Dutch is a marketing master. I have one of his hammocks and that thing is very comfortable. The knotty mods make for a perfect foot box. He teased the new one for the last several weeks, threw it out on Kickstarter and got the whole thing funded in a few hours. Gets a video from Shug this morning and you this evening on launch day. Smart guy that Dutch.
My girlfriend and I are giving each other this setup (2 Chameleons, double bug net and 32" spreader bar) for Christmas. I placed the order last night. We're stoked. We've been doing the three tree arrangement in Blackbirds and the overlapping tarps. This will be so much easier.
A very thorough detailed review of the unique features of the hammock and suspension. Recently bought a Dream Hammock but wish I would have seen this before. Great vid review thanks
I bought a new 11 ft Darien and I have been thinking about giving the beetle buckles a try. How do you like them and do you still use them. Thanks! Bob
Congrats on the Darien hammock, that's a solid system. I love the Beetle Buckles and continue to use them whenever not doing a more minimalist approach with Dutch's Whoopie Hook system. The weight penalty is more than reasonable for times when you don't want the extra fiddle factor associated with whoopies, particularly during cold weather trips. That being said, they are a little less simplistic in terms of setup vs Dutch's titanium cinch buckles with the heavier poly straps, which I consider the gold standard in terms of ease of use.
I would have agree with that. In fact, I would say that the food was half the trip, haha. Fish 'n chips, Bangers and Mash, Irish lamb stew, steaks, and plenty of Guinness :)
These hammock feel like a ripoff of the DreamHammock Sparrow. The only real new thing is the two hammocks hangin from the same trees. The Sparrow has the removable bug net and over cover. The pricing is near the same. The DreamHammock has much more options in the material used. I know that the "new idea" window is getting very small as now that so many folks have ventured into all the possible spots. I like the idea of two hammocks from the same trees without "stacking". If you use something like or very close to what someone else does.....then say it give people the truth.
same here, cost is a bit high to me for a hammock with some nice features that I'm already ok living without, BUT those beetle bugs, omg I gotta have...
do you think that you can use a hammock with doors with this setup? it doesnt seem like it because the hammock straps being spread out will block the doors a bit from being able to be fully deployed. because thats the kind of tarp i have and would like to use this kit for me and my gf to resolve the same issue of finding trees
Sir, when you do field test this, please try it without the bug net or cover and let us know how that zipper feels on the back of your legs. I sleep in a pair of shorts, so that zipper might be a pain in my back side literally when getting in and out...
I have a series of three season camping questions that I am going to ask a couple of my UA-cam favourites including you that I have been watching the past couple of years aiding with my set up and I would like to ask what you would do today now that you have experienced and enjoyed many hikes. Let's say hypothetically every brand and item is 10 dollars each to that is not a factor! Three Season Camping 1. Which hammock would you use? 2. Which tarp would you use and type of ridgeline? 3. Which cook set would you use? 4. Which stove would you most use? 5. Which under and top quilt would you use? 6. Which light weight jacket would you use? 7. Which rain gear would you use? 8. Last but not least, which back pack would you choose to carry your three season set up? Thanks in advance for your time and you can just put simple short answers or some elaboration if you have time or would like to add.
Great video. Without you saying it, you've given me the idea of buying just one pair of straps and one pair of buckles for the head end of both hammocks and continue with using whoopie slings at the foot end. Another money saver 👍
The traditional Polyester Straps were chosen do to less stretch than Nylon but the Dyneema Dutch Blend straps will likely have even less stretch than than traditional Polyester. Polyester also retains less moisture than nylon and Dyneema even less. Spectra would be most optimum as it stretches 3% less than Dyneema.
One of the many reasons that you've garnered so many subscribers is that you're just good at making these videos. I was well versed in the Chameleon but I still watched your video and you're just excellent at breaking things down, editing and going over quickly the important parts of what the video is about. Well done as usual. Other youtubers would be smart to study your work.
I know the Chameleon is old news but with using the spreader bar, not only couples can share trees but if you have a small child you can take advantage of this option also
I like the idea of lighter weight straps. Do you think the Dyneema straps will dry quicker than poly when it gets rained on? Great videos - keep on hiking!
comfort wise, how does it compare to the warbonnet blackbird, how flat can you lay compare to the blackbird? and does the bug net hit your face in the chameleon?
you were the first to do an up close review and its appreciated, i got in early enough to get the complete early bird setup :) i use a halfwit already and look forward to the extra length of this one plus the ability to reach out and adjust the quilt from either side although with the hooks it might not be needed. plus i think it will hold my 0 degree quilt snug all night without having to wake up and adjust it as i wiggle around in my sleep. so now you have all sorts of new gear to try out.
If I hadn't already got one, I would have after this review, good job. Shug's video hit during my morning coffee and I was sold. Can't wait to get mine.
I've pretty much switched over to the Esbit cubes when not sharing a canister setup. I still like my alcohol stoves, I just found myself reaching for the cubes more often because I can snuff them out and re-use them so easily.
I like the idea of the spreader bar,but I have a feeling of you toss and turn it may fall out. I think it would be better if the tips were threaded and had end caps to lock it into that buckle.
That's a rather festive looking hammock for this channel :D I was just a tad to late to place an early bird order. Maybe it's for the best though, because I haven't even taken my XLC for a spin. I love these zippers though and "they" say the lay is really comfortable and Dutch is a cool guy. Maybe I'll buy one anyway, I never bought the winter cover for the XLC (finding excuses to buy new toys :D
Hey Syntax.. Love your videos. I want either a BBXLC or this Chameleon. Question is, do you thing Asym cut provides a noticeable advantage in flat lie compared to the symmetrical design of the Chameleon? See the advantages of both.
The Chameleon bug-net and winter cover actually are cut asymmetrically, but the vision zipper allows them to be flipped over, so you can change them to be lay either feet right or feet left whenever you want. We just got back from testing them out at the park today and they are quite comfortable with a very nice lay.
It's looking to be a very cool system indeed. I'm definitely looking forward to testing it out in dual mode on a single set of trees. Yeah, Sara and I hit Ireland for a quick whirlwind of a trip. Flew into Dublin and did day trips throughout the country. It was pretty awesome :)
Very nice table top review Sintax77. It looks like a great new Hammock. The Beetles look like an excellent option for suspension versatility. Thanks for sharing.
Thanks, Gary. I'm digging the Beetles. I find the extra tab makes them a bit easier to handle than the similar, but more even more minimal Cinch Bugs. Plus the weight savings from the Dyneema straps is quite nice.
Ya, I figured they would be the greatest thing since sliced bread in the suspension systems world after seeing you demonstrate them ... I guess I'll be dropping some more USD on Dutch Bling (I just upgraded to his whoopies & Dyneema straps) ... oh well, it'll be my contribution to the good ol' US of A economy :)
I just got a Dutch Half-Wit. It's great but this is just wow. Looks like I am going to have to put in some more over time! Love your videos man. Looking forward to seeing more trips out!
Thanks, Chris. I love the Half-Wit as a minimalist yet super-comfy hammock, but yeah - the Chameleon is looking pretty sick so far in terms of modular options.
Yes, they're a lightweight aluminum from what I can tell in person, but I'm unaware if they're any specific alloy. I know that Dutch's go-to weight rating for items is at least 1,000 lbs, so I'd imagine they're a pretty decent grade.
Can't wait to get mine. Great review. I'm looking forward to the field review. And thanks for all the great videos. I've been watching you channel for a couple years, and your videos really opened up the hiking world for me and gave me the confidence to do multi night solo hikes. Keep them coming. Thanks again
sintax77 yes. I've been waiting for him to reveal his design and watching closely. I have the half wit, and I love it. But I got eaten alive in the pine barrens of New Jersey because it was to hot to cover my legs. I was looking at the blackbird, but Dutch came through just in time.
sintax77 Advice taken-- and now I've got two chameleons coming my way.. her main selling point is to be close together while hammock camping vs 20ft+ away ... thanks again!
+John mcdonald Yes, we were! Cork was actually on our list, but sadly, we weren't able to squeeze it into our time frame. It was an amazing trip though! Beautiful landscapes and great food :)
This trip video is basically a full review: ua-cam.com/video/KBZC-8llKrY/v-deo.html It's a super cool hammock under the right circumstances (i.e. weight and size are not a concern)
Bro, I'm really sorry but I had to thumbs down this video of yours. Not a thumbs down on you, not a thumbs down on all your videos, but a thumbs down on this one. Nearly the first five minutes of your video is about you, you Ireland trip, the history of others getting the hammock, and a summary of what you're about to show. Set your story aside and get to the hammock. You can incorporate some of that intro material into the video of the hammock, omitting the Irish beer drinking etc. Looking forward to more of your vids.
Dutch is a marketing master. I have one of his hammocks and that thing is very comfortable. The knotty mods make for a perfect foot box. He teased the new one for the last several weeks, threw it out on Kickstarter and got the whole thing funded in a few hours. Gets a video from Shug this morning and you this evening on launch day. Smart guy that Dutch.
Dwayne Gaston - Can you explain to me what a foot box is?
My girlfriend and I are giving each other this setup (2 Chameleons, double bug net and 32" spreader bar) for Christmas. I placed the order last night. We're stoked. We've been doing the three tree arrangement in Blackbirds and the overlapping tarps. This will be so much easier.
A very thorough detailed review of the unique features of the hammock and suspension. Recently bought a Dream Hammock but wish I would have seen this before. Great vid review thanks
Your video is informative and fun as usual. I really appreciate the updates and weight statistics.
lol, "Shug has probably already been tightrope walking while juggling bees using this thing". Sounds accurate.
It's beautiful. I want one. Great video bro
I bought a new 11 ft Darien and I have been thinking about giving the beetle buckles a try. How do you like them and do you still use them. Thanks! Bob
Congrats on the Darien hammock, that's a solid system. I love the Beetle Buckles and continue to use them whenever not doing a more minimalist approach with Dutch's Whoopie Hook system. The weight penalty is more than reasonable for times when you don't want the extra fiddle factor associated with whoopies, particularly during cold weather trips. That being said, they are a little less simplistic in terms of setup vs Dutch's titanium cinch buckles with the heavier poly straps, which I consider the gold standard in terms of ease of use.
I hold no loyalty to UA-camrs... But, if I want a gear review. Its you first, buddy.
+Samual Iam That's very kind, thanks :)
damn bro, you need a manicure ;)
I left my Lee Press Ons in Ireland...
Lol. Good one! How was the food over there? Heard it's amazing!
I would have agree with that. In fact, I would say that the food was half the trip, haha. Fish 'n chips, Bangers and Mash, Irish lamb stew, steaks, and plenty of Guinness :)
Noice!
These hammock feel like a ripoff of the DreamHammock Sparrow. The only real new thing is the two hammocks hangin from the same trees. The Sparrow has the removable bug net and over cover. The pricing is near the same. The DreamHammock has much more options in the material used. I know that the "new idea" window is getting very small as now that so many folks have ventured into all the possible spots. I like the idea of two hammocks from the same trees without "stacking".
If you use something like or very close to what someone else does.....then say it give people the truth.
Shug actually road his unicycle while juggling burning fancy feast stoves across the ridge line.
Don't give Shug any ideas! :)
Not really interested in the hammock, but I gotta have a set of those beetles. Make the steel cinch buckles go away!
same here, cost is a bit high to me for a hammock with some nice features that I'm already ok living without, BUT those beetle bugs, omg I gotta have...
do you think that you can use a hammock with doors with this setup? it doesnt seem like it because the hammock straps being spread out will block the doors a bit from being able to be fully deployed. because thats the kind of tarp i have and would like to use this kit for me and my gf to resolve the same issue of finding trees
sintax77 thanks so much for good video details..we out here in NYC enjoy your videos dude.enjoy the outdoors
i ordered this setup from kickstarter. $280 Canadian shipped for the complete setup. Should be a nice upgrade from a HH.
Excellent explanation of the chameleon system
Brilliant review which will ultimately cost me some money. Thanks
Sir, when you do field test this, please try it without the bug net or cover and let us know how that zipper feels on the back of your legs. I sleep in a pair of shorts, so that zipper might be a pain in my back side literally when getting in and out...
I have a series of three season camping questions that I am going to ask a couple of my UA-cam favourites including you that I have been watching the past couple of years aiding with my set up and I would like to ask what you would do today now that you have experienced and enjoyed many hikes. Let's say hypothetically every brand and item is 10 dollars each to that is not a factor!
Three Season Camping
1. Which hammock would you use?
2. Which tarp would you use and type of ridgeline?
3. Which cook set would you use?
4. Which stove would you most use?
5. Which under and top quilt would you use?
6. Which light weight jacket would you use?
7. Which rain gear would you use?
8. Last but not least, which back pack would you choose to carry your three season set up?
Thanks in advance for your time and you can just put simple short answers or some elaboration if you have time or would like to add.
Great video.
Without you saying it, you've given me the idea of buying just one pair of straps and one pair of buckles for the head end of both hammocks and continue with using whoopie slings at the foot end.
Another money saver 👍
you're hilarious, juggling bees... that was good.
The traditional Polyester Straps were chosen do to less stretch than Nylon but the Dyneema Dutch Blend straps will likely have even less stretch than than traditional Polyester. Polyester also retains less moisture than nylon and Dyneema even less. Spectra would be most optimum as it stretches 3% less than Dyneema.
One of the many reasons that you've garnered so many subscribers is that you're just good at making these videos. I was well versed in the Chameleon but I still watched your video and you're just excellent at breaking things down, editing and going over quickly the important parts of what the video is about. Well done as usual.
Other youtubers would be smart to study your work.
I know the Chameleon is old news but with using the spreader bar, not only couples can share trees but if you have a small child you can take advantage of this option also
I've seen all the videos today and I'm hooked, I'll be buying one as soon as I can afford it. this is the holy grail of hammocks I'd have to say..
Great video. Thanks
Hey Sintax, love watching your videos and have picked up good tips from you. Can you weigh the beetle buckles by themselves?
I like the idea of lighter weight straps. Do you think the Dyneema straps will dry quicker than poly when it gets rained on? Great videos - keep on hiking!
comfort wise, how does it compare to the warbonnet blackbird, how flat can you lay compare to the blackbird? and does the bug net hit your face in the chameleon?
you were the first to do an up close review and its appreciated, i got in early enough to get the complete early bird setup :)
i use a halfwit already and look forward to the extra length of this one plus the ability to reach out and adjust the quilt from either side although with the hooks it might not be needed. plus i think it will hold my 0 degree quilt snug all night without having to wake up and adjust it as i wiggle around in my sleep.
so now you have all sorts of new gear to try out.
If I hadn't already got one, I would have after this review, good job. Shug's video hit during my morning coffee and I was sold. Can't wait to get mine.
Just curious, so you habe to rig up a drip line, or can the buckle, and extra strap act as one?
I just did the kick starter and love one stop shopping as I am new at hammocks.. TY
The Vislon zipper is more durable than the coil zippers so less susceptible to failure.
Yo Sin.... awesome vid. Going over to Kickstarter now.
Looks really nice! Thank.you for the thorough review! Going to try it out this week. 😃😎
THANK YOU SINTAX77 !
LOOKING FORWARD TO SEEING BOTH OF YOU WITH THEE NEW SETUP!
lol gear porn?
Thanks! Looking forward to your real world test of the spreader bar system.
Starts at 4:32
I haven't seen you you the alcohol stove in years! Do you still use one? I use the ultralight Esbit cube stove and the alcohol Fancy Feast stove.
I've pretty much switched over to the Esbit cubes when not sharing a canister setup. I still like my alcohol stoves, I just found myself reaching for the cubes more often because I can snuff them out and re-use them so easily.
Shugs was up yesterday, yes :) No juggling tho!
Merci toujours intéressant mon cher ! Joyeux noël!
Nice see you back looking forward to your next video
Good stuff brother!
Love Dutchware 🥰
I can't find the length of the hammock. Sorry if I missed it in you presentation. Is it 11 foot?
+Phoenix 07 Yes, it's 11 feet long, 58 inches wide.
I like the idea of the spreader bar,but I have a feeling of you toss and turn it may fall out. I think it would be better if the tips were threaded and had end caps to lock it into that buckle.
highflyer131 nah, the weight of each person would keep the ends in place no matter how you toss and turn.
That's a rather festive looking hammock for this channel :D
I was just a tad to late to place an early bird order. Maybe it's for the best though, because I haven't even taken my XLC for a spin. I love these zippers though and "they" say the lay is really comfortable and Dutch is a cool guy. Maybe I'll buy one anyway, I never bought the winter cover for the XLC (finding excuses to buy new toys :D
Pretty bright, right? I think Sara is rubbing off on me :) At least I've still got my olive drab Half-wit for when it really hits the fan...
Yeh the ladies tend to do that, probably a good thing too :)
I got in on the early bird full kit this morning. Great deal and I'm so excited for it to come in! Great review as always.
Nice job - Congrats on getting in the early bird special!
Hey Syntax.. Love your videos. I want either a BBXLC or this Chameleon. Question is, do you thing Asym cut provides a noticeable advantage in flat lie compared to the symmetrical design of the Chameleon? See the advantages of both.
The Chameleon bug-net and winter cover actually are cut asymmetrically, but the vision zipper allows them to be flipped over, so you can change them to be lay either feet right or feet left whenever you want. We just got back from testing them out at the park today and they are quite comfortable with a very nice lay.
Thank you, Sir! Will be hammocking this Spring.
I watched 2 other videos on the new Dutch hammock. It looks good!! Ireland?
It's looking to be a very cool system indeed. I'm definitely looking forward to testing it out in dual mode on a single set of trees. Yeah, Sara and I hit Ireland for a quick whirlwind of a trip. Flew into Dublin and did day trips throughout the country. It was pretty awesome :)
Want one dude great video
Thanks, Good job on the video.
Very nice table top review Sintax77. It looks like a great new Hammock. The Beetles look like an excellent option for suspension versatility. Thanks for sharing.
Thanks, Gary. I'm digging the Beetles. I find the extra tab makes them a bit easier to handle than the similar, but more even more minimal Cinch Bugs. Plus the weight savings from the Dyneema straps is quite nice.
Ya, I figured they would be the greatest thing since sliced bread in the suspension systems world after seeing you demonstrate them ... I guess I'll be dropping some more USD on Dutch Bling (I just upgraded to his whoopies & Dyneema straps) ... oh well, it'll be my contribution to the good ol' US of A economy :)
I just got a Dutch Half-Wit. It's great but this is just wow. Looks like I am going to have to put in some more over time! Love your videos man. Looking forward to seeing more trips out!
Thanks, Chris. I love the Half-Wit as a minimalist yet super-comfy hammock, but yeah - the Chameleon is looking pretty sick so far in terms of modular options.
how are the Beetle Buckles? I have a whoppie hook suspension and having problems with tree length.
Shug didn't tight rope. I put my opinions there. Great features, amazing features. Too expensive for me. I may get his Half Wit.
+Sinfonian Barelytone I love my Half-Wit. You can't go wrong with one of those either.
I agree. Love mine.
you begin fast and aggressive just to talk an hour before going to the details as you say
+Polus Tyoploiut Yes.
you got one as well nice
Great informative video.
Were the two bars aluminum? I look forward to the full test.
Yes, they're a lightweight aluminum from what I can tell in person, but I'm unaware if they're any specific alloy. I know that Dutch's go-to weight rating for items is at least 1,000 lbs, so I'd imagine they're a pretty decent grade.
Can't wait to get mine. Great review. I'm looking forward to the field review. And thanks for all the great videos. I've been watching you channel for a couple years, and your videos really opened up the hiking world for me and gave me the confidence to do multi night solo hikes. Keep them coming. Thanks again
Thanks, Chris. I'm glad you're enjoying the vids. Did you manage to get an early bird package on Kickstarter today?
sintax77 yes. I've been waiting for him to reveal his design and watching closely. I have the half wit, and I love it. But I got eaten alive in the pine barrens of New Jersey because it was to hot to cover my legs. I was looking at the blackbird, but Dutch came through just in time.
Nice, enjoy it!
Really enjoy all your vids - and great review of this hammock! Looking forward to your setup vid so I can convince my wife on yet... another hammock.
Just tell her it's for _her_ ;)
sintax77 Advice taken-- and now I've got two chameleons coming my way.. her main selling point is to be close together while hammock camping vs 20ft+ away ... thanks again!
My pleasure - well played!
No results on Instagram for @SarasGreatAdventures....wanted to give her another follower but search came up "no results". ??
Here's a direct link :) instagram.com/sarasgreatadventures/
Woah you were in Ireland! I live in Cork, I hope you enjoyed your time here! 🇮🇪
+John mcdonald Yes, we were! Cork was actually on our list, but sadly, we weren't able to squeeze it into our time frame. It was an amazing trip though! Beautiful landscapes and great food :)
sintax77 glad you enjoyed! Will you be doing a video?
did you ever come to a final conclusion on the amok draumr
This trip video is basically a full review: ua-cam.com/video/KBZC-8llKrY/v-deo.html It's a super cool hammock under the right circumstances (i.e. weight and size are not a concern)
I got the chameleon coming if the goal is met
Bro, I'm really sorry but I had to thumbs down this video of yours. Not a thumbs down on you, not a thumbs down on all your videos, but a thumbs down on this one. Nearly the first five minutes of your video is about you, you Ireland trip, the history of others getting the hammock, and a summary of what you're about to show. Set your story aside and get to the hammock. You can incorporate some of that intro material into the video of the hammock, omitting the Irish beer drinking etc.
Looking forward to more of your vids.