Bridge Hammock Battle! :: Which is better the Warbonnet Ridge Runner or the Dutchware Gear Banyan??

Bridge Hammock Battle! :: Which is better the Warbonnet Ridge Runner or the Dutchware Gear Banyan??
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Main Camera - Sony AX-100
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Audio - H1 Zoom or Rode
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Edited using iMovie

[@IAmApollo]

I usually love this channel but the Dutchware bias drives me crazy at times.

[@noahalso]

I have a 7 year old Ridgerunner. I doubled up the elastic cords which support the bug net and installed an internal ridgeline. I can hang up my headlamp, small flashlight and eyeglasses case on the ridgeline without creating too much sag.

[@rungavagairun]

Just bought my first ever hammock about 2 months ago now. I opted for the Ridgerunner. Coming from tent camping, having all the pockets for storing my junk was the deciding factor for me between these two. 7:48 I really like that trough at the head end of the Ridgerunner. I put my reading glasses in there, gloves, hat, and neck buff.

[@pd4916]

The second layer is a deal breaker. I use an underquilt in the warmer months, and slide my long and wide exped down mat in winter, which works really well

[@SpiguyverBackpacking1]

I get it, I do think at some point Dutch will offer a double layer, but who knows when.

[@robpelton]

Great comparison! A few things, if I may...😀 1. I think the Banyan may be more stable due to the double ridgelines. More contact points to aid in stability. 2. Cost, once you add up all the attachments for the Banyon, I believe it increases the $$ quite a bit. Much more the Ridgerunner. 3. The stock schock cord and cord locks are crap. Replace both. Shock cord from Dutchware is more robust and will support the Hangtime Hook easily. Use Lineloc 3’s. So much better. Either way, they’re both amazing, but yes...only the Ridgerunner is readily available currently. Good stuff Mark! Cheers.

[@SpiguyverBackpacking1]

Your comments are always welcome, especially when on this topic, you are one of the more educated that I know when it comes to the RR. I think there are two things that may play into the stability, one is the double ridge lines as you pointed out, the other may be that the suspension for the Banyan is shorter overall by over a foot. All valid points, thank you!

[@rgmALC]

I’m glad you found them so similar. Helps with not wanting to buy the other one in fear of missing out

[@randallyoung5628]

My sense of what is tippy could be skewed because I grew up playing in canoes and small sailboats, but the Ridgerunner doesn’t give me any feeling that it might tip me out, even when I’m turning over. I’d heard that people felt stability was a concern before I bought it. After getting one, I was pleasantly surprised by how stable it felt compared to what I expected. Maybe it’s feeling secure with how far it will tip before it flips.

[@chrisgo2379]

Since you dropped the Banyan's foot end by 2 inches to see if the comfort improved, I think you should have readjusted the suspension for the Ridgerunner too to see if it resolved the tippiness.

[@SpiguyverBackpacking1]

I had the RR where it was most comfortable.

[@boysattva]

Excellent work as usual. There's definitely a banyan in my future. I posted a "workable" mod for the RR ridgeline in the bridge hammock owners group (caveat...if you accidently sit on the bugnet using the mod , it will tear).

[@wazoologist]

Don't like tippy, but I think the Ridgerunner for me, due to the two layer option, so I can use a pad and don't always have to take an underquilt. I can always sew on attachment points and modify the ridgeline.

[@MrBalas3]

Agreed I don’t like tippy either, but at 6’4” and the Ridgerunner supposedly fitting up to 6’6” vs. Banyan only 6’3” I’m heavily considering the Ridgerunner if there’s a Labor Day Sale 🤔

[@alexandergrahn8222]

Could you do a similar comparison video with tarps? I'd love to see a comparison between the best winter tarps (ugq winter dream, hammock gear journey, WB superfly, Dutch...)

[@LarryVickery]

I've never been dumped by the RR, and I'm old and physically challenged.

[@BackpackingwithBuckley]

They both look sweet but I'm actually a little relieved to admit I dont want either as of now. I'm all about simple and warm! Awesome comparison though sir!!

[@chalion8399]

I just ordered the Ridge Runner a couple minutes ago before watching this video. Been liking the Warbonnet version even with the weight of the aluminum spreader bars. Paying for the 400 weight fabric seemed like a good worth for the cost. I saw the aftermarket spreader bar point caps (for the older version hammock) that cost @ $2.00 each but I think some heat shrink tubing would work just as well. I can't wait to get the hammock to see what it's like and see if it needs modding. Question. Between the 2 hammocks, are the lines from the spreader bars to the tree straps the same length? If the Ridge Runner are shorter, I can see why that would make it more unstable. Instead of using the provided tree strap, I wonder if using 2 tree straps at each side of the head spreader barto attach the hammock would help more. Wait, I see the problem. The loop around the tree at the foot of the hammock is to the side of the tree. If it was centered on the tree instead it may have provided more stability.

[@SpiguyverBackpacking1]

Awesome! I have a video from a while back where I added some bicycle tubes to a Ridgerunner to do the same thing.

[@BoltonMaverickoutdoors]

I have both hammocks just recieved my banyan it's nice to have storage included on the ridge runner it's further costs for storage on the banyan I live in the uk so it's difficult to obtain storage at a reasonable price

[@nomsolo9935]

What suspension are you using for each one?

[@lifthearth]

Tippy goes away for me in the ridgerunner depending on set up. Slightly better droop angle and its gone. I notice the set up in the video was less angle so that will lead to more tippy. Same thing happens to the banyon when it’s strung tighter with less drop angle. 30 degree drop or more and it’s fine.

[@SpiguyverBackpacking1]

Yeah, could be slightly due to the setup, but one thing to note is that the RR requires more distance between the trees than the Banyan does, the suspension is shorter on the Banyan than the RR.

[@u.p.trailseeker7350]

@@SpiguyverBackpacking1 set up is everything when it comes to the stability of a bridge hammock

[@stephanmedlin7323]

If you center yourself in the Ridge Runner as you did in the Banyon it won’t feel so tippy.

[@scottthompson3047]

It looked like you had whoopie slings on the ridge runner hammock. Do you think by lengthening the connection point with the slings made it feel a little more tippy? The banyan hammocks connection point was closer to the suspension.

[@SpiguyverBackpacking1]

No, I have tried both with different types of suspension, one difference may be that the RR suspension itself is about a foot or more longer than the Banyan. The RR requires more room between trees than the Banyan.

[@Kowalski143]

Excellent review. I have a ridgerunner

[@cougarmeat8803]

In winter, with the SpinDrift, you can fold up the bug net and if you get the SpinDrift with doors on each side, you can get in on either side of the RR. Also, with doors on each side, you have a lot of ventilation control. On the RR, what is that toggled loop for at the head end for? Also, doesn’t the RR have a logo patch sewn on the foot end so you can also tell which is head or foot? Thank you for the review. I have a lynx but I’ll look at Loco Libre.

[@SpiguyverBackpacking1]

Sweet, I knew that the spindrift was a cool piece! Thanks!

[@NJHeart2Heart]

Yes, the RR has the label at the foot end.

[@RicMor200]

Great video Mark. Thanks for the comparison. So I guess it boils down to how much the user likes the modular aspect of the Banyan versus the simplicity of the Ridge Runner. Personally, I prefer a gathered-end over a bridge hammock any time. I own a Ridge Runner single layer and I've only slept in it about 5 nights in total. So if it's comparable in comfort to the Banyan, then I guess neither one is for me. I hear people rave about the flattest lay ever, and it is flat all right. I had to install a long structural ridge line on my RR to give it a little sag. I guess my back prefers that bit of curvature that gathered-ends provide. Also I'm one who likes to cross my legs in figure 4 often and change positions throughout the night, and gathered-ends offer a lot of room by the legs. You can't do that too well on a bridge hammock because that middle part around the hips is the narrowest section of the hammock and is under the most tension. The widest part of the hammock is the head end, where I don't need that much space. I see people sleeping with their hands behind the back of their heads, but I can't stay in that position for too long. All that being said, this was a very informative video. Thanks for sharing.

[@SpiguyverBackpacking1]

Rick, if you’ve found your hammock, stick with it! I totally get what you’re saying and it’s strange that a few years ago I just couldn’t do the bridge hammock at all. Now I’m at the point where I don’t sleep all that well in my gathered ends but sleep like the dead in my Banyan. Appreciate you checking it out! Thanks!

[@baylytaff7106]

Can you share any links for the spreader bar protection covers. Thanks.

[@SpiguyverBackpacking1]

Here you go - www.fugal-innovations.com/

[@davemason6501]

I have the original ridge runner version. Thinking about your tippiness comment, I wonder if the dual ridge lines have something to do with reducing the sensation? That they are acting like extra support reducing the amount the hammock tipped over?

[@SpiguyverBackpacking1]

Definitely could be due to the dual ridge lines.

[@korling99]

Have you done a video on tarp setups for these two hammocks?

[@SpiguyverBackpacking1]

Go back a couple of weeks and the last trip video, Buffalo River trip, I do discuss and show it within the first 10 min of that video.

[@alexnormal3031]

nice hoodie picture on front side.

[@Billofthenorth1]

Good comparison of these two hammocks. I am still on the fence as to which one to get. From viewer comments, I suspect the RR may be a little roomier, which, as a big guy, is important to me. I also like some of the features. But if roominess wasn't an issue, the apparent better stability of the Banyan might move me in that direction. Decisions, decisions....on to more videos and reviews I guess. Thanks for the video.

[@SpiguyverBackpacking1]

As a bigger guy you may want to look at my videos on the Townsend Hammocks.

[@Billofthenorth1]

@@SpiguyverBackpacking1 Thanks. I had already watched those and for various reasons, eliminated the Townsend from my short list...for now. Once I decide to get 5 or 6 more bridge hammocks, they'll be reconsidered, lol.

[@SpiguyverBackpacking1]

They are bigger for sure. And a level above for comfort. There is some downside that some can't deal with, like the position of the poles.

[@stevesummersell3068]

If only one could combine the two...

[@bradorndorff-tn5zx]

From what I've seen lately and recently lm liking the ENO Skylight best of all.

[@SpiguyverBackpacking1]

Give it a try, but aI’ve heard some pretty bad things about it. The quality isn’t great and any hammock with a seam in the middle of it is a recipe for an uncomfortable night.

[@bradorndorff-tn5zx]

@@SpiguyverBackpacking1 l will continue to do the research.

[@SpiguyverBackpacking1]

Let me know if you have any questions, I will help anywhere I can!

[@familyshare3724]

I like the eno sky lite. The seams and base cloth is good. The telescope poles are great. I will cut the ridge line and bug net out

[@familyshare3724]

I'm happy with an xtherm in the hammock with me. Double layer is only complicated. I always need elbow pads on the ground, gathered or bridge.

[@80Entreri]

Would you mind comment on which of these have the least shoulder squeeze? I am athletic build and have a troublesome shoulder, so my gathered end is causing me some discomfort.

[@SpiguyverBackpacking1]

Very similar. I think because the Banyan is not as deep, there is slightly less.

[@jays7318]

@@SpiguyverBackpacking1 Shoulder Squeeze reduction is important to me too. I'll probably get the Banyan then

[@mclostinthewoods]

I have found that where I set my foot end about 6 to 8 inches higher on my Chameleon, I set my head and foot end the same on my Banyan. That's what works best for me for comfort. I agree that the Banyan is an excellent hammock. I have been really impressed with the Banyan and the Chameleon, especially when it comes to the available add-ons. The ridgeline organizer/shelf is amazing.

[@SpiguyverBackpacking1]

Yeah, I’ve found similar, for me not quite that much lower, but certainly not foot side higher like in a gathered end

[@rafaelroman3867]

Great video!! If you had a choice for a cold winter night which would it be…. The chameleon or the banyan?

[@SpiguyverBackpacking1]

Tough one. For me personally the Banyan due to it being a bridge and my shoulder isn't getting any better. But for the majority of people I'd say the chameleon. Especially with the new zip on under quilts, makes them about as foolproof as the superior hammocks.

[@kenginter6112]

Huge fan of the RR... Where did you get the carbon spreader bars?

[@DerekLand]

rutalocura.com is where I picked up mine. They're not listed on the main site, you have to contact Josh personally.

[@BoltonMaverickoutdoors]

I already own a lawson and now buying a ridgerunner good review

[@SpiguyverBackpacking1]

I haven't tried the lawson yet.

[@BoltonMaverickoutdoors]

@@SpiguyverBackpacking1 just received the ridge runner wish they had left the aluminium fittings on instead of putting the poles into the dynema splice

[@NJHeart2Heart]

@@BoltonMaverickoutdoors I'm glad I have the older one for that reason. With newly developed thumb/finger issues, I think it would be much more difficult for me to get the poles through the cordage loops.

[@davesdiversions8078]

Excellent comparison video. Mind if I share this to the Bridge Hammock Owners Group on Facebook?

[@SpiguyverBackpacking1]

By all means share away!

[@davesdiversions8078]

@@SpiguyverBackpacking1 Thank you.

[@u.p.trailseeker7350]

I don’t like the double ridge line and bugnet on banyan. Seems sloppy compared to the ridgerunner. I notice side sleeping in the ridgerunner seems flatter too. I love dutchware suspensions and gear but I definitely prefer Warbonnet’s hammocks. They seem to be overall better quality.

[@daveupton]

Being 6’5”, I am curious if anyone else of similar height has opinion of either. Talking to Dutch it’s really made for someone a little over 6’. Worried my height would be pushing it but really want to try a bridge.

[@mudbone7706]

I'm 6'3" and the double-layer Ridgerunner works well for me. Extremely comfortable with a 25" insulated pad between the layers. Haven't tried the Banyan.

[@MrBalas3]

Curious to which one you may have purchased? I’m the same height and leaning towards the RR

[@daveupton]

@@MrBalas3 never did get one. Tried the Banyan at MAHHA hang this spring. Way to short for me. I think the only option would be the RR.

[@daveupton]

@@MrBalas3 I didn't yet but I did just get to lay in a RR this weekend at the fall MAHHA event in PA. Plenty of room length wise. I'm not a big guy, about 200lbs @ 6'5". Very little shoulder pressure. I will be getting a RR at some point. Gear budget is tight as I just picked up the x-mid pro tent :-).

[@MrBalas3]

@@daveupton I bought the RR a couple weeks ago. I have taken it out to just the park a few times and I believe I will enjoy it on the trail more than my gathered end hammocks except for the additional weight, but I can live with that 🤔. Only time will tell. A little shoulder squeeze, but not compared to my gathered end hammocks. That’s a heck of a tent you recently purchased from what I’ve see online. That’s awesome.

[@ndettwiler]

Were you feeling any hyperextension of your knees in the Banyan before you lowered the foot end? I feel like I want the Banyan's overall design, but with that deeper foot area of the Ridgerunner. Also, a comparison of weights would have been helpful, but of course we could look those up ourselves.

[@SpiguyverBackpacking1]

I didn’t really do a weight comparison because they are not similarly spec’d. One is a double layer, with heavier fabric, so it would be higher. The designs are so similar that I would say they would be very close if similarly spec’d.

[@SpiguyverBackpacking1]

And I would say that I don’t feel any hyperextension in the Banyan, and it wasn’t really until I used the RR immediately before jumping in the Banyan that I really noticed it. I will say the Banyan is so much less pressure on the heels than a gathered end that it is amazing. I did enjoy that little extra fabric at the foot end.

[@BoltonMaverickoutdoors]

Onewind underquilt fits the ridge runner perfectly

[@DaveW812]

Thanks for the video! I love my banyan but often wondered if the Ridge runner was any different. I'll just stick with my banyan

[@BorealWilderness]

Great comparison vid! What's the length difference between the RR vs the Banyan's lines coming off of the four corners?

[@SpiguyverBackpacking1]

To be honest, I'm not sure, the Banyan is shorter, but measurements I don't have. I don't own the RR, so I would have to reach out.

[@BorealWilderness]

@@SpiguyverBackpacking1 I get my RR next week. Will measure and chip in the info. My thought was that the length difference of the suspension triangle may play into the tippyness.

[@BorealWilderness]

@@SpiguyverBackpacking1 just measured my RR's lines. They're 42" each. All 4 are the same. Whats the length of the Banyan's? Also, were the head and foot pole widths the same between the two?

[@BoltonMaverickoutdoors]

Is there a price difference

[@SpiguyverBackpacking1]

Hard to tell, the Banyan isn't even available to purchase due to supplier issues.

[@sethmcalister9672]

Dig it! Got to get a Townsend bridge hammock in that mix though!

[@DerekLand]

Bill knows his stuff. 👍

[@Saltfly]

I own a luxury bridge. They’re comfortable, but the bug protection doesn’t cut it. Also the bars all up in the hammock with you makes me nervous. A spreader bar failure right next to your head and neck wouldn’t be very fun. All these hammocks have their good points.

[@SpiguyverBackpacking1]

I would really like to get one from Bill at some point!

[@sethmcalister9672]

@@Saltfly I did go with his fronkey-style bugnet. It works for most trips, but on anything UL I simply go with a headnet. I'll try to go with a a half fronkey-style at some point which ought to net me 4-5oz. That's tolerable.

[@sethmcalister9672]

@@SpiguyverBackpacking1 Can't recommend him enough. I've only rocked a HikingDad (Bic) MYOG bridge and Bill's, but would love to see everything compared in one central video, that'd be rad. The comfort of Bill's is so awesome! Love all your hammock content, thank you!

[@butchtaylor5086]

Where do you think the “Haven Tent” fits in? I want a Banyan, but their availability is so uncertain. Haven Tent looks like a potential substitute.

[@SpiguyverBackpacking1]

Good question. I’ve been wanting to test a Haven for a while but haven’t gotten my hands on one yet. I will see what I can do to fix that!

[@toursinisrael]

How do these rate against the ninox flatlay?

[@SpiguyverBackpacking1]

If you enjoy the Ninox, stick with it. Having said that, I would not recommend the Ninox to anyone.

[@toursinisrael]

@@SpiguyverBackpacking1 why is that please? I dont work for them

[@SpiguyverBackpacking1]

@@toursinisrael Yeah, first of all, I had talked about how good the prototype was. I was told I had the prototype that was the final prototype. I did a video about it, and quite a few people backed their kickstarter because of my video. When the product was finally delivered it was nothing like the prototype. The hammock body is too stretchy, meaning you have to hang it super high to keep from being on the ground, and it's quite a bit heavier than what was advertised. Additionally, I am not a fan at all of the way the company conducts business, and would never recommend another of their products. While I respect their humanitarian efforts, they are not a company I will do, or recommend friends do business with.

[@toursinisrael]

@@SpiguyverBackpacking1 thank you, I concur with the 2nd half of your comment as well you think their "inferno" system would fit on ridgerunner?

[@SpiguyverBackpacking1]

I think you can make it fit, just tighten up the suspension and you can make it work

[@mbarr1029]

It did not appear you had any walkers come up to you while filming. I was playing with my hammock in a local park and could not even use the vid, with all the questions. I was polite though. Sold a few hammocks even ? Maybe

[@SpiguyverBackpacking1]

LOL, editing and a lot of retakes!

[@arcana1973]

Ridge runner. Mainly because the Banyon hasn't been available for almost a year.

[@SpiguyverBackpacking1]

Yeah, it’s unfortunate that external suppliers are causing a very lengthy delay at this point.

[@cynvision]

I was thinking this was going to be my comment, too. But there's the COVID supplies the firm was doing, so I can't blame them for releasing the Banyan hype in late 2019 and life happening... I waited a bit and then resorted to a Ripstop BTR kit. I was a challenge to make my own. But I also got to see their interesting AIRWAVE fabric.

[@3196453]

Nice comparison. I like the Banyon because of the accessories

[@BoltonMaverickoutdoors]

The banyon doesn't look as flat as the ridgerunner

[@SpiguyverBackpacking1]

It may not be quite as flat, which may be the reason I find it a little more comfy. Not sure!

[@akivisuals]

How much weight do those Ruta Locura CF bars save you on the Banyan? I was fortunate enough to find one used online and was considering upgrading the bars if it saves enough weight. Honestly, I'd LOVE for Dutch to make a double layer Banyan out of Cloud 71 but that's just a dream for now.

[@kellycarlen9605]

My RR stock bars, which are aluminum, weigh about 12 ozs. My Ruta Locura carbon fiber bars are just under 7 ozs. I imagine it’s going to be the same for the Banyan.

[@stevesummersell3068]

I think I would go with the Banyan because of the ridgeline(s). It gives me stability to get in and out and I like hanging everything from it. I wish Papa Smurf would make a bridge.

[@sailortoni]

😂😅

[@SpiguyverBackpacking1]

Thanks