Hennessy Hammock

[Ranga]

I'm looking for a lightweight hiking accommodation option, and think these look good (albeit expensive, even perhaps overpriced)

I'm reluctant to buy one with trying it. It's a big ask, but does anyone have one that I can sleep in overnight to see how it goes?

Thanks,
Ranga

[Ranga]

FWIW, I've just finished a Simpson Desert trip using a Hennessy Hammock. I must say they are very comfortable, and nice being up off the ground to avoid rocks, mud etc, not to mention snakes, spiders and scorpions! Had some rain in Cairns, and didn't get wet at all.

A very good option for those sleeping solo, provided you have somewhere to hang them off. IMHO, much better option than a swag...

[alittlebitconcerned]

I have a Jungle XL (think that's what it's called) and really like it.
Very comfortable and well made. Perfect for hiking.

[SimonM]

I have a Hennessy as well. They certainly have their place but not sure they would ever replace my swag. In fact I am trying to convince my family to go to swags, I am over camper trailer camping, its just not camping!

Ranga sounds like you are having some decent adventures.

[Toppa]

My father in law just purchased a Hennessy and absolutely loves it, as do my twin daughters... seems very well made and as long as you have a couple of fixing points, you are high and dry.

[SimonM]

There are other hammock brands out there too which are popular with hikers.

With the Hennessy too you can pitch it on the ground if you have to, though I havent tried it.

[The Cone of Silence]

I just purchased one for my circumnavigation of Sydney and various river trips this year. The model I chose is the Expedition - the most popular model.

I'll take a few pictures this weekend if it stops raining for long enough and will upload next week.

I also bought a couple of extra carabiners to help with a super-quick setup and I've added a length of paracord to help raise the fly ridge up for very moist conditions.

I'm really looking forward to my first sleep in it!

Bobby

[DENLEE]

I've been wondering about these as a replacement for swag and hiking too - good to hear the responses...

I don't know anyone with one and have been reluctant to fork out the money without a test.

Now that you've had a go would you buy one Ranga? And did you use it on the ground or did you always have something to tie off?

[Bush65]

I like the look of them, but how are they in the cold?

With the bottom entry, insulation underneath would appear to be suspect, particularly for someone like me who tosses and turns a lot.

I don't know what the Simpson is like at night this time of year, but it gets below zero in winter, particularly the further south you go.

[alittlebitconcerned]

The Henessey hammock that I have has two layers of hammock material which allows you to slide in an insulation pad. The pad looks a lot like those silver windscreen heat shields. It makes a huge diffence in warmth. In hot weather you leave it out.

[Ranga]

I've been wondering about these as a replacement for swag and hiking too - good to hear the responses...

I don't know anyone with one and have been reluctant to fork out the money without a test.

Now that you've had a go would you buy one Ranga? And did you use it on the ground or did you always have something to tie off?

Very comfortable, great to be up off the ground (I never used it on the ground) to avoid uneven terrain, mud, rocks, prickles, spiders, snakes, scorpions. Mind you, the small trees near Poepell's are deceptively weak, so it pays to triple check the strength of the structure you're connecting to.

I stayed very dry despite overnight rain in Cairns. I got a little bit hot one night at Lawn Hill, but that would have been the case even lying on top of a swag. I did like the ability to rock one's self to sleep :)

Basically, I've now found my solution for solo missions without the family. Small to pack, light to carry, built-in insect and weather resistant, comfy, bugger all that can break/fail, quick to set up/pack up - what more could one want? My swag will be relegated to the back of the shed, unless out with the family. And even still, I'm looking for other options there also.

I'll definitely be buying a hammock, but more research for Hennessy alternatives. Like the offroad and fishing retail space, it seems camping manufacturers/retailers like to choose a reasonable price, then double it! IMHO, the Hennessy should be about half the price, given the lack of materials required. Then again, I am a tight-arse :) The only other thing I would be getting are the snake-skin covers and the longer webbing tree protectors to allow you to wrap them around bigger trees. Yet again, more cost which all adds up to be over-priced. But as they say, I'd rather pay too much for an excellent product than the opposite.

[gusthedog]

Instead of buying the webbing extenders Ranga, try going into a hiking/camping store and just buying your own lengths of webbing and some carabiners. Much cheaper and much stronger to boot. You could also make up a longer strap if you needed to. :BigThumb:

I was thinking what about making some arms that fold off the roof rack to hang the hammock onto - therefore negating the need for trees or things to tie it to. Has this been done by anyone?

[gavinwibrow]

Or a lightweight hammock frame in easy size sections?

[SimonM]

I like the look of them, but how are they in the cold?

With the bottom entry, insulation underneath would appear to be suspect, particularly for someone like me who tosses and turns a lot.

I don't know what the Simpson is like at night this time of year, but it gets below zero in winter, particularly the further south you go.

Not all the hammock tents have bottom entry. Some have a side zip.
Some people also use an under quilt when it is cold, which wraps around the bottom of the hammock. Google is your friend. There is also a hammock camping forum which has heaps of info.

[Maelgwn]

Instead of buying the webbing extenders Ranga, try going into a hiking/camping store and just buying your own lengths of webbing and some carabiners. Much cheaper and much stronger to boot. You could also make up a longer strap if you needed to. :BigThumb:

I was thinking what about making some arms that fold off the roof rack to hang the hammock onto - therefore negating the need for trees or things to tie it to. Has this been done by anyone?

Cool idea, but would need to be pretty strong to hold your weight at the end of the pole.

Maybe tie one end to the roof rack and carry around a tent pole for the other end, held up by a few guy ropes and pegs?

[Ranga]

try going into a hiking/camping store and just buying your own lengths of webbing and some carabiners.
Of course - never meant I'd get them from Hennessy, though the tight-arse comment probably gave that away :)

Are carabiners really that necessary, given you have to tighten the hammock fastening anyway?

[Ratel10mm]

Hennessy are certainly one of (if not the) biggest names in hammocks. Almost everyone I know who owns one swears by them. (Hammocks are hugely popular in outdoor circles in the UK, especially bush crafting).
Personally I use load tie down straps to hang my hammock. It works for me & was cheaper than climbing tape. Carabiners may be easier, I haven't tried them - there's a few useful knots to know which a quick search will find - there are any number of tutorials, how to's, discussions & demonstrations on slinging a hammock on the web.
Any 2 points that'll take your weight will do. Bear in mind that the forces involved in hammocking multiply your weight. I've seen some maths somewhere that explains it. 2 trees are not essential. I've slung my hammock in barns & sheds. A scaffold pole or similar slung from your roof rack will provide a second tie point. I'd personally use something a bit heavier duty than the tent pole suggested earlier if you go that route. Remember the maths. ;)
I've managed with blankets between the hammock & my sleeping bag in an English winter. It wasn't the best sleep. Slinging a hammock quilt or blankets or something underneath is better. Some of my friends started using reindeer skins (hair on, obviously) & reckoned they were the mutt's nuts.
Lastly, sling the foot slightly higher than the head. This prevents you from sliding into the foot during the night. This is a good thing, trust me. ;)

[landy]

I've had my Hennessy hammock for about 8 mouths. I bought it in the US off amazon and thought it was a good price. Id never heard of them till then. I've used it maybe 6 times and rate it highly. Very comfy and easy to get into. The flys great. Much better than the swag in warm weather but I prefer the swag in the colder climates. I use mine mostly for work and fits in my pack no worries. I've used various hammocks over the years from the old mesh "SAS" hammocks to a light weight para silk model which I used up until I got the Hennessy. The Hennessy wins hands down just because of the entry and fly. I've yet to sleep in a thunderstorm but have slept in rain and never got wet. Only one thing, and it would effect any set up. If you use the fly and peg it for rainy weather it cuts down the breeze flowing over the netting and can get a bit stuffy. But if you're not expecting rain it's great.

Cheers, Nino.

[Ranga]

Only one thing, and it would effect any set up. If you use the fly and peg it for rainy weather it cuts down the breeze flowing over the netting and can get a bit stuffy.

Totally agree. In Cairns, it was quite warm, but I knew it would rain. Luckily there was a tree and fire hydrant on either side, which allowed me to tether the fly much higher up, still maintaining enough slop for rain to run off, but allowing extra breeze in. I know this might not been an option without the said structures, but a swag would have been worse. I imagine similar tethering options could come in the form of tent poles, sticks etc.

I'm 99% sure I'm vindicated in my claims that swags are an inferior option to other sleeping solutions such as hammocks :)

The only thing a swag has over a hammock, is the ability to keep warm with a significant other ;)

[Ratel10mm]

The only thing a swag has over a hammock, is the ability to keep warm with a significant other ;)

Just get a double sized hammock! :D

[Ranga]

Just get a double sized hammock! :D

Now that's an interesting visualisation! :confused: :o :)

[Blknight.aus]

I'm looking for a lightweight hiking accommodation option, and think these look good (albeit expensive, even perhaps overpriced)

Thanks,
Ranga


FWIW, I've just finished a Simpson Desert trip using a Hennessy Hammock. I must say they are very comfortable, and nice being up off the ground to avoid rocks, mud etc, not to mention snakes, spiders and scorpions! Had some rain in Cairns, and didn't get wet at all.

A very good option for those sleeping solo, provided you have somewhere to hang them off. IMHO, much better option than a swag...

so all well and good...

BUT at the end of the day, is the
expensive, even perhaps overpriced price and acceptable compromise?

[Ratel10mm]

Dave, personally I think maybe not at Oz prices. On sale, shipped from the US - almost certainly if you want a Hennessy.
Personally I didn't have the funds for a Hennessy or a DD. I got a Magikelly group buy hammock, mozzie net & tarp which iirc set me back about £50.

Ranga, as I understand it South American hammocks are meant to be slept across, not along. Quite easy to get one built for 2. There's at least one co. in the UK that sells them. They call them Mexican hammocks.
I have wonders if the 'along' hammock design came about as it takes up less space per person on broad ship than the 'across' type.

[The Cone of Silence]

I used mine for the first time this weekend - after an 18km trek through dense bush with a full pack in torrential rain. I was exhausted so even the noise of the waterfall I was behind didn't keep me from snoring away.

I think I need a bit more practice at positioning myself inside the hammock, especially on top of a thermarest which I used, but after a while I was off with the fairies and in the morning I didn't have numb feet or legs - I just felt refreshed.

I was very warm initially but as the temp dropped I used the sleeping bag. Despite being in a cave, I used the fly to help protect a bit from noise, light and any bits of dirt or guano raining down on me.

All in all I'm happy. Will give it a try off the roofrack next time if I can find a suitable tree to park near.

Bobby

apologies for poor picture quality!

http://www.aulro.com/afvb/attachment.php?attachmentid=57162&stc=1&d=1361771937

[Bush65]

I learned of Hennessy Hammocks a good while ago, but couldn't bring myself around to investing so much $$$ into one without some reassurance.

Thanks to the above posts, I searched some more and ended up placing an order for a Tom Claytor Jungle Hammock (http://www.mosquitohammock.com/junglehammock.html). Had I searched a lot more I may have made a different decision, but that is how it panned out. The factors that swayed my decision (pun not intended) were the posts I read about comfort and air flow in warm muggy conditions, compare to some others.

I wanted something to use soon when it is still warm and muggy up here and mozzies are plentiful. I will mostly be 4x4 based and in time will make some extension poles for places where I cant access a 2nd support (will use my truck for the other end and also put a tarp over the pole for rain protection.

[Ranga]

Hey Bobby - what did you tether to in the cave?

[The Cone of Silence]

Ranga,

I was fortunate enough to find a couple of good, strong-looking overhangs of rock that were just the right dimensions to take the standard straps. As luck would have it they were the perfect distance apart too.

If the wall had been smooth, I'd have simply slept on the floor but with the ridge lines propped up with sticks and pegged out. Another good reason to take a thermarest.

[MLD]

Something to play with when you need a distraction

Hammock Hang Calculator by Derek Hansen (http://theultimatehang.com/hammock-hang-calculator.html)

If you want to see the effect on shear tension, play with the angle. 30 deg seems to be the least weight loading.

cheers MLD

[Ranga]

BTW, managed to pickup a 2nd hand Explorer Ultralight Asym Classic with snake skins for $150. Yet to try it, but I'm sure it will be as good as the one I borrowed for the Simpson trip.

[MLD]

ps: the website that the calculator came from has a heap of useful info

The Ultimate Hang | Getting the most out of hammock camping (http://theultimatehang.com)

Ranga you peaked my interest in the hammock and have spent the long train ride home last night and the morning journey reading up on the various techniques and products. I'm still not convinced it's as convenient as a swag for car camping. For hiking, I see its benefits so long as you can hang it.

After your tent post and this hammock post, i assume you are in a confused state of mind what to do going forward. Enjoy the journey of research. It's fun playing with new ideas in the hope of finding a better way. I'll settle on any excuse to buy a new toy, although the Hennessy is expensive for so little.

MLD

[flagg]

I have a HH explorer ASYM. can't talk highly enough of it. I use it for kayaking and hiking. I got it relatively cheaply from a US store some years ago. I don't remember how much it cost, but I do remember all the comfy nights I've had in it.

[Ranga]

ps: the website that the calculator came from has a heap of useful info

The Ultimate Hang | Getting the most out of hammock camping (http://theultimatehang.com)

Ranga you peaked my interest in the hammock and have spent the long train ride home last night and the morning journey reading up on the various techniques and products. I'm still not convinced it's as convenient as a swag for car camping. For hiking, I see its benefits so long as you can hang it.

After your tent post and this hammock post, i assume you are in a confused state of mind what to do going forward. Enjoy the journey of research. It's fun playing with new ideas in the hope of finding a better way. I'll settle on any excuse to buy a new toy, although the Hennessy is expensive for so little.

MLD

Seems you know me a little too well :) I love researching solutions, but get frustrated when no clear solution exists. I have self-diagnosed choice anxiety.

As for the swag vs hammock, unless there are no tether points, I struggle to see myself using my swag again. Maybe a little quicker to setup, but only good if the ground is suitable. No only downsides I can see with a hammock is if no tether points exist, no shared warmth ;) and cost. Mind you, try finding a decent swag cheaper than a hammock. You really must try one and I'm confident you'll be converted.

[MLD]

Ranga, how do you find the cold on your back/arse? From reading the various posts and reviews a cold back/bum seems to be a common complaint. Thus leading to extra bits and bobs to make it warm.

As for cost: taking the Hennessy Hammock.

$180 ish for the bottom entry expedition model, $215 ish for the side entry expedition model. $265 for the larger boned man size
$24 for the insulation sock
$24 for the snake skin (not necessary).

If you believe the hype you need a different sleeping bag, add $$ (insert whatever $ your budget permits). We are at $180 for the basic set up, $205 with insulation and more if you go the whole hog and get a hammock designed sleeping bag. You will get a decent swag for the entry price money. Not nit picking, but you put up the challenge and I accepted it.

Who am I to comment, my experience of hammocks is limited to summers as a kid and what i've read in the past 2 days on the net.

If it works for you and it's better than a swag, it's a winner.

cheers MLD

[Ranga]

Fair call - I've only used the hammock in the Simpson in the middle of summer :p

I've also read about the lack of insulation, but I think this is easily rectified with a sleeping mat or insulating foam. However, I do believe Hennessy hammocks are overpriced for what they are. I stumbled across these Home | Hammock Bliss - Your Portable Outdoor Sleeping Solution For Camping, Travel Or Home (http://www.hammockbliss.com.au/) after checking The Ultimate Hang | Getting the most out of hammock camping (http://theultimatehang.com/) that you put me on to, and they might be a bit more affordable. Or get one second-hand from eBay like I did on the cheap ;)

I still maintain that a swag in the rain with no cover or way of keeping off the ground is no fun at all. Also, far too bulky when packed up for my liking. And try sitting in one of them when the mozzies/midgies are bad. Not to mention other critters which could find themselves into a swag much quicker than a hammock.

[Bush65]

I bought a Tom Claytor jungle hammock from mosquito hammock (http://www.mosquitohammock.com/)

I've spent quite a few nights in it. For insulation, we've had a few cool mornings, I just used the 50 mm thick mattress from one of my swags and I was warm as toast underneath. Not practical for hiking and the like, but I wanted the hammock as an alternative to a swag for car camping.

At a later date I may get a bridge hammock from from Jacks R Better (http://www.jacksrbetter.com/shop/bear-mountain-bridge-hammock-deluxe/) - costs a bit more but even more comfortable, and keep the jungle hammock for when its hot and humid. In a vehicle I could take both as they are light and take very little space to pack away.

[shane_vor]

I'm as tight as...and was l looking at a (an) hammock for hiking. I ended up picking up a parachute type from ebay, probably from Vietnam. I like to keep my set up simple and light. I hang that using cord from a local boat shop. I don't know the name of the knot I use to tie but it spreads the load like the straps that others use. I have used the hammock on a multi day hike during which it rained and I think it worked much better than sleeping on the ground in a bivvy bag. When in the car I prefer a swag but if the ground's terrible or soaked the hammock can be hung from the roof rack with bike tie downs to keep me up off the ground.

So my set up consists of hammock, cord, and tarp. I use a sleeping mat to keep the cold away and use a US military sleeping bag/bivvy. I have little drip cords tied to the hammock and I haven't been soaked yet.

I don't think there's a need to spend big dollars to be comfortable, but that works for me.

[SimonM]

Shug off the Hammock Forum has some entertaining video's on hammock camping for those interested. This is the first one.

Intro to Hammocks 1

[SimonM]

Well my under quilts have arrived and my top quilt is not too far off so i will be heading out for some winter hanging hopefully next weekend. Though I will do a bakyard test this weekend of the under quilts :).

[Ranga]

Well my under quilts have arrived and my top quilt is not too far off so i will be heading out for some winter hanging hopefully next weekend. Though I will do a bakyard test this weekend of the under quilts :).

Which ones did you buy?

[SimonM]

Which ones did you buy?

I got a good deal off MacEntyre who makes Molly Mac Gear (http://www.mollymacpack.com/new.html), I also have his pack. He made me up a couple of synthetic Bay Orca underquilts at a hard to resist price.

The top quilt I got a RevX 20 from Enlightened Equipment (http://www.enlightenedequipment.com/product-category/revx/), it is in the mail.

My philosophy on camping gear has probably changed a bit since you strated this thread Ranga, and I am moving more towards the hammock as opposed to the swag as well.

I have also bought some ripstop nylon and will be making up a hammock for my daughter and then one or two for myself, if it goes well.

[Ranga]

My philosophy on camping gear has probably changed a bit since you strated this thread Ranga, and I am moving more towards the hammock as opposed to the swag as well.

Yep, I've since sold my 2 swags with my old camper. Admittedly, I now have a Trayon camper that doesn't require the swags, but I've totally switched to the hammock for solo missions, and as the kids grow, might do the same with them for hiking.

Can't see myself ever wanting or needing a swag again.

[SimonM]

Can't see myself ever wanting or needing a swag again.

I never thought I would say it but I think my swag days are over too. Even my wife is keen on the hammocks now that I have bombarded her with every bit of information there is on them :).

[Ranga]

For those interested, very cheap at the moment.

Sale Hammocks - Rock Climbing Equipment Kellys Basecamp (http://www.kellysbasecamp.com.au/c/4506714/1/sale-hammocks.html)

[SimonM]

That is cheap, if it were for the lighter models I might grab one.

Last week I made up some whoopie slings to replace my standard Hennessy suspension - works well, quicker to set up, easier to adjust for the right hang and lighter/more compact. Plus I made a gathered end hammock for my kids. It becomes addictive this hammock caper.

[Ranga]

I've also just ordered an Exped Downmat for cold nights in the hammock and my wife/guests to use. Also very cheap at the moment Sale Sleeping Mats - Rock Climbing Equipment Kellys Basecamp (http://www.kellysbasecamp.com.au/c/4506716/1/sale-sleeping-mats.html).

Apparently take a bit of persevering/experimentation to get right in a hammock, but also good for when a friend stays over.

[JamesB71]

Ive got one each of the side entry and bottom entry. I prefer the side entry hung low enough that I can still reach things out on the ground. (I had to reheat my hot water bottle in the early hours while paddling in the shoalhaven gorge a few weeks ago)

I prefer a little tent and thermorest in the very cold weather. I find that whatever is under you in the hammock compresses and you lose all of the insulation, no matter whats on top. The thermorest in the hammock works well with regards to insulation, but a pain in the arse in there.

[Ranga]

It becomes addictive this hammock caper.

Indeed ;)

[SimonM]

For cold weather - an underquilt is the go or the Hennessy Supershelter. Some people even make up what they call a SPE (segmented pad extender) - google it ;).

I got out in temps of about 5 degrees the other weekend with my underquilt and had a cold spot but I don't think I had it hung spot on so there was a bit of a draught getting to my back.

[JamesB71]

Heres some shots of mine here and there about the place..

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2013/07/345.jpg
https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2013/07/346.jpg
http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a340/WJByrnes/James%20Byrnes/P1050014_zps232380f6.jpg

[Ratel10mm]

Dunno if I've posted this already, but reindeer hides are great for insulation. Apparently the hairs are hollow. Whatever, if I were still in the UK I'd have one over a Thermarest. Much more versatile for one thing..

[Ranga]

Dunno if I've posted this already, but reindeer hides are great for insulation. Apparently the hairs are hollow. Whatever, if I were still in the UK I'd have one over a Thermarest. Much more versatile for one thing..

Possibly a little hard to procure down here ;)

[SimonM]

Possibly a little hard to procure down here ;)

Actually there are reindeer on a property on my drive to work. How many do we need :p

[SimonM]

Went to Liffey for a quick overnighter last night.

[Ranga]

I was out hunting on the weekend south of Toowoomba. It only got down to about 8 degrees, but despite me having a woolen blanket (albeit thin) underneath me and being in a -5 sleeping bag, I was constantly woken throughout the night with parts of me being cold.

My Exped Down Mat hadn't arrived yet, which will hopefully solve the problem, but if the weather had been seriously cold, it would have been unbearable.

[SimonM]

I was out hunting on the weekend south of Toowoomba. It only got down to about 8 degrees, but despite me having a woolen blanket (albeit thin) underneath me and being in a -5 sleeping bag, I was constantly woken throughout the night with parts of me being cold.

My Exped Down Mat hadn't arrived yet, which will hopefully solve the problem, but if the weather had been seriously cold, it would have been unbearable.

Yeah it will be good to get some insulation under you Ranga. Let us know how the mat goes in the hammock. I find it a bit too fiddly having something inside to sleep on but it's personal preference.

The UQ I used last night was a synthetic using Climashield Apex and I was warm all night, with temps getting down to about 6c inside the hammock. I also had a -7C down top quilt, which was bloody awesome.

Last week I also ordered the Hennessy Supershelter to see what it is like. I thought it may be good when it is really wet and windy as Tassie can be.

[NavyDiver]

Alpine Stalker Bivvy Bag (http://www.moroka30.com.au/bivvy-bags-c-5.html?zenid=a722c7421124dfc42b7c5c7570564e5c) plus a mat like Sleeping mats (http://www.moroka30.com.au/sleeping-mats-c-24.html)

Hammocks are great unless you above the tree line and you mentioned hiking. :D
I use a bivy bag for back packing up high and am looking at a hammock for lower down. Hammock beats a Bivy bag if it is very steep as well:o

[Ratel10mm]

Actually there are reindeer on a property on my drive to work. How many do we need :p

One please! :D

Seriously, I wonder if you could actually get one through Customs? I suspect not without some very expensive processing.

Ranga, it is because you're compressing the blanket & losing a chunk of it's insulative properties. It's a known issue in hammocking. The answer is that you sling the blanket, quilt, or whatever underneath the hammock. Sounds daft, but it really does work well.

[Barefoot Dave]

Ranga, Thanks for the hot tip on the Kelly Sale.
I have just 'saved' the budget $240!;)
Funny how the accountant doesn't like it when I am the one saving us money at a sale.
:wasntme:

Have been 'humming and hahing' for 4 years about a Hennesy, but just couldn't justify $300 for a hammock, net and hootchie, particularly when I already own all 3!
But, at less than 1/2 price for the Exped, no worries!!
That and an T Rest, ultra-lite should be a nice combo.
Thanks Mate :)))))

[SimonM]

Ranga, Thanks for the hot tip on the Kelly Sale.
I have just 'saved' the budget $240!;)


So what model did you get Dave?

[Barefoot Dave]

Simon, I grabbed the Explorer delux A-Sym, no zip, for $140.:banana:

[Ranga]

Simon, I grabbed the Explorer delux A-Sym, no zip, for $140.:banana:

Nice work. I've got the Ultralight Explorer A-Sym.

My Exped Downmat arrived today. Very easy to pump up. Will be interesting to see how it goes in the hammock, but if no good, still useful for other situations.

[SimonM]

Dave - that is a super buy. Can't go wrong.

[SimonM]

I purchased the Hennessy Super Shelter to see how it compared to my under quilts. It is rigged up in the backyard ready for the test tonight. At first sight it seems pretty good. The undercover provides a bit of wind and rain protection and the foam pad even though thin provided noticeable warmth when I laid in it today but will see how it goes tonight.

I also made a hammock for my wife a few days ago. They are very simple to do if you have some patience. I have a few more planned.

[gusthedog]

I purchased the Hennessy Super Shelter to see how it compared to my under quilts. It is rigged up in the backyard ready for the test tonight. At first sight it seems pretty good. The undercover provides a bit of wind and rain protection and the foam pad even though thin provided noticeable warmth when I laid in it today but will see how it goes tonight.

I also made a hammock for my wife a few days ago. They are very simple to do if you have some patience. I have a few more planned.

Umm tonight might get a bit windy! 120kmh wind gusts on their way to Victoria anyway. Be a good test though :eek:

[SimonM]

Umm tonight might get a bit windy! 120kmh wind gusts on their way to Victoria anyway. Be a good test though :eek:

Better make sure I attach to a secure tree then :p.

[JamesB71]

So?

[SimonM]

So?

I am guessing that is for me.

The super shelter consists of a undercover and a full length foam pad. The cover is attached via shock cord to either end of the hammock and to the side asym lines. I will leave it permanently attached now. The foam pad slides in between the under cover and hammock bottom.

Last night was windy and wet, and apart from having to get out of my warm hammock to drop the tarp down I stayed high and dry.

The temp only got down to about 7*C (measured in the hammock), and I was warm. The under cover worked well to block the wind, it was howling at one stage and I could only feel the occasional gust through the mesh, and the hammock rocking :). The undercover also does a good job of protecting the hammock bottom from wind blown rain.

I was warm at these temps, it's just a shame it didn't get a bit cooler to really test it. Will see how the weather goes tonight. I felt warmest without the side tie outs of the hammock, as I think this allowed the pad to wrap around me a bit.

I have a bottom entry Hennessy and getting in you have move the pad to the side, which I found easy enough, and once in it was easy to guide the pad back in place. You have to be careful with the pad though as there are reports of people putting their fingers straight through it as it is soft and relatively thin.

Hennessy recommends augmenting the pad with an emergency blanket for really cold weather but I haven't tried this yet, even though I had it on hand last night.

Overall I think the super shelter worked well.

[SimonM]

Last night got down to 4.5*C in the hammock, wet and windy again. This time I inserted the emergency blanket on top of the pad, as there was snow forecast nearby and didn't want to risk broken sleep through getting cold. The emergency blanket was a bit fiddly to setup, and noisy when you moved but the extra warmth was noticeable. I wore less clothes last night and was toasty.

The super shelter could be a good option for some people in cooler weather but there is a slight fiddle factor. Once set up though it is set and forget, and covers your whole body underneath. It would definitely be easier with a zip model rather than bottom entry, though I found it simple to move it to the side and back each time with my bottom entry. You could also slip other insulation in here if needed e.g. clothing, extra sleeping bag, extra foam pad etc.

Price wise I think the SS may be overpriced for what you get (silnylon undercover and foam pad), it's cheaper than a down underquilt but more expensive than a synthetic underquilt. The emergency blanket does not come with the super shelter.

I will most likely use it from now especially when it's wet and windy. Though I do have a different hammock on the way :)

[JamesB71]

The side entry is definitely easier to get in and out. Old blokes like me need to get up during the night to look at the stars and pump the bilges...

[SimonM]

Hi all,

I wrote up a 'how to guide' to making a simple hammock on the Bushwalk Australia forum, and I thought some here might find it helpful.

DIY hammock (http://bushwalk.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=53&t=15274)

[Ranga]

Hi all,

I wrote up a 'how to guide' to making a simple hammock on the Bushwalk Australia forum, and I thought some here might find it helpful.

DIY hammock (http://bushwalk.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=53&t=15274)

Nice work on the hammock and the business ;)

BTW, do you supply fabric that would work well for a fly on my Trayon camper?

[SimonM]

Nice work on the hammock and the business ;)

BTW, do you supply fabric that would work well for a fly on my Trayon camper?

Thanks mate.

What are you trying to achieve with the fly?

Given time I can get most fabrics in, if people have specific needs.

[Ranga]

just something to go over the canvas to stop it getting wet, and for ma tropical roof in summer. I've bought a tarp, but before I bother getting it tweaked, I thought perhaps a lighter fabric (like a reflective, waterproof tent fly) might be more manageable.

[SimonM]

just something to go over the canvas to stop it getting wet, and for ma tropical roof in summer. I've bought a tarp, but before I bother getting it tweaked, I thought perhaps a lighter fabric (like a reflective, waterproof tent fly) might be more manageable.

Leave it with me mate.

I have some silnylon, it's very lightweight but not reflective. It's what most lightweight tarps and tent fly's are made of.

Let me do some research and I will get back to you.

[SimonM]

PM sent yesterday Ranga.

[MLD]

For those researching hammocks, TW Hammocks (Ten Wonders) sell a 3 layer hammock on Ebay for $76 + postage (total $87). The 3rd layer is a velcro attached under cover in which to slide insulation for the cold. All up with the hammock (+straps), storm tarp and tree protectors, $138 landed. I was going to buy the hennessey but it wasn't economic when you had to add the extras to make it suitable for cold climates. I'm going to steal the foil sided picnic blanket from the wife to use as the insulating layer.

Just need a camping trip to road test it. At this stage i can't speak to quality. A mate has the Hennessey so I'll compare :D

MLD

[SimonM]

For those researching hammocks, TW Hammocks (Ten Wonders) sell a 3 layer hammock on Ebay for $76 + postage (total $87). The 3rd layer is a velcro attached under cover in which to slide insulation for the cold. All up with the hammock (+straps), storm tarp and tree protectors, $138 landed. I was going to buy the hennessey but it wasn't economic when you had to add the extras to make it suitable for cold climates. I'm going to steal the foil sided picnic blanket from the wife to use as the insulating layer.

Just need a camping trip to road test it. At this stage i can't speak to quality. A mate has the Hennessey so I'll compare :D

MLD

Yeah that's a good price. I know of a few people using those hammocks and seem happy with them.

[JamesB71]

Just spent 4 days in the remote part of the shoal haven gorge in my hennessey. Still not happy with the thermarest in there. Absolutely comfortable until I roll over in my sleep and the thermarest ends up on me. Also still working out a sleeping bag option that works in there. Considering an under quilt.

Hennesseys are always a work in progress…..

[SimonM]

Just spent 4 days in the remote part of the shoal haven gorge in my hennessey. Still not happy with the thermarest in there. Absolutely comfortable until I roll over in my sleep and the thermarest ends up on me. Also still working out a sleeping bag option that works in there. Considering an under quilt.

Hennesseys are always a work in progress…..

I think if you are going to use a pad then a double layer hammock is the go. Otherwise you really need an underquilt or the Hennessy Super Shelter.

Rather than a sleeping bag, a top quilt just works so much better, or you can unzip your sleeping bag to work like a top quilt.

[MLD]

Yeah that's a good price. I know of a few people using those hammocks and seem happy with them.


Yeah that's a good price. I know of a few people using those hammocks and seem happy with them.

I was so cocky about scoring a bargain. As it materialised the TW vendor got my order all stuffed up. There were several lengthy emails from the vendor about all sorts of reasons why the order didn't go out. 10 weeks of sporadic emails I eventually received a refund. Stupid thing in each email I was abundantly clear all they needed to do was put the items in the post and I'll be happy. They could not confirm that they had or even would do that.

I still want one of their hammocks because it has a pocket to put a thermal layer in and avoid the complaint that the therma mattress moves during the night. I am gun shy to go through the hassle again.

My tip, don't ask for a combined postage. That was the beginning of the dramas.

MLD

[SimonM]

That does sound very ordinary MLD.

[JamesB71]

Since my last post Ive een using JacksRBetter under and over quilts and highly recommend them. Winter expeditions now sorted.

I also got them to send me the hennessey large hex fly which makes for much better cover and negates the need for a second tarp to cook under and sit to read.

[3lud13]

I actually lived in a hammock there for awhile when I was homeless and it was great was a cotton mexican one so still kinda bulky but the best thing I found for the issue of rising cold from underneath was something called a blizzard bag which is effectivally a survival blanket wrapped into a tube just slide this over the hammack and your super warm that and a -5 rated sleeping bag and I managed many a night warm and comfortable in sub 0 conditions

[MLD]

After a 6 months of holding off/out after the Tenth Wonder experience and feeling that it was a sign that i should stick with traditional tents and swags I took the plunge and ordered the Warbonnet Ridgerunner with the Lynx full length (3 season) under quilt. Literally just ordered it. Was told to expect a 2 week lead time and then postage. Expecting it will take 4 weeks to arrive.

I read everything i could on the various hammocks and the RR was well spoken about and it accommodates my side sleeping behaviour.

The tarp is a little harder to swallow. I've landed on the Zpacks rectangular cuban fiber (fibre) tarp with extra tie out loops so it resembles the Cloud burst from Warbonnet. I settled on a rectangular tarp because it is more versatile than a cat cut tarp for other general uses and camping with the swag and if I succumb, a bivy.

I've tight arsed it on the top quilt until i'm definite that hammock camping is for me. Until then a partially unzipped sleeping bag will have to do.

I'll take some photos when it arrives.

MLD

[87County]

I'll be interested to hear about it MLD and see the pics. the Warbonnet vids are quite good.

It must be a good fabric with good stitching !



In the places I've chosen to travel through I think the main difficulty would be finding two trees the right size and the right distance apart. :)

[MLD]

The versatility of a hammock is an attraction. I plan for it to be my emergency shelter when 4wding and my solo shelter when hiking. I bought the 2 layer version that I can put my inflatable thermarest all season pad between the layers for mild temp and summer camping and going to ground. I'd need a groundsheet to protect the hammock material on the ground should I need to use it as a bivvy. A painter's clear ground sheet cut to size is cheap and disposable. I learned that tip from a hiker who said it was his solution when hiking OS and not having to worry about customs querying dirt and stuff on re-entry into Oz. It also serves as a ground sheet to sit on if the ground is wet.

As for the barren locations. If in the defender I can hang from the headboard off the tray and if no trees are around use another vehicle or at a pinch the shovel properly tensioned. Solutions to your problem are limited only by your imagination.

I'm excited to try the hammock after pondering the idea of converting from a tent for a good 18 months.

As for stitching, there is a good review of the RR by an Australian on YouTube called Denmonkey. He was complementary of the quality of the stitching compared to the DD. He wasn't the only review that spoke highly of the quality of workmanship. If I break the hammock it's a sign to lose weight.

MLD

[JamesB71]

Ive spent the last few years with my hennessey hammock being my main sleeping tent for solo expeditions. Ive made a project of sorting it out because I spend lots of nights in them.

Ive got both the bottom entry and the side entry. I make the following observations.

The bottom entry one is awkward, and if you are in your 40s like I am and get up at least once in the night for a wizz, then get the side entry one.

If you sleep on your back, they are great.

Im a side sleeper though, and whilst its good for a night or two, after a week in it I get a pulled muscle under my right shoulder blade from not having anywhere to put my right arm. It ends up going distinctly uphill and results in all the blood draining from it and waking you up with pins and needles in the hand. Im considering trying a warbonnet ridgerunner to see if its better for my sleeping position.

Trying to put a thermorest in one is a nightmare. Unless you are the kind of person who stays in the same position all night the pad will end up sleeping on you.

Tarps. Ive got 4 different ones depending on the trip. The standard tarp is totally minimalist. Its ok for an overnighter, but if you want to sit out the rain and read, paint or draw you will need a bigger one. Get a DD tarp or the hennessey hex tarp. They are both excellent. I also have an australian army hutchee, which I used to put up as a kitchen tent, but the DD is better.

If you are going to use it in winter, or you feel the cold, get an underquilt. No screwing around, its the only answer to staying warm in a hammock.

You can swing it off the car to a tree. I often do this from the defenders roof rack. I wouldnt like to try it with a shovel. It would want to be a very strong shovel indeed and you would want to lay really still...

Ive used it as a bivvy. It sucks at that. If you want to sleep on the ground take your thermorest and a mosquito net.

Get 4 rappell rings (two for each end) and use an alpine clutch to string it. Knots are a pain to get undone, particularly when wet.

Mark your head end with a different coloured carabina or always have the head end snake skin over the top where they overlap so you dont have to rehang it when you work out the head end is at the wrong end.

Overall, the less you have in there the better. Anything you have in there should be strung from the string above. Anything in the hammock with you will gravitate to the lowest point, generally under your arse or the small of your back.

If you use a pillow it will probably have to be a really flat one due to the rise that the hammock has. i have numerous camping pillows, but the best sleep comes from nesting my head in my down jacket on cold nights.

Happy to answer any questions.

[MLD]

Thanks James, wise words. No doubt learned from poor experiences. The ridge runner is a different type of hang than a gathered end hammock. Many of your complaints about comfort were concerns of mine which lead to the decision to buy the RR not the blackbird. Only time and nights in the hammock will tell if the RR is a solution to those concerns.

The double layer hammock doesn't suffer (as bad) your complaint about the pad shifting. It's trapped between 2 layers under the hammock. I read somewhere that a person used that material you get in kitchen places to line your draws with and its slip resistant. I use it in our pots and pans draw and have some excess somewhere, couple of strips at the ends and middle of the pad should work. The common complaint about the pad is the exposure of the shoulders. Again this is more common with a gathered end hammock where you sleep on the diagonal. Notwithstanding that I heeded your and nearly every other hammocker's advice and ordered the under quilt at the same time. It's cut for the RR and saves me postage from the US. I would have eventually succumb to an under quilt so why ignore so many peoples advice to get an under quilt.

As for tarps, i'm having a cuban tarp made. Half the weight of a silnylon. I currently use 2 army hootchies clipped together over the swag. At 450g each (total area is 2.8m x 3.5m when combined) they are heavy for hiking when compared to a 205g cuban tarp of 3.4m x 2.6m (rectangle). Lighter again if you go the hex tarps in cuban. The hootchies are fine for car camping and have served me well. They have permanent residence in the truck.

No doubt i'll have many trials and tribulations working out a system that works for me. All part of the fun.

MLD

[JamesB71]

Hey MLD

I see the hammocks as a project and have really enjoyed working out my "system" so that it suits me. Most of my trips are either canoeing or car camping so the weight is not always the absolute major factor.

When I hike with it, which a do a few times a year, I take the hennessey and the original tarp for the most minimal weight.

You can string the tarp off the hammock line, but I am pretty heavy (about 105kgs) and find that when I get it it its hard to keep everything tight all night when I do that. Ive given up on that and string the tarp a foot or so up on another light line that I string for that purpose and to hang gear off. The hammock hangs better without stuff hung off its lines.

I look forward to hearing how your system evolves. :-)

[Ranga]

I happened to use my single-skin Hennesy ( bottom velcro entry) for the first time in ages over the weekend. The first night I tried the simple (read cheap) method of a reflective windscreen sun reflector inside the hammock. Given it got to about ~-1 degrees, it worked pretty good. Except... I only got the small one (130cm long) and it didn't reach to my feet. Woke up every 30 minutes or so due to them freezing! Not the most pleasant night sleep (if you could call it sleep). :(

However, I reckon a long one would actually work - my upper body was actually fine. All in all, very light weight, basically waterproof (especially as it goes inside my hammock), cost 2/5 of **** all and available at any auto store (or possibly even service station). I didn't notice any movement or other issues I can think of. Only other issue could be durability.

On the second night, I went with my backup option of my Exped down-filled mat. This also worked very well, and considering it was full length, had a nice cosy warm night. I did notice once or twice that I had slipped down the mat 30cm or so, but a quick shimmy had me back asleep in seconds.

The Exped is great, but longer to setup, and more vulnerable given the inflatable nature of it.

I think I'll be getting another longer sun reflector and trying that next. I'm seriously wondering if the under-quilts are overkill, but happily concede that many proper enthusiasts swear by them, so I guess they have their place.

[JamesB71]

I held out on the underquilt for a couple of years and tried everything else. Sometimes the thermarest was ok, if i was so exhausted that i fell asleep on my back and didnt move. Maybe i just turn over too much. The underquilt is like being wrapped in a snug warm little cocoon...

[JamesB71]

The other thing about the thermarest that i found was that it stops one of the hammocks good traits.

When you roll over in it, you dont have to lift your weight off it, turn over and then lower again in the same spot, but rather just let it roll under you:- you are always the lowest point.

[MLD]

As my earlier post alluded to I had bought a Warbonnet Ridgerunner hammock (it's a bridge hammock). i'm yet to use it in the great outdoors but have made use of the absence of my wife this week to sleep in it each night. A few photos set up on the deck. The area is covered so no need for a tarp.

Set up as it has been slept in for the past few nights.

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2014/10/860.jpg

the Lynx summer under quilt.

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2014/10/861.jpg

I hope to be in the Vic High Country for the weekend before Melb Cup to join a few Victorian friends who believe it's gods gift for a 4 day weekend. I'll be able to road test it with tarp.

Initial thoughts after 4 nights and a few mid arvo cat naps. These thoughts are benchmarked against a side by side comparison to the Hennessey Hammock borrowed from the neighbour.

As against the hennessey the ridgerunner is more spacious and, for me, comfortable. The hennessey was comfortable in a cocoon type of feeling. The ridgerunner is a flatter lay but nicely slopes up for your head to provide a pillow like support. I was comfortable laying on my back and comfortable on my side (with legs straight) if i pushed my bum up against the seam on the side of the hammock (laying in the middle the material doesn't have the support for my hips and i felt the scoliosis tension on my lower spine. I was comfortable laying in a semi fetal position with the knees slightly bent. Most comfortable on the side was in the coma position. Long and short the hammock accommodates 90% of the sleeping positions for the majority of people.

The cut of the seams gives you a nice view out of your surrounds. I was genuinely surprised how comfortable it was. So much so i returned to sleeping in it after i had satisfied the minimum requirement for research.

My only complaints are these:

a) the spreader bars makes setting up a tarp to be close to the hammock in poor weather bit of an engineering mission. I have a Cuben fibre tarp which is prone to puncture so the spreader bars are a problem.

b) the design of a bridge hammock with the "A" suspension lines then the whoopie sling suspension requires a distance of at least 4m between anchor points. I'd say 3.7m is the absolute min otherwise you can't hang at the recommended 25 degrees. Moving to a strap suspension to delete the whoopie suspension might buy you some width. Or remove the whoopee sling and carabiner the eyelet to the tree straps but then you need to rely on nature providing the perfect hang environment. 4m doesn't sound much when you type it but when you are looking at 2 points to hang it is more difficult to accommodate than you would be lead to believe.

c) the thought of sleeping under a tree. Scouts training has me looking up before setting up. Can't avoid that in a hammock. The pine trees of the Eastern seaboard of the USA are a safer bet than the gum trees in Oz. I had the hammock set up last weekend between 2 trees just off the deck. Lovely spot with nice afternoon shade and the sound of the creek on our property in your ear. After the storm on Tuesday night there was a 2" diameter 3m long branch laying at the spot i had planned to set up for these evening tests. It would have hurt like holy buggery (sick pun intended hehehe) or killed me with a strike to the head.

Turning to the under quilt. It's fabulous and for anyone that thinks they can suffice with a mat is a tight-arse to the detriment of their own comfort or has rocks in their head. Spend the cash and do it properly the first time. And talking of properly, in my limited experience (which means not having tested it side by side) buy the full length under quilt. I don't see the point in having your body and bum warm and then rely on a mat for the lower torso. A mat consumes more space in your pack than the additional space of the full length UQ compared to the torso length UQ. The extra weight is negligible (full length UQ packs to about 1/3 the size of a 700 loft 500g down sleeping bag and weighs about 400g packed).

I made the mistake the first night of fitting the UQ inverted (baffles pressed against the hammock) and quickly found the cold spot. My initial thought was the UQ was a waste of money and then decided to investigate to appreciate it was my error. Since then it was toasty warm with temps getting to about 10 deg overnight. Last night was nippy with the wind chill factor but once i created a cocoon of trapped heat with the sleeping bag unzipped and the UQ i was toasty save for my face.

The tarp, cuben fibre (0.75oz) made by Zpacks in the US. Tarp dimensions (rectangular) 3.4m x 2.6m (11' x 8'6") with 3 tie outs on each long edge and 3 ties outs on each short edge + the 4 corner ties outs. I had Zpacks fit 4 panel pulls approx spaced to the spreader bar width so i can pull the tarp out where the bars will contact the tarp. With 3m guy lines on each corner and a guy line at the centre of the long edge + 2 x 5m zing-it ridge line with Dutch Gear fasteners the tarp in its sack comes in at 415g. It just seems fragile to me and given i have a tendency to be rough with my stuff it could end in tears. We'll see how it fairs.

I'll take some photos of the set up once i get a change to road test it in the great outdoors. I'm all set now, just need a weekend in the bush.

MLD

[Barefoot Dave]

FYI, around 40% off hennessy gear-
Hennessy Hammock (http://www.hiking.com.au/brand/hennessy-hammock/)

blah blah no interest or personal gain etcetc

[Ropes]

Great buying $149, couldn't resist.