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  1. #1
    MacEntyre's Avatar
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    NEW! Switchback LightHiker and Diamond Tarp

    I was honored that John and Dale sent me the first of their new Switchback LightHiker Hammocks, as well as the new Diamond Tarp that goes with it. According to John, they weigh just over 2 lbs together. I haven't weighed anything yet... I'm busy hanging!

    The LightHiker is long and narrow, but roomier than my Speer IIIA. I am extra large, at just under 6' and 225 lbs. The Switchback design favors one diagonal over the other; with shoulders to the left and feet to the right, there is a bit more room than the other way. When I got in the LightHiker, I naturally fell right into the diagonal, and comfort! It fits me like a glove.

    The next two things that came to mind after "comfort" were strength and quality. This hammock feels strong, and the quality is impressive. If I did not know better, I would think that ZQ, the Zipper Queen from 2Q/ZQ, installed the bugnet! The finish is fantastic!

    The Diamond Tarp that came with the LightHiker is something I have been waiting for since last spring, when I saw a prototype. I love lightweight symmetrical diamond tarps, and I think they are best when made small. This one is just the ticket! It is 114" long, plenty wide, and black... I like black. (It may be the only black one made!) I hang my hammock close to the ground, and when I pitch the TTTG Diamond Tarp, it is about chest high. The edges are straight, because they didn't want to lose any coverage with cat cuts. John pointed out another design feature that you might be able to see in the pictures. When the Diamond Tarp is pitched tight, the ridgeline has a low spot in the middle, which makes gusty wind push down on it, instead of trying to lift it. You can really hunker down with this small, stout rig!

    I look forward to hanging in the LightHiker at MAHHA, but I need to keep an eye out. Through the window, I saw Thing1 crawl into it... when she came in the house later, she said, "I love it!"

    - MacEntyre

    Switchback LightHiker Part 1



    Switchback LightHiker Part 2

    Attached Images Attached Images
    Last edited by MacEntyre; 10-11-2010 at 14:34.
    - MacEntyre
    "We must, indeed, all hang together or, most assuredly, we shall all hang separately." - Ben Franklin
    www.MollyMacGear.com

  2. #2
    Senior Member TZBrown's Avatar
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    Very nice looking setup.

    Hope you bring that to the gorge for inspection.

    TZ
    Life's A Journey
    It's not to arrive safely at the grave in a well preserved body,
    But rather to skid in sideways, totally worn out, shouting,
    Woo Hoo!....What a Ride!

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  3. #3
    MacEntyre's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by TZBrown View Post
    Hope you bring that to the gorge for inspection.
    Yes sir, it will be at MAHHA this weekend, and the Gorge at the end of the month.

    You will have to ask permission from Thing1 to inspect it at the Gorge, because she will undoubtedly abscond with it, forcing me to hang something else.
    - MacEntyre
    "We must, indeed, all hang together or, most assuredly, we shall all hang separately." - Ben Franklin
    www.MollyMacGear.com

  4. #4
    MacEntyre's Avatar
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    3 more features...

    I just discovered a 3 features that I missed before...

    In the Part 2 video, we found the little net bag at the head end. Turns out there is another one hidden in the foot end! It's hidden between the two layers.

    Speaking of the double layer construction, it turns out one entire side of the hammock can be opened up so you can put things in between the layers. There are two velcro strips that hold it closed.

    Lastly, there is a grosgrain loop installed in each end, so you can hang something up there, such as 2Q's peak bag.

    - MacEntyre
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    - MacEntyre
    "We must, indeed, all hang together or, most assuredly, we shall all hang separately." - Ben Franklin
    www.MollyMacGear.com

  5. #5
    Senior Member Bunk's Avatar
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    I had to wipe the drool away after seeing this beaut!

    Ooops...still do

  6. #6
    Senior Member
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    Wow. I really like the looks of that thing...

  7. #7
    Senior Member Can't Wait's Avatar
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    I will check out the vid after mine gets done loading did a overnighter

  8. #8
    Senior Member millarky's Avatar
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    It's like a mini-me version of my original SB. I LOVE the color! And Mac it right, They feel stout and safe and roomy.
    The gene pool needs a life guard.

  9. #9
    Senior Member russmay's Avatar
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    OH, I want one!!!
    "The real man smiles in trouble, gathers strength from distress, and grows brave by reflection."
    Thomas Paine

  10. #10
    MacEntyre's Avatar
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    I'll post another thread with pics later today... turns out I was wrong about the differences between the LightHiker and the SwitchBack... the LightHiker is the same width as the Switchback. It is a little shorter, and the net is smaller. This past weekend at MAHHA I was most comfortable in the LightHiker!

    Here is The LightHiker Part 3 video with an Introduction by Thing1, a suggestion about how to stake the tie-outs, and corrections about length and width.

    Last edited by MacEntyre; 10-19-2010 at 07:19.
    - MacEntyre
    "We must, indeed, all hang together or, most assuredly, we shall all hang separately." - Ben Franklin
    www.MollyMacGear.com

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