Hi Mark, Thanks so much for sharing your thoughts on these two hammocks. We really appreciate everything you do to help folks out in the hammock community.
The drone perspective was fun. I received my Sparrow not long ago and we finally can get out to the park so I'll get to give it a first hang and see how it is.
Still getting the hang of the drone. Not great footage yet, but I need to get better and the more I use it, the better I'll get! You're gonna love it! Thanks!
Very insightful and this helped me to decide on getting the Darien. I am now getting my options written down for the Black Friday sale. I have seen many reviews about dream hammock being well made an comfortable. I can't hardly wait to get mine and try it out in Spring 2021.
Randy and Deanna are AWESOME. And, they're an Ohio-based vendor, so I'm a little impartial. I have the Raven and love it. But, might end up getting a Darien for those super fast-packing summer trips. Great vid, Mark!
Thanks, I've been doing my own hair during this mess. Ready to not be doing it myself! Darien is a great one, lots of happy hangers out there with it! Thanks again!
I finally got to try out my Equip double hammock in March, don't know if you have heard of that one. I bought it at Wal-mart and so far it has worked. I did have to buy the tree straps separately and later bought an envelope bug net since it didn't have one attached to it. hoping to try that out soon
@@SpiguyverBackpacking1 I was that was at first until I came up with the perfect remedy on my gen1 raven, the remedy is to take a piece of glow in the dark shot cord and connect both inside zipper tabs while closed laying inside and going over the ridgeline. this allows opening the side where the zipper is at your feet easy and closing the other side when open easy. This also makes it easy to find at nite.
After watching your videos I've just made my own hammock out of hyperD and I love it, unfortunately I'm in the UK and it's not available here so had to import it but it was definitely worth it.
I have a video idea for you....I would be interested to know the differences between your summer hammock setup and winter setup. In searching the tube I have only see a few channels talk about their summer setup and they are all northern state channels. Would be interesting to see someone from the southern state areas t o weigh in on things to think about in the summer months. Just a thought.
Good comparison Mark, I'm a big fan of multi items, reusing a stuff sack for a gear sling is a great example. If you could do me a favor, I just published a short film of my Idaho Wilderness adventures where I hammocked where there were no trees with my Chameleon (was my first time hanging above the tree line) My tiny channel is hard to get traffic to. I have about 150 hours into the edit, but wanted to share a family friendly enjoyable escape from everything that is going on. Have a great day and be safe out there
I have a video that shows my favorite suspension. I prefer a simple Beckett Hitch tied to the continuous loop at the end of the hammock. Myers Tech has the stuff I prefer!
My absolute favorite is a Femor double nest you can't beat the value at $14 shipped but I get about 2 solid years out of each one with use almost everyday out in the weather off and on depends if I set my awning up but it gets sun wind and plenty of rain these are so solid I turned my last one into an Oilskin tarp to cover my mower. It does not have a top but ample space to stretch out and lay flat on the diagonal I am 345 lbs and these are rock solid. When I go camping I just add my sleeping pad and a 9x20 Oilskin I made from canvas I also have a bug net I purchased for about $3 on geek that's made for a 4 post king bed.
Ok looked back through my orders and its no longer there but this one looks identical with all the same gear colors ect. www.amazon.com/dp/B082WXJ4DS/ref=cm_sw_r_apa_i_qBXWEbAJAMHGG
I did a comparison of the Sparrow, Chameleon and Blackbird XLC a while back. Both of these are great hammocks for sure, not gonna go wrong with either one!
when i’m buying the darien on the website do i have to click on tree straps to include them with the purchase in order to hang the hammock on the trees?
@@luigisandoval It really helps to have the 15’ straps, gives you a lot more options when it comes to the distance between trees, or the diameter of the tree you use.
@@SpiguyverBackpacking1 please help i have no choice but to order a ready to ship dream hammock darien because i cannot wait long enough for the custom order time frame. will the ready to ship darien 1.2 mtn xl fit my size if i am 6’1 190 lbs?
Man. I have both...but I have the Darien with a double layer. When you got in I was surprised at how/where you laid! I think I expected a right lay in the Darien. Well, both of them. Now I will have to check and see how mine look and hope I haven’t been doing it backwards for the last year! 😳
I have the Sparrow and considered the Darien. How do you best adjust your UQ at night on the side that doesn't zip open? I like the zipper in any position for this reason as well. Overall still a Chameleon fan right now.
Right on. You won't hear me badmouth any of those three hammocks, I own all three and won't part with any! I find that as long as it's adjusted well before you get in, you don't normally need to do much adjusting, but in those rare cases, it can be a little tricky! Thanks!
Have you had any experiences with Simply Light Designs hammocks? Thanks. Just ordered recently the Superior cinch buckles based on your reviews (thanks for the coupon).
Hi mark I’ve just order a Darien in 1.3 mtn XL as my RTS sparrow at 58 wide was giving me slight shoulder squeeze. What width did you order your sparrow in?
They look great but they don't specify the weight of the person being in it if it will hold them.....I'm 6' tall and 290 lbs so I've seen other companies show the weight capacity but I don't see it on theirs....
They list it in a specific section called Comfort Rating. They offer a bunch of different fabric options and even let you mix and match inner and outer layers, so they have a calculator based on your choices. dreamhammock.com/comfort-rating/
Thanks very much for this video, Mark! I’ve been wondering about the difference between these two hammocks. This is great info and helped me a lot. Do you use shock cord for the side tie-outs on the Sparrow? Thanks again! Love your videos! - Ernie (iDigHiking)
So glad you enjoyed this video and it was helpful for you. I do use the shock cord for the tie outs, but not both of them, only the one where my head and my foot are. Thanks!
@@SpiguyverBackpacking1 Thanks for your reply! I hope you have time to answer a related question. I attached shock cord to my head and foot tie outs (imitation is the sincerest form of flattery). I attached the cord to the hammock with a bowline knot. I tried to attach the cord to the stake with an adjustable sliding knot. But it's difficult to get the shock cord tight enough so the knot doesn't unravel and loose enough that the knot slides. Do you have any tips/hints for attaching shock cord? How do you attach it to your Sparrow and the stakes? Do you use any hardware? Thanks a million for your time!
I love my Gear Sling. But it's on my secondary hammock. I need another one for my second Sparrow. However, my second Dream Hammock I purchased the hammock sleeve which is the best piece of add on gear for either of my Dream Hammocks. Who did your drone footage? What type of drone was it? And you can't mess up that tight haircut. Just saying.
I did the drone stuff myself, still working on it, not great, but it's a work in progress. I need to have it dialed before my big trip in September. It's a Mavic Air. I picked up a second Gear sling earlier this year when I met up with them at the Fall hang in TX
@@SpiguyverBackpacking1 I have a Mavic 2 Pro and a Mavic Mini. Unfortunately I sunk my Mini in a Florida canal. Fortunately I purchased the Refresh program from DJI. I'm fairly new to drones and am having a good time normally. I think you did a great job.
@@steves3760 I did sink one that was exactly 1 week old in my pond. Ended up having to buy a used one to replace it. Oh well, expensive learning experience!
It would be nice if Dream Hammock had a phone number to call and speak to someone. I’m looking at buying my first hammock so it would be nice to speak to someone that can answer my questions. I’ve used their email support but haven’t heard back from them. Not good
I get that, but what you have to remember is they are a very small family business. If they were answering the phones all day, they would never get any hammocks made. They are usually pretty responsive to emails, or even reaching out to them on Facebook. I would say their customer service is some of the best out there. Sorry you're not getting the service you think you should, but consider the size of their business and what sort of backlog they have. They don't have a backlog because they make bad products!
Spiguyver Backpacking I’m not giving up on them because of all the positive stuff I hear about them. That being said, for someone that is new to this, and not even sure I will like hammocking, to spend this kind of money I’d like to make sure I’m getting what I need. I almost pulle the trigger on a double Sparrow last night but I would like to get the #5 zipper and did not see that option on the ordering page.
Hi Mark,
Thanks so much for sharing your thoughts on these two hammocks. We really appreciate everything you do to help folks out in the hammock community.
Thanks! It's easy to be a part of such a great community, with amazing vendors such as yourselves! Thank you!
The drone perspective was fun. I received my Sparrow not long ago and we finally can get out to the park so I'll get to give it a first hang and see how it is.
Still getting the hang of the drone. Not great footage yet, but I need to get better and the more I use it, the better I'll get! You're gonna love it! Thanks!
Very insightful and this helped me to decide on getting the Darien. I am now getting my options written down for the Black Friday sale. I have seen many reviews about dream hammock being well made an comfortable. I can't hardly wait to get mine and try it out in Spring 2021.
They are one of the best out there for a reason! Thanks!
Still saving for my custom Sparrow. It's been in my cart there for a long, long time.
Oh it will be so worth it when you get it though! Thanks!
Randy and Deanna are AWESOME. And, they're an Ohio-based vendor, so I'm a little impartial. I have the Raven and love it. But, might end up getting a Darien for those super fast-packing summer trips.
Great vid, Mark!
Thanks! You really can't go wrong with one of their hammocks!
Nice review Mark.
I appreciate it, thank you!
Love my Darien. And dude, nice haircut. My hair is COVID crazy LOL
Thanks, I've been doing my own hair during this mess. Ready to not be doing it myself! Darien is a great one, lots of happy hangers out there with it! Thanks again!
Dream hammocks makes some of the best hammocks. I have 3 of their hammocks, that gear sling does look very interesting.
While it's by no means a necessity, especially with all the storage I have on the Sparrow, it does open up some more options for me! Thanks!
One question I have a sparrow do you have order a special under quilt to fit it as it a flat lay .. cheers
No, I use my normal under quilts.
I finally got to try out my Equip double hammock in March, don't know if you have heard of that one. I bought it at Wal-mart and so far it has worked. I did have to buy the tree straps separately and later bought an envelope bug net since it didn't have one attached to it. hoping to try that out soon
I have not heard of it. I will have to check it out. Thanks!
I love my Raven it's the best of all worlds.
I just couldn't get over the zipper piece. Plus I already had the two of these... Thanks!
@@SpiguyverBackpacking1 I was that was at first until I came up with the perfect remedy on my gen1 raven, the remedy is to take a piece of glow in the dark shot cord and connect both inside zipper tabs while closed laying inside and going over the ridgeline. this allows opening the side where the zipper is at your feet easy and closing the other side when open easy. This also makes it easy to find at nite.
After watching your videos I've just made my own hammock out of hyperD and I love it, unfortunately I'm in the UK and it's not available here so had to import it but it was definitely worth it.
My favorite fabric! Awesome, glad you were able to get it and put that together! Well done!
Great Review! I went with the Darien for the weight savings, but the Sparrow sure does look nice.
I know you've been rocking the Dariens, absolutely nothing wrong with that choice my friend! Thanks!
I have a video idea for you....I would be interested to know the differences between your summer hammock setup and winter setup. In searching the tube I have only see a few channels talk about their summer setup and they are all northern state channels. Would be interesting to see someone from the southern state areas t o weigh in on things to think about in the summer months. Just a thought.
Good idea, thanks for the suggestion. I will put that on my list of things to put together! I appreciate it!
Good comparison Mark, I'm a big fan of multi items, reusing a stuff sack for a gear sling is a great example.
If you could do me a favor, I just published a short film of my Idaho Wilderness adventures where I hammocked where there were no trees with my Chameleon (was my first time hanging above the tree line)
My tiny channel is hard to get traffic to.
I have about 150 hours into the edit, but wanted to share a family friendly enjoyable escape from everything that is going on. Have a great day and be safe out there
I'll have to go check out your video! Interested to see how you fared with no trees! Thanks!
@@SpiguyverBackpacking1 thanks Mark. Was a very long night with the astro photos and time lapse.
also what suspension option do you recommend for lightweight and easiest hanging?
I have a video that shows my favorite suspension. I prefer a simple Beckett Hitch tied to the continuous loop at the end of the hammock. Myers Tech has the stuff I prefer!
With the Darien do you have to choose a lay position?
My absolute favorite is a Femor double nest you can't beat the value at $14 shipped but I get about 2 solid years out of each one with use almost everyday out in the weather off and on depends if I set my awning up but it gets sun wind and plenty of rain these are so solid I turned my last one into an Oilskin tarp to cover my mower. It does not have a top but ample space to stretch out and lay flat on the diagonal I am 345 lbs and these are rock solid. When I go camping I just add my sleeping pad and a 9x20 Oilskin I made from canvas I also have a bug net I purchased for about $3 on geek that's made for a 4 post king bed.
Right on, what are the dimensions of that one?
@@SpiguyverBackpacking1 I will go look it up brb
Ok looked back through my orders and its no longer there but this one looks identical with all the same gear colors ect. www.amazon.com/dp/B082WXJ4DS/ref=cm_sw_r_apa_i_qBXWEbAJAMHGG
Looks like this is just a rebranding.
Ok here is the hammock the one I have. www.amazon.in/femor-Outflitters-Lightweight-Parachute-Carabiners/dp/B084GQKGPC
How about those two DreamWorks versus the chameleon and they're lightweight backpacking option. With accessories and you opinion on one or the other.
I did a comparison of the Sparrow, Chameleon and Blackbird XLC a while back. Both of these are great hammocks for sure, not gonna go wrong with either one!
Thanks Mark. That’s good information. Appreciated. What is the weight limit on the Darien in the weight fabric that you have
Honestly, I'm not sure, and I don't believe they make that fabric anymore. Thanks!
I'll tell you the right one for me......the DL Thunderbird! It's not made anymore though. I bought mine 7 years ago. I love my hammock!!!!
Randy and Deanna make some amazing gear! Keep enjoying your classic!
when i’m buying the darien on the website do i have to click on tree straps to include them with the purchase in order to hang the hammock on the trees?
The hammocks won't come with tree straps. You can get them when you buy the hammock or from any of the multiple sources out there that make/sell them.
@@SpiguyverBackpacking1 is it necessary to get size 15 tree straps or do you think i will be okay with 10?
@@luigisandoval It really helps to have the 15’ straps, gives you a lot more options when it comes to the distance between trees, or the diameter of the tree you use.
@@SpiguyverBackpacking1 please help i have no choice but to order a ready to ship dream hammock darien because i cannot wait long enough for the custom order time frame. will the ready to ship darien 1.2 mtn xl fit my size if i am 6’1 190 lbs?
If there is anything in 1.6, I would go that route and get the tree straps as well. The 1.2 will probably work, but might not last as long.
I’m a special boy, so I ordered a Double Layer Dangerbird
Sweet!
Man. I have both...but I have the Darien with a double layer. When you got in I was surprised at how/where you laid! I think I expected a right lay in the Darien. Well, both of them. Now I will have to check and see how mine look and hope I haven’t been doing it backwards for the last year! 😳
I lay different than most!
I have the Sparrow and considered the Darien. How do you best adjust your UQ at night on the side that doesn't zip open? I like the zipper in any position for this reason as well. Overall still a Chameleon fan right now.
Right on. You won't hear me badmouth any of those three hammocks, I own all three and won't part with any! I find that as long as it's adjusted well before you get in, you don't normally need to do much adjusting, but in those rare cases, it can be a little tricky! Thanks!
What width would you recommend for someone around 5'10? it seems like 60-63 is best.. thanks!
Yeah, around 60 should be good.
Hi Mark, thank you for sharing this great video. May I know the color of your sparrow(hammock body)? tks!
Charcoal Grey 1.6 HyperD body, overcover is Neon Green. Thanks!
Nice quadcopter shots!
Thanks, still trying to figure that thing out!
@@SpiguyverBackpacking1 practice makes perfect LOL
Nice throwing in some drone footage
Still working on how to fly that thing! It's a work in progress!
@@SpiguyverBackpacking1 looked good which one did you get
Have you had any experiences with Simply Light Designs hammocks? Thanks. Just ordered recently the Superior cinch buckles based on your reviews (thanks for the coupon).
I have a few nights in the SLD Trail Lair. Good hammock for sure! Thanks!
I was considering going with one of their hammocks cause they are symmetrical and am not sure which lay is more comfortable for me.
Hi mark I’ve just order a Darien in 1.3 mtn XL as my RTS sparrow at 58 wide was giving me slight shoulder squeeze. What width did you order your sparrow in?
I believe my sparrow is 60 inches. Let me check.
Correction, it's 62 inches.
You don’t mind me asking your build?
My sparrow is made from 1.6 HyperD. It's 11' by 62" wide. .67 bugnet. 1.0 HyperD cover. Peak loft. Pull outs.
Spiguyver Backpacking lol I meant body build?
They look great but they don't specify the weight of the person being in it if it will hold them.....I'm 6' tall and 290 lbs so I've seen other companies show the weight capacity but I don't see it on theirs....
They list it in a specific section called Comfort Rating. They offer a bunch of different fabric options and even let you mix and match inner and outer layers, so they have a calculator based on your choices. dreamhammock.com/comfort-rating/
Thanks very much for this video, Mark! I’ve been wondering about the difference between these two hammocks. This is great info and helped me a lot.
Do you use shock cord for the side tie-outs on the Sparrow?
Thanks again!
Love your videos!
- Ernie (iDigHiking)
So glad you enjoyed this video and it was helpful for you. I do use the shock cord for the tie outs, but not both of them, only the one where my head and my foot are. Thanks!
@@SpiguyverBackpacking1 Thanks for your reply! I hope you have time to answer a related question. I attached shock cord to my head and foot tie outs (imitation is the sincerest form of flattery). I attached the cord to the hammock with a bowline knot. I tried to attach the cord to the stake with an adjustable sliding knot. But it's difficult to get the shock cord tight enough so the knot doesn't unravel and loose enough that the knot slides.
Do you have any tips/hints for attaching shock cord? How do you attach it to your Sparrow and the stakes? Do you use any hardware?
Thanks a million for your time!
I love my Gear Sling. But it's on my secondary hammock. I need another one for my second Sparrow. However, my second Dream Hammock I purchased the hammock sleeve which is the best piece of add on gear for either of my Dream Hammocks. Who did your drone footage? What type of drone was it? And you can't mess up that tight haircut. Just saying.
I did the drone stuff myself, still working on it, not great, but it's a work in progress. I need to have it dialed before my big trip in September. It's a Mavic Air. I picked up a second Gear sling earlier this year when I met up with them at the Fall hang in TX
@@SpiguyverBackpacking1 I have a Mavic 2 Pro and a Mavic Mini. Unfortunately I sunk my Mini in a Florida canal. Fortunately I purchased the Refresh program from DJI. I'm fairly new to drones and am having a good time normally. I think you did a great job.
@@steves3760 I did sink one that was exactly 1 week old in my pond. Ended up having to buy a used one to replace it. Oh well, expensive learning experience!
It would be nice if Dream Hammock had a phone number to call and speak to someone. I’m looking at buying my first hammock so it would be nice to speak to someone that can answer my questions. I’ve used their email support but haven’t heard back from them. Not good
I get that, but what you have to remember is they are a very small family business. If they were answering the phones all day, they would never get any hammocks made. They are usually pretty responsive to emails, or even reaching out to them on Facebook. I would say their customer service is some of the best out there. Sorry you're not getting the service you think you should, but consider the size of their business and what sort of backlog they have. They don't have a backlog because they make bad products!
Spiguyver Backpacking I’m not giving up on them because of all the positive stuff I hear about them. That being said, for someone that is new to this, and not even sure I will like hammocking, to spend this kind of money I’d like to make sure I’m getting what I need. I almost pulle the trigger on a double Sparrow last night but I would like to get the #5 zipper and did not see that option on the ordering page.