I need some help with this little project. I'm mulling over getting a new hammock setup. I've been looking strongly at two hammock models of the same brand: Warbonnet Traveler and Blackbird.

Traveler:
Hammock: $60 weighs 12.5oz
Sock: $85 weighs 9.3oz
Net: $65 weighs 7.5oz
Total:$210 29.3oz

Blackbird:
Hammock: $160 weighs 18.5oz
Sock: $85 weighs 9.3oz
Total: $245 27.8oz

It breaks down to about 1.5oz lighter for purchasing the Blackbird and $35 more than buying the Traveler. Blackbird is actually cheaper per ounce base on this.

Now, what about the qualitative benefit(s)? I probably get more responses from the Hammockforums.net

P.S. I'm still legally sane, I think?

In your post the only cost/benefit relationship you have identified is initial price/weight. Surely, with these two models being so near one another in price and weight it would be sensible to look at other features, too, apart from weight. There is also the total 'cost of ownership' to consider --although if both are durable and have similar warranties this isn't going to distinguish them very much either.

If one model has a feature you think is likely to be beneficial which the other lacks, then your choice is made. If both are equally useful for your own purposes in terms of features, then I would go with the lighter one.

I dunno, but what is a "sock?"

Regardless of sockhood, I'd lean towards the one that's more comfortable and easier to string properly.

Cheers,

A sock and no tarp? Socks are not weatherproof....

If you are in an area where bugs are occasional, thw traveler is a better deal with the option to leave the bugnet at home. The lay is the same with both hammocks.

I already have a tarp. The sock is optional for winter months. Using the same tarp as I would during summer months the sock will help combat wind and blowing snow, so in theory.

Whoops, missed this post last night. Here the description from Warbonnet, "The Travel Sock is our hammock sock designed to be used with the Blackbird and Traveler hammocks. A "sock", named after a tubular wind sock is a giant breathable fabric sack that the hammock hangs entirely inside of. It encloses the hammock and underquilt, and since it's enclosed it will generally be about 15-20 deg warmer compared to outside air temp. The Travel Sock is meant to be used mainly in cooler weather to protect the hammock and underquilt from wind and windblown moisture that might come in under the edge/ends of your tarp. The fabric is wind and water resistent, not waterproof. It will repel light moisture, but if conditions contain wet snow or moderate rain you'll still need a small tarp."

So, basically, they are recommending that you use two rain flys?

It would seem that, at about the 2-pound point, the decision between a hammock and tent would be based solely on comfort and convenience to the user, not on any objective analysis?

Thanks! As a Hennessy guy, I'm only up on his peculiar terminology.

IMHO nobody has yet licked the compact, lightweight, affordable, stays-out-of-the-way hammock insulation conundrum.

Cheers,

How much do you pay to spend one night in a hotel? Seems like $100 is small potatoes if you are going to use it twenty times...

I might budget for it if it existed. Sadly, it doesn't.

Cheers,

I wouldn't use the sock during 3-season. Just during the winter month.