You should get a warbonnet superfly tarp to complement the hammock. That’s the setup I rock. I like the upgrades it got with the under quilt protector. I’ll have to check that out 👍🏻
I have purchased the Blackbird XLC with a 0 degree Wooki . Haven’t tried it yet ! I have learned quite a bit from video . Might consider the underquilt protector & top cover in the near future.Thanks again for your efforts doing these informative videos
The warbonnet logo patch is used as a built in index to let you know where your shoulders should line up when laying inside the hammock. You automatically know if you’re too far up or down once inside.
Nice review. I think Frozen also had a great review and stated he couldn't find one thing he disliked about it. Because I'm 6'1", toss and turn, maybe I should have bought the wider under quilt like you. Dutch has the fix for me with a few of his clips that seem to have fixed my problem. Thanks for the review, so glad my money was well spent, very comfortable lay.
@@spidennis I have a single layer Sparrow symmetrical DH with the mosquito net and solid top cover, I have a double layer symmetrical DH Sparrow with the mosquito net and solid cover. The single layer is wider and very comfortable, the double layer isn't quite as wide but it's easier to get a flat lay because there is less stretch being double layered. I am thinking about getting a asymmetrical Sparrow with a mosquito net only just to lighten things up a bit for hiking and flying with it. The other two are in fantastic shape and I really don't need a third. My reason? Because I can. And DH makes fantastic hammocks.
I've been using a Warbonnet Blackbird ( double bottom 2 lb 2 oz ) for years and recently made a ultralight backpack. For the UL Pack I am using a Warbonnet Traveler ((1.7 single layer 1 lb ) , Bug net ( 7,5 oz ) and a MinFly ( 13.0 oz ) from them. Excluding the fly since it is used with both hammocks. The Traveler and bug net combined are only 1 lb 7.5 oz.
Looks good...I like that system...yeah..I would head out on an expedition. I picked up the older model from Ryan Dye of Indian. It is a beautiful multicam. They lay real nice. I have a Superior Gear 0F, a Dutch Half-Zipped, a couple ENO Sub6, a Grand Trunk Trunk Tech...which really surprised me....and those cheaper flip-net hammocks surprised me too...not bad.
I'm a ground guy myself but ,you make hammock camping look super appealing..the gear for you hammockers goes deep ill tell ya..you need alot of equipment to do winter hammocking for sure..The quality speaks for itself though I see....i use my ENO in the summer to hang around in at camp...oh one more thing,those hatchlings look pretty sweet also..
Those hatchlings are sweet! And they work for ground guys too! I use a hammock, but I'm not against ground, there are a lot of amazing areas that you just can't use a hammock, and I'd rather use a tent or tarp than not explore those areas! It does take some planning and ensuring you have the right equipment to hammock when it's truly cold out. Thanks for the comment and for checking out the video!
Hey Mark, AWESOME job! See I have an older one and I dig that winter cover vent, dude I wish mine had that.. And the underquilt protector is an AWESOME idea especially for Indiana cold months.. And thank you for reminding me and other folks about the headheight hang!!! Anybody asks, I'm sending them your way for the newer version video dude!.. Mark...
i have an original xlc and still love it, although i did sideline it in favor of the chameleon for backpacking. it still gets used quite a bit. i like the improvements in the design.
Both are great hammocks! For backpacking I have a couple others that I will normally turn to, however, for winter, I think this one is a great one given the options they offer.
Awesome in-depth review , I've had my WB BBXLC for several months now , and saw some things in your video that i didn't know or have not tried myself. You didn't mention distance between trees . I hang mine about 16-17 ft apart , greatly reduced the tension on my ridgeline and like you about a 12" difference between the foot end and head end. Again thanks for the review , looking forward to more of your videos on the BB XLC!
Really haven't found anything that I dislike , it just took me awhile to find the "sweet" spot . If I had to pick one thing would be what you mentioned about the zippers always having to be zipped to the same spot. Gonna order the top winter cover soon ....again a great review and I like that you covered alot of things I haven't seen covered on this hammock !
Thank you. I think the fact that I've had the opportunity to use and test so many different hammocks at this point that I begin to see the things that I like and dislike as soon as I set it up. I also agree with you, finding that sweet spot is not quite as easy in this one as my Dream Hammock for example.
Howdy Mark. I had to re-watch this video. I'm interested in the underquilt protector. I think that might be my solution to the skeeters biting me through the bottom of the hammock on the 70°+ nights when I don't need an underquilt. I've done the permethrin, and it helps, but the kamikaze skeeters still get me. I've used my underquilt on hot nights just to keep the skeeters off of me and I want to find a solution to that problem before spring. Are you coming to the socially distanced hang? If you are I'll see you there. If you bring your Warbonnet setup, I'd love to take a closer look at the underquilt protector. That will probably be my next major hammock purchase. My whole system is getting dialed-in and it's getting harder and harder to find accessories I actually need. That's a great problem to have. The weather's been real nice down here. I've been lucky enough to enjoy some low 40's in my hammock the last few nights, and I have a few more left to enjoy before I pack up to go to the hang. I'm sitting as close to my dying campfire as I can get as I type this. I'm about to go enjoy some downy goodness. I hope you're well, and hope to see you in a couple weeks!
The UQ protector will give you added protection from the bugs, also from the wind, which is the main advantage of it. When and where is this socially distanced hang? Awesome that you've been able to get out with some cool nights, those in the 40's are about the perfect nights if you ask me! Thanks!
Spiguyver Backpacking: Somewhere in Texas where people have traditionally gotten together in the autumn. Maybe it's been under the radar. Uncle Mike seems to be trying to keep it an unorganized event this year. Just lots of individuals with a common interest camping near each other while maintaining social distance. There will be no buffet and no planned activities. Morning coffee is going to be a bit different and there will be no pancakes. You figured it out yet?? Email Uncle Mike to check on a spot, there's no spreadsheet that I'm aware of this year. Reply with your email address if you need more info!
Nice review on the XLC and all the options. Did you have an UQ deployed when the UQP looked so floppy? I assume so just amazed it seemed so loose. I know the 2QZQ UQP snugs right up with the shockcord
Yes I did, I had the Sheltowee 20 degree quilt on there. Like I said it does snug up some when I lay in it, but not enough. I think the only way I'd recommend using it is zipped into either the bug net or top cover. I'm enjoying your Sedona video, I love that area!
I have the previous version XLC. I love it. I tried the Chameleon, and got rid of it. It was great, but I like the XLC better. And, I only need 1 camping hammock. My question is....in the video you said that the condensation is able to escape, but not the heat. How is that possible? I love the idea of the vents for viewing purposes. I'm just not so sure that comment was accurate. Love the your videos. Keep them coming.!
Ed McDonald You’re right, it may be wishful thinking, but here is what I have noticed. I notice that even a bugnet adds warmth over a topless hammock, however I never notice condensation when using a bugnet. So my theory is the bugnet keeps in more warmth than condensation.
No arguing that. I was just curious. I'm pretty close to just using the bugnet instead of the top cover, year around. I can't even verify the actual temp difference. It probably depends on a variety of environmental conditions. Keep up the great videos! And, If I you don't mind....what camera do you use?
Greetings from spidennis on South Padre Island ! I started with the original and now have the xlc, both are fantastic! I sleep in it every night! If I can ask, what does your spi mean?
Spiguyver is my trail name, I have talked about it before in several videos, but essentially as a climber I earned the name Spider. Over the years that stuck, but on a trip I MacGuyvered something, and it got smashed together into Spiguyver.
That might help for something like a really heavy dew, but because the top cover isn't waterproof, you still need the full tarp. I'm waiting for someone to come out with a zip on top cover with a little additional coverage that will eliminate the need for a tarp. (I know Hennessey has something sort of like this)
Nice review Mark- I own the previous XLC, but I’ve been seriously contemplating getting this latest one purely for getting my preferred head right feet left lay. Has the incubator been working for you with this hammock? Ever think about trying out the wooki? I’m still perfecting/fiddling getting rid of some calf ridge while using my incubator..
THE best video on this hammock, especially the explanation of the reversible lay. Much appreciated.
Happy to help!
I've practically lived in my warbonnet Blackbird xlc for a year I highly recommend.
Glad you love yours!
You should get a warbonnet superfly tarp to complement the hammock. That’s the setup I rock. I like the upgrades it got with the under quilt protector. I’ll have to check that out 👍🏻
Spiguyver, you are a trusted source of information. Thank you for sharing your time.
You're very welcome! I appreciate it! Thanks!
Great objective review of the Blackbird XLC. Can’t wait for your comparison review!Thanks Mark
Thanks Rick!
I have purchased the Blackbird XLC with a 0 degree Wooki . Haven’t tried it yet ! I have learned quite a bit from video . Might consider the underquilt protector & top cover in the near future.Thanks again for your efforts doing these informative videos
Happy to help! Glad you enjoy them!
The warbonnet logo patch is used as a built in index to let you know where your shoulders should line up when laying inside the hammock. You automatically know if you’re too far up or down once inside.
Cool deal, thanks!
Wow. Thats great! Thanks for the tip.
Snap, bought a Dream Hammock to upgrade from my Hennessy, now you go and dangle this beauty. Nice review and hammock envy.
Thank you! Not sure you're too envious, with a new Dream Hammock!
I have 2 Sparrows...made exactly to what I wanted. You can have either one when you can pry them away from my cold dead hands.
Nice review. I think Frozen also had a great review and stated he couldn't find one thing he disliked about it. Because I'm 6'1", toss and turn, maybe I should have bought the wider under quilt like you. Dutch has the fix for me with a few of his clips that seem to have fixed my problem. Thanks for the review, so glad my money was well spent, very comfortable lay.
Right on, glad you're comfortable in yours! Thanks!
Dream Hammock Sparrow. I didn't need to watch this video much past a minute to know why I love both of my Dream Hammocks. Am planning on a third.
Right on!
Why a third? What happened to the other two? I’m very curious!
@@spidennis I have a single layer Sparrow symmetrical DH with the mosquito net and solid top cover, I have a double layer symmetrical DH Sparrow with the mosquito net and solid cover. The single layer is wider and very comfortable, the double layer isn't quite as wide but it's easier to get a flat lay because there is less stretch being double layered. I am thinking about getting a asymmetrical Sparrow with a mosquito net only just to lighten things up a bit for hiking and flying with it. The other two are in fantastic shape and I really don't need a third. My reason? Because I can. And DH makes fantastic hammocks.
Looks really nice. Still testing my Sheltowee, but this looks like a great option. Thanks Mark!
Enjoy your testing! It's tough testing out great gear!
Great video. I've spent a lot of nights in my XLC and I learned a few things today. Love the option with the UQ protector.
Awesome! Thanks!
Is the uq protector really something you need?
@@TheFbiFilesRepeat
Just in bad weather, blowing or heavy rain. Water can splash up on it. When you need it, it’s nice to have.
Can't wait to see where you rank it amongst your others
You'll have to wait and see! And I need more time in it to make a fair assessment!
I've been using a Warbonnet Blackbird ( double bottom 2 lb 2 oz ) for years and recently made a ultralight backpack. For the UL Pack I am using a Warbonnet Traveler ((1.7 single layer 1 lb ) , Bug net ( 7,5 oz ) and a MinFly ( 13.0 oz ) from them. Excluding the fly since it is used with both hammocks. The Traveler and bug net combined are only 1 lb 7.5 oz.
Nice!
Nice review Mark, thanks for taking the time to do this. As always an excellent review.
Thank you! Great products make it easy though!
Looks good...I like that system...yeah..I would head out on an expedition. I picked up the older model from Ryan Dye of Indian. It is a beautiful multicam. They lay real nice.
I have a Superior Gear 0F, a Dutch Half-Zipped, a couple ENO Sub6, a Grand Trunk Trunk Tech...which really surprised me....and those cheaper flip-net hammocks surprised me too...not bad.
Right on
I'm a ground guy myself but ,you make hammock camping look super appealing..the gear for you hammockers goes deep ill tell ya..you need alot of equipment to do winter hammocking for sure..The quality speaks for itself though I see....i use my ENO in the summer to hang around in at camp...oh one more thing,those hatchlings look pretty sweet also..
Those hatchlings are sweet! And they work for ground guys too! I use a hammock, but I'm not against ground, there are a lot of amazing areas that you just can't use a hammock, and I'd rather use a tent or tarp than not explore those areas! It does take some planning and ensuring you have the right equipment to hammock when it's truly cold out. Thanks for the comment and for checking out the video!
No prob mark..your videos are always spot on and very informative.
Hey Mark, AWESOME job! See I have an older one and I dig that winter cover vent, dude I wish mine had that.. And the underquilt protector is an AWESOME idea especially for Indiana cold months.. And thank you for reminding me and other folks about the headheight hang!!! Anybody asks, I'm sending them your way for the newer version video dude!.. Mark...
Thank you! I need to get some more time in it, but I do enjoy it.
i have an original xlc and still love it, although i did sideline it in favor of the chameleon for backpacking. it still gets used quite a bit. i like the improvements in the design.
Both are great hammocks! For backpacking I have a couple others that I will normally turn to, however, for winter, I think this one is a great one given the options they offer.
Awesome in-depth review , I've had my WB BBXLC for several months now , and saw some things in your video that i didn't know or have not tried myself. You didn't mention distance between trees . I hang mine about 16-17 ft apart , greatly reduced the tension on my ridgeline and like you about a 12" difference between the foot end and head end. Again thanks for the review , looking forward to more of your videos on the BB XLC!
Thank you! What do you like/dislike about yours?
Really haven't found anything that I dislike , it just took me awhile to find the "sweet" spot . If I had to pick one thing would be what you mentioned about the zippers always having to be zipped to the same spot. Gonna order the top winter cover soon ....again a great review and I like that you covered alot of things I haven't seen covered on this hammock !
Thank you. I think the fact that I've had the opportunity to use and test so many different hammocks at this point that I begin to see the things that I like and dislike as soon as I set it up. I also agree with you, finding that sweet spot is not quite as easy in this one as my Dream Hammock for example.
I have a new one and the one thing that I am not that keen one is the material which is not rip stop and not that soft.
Like the options but it sure looks heavy.
It's not too much heavier than the others out there, I'll get it on the scale in an upcoming video!
Did you consider the wooki underquilt ? Only because it's part of the system.
I have looked at the Wooki several times, just have so many other quilts it hasn't made a lot of sense. Thanks!
Howdy Mark. I had to re-watch this video. I'm interested in the underquilt protector. I think that might be my solution to the skeeters biting me through the bottom of the hammock on the 70°+ nights when I don't need an underquilt. I've done the permethrin, and it helps, but the kamikaze skeeters still get me. I've used my underquilt on hot nights just to keep the skeeters off of me and I want to find a solution to that problem before spring.
Are you coming to the socially distanced hang? If you are I'll see you there. If you bring your Warbonnet setup, I'd love to take a closer look at the underquilt protector. That will probably be my next major hammock purchase. My whole system is getting dialed-in and it's getting harder and harder to find accessories I actually need. That's a great problem to have.
The weather's been real nice down here. I've been lucky enough to enjoy some low 40's in my hammock the last few nights, and I have a few more left to enjoy before I pack up to go to the hang. I'm sitting as close to my dying campfire as I can get as I type this. I'm about to go enjoy some downy goodness. I hope you're well, and hope to see you in a couple weeks!
The UQ protector will give you added protection from the bugs, also from the wind, which is the main advantage of it. When and where is this socially distanced hang? Awesome that you've been able to get out with some cool nights, those in the 40's are about the perfect nights if you ask me! Thanks!
Spiguyver Backpacking: Somewhere in Texas where people have traditionally gotten together in the autumn. Maybe it's been under the radar. Uncle Mike seems to be trying to keep it an unorganized event this year. Just lots of individuals with a common interest camping near each other while maintaining social distance. There will be no buffet and no planned activities. Morning coffee is going to be a bit different and there will be no pancakes. You figured it out yet?? Email Uncle Mike to check on a spot, there's no spreadsheet that I'm aware of this year. Reply with your email address if you need more info!
Nice review on the XLC and all the options.
Did you have an UQ deployed when the UQP looked so floppy? I assume so just amazed it seemed so loose. I know the 2QZQ UQP snugs right up with the shockcord
Yes I did, I had the Sheltowee 20 degree quilt on there. Like I said it does snug up some when I lay in it, but not enough. I think the only way I'd recommend using it is zipped into either the bug net or top cover. I'm enjoying your Sedona video, I love that area!
I have the previous version XLC. I love it. I tried the Chameleon, and got rid of it. It was great, but I like the XLC better. And, I only need 1 camping hammock.
My question is....in the video you said that the condensation is able to escape, but not the heat. How is that possible? I love the idea of the vents for viewing purposes. I'm just not so sure that comment was accurate.
Love the your videos. Keep them coming.!
Ed McDonald You’re right, it may be wishful thinking, but here is what I have noticed. I notice that even a bugnet adds warmth over a topless hammock, however I never notice condensation when using a bugnet. So my theory is the bugnet keeps in more warmth than condensation.
No arguing that. I was just curious. I'm pretty close to just using the bugnet instead of the top cover, year around. I can't even verify the actual temp difference. It probably depends on a variety of environmental conditions. Keep up the great videos!
And, If I you don't mind....what camera do you use?
I use a combination of two GoPro cameras for right now. The Hero 5 Black and a Hero 3+ White. I have been looking at getting nice camera though.
Greetings from spidennis on South Padre Island ! I started with the original and now have the xlc, both are fantastic! I sleep in it every night!
If I can ask, what does your spi mean?
Spiguyver is my trail name, I have talked about it before in several videos, but essentially as a climber I earned the name Spider. Over the years that stuck, but on a trip I MacGuyvered something, and it got smashed together into Spiguyver.
Seems like you could almost get away with a like 2x2 feet tarp just over that vent when it’s fully closed up.
That might help for something like a really heavy dew, but because the top cover isn't waterproof, you still need the full tarp. I'm waiting for someone to come out with a zip on top cover with a little additional coverage that will eliminate the need for a tarp. (I know Hennessey has something sort of like this)
I was curious what color this is? Thanks
I can't recall.
Do you have to purchase the top cover at the time of hammock purchase, or can it be added later?
It can be added later, all the optional stuff works with them all, as they are not custom sized.
bbxlc vs the chameleon video?
It will be a WBBB XLC vs Chameleon vs Sparrow video, but it won't be for a little while.
That’s what we all want to see: the showdown!
Nice review Mark- I own the previous XLC, but I’ve been seriously contemplating getting this latest one purely for getting my preferred head right feet left lay. Has the incubator been working for you with this hammock? Ever think about trying out the wooki? I’m still perfecting/fiddling getting rid of some calf ridge while using my incubator..
I haven't tried it with the Incubator yet, I will try it though and let you know.
Thanks!
DD hammocks
I have never tried them, have seen a few of them at Hangcon, but haven't had the opportunity!