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
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