Chameleon Question

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07-03-2018, 18:05
Mr. Gillam

Chameleon Question

Hey all, it's been awhile but, I'm going to give hammocks another try.

I am currently looking at the Chameleon. I am 6'2" about 250 lbs and was looking at a wide body in the 1.0 material. I found out today that if I want a wide hammock, I have to go with the 1.6 material.

My previous hammock was the WBBBXLC. It was a double layer, 1.6 material...maybe. Anyway, I think it was too stiff and I was never able to sleep in it. I have a few single layer Travelers and find them more comfortable but, those are for the wife and kids....so I get to buy a new one for myself.[emoji848]

I am looking for some recommendations as to whether I should opt for the wide 1.6 option or the regular 1.0 material. Comfort will be paramont.

Also, since I have your attention, I was looking for a light, easy to use buckle system to pair with this hammock. I really like Warbonnets cinch buckle system with carabineers. I did not care for their whoopie slings. I'd like to keep the weight down but also keep it simple.

Thanks in advance.

Jeremiah

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07-03-2018, 18:14
Smckinney0031

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mr. Gillam

Hey all, it's been awhile but, I'm going to give hammocks another try.

I am currently looking at the Chameleon. I am 6'2" about 250 lbs and was looking at a wide body in the 1.0 material. I found out today that if I want a wide hammock, I have to go with the 1.6 material.

My previous hammock was the WBBBXLC. It was a double layer, 1.6 material...maybe. Anyway, I think it was too stiff and I was never able to sleep in it. I have a few single layer Travelers and find them more comfortable but, those are for the wife and kids....so I get to buy a new one for myself.[emoji848]

I am looking for some recommendations as to whether I should opt for the wide 1.6 option or the regular 1.0 material. Comfort will be paramont.

Also, since I have your attention, I was looking for a light, easy to use buckle system to pair with this hammock. I really like Warbonnets cinch buckle system with carabineers. I did not care for their whoopie slings. I'd like to keep the weight down but also keep it simple.

Thanks in advance.

Jeremiah

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For the buckles try the Dutch beetle buckles! And you cant go wrong with the Chameleon either especially with all the great additions y you u can get!

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07-03-2018, 18:19
TrailSlug

Really only you can answer the comfort question. I'd say get the 1.6 for your weight.
07-03-2018, 18:26
ShortRound

I am looking for some recommendations as to whether I should opt for the wide 1.6 option or the regular 1.0 material. Comfort will be paramont.

I’ve used both 1.0 & 1.6 hexon fabric . I’d think you would be pushing it with a 1.0 cause it’s weight rating is 200lbs. 1.6 wide would suit your well at 250lbs & your height. I’m at 175 & I use 1.0 hex on all my Hammocks & it has quite some stretch & gigs as well as you have to treat it like an ultra light material cause it’s thin.

1.6 much stronger can support your weight & has nice hand , support with a some nice give
07-03-2018, 20:42
Mr. Gillam

Quote:

Originally Posted by ShortRound

I am looking for some recommendations as to whether I should opt for the wide 1.6 option or the regular 1.0 material. Comfort will be paramont.

I’ve used both 1.0 & 1.6 hexon fabric . I’d think you would be pushing it with a 1.0 cause it’s weight rating is 200lbs. 1.6 wide would suit your well at 250lbs & your height. I’m at 175 & I use 1.0 hex on all my Hammocks & it has quite some stretch & gigs as well as you have to treat it like an ultra light material cause it’s thin.

1.6 much stronger can support your weight & has nice hand , support with a some nice give

Good info. I had misread the weight rating on the 1.0 material, thought it was 250 lbs. I guess I'll be getting the 1.6.

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07-03-2018, 21:12
ShortRound

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mr. Gillam

Good info. I had misread the weight rating on the 1.0 material, thought it was 250 lbs. I guess I'll be getting the 1.6.

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Just to forewarn you .....BEWARE OF THE DUTCHWARE ACESSORIES BLACKHOLE!!! I’m a recovering Dutch aholic
07-03-2018, 21:31
Smckinney0031

Recovery huh? One of us....

Quote:

Originally Posted by ShortRound

Just to forewarn you .....BEWARE OF THE DUTCHWARE ACESSORIES BLACKHOLE!!! I’m a recovering Dutch aholic

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07-03-2018, 21:59
ShortRound

Quote:

Originally Posted by Smckinney0031

Recovery huh? One of us....

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I was but have weined off dutchware & started a new drug called Simply Light Designs ��
07-03-2018, 22:07
Smckinney0031

I better not even try it....

Quote:

Originally Posted by ShortRound

I was but have weined off dutchware & started a new drug called Simply Light Designs ��

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07-03-2018, 22:23
ShortRound

Quote:

Originally Posted by Smckinney0031

I better not even try it....

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Hahahahaha! Don’t do it
07-03-2018, 22:52
TxAggie

Dutchware, SLD, Warbonnet, Hammock Gear......
It’s a never ending conspiracy!!
07-03-2018, 23:02
mirrorslap

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mr. Gillam

Hey all, it's been awhile but, I'm going to give hammocks another try.

I am currently looking at the Chameleon. I am 6'2" about 250 lbs and was looking at a wide body in the 1.0 material. I found out today that if I want a wide hammock, I have to go with the 1.6 material.

My previous hammock was the WBBBXLC. It was a double layer, 1.6 material...maybe. Anyway, I think it was too stiff and I was never able to sleep in it.

~

I tried a single layer 1.6 in both regular width and wide and for me (at about 280 lbs at the time) it had too much stretch. I went back to double layer 1.6. At your weight, a single layer of 1.6 may be a good in between.
07-04-2018, 07:38
sabinajiles

I am 6'1" and 260 lbs and have a Chameleon Wide. I find it extremely comfortable for me and like the feel of the 1.6. Not too stretchy or too stiff. It appears from your profile that we may not live too far apart. If so, you are certainly welcome to try mine out and see what you think.
07-04-2018, 13:11
heyduff

Fabrics. I haven't tried a 1.x fabric (as a single layer and do not plan on it), I am around 210# and that approaches the limit for that fabric. I slept in a 1.6 all last summer (Dutch Halfwit at home and SLD Trail Lair when out on the trails)--both were great, very comfortable, a nice amount of stretch. I am currently sleeping in a 1.9/1.0 double layer and it is also nice--not as much stretch as the 1.6, but I like it. You might do well with any of these options, a SL 1.6, a DL 1.0/1.0, or a DL 1.6/1.0--with the 1.6/1.0 being my choice but everyone feels differently about it. I think any of these options would work great.

I am currently sleeping in a Chameleon (well, a Chameleon clone) and it works well. Being able to change out the bug net for an overcover is great...one for the bugs, without if mild with no bugs, and the overcover if a little windy and chilly. You can do well with this hammock. Take your time with the zippers, they work well, but be mindful when using them.

Suspension. I never made it over to being a Whoopie convert, I use straps and buckles the vast majority of the time (with one exception). You can get lightweight straps from Dutch (if you are looking to get that hammock), and continuous loops with buckles, no worries. The other hang option I use is amsteel, mule tape, and a couple of carabiners. (On the hammock, I have amsteel loops ever 4" and a total length of 6' on each end--then throw a strap of mule tape around the tree and connect with a carabiner...this is a different way to strap things up and it is lightweight, simple.)

Final thoughts, there are several great options out there...Wilderness Logic, Simply Light Designs, Dutchware, etc...shop around before settling on one of them. They are all good and I own gear from all of them.
07-04-2018, 13:45
kitsapcowboy

Quote:

Originally Posted by heyduff

...I am currently sleeping in a 1.9/1.0 double layer and it is also nice--not as much stretch as the 1.6, but I like it. You might do well with any of these options, a SL 1.6, a DL 1.0/1.0, or a DL 1.6/1.0--with the 1.6/1.0 being my choice but everyone feels differently about it. I think any of these options would work great. I am currently sleeping in a Chameleon (well, a Chameleon clone) and it works well...

https://www.hammockforums.net/forum/...6&d=1526660603

I agree with Duff that a 1.6/1.0 double-layer Chameleon in standard width might be just the ticket for the OP even at 6'2", unless a more-than-moderate diagonal lay is necessary, as it will provide a firm, comfortable for hangers well in excess of 200 lbs in most instances. I'm 6'2, and I love my standard-width single-layer Chameleons in both 1.6 oz (Hexon) and 1.9 oz (Multicam) fabrics, obtaining plenty of room without constraint and feeling no need for a wider hammock body.

https://www.hammockforums.net/forum/...7&d=1496244706
07-04-2018, 20:05
Mr. Gillam

Thanks everyone. I ended up order the wide, 1.6 version of the Chameleon...in poppy red. Hopefully I have better luck with this one.

Any thoughts on these tarps? Warbonnet Minifly or the Dutch Xenon.

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07-06-2018, 10:53
sabinajiles

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mr. Gillam

Any thoughts on these tarps? Warbonnet Minifly or the Dutch Xenon.

I have a Warbonnet silpoly Thunderfly which I really like and use a lot. No experience with the Dutchware Xenon tarps but with Dutchware's reputation for quality, which I have experienced first hand with my Chameleon, I would not be afraid of owning one.
07-06-2018, 11:26
Mr. Gillam

Quote:

Originally Posted by sabinajiles

I have a Warbonnet silpoly Thunderfly which I really like and use a lot. No experience with the Dutchware Xenon tarps but with Dutchware's reputation for quality, which I have experienced first hand with my Chameleon, I would not be afraid of owning one.

Thanks, I just ordered the Minifly.

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07-06-2018, 12:30
Smckinney0031

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mr. Gillam

Thanks everyone. I ended up order the wide, 1.6 version of the Chameleon...in poppy red. Hopefully I have better luck with this one.

Any thoughts on these tarps? Warbonnet Minifly or the Dutch Xenon.

Sent from my Pixel 2 XL using Tapatalk

I cant wait to see the poppy red, you will have to post when it comes in
07-06-2018, 16:20
Longbow44

Quote:

Originally Posted by TxAggie

Dutchware, SLD, Warbonnet, Hammock Gear......
It’s a never ending conspiracy!!

Hahahaha. Agreed. [emoji16]

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07-11-2018, 20:38
Mr. Gillam

I've had the Chameleon for a few days now. The poppy red is great and at my weight the 1.6 material is plenty stretchy. So far it's pretty darn comfy and the calf ridge is barely noticeable and will probably disappear work some setup work. The one thing I noticed, which I recall reading somewhere else a well, is that with the wide model, because there is only one size bug net, is that once it's zipped up the extra width is pretty much lost as is my ability to sleep really perpendicular....may not be a huge issue, just an observation at this point. I may exchange for a regular width. Anyone noticed this?

I got the Minifly tarp today and am waiting on some Dutchstuff to finish the setup. Hopefully I'll try it out this weekend.

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07-11-2018, 22:36
wolfe

sounds like good advice shortround :laugh:
07-14-2018, 09:13
Mr. Gillam

As promised, photos of the poppy red chameleon along with the bush camo mini fly.

I resolved the previously mentioned issue with the bug net, apparently I ordered the asymmetrical net and had it on backwards, lol.

Last night my youngest and I attempted to hammock. Around 11pm, he decided that he was too far from his dad (see setup photo) and I had to move his hammock, under my tarp. By the time I raised his and lowered mine so we weren't bumping into each other, my angles were shot and I had a horrible calf ridge but, it wasn't anything a pillow under the knees couldn't fix. Anyway, by 1am he decided that he still wasn't close enough and was trying slip into my hammock...we ended up back in the house, sharing the guest bed...he was finally close enough for comfort.

I was a little worried about the setup so this morning, while I was tearing down camp, I made some adjustments and was much more comfortable. I am still however 1-15 on nights where I actually fell asleep in a hammock. I'll keep trying.

As suggested by Dutchware, if I still need a little more room after flipping the bug net to the correction, I could swap out the asymmetrical for a symmetrical bug net. I will probably do this. https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...e211f1a455.jpg https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...3f0b9d5791.jpg https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...78350c370e.jpg

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07-15-2018, 09:02
damuffin

Melatonin or a sleep aid helps. I think the brain needs to relax. It’s like trying to sleep in a chair, only way more comfortable. My issue is I’m overweight and starting to snore when I’m on my back, so I normally sleep on my side to avoid the disruption. I am going to also try a mouthpiece to shift my lower jaw forward. I used love sleeping on my back but now I have a problem to solve......

That poppy red looks very nice! It will look even better over the snow. :)
07-15-2018, 10:29
Mr. Gillam

Quote:

Originally Posted by damuffin

Melatonin or a sleep aid helps. I think the brain needs to relax. It’s like trying to sleep in a chair, only way more comfortable. My issue is I’m overweight and starting to snore when I’m on my back, so I normally sleep on my side to avoid the disruption. I am going to also try a mouthpiece to shift my lower jaw forward. I used love sleeping on my back but now I have a problem to solve......

That poppy red looks very nice! It will look even better over the snow. :)

I'll figure out sleeping eventually. I already is sleep aid and a mouth guard but, my brain fights it most of the time. I can't count the number of times I've been completely exhausted and against all odds, still could sleep. One of my life goals is to learn to sleep outside like a boss.

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07-15-2018, 20:39
wbJohn

I just upgraded from a 10 foot hammock to the Chameleon Wide with the symmetrical bug net. The main reason for the upgrade was comfort. All I can tell you is I set it up in the back yard this afternoon and fell asleep almost instantly. I'm 6 feet and 245 lbs.

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07-15-2018, 20:59
Trecker8

Go with the 1.6
07-16-2018, 17:29
BikerDad

Quote:

Originally Posted by wbJohn

I just upgraded from a 10 foot hammock to the Chameleon Wide with the symmetrical bug net. The main reason for the upgrade was comfort. All I can tell you is I set it up in the back yard this afternoon and fell asleep almost instantly. I'm 6 feet and 245 lbs.

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Single or double layer?
07-16-2018, 17:34
wbJohn

Quote:

Originally Posted by BikerDad

Single or double layer?

Single layer. I got a ridge line organizer for it which is nice but now I'm thinking the peak shelf might be a good add-on. It would be a nice place to put a book, cap, or extra layer if it gets cold.