Warbonnet Blackbird XLC

Published · Researched 2026-09-21

Type: Gathered-end camping hammock with integrated bug net | Brand: Warbonnet Outdoors (Evergreen, Colorado, USA) Identifiers: 11-ft gathered-end; built-in footbox; removable zippered bug net; gear shelf; structural ridgeline Lineup note: The benchmark cottage-vendor hammock — handmade in Colorado since 2008; the XLC is the extra-long version of the original Blackbird (adds 12 in). Research date: 2026-09-20

Version Lineage (2023–2026)

• 2023–2024: Blackbird XLC continuous; fabric options updated over the years (current: 40D single, 40D/15D lightweight double, 70D heavyweight single, 40D heavyweight double).
• 2025–2026: Current SKU; suspension sold separately (continuous loops, webbing/buckles, whoopie slings, or Becket).

Overview

The Blackbird XLC is the hammock that defined the modern camping hammock: an 11-foot gathered-end with an integrated footbox (a triangular insert that flattens the lay), a zippered removable bug net (swappable for a winter top cover), a gear shelf, and a structural ridgeline. Handmade in Evergreen, Colorado by a family company, it's the reference design that cottage hammock camping is measured against — "the most comfortable gathered end design on the market" is the common community verdict.

Key Specs (current fabric lineup)

Historical reference: 2014 pricing was $160 (Blackbird) / $185 (XLC); a double-1.7 with webbing/buckles was ~$210 in the review era.

Pricing (2026-09-20, USD)

• Current MSRP: UNVERIFIED — Warbonnet's current price list not confirmed in this research pass; historical points: $185 (2014, single 1.7), ~$210 (review era, double 1.7 with suspension).
• Note: Suspension is sold separately — budget $30–$60+ for straps/suspension on top of the hammock body.

In the Box

• Hammock body with integrated bug net, footbox, shelf, ridgeline
• Stuff sack
• (Suspension sold separately; winter top cover optional extra)

Warranty

• Manufacturer warranty against defects — Warbonnet is a small maker with a reputation for personal, responsive support; confirm current terms at purchase.

Support & Parts

• Direct-from-maker support (Evergreen, CO); the hammock community (HammockForums) is a deep unofficial support resource; replacement parts (nets, ridgelines, suspension) available from Warbonnet and cottage vendors.

Community Verdict

The benchmark: HammockForums and reviewers (The Ultimate Hang, Northern Bush, Explore More) consistently describe it as the most comfortable gathered-end hammock available — the footbox genuinely flattens the diagonal lay, the shelf is beloved, and the removable net/top-cover system makes it a 3–4 season shelter piece. The learning curve is real (hang angle, ridgeline, diagonal lay), but the community exists precisely to teach it.

Long-Term Durability & Warranty-Claim Reality

Cottage-built quality is the selling point — stitching and materials are a step above mass-market. The bug net zipper is the wear item; the fabric lasts many seasons with reasonable care. Warbonnet's small-shop support gets strong community praise. Realistic lifespan: 5–10+ years.

Year-by-Year Version History

• 2014: XLC introduced (+12 in over Blackbird, removable net, winter cover option).
• 2023–2024: Fabric lineup modernized (40D/15D/70D options).
• 2025–2026: Current SKU; suspension-sold-separately model continues.

Head-to-Head vs Catalog Rivals

• vs ENO DoubleNest Hammock: The DoubleNest is the simple, cheap, net-less lounger; the XLC is the engineered sleep system — footbox, net, ridgeline, shelf. Different sports.
• vs ENO ProFly Sil: The ProFly is a tarp — and it's exactly what XLC owners pair over their hammocks; the systems complement rather than compete.
• vs Crazy Creek Hex 2.0: The Hex is ground insulation/seating; the XLC is the elevated sleep system — many hammock campers carry both concepts (hammock + sit pad).

Care & Maintenance

• Never store compressed long-term; hang loosely.
• Keep away from embers; inspect ridgeline and suspension before each trip.
• Wash rarely, gently, with mild soap; dry fully.

Buying Traps

• Suspension sold separately: The sticker price isn't the out-the-door price — add straps.
• Tarp not included: You need a tarp (like the ProFly-style hex) for weather — budget accordingly.
• Learning curve: First hangs are fiddly; watch setup videos and expect 2–3 tries to dial the lay.
• Single vs double layer: Double layers add pad-sleeve capability and capacity — worth it for ground-pad users.

Additional Community Voices

• The Ultimate Hang's 2014 comparison cemented the XLC as the long-hang benchmark; the design has barely needed changes since.
• Backpacking Light gear-swap listings show strong resale — owners keep them for "40ish wonderful full nights" and they sell fast.
• HammockForums treats it as the default recommendation for newcomers who want to do it right once.

Key Specs Gap-Fill

• Current MSRP: UNVERIFIED — not confirmed in this pass; use historical $185–$210 as orientation only.
• Current lead times (made-to-order cottage production) — UNVERIFIED; check Warbonnet's site.
• Exact warranty terms — confirm at purchase.

Images

• images/warbonnet-blackbird-xlc-1.jpg — field: green XLC in woods
• images/warbonnet-blackbird-xlc-2.jpg — field: olive XLC with Warbonnet logo
• images/warbonnet-blackbird-xlc-3.jpg — field: camo XLC with top cover
• images/warbonnet-blackbird-xlc-4.jpg — OFFICIAL field: camo XLC with underquilt
• images/warbonnet-blackbird-xlc-5.jpg — field: olive XLC with tarp
• images/warbonnet-blackbird-xlc-6.jpg — video still: "Warbonnet Blackbird XLC Review"

All six verified 2026-09-20 (Blackbird XLC). Manifest: images/IMAGES-furniture-r3.md.

Research date: 2026-09-20. Specs from Warbonnet documentation and review sources; current pricing flagged UNVERIFIED.