Hennessy Hammock

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Originally Posted by 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?

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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.

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?

Or a lightweight hammock frame in easy size sections?

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Originally Posted by 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.

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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.

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Originally Posted by 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?

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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?

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Originally Posted by gusthedog

try going into a hiking/camping store and just buying your own lengths of webbing and some carabiners.

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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?

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. ;)

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.

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Originally Posted by landy

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.

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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 ;)

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Originally Posted by Ranga

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

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Just get a double sized hammock! :D