, compared to what I used to carry on my hikes. I still think my pack is to heavy, need to try to get more weight out somehow. My Lifesaver Water Filter bottle is a concern at just over 900 grams in weight, but it's such a great water filter, I use it a lot on my hikes.

[ULWalkingPhil]

A week and a half later and my order has only just been dispatched. unfortunately with priority mail chosen as the freight. Well you all know what I think off priority mail. Here we go again.

They should know better than that, much better.
My order they shipped priority from them ended up in Mexico and I nearly missed having my quilts for a trip last year !!

They vowed never to use priority again. I'm suprised they did that, I'd send them and email.

Yes, particularly after I selected express mail international and paid for express mail international, it's a big disappointment. I have sent email to them, and received a apologetic response back almost immediately. Mistakes do happen, so I've decided, that's life as told by mr Hintch.

There going to take full responsibility if it don't show up. I'm sure it will.

[cams]

Reducing weight and volume, with my hammock gear has made a huge difference to my pack weight of late, compared to what I used to carry on my hikes. I still think my pack is to heavy, need to try to get more weight out somehow. My Lifesaver Water Filter bottle is a concern at just over 900 grams in weight, but it's such a great water filter, I use it a lot on my hikes.

Join Backpacking light if you haven't already. Lots of information there. Make a spreadsheet of all your gear and each bits weight. Yeah, 900 grams for a filter bottle is overkill I think. Especially in this part of the world. Last overnighter I did my pack weight was around 7.7kg including 2L of water.

The hammock is going to increase my weight slightly. But hopefully the comfort will be worth it. Apparently Warbonnet is moving shops atm. Might take a while for mine to show up.

[ULWalkingPhil]

Hi Cams.

You still waiting for your hammock. Wow, that's a long wait.

I've also heard of other orders placed at the same time as your order are also waiting for delivery, apparently Brandon ordered a new cutter machine and the wrong parts was sent to him, and as you mentioned, his also moving shop.

I hope you don't have to wait to much longer.

[ULWalkingPhil]

New tarp technology, surpasses a Cubin Tarp, It's lighter, takes up less room and excellent camo.

www.youtube.com/embed/4V44-bu7J-U

I got to learn how to embed these video's.

[Bluegum Mic]

I've also just taken the plunge and bought my first hammock, though i decided to go for something a little cheaper first up. I was tossing up between the dd frontline and the tenth wonder hornet but they are very similar so i went with the hornet. $55 and the lovely guy is making me one in cammo (not sure why as my tarp is going to be far from stealth Evan is doing a run of tarps in terrarosa red (silnylon) so I've got a prospecting tarp on order. Can't wait as ill use it for lots of shelter options.

Now to trawl through what suspension i want to buy (prob whooping slings) and tarp ridgeline. Too many choices but i must say simple and easy is where im leaning

[Marwood]

Paul at Arrowhead equipment sells sets of tree straps, toggles and whoopies for $US24 - I'm just about to buy a set myself. He also sells 1.75mm hollow-braid Dyneema (Zing-It) by the foot for your tarp ridgeline and/or guylines. These prices are much cheaper than you'd pay to buy the materials here and make them yourself (sad, isn't it).

If you want to be a bit more fancy, Jacks R Better sell Dutch Clips to join your tree straps around the tree, Dutch hooks and Flyz to connect up you tarp ridgeline (either two Flyz for separate lines or one of the Flyz and one Hook for a continuous ridgeline). They also sell self-tensioning guylines for the tarp tie-outs. Although Jacks R Better also sell a hammock suspension set, the Arrowhead equipment set has longer straps and whoopies - and is cheaper.

[Macca81]

Paul at Arrowhead equipment sells sets of tree straps, toggles and whoopies for $US24 - I'm just about to buy a set myself. He also sells 1.75mm hollow-braid Dyneema (Zing-It) by the foot for your tarp ridgeline and/or guylines.

I just wish i had a fid that was small enough. I know the dyneema braid is easier, but i cant splice any of my other raope this thin...

These prices are much cheaper than you'd pay to buy the materials here and make them yourself (sad, isn't it).

I have been finding this... I worked out that i can buy 5 whoopies from the US and pay the postage, for the same cost as buying enough amsteel to make 2... its bollocks!

[Marwood]

I just wish i had a fid that was small enough. I know the dyneema braid is easier, but i cant splice any of my other rope this thin...

Use a needle, about 7-8cm long. You may need to round off the point a bit Have a look at this:



After trying at a couple of sewing shops and at Whitworths, I found a good-size needle in a set from Coles.

[photohiker]

As far as the Zing-it is concerned, you can get real close

Maybe we could pony up for a spool and split it between ourselves?

[Bluegum Mic]

Thanks for that marwood. Id been looking at the jacks r us whoopies and dutch clips etc but the arrowhead equipment is great. Ill put an order soon. Let me know if you want me to put your order in to combine shipping. Not sure if any great advantage on postage cost but happy to do it.

Question from the noob here but can someone explain the benefit of using a single or double line ridgeline kit.

Im starting to think a hammock sub forum could be a goer. Theres quite a few lurking in here and it seems to be contagious

[ULWalkingPhil]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BDFWNiZ41_o

[Packo]

Last week I bit the bullet and ordered my first hammock. Thanks to all the info here I too have decided on a Blackbird double layer 1.1 with webbing suspension and a Mamajamba tarp. Now all I have to do is learn how to tie knots and rig it all up. This is going to be a great learning experience. I am having fun already and I haven't even got it yet