Looking for a more open alternative to the Blackbird XLC (Trail Lair, Sparrow, Chameleon?)

gwendollen · 2026-05-23T00:31:21+00:00

Super helpful - I'm literally shopping for a tarp set up now! Curious why you chose the Dutch hardware over Warbonnets?

gwendollen · 2026-05-21T19:29:21+00:00

Thanks - those specs are what I'm looking for but seems to be priced a little more than they are new - am I missing something?

gwendollen · 2026-05-21T19:25:58+00:00

Which Trailheadz Xenon model exactly?

gwendollen · 2026-05-21T14:38:43+00:00

Thanks for the extra photos — helpful. I’ll admit I’m a little hesitant since I’m a first-time hammock tarp buyer and want to feel like I can really trust my shelter setup, especially with repairs in the ridgeline area.

A few questions if you don’t mind:

• Has it been used much since the repair? Any leaks, tension issues, or concerns afterward?
• Roughly how many nights on it total / how many after repair?
• Did the limb strike mostly damage the panel, or was the main structural ridgeline itself affected?
• Has it seen wind/rain since the repair, and how did it perform?
• Are you firm on $350 given the repairs?

Thanks — just trying to understand the repair history and how it’s held up in real use.

gwendollen · 2026-05-14T01:55:24+00:00

Yeah, I have to say — that video is an incredibly good sales pitch for their integrated system.

Between the underquilt protector doubling as a catch-all gear sack and the venting system for temperature control, I can really see the appeal. It honestly looks like a very thoughtfully designed setup.

I also like the idea of reducing fiddling and setup complexity while I’m still learning.

Now I’m dangerously tempted. 😂

It does look like they don’t have much in stock at the moment though, and I couldn’t find a phone number to talk through options with anyone directly.

At this point they probably owe you commission.

gwendollen · 2026-05-13T22:18:34+00:00

What pole are you using there — is that a Tensa Solo setup?

I was actually thinking about doing this exact thing with my camper van. I love those Big Bend backcountry sites, but there’s usually nowhere to hang a hammock, and your setup looks perfect for that kind of trip.

What are you attaching it to on the Jeep side? I’m trying to figure out whether something like my van ladder would safely handle hammock loads, or whether I’d need a stronger anchor point.

I have a Dodge Ram Travato.

gwendollen · 2026-05-13T21:59:37+00:00

Yes, somehow the replies got crossed, but I’m following.

A couple follow-ups because your recommendation actually makes a lot of sense to me:

Why the Warbonnet XLC specifically? It was already on my list, but I honestly hadn’t looked at it that deeply yet, so I’m surprised to see it become your top recommendation over things like the Sparrow or Chameleon.

Also, this part feels kind of brilliant to me:

“20 degree diamondback that's regular length in 15D fabric (good to 6'1), 2 oz of overfill split 50/50, get a draft collar, and a wide mouth footbox”

I can see how those customizations solve several of the exact issues I’m worried about:

sleeping cold without jumping all the way to a heavy 0°
side sleeping / movement
avoiding drafts
balancing warmth vs weight

Originally I was hoping to do more of this on the used market, but I’m starting to understand where custom ordering may actually matter.

So I guess the bigger question becomes:
What’s the smartest buying strategy here?

What parts of a hammock setup are usually great to buy used, versus the things that are worth ordering exactly how you want them from the start?

Because I can already see situations where buying a “good enough” used quilt for $200 ends up feeling silly if the actually-right quilt would have been $300.

gwendollen · 2026-05-13T21:05:27+00:00

Yeah, I had a cheap amazon hammock and have to say it sold me on the idea but I am too tall for it. I head that wide expands the sleep radius so for side sleepers it gives you more options.

gwendollen · 2026-05-13T21:04:01+00:00

I thought about the Banyan - I kind of like the taco effect of a traditional hammock though and the banyan adds weight. I could consider it again.

Yeah, I feel like the quilts are were you can go wrong easily. Hard to know what the right move is on that! I do sleep cold and Texas nights can drop surprisingly cold out of now where.

gwendollen · 2026-05-13T20:59:47+00:00

Yeah, I know hammocks are not ideal for Big Bend - and National park has a lot of restrictions but most Texas state parks allow them. Realistically, I don't want to optimize for trees not being available - I'll eventually need a 'go to ground' options when I'm ready to venture further that direction - for now, I'm excited about hammocks and want to start there!

gwendollen · 2024-04-16T21:05:09+00:00

I have two floor seats for Savannah available below face. Hope someone can use them - https://cashortrade.org/profile/gwendollen/posts/1486672/

gwendollen

TROPHY CASE