thunderbird fabric choice

**Marmaduke** · 06-16-2016, 06:26

Hello, all.

I'm having a tough time making a decision on which fabric to choose for my Thunderbird build. I am 6'6" and 260 lbs, so I am considering the HyperD XL due to its 72" width, but wonder if a single layer is enough to rest comfortably upon. I'd just go with the Hex70 2.2oz, but I wonder if the 67.5" width is enough. I'd like to avoid going double layer to save the $40, but if a double layer HyperD XL is what I need, it's what I need. Any thoughts?

edit: I read lots of posts in the meantime and decided to place my order with the Hex 70 for now, just to get the order in.

**BigVillage** · 06-16-2016, 15:11

I just got a Sparrow #3561 with a single layer of 1.6 HyperD and it's unbelievably comfortable. I weigh 140, but I think the weight rating is 275.

**Marmaduke** · 06-16-2016, 15:14

Originally Posted by BigVillage

I just got a Sparrow #3561 with a single layer of 1.6 HyperD and it's unbelievably comfortable. I weigh 140, but I think the weight rating is 275.

Yeah, DH says the rating for Hyper D XL is 280, but at 260 I feel like I'd rather just have that extra peace of mind. Thanks for your reply, I am very excited!

**Zilla** · 06-16-2016, 15:21

IMO, the dl hyper d is the way to go,i am over 400 lbs right now and that's what i sleep in.

**Marmaduke** · 06-17-2016, 09:40

Originally Posted by Zilla

IMO, the dl hyper d is the way to go,i am over 400 lbs right now and that's what i sleep in.

The double layer would have added another $40+10 to the cost so I went with the Hex 70 single layer. Also I just switched my entire hammock to a Sparrow instead of a Thunderbird to get that vented overcover and superior zipper system..... haha.

**TrailSlug** · 06-17-2016, 10:03

Originally Posted by Marmaduke

The double layer would have added another $40+10 to the cost so I went with the Hex 70 single layer. Also I just switched my entire hammock to a Sparrow instead of a Thunderbird to get that vented overcover and superior zipper system..... haha.

Can you see out/through of the overcover on these hammocks? Do you have to have either the overcover on OR the bugnet? The description on the site wasn't clear to me.

**Marmaduke** · 06-17-2016, 11:39

With the Thunderbird/Sparrow, both the net and the overcover are removable. You can only "see" out of the overcovers that are vented. The sparrow comes with a vented OC by default, while it's an option you can add to a Thunderbird for $20. At that point... like I discovered......it makes more sense to spend an extra $30 and get a Sparrow, to get the Vented OC + the superior zippers on both sides that make adjusting UQs easier from within the hammock.

**BigVillage** · 06-17-2016, 11:43

You can either use the over cover or bugnet not both. Or, you can leave them both off.
I have a gray over cover. You can kind of see through it if the light hits it right.
The zippers are great! You can switch from bugnet to over cover pretty quickly.
And, whichever you're not using can be put in the peak bag in case you need it.

**Marmaduke** · 06-18-2016, 14:27

Well, I think I have my order finalized now........ I am pretty excited. Went for a black/orange look.

http://www.dream-hammock.com/current...tml?order=3865