I’ll be taking my first Bdub trip in 15 years this summer. Back in the day if you camped in a hammock you were really odd. Now…the other day, in a thread here, someone claimed that most people camp in hammocks now.
Really?? “Most people?”
That’s a sweeping statement and likely hard to back up, but clearly they’ve become popular. But when did this become a thing? And why?
Please enlighten me as to the pros and cons of hammock camping.
I’m just really curious.
Cheers, all!

I do both and enjoy both. When did hammocks become so popular? I'm not sure but their usage has increased over the last decade or so.

Here's two threads with PLENTY on the topic:

Hammocks versus tents

Another hammock or tents thread

LMS11327: "I’ll be taking my first Bdub trip in 15 years this summer. Back in the day if you camped in a hammock you were really odd. Now…the other day, in a thread here, someone claimed that most people camp in hammocks now.
Really?? “Most people?”
That’s a sweeping statement and likely hard to back up, but clearly they’ve become popular. But when did this become a thing? And why?
Please enlighten me as to the pros and cons of hammock camping.
I’m just really curious.
Cheers, all!"

We bring 15-20 men up in the fall (we split into 3 groups). We have done this for 15 years. We all started in tents. Now, all are in hammocks but two guys (they like cots).

Probably due to us getting older, 50-70 year olds. The reason for hammocks:

We can set them fully up including hammock, rain fly, and underquilt in less then 5 minutes

In putting them up and taking them down they never touch the ground (we use snake skins and in line bags). . .so there is never any dirt to clean off

You can put them easily up in the rain. . . .put up the rain fly first, then get under the rain fly and put up the hammock. The hammock stays dry even in the rain

Warmer (suprisingly). We all use down underquilts rated at either 0 or 20 degrees, then use a 20 degree top quilt or sleeping bag as a blanket. . . doesn't get more toasty then that.

Can sleep in any position. . .we have spreader bar hammocks as well as asym hammocks. Allows you to sleep even on your stomach

Best of all. . .for those 3 trips out at night. . . we are no longer crawling out on our knees. Simply unzip the hammock and swing your legs out like sitting in a chair. Boots are kept beneath the hammock. Just slip them on and you are on your way. For dressing. . . we use larger rain flys. We keep our packs with clothes under the rain fly. Use the hammock as a chair and get dressed in the morning.

And the hammock, rain fly, and underquilt all compress down far smaller then any tent as there are no poles.

Don't know about others but if our groups are a test, 80% are in hammocks.

I doubt if "most" people hammock camp, but it has certainly increased substantially in recent years. I still use a tent and see a lot of tents.

It seems to trend by age groups and type. Families are still in tents as are the younger guys. Men, particularly when they get a little older have moved to hammocks in my experience. Warmer, more comfortable, easier to set up, easier to carry.

For me it's just an age and body issue. Way easier to get out in the middle of the night from the hammock than it is to crawl out from a tent.

I think the hammock trend started about 10 to 15 years ago. I've been in a hammock for probably about 10 years.

The fact is I'm just more comfortable at night in a hammock than I am laying on the ground and I'm sure that's the same reason that a lot of others have gone to hammocks.

Other pluses as you don't have to have a flat site to set up your hammock on. You just have to have a suitable trees so many feet apart.

Tony

I have that same hammock. . .Warbonet Ridgeruner. Most comfortable hammock I have ever used. And I can set it up in less then 5 minutes including the rain fly and underquilt

I also have string lights. ARe the ones in the photo to light the other guys sites, or path to the privy?

ockycamper: "I also have string lights. ARe the ones in the photo to light the other guys sites, or path to the privy?"

Those were too light the path to the privy I had a family group with me at eight people. So we had about 10 Lucy lights and three strings of lights that we had the whole site lit up.

Tony

There is absolutely no way that "most people" hammock. I'd guess less than 20% hammock just from my observations passing near campsites. Even that may be a stretch. One thing is true though, we are definitely an odd bunch and proud of it.

I would add just one thing. If this is your first BWCA trip then I'd suggest that it isn't your first hammock experience also. Be comfortable with a night in a hammock before you take lt into the wilderness for the first time. There is a learning curve for the BWCAW and also a learning curve for hammocks. I wouldn't want to juggle both learning curves on my first trip with both. Maybe a tent the first BWCAW trip and then work into hammocks in the wilderness onna later trip.

I am a late convert to "hammocking" a buddy brought one last year, I was skeptical, but he let me use it one night! Wow! I am all in!! Can someone please give me some good options for hammock set ups for a new user??
Thanks,
Chris

Cvendel: "I am a late convert to "hammocking" a buddy brought one last year, I was skeptical, but he let me use it one night! Wow! I am all in!! Can someone please give me some good options for hammock set ups for a new user??
Thanks,
Chris "

I got in late too, still love to tent but also loving the hang time. There are a ton of opinions on setups but rather than give you mine, do yourself a fun favor and find Shug's channel on Youtube. He has used/reviewed most of what's available from the cottage industry and you'll learn a ton about hammocks, quilts, tarps, suspensions. He is quite the Shug!

Do put too much pressure on yourself to make perfect choices when putting together your first kit. Most hammocker's setups seem to evolve over time as they spend time getting to know their gear out on the trail. Have fun learning the new language!

Find an inexpensive hammock to start with. There are a ton of them on Ebay and Craigslist. Pick up a Henessy or something like it and try it out.

The biggest complaint most new hamock hangers have is that they got cold. Its kind of like shooting rifles. Buy a cheaper rifle and put the money in the scope. Same with hammocks. Go for a less expensive hammock and spend your money on a good down underquilt that can be transferred to new hammocks as you trade up.

Once you climb into a hammock with a 20 degree or 0 down underquilt on a cold night you will understand why those of us that hammock camp do it.

ockycamper: "Find an inexpensive hammock to start with. There are a ton of them on Ebay and Craigslist. Pick up a Henessy or something like it and try it out.

The biggest complaint most new hamock hangers have is that they got cold. Its kind of like shooting rifles. Buy a cheaper rifle and put the money in the scope. Same with hammocks. Go for a less expensive hammock and spend your money on a good down underquilt that can be transferred to new hammocks as you trade up.

Once you climb into a hammock with a 20 degree or 0 down underquilt on a cold night you will understand why those of us that hammock camp do it."

Well, your rifle analogy is apt, because I was a nationally ranked Olympic-style rifle shooter for a very long time, and just missed making the US Olympic Team in 2016. (So I don’t believe in cheap rifles, only super accurate ones. ??

I will look into used hammocks. Thanks!

LMS11327: "

ockycamper: "Find an inexpensive hammock to start with. There are a ton of them on Ebay and Craigslist. Pick up a Henessy or something like it and try it out.


The biggest complaint most new hamock hangers have is that they got cold. Its kind of like shooting rifles. Buy a cheaper rifle and put the money in the scope. Same with hammocks. Go for a less expensive hammock and spend your money on a good down underquilt that can be transferred to new hammocks as you trade up.


Once you climb into a hammock with a 20 degree or 0 down underquilt on a cold night you will understand why those of us that hammock camp do it."

Well, your rifle analogy is apt, because I was a nationally ranked Olympic-style rifle shooter for a very long time, and just missed making the US Olympic Team in 2016. (So I don’t believe in cheap rifles, only super accurate ones. ??

I will look into used hammocks. Thanks! "

You should also look into the Hammock Group Forum on this site. There's an incredible amount of information there.

Here is an idea of what I mean. It is a Hennessy Explorer Deluxe size zip. Has the hammock, netting, rainfly, tree straps. . . everything you need but some bottom insulation. You can even put a camping pad in the hammock for the time being.

When buying your hammock, remember you need more then just the hammock. It will need mosquito netting, a rain fly, some way to hang it. I have had Hennessy hammocks, Warbonnet Ridge Runners (a spreader bar/flat lay hammock), Chrysallis/Helson hammocks and several cheap Grand Trunk type. Stay away form the Walmart (think Grand Trunk) hammocks. I bring them just for naps but that's it.

For myself, I would not buy any hammock other then a WarBonnett or a Hennessy. Hennessy Hammock on Ebay

LMS11327: "

ockycamper: "Find an inexpensive hammock to start with. There are a ton of them on Ebay and Craigslist. Pick up a Henessy or something like it and try it out.


The biggest complaint most new hamock hangers have is that they got cold. Its kind of like shooting rifles. Buy a cheaper rifle and put the money in the scope. Same with hammocks. Go for a less expensive hammock and spend your money on a good down underquilt that can be transferred to new hammocks as you trade up.


Once you climb into a hammock with a 20 degree or 0 down underquilt on a cold night you will understand why those of us that hammock camp do it."

Well, your rifle analogy is apt, because I was a nationally ranked Olympic-style rifle shooter for a very long time, and just missed making the US Olympic Team in 2016. (So I don’t believe in cheap rifles, only super accurate ones. ??

I will look into used hammocks. Thanks! "

I totally agree. Just making the point that many people buy a very expensive rifle and throw a cheap scope on it. Hammocks are like that. Most hammocks will "feel" the same. Its staying warm/dry/bug free that makes the difference. The two underquilt companies I buy from are Hammock Gear (the incuibator hammocks), and Arrowhead Equipment

I'd recommend buying a Superior Gear hammock they are made in MN they have a built in underquilt and a nice strapping system for a beginner it is easy to use and understand. They sell a bundle that covers everything you need. Shug loves them and he is the hammock guru. I have one for winter camping rated to -40 and a 30 degree one I use for the rest of the year. If you buy the winter tarp it can double as a rain shelter in the summer and fall season and it will save you even more weight.
I also have a Hennessy and a Dream Hammock and they are both great as well.
If you are taller get a longer setup so you don't get shoulder squeeze at night. The most important thing is to set it up at home a few times and sleep in it a few times before you go to the BWCA so if you need to set it up in the rain quickly you won't be fumbling around.

Superior Gear makes a great hammock, but it is also without question the most expensive setup on the market. At $540 plus tax and shipping. And that is for a 30 degree underquilt. You can pick up a Hennessy for $150 that has everything but the underquilt. A 20 degree down quilt from Hammock gear will run you $240, but you can get 10% off as a new customer. You would have a complete system for $370 that has a 20 degree underquilt vs 30 or 40 degree. The other big drawback on the Superior Gear is that the underquilt is attached to the hammock. You can't use it on any other hammock.

Buy your underquilt once, and use it on any and all hammocks (unless you go to a bridge style and even then you can make them work). You would have a quality underquilt for life.

Then start with an inexpensive used hammock, or borrow some hammocks and try them out until you decide what you want.

Submitting my vote for Kammok Mantis Ultralight. $269 before the REI discount. They make great underquilts as well that snap underneath that doubles as a poncho. Also love the tiny hammock that can go underneath for gear or a pup!

Hi Ocky
You are quoting the lighter elite 11' model if you scroll down you can see that a standard 10' superior setup is 389 and there is a 5% discount so it is $369.55 for the same thing or ten bucks more for an 11' model. I like Superior because you don't get drafts between the UQ and the hammock when winter camping. I'm a big guy and tend to move a lot so I have a tendency to push the underquilt down while sleeping. Then I wake up with cold shoulders. You also save some weight running with an integrated UQ because you are eliminating a layer of fabric. I like that the snaps are in place for the top quilt as well or if it is warm you can snap them together and eliminate a top quilt entirely. This is nice in the summer and helps you save more weight. I like that I can have holes patched by driving a few miles as well if needed since I live in the TC. I agree though that your options are great as well and I would be completely happy with the setup you proposed. I was just trying to give the OP another option. As far as quality goes in my experience owning five brands Dream Hammock is the best product but he can have a long wait time. I will say I miss five or six years ago because all of these setups were a lot cheaper then. Down must be worth more than gold.
To the Op
I would just call a few places and talk to the owners. You cannot really go wrong with any of them. It is like buying a fishing pole or shotgun they all work but some just "feel" right for you.

LMS11327: "...

... But when did this become a thing? And why?
Please enlighten me as to the pros and cons of hammock camping.
I’m just really curious.
Cheers, all!"

I bought my first hammock camping set-up, an ENO OneLink, back in 2011. It included the hammock, suspension, tarp and bugnet. It was too heavy, too short and did not include insulation but it got me off the ground and made sleeping outdoors feel much more "outdoors". I typically hang my tarp to see the stars and my surroundings, weather permitting.

A full hammock camping set-up can be quite expensive. When determining where to invest, you'll get your best return on investment buying a decent down underquilt. I have HammockGear Incubator underquilts, both 20* and 40* weights. For the BWCA, I suggest the 20* for all but the hottest weeks of the summer. I started with an inflatable pad inside the hammock for insulation but changing to the underquilt was the single best upgrade of my experience. I use the 40* underquilt when backpacking or on July and August canoe trips.

Simple gathered-end hammocks are least expensive. Hammocks with integrated bugnets are most convenient. If starting today, I'd get the Blackbird XLC from Warbonnet Outdoors . The Blackbird is famous for it's foot box design. It allows a flatter lie by providing a bit of relief for your legs. The XLC is extra long and convertible (you can remove the integrated bugnet for shoulder season camping). I own the original Blackbird, shorter, non-convertible version. I use a gathered-end when bugs are not a concern.

I use the Warbonnet Superfly as my "go to" tarp but, start-up costs can be cut by using a standard blue construction tarp until you know hammock camping is for you.

While the cons are mostly associated with the dollars involved, the pros are seemingly infinite. Much like a fisherman's tacklebox, the permutations of equipment and style are infinite. I confess that over the past decade I have purchased a dozen hammocks, 5 different tarps, 6 different quilts and I have made countless different suspensions. I can be a bit OCD so, pursuit of the perfect hang is a persistent motivator.

Good Luck and happy hangin'

It’s a rabbit hole for sure. I got totally sucked into the different suspension systems. Good intelligent folks on here….love the analogies. I have also been down the rifle mod slippery slope…better glass…better trigger…better stock…different brake…and I won’t even touch the reloading bottomless pit.

Probably don’t have much to add but I do think some mentioned utilizing both at different times. Being a shooter, you will understand that not all platforms are best for all situations. I have both and use both and have sometimes wished I had the other option with me.

My hang:
Hennessey Old Bottom Entry
Double Ended Stuff Sack
Continuous Loops/Beckett Hitch/Straps
Hammock Gear Tarp w/doors
Jacks R Better 3/4 UQ


Just YouTube ole Shug. All the info you will need and some laughs to go along with it.

Much like a fisherman's tacklebox, the permutations of equipment and style are infinite. I confess that over the past decade I have purchased a dozen hammocks, 5 different tarps, 6 different quilts and I have made countless different suspensions. I can be a bit OCD so, pursuit of the perfect hang is a persistent motivator.


Good Luck and happy hangin'"

Late to this thread, but two things; 1) Hammocks are super versatile when it comes to location comfort and 2) reach out to the Unshaven Man. That guy has no idea how much he's helped me on this very topic.
I sure hope he doesn't get upset with me offering him as a go to, but the guy is a WEALTH of information on this issue.

pilot: "Late to this thread, but two things; 1) Hammocks are super versatile when it comes to location comfort and 2) reach out to the Unshaven Man. That guy has no idea how much he's helped me on this very topic.
I sure hope he doesn't get upset with me offering him as a go to, but the guy is a WEALTH of information on this issue."

Thanks for the kudos, Pilot! I'm always happy to share what little knowledge I have gained from my experiences hanging in the BWCAW and Quetico.

I would 100% agree with this. I rarely see hammocks but I can see why they are more popular now than they have been in the past. I do think they have a learning curve, just like anything else. Don’t use them for the first time if it’s your first trip. One thing to consider is the social aspect of a tent if you go with others. If you’re in a tent because of rain at least you have someone to talk to. I like to talk to my partner at night before going to sleep as well. Hammocks are pretty independent and there’s not much talk between them if they are a ways apart.

Just a reminder to all my fellow hammock users, use a 1" wide strap minimum around tree to avoid tree damage(required in Quetico). Quetico has already discussed banning hammocks because of this and BW might follow. I am seeing a ton of tree damage. Also do not clear brush from under/around hammock or trim trees as this was another thing they had noticed happening a lot to make room for hammocks. I know we all would hate to see them banned as they have been in other places.

Another thing to keep in mind is the fact that tree bark slips the easiest in the spring a few weeks on either side of the buds breaking and new growth taking off. I'd be far more careful about doing damage (particularly if the trees are smaller) at this time than I would be in the fall.

mgraber: "Just a reminder to all my fellow hammock users, use a 1" wide strap minimum around tree to avoid tree damage(required in Quetico). Quetico has already discussed banning hammocks because of this and BW might follow. I am seeing a ton of tree damage. Also do not clear brush from under/around hammock or trim trees as this was another thing they had noticed happening a lot to make room for hammocks. I know we all would hate to see them banned as they have been in other places."

Do you have a link for this requirement in Quetico?

I don't know about a link, I just saw it posted in the Quetico offices on all three of my trips last year. I do not know if it is a fineable offense or just a strong suggestion. One of the rangers stated that they would ban them if they started seeing a lot of damage.I think if used properly they don't cause any more damage than a tent.

mgraber: "Just a reminder to all my fellow hammock users, use a 1" wide strap minimum around tree to avoid tree damage(required in Quetico). Quetico has already discussed banning hammocks because of this and BW might follow. I am seeing a ton of tree damage. Also do not clear brush from under/around hammock or trim trees as this was another thing they had noticed happening a lot to make room for hammocks. I know we all would hate to see them banned as they have been in other places."

interesting info. i will have to look into this next time i am there. i just got an inexpensive hammock as an xmas present and am hoping to give it a try this year in quetico.
regardless if it is an official rule or not, it is still solid advise.
i cant say i have ever had this mentioned to me by any park staff or seen it posted anywhere, but i am a tent camper, so anything mentioning hammocks would never catch my attention.

mgraber: "I don't know about a link, I just saw it posted in the Quetico offices on all three of my trips last year. I do not know if it is a fineable offense or just a strong suggestion. One of the rangers stated that they would ban them if they started seeing a lot of damage.I think if used properly they don't cause any more damage than a tent."

here is the parks response:

"Hi Richard. As far as I know, there are no official rules for hammock use. Many clue ts use hammocks and we only ask that they deploy them in a manner that doesn't harm or over-stress the trees. Using wide straps is ideal as that tends to minimize any damage to the bark. Also, avoid trees that are too small, can't take the load, etc and avoid cutting / delimbing any trees.

That's about it - hope that helps!

Take care!"

Lots of different advice here. Not all hammocks are meant to sleep in. I started with a Warbonnet Blackbird in 2009. It is handmade in Colorado with quality fabric and zippers. I have no issues still.

I upgraded from using a pad to an underquilt and also upgraded to a warbonnet Superfly tarp. Last upgrade was a top quilt to replace my down bag.

So my point is this. Don’t go cheap. Start with just the hammock and upgrade the accessories as you go. You start with a cheap hammock you just might have a zipper fail with very happy mosquitos who will put the word out to their friends. :)

I am going on a 2 group trip of 13 people this year. Five of the 13 are using hammocks. I borrowed one a couple years ago and did not care for it primarily because I am a side and stomach sleeper. Also, I have to get up 2-3 times per night to water the lawn, so there's that... I can take a nap in a hammock, but once I wake up, I can't fall back to sleep in one, so I have stuck with tenting it. With that said, I have been seeing more hammock/rainfly set ups in the last few trips out. If I had to put a percentage on it, I think I would say around 20-30% of people are using hammocks now. Some would say higher than that, but I think you have to account for the fact that for every tent you see, there's a good chance there's an average of 2 people sleeping in it vs a hammock which almost always accounts for just one person.

My buddy and I switched from tent to hammocks in 2015 and never looked back. It has been an N+1 journey where I started with a Hennessy hammock, then a Warbonnet Blackbird, and finally I got a Dutchware Chameleon setup during their 2017 Kickstarter campaign. If you want to go all-in and cry once/buy once, I can recommend my favorite setup for three-season hanging:
Dutchware Chameleon hammock with bugnet
Beetle Buckle complete suspension
sidesling
peak shelf
Enlightened Equipment Revelation 30 degree top quilt
Hammock Gear Incubator 20 degree underquilt
Warbonnet Superfly tarp

How close to the fire is that hammock?

About 20 feet. We didn't use the fire pit.

There have been years we looked at putting hammocks near the fire pit but decided against it. Some guys like staying up late around the fire, others are in their hammocks at first dark.

the reason I prefer a hammock over a tent is comfort. you simply cannot match the comfort of a good hang versus sleeping on the ground. I don't care how nice of a pad you have, the ground is the ground and the next day you will always be able to tell you slept on the ground. I sleep better in my hammock than I do in my own bed at home and I'll also add that I'm a side sleeper.

Also if we want to talk tree damage... lets just remember nearly all tent pads required trees to be completely removed before it was useable.

We went hammock a five years ago and will not go back. No more sleeping on rocks, roots and rolling off the pad at night.

My son has a Warbonnet Ridgerunner and he loves that thing. Flat lay, good tarp and matching underquilt. That Lynx underquilt never slips off and the thunder fly fits it great.

I bought a Dutchware Chameleon, but last summer the bottom ripped out on it in the middle of the night and left me on the wet ground...and they would not help me out on it--just said it was ultra lightweight and I should "baby" it. Fine. I'm not going back to that. Not mad about it, just moving on.

I like this thread because I've been considering Superior Gear. I can see the argument that they are costly and not that flexible. On the other hand, I agree with the point that was made about the Superior hammock with firm, stay in place underquilt properties....that is my one problem I've always had: underquilt slipping up and off my bottom while I sleep. The Superior looks to have solved that and it looks very warm and comfy.

Anyway, I do love hammocks and everything stated about them pro and con is true. One thing I would add is that we never have to look for flat tent pads and we always head off into the woods a bit away from the others so no snoring or extra noise bothers us. A real plus.

pastorjsackett: "We went hammock a five years ago and will not go back. No more sleeping on rocks, roots and rolling off the pad at night.


My son has a Warbonnet Ridgerunner and he loves that thing. Flat lay, good tarp and matching underquilt. That Lynx underquilt never slips off and the thunder fly fits it great.


I bought a Dutchware Chameleon, but last summer the bottom ripped out on it in the middle of the night and left me on the wet ground...and they would not help me out on it--just said it was ultra lightweight and I should "baby" it. Fine. I'm not going back to that. Not mad about it, just moving on.


I like this thread because I've been considering Superior Gear. I can see the argument that they are costly and not that flexible. On the other hand, I agree with the point that was made about the Superior hammock with firm, stay in place underquilt properties....that is my one problem I've always had: underquilt slipping up and off my bottom while I sleep. The Superior looks to have solved that and it looks very warm and comfy.


Anyway, I do love hammocks and everything stated about them pro and con is true. One thing I would add is that we never have to look for flat tent pads and we always head off into the woods a bit away from the others so no snoring or extra noise bothers us. A real plus. "

Have you considered a Warbonet XLC with the Wookie under quilt. That quilt will definitely stay in place and the XLC is an excellent hammock, my wife and I love ours. I'm guessing you do not want a bridge hammock like your son?

My son is pushing me to go to the bridge. I did take his on one trip last summer when I took the church youth and it was very nice. That is what I will probably end up getting at this point. Hammocking is fun! Ogling them online is also fun!

But last summer, lying snug in my Chameleon, thinking to myself "everyone else is dumb for not using a hammock"....and then it split down the middle and splatted me on the wet ground. Karma bit me hard!

pastorjsackett: "My son is pushing me to go to the bridge. I did take his on one trip last summer when I took the church youth and it was very nice. That is what I will probably end up getting at this point. Hammocking is fun! Ogling them online is also fun!


But last summer, lying snug in my Chameleon, thinking to myself "everyone else is dumb for not using a hammock"....and then it split down the middle and splatted me on the wet ground. Karma bit me hard!


"

Yeah that would really suck! I have beat my XLC to death without a problem and it is a lightweight single layer, but I guess you never know. I have also experienced catastrophic tent failures so nothing is 100%. I like the bridge hammocks, but they are a bit heavier and I count ounces. They are also harder for me to lay in fetal position which I do occasionally. The Warbonnet XLC foot box makes lying flat so easy, I love the storage shelf and the room to roam around, and Warbonnet is by far the cottage company with the most sales so they are extremely well tested. Good luck with whatever you choose!

I have had Hennessy hammocks, Chrysalis, and several others. Went to a Warbonnet Ridgerunner last year. I can honestly say it sets up quicker then any hammock I have ever had. It also packs up smaller as the bars are not attached (they go through loops) and come apart in sections.

I coupled it with an Arrohead underquilt that is custom fitted just for the Ridgerunner. Just clip it to the loops on all four sides. No adjustments.

I can't imagine the XLC being a flatter lay then the Ridgerunner. It literally is a flat lay hammock.

ockycamper: "I have had Hennessy hammocks, Chrysalis, and several others. Went to a Warbonnet Ridgerunner last year. I can honestly say it sets up quicker then any hammock I have ever had. It also packs up smaller as the bars are not attached (they go through loops) and come apart in sections.


I coupled it with an Arrohead underquilt that is custom fitted just for the Ridgerunner. Just clip it to the loops on all four sides. No adjustments.


I can't imagine the XLC being a flatter lay then the Ridgerunner. It literally is a flat lay hammock."

No, definitely not flatter, significantly less flat end to end than a Ridge runner which is an AWSOME hammock. But, I cannot draw my legs up in my RR when on my side as well, and when lying in my XLC scooted down a bit I can. They are both really great hammocks and a great company as are some of the others. Definitely depends on your size, and how you lie in them. And as I'm sure you know you have to spend some time learning proper set up and lying in them different ways to figure out what you like. I love how easy it is to see out of the RR, and I prefer how it feels with a pad. I love how light (I am an ounce counter as I travel a lot) and ultra easy it is to set up the XLC and how I can kinda roam around and find different positions that are comfy. I like it much better with an under quilt. Wouldn't trade either one of them, just depends on what I am doing.

I think my only option is to buy BOTH the Superior Gear and Ridgerunner.....

Warbonnet sells blemished hammocks, just have to check the sale section every week or so.

pastorjsackett: "I think my only option is to buy BOTH the Superior Gear and Ridgerunner....."

Warbonnet has a policy that you can try and send back for a full refund if it looks new so you would only be out shipping to try. I cannot imagine being stuck with one underquilt or having to wash my underquilt every time I wanted to wash my hammock, or having my hammock tear or wear out and having an expensive quilt attached. You should really check out the Wookie and XLC, it is made specifically for that hammock and is even cut to an angle to save weight. It never slips off or moves. Dang I sound like a Warbonnet salesman! I will shut up and leave you to your choice, good luck!

Thanks Mgraber! I will check them out. My wife helped me sew an underquilt from youtube. It turned out pretty nice for the price of a Costco down throw. But now I have no hammock under which to hang it.

Sleeping in a hammock will be one of the best night’s sleep in the woods you will have. Join a hammock forum and they will have every answer that you could ask. I an no longer a ground dweller.

And when you hit your sixties, no more crawling out of a tent on your knees. . .finding every rock and pebble. . . for the 2-3 nightly activities!

I just made the switch from a tent to the Ridgerunner last summer and it was wonderful. The only downfall is deciding to change clothes with finesse inside the hammock or hop out with the skeeters. However, a well placed thermacell helps clear the skeeters in the morning.

I made the switch from tent camping to a hammock two years ago and will never go back! It's honestly the best nights sleep I've had. I saved up and went with a Warbonnet Ridgerunner and Super Fly tarp with the spreader bar and "doors". I still use a 25 inch Exped pad inside the hammock sleeve for insulation underneath, and a BiG Agnes sleeping bag on top. The BA bag is designed to be used with a pad, so it has no bottom insulation and packs up pretty small.