This is a great review of a hammock that I am passionate about. You did a good job of covering the salient points, and I urge anyone not familiar with it to invest the 27 minutes needed to view the entire video. It is really the only way to go for the physically challenged who might find regular closed end hammocks difficult to get in and out of. I am 72, arthritic etc. It has provided for me the delights of outdoor camping, as I am not able to struggle with the closed end type, and certainly not able to go to ground. I have one for indoors and one for the back porch and camping. Every night for over a year...no going back to a regular bed!

@SpiguyverBackpacking1

5 жыл бұрын

Thank you! It's awesome when you find the system that works for you! I am extremely happy that this is something that has allowed you to continue being out and enjoying camping. I have mentioned before that I love that hammocks open opportunities for those who love the outdoors but have something that keeps them from being able to sleep on the ground, allowing them to continue to enjoy and share their passion for the outdoors! Thanks!

@ja8512

4 жыл бұрын

Hi Larry, I want to get one for inside my house too. What is the distance between wall hooks that you use? Thanks

@golfish8589

3 жыл бұрын

@@SpiguyverBackpacking1 what is porch mode. In all tent and hammock videos. Please include getting dressed while inside. Sit up right. Put on a sweater. Also include getting in and out with rainfly and bug net on. Pretend its raining Thanks

I like that you give fair opinions on the different gear you cover. It's the little things like demonstrating breakfast from the hammock. With that being said thanks for covering a bridge hammock.

@SpiguyverBackpacking1

5 жыл бұрын

I've been wanting to for a while, but haven't really liked many of them! Thanks!

Very good breakdown mark. Thanks for doing this one, I have always been curious about these.

@SpiguyverBackpacking1

5 жыл бұрын

Me too, glad I was able to borrow one, but now will that make me want to buy one?

I've had a double layer RR for a few years and love it. Just ordered a single layer today. I always use an underquilt so I don't need the double layer. This hammock is by far the most comfortable way to sleep in the woods. Check out Ruta Locura for carbon fiber spreader bars to save a few ounces.

@SpiguyverBackpacking1

5 жыл бұрын

Thanks!

I love my rr. One of the best nights sleep I've had camping. I even set it up at home in the back yard, just to spend a night in it. My back hurts sometimes but I find a night or 2 in this sorts me out.

@SpiguyverBackpacking1

4 жыл бұрын

That's awesome! Thanks!

Thank you for this thorough review. I am a side sleeper and you addressed that well. Cheers.

@SpiguyverBackpacking1

5 жыл бұрын

Thanks!

well how about that? I never figured out that the spreader bars fit inside one another. I backpack with this hammock. My summer pack is barely over 20lbs and my winter pack hovers at around 30lbs. I make up the weight difference elsewhere. BTW, if you ask upon ordering Warbonnet will put rings inside the bugnet in order to have an internal ridgeline, the hangtime hook sags a tiny bit but it works fine.

@SpiguyverBackpacking1

5 жыл бұрын

Sweet! I appreciate the info!

I've been a bridge hammock user since my Boy Scout days in 1957. We obtained canvas jungle hammocks. For the spreader bar, we used deadfall limbs that we shaped for use with the hammock. It worked great and I think this is an option for the Ridgerunner. Make your own spreader bar when you get to the campsite. Personally, I just carry the spreader bars with my Ridgerunner. I'm a big boy now, and a few extra ounces just isn't that significant.I can handle it. Of course, I don't do any long distance/through hiking these days so I'm less concerned about the long term effect of the weight I carry. Very informative review. Thanks a million.

@SpiguyverBackpacking1

3 жыл бұрын

Awesome, you have a whole lot more experience with bridge hammocks than I do. I love the idea of making your own when you get to camp, and actually I recall someone just doing that on a video when they forgot their head end spreader bar. Cool stuff! Thanks for sharing!

Welcome to the sleeping bliss that is the WBRR. Great overview! Excited to see your experience with it on your next outing. I love mine. Cheers!

@SpiguyverBackpacking1

5 жыл бұрын

Yeah, we'll see how it works out this weekend. Thanks!

@johnchry1

5 жыл бұрын

Rob is right. If you’re looking for an amazing rest, great visibility and a light weight, this is your hammock. If you’re doing a few nights of camping, it’s really wonderful. I plan to buy several more, since it’s clearly more comfortable.

@SpiguyverBackpacking1

5 жыл бұрын

Why do you need several more?

@johnchry1

5 жыл бұрын

Spiguyver Backpacking At least one more. I have three teen daughters and my wife. My oldest daughter in particular really likes it and does hikes/overnights. When asked if she wants to sleep in the Chameleon or the RR, it’s always the RR. So..now I’m not in my preferred hammock. 😄. If I can get the others more into overnight hikes, they may bug me for one. I would love to get feedback on how well pads and Reflectix work in the dual layer RR. I have a HG UQ which works well with some minor shock cord mods. But with a dual layer I could see some people able to save a few $ with pads or Reflectix. Gotta try the pads/Reflectix myself this Fall. If you have thoughts, please share on your next RR review. Thx

@LarryVickery

5 жыл бұрын

I use an insulated pad and it works great down to 30 farenheight. Any temps below 30 I add reflectix. An UQ would be a great addition when it's really cold, but the reflectix works fine for me as added insulation.

Good review. I use my WBRR for hiking. I made my own custom trekking pole adapters, and a dyneema tarp. Total weight is under 2 lbs 12 oz. It's a pound or so heavier than an Ultra light tent alternative but way more comfortable. I use a large inflatable pad which increases the stiffness. All in all it's a great system.

@SpiguyverBackpacking1

Жыл бұрын

Good stuff! Thanks for sharing your system!

@jilladams663

27 күн бұрын

Mitch, would love to see your trekking pole adapter.

I have owned a WBRR for a few years now, and still love it. I always use a pad as it gets me just a little flatter and take out a touch of the shoulder squeeze. With my pad I can get to about 50* comfortably, then I add a underquilt. The pad can and does migrate out of the ends overnight (at least for me) so I sewed on some hair ribbons to keep it in place. I'll carry the weight because I cannot sleep in a gathered end hammock.

@SpiguyverBackpacking1

4 жыл бұрын

Glad you've found something that works for you. Gathered end hammocks are definitely not for everyone!

I have one and use it for backpacking occasionally. I have carbon fiber spreader bars and a set Leki poles I can use as well. I shortened this suspension to 36 in on both ends. That way way you can close the door with a 12 foot tarp. The main problem with this hammock is you have to have a huge tarp to clear the spreader bars which negates the lighter weight of the hammock.

@SpiguyverBackpacking1

5 жыл бұрын

Right on, I'm looking forward to getting out on the trail and really seeing how this will work out there.

@LarryVickery

5 жыл бұрын

In over a year of use, I've never had tarp damage. Cuben Fiber tarps would be my only concern, and the easy to make bumpers would be sufficient protection in that event.

Great video, and when I get a hammock it will be one of those. Cheers.

@SpiguyverBackpacking1

5 жыл бұрын

As long as you've tried some different hammocks and found this is the one that works for you, do it! Thanks!

@luciousbrun5437

5 жыл бұрын

I've never been in a hammock. I can see I would not like a gathered-in hammock cuz I hate any constrictions on my feet at all; and there is no other practical choice.

Good objective review Marc, I have the Ridgerunner and I bought the ruta locura spreader bars and the spindrift. With the spindrift I can use a smaller tarp such as the thunderfly. The spindrift has zipper doors on both sides . On the suspension I think that your suggestion is good and will save weight. Now for an internal ridge line I m all ears! Would love to be able to use the the hang time hook. For bumpers protection I use 3 inch heatshrink material.

@SpiguyverBackpacking1

5 жыл бұрын

I will have to look to see if I can find something on the ridgeline, but I do know that there are some out there using one. Thanks!

@LarryVickery

5 жыл бұрын

You can add rings or caribiners inside the bugnet to string a ridgeline. Warbonnet will add rings if you request at order time. And when weather chases the bugs away, you will want to store the net at the foot end, and then just string a line above you.

Great video as always Mark! Thanks for sharing. I've been eyeing the RR for a while now. Kind of turned down by the weight penalty of the spreader bars and by the dull and drab colors it usually comes in, but now that WB has introduced a few more color options, I'm actually liking what I see. I totally agree with your suggestion about having zipper pulls on both sides of the hammock. IMO being able to exit from either side of the hammock is a good reason for it, but most people will exit the hammock from the side where they left their shoes. However, having a zipper on the other side also gives you so many more accessibility options, as you could make use of the other half of the total real estate that the tarp offers you, which usually doesn't get used as much precisely because you have to walk around the hammock to get there. Another suggestion for Warbonnet would be to include a non-structural ridgeline inside the bugnet. I've seen some hacks that a few RR owners have fashioned on their hammocks and one of them is a ridgeline, just so that they can hang their headlamp from there and also their Hangtime Hook. Even some dome tents now include a clothes line above because it is so useful to hang small items where they are visible and accessible. As far as the flat lay, personally I think flat lays are overrated. I certainly don't enjoy sleeping like a banana, but I gotta say that my bed at home gives me a pretty flat lay and I am never as comfortable in it as I am in a camping hammock.

@SpiguyverBackpacking1

5 жыл бұрын

Thanks for the input! I too like that they now offer more options. I know it's expensive, but if I ever end up with one, I'm going to look at some options for lighter spreaders, likely going to the trekking pole option.

@johnchry1

5 жыл бұрын

They have more colors now than in the past, as Mark alluded to. Orange, blue, black, grey, etc...

@LarryVickery

5 жыл бұрын

The side pockets negate a need for a ridgeline unless you want one to hang a light.

@RicMor200

5 жыл бұрын

Yeah, that's what I said, a headlamp or a Hangtime Hook. I imagine that small items like a headlamp might be easy to misplace in the saddlebags, and since there are two of them, you might not remember in which of the two you put it, then you need a light to look for the light. Better to have it on the ridgeline. That would be my personal preference.

@gumbyrun

5 жыл бұрын

@@RicMor200 I'm sure I would have the same issue...I lose stuff in my hammocks all the time. Two pockets - yikes! Heck, I can't remember which pants pocket I put my car keys! (But I do like the idea of the saddlebags. Contemplating the purchase...)

Nice review! I find rather than bringing my legs up for side sleeping it's better to scoot your body down so your legs are still on the wider end section & your head is closer to the narrow mid section. As for a tarp I was surprised that the MEC silnylon guides tarp works pretty well. It's a rectanglar tarp that's over 12 foot long and 28 oz.

@SpiguyverBackpacking1

5 жыл бұрын

Thanks!

Great review- never thought I’d see you review the RR. Love mine- use a ambush 20 with it.. Also, took off the buckle suspension and just attach the dogbones directly to Dutch’s Beatle Buckles.

@SpiguyverBackpacking1

5 жыл бұрын

stowe18 Check our my last trip video to see how I used it while backpacking. Why did you think I’d never review the RR? Thanks!

I had the opportunity to try/buy my buddy's RR last Spring. In the end, I decided not to purchase it. I really wanted to love it. It's a great hammock, and there were some things I really liked about it- visibility, saddlebags, ease of setup. However, it did not jive with my preferred sleep positioning. I like to sleep in a "figure 4," with my knee kicked out to one side. There simply is not enough room in the middle of the RR to allow for me to do that comfortably. Also, if you like to side sleep, but more in a fetal position, your knees get pushed upward, causing discomfort. Then there was the shoulder squeeze- which is well-documented. I've heard using a 2" pad really helps alleviate some of these issues. However, I did not want to invest in a different type of insulation, when I sleep just fine in my GE.

@SpiguyverBackpacking1

5 жыл бұрын

I hear ya! I get a little shoulder squeeze in it, but not much, not like some of the other bridges I've tried. There is one out there that I've tried that is a little wider that didn't have much, if any, shoulder squeeze, but then you need to figure out how to deal with a heavier system, and a wider system. Thanks for your input!

@LarryVickery

5 жыл бұрын

Shoulder squeeze is negligible compared to closed-end hammocks. I have not experienced the positional problems that you indicate, and some nights I do change positions from a back lying position. I think your trial was too brief. use it a week, and you'll never go back!

@rickwebermusic

5 жыл бұрын

@@LarryVickery I tested the hammock for over two weeks. It just didn't work for me. Way too narrow for me. My Raven spreads out very well, and allows me to lay with my legs however I want. I don't get shoulder squeeze at all in the Raven either. The RR works for many folks. Unfortunately, I just could not get it to work for me.

@LarryVickery

5 жыл бұрын

Well, it sounds like you gave the RR a fair trial. I would have lost money if we were betting. But I would still bet with the next skeptic.

Love my Ridgerunner. I’ve tried the XLC and Chameleon and others, but can’t get comfy in a gathered end. You forgot to mention there is zero calf ridge in the Ridgerunner. That’s the biggest drawback (at least for me) with gathered ends. I’ve tried the trekking pole mod...not a fan. The Mountainsmith poles aren’t the greatest for actually walking. I did pick up some carbon fiber bars ($105 from Ruta Locura) that you’re right, weigh about half of what the standard aluminum poles weigh. I use Dutch’s Beetle Buckle suspension and attach the dogbones directly to them. The other thing you didn’t mention is yeah, you do need another foot or two more between trees to hang than a gathered end due to the slightly longer suspension triangles. I’ve gotten away with 13’ as minimum distance, but it’s much happier with 15 to 16 feet. The old saying “it weighs what it weighs” is true. But I’ll slog another pound to get an awesome night’s sleep!

@michaelshireman9075

5 жыл бұрын

I have the exact same system from the Ruta Locura CF bars to the beetle buckles and I couldn't agree more. Love my WBRR!!!!

@SpiguyverBackpacking1

5 жыл бұрын

Great point on the wider tree distance! How do you like the Ruta Locura spreader bars? Are they as high quality as they seem? Thanks!

@michaelshireman9075

5 жыл бұрын

Spiguyver Backpacking I have the 3 piece head bars & 2 piece foot bars and they are indeed high quality. They fit perfectly in all aspects.

@johnchry1

5 жыл бұрын

It’s so comfortable! Love mine. I really think you can make up for any weight penalty if that’s a factor. Use down vs synthetic for uq/tq, alcohol stove vs standard ones, use more mult-purpose clothes/gear. When you have great visibility and can sleep well without fiddling for a sweet spot, life is good. Thanks for the review. Really looking forward to part 2!

@LarryVickery

5 жыл бұрын

Yeah, a zero calf ridge is a huge advantage.

I have a Lawson blue ridge and I love it, but I like the this one I want to try it

@SpiguyverBackpacking1

5 жыл бұрын

Awesome, try to find someone near you with one and test it out!

Great review... I'm getting a rr soon. What hiking poles work for spreader bars. thanks again

@SpiguyverBackpacking1

2 жыл бұрын

I don't know that there are any currently being sold that work. You may want to send a message to Gossamer Gear, as they were the ones that were making some in the past.

I watched your video on the Dutchware Banyan and now the Ridgerunner. Do you have a preference between the 2? As of right now, you can't order a Banyan from Dutch. Not sure why there is a delay. Curious to hear your thoughts. Thank you.

@SpiguyverBackpacking1

3 жыл бұрын

I do, the Banyan has me completely sold. It is my favorite hammock, period! If you need one now, the ridgerunner is good, but for me nothing has been as confortable as the Banyan. I think because it’s less deep than the Ridgerunner, I get less squeeze? Maybe?

@myadventureoutdoors

3 жыл бұрын

@@SpiguyverBackpacking1 Thanks for the response. I hope they go back into production soon.

The RR is the only hammock I ever take with me back packing but again it depends on how far you hike. At nearly 60 my long distance days are behind me so I enjoy the lay and no longer worry about the miles. Side question - what size tire tube did you use to cover the studs.

@SpiguyverBackpacking1

5 жыл бұрын

I used a 700x25 tube, and cut it into probably 2-2.5 inch sections. Thanks!

@trailslug893

5 жыл бұрын

Thanks a ton as my set I bought at ArrowHead split on me and fell off. I thing these would last a bit longer.

@SpiguyverBackpacking1

5 жыл бұрын

No problem!

Great review video, I'm buying one of these for my wife. For reference, is that a UGQ Hanger 12 you are using for a tarp? Do you feel that that tarp is adequate for normal coverage? Thanks.

I love mine I’ve had the others and will not go back .You have to give a little on weight for comfort.Great video thanks .

@SpiguyverBackpacking1

5 жыл бұрын

Awesome, stick with what works!

Great review as always. Another thing to consider is clearing away more brush to accommodate for its larger width. I spend more time cutting bushes away from my hammock than actually setting it up. It's hard to find that perfect hang here in the Sawtooths on or off trail without trimming.

@SpiguyverBackpacking1

5 жыл бұрын

Good point! Something else that may make this a little more time intensive when getting camp set up. Thanks!

@johnchry1

5 жыл бұрын

Have someone measure your width when you’re on a diagonal lay of a traditional hammock. I doubt you’ll see much difference with the RR. The trees you hang from will likely be futher away though.

@SpiguyverBackpacking1

5 жыл бұрын

True, it will probably be close, but when I sit in the gathered end hammock it doesn't swing back and push against the tarp. The trees are certainly further apart, and from what I've experienced, the tarp you can use needs to be quite a bit longer, like 12-13' to really get a coverage that I am comfortable with in any real rain.

@johnchry1

5 жыл бұрын

Agreed. A longer tarp does seem required. I will say the older I get the more I enjoy comfort. My mileage is not long with my current hiking crew. I have a ULA Ohm 2.0 pack for lighter hikes and an Outdoor Vitals 60L for when comfort and weight are less an issue. I think so much about hammocking and hiking are about your goals/objectives. Mileage is certainly a factor in it all. I think there’s a market for flat lay hammocks with better visibility. A bridge hammock fits this as well as some newer entries into the market. Once on a diagonal you miss the visibility in most gathered rnd hammocks, which is unfortunate. Keep up the great work!

@SpiguyverBackpacking1

5 жыл бұрын

John Chrysler Good stuff, I have an Ohm as well, great pack! I think the bridges to offer some great benefits!

I've forgotten my poles before and have actually replaced them with some good sturdy sticks.

Do you have any comments on the Lawson blue ridge bridge hammock. I would love to see a review of that if you could.

@SpiguyverBackpacking1

5 жыл бұрын

Never tried it, I've never even seen one at any of the hangs. Quite a bit heavier than a hammock I would normally carry, but I would be open to trying one for something like car camping. Thanks!

Interesting. What about for colder-weather camping. Can you get a winter cover, like you can on various gathered end hammocks?

@SpiguyverBackpacking1

5 жыл бұрын

So I just looked, they do offer a "Spindrift Sock" option. It is a winter sock. You remove the bugnet, put the winter cover on (will require removing the suspension briefly) and then it has a zippered door area. Cool feature!

@ChesapeakeHammockandOutdoors

5 жыл бұрын

WB has a few of the older Spindrift models for $25 off on their website I believe. The new version has zippers on both sides and an optional pad pocket. I got my RR a few.months ago and absolutely LOVE it. I've only used my XLC once since I got it, that's how flat and super comfortable it is. For insulation I bought an overstuffed CDT Lynx clone UQ for the same person I bought the RR from on Hammockforums.net , my DIY Snugpak Jungle Blanket UQ . My regular CDT , Snugpak and HG Incubator UQ's all fit as well even the they are designed for gathered end hammocks. My 2QZQ UQP also fits well. I've been thinking of making my own winter cover for it too. I'll use the netting as a template and design it so it fits over the netting, just like the Arrowhead Equipment BBO for the standard WB Blackbird. After its done I'll do a video and post it on Hammockforums.net as well.as my YT channel.if your interested.

I think it’s ArrowHead that has the rubber bumpers ($2/set of 4). I’ve never seen them for sale on WB’s site.

@SpiguyverBackpacking1

3 жыл бұрын

I have made them myself in the past using bicycle inner tubes.

As far as the zipper issue/suggestion, I think the zipper is perfect as-is. You can exit out either side, it just means unzipping more on one side if you have the zippers on the other. Try it out next time you’re in it and I think you’ll see what I mean.

@SpiguyverBackpacking1

5 жыл бұрын

I know what you're talking about. I just have gotten used to having double zippers on my netted hammocks so I can reach out either side. Thanks!

@LarryVickery

5 жыл бұрын

I agree the current zipper works fine for me.

I have one coming for Christmas.

@SpiguyverBackpacking1

4 жыл бұрын

Sweet!

@alexwbanks70

4 жыл бұрын

@@SpiguyverBackpacking1 I still have my Chameleon for longer hikes though. It'll be more of my winter/basecamp hammock. I also got a Aquaquest Defender 10x13 tarp. That definitely isn't going backpacking. Hope your having a good time over there across the pond.

Hey man I've been searching hard for some reviews of Hammock Gears new Hammock and there's nothing out there. Looks number and should be high quality.

@SpiguyverBackpacking1

5 жыл бұрын

I have one that I am currently testing. That will be the next hammock review you'll see on this channel. Thanks!

I found my HG Incubator has worked better on my Ridgerunner than it does on my Blackbird XLC. Wrapping the shock cord of the UQ around the Ridgerunner’s studs keeps it nice and snug.

@SpiguyverBackpacking1

5 жыл бұрын

But don't you find that when you do that you lost the ability to use your saddlebags? Thanks!

@BobPreis

5 жыл бұрын

Spiguyver Backpacking the saddle bags can just be flopped over the side so they aren’t sandwiched between the hammock and UQ.

@SpiguyverBackpacking1

5 жыл бұрын

Sweet!

Does anybody know what tarp he is using? It looks larger than most tarps I can find.

@SpiguyverBackpacking1

4 жыл бұрын

nathan L It’s a 12’ Hanger Tarp from UGQ

@nathanl3037

4 жыл бұрын

Thank you for responding so quickly! I'll be looking into it.

I would like to be able to order a ridgerunner with a solid panel instead of or in addition to the netting.

@SpiguyverBackpacking1

5 жыл бұрын

Contact Warbonnet, they may be able to do something like that.

@dennisashurst5662

5 жыл бұрын

@@SpiguyverBackpacking1 I did ask warbonnet last year they told me they could not help and to buy a spindrift.

@SpiguyverBackpacking1

5 жыл бұрын

That's too bad, maybe you can find someone doing a full custom bridge that might be able to help you out?

What tarp is that Mark?

@SpiguyverBackpacking1

4 жыл бұрын

UGQ 12' Hanger Tarp.

What is porch mode

@stangately2456

3 жыл бұрын

Put 2 poles/ sticks at the tie outs on one side of tarp to raise that side to a more horizontal position

I ordered a RR to try it out as well as the XLC. Loved the lie in the RR and it was more comfortable than the XLC but the size tarp and space you need for the RR turned me off of it. As a section hiker I was concerned that it would be more difficult to find places to hang.

@SpiguyverBackpacking1

5 жыл бұрын

I completely understand, and after this weekend agree with you. The tarp to cover a hammock like this has to be long and wide. Thanks!

@LarryVickery

5 жыл бұрын

10 x 10 tarp keeps me dry. I think a 10 x 5 would work fine as well.

I don't think Brandon has the bumpers on his site for sale - I got mine from Arrowhead: www.arrowhead-equipment.com/store/p448/SpreaderBarBumpers.html

@SpiguyverBackpacking1

5 жыл бұрын

I thought I had seen them on there, but you may be right. Thanks!

Doesn't look at all flat. My back won't allow me to sleep other than on the side or on my stomach. I hate to invest in this only to find out it won't allow those positions.

@SpiguyverBackpacking1

2 жыл бұрын

It's considerably flatter than any gathered end. There are other options you may want to look at like the Amok.

You don’t need a 30 min video for a hammock review. Get on with it.

@SpiguyverBackpacking1

5 жыл бұрын

I hear ya

@pd4916

4 жыл бұрын

I'm sure many appreciate the in-depth review. Ignore that guy