I broached the idea of getting a camping hammock to cut down on the weight of gear I carry on my solo trips to my wife last night. She didn't say no so thats a good sign. Now I get to pick one out of the many to choose from. So far I'm leaning heavily toward the Warbonnet Blackbird 1.7 double. The price seems very affordable and it will hold someone my size and weight (6'3" and 275lbs). Are there others that you would recommend or is the WBBB a good choice in your opinion? As for the fly I am going to use my CCS 10 x 14 tarp to start and get a dedicated fly later. I plan on using the same gear I use in the tent (Exped Synmat 7 LW and a sleeping bag) for bottom insulation until funds allow for a true under quilt.

Does this seem like a good way to start or should I look at other options? Price is an object so I need to keep initial cost down to a dull roar.

Welcome to the world of Hammock camping! Warning you may never want to be on the ground again!
I am 6'4 260lbs and own a WBBB 1.7 and really enjoy it. its light and simple..With that said I recently purchased a Warbonnet Blackbird XLC 1.7 double. I cant tell how much more comfortable that was for me. The extra foot and wider head area made sleep even better. I was able to lay flat, roll onto my side and still remain flat. For guys of our size that is what I would recommend. The price is not much different either.
Your choice of rain fly should be good. I use the WB Super Fly.
I bought a DD Hammocks under-quilt, because of budget reasons, and I have no complaints. It has kept me warm at nights in 30 degree weather. It runs around $130.00ish.

The biggest thing to keep in mind is at night heat is lost from underneath so as long as you have a warm sleeping bag and a pad/thermorest type thing under you, you should be fine.

I highly recommend the Warbonnet BB 1.7 DL

The pad should be fine, but you may find you will get cool on the sides of your shoulders/hips if the hammock fabric presses against you there. As always, test test test before you get out in the woods.

Check out the hammockforums.net for sale page if you are looking to have your gear soon. Warbonnet has a minimum one month lead time at the moment (man makes great hammocks but does not update his website). Plus some people are unloading their BBs in order to try the Ridgerunner or XLC.

Yes, seems like a very good way to start.
+1 WBBB.

quote 1BigPaddle: "Welcome to the world of Hammock camping! Warning you may never want to be on the ground again!
I am 6'4 260lbs and own a WBBB 1.7 and really enjoy it. its light and simple..With that said I recently purchased a Warbonnet Blackbird XLC 1.7 double. I cant tell how much more comfortable that was for me. The extra foot and wider head area made sleep even better. I was able to lay flat, roll onto my side and still remain flat. For guys of our size that is what I would recommend. The price is not much different either.
Your choice of rain fly should be good. I use the WB Super Fly.
I bought a DD Hammocks under-quilt, because of budget reasons, and I have no complaints. It has kept me warm at nights in 30 degree weather. It runs around $130.00ish.


The biggest thing to keep in mind is at night heat is lost from underneath so as long as you have a warm sleeping bag and a pad/thermorest type thing under you, you should be fine."

Did you get the convertible option or the net only version? There is a bit of a price difference between the two. I don't plan on winter camping with it but I'll use it in the early spring and mid-late fall.

I bought the changeable option. but I do alot of camping in late fall (hunting) and im planning to camp this winter. If your not worried about the winter camping, just get the bug netting.. As long as you keep warmth below you and on your sides in the early spring there is no need for the cover...

I haven't tried any other hammocks, but I really like the WBBB 1.7 dbl.

I've used a pad on colder nights (40's)...it's given me reason to start making a underquilt. Otherwise, I'm okay if I never go back to tents.

quote Mort: "Yes, seems like a very good way to start.
+1 WBBB."

Yep another +1

The 1.7 dbl should be fine for your size and weight. The pad will work also.
I think the CCS tarp will work perfectly without having to get a dedicated tarp for it.

I also have a 1.7 dbl along with a 1.1 dbl. But I'm only 5'10" 175#.
Given your height the XLC might be a better option.
As long as you are making the initial purchase I think that would be a better buy.
You probably want to bring a piece of ccf that is about 3 feet by 20” to lay under your shoulders.
I think you will be surprised how good you feel when you get up in the morning.