Hello all... thus farm, I'm a recreational, in BWCA camp hammock'r, but considering joining the dark-side or enlightened-side and leaving the tent at home.

We camp mostly in late Sept. To start and get used to the system, I may not purchase an underquilt right away. My sleeping bag is a Big Agness w/ the sleeping pad inserted into the bag's sleeve as the bottom later. This Big Agnes design has kept me solidly on my pad and has kept me very warm.. so not thinking I'll need another pad. I do have a 1/2" thermarest pad i never use anymore that I could use in between layers if I go that route. I was thinking this may be OK for late Sept and compensate w/ layers if I get cold.

Bigger question, I see a LOT of comments about having a double layer hammock. Why so many w/ the double layer? Is it for those wanting to put a sleeping pad between layers? Is it soley for strength? Pro's/Con's?

Thanks.... right now I haven't seen anything on the web I think will work better than the Warbonnet Blackbird XLC (I'm 6'3" 190lbs). But the Fronkey net seems interesting, just need to learn more.

I have a Kelty Noah 12 tarp and plan to start with that until I learn more.

Your insights are appreciated!
Mark

Welcome

I have a double layer hammock and I use a pad in between them, to insulate my bottom from the cold. I have a North face, which is good till 25. But without either an underquilt or a pad, your butt will probably get cold when the evenings cool down.

Years ago I found Guide Gear 12' x 12' fly's for $20 each, works great & it doesn't leak

Yes, the double layer is for those that wish to insert an insulated pad instead of going with an underquilt. If you don't want to invest in an underquilt yet, you should certainly go with the double layer. If you choose to upgrade later to an underquilt the double layer hammock works for that application as well. Your choice of the Warbonnet XLC is spot on. It's a great hammock and there will be no need to upgrade in the future......

The needed to learn more never stops. Hanging has gained popularity and with that a market and with that people who make and offer gear we just cannot resist. You are also spot on in keeping it simple but starting with good gear. I have used my Noah 12x12 for five seasons and it is still going strong. I recently upgraded to a SuperFly and will give it its first trip next week.
Unless there is a big price difference I would go with the double. It affords the option to put the pad in a more secure setting but is never in the way when you go to the underquilt.

the xlc comes with a net, so you would not need a fronkey.
i recently sold my xlc, for 2 of dutch's hammocks. i did buy the fronkey, and love it.
i could never get completely comfy in the xlc. read up on dutch's hammocks, bought one, and man what a difference.
i bought a wide version and it is even better. my wife will use the reg.
truly for me, it is the sweetest and most comfy hammock lay i have ever had. dutch

I use the XLC double because I'm 6'3" and 260lbs. My son has an XLC and weighs 220 and is 5'10". Both are double layer. If you plan on using a pad with the sleeping bag inserting it between layers will hold it in place much better. Ideally you will want to go with a quilt at some point for the warmth. The XLC is a fantastic hammock I've found very comfortable. Just make sure it's hung properly and you'll get a great nights sleep.

Sure wish I could see / handle all the fabric options on the Blackbird (and others)... it's a bit daunting when you don't have access to what you're buying !! :D

Most of the manufacturers are very accommodating and understand your situation, so if you've narrowed your fabric choices I'm sure you could get samples. I've ordered several items from UGQ (UnderGroundQuilt), and they've been happy to send me samples. Really great folks to deal with as are most all of these smaller gear producers.

I know this thread is a few month old but maybe someone is still parusing. I purchased the XLC single and I ended up exchanging it for the double. I traveled to an area thick with mosquitos. Maybe it was my imagination, but I felt that the skeeters were able to tickle any bare skin through the single layer. Again, maybe it was all in my head. But I feel better with two layers between me and those skeeters. The weight was negligible.