This gear has been rated a 2.5 out of 5 by 2 viewers.
"Well after reading all the glowing reviews, I feel a little guilty. All in all I didn't like the hammock and in fact gave it to a friend to try who also doesn't like it either.
The concept is sound, so sound, I intend to try to make one myself next winter. The problem was design. As a big guy (6'8"), this hammock was way to light duty for a guy like me. Nevertheless the price being very reasonable, I decided to give it a try.
Setup was pretty quick, but I found the rain fly was a little small. Sure enough the first night it rained, it rained in the tent quite bad. Repeated adjustments in the middle of the night had little effect. Fine for light downpour, a disaster for a wicked storm.
Entry into the tent was difficult. I found it impossible to get into this tent, without destroying my bedding. The entrance is located underneath, so you must move your bedding, slidein and then completely rearrange your bedding underneath you. this was awkward at best and very time consuming. I was a very unhappy camper by the time I managed to get my bag and pad arranged.
Good points:
- the ridgeline allowed for hanging stuff.
- the comfort was great, once you managed to get everything arranged.
Bad points:
- hard to get in.
- rain fly worthless
- a bigger/heavier duty version is a must for bigger guys.
- hated the opening underneath.
- for the net on top (ability to view the stars, etc.) to be nice, a method to roll the rainfly back on before bed or in case of weather a must.
"
Mark 04/11/02
"I have been sleeping in hammocks for a while. Usually just carried a yard-hammock with the sticks at each end an threw a tarp over a string in case it rained. It was a lot to carry though so I bough one of these. The only problem was that every time I went on a trip one of my friends ended up wanting to use it. So I bought another one. Have used it now about 10 times and am highly satisfied and impressed with the workmanship. The only problem is that it is a pain (in the winter) getting into a sleeping bag and on top of a sleeping mat (for warmth) while flopping around in the hammock. But after this is over with it is the most comfortable nights sleep you can have in the middle of the forest."
Brandon Hoult 02/06/02
"I recently heard of this product and jumped to get a hold of one. I long ago had an old Vietnam era hammock that I really loved and hated. This new product really sounded a bit too good to be true. Trust me on this ... it is wonderful. First of all it is a hammock and not a tent ... so the gear stays outside. But it's eveything they claim it to be on their website. Used it twice so far and its wonderful to plop into camp ... not have to worry about roots, rocks, level ground ... any of that ... just find a couple trees ... tie it up, hang your pack and you're home. Imagine getting into your shelter in a rain storm ... not having to wait for a lull in the rain so you don't flood the tent as you're trying to get in. Imagine waking up with no stiffness from that little rock or root you couldn't find when you went to sleep ... but found you later ... about 3:00 am.
I just came back from Bolivia where I lost my little green hammock to a friend that could live another moment until he owned one. So, he winds up with an early birthday present and I order another. REI use to carry them but apparent having a brain misfire ... don't have any or have any on order. Not to worry you can order directly from Hennessy. If you haven't gathered by now ... I think this is the greatest 2.25 lbs to come into the world in a long time. I'm going to order a spare so that if anything happens to my new one ... I'll have it ready. FANTASTIC!"
M.Hollar 02/01/01
"Weight (advertised): 36oz
Weight (tested): 37oz
Price: $99 (REI)
Weight limit: 250lbs
URL: www.hennesseyhamock.com
I love this hammock. It has become my shelter of choice!
Design: Very sturdy and quality construction. The sleeping area is solid nylon fabric - no catching on stuff like a net hammock, and protects agains rain. No-seum net full length protects well, and is supported by a line along the length of the hammock - this makes a great gear loft. I hung my glasses, book, a light, socks, and the storage bag (using as a gear storage) on it with plenty of room. The entrance is in the bottom, which seems od, but it works. You sit in it like sitting in a chair, then pull you legs in. Then your body weight holds it closed - along with a couple of pieces of velcro to make sure you don't roll out at night.
Sleeping: Because the bottom stakes out with two cords- there is no problem with flipping, and you can sleep on your side. I slept better in this hammock than I ever did on a therma rest!
Tarp: comes with a diamond shaped tarp 10' long, and 6' at the wide point. It covers the entire sleeping area. In good weather it can be left off or pitched one end up, in bad wether it can be pitched very low to prevent water getting in. After setting up the hammock, you can also tie both hammock side cords to one side, and use the underside of the tarp as a covered shelter to cook, eat, etc. until bed time.
Variations: I also have set it up as a bivy, using my treking poles to support the net/tarp when trees aren't available. In cold weather there are instructions to make a heat reflector using a space blanket and shock cords, but I've found this to be very impractical. Instead I use a 3.5oz car shade sun-reflector as a sleeping pad with the shiny side up.
Benifits: No longer need a level ground for a pitch, nor do you need a sleeping pad or ground cloth. Besides weighing less than a bivy tent, this means you save 1-2 more lbs based on what type pad you use. No waking up at night slidding down to the bottom of your tent when you can't find a level spot. No more finding those mystery roots and rocks after you go to bed. No more condensation problems. No more water comming in through the floor of your tent in the rain.
Disadvantages: You can't bring all your gear in like a tent, but what I do is either put my pack under the center of the hammock with the cover on, or strap the pack to a tree with the cover on.
Other info: Tom Hennessey is now making an ultralight version that costs $149, has a weight limit of 200lbs, and will be available in spring. He also has tarp options, and a nylon webbing strap to prevent tree damage for the "Tree Huggers". Oh yess, ther is also a two person version, a tropical jungle version, and superlight racer versions can be custom ordered.
Final reccomendation: Go get one now! I forsee this being the wave of the future."
Ernest Engman (AKA SGT R0ck) 10/08/00
"Hennessey Hammock
At first I was rather skeptical of a backpacking hammock, having tried the net types in the Army I found them uncomfortable and too cold. My first 5 nights in the Hennessey Hammock were delightful, most relaxing nights of sleep I have had in the backcountry in many years. This along with ease of use, lightweight, and great workmanship will place this item on the top of my list of favorites.
Use of the hammock was so quick and simple that on some rest breaks I would set it up to really relax. On one evening I made camp late and even without the perfect pitch I was still comfortable all night. I did add a couple tent stakes to help with keeping the side tied out, I didn't like to look for rocks to tie off to.
This shelter is lightweight, at 2 ¼ pounds it beats every tent I have owned. I was able to leave my sleeping pad at home to save additional weight.
When looking at the web site I couldn't get a feel for how the hammock was made. So when I found out REI carried them I ran right over to see it. Everything about this hammock is quality.
The only down fall I found with the Hennessey was the reflector. I made one following the instruction on the web site, but on the second night of use it tore in half, making it useless. The remainder of the nights, with the temperature dropping in to the 40's, I was just as comfortable as the first night. This lead me to believe the reflector would only be necessary on nights colder then 40 degrees. I would like to see Hennessey manufacture a sturdier reflector as an included accessory.
I don't feel there is a better hammock out there. I can't wait to see the double model Hennessey is working on and neither can my wife.
www.hennessyhammock.com
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