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Warbonnet Original Blackbird Review

Superior comfort with a dedicated footbox, spacious fabric, and all the features needed for many nights of cozy sleep
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warbonnet original blackbird hammock review
The spacious shelf in the Blackbird has room enough for almost anything you'd want: headlamp, book, shoes, jacket, phone, pillow... stash it out of your living space but be able to grab it easily.
Credit: Adam Paashaus
Price:  $175 List
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Manufacturer:   Warbonnet Outdoors
By Liz Chamberlain, Elizabeth Paashaus, and Penney Garrett,  ⋅  Jul 18, 2023
78
OVERALL
SCORE


RANKED
#2 of 17
  • Comfort - 40% 9.0
  • Ease of Setup - 20% 6.0
  • Durability and Protection - 20% 8.0
  • Versatility - 10% 7.0
  • Weight - 10% 7.3
RELATED: Best Hammocks

Our Verdict

The Warbonnet Original Blackbird is the hammock we want to spend every night in. Having all the features necessary for a top-notch all-weather shelter, it easily wins a Top Pick award for the best backcountry shelter. The Blackbird offers a spacious interior that feels comfortable and protective, has a huge pocket inside for storage, and features an integrated bug net. When comparing its weight to ground-dwelling shelters, it's beaten out by only the most ultralight tents on the market. Add in a variety of sleeping positions and customizable options, and it seems like the Blackbird does it all. Get the skinny on how it stacks up against other top products in our article on the best hammocks.
REASONS TO BUY
Spacious
Comfortable
Integrated bug net
Customizable
REASONS TO AVOID
Suspension and carabiners sold separately
Can't remove bug net completely
Stakes not included for bug net
Editors' Note: We updated this review on July 18, 2023, to update the weighting of our scoring metrics and to offer additional buying advice.

Compare to Similar Products

 
Awards Editors' Choice Award Top Pick Award Editors' Choice Award Best Buy Award Best Buy Award 
Price $175 List$135 ListCheck Price at Backcountry
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$40 List
$19.99 at Amazon
$169.95 at REI
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Bottom Line This hammock gives you everything you want from a lightweight backcountry shelterDesign your own and choose just the features you want for a versatile hammock that is comfortable and adaptable to any conditionsThis is an innovative hammock that offers the comfort for long naps and the durability to hold up to regular wear and tearSave money but keep all the comforts and ease of use of industry leading models with this one-stop-shop budget hammockThis is a lightweight, budget-friendly shelter with a comfortable asymmetric design for sleeping in the backwoods
Rating Categories Warbonnet Original... Dutchware Chameleon ENO Skyloft Kootek Portable Hennessy Expedition...
Comfort (40%)
9.0
8.0
9.0
8.0
7.0
Ease of Setup (20%)
6.0
7.0
8.0
9.0
5.0
Durability and Protection (20%)
8.0
8.0
6.0
5.0
8.0
Versatility (10%)
7.0
8.0
4.0
7.0
4.0
Weight (10%)
7.3
7.4
5.1
6.4
7.0
Specs Warbonnet Original... Dutchware Chameleon ENO Skyloft Kootek Portable Hennessy Expedition...
Measured Weight - Hammock and Suspension 26 oz (hammock, bug net, webbing and buckle suspension) 25 oz (double layer hammock, webbing and beetle buckle suspension) 54 oz (hammock, Atlas Straps) 37 oz (hammock, tree straps) 30 oz (hammock, bug net, suspension)
Measured Weight - Shelter System 42 oz with Mini Fly tarp N/A N/A N/A 42 oz with 70D ripstop rainfly
Capacity (Weight) 350-400 lbs (depending on options selected) 350 lbs 250 lbs 500 lbs 250 lbs
Hammock Size (Length x Width) 10' x 5.25' 10'8" x 4'10" 7' x 3' 9'10" x 6'6" 10' x 4.92'
Capacity (Height) 6' Not stated Not stated Not stated 6'
Size Compact 10" x 4" 12" x 6" 18.5” x 4.5” x 4.5” 9.8" x 7.4" 9" x 7" x 4"
Connectors Whoopies, straps or buckle, webbing Beetle Buckle with webbing straps or whoopie slings with tree huggers Aluminum carabiners Steel carabiners Polyester rope
Material 40D or 70D Nylon (depending on options selected) Hexon 1.0, 1.6 or 2.4 NewWave Nylon 210D Nylon 70D Oxford Nylon
Construction End gathered, asymmetric hammock, single or double layer fabric, zipper along 1 side, integrated bug netting. Storage shelf and foot box 1.6 oz Hexon, end gathered, continuous loops Durable ripstop nylon with aluminum spreader bars Triple interlocking stitching Double-stitched seams, 30D polyester No-See-Um netting, 3mm integrated ridgeline. 5mm cord for anchoring, dual-stretch cord on hammock sides
Sizes / Colors 27 colors, 3 fabric layering configurations 2 size, 9 colors, 3 fabrics, 31 printed patterns 1 size, 4 colors 1 size, 5 colors Multiple other sizes, configurations available under other Hennessy product names
Hanging Straps Included? No No No Yes Yes
Accessories (Included) Guylines, bug netting, storage shelf, continuous loops (for attaching suspension system), stuff sack Continuous loops, ridgeline Aluminum wiregate carabiners Tree straps, steel carabiners Tree straps, 70D polyurethane coated polyester ripstop rainfly, integrated bug net
Accessories (Compatible, Not Included) Rainflies, bug net, carabiners, fish hooks, under quilts, top quilts, suspension systems Suspension straps, rainfly, bug net, top cover, side car pockets, ridgeline pockets Suspension straps, rainfly, bug net, top quilts, under quilts, insulation pads, permanent anchors None Tree straps, larger rainflys, insulation, Snakeskin stuff sacks
Extra Accessories Tested Mini Fly tarp, webbing with buckles suspension, Body layer 2, Beetle Buckle suspension, asym bug net Atlas Straps None None

Our Analysis and Test Results

The Warbonnet Blackbird is a uniquely designed hammock with useful features and a comfortable asymmetrical design. From an integrated foot box to a side shelf and storage area, this innovative hammock has everything needed to transform a dull tent camping experience into a comfortable, stress-free night under the stars.

Performance Comparison


warbonnet original blackbird hammock review - the blackbird in a sea of other hammocks. it had no problem blowing...
The Blackbird in a sea of other hammocks. It had no problem blowing all these other models out of the water to defend its title as Editors' Choice.
Credit: Joel Peach

Comfort


The Blackbird is among the top few most comfortable models we tested, thanks to the hammock's asymmetric design and overall large size. This model is similar to many hammocks in that the fabric is cinched together at either end before being connected to a rope or webbing. Generally, the most comfortable way to sleep in a hammock is diagonally. While a handful of products on the market come with an asymmetrical design to create more space for this, the Blackbird is one of the few that also comes with a foot box.


What makes an asymmetric model like the Blackbird so cozy is that it isn't just made of one large rectangular (or semi-rectangular) piece of fabric. The shape has extra room on the right side of one end and the left side of the other. That way, the hammock doesn't fight back against you when you position your body on a diagonal. It gives the user space for the feet and head to exist with less restriction. We haven't seen another hammock build in a foot box like this and feel it heavily contributes to the Blackbird's comfort score.

warbonnet original blackbird hammock review - the spacious foot box combined with the ability to lay nice and flat...
The spacious foot box combined with the ability to lay nice and flat makes the Blackbird an excellent choice for serious suspended sleepers.
Credit: Adam Paashaus

The Blackbird is longer and wider than most other backcountry models we tested, making it more spacious and comfortable. We had enough room to roll, slide, scooch, and wiggle around, finding all the sweet spots. We could lie flat and comfortable in various positions: on our backs, sides, and curled up in the fetal position. Though the Blackbird is plenty long for users up to six feet, Warbonnet also offers a larger version for bigger bodies. The weight limit is a robust 350-400 pounds depending on the options selected, which is significantly higher than most other shelter models we tested.

warbonnet original blackbird hammock review - you'll sleep like a baby in the wide blackbird that affords the user...
You'll sleep like a baby in the wide Blackbird that affords the user plenty of space for different sleeping positions.
Credit: Adam Paashaus

The livability of the Blackbird is better than most tested models. It doesn't quite allow you to sit up inside without your head against the netting, but it comes close. It features a shock cord on either side that keeps the netting from closing in on the sides. Because of those and the relatively high ridgeline, we had enough space to change clothes without leaving our little nylon cocoon.

warbonnet original blackbird hammock review - the blackbird has the unique feature of a built in side-shelf to...
The Blackbird has the unique feature of a built in side-shelf to place items with you inside the hammock. No other model we tested had anything like this.
Credit: Penney Garrett

We found the best angle at which to suspend it is with the foot end raised 10 to 15 inches over the head end, which is also what the manufacturer recommends. The design of both suspension systems we tested allows for quick and easy adjustments, making it a breeze to achieve this perfect angle. One issue with the asymmetrical design is that it only pairs well with a left-zip sleeping bag. If you have a right zip bag, you will have a much more challenging time getting in and out of your system easily. For right-zip users, a dual-sided entry might make your life easier.

warbonnet original blackbird hammock review - the blackbird offers a really comfortable lay with a lot of great...
The Blackbird offers a really comfortable lay with a lot of great features. Here you can see how the bug net conveniently ties out of the way and also the superior insulation provided with the addition of the Yeti underquilt.
Credit: Penney Garrett

Ease of Setup


There is no suspension system included with the Blackbird, but Warbonnet offers the option of two suspension systems for an additional cost. Since we have tested this hammock so often, we have tried it with the webbing and buckle suspension, and whoopie sling systems.


The webbing and buckle system is quick to set up, easy to adjust to the proper tension or tweak at any point, and the buckles slide smoothly. It's almost dummy-proof — reach around the tree and clip the carabiner back to the webbing. The downside is that it's the heavier of the two, using 1-inch wide flat webbing and steel buckles and weighing 6.7 ounces.

It doesn't get much simpler than this.
It doesn't get much simpler than this.
The buckles on the webbing are easy to slide for quick adjustments.
The buckles on the webbing are easy to slide for quick adjustments.

The whoopie system is not as intuitive, though fairly easy once you get some practice. If you are struggling with this somewhat complicated whoopie system, watch the "How To" videos on Warbonnet's website. We jerry-rigged the suspension without watching the proper technique to loop the webbing through the metal attachments and managed to fall to the ground, tearing the bug netting attachment in one fell swoop. Using the suspension system properly is extremely important to make sure the hammock supports your weight as intended.

The whoopie sling is actually very easy to tie and adjust, though the tree straps don't have as much adjustability as we would like.
Credit: Liz Chamberlain

Both suspension systems include 12 feet of material and have a wide range of adjustability, giving the Warbonnet hammocks the largest range of the models we tested. The integrated bug net ridgeline is a much more user-friendly system than the separate pieces of sock-style bug netting.

warbonnet original blackbird hammock review - a wide strap is necessary to protect trees from damage but the...
A wide strap is necessary to protect trees from damage but the Dynaweave strap is too thin, crumples up and no longer has that capability.
Credit: Elizabeth Paashaus

We are disappointed that the Blackbird does not include carabiners or stakes for the bug net guy lines. But, like all the other components, they are available on the website for an additional cost. We also learned the hard way that if you leave a twist in the webbing system, it will loosen as you lay in it until your bum rests on the ground.

warbonnet original blackbird hammock review - the blackbird includes a ridgeline to hold up the bug netting. here...
The Blackbird includes a ridgeline to hold up the bug netting. Here we illustrate the perfect ridgeline tension.
Credit: Penney Garrett

One issue to pay attention to is that the guy lines for the main hammock body tend to get tangled up when packing and unpacking. The manufacturer recommends zipping the lines on one side into the hammock interior before packing it away to help keep them separated. With all of these nuances, there is certainly a steeper learning curve to setting up this hammock than others we tested. But once we had it figured out, it became second nature.

warbonnet original blackbird hammock review - the blackbird is our top choice for cozy overnights with some...
The Blackbird is our top choice for cozy overnights with some friendly neighbors.
Credit: Elizabeth Paashaus

Durability and Protection


The Blackbird ingeniously balances lightweight materials and sturdy construction. The durability of the Blackbird is on par with most of the hammocks we tested and significantly above that of other ultralight models.


The thin 1.6-ounce, 40-Denier fabric does mean that extra care should be taken not to damage it by misuse or slinging the suspension system incorrectly. But we conducted an abrasion test by rubbing the Blackbird against trees, rocks, and pavement, and as expected, the material showed no legitimate signs of scratching, tearing, or seams busting. Warbonnet offers the option to select a heavier-weight material, which increases the durability, wind protection, and weight limit from 350 to 400 pounds.

warbonnet original blackbird hammock review - these metal d-ring attachments are tiny but mighty and can support...
These metal D-ring attachments are tiny but mighty and can support the Blackbird's 350lb weight threshold.
Credit: Liz Chamberlain

For protection from the rain and wind, Warbonnet offers various accessories like tarps of varying sizes and something called a Travel Sock, which encases you and your hammock in another layer of nylon to block more wind in the coldest weather. You can also choose to purchase the hammock with a double layer of lightweight fabric, giving you a sleeve for your sleeping pad. Many hammocks skimp on the rainfly material, leaving the user vulnerable to blowing rain and wind. But we tested this hammock with the Warbonnet Mini Fly tarp and loved the protection it offered for its size.

warbonnet original blackbird hammock review - the beak designs help prevent unwanted wind and avoid rain from...
The beak designs help prevent unwanted wind and avoid rain from blowing in.
Credit: Elizabeth Paashaus

The Mini Fly has a small beak on either end that helps keep out rain blowing from the ends and is good at blocking wind gusts from the side. Warbonnet recognizes the desire of campers to be able to go out in all conditions. While the Mini Fly is technically the smallest rain fly option from Warbonnet, it is still quite large compared to other shelter systems in our test group.

warbonnet original blackbird hammock review - all warbonnet shelters feature strong d-rings at most attachment...
All Warbonnet shelters feature strong D-rings at most attachment points.
Credit: Elizabeth Paashaus

Versatility


The Blackbird can be quite versatile in the right situations. It's ideally suited for overnight shelter and is highly versatile based on customizable add-ons for various weather protection needs. But it doesn't make a great day-use hammock


The zippered bug net can be easily stowed away on the side when not needed for desert camping or star gazing. And as we discussed can also easily add a rainfly to this setup for more protection. The most unique feature is a large pocket on the side that doubles as a shelf. It is around two square feet and is spacious enough to fit your shoes, hardback books, extra clothing… pretty much anything you want to keep inside with you and out of the rain. The ridgeline is also a nice feature, providing two clips to hang a small lantern or even more of your gear.

warbonnet original blackbird hammock review - spacious pockets and clips on the bug net ridgeline allow users to...
Spacious pockets and clips on the bug net ridgeline allow users to attach a lantern and retain all the valuables or necessities like keys, snacks, or a cell phone.
Credit: Liz Chamberlain

It is important to note that Warbonnet recommends never leaning back against the seam at the juncture of the shelf and hammock. Avoiding that leaves you a very narrow space to recline, and that small area doesn't make for a supportive backrest. Since the foot end is best hung higher than the head end, we like flipping ourselves so that our heads are higher than our feet for lounging or reading during the day. This way, we find a reclined position instead of just lying down.

warbonnet original blackbird hammock review - the blackbird with accessories provides a superior shelter. the...
The Blackbird with accessories provides a superior shelter. The Mambajamba tarp is a roomy 10 feet wide and the Yeti underquilt blocked the breeze, keeping us cozy warm.
Credit: Penney Garrett

Weight


While the Warbonnet Blackbird beats the competition in most categories, it is not the lightest hammock shelter system out there. But it's still a competitive weight at only 26 ounces for the hammock, bug netting, and webbing suspension.


We tested it with the Mini-Fly Tarp from Warbonnet, which brought it to 42 ounces for the whole package (including the tie-out cords but not the stakes). While not the absolute lightest shelter system we tested, this total certainly puts it in the running with a number of other popular, relatively ultralight setups.

warbonnet original blackbird hammock review - the warbonnet blackbird (left), mini fly tarp (center) compared to a...
The Warbonnet Blackbird (left), Mini Fly Tarp (center) compared to a standard 32 oz bottle. Both stuff sacks are lightly stuffed, leaving plenty of space to shove the tarp into the hammock bag or squish into tight spots in your pack.
Credit: Elizabeth Paashaus

Should You Buy the Warbonnet Blackbird?


Although we enjoy many features of the Blackbird, its price is not one of them. The price is too high for a system that does not include suspension straps, carabiners, a tarp, or stakes. However, investing in the additional pieces will earn you a top-quality backcountry shelter. As a complete shelter system, this innovative, asymmetrical, feature-ridden hammock offers a level of comfort that is well worth the money.

Understanding the Customizable Blackbird


Warbonnet offers some of the best options on the market for building a fully-custom hammock. But with so many options available, we suggest watching a few of their How-To videos prior to purchasing. These do a great job of breaking down benefits and features and help us better understand their particular systems.

Setting Up the Blackbird




Buckle & Webbing Suspension




Whoopie Sling Suspension




What Other Hammocks Should You Consider?


This is the hammock to choose if you want to make a backcountry home among the trees. The comfort is nearly unbeatable, and no other models we tested have the features and space that make the Warbonnet Blackbird so cozy. Although the Hennessy Ultralite Backpacker Classic costs a bit more for a similar shelter design, it does include straps, a bug net, and a rainfly. If you're looking for a more versatile system, check out the setup we put together for the Sea to Summit Pro Double, which is a custom backcountry setup that can be paired down to a simple hammock that is great for just hanging out with friends.

Liz Chamberlain, Elizabeth Paashaus, and Penney Garrett,