Superior Gear Hammocks: One Year Review | Does this Beat the Dutchware Chameleon?

[@onemileattatime2642]

More than impressed with the 30° Superior Gear Hammock & comforter bundle! Buy once, cry once! Don't be like me and buy elsewhere! As a relatively new convert from tent camping to Hammock camping, I discovered that Hammock-camping was more comfortable than sleeping in a tent on the ground. Dipping my toes into hammock-camping a couple years ago..my introduction was using the infamous ENO Double Nest. It was adequate for fair weather camping. From there I expanded by adding the rain fly, bug net, and the underquilt and so on... The gear worked, but it had a LOT of fidget factor - A lot! It was heavy, and it took up more space than this Superior Gear bundle. Well, as I ventured into cooler nights with the ENO gear, I discovered quickly that as it got colder, the *suspended underquilt would leave cold spots because in the middle of the nights, I would adjust my sleeping position; and the underquilt would mis-adjust...ufff! Restless sleeping, chilly Yeah...no Bueno. I even bought a colder rated quilt...yeah...cold spots due to Gaps, STILL!! So I started researching alternatives on reddit and other forums. KZbin had a number of options... WHEN I saw reviews by Danny, Shug, and especially *Backpacking with Buckley* I was SOLD! Since receiving the 30° bundle, I have been more than impressed with the simplicity of setup and comfort! I LOVE THE NO fidget factor! Wearing only a thin base layer shirt & pant, my 30° hammock & comforter has me sleeping down to 25° NICE & Toasty with zero cold spots!! I am certain that this 30° bundle will keep me warm down to 20 or possibly high-teens should I add warmer clothing and a hat without the need to affix my top quilt underneath as it can! (As the reviews remark, the temperature rating is conservative & for comfort, not a survival rating: YMMV) (I have discovered the ability to migrate the down filler manually to where i diagonally lay increasing the fill underneath me is an option to achieve colder temps!) The versatility of the shelter is impressive! It envelopes you well to keep the breeze down; or porch mode opens everything up; or flip back the flaps to open up the sky! I eagerly look forward to more moto-hammock-camping with this gear! I have zero regrets on this sizeable purchase...except that I wish I had discovered this gear sooner! A great product!

[@BackpackingwithBuckley]

I'm happy that you like your hammock as much as I love mine. They are pretty amazing!

[@onemileattatime2642]

Your review(s) were top notch! The put me over the edge.

[@badgeroutdoors3115]

Completely agree. One little mistake with the underquilt, and you have to get out and sort it. Absolutely love this hammock and 100% promotion it.

[@BackpackingwithBuckley]

Glad to hear it man!! I love mine to this day!!

[@jwstrauc]

can't agree more.

[@LousyFIBs]

I agree with everything you said. I have a few of these - with all the extras like cocoons, half bug nets, quilt/underquilt, etc - and they're great. And , spoiler alert, 'Past Buckley', they are still in business!

[@BackpackingwithBuckley]

I know they are still in business! I'm happy for that! They are the best of the best in my opinion.

[@danielkutcher5704]

I bought one, just for you! I'm helping to keep Danny & Co. in business to serve other deserving hammockers. Thanks for spreading the good word!👍✌

[@BackpackingwithBuckley]

Awesome stuff man!! You won't regret it. What did you get for temp?

[@danielkutcher5704]

@@BackpackingwithBuckley Oh, hey! Late reply. It's a negative 15F.

[@kod-ee-wom-pl]

Hello! Thank you for the lovely sharing 😃 Enjoyed the relaxing time watching. Happy Sunday! 😊

[@BackpackingwithBuckley]

Thanks! Happy Sunday to you too

[@SalmondOutdoors]

I absolutely love my superior gear hammock, I also have the elite version and it's amazing. I don't think you can have a lighter full hammock setup. The cloud71 fabric is super comfy as well! I love the fact I dont have to worry about drafts in the winter time.

[@BackpackingwithBuckley]

Great minds think alike dude!

[@bucktalesoutdoors7566]

I am still waiting for a little less snow to try out my Superior Gear Hammock for the first time. (not nearly as hard core as you young pups) I’m pretty sure it is gonna be awesome though. Oh yeah…. Shug is an awesome resource for Hammock camping info and he’s pretty humorous besides. 👍

[@BackpackingwithBuckley]

Shug is the MAN!! Im excited to hear about your first experience sir!

[@slyfox6134]

I noticed that their calling card is one of Shug's painting's. Congratulations to Shug on his silver KZbin plaque. I agree 💯 that this is with out a doubt the best hammock out there!!!

[@BackpackingwithBuckley]

I totally agree and I'm a BIG Shug fan!

[@SanaurRehmanShahmir]

Enjoy your moments my friend! Lot of love and respect from a solo mountain hiker friend from the Lower Chitral District of Pakistan!

[@BackpackingwithBuckley]

Thanks!

[@volleytheory]

Here in the south I find I just don’t need that much insulation. That cocoon looks really neat. I also like the top quilt that can snap on as an under quilt. Thoughtful designs. Heading to the website now to find something suitable for my area. Oh, and, we all love Shug. Thanks, man. Be good. Always enjoyable posts.

[@BackpackingwithBuckley]

They have the Starlite too which is not insulated.

[@BackpackingwithBuckley]

superiorgear.com/product/starlite-hammock

[@volleytheory]

Yep I saw that one. Really dig the snap on feature for the under quilt.

[@glendabaghian1145]

Credit to Spaguyver where I saw this first, yeah Shug sealed the deal for me as not Johnny-come-lately product.

[@wisenber]

It's a really great concept and well made....but. I tend to wash or rinse my hammocks as needed and soak them in permethrin for bug season. In contrast, I have some ten year old underquilts that I've never needed to wash as the hammock body tends to be the part to get soiled. Plus, I tend to go with an 1/4 inch pad in the middle of summer. Then again, I might be the rare guy that occasionally has his hiking shoes on or sits in a hammocks with middy pants before I catch myself.

[@BackpackingwithBuckley]

I've washed my hammock a couple of times in the big bag it comes with for storage. I use down wash with it

[@wisenber]

@@BackpackingwithBuckley I get that it can be washed like any other down. Just noting that breaking out the tennis balls (despite not having played tennis in decades) and monitoring a low heat dryer for hours is a bit more involved than a piece of nylon or polyester you can swish in a sink and drip dry in an hour. However, the integrated insulation does have some compelling advantages, especially for those who struggle with getting a good UQ fit.

[@glendabaghian1145]

I've owned my 45° elite for a year and tested it in the Grayson Highlands, NH Whites, and with the wind protector (down to 33° nights) on the NJ Batona Trail. I love the no fidget-factor of an uq and the flatter lay Danny dialed in with the shorter ridgeline. Too bad about the discontinued Cloud71. Suggestions for R&D would be a 60" or 62" width and peak lofts. I'll have to ask Danny to use male-to-make snaps so I can snap on an added uq then snap on my wind protector on top of that using the same snap positions. See if you can convince him for custom color stitching too. I thoroughly researched double layer Sparrow and Chameleon before buying this one of a kind light weight SG design.

[@glendabaghian1145]

Why does the design have the heavier end of the zipper (the pull tabs) sewn into both ends of the hammock. It would be lighter (when not using the bug net) to have the pulls sewn on the bug net not the hammock. Come on Danny, I'm giving you pearls here :)

[@BackpackingwithBuckley]

Lol. That's some real gram weenie talk! I love it! Danny has lots of ideas in his head but is also currently working on just keeping up with orders before he bites off more than he can chew. This is a big reason for my continued support of SG. Danny makes the best stuff and when he is able to catch up, I can't wait to see what he comes up with!

[@OutsideComfortZone]

You are crushing it, Buckley! This one has me wanting to try a hammock for camping, and those hammock straps look like a huge improvement over the slap straps I used with my eno back in the day. Looking forward to the next one!

[@BackpackingwithBuckley]

Thanks dude! It's a hammock worthy of promoting. I really do love this thing.

[@glendabaghian1145]

I use my older Dutchwear beatle buckle and spider webbing (similar design) to save a little money, but SG buckles allow you to more easily pull with one finger.

[@chromaticvisionstudio5489]

You sir have sold me on this hammock and I will be ordering one right away thank you.

[@BackpackingwithBuckley]

Awesome! If you have more questions feel free to reach out!

[@photographyadventuresbygraciel]

I love how it’s camouflage!! The river that you are camping beside of is so beautiful!! The mosquito netting is great too!!

[@BackpackingwithBuckley]

It's a pretty comfortable hammock! The river is nice but the water....not so much unfortunately. Thanks Gracie!

[@glendabaghian1145]

I think he was discontinuing the camo. Is that still offered?

[@BackpackingwithBuckley]

@@glendabaghian1145 It is offered for quilts I think. Camo may be back in the future though.

[@petescharber8567]

That was fun one. After seeing Danny’s rig at the event last weekend, I couldn’t help myself and ordered my first SG hammock yesterday. I have been exclusively using my bridge hammock for about 5 years now, so eager to see how it compares. Peace out.

[@BackpackingwithBuckley]

Yes!!! Can't wait to see yours. What temp did you order Pete?

[@petescharber8567]

@@BackpackingwithBuckley I was looking for a deep winter set-up and went for the -40 with the cocoon.

[@BackpackingwithBuckley]

@@petescharber8567 holy shit man! Nice!!

[@yevenstee]

How many hammocks will this be now in your collection Pete?

[@petescharber8567]

@@yevenstee hey Steve! I think this will be 8 or 9. I actually sold off some gear (tarp, under quilt, hammock chair) to justify, at least in my mind, this new purchase - lol. When does your Ridge Runner arrive?

[@mat-ventures]

Thanks for the review. My Superior gear hammock is in production right now. I'm eager to test it here in Québec, Canada

[@BackpackingwithBuckley]

You're gonna love it!! Let me know how you like it.

[@mat-ventures]

@@BackpackingwithBuckley will do! I ordered last Feb 19, so in theory, there is still 7 to 9 weeks left

[@zachdavis656]

You have me very intrigued. I was looking for an UQ, now you have me wanting to buy the whole set up.

[@BackpackingwithBuckley]

I would never go back to a detached underquilt after owning this!

[@barondavis5692]

Your post is one of the first I saw on how good SG hammocks are. I’ve looked at a bunch of other reviews. What’s holding me back from getting one is width. I’m 6’4” and wonder, “Is the SG wide enough.” Thoughts welcome. Thanks

[@BackpackingwithBuckley]

I think as long as you get the 11 foot hammock you will be fine length wise! The width has never been an issue for me personally.

[@TheGlatch]

What would be the max temperature you would be comfortable in with a 45f hammock? Are for example warm 80f summer nights to hot?

[@BackpackingwithBuckley]

80 degree nights are hot regardless. Lol. That being said, it is comfortable from 25 degrees on up. I have a friend with a 15 degree that slept comfortably at 75. Heat rises so these hammocks don't overheat you unless you trap that heat with an appropriate quilt.

[@BackpackingWithJason]

I like the cocoon idea. Great review of the hammocks Tim. I always get my best sleep in a hammock.

[@BackpackingwithBuckley]

Me too. Hammocks keep me asleep and I don't wake up all night with numb shoulders. Thanks Jason!

[@glendabaghian1145]

I'm not convinced yet about the cocoon's open footbox and the body heat required to warm up the airspace between a tq not against my body. But never say never. Your and Buckley's thoughts welcomed. I bought an Outdoor Vitals 15° tq and will continue to use a 39° (comfort rated) REI Magma30 (22oz. and compresses to 3L) unzipped as a Summer tq.

[@DMSAdventures]

Not sure I'd ever be a hammock camper but I watched anyway bc Buckley videos are awesome! Maybe if I was as fast as you are during your unbuttoning segment I could put up 3 hammocks faster than one tent. I love to see small companies make amazing products and compete in the big markets. I'm sure free advertising from satisfied users goes a long way!!.. Especially in this industry. Great drone shots too by the way. Rugged Mountain Mister noticed!!

[@BackpackingwithBuckley]

Thanks so much Mark (and Rugged Mountain Mister). Happy late birthday young man!

[@texashikeaholicsadventures]

Ok you’ve convinced me!! I will be placing an order!!!

[@BackpackingwithBuckley]

I can't wait to hear what you think!! Are you each getting one? 😀

[@boopernator]

I am now seriously considering purchasing a Superior Gear Hammock. After watching several of your videos where you use one I want to give it a try. I purchased an Outdoor Vitals Hammock pod on clearance to try hammock camping, if it works out I will be investing in a Superior Gear set up.

[@BackpackingwithBuckley]

I'm a nerd, Daniel....im happy to give advice about it of you should need any!

[@boopernator]

@@BackpackingwithBuckley If I end up enjoying Hammock camping, is it worth it to save up and buy the Ultimate Bundle? Or maybe just buy what I need?

[@BackpackingwithBuckley]

@@boopernator make sure you let me know Daniel! I'd be happy to give advice. I'd say start with the hammock and I'll help you pick a rainfly. The bundle may be the best way to go though! 605 214 3119 is my number of you want to shoot me texts!

[@wendingourway]

Now if I could ever get myself in to one of them contraptions, what would I ever do with Otis! LOL Is there a model that comes with a privy? 🚽 lol They do look nice and warm and rather convenient actually. Great review! Will need to send you some of our snow for ambience...we go over 20cm today! Take care....Bruce and Otis

[@BackpackingwithBuckley]

I think Otis might need his own hammock! We may get more snow this weekend. March is a temperamental month here. Lol

[@EatCarbs]

I was sold before I even clicked the video brother. Looks like a great hammock. Just short on the money I need to buy one. Thanks for the video

[@BackpackingwithBuckley]

Start saving those pennies man. It took me a while to save up for mine too! Thanks Mark!

[@EatCarbs]

I need to do that.

[@BillyBobTup]

I agree with your assessment of these hammocks and quilts!

[@BackpackingwithBuckley]

They are truly awesome rigs!

[@NicoleHikesalot]

Awesome hammock, we never tried hammock camping before, it looks great, love the fact that you can use it all season long and that it has the zipper on both sides. And great customer service from Danny. Makes me want to get a hammock. Gotta save up for more gear purchases...

[@BackpackingwithBuckley]

You should borrow one and try it out! Don't go all in on hammocks until you've tried it (my advice). These are the best hammocks though for me! Thanks Nicole!

[@slyfox6134]

Go into their website and check out the Starlight Hammock. You can add or take off. Very versatile. When I got my 30* this wasn't out yet. 🙄

[@thebandit7404]

I am really hoping Danny does a SG Bridge hammock in the near future. *hint, hint* The new cocoon is awesome, btw. It's great for winter layering. Love it

[@BackpackingwithBuckley]

I've hinted too. He has a lot of irons in the fire so you never know!

[@robpelton]

Agreed. Very underrated. I’ll have to get a vid out on it as well. Good stuff. Cheers!

[@BackpackingwithBuckley]

Cheers to you buddy!! Get a video out man!

[@RodKrisBisdakMotovlog]

Absolutely great and another interesting video brother.

[@BackpackingwithBuckley]

Thanks bud!

[@FOLLOWINGWALKERSWORLD]

I don’t use a hammock but if I do, your my new go to guy. 👍😎

[@BackpackingwithBuckley]

Yes!!! Thanks Tom. Consider me your new hammock guy.

[@RhodySeth]

Looks nifty but since I already have a bunch of under quilts it's hard to justify switching to this system. I do need a new hammock though...

[@BackpackingwithBuckley]

Understandable my good man. I sold a couple underquilts to help me afford my first one. Now I can't imagine going back!

[@SouthernHike]

Great info dude! Love the idea of the all in one package for someone who just wants to have a setup all in one. Did not know that is happening with the cloud material!

[@BackpackingwithBuckley]

The cloud material isn't breaking at all. It just has more stretch than other fabrics. So in a Superior Hammock, it stretches further, adding stress to the stitches of the insulation part.

[@SouthernHike]

@@BackpackingwithBuckley That's what I meant dude. It stretches lol

[@carrdoug99]

I can't agree with you strongly enough. Superior Gear is an amazing company, with an amazing product. I do have one warning for those considering these hammocks. Do not buy this hammock without the integrated insulation, thinking you'll make them even more versatile. The return for your customizing effort just isn't worth it. If/when I buy another Superior Gear hammock it will be 30 or 45 degree rated hammock, a 40 deg cocoon & half bugnet. I would also buy a 15 deg top quilt, and wind cover if I didn't already own them. One thing I would incourage Danny to do is make the ridge line easily detachable.

[@BackpackingwithBuckley]

Great advice! I'm curious why you would want a detachable ridgeline?

[@MinuteontheMountain]

Great review Buckley. Looks like a superior piece of gear.

[@BackpackingwithBuckley]

It truly is my friend. I might actually love it more than what a healthy level may be. 😀

[@wildwithwindjammer8664]

Really liked your video. I’m researching this hammock, considering pulling the trigger. My question is, and you touched on this, how low of temps can you comfortably go with the 45 degree elite with and without the cocoon top quilt? Thanks

[@BackpackingwithBuckley]

This depends on how warm or cold you sleep and what temp rated top quilt you use. That being said, I sleep warm and with a 45 degree quilt and the 45 degree hammock down to the mid 30s . Thanks for watching!

[@KodyDockett]

Love the video! You have me sold on one now im just trying to figure out what i need. Im going to colorado in mid october could c temls from 0-70 whats ur thoughts on a 30° hammock a wind break underneath and a 15° comforter?

[@BackpackingwithBuckley]

That's a good rig. If you sleep warm it will keep you cozy below 20 degrees I'd bet.

[@LostBeagle]

Just ordered one of these with a negative 40 degree rating. Full bug net, two side pockets

[@BackpackingwithBuckley]

You're gonna love it!

[@LostBeagle]

@@BackpackingwithBuckley Yeah. It's expensive but beats sleeping in a tent at age 65. I've got a Dream hammock. It's nice but can't really be used without an underquilt. Used it a few times in the early fall without an underquilt and froze my butt off.

[@1przemian]

What a great video! My only two questions are how these hammocks handle moisture in 0° and do they have any baffle separators to more or less keep down from moving from toes to head side?

[@BackpackingwithBuckley]

I've done a LOT of winter camping and I've had zero moisture issues. The baffles are designed that way so that you are able to "migrate" the down once you set up the hammock. Extra seems and square baffles tend to reduce the insulative efficiency in underquilts and sleeping bags. I have full confidence that this is the best gathered end hammock on the market!

[@ChooseAdventureCaliforniaStyle]

These hammocks look awesome. Thanks for the information. Would you recommend these in Bigfoot country?

[@BackpackingwithBuckley]

Absolutely. I think they are Bigfoot proof. Lol

[@ChooseAdventureCaliforniaStyle]

@@BackpackingwithBuckley Awesome! 😉

[@JeremiahStringer]

Quality gear right there. Great video

[@BackpackingwithBuckley]

Thanks there good bud!!!

[@yesidtac7863]

Good job

[@BackpackingwithBuckley]

Thanks bud.

[@AggyGoesOutdoors]

Obviously I have very limited experience with hammocks, but as far as an all-in-one winter backpacking hammocking solution goes this seems to be head and shoulders over the competition.

[@BackpackingwithBuckley]

You seem to know your way around a hammock, Aggy. You're far more skilled at knots and DIY than I am!! That being said, this is a really nice design.

[@AggyGoesOutdoors]

@@BackpackingwithBuckley it is an amazing design. Are they looking to have this product picked up by a mainstream retailer or do they want to keep it cottage?

[@BackpackingwithBuckley]

@@AggyGoesOutdoors I'm sure he would be open minded but prefer to keep it cottage. His biggest issue is keeping up with demand. It takes 6 hours to finish one hammock.

[@MetroOnTheMove]

Hello my friend! You have got my attention on these hammocks! Knowing that I am primarily a ground dweller and live in the stinking hot south, which hammock would you recommend for someone who doesn't go hammock camping in the winter rather the summer months? Great overview!

[@BackpackingwithBuckley]

I use an underquilt even at 65 or 70 degrees. I would recommend the 45 degree for you. If you ordered one of Danny's quilts, you can morph it to a cold weather rig too. Danny also has hammocks without insulation (Starlite). That being said, I would still personally get insulated even if I was from the voter suppression states like Georgia. 😀

[@MetroOnTheMove]

@@BackpackingwithBuckley Got it! Putting this on my wish list for 2022! Hopefully someone will read my wish list besides me. Backpacking is like paying for college...twice

[@BackpackingwithBuckley]

But with a better education.....worth it!

[@MetroOnTheMove]

@@BackpackingwithBuckley now that my wife is starting to join me on trips I gotta be careful…because it’s gonna be twice the gear purchases now.

[@ItsGoodintheWoods]

I want one of his hammpcks

[@BackpackingwithBuckley]

Get one!! They are badass!

[@ItsGoodintheWoods]

@@BackpackingwithBuckley you are bad ass

[@BackpackingwithBuckley]

@@ItsGoodintheWoods takes one to know one!

[@ItsGoodintheWoods]

@@BackpackingwithBuckley lol

[@stephenhiker9807]

I love dutch and i love this hammock

[@BackpackingwithBuckley]

Dutch has a different design. Superior Gear is definitely my preference.

[@night23fox]

I've heard they're amazing setups. One day for me

[@BackpackingwithBuckley]

They truly are badass!

[@briteshikes5099]

I had an opposite experience with Superior Hammock. Had 2 hammocks from them and both had defects. 1st one was missing about 2 foot of stitching along the zipper. Then my replacement for the 1st was also defective at 4 inches short in width so quilt would not seal or allow a comfortable lay. Danny did work with me and I did get a refund but after 2 tries quality control could have been better. Still think its a cool hammock but not for me

[@BackpackingwithBuckley]

We all have preferences. That's what makes it fun right? Sorry you had some bad luck with Superior.

[@Магаданскиекостры]

Hello my friend is very good Video Thanks From Russia 🇷🇺 .

[@BackpackingwithBuckley]

Thanks!

[@alexwbanks70]

Dammit Man!!! You're going to cost me money. I do currently have a Chameleon and have for a long time.

[@BackpackingwithBuckley]

It's an amazing hammock system man. I can't fathom going back.

[@GratefulTrekker]

Strap it on buddy!!!

[@BackpackingwithBuckley]

🤣🤣 Oh Stephen, you're something else!

[@unpavedexplorer338]

Very nice hammocks. I wish they had an integrated pee flap and reservoir for I am a diabetic and go several times a night. It is easier to use a pee bottle in a tent than a hammock. Honest statement.

[@BackpackingwithBuckley]

I could teach you some very easy peeing methods from a hammock John!

[@unpavedexplorer338]

@@BackpackingwithBuckley That is ok. I will pass on that. LOL!

[@hongheng9201]

Hello friends nice videos friends great super like videos friends 👍👍👍👍👍👍

[@benkrause3321]

Amok draumr 5.0 is the best hammock in the world ! PERIOD!

[@BackpackingwithBuckley]

It looks awfully comfy I agree. Just a little too bulky for my old bones to carry.

[@benkrause3321]

Not bulky at all really. I like the looks of the one you're demo also! It's really cool!!I just need that flat lay because I toss and turn big time lol

[@outdooriowan]

If I ever buy another hammock it will be from them.

[@BackpackingwithBuckley]

You know I'm happy to give advice if you decide ro pull the trigger bud!

[@ahilbilyredneksopinion]

O,it's not a secret,it's just the most spensive hammock body available,and a lot of people like me,we have ta git gear ona budget ....my 5 kids,3 grandkids, wife,and animals eat my budget befer I can git my campin gear.... Just never have that mutch left over fer fun stuff.....lol

[@BackpackingwithBuckley]

I get it. I saved up a LONG time for this. Hope it lasts a few more seasons!

[@ahilbilyredneksopinion]

@@BackpackingwithBuckley I bet it does....great piece of gear.thanks fer yer vids, appreciate the time and effort.

[@mikeghost7788]

Yawn 🥱 Not a hammock guy but you get my view anyway.

[@BackpackingwithBuckley]

🤣🤣 don't knock it til you try it Mike!

[@mikeghost7788]

I've tried, it makes me feel funny. Not like funny funny but funny.