Superior Gear / Starlite hammock / Could it be the most versatile?

[@AlanHerak]

Great Video. This Marine know what he is talking about!

[@AdventureswiththeMarine]

I appreciate that! Thank you for watching.

[@backpackingadventures4813]

Very well done review! I’ve been eyeing up hammocks from Superior Gear for a while now. We’ll see. Hard to justify another one when I have so many. lol. I agree with you about the bug nets holding in heat. Definitely holds in the heat. It works like a “top cover” for me in the winter to keep breezes off me. But this year I have a meatless hammock to try out for the winter.

[@Em-mr6wu]

argh. This is what is discouraging for me as I explore ditching the tents for a hammock - how many comments I read about how many hammocks people have! I just want to get it right on the first go. I don't want to be a collector ! I'll pay the good bucks if I know I'll be happy with it, but its all making me a little trigger shy.

[@backpackingadventures4813]

@@Em-mr6wu I’m pretty happy with all the hammocks I have. I’ve have several because I got them over years and years. Like some do with tents. Mainly I replaced them when I start to see wear. Or I get one that I want for a specific purpose like going very ultralight at times. It as with tents I have never found the perfect one. I have one or so that I use the most but I do use them all. Don’t get discouraged. Again, there’s no such thing as the best or perfect hammock, same as with tents or any piece of gear really. It is very personal. My friend and I have one of the same hammocks. He absolutely loves it and uses it 100%. I only use it for certain situations. Just do research on various hammocks and start with one that meets your personal needs and you think would work best for you. If you go with a good company, including cottage companies, you will get a good hammock and most likely will work for you but no guarantees. Overall hammocks are very personal and you won’t find two people with the same setup. Good luck and don’t be discouraged.

[@Em-mr6wu]

@@backpackingadventures4813 I want a guarantee, darn it !😂 Thanks for the great reply. Looks like whatever I pick, it’ll be ready for next year here in Canada (since i will be going with a cottage company).

[@thesuperioraffection4502]

​@@Em-mr6wuWhat I have found most difficult is the much higher learning curve with hammocks, particularly in tarp set up.

[@Em-mr6wu]

Yeah, that's a puzzle for me also, picking a tarp. Have you dialed it in?@@thesuperioraffection4502

[@cedricbernardiii]

I was lucky enough to meet Danny at a group hang in Louisiana. I was getting introduced to the hobby and looking into hammocks when he showed me his demo setup. Such a great guy, and I opted for the starlight bundle. This year I plan to get the superior shelter to cut tarp weight down, and may opt for the cocoon.

[@AdventureswiththeMarine]

That Superior Shelter is my favorite tarp. You are going to love it. If you get the cocoon. I will expect to see you at the 2024 Wisconsin Frozen Butt Hang. Thank you Cedricbernardiii for watching. I really appreciate it.

[@flyingthesails6801]

Very informative video. Based on the price it appears the hammocks that SG offer are geared more towards professional type hikers and campers.

[@AdventureswiththeMarine]

Geared for more of the hikers and campers. But I still use them for napping at the park. thank you Flyingthesails for watching. I really appreciate it.

[@PumpkinVillage]

Very good review. Now it's time for a nap. That was a lot of in and out the hammock.. Take care and God Bless, Al

[@AdventureswiththeMarine]

That was my exercise for the day. Thank you Al for watching.

[@Glennoutdoors]

Amazing set up

[@AdventureswiththeMarine]

Thank you Glenntheplumber for watching. I really appreciate it.

[@petescharber8567]

Hi Marine, great review- thank you. I agree that the SL is incredibly versatile!

[@AdventureswiththeMarine]

Still looking for you at Willow River. And now the movie theater! Thank you Pete for watching. I always appreciate it.

[@petescharber8567]

@@AdventureswiththeMarine haha, I am sure we will meet again. I am trying to squeeze in a last fall canoe trip to the BWCA if you are interested. Looked at last week of September or one of the first two weeks in October.

[@AdventureswiththeMarine]

My son Zac is coming home at the end of August for the month of September. And leaves back to China the first week of October. That does sound like a lot of fun. I can never spend enough time in the BWCA.

[@petescharber8567]

@@AdventureswiththeMarine how wonderful that will be to have him home for a bit. Enjoy.

[@TheFLOMAN76]

Great review sir! Like I always say, nothing like a great hanging hammock to hunker into! 🥱😴💤💤💤💤🌛 Good Stuff! Thank you 👍

[@AdventureswiththeMarine]

You got that right! I can never get enough naps in my hammock.

[@georgeclark7208]

I jumped on the Superior Gear wagon early on. I flop around while sleeping and the built in underquilt solved all the issues of gaps and cold spots that I had with other systems. The only problem is the first hammocks did not have the zippers so I can't use the new cool modular add ons, and frankly, it's too expensive to try again. I'm not a bug net guy since I never camp during bug season, but the cocoon would be nice to have, but it's not absolutely necessary.

[@AdventureswiththeMarine]

If there is no biting insects. There is no way I am using the bug net. And if possible. No tarp deployed! Thank you George for watching.

[@matte-d349]

Great overview of the Starlite and accessories! I'm currently in a bridge hammock but would like to try a gathered end. I just ordered a Starlite to try out, and if I like it I may add a comforter and a 0F or 15F Superior for cold weather camping which should be a versatile combo for all seasons. Cheers.

[@AdventureswiththeMarine]

A gathered end hammock wraps around you more than a bridge hammock. Which makes them a great hammock for cold temperatures. But the bridge is great for those hot days. It is a great combo to have. Remember with a gathered end. You have to lie asymmetrical and shift around to find that sweet spot. Once you find it. Nighty night!

[@matte-d349]

@@AdventureswiththeMarine Thanks Marine! I tried my friends Hennessy hammock the other day (not sure of model or length...) and it definitely had a wonderful "snug" feeling that felt good in the short term. I definitely liked the wrap, but I felt some calf ridge that probably would have started to bug me on an overnight. Looking forward to experimenting with there Starlite.

[@matte-d349]

@@AdventureswiththeMarine My Starlight and 30F hammock has arrived! Very different feel to my bridge hammock but I love how small and light it is. Very comfortable once in the sweet spot. Will be taking it on a 7 day kayaking trip at the end of the month.

[@j3hikes444]

loved the vid, keep em coming

[@AdventureswiththeMarine]

More to come! thank you J3hikes for watching. I really appreciate it.

[@remyllebeau77]

Have to love all those cool features. What's next, on board entertainment system and AC unit?

[@AdventureswiththeMarine]

This was the hottest summer in a long time. You put a AC unit in my hammock. I will go back to doing summer trips. A problem would be. It is hard enough getting out of it in the mornings. After a long night of a snooze. With a AC unit. I would be in there 24-7.

[@remyllebeau77]

@@AdventureswiththeMarine Haha

[@Toomuchgearguy]

The prusik knot! Perfect for the corner pocket as well. Was wondering the best way from keeping that carabiner from sliding. Also is that quilt the same “top” quilt that comes in the bundles? Almost think this system is better than all of them due to the summer option.

[@AdventureswiththeMarine]

Yes. That is a great addition to use as a under quilt in the cold temps. I have used it that way a few time. Works really well! Thank you Toomuchgearguy for sharing that. I really appreciate it.

[@thebandit7404]

I absolutely love all my Superior Gear products except for the half-bugnet because I can't access my ridgeline organizer with the net deployed. I wish Superior would redesign that to allow the ridgeline to go through the half-net.

[@AdventureswiththeMarine]

Try setting up the half bug net over the ridgeline. Instead of over it. I don't no how durable the bug net would be this way. But this winter. I will have the bug net set up that way. Thank you The bandit for watching. Much appreciated!

[@joker2100]

I think the biggest pro for this hammock over the OG superior hammock is the ability to swap out under quilts. But, that is also a con because the system is a little heavier for the added versatility (more fabric layers). I also think it might be difficult to piece out this kit over time like you mention since there is a long wait time from time of order to delivery. I don't think you can order the StarLite without the air mattress pocket either. I am curious to what Danny is cooking up next for an even lighter system. Thanks, Marine!

[@AdventureswiththeMarine]

He is going to have those openings between the double layers optional. Mainly because a lot of people never use them. He is pretty much caught up with the orders. Plus he has hammocks made, ready to sell. I have my eyes on the -40° Superior Hammock and the new ultralight StarLite. Thank you Joker2100 so much for watching. I always appreciate it.

[@jerryg957]

One Superior Educational video ! !

[@AdventureswiththeMarine]

Thank you Jerry so much!

[@roddybrod]

Huh, very interesting to see they've mixed fabrics when making the two layers; I've only seen options where the price increase for the second layer is very noticeable due to another ripstop nylon body. I ended up going with a standard chameleon as my first hammock a bit ago and have been really enjoying my hangs! I haven't really experienced shoulder squeeze much but it does feel a little small so the width could definitely be a con -- according to dream's size chart I should've gone with a wide. I think my upgrade path is more so about replacing my pad with a OneWind underquilt (which has a similar snapping + cocoon system) to save $, and eventually getting a full blown superior hammock for winter hangs. Great vid! p.s.: I wish I had seen your superior buckle vs beetle buckle vid before making my purchase! I've already had my fair bit of trouble loosening the beetle system.

[@AdventureswiththeMarine]

I have Dutches wide netless hammock. Super comfortable! But I have also found myself comfortable in the Superior Hammock. Which is narrower. But a narrower hammock is better in the winter. To help keep you as snug as a bug. With all that down goodness surrounding you. In those freezing temperatures. I am a Whoopie Sling fan. But I find myself always use the Superior Gear Cinch Buckles. I love things simple and easy to use. Thank you Roddybrod for watching. I really appreciate it.

[@nickhikesinthewoods6150]

I like my camo onewind hammock

[@AdventureswiththeMarine]

Anything made in Camo is great! Thank you nickhikesinthewoods for watching. I really appreciate it.

[@JasonSchroederSconnie]

I love your videos, and you do a great job of explaining things you have learned that will be helpful to the community. My biggest con with this over the Sparrow is the reduced width of 58 inches. How tall are you? I am 6' feet even, 170 lbs and wonder if 58" is to narrow for me? It's a good bit of money to spend without testing. Any ideas?

[@AdventureswiththeMarine]

I appreciate that! I am 6' and 225 lbs. the StarLite hammock that I have is a 12' footer. But my question to you is when are you going to use it. ( what seasons ) If you don't need it for the cold temperatures of winter. Then I would get a custom made Dream Hammock Sparrow. With a width between 64'' to 66". But if you would use it in those cold temperatures and plan on getting comforter muti-quilt. And eventually the cocoon. Then the StarLite would be my choice. The Sparrow will be more comfortable for the three seasons. With the asymmetrical bug net when needed. But when you dial in the StarLite. With it's adjustable ridgeline. You definitely find that sweet spot. I hope this is helpful. Thank you JasonSchroederSconnie for watching. I really do appreciate it.

[@JasonSchroederSconnie]

@@AdventureswiththeMarineAppreciate the advice! I will be using the hammock in 4 seasons, probably not too many times below 25 degrees. It doesn't get too frigid in Georgia, but it can in the mountains. I've got an UQ, but will invest in one for colder weather, also top quilt. I really like the options on the Sparrow. How do you decide between 11 and 12 feet? Can you get a flatter lay with 12 vs 11?

[@AdventureswiththeMarine]

If you are getting the Sparrow and you are a backpacker. Then I would get the 11 footer. At our height. The only reason that I would get a12 footer. Is if it only came in at 58 inches. But with Dream Hammock. You can customize the width. So it would be a waste to get the 12 footer. If you don't need the full length built in under quilt. Of the comforter that can be converted into one. If you are going to be hammock camping in the south, most of the time. My Sparrow with a my Hammock Gear 20° phoenix ( with 4 extra ounces of down ) would be the perfect hammock for backpack and hammock camping year round. If I lived where you live. Remember, you can put two under quilts together to get you in sub-zero temperatures.

[@travislake1213]

If just starting out what are your thoughts on Easthill outdoors hammocks or Sunyear. Didn’t want to spend a lot at first to make sure I liked it or not. Want to keep it under 100 with a bundle for now. Don’t know if that’s a wise choice or not.

[@AdventureswiththeMarine]

Those hammocks are too short and too wide. It would be like being in a soup bowl. It drives me crazy with companies making hammocks in these dimensions And the they will market them as a two person hammock. Get two people in one and see how long before they bail out. Plus they sewn in two different fabrics of different colors together. Which will leave an indention on your skin after lying on it. Which will of course make it uncomfortable for you. The reason they use two colors is to catch the eyes of propenal buyers. Like a fishing lure catching a fish. The reason why they are so cheap. Is because they are cheaply made. I hope I am not sounding too hash. But I am trying to save you from being one of those fish. I really do care for my viewers. If you are looking for an inexpensive hammock. I would check out One Wind Hammock. What I would do if I where in your shoes. For me in your situation. I would get the Dutchware Gear WIDE Netless Hammock. The cost is $70 dollars. Try it out. Learn to lie asymmetrical in it to find that sweet spot. If you where to get an adjustable ridgeline. Even better. Then get a cheap closed foam pad. ( I have a episode on that subject coming out on Tuesday ) Practice sleeping in it. Now dial that in. Those pads are very inexpensive. As for insulation on top. Any sleeping bag will work. Watch on Tuesday to see how to use them. Then for a tarp over you at first. Get a 12' x 10' ploy tarp. They are around $10 dollars. Try all of that out to see if it is going to work for you. If it dose. Then get a Bottom Entry Bug Net. Then replace the tarp with a good nylon one. Then when you are ready. A under quilt. Just invest one piece at a time. I really recommend. Not to go cheap on the hammock. You can on the other stuff.

[@travislake1213]

@@AdventureswiththeMarine thanks for the honest reply. I will try what you suggest and go from there. Keep up the great videos. I will look at that video on the sleeping pad.

[@cvweekendercvweekender4005]

I have a couple of cons: 1:The tarps are not seem sealed so you have to do that yourself. 2: like you mentioned it would be nice if they were a little wider. 3: it would be nicer if the bug nets were a little bigger, because you cannot adjust the sag in the hammock with the bug net without it putting too much pressure on the bug net zipper & popping the zipper open

[@AdventureswiththeMarine]

Hopefully he will add a wider model with wider options in the future. The bug net is the same size for all of the hammocks. But the hammock I have is even longer. A 12 footer with the same size bug net. I have yet to have an issue. If the the bug net is popping the zipper open. With biting insects around. And this year was the worst for me. Then that is definitely an issue. Thank you cvweekendercvweekender for sharing that. Much appreciated!

[@AdventureswiththeMarine]

Did you reach out to Danny with that issue?

[@SkitterComic]

I recently bought all the gear you showed in this video. Some hasn't arrived yet, but has been shipped and will probably show up this week. This was a great video to watch before I get to play with it all. QUESTION: What's the shock cord for on the half bug net? I would assume it was to connect to the other side of the hammock to pull out the net. But you used a prusik knot (which is a good idea).

[@dannywarnock8822]

Yes you are right. The bungee cord is intended to connect to the far side to create that tension.

[@SkitterComic]

@@dannywarnock8822 - Thanks for the reply!

[@AdventureswiththeMarine]

Please let me know what you think of it. I expect to see you and your new hammock in a couple of months. Thank you John for watching.

[@SkitterComic]

@@AdventureswiththeMarine - Oh, we'll be bringing our new stuff. Fer Sher.

[@jeffmyers7062]

pretty cool. the half net seems like a waste of time to set up. 2 ounces more and your have the full net...yeah?

[@AdventureswiththeMarine]

Very true! But for the Ultralight Hikers. The Gram Weenies. They love them. For me when possible. No bug net. But I have to say. I am looking forward to trying that half bug net this winter with the Cocoon. It will help for tucking in the quilt and cocoon. And block a breeze. While allowing condensation to escape. I hope. Thank you Jeff for watching. Much appreciated!

[@racer61532]

Loved the review and surprised that the base hammock is only $130! Possibly my next hammock if I can get more time to camp. I did have a question about using the sleeping pads when starting instead of an underquilt. The 1st time I tried that, I had a lot of condensation in the ridges if the sleeping pad when I woke up. Has anyone else experienced this?

[@AdventureswiththeMarine]

I just shot a video foe next week that mentions that. You can put some type of material between you and the pad. But it is hard to combat! Thank you Racer for watching. Much appreciated!

[@cvweekendercvweekender4005]

Maybe try a lighter top quilt to prevent condensation

[@theshuz]

I just wish Superior Gear made an asymmetrical hammock, that's the only thing keeping me from getting one

[@AdventureswiththeMarine]

What makes the hammock asymmetrical is the bug net. Ans Danny at Superior Gear is going to come out one soon. As soon as they come out. I will be replacing the one I have now. thank you Theshuz for watching. Much appreciated!

[@jonnyscott1072]

I like my hammock the best!!!

[@AdventureswiththeMarine]

What is the name of your hammock?

[@Katchatiger]

Bug nut?

[@TheFLOMAN76]

net. not. nut. 🤷

[@AdventureswiththeMarine]

A Bug Nut is a deposit left on the bug net from a biting insect. thank you Madamekatarina for watching. I really appreciate it.

[@Katchatiger]

Lol I tease... you funny accent

[@jeffccr3620]

Uh I can buy a popup camper for 800$ I'll have to say it's a hard pass for me.

[@AdventureswiththeMarine]

You can buy a $800.00 popup camper. If you are lucky, that will last for maybe three years. Then you take it camping at one of those camp grounds. Where everybody is up partying and drinking all night. Singing "100 bottles of beer on the wall". Where I will be hanging between two trees next a stream. Listening to the running water all night. Not to a bunch of Yahoos! Good luck with your investment. I hope you know that I am just joking! Thank you Jeff for watching. I really appreciate it.

[@jeffccr3620]

@BackpackingWithaHammock It's all good I know where your coming from brother. Been watching your adventures for a few years now. I just make my I own gear is why I frowned on the price but I do understand the labor and time it takes to design this type of product which looks outstanding indeed! After I bought my first industrial machine I became hooked on not only making gear but collecting industrial sewing machines It's very addicting once you get into restorations

[@5118eman]

Way overpriced i'll stick with Dutchware

[@AdventureswiththeMarine]

Nothing wrong with Dutchware Goodness! Thank you 5118eman for watching. Much appreciated!