Warbonnet Ridgerunner Review

The Bottom Line

Some say the best sleep you can get outside is in a hammock – and for the best, we turn to the Warbonnet Ridgerunner. The Ridgerunner proved to be the most comfortable hammock we tested. It also stood out as high quality and easy to use. We really enjoyed using the Ridgerunner throughout Minnesota’s beautiful spring.

The Ridgerunner is a bridge hammock, featuring aluminum spreader bars at the head and foot ends. This creates a “bridge” that keeps the fabric separated rather than gathered at the ends like traditional hammocks. The result is a more flat and natural body surface that makes it easier to get a good night’s sleep.

However, the Ridgerunner is heavier than most alternatives because of the extra parts. Additionally, the high center of gravity makes it a bit tippy when overpowered, and it comes at a smart premium price. However, casual users and those who prioritize comfort above all else will find a lot to like.

For a comprehensive look at the market, check out our gear guide to the best hammocks.

How We Tested

We tested the Warbonnet Ridgerunner during spring in the Midwest. We brought it deep into Minnesota’s Boundary Waters and experienced spring thaws in nearby state parks to measure its all-around performance. We familiarized ourselves with every feature, put it in and out of our pack countless times, and slept in it one night.

Comfort

Bridge hammocks top the comfort chart, and the Ridgerunner delivers in spades. It has all the advantages of a suspended fabric bed, and the support to keep the structure down.

Testing the Ridgerunner during an early spring thaw in Minnesota’s state parks, we were impressed by its all-terrain comfort. It doesn’t sleep like other hammocks – it’s in a completely different category. In stacked hammocks, lying down is achieved by lying flat, with the fabric hugging your shoulders. With a bridge hammock, the fabric is pulled to the side by strong spreader bars at the head and foot ends.

The Ridgerunner includes another premium feature that adds to the comfort: a second layer. This acts as a sleeping pad sleeve, keeping it in place throughout the night. It worked very well for us, it even lent us more support.

Features

Hammocks are usually a little simpler in terms of design, but the Ridgerunner includes some great additions. First, there are two open pockets on both sides – perfect for hiding flashlights, phones, or leftover clothes. The integrated bug net is also used well, providing a lot of space without excess fabric, and the black mesh makes for superior stargazing. Checking out the hammock on the river in the forest, we had one of those “wonderful nature” moments when we started retreating to watch the night sky.

If you’re sleeping in a bug-free spot (lucky you), the mesh retracts back into its pocket, which is a nice design touch. The option to have it built with a pad sleeve – as we chose to do – is another great feature. Most hammocks rely on underquilts for warmth, but being able to use a regular sleeping pad lowers the barrier to entry for those new to hammocking.

Warbonnet offers several configuration options – or none if you want to use your own. We chose a polyester web with buckets and carabiners, which is what we recommend to most users. This plan has worked well, although you can shave off weight by going in a much simpler way.

Weight

At 2 pounds, 9.3 ounces for the hammock and spreader bar set, and another 8.5 ounces for the suspension, this is not a particularly light system. A tarp adds extra weight. Some of this can be fixed by using travel poles in place of broadcast poles, although not all poles are compatible. In the end, the Ridgerunner wasn’t the hardest hammock to make our list, but light users will want to look elsewhere.

Ease of use

As we mentioned above, the Ridgerunner can get a little tippy. If you put a hammock between two trees, things feel unstable when you sit down or get in or out. After many tests on assembled hammocks, this was a foreign feeling at first.

We were able to get a stable pitch by placing the belts around a 30 degree angle. However, the flat lay means that your center of gravity is higher than the last assembled hammock, so the tippy feeling is not completely eliminated. We ended up getting used to it, and Warbonnet includes two tent poles to thread the stock rope into the body of the hammock for added stability.

The only problem we had with usability was the netting bug. The shock cord is short enough that it’s not always possible to attach to your hanging trees as intended. We have found creative ways to do this in this industry, but it can still be a very annoying problem.

Everything else that happened was good. The zippers are smooth, the pockets are well placed, the pad sleeve works as intended, and the distribution bars are easy to install. Overall, it’s a straightforward design with no obvious distractions.

Should You Buy A Warbonnet Ridgerunner?

If you’re after the best sleep you can get in the backcountry, the Ridgerunner could be the solution. It’s not the cheapest hammock by any means, but it’s a high-quality design with stellar performance all around. If you know you love hammocking and want to take your setup to the next level, the Ridgerunner will not disappoint.

However, those new to hammocking can save money without compromising much on comfort. The other methods are simple and easy, too, and we recommend you try one of those first. If you’re ready to step up to a more premium option, the Warbonnet Ridgerunner is a great upgrade.

What other hammocks should you consider?

If the Warbonnet Ridgerunner isn’t what you’re looking for, check out the three alternatives below, or head over to our best hammocks gear guide for a more comprehensive look at the market.

Hammock Gear Circadian Pro Review: The Circadian Pro is one of the most comfortable folding hammocks we’ve tested. It’s still a step down from the bridge-style Ridgerunner but it has a second layer of padding (like a Warbonnet) and has an open interior.

Warbonnet Blackbird Review: The Blackbird is extremely comfortable thanks to its asymmetrical design – and it’s also surprisingly light at under a pound. If you’re shopping for a hammock for comfort but don’t want to pay the weight penalty, the Blackbird gets our vote.

Onewind Storm Review: If you’re curious about hammocking but are put off by the high prices, consider the Hurricane. It was on par with the most comfortable hammock we tested (the Ridgerunner) and only lost points for a slightly premium feel and a few feature nitpicks.