Picture from REI Web catalog. |
Weight (advertised): 28oz
Weight (tested): 31oz
Price:
$149
Weight limit: 200lb
Contact Hennessy Hammock directly: 1 (888) 539-2930
E-mail:
info@hennessyhammock.com
URL: www.Hennessyhammock.com
This Review also posted as part of a test by
Backpack Gear Test.
The Story
Construction
The Review
Military Training
Storm Set Up
Climbing In
Tips
Back to equipment
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Storm Set Up
The Hennessy is like a tarp in one way: it can be set up in more than one
way. For light rains and warm weather, setting the fly up high with lots of
ventilation is only logical. But if the weather ever turns nasty you will need
to "batten down the hatches" so to speak. Even though a Hennessy Hammock gives
good foul weather coverage, you will need to take precautions or end up wet.
1. Select the proper site. The best location is on the back side of a
hill, preferably in a draw with some vegetation in the direction of the wind to
help wind block, get the wind to hit at an angle to the side, with the foot
downwind. Get the wide spot by your head into the wind. Hard compacted ground
can cause a lot of splash and pooling of water, so look for a site over forest
duff.
2. Choose the right trees. Don't get the biggest, oldest trees around. Try to
find some smaller trees that do not have heavy old or dead branches over you.
Lightning is a remote possibility even though you are attached to trees, you are not the
shortest route to ground and are in an object that will offer resistance to
electricity even if the tree were struck. The main threat is from falling
braches in high winds. Another slightly more remote danger is falling trees when
they become water logged and the ground supporting them gets soft in the rain.
3. Tie the
hammock so that there is 9"-12" between the bottom of the hammock and
the ground and the support ropes are as tight as possible. Fold the hammock over
to make a seat (see Tips) and sit in it to check for stretch, then tighten
again.
4. Put the fly as loose between the support ropes as possible. Then pull the
side guys down as far as possible until you cant get them down any further. The
fly should be pulling the centerline down in the middle with a good deal of
tension. Stake the hammock and the fly with the separate stakes on the head side, ensuring they are
both centered up on each other. On the foot side, put the hammock and the fly on
separate stakes so you can use the fly as a vestibule (see
Tips) during the
storm if you need to. Another thing you should do with the
two stake method is ensure you leave some air space between the hammock fly and
the net, if they are right on top of each other it will cause some condensation
problems in humid conditions. The moisture from your breathe will condense on the
cooler tarp and then form drop into your sleeping area if the net and fly touch
in any place other than the ridgeline, otherwise the condensation will simply
run down the sides to the ground. Then after that is all done, pull tension into
the ends that are along the support rope. Once your done, there will probably
still be some fly folded over on itself on the center support line, but everything will be
under tension.
5. If possible, put something over the top of the stakes, under heavy saturation
they may try to pull out.
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Climbing In
I am often asked how to get into the hammock, and the
Hennessy Hammock
web site does discuss it. My technique is slightly different.
 |
 |
 |
| 1. Start by laying in your pad at an angle inside your
hammock. |
2. Then lay your bag or blanket on top centered where you
want it. |
3. Stick your head in and turn to face towards the floor
end. |
 |
 |
 |
| 4. Sit down on the hammock and pad like a chair. |
5. Bring your feet in and lie on the pad. Use a clothing bag
as a pillow. |
6. Cover up or zip up your bag. |
 |
 |
 |
| 7. If your a side sleeper, you can do that, just turn on
your side. I sleep this way the most. Very comfortable! |
8. Can you sleep on your stomach? Yes. I don't like to, and
it isn't as comfortable as on your back or side. But it can be done. |
9. My camp with a food bag hung (not shown) and all my gear
inside. Ultralight hiking makes it possible! Check out
Tips. |
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