BWCA Weight: Clark vs. Warbonnet Boundary Waters Group Forum: BWCA Hanging
Chat Rooms (0 Chatting)  |  Search  |   Login/Join
* BWCA is supported by its audience. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.
Boundary Waters Quetico Forum
   Group Forum: BWCA Hanging
      Weight: Clark vs. Warbonnet     

Author

Text

OBX2Kayak
distinguished member(4401)distinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished memberpower member
  
03/23/2015 10:36PM  
I'm trying to compare the weight of the Clark NX-250 vs. the Warbonnet Blackbird 1.7 DL.

From what I see on their web sites, the Clark wieighs 3 lbs. 12 oz. and the Warbonnet (w/ straps and buckles) weighs 2 lbs. 2 oz.

Is the Clark really 26 oz. (1 lb. ten oz.) heavier than the Warbonnet???? Or, am I comparing apples to oranges?
 
      Print Top Bottom Previous Next
MagicPaddler
distinguished member(1492)distinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished member
  
03/24/2015 06:23AM  
I believe the Clark is a no spreader bar bridge with a tarp included and the Warbonnet is an asymmetric without a tarp. You will get more shoulder squeeze in the Clark but lay flatter.
 
OBX2Kayak
distinguished member(4401)distinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished memberpower member
  
03/24/2015 09:32AM  
quote MagicPaddler: "I believe the Clark is a no spreader bar bridge with a tarp included and the Warbonnet is an asymmetric without a tarp. You will get more shoulder squeeze in the Clark but lay flatter."


Do you think the tarp is included in the nominal weight listed? 26oz. worth? Most manufacturers try to make their gear weigh as little as possible for advertising purposes.
 
Aosrax
member (32)member
  
03/24/2015 10:00AM  
Are you looking purely at the weight difference, and is it a concern? I ask because you are comparing the heaviest WBBB, and heaviest suspension. You could go with a 1.1DL, 1.7SL, or have Brandon custom a 1.2/1.7 DL if you are weight conscious. Also, I would highly recommend switching out the buckles for whoopies, which is also a good drop in weight if that is the concern.

I can't speak to the clark hammock, but I have a 1.7DL, and am about to purchase a 1.7SL. The lay on the WBBB is incredible, and really comfortable. It does not come with a tarp, but there are several vendors that make lightweight tarps including Warbonnets with the superbly at 19oz. For reference I have a cube fiber one that weights just over 6oz.

So the entire weight of the hammock and suspension comes in under 2 lbs total.
 
MagicPaddler
distinguished member(1492)distinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished member
  
03/24/2015 10:07AM  
I looked at Clark website and no tarp is a option that reduces the cost so I think the weight of the tarp is included. Any Clark owners out there that can take their setup and weigh it. Looking at other tarps they range from 11 to 19 OZ.
I own 2 asymmetric hammocks and have laid in a clark for a few minutes. I prefer the asymmetric because of the shoulder squeeze. I laid in a off brand bridge with spreader bars and it was a very flat lay and had only a little shoulder squeeze. I would like to try a Warbonnet Ridgerunner.
 
markaroberts
distinguished member(830)distinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished member
  
03/24/2015 02:09PM  
I had a Clark for several years and sold it to a friend. The hammock, insect screen (zips in and out) and tarp are all part of the package and all go into an inverted pocket.

To compare equally, you will have to add the War Bonnet hammock, mosquito screen, tarp, and rigging.

I have several Hennessy's, and had the Clark and some Grand Trunk hammocks. On the weight issue you are within 1 lbs any direction if they are all fitted out equally.

On the ruggedness issue, the Clark are the most solidly built I have ever seen. More beefy hammock layer, zippers, mosquito netting. What set the Clark apart is the large pockets on the bottom side of the hammock. You put your clothes in their and they double as insulation and storage.

That said, I prefer the asymetrial sleeping in the Hennessy over the Clark.
 
Aosrax
member (32)member
  
03/24/2015 02:33PM  
The mosquito net is integrated in the WBBB. The weight of the suspension is included as part of the weight as well.
 
markaroberts
distinguished member(830)distinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished member
  
03/24/2015 02:38PM  
is the rainfly included in the published weight in the Warbonnet? It is in the Clark and Hennessy.

What I don't like with the marketing of the Warrbonnets is that it seems like everything if "al a carte". Hennessy and Clark price and package a full hammock, hammock, netting, fly rigging and straps. They typically also thrown in the snake skins.
 
Aosrax
member (32)member
  
03/24/2015 03:00PM  
No, the rainfly is not included in the warbonnet.

One thing to realize in Warbonnet is that you are ordering from a person. Brandon custom makes every hammock from hand. So the quality is top notch, but the order is a custom order. You can ask for a left lay if you want and he will make it that way. A lot of people that are heavy into hammocks like the ability to switch out gear as needed, and buy from several different "cottage" vendors.

What kind of tarp do you want? Size, shape, and material all matter, so a la carte is a great way to do it.

The most important thing in my opinion is to ask yourself what is the purpose of the hammock? Does weight matter? Does comfort matter? Does features matter?

From the OP of the thread it seems like weight is a factor. If this is the case, why would you want to carry three plus pounds when you can carry a lot less. If you are merely portaging, then maybe three pounds isn't a lot, if you are going ultralight backpacking, maybe it matters a lot more.

Just my thoughts.... either way, I think that going hammock is much better than going tent.
 
markaroberts
distinguished member(830)distinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished member
  
03/24/2015 06:24PM  
Henessy Ultralight Backpacker hammock is just over 1 lbs WITH the rainfly. Let me offer another perspective on an operation like Henessy vs a one man shop. One of our group tore the mosquito netting (rolling over and running his elbow through it) on a trip. Called Henessy and they immediately shipped him another and he mailed his back. Larger shops have inventory to do that.

I admittedly have never had a Warbonnet. But I can tell you the customer service at both Henessy and Clarke is very good and they stand behind their products. The difference is that they are large enough to take care of the situation immediately if need be.
 
Aosrax
member (32)member
  
03/25/2015 12:20AM  
quote markaroberts: "Henessy Ultralight Backpacker hammock is just over 1 lbs WITH the rainfly. "


This isn't really accurate. Lets look at the math.

Just to be clear on this from heir website:

Ultralight Backpaker Asym

Packed weight: 1 lbs 15oz
Rainfly weight: 9.4 oz
Stuff sack: 0.5oz

It didn't say of the strap weight was included. Total weight: 2 lbs 9 oz without suspension.

WBBB 1.7 SL (same nylon as the Hennesy)

Packed weight WITH suspension 1 lb 6 oz
Various options on the rainfly from: 11.2 oz to 1 lb 3 oz at warbonnet
Consider cube fiber tarp with doors: 6.5 oz

Weight ranges from: 1 lb 12.5 oz to 2 lbs 9 oz (same as the Hennesy although a little more expensive, but you still need to add the weight of the suspension)

That's the apples to apples comparison.

 
markaroberts
distinguished member(830)distinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished member
  
03/25/2015 06:24AM  
didn't see that on the web site. Thanks for clearing it up.

However we are still talking 1/2 to 1 lbs. I would offer that most canoe travelers are not true back packers. . .measuring things in ounces. As such, I would go with whatever one is the most comfortable for the individual.

One other item is cost. Clarkes will be the most expensive followed by War Bonnet from what I have seen. Henessy's can become very inexpensive if you buy in the fall during their demo/clearance sale. ( I have bought an Explorer Deluxe during that sale for just over $100).
 
Aosrax
member (32)member
  
03/25/2015 07:16AM  
Agreed...

On that note, I think that Hennesy also does Midwest Mountaineerings expos and has sales there. The next one is in mid April if you live in the twin cities.
 
      Print Top Bottom Previous Next