Hennessy Hammock Ultralight Backpacker Asym

Overly complex and poorly implemented.

Over the years, I have owned quite a few camping hammocks. I took this particular one on a 5-day hike through the Smoky Mountains a few years ago, then promptly got rid of it.

DESIGN

I currently own four camping hammocks (I returned my Hennessy, so it doesn't make the list.). The design of the Hennessy was the most complex of all of them. Like most camping hammocks, the Hennessy uses nylon webbing wrapped around a tree as an anchor point. However, unlike most hammocks, the Hennessy webbing doesn't have a daisy-chain design. Instead the webbing has two loops—one at each end. This means you don't get the adjustability you get with other hammocks.

It also means that you are far more limited with regards to which trees can be used. If the trees were too close, you didn't have any options to move your anchor point higher on the webbing (unless you could wrap around the tree again). If the trees were too far apart, you could slide one end of the webbing through the loop on the other end, creating a noose for the tree.

However, this would still leave you with an unadjustable anchor and would only work if the tree was narrow enough. If the trees are too wide, you can't get the webbing around them anyway (I ran into this on two separate occasions and had to set up well away from the campsite as a result).  

MATERIALS

The webbing, tent-fabric, and bug netting all seemed to be of good quality. The tarp material was surprisingly strong. It was bitten by two separate elk (see below) over the course of five days and barely showed more than a slight outline of an elk mouth at the end of the trip. No tears at all.

The various guylines and clips were far less durable. Over the course of the trip, I had two break. One was in the middle of the night and prompted a frantic scurrying to check that the hammock wouldn't collapse.

COMFORT

The Hennessy was about as comfortable as every other camping hammock I have used. The only thing to note is that no hammock is inherently warm. Even in the middle of the summer, I ran into cold issues at night. The solution is to use an underquilt to insulate the bottom of the hammock from the wind and to use a quilt / sleeping bag as a blanket.

Unfortunately, the bottom-entrance used on this hammock means you can't use an underquilt, which makes comfortable cold-weather camping difficult. You can also use an air-mattress or mattress pad underneath yourself for added insulation. Again, the bottom-entrance makes this difficult at best.

SETUP

Setup was more complicated than other camping hammocks I have used, but nothing I couldn't figure out after a day of hiking. The worst part of the setup process was finding the right trees (as I mentioned above, the design of their webbing makes this difficult). Once a suitable site was found (these weren't as frequent as you might think), it went fairly quickly.

EASE OF USE

The Hennessy Ultralight uses a bottom-entrance known as "The Birth Canal" for entry and exit. At the exact bottom of the hammock, there is a velcro strip that runs along half of the hammock. When you climb in and put your weight in the hammock, the tension forces the strap closed again, sealing you inside.

It's a nice idea in theory, but in practice it's a terrible approach. In order to get into the hammock, you have to make sure all of your things are toward the head of the hammock, well above "The Birth Canal". You can now pull the velcro apart and climb inside. However, you have to be careful about things sliding out of the hammock during this step.  

Once inside, you now need to re-arrange everything so you can sleep comfortably. Getting into a sleeping bag is nearly impossible given this design. Getting out of one, even worse.

OTHER ISSUES

It's hard to give credence to this issue, but it occurred twice in a week, so it's more than a one-time-thing. The hammock I purchased was dark green. Apparently animals mistook it for a giant leaf. Twice on a five-day trip, I woke up to elk / deer trying to eat my rain tarp.

The first time it happened was in a developed campsite when an elk tried to haul the tarp off into the woods. My friend had managed to capture it on film and video and we both just thought it was a funny story. (The video is on YouTube as "Smoky Mountain Alarm Clock")

The second time it happened was on our third night in the woods when I woke to a deer trying to do the same thing. At this point, we had driven about 40 miles and hiked another 20+, so the odds were very much against a repeat performance. Plus there was the fact that it was a completely different animal!

Even having experienced this, it's difficult for me to say that this hammock attracts local herbivores, but the coincidence is too much to completely ignore.  

The Hennessey Hammock Ultralight Backpacker Asym is a high quality shelter that will help you cut significant weight from your gear load.

I have used the Hennessey for a couple of summers and I find that my summer pack is much lighter without sacrificing comfort.

This particular model will hold about 200 lbs capacity. It fits my 5' 9" frame, with room to spare. I find it a bit amazing because the suspension ropes are less than 1/4" in diameter yet are super strong and do not appear to stretch much at all.  

The kit comes with a nifty stuff sack with instructions printed on the side, two 1" wide nylon tree straps, a silnylon fly and a silnylon and net body. The hammock body contains full bug net suspended by a ridge line that creates a nicely shaped cocoon suspended off the ground. The whole thing weighs less than two pounds. 

I have added two stakes, and two longer 6' straps for grabbing those bigger diameter trees you find in mature NC forests. There is also a convenient 3 compartment net pocket that is suspended on the ridgeline, and a couple of mitten hooks for hanging stuff. 

Outside, the asymetrical fly is mounted using rings and mitten hooks on each end secured to the tent body by prussick knots. This system is ingeniously simple and very effective. The sides of the tent body can be staked to the ground  or attached to the fly via two small shock cords. This helps the hammock maintain its shape and keeps the sides of the netting off your face while you are blissfully rocking in the breeze. The fly can be configured many different ways depending on the weather condidions. 

This shelter has a great deal of versatility. I like the fact that I can leave my sleeping pad at home, and still use the hammock for a comfy bed, a comfy chair and even a nice lounge. When you do not feel like crawling in through the bottom, you can just lie on top of the netting. I find the hammock particularly comfortable to sit in while you are watching your food cook, or just enjoying the scenery. Even though I have slept in this hammock numerous times I am always pleasantly suprised at how comfortable this thing is after a long day of hiking. 

Some considerations: 

1. Back or side sleepers will be quite comfortable, the hammock design allows for one to lie diagonally across the beam for an almost flat position. Stomach sleepers will probably not find this arrangement comfortable.
2. Weather protection with the standard fly is adequate, but requires very careful alignment if you want maximum weather protection. You can acquire a larger fly from Hennessey but this means more weight and expense.  I am planning to experiment with a Kelty Noah's Tarp 9 that is a similar shape but a bit larger and heavier than the standard fly.
3. Set up can be made much quicker, if you add one of the many available after-market straps that allow for quick tensioning without having to use multiple lashing knots. Personally I prefer the knots, due to the weight concerns. If I were to keep adding accessories, then the weight savings would be diminished.  
4. Some hardy souls will gladly hang their hammocks in the dead of winter using special quilts and under-pinning. I am not one of these individuals. I use this tent strictly in warm weather and it excels in these conditions. The ventilation and comfort are far superior to a tent on those sultry summer nights. 

Practice setting up at home is highly recommended before venturing out on your hiking trip. This hammock has provided me many nights of comfort both in camp and on my back (due to significant weight savings). With some care in setup you can sleep comfortably in heavy rain suspended above the wet ground.

One accessory you may want to consider that I have not tried yet are sleeves that contain your hammock called Snake Skins. These "socks for your hammock" slide over the entire tent and fly containing it in a conveniently slim package that you can quickly pack. Very advantageous in bad weather. 

In summary my Hennessey Hammock has provided me some really good nights of sleep out on the trail and the weight savings has been wonderful. I can leave my tent, and my sleeping pad at home, in my case, netting me a 3 lb savings right off the top.  One caveat, though, if you are planning on heavy weather I strongly recommend a bigger fly.

I switched over to hammock camping a couple of years ago. I have several tents and two Hennessy Hammocks and a Clark Jungle Hammock. I love them all, for different reasons. I think they are all cold in the winter... But, I'm a large framed camper and lumber around in a sleeping back like an ox trying to get comfy. I found the HH to be the softest of the comparison.

My Ultralight Asym is particularly silky feeling. I tent to have my butt slide down toward the slit if I'm not careful. I've also had major problems with a sleeping bag. Standing up and sliding in gets my bag dirty and it almost always pulls down in the process. But...in the summer, the HH is a dream come true. It's soft, comfortable and cool...very cool.

I've had some problems with the fly parachuting and rain blowing under it, but Tom said to slide the tie outs through the bungee rings. This of course is if I know a rain is brewing. Tom and Ann are super nice people by the way.

My Clark Jungle Hammock is a different story. It's made for heavy duty use. It has a rain fly that you can detatch. I even thought about using my Kelty Noah's Tarp to make a super wide fly. The inner liner is great if a wind or light rain comes up. It's shaped like a peapod and you just sit down in it. I enjoy that more because it's easy to use as a chair and even easier to just sit down and lie back in. A sleeping bag is easier because you can put a liner in, then the bag, and sit down and slide your feet into the bag.

Of course, moving around still sucks, but Gary put a pull strap in the head end that helps. For a major storm, this is the better of the two hammocks to have. But, it is a lot hotter. The fabric comes up around you more, there is less ventilation, and the fabric is thicker. I choose to use this one when it gets down to the 60s or lower. I apologize to those folks who can use these in a blizzard, but I think I'll still use my backpacking tent and pad for that cold weather stuff. I can't sleep well in a tent, but at least I can get in and out of my bag and not wake up in a totally weird position.

Other than that, these hammocks are wonderful. Perhaps a bit easier to use for skinnier folks. I sometimes get frustrated moving around and having the wrong end result. I have found that after I've sunk down into either the HH or the Clark, getting up in the morning requires a pull. So, I'd tie off a rope and use it as a grip to get a boost up and over the edge of the hammock.

But, the tree hanger bug bites you and it's difficult to go back! Steve

UPDATE TO 2004 REVIEW: Nicely researched and developed products. They are comfortable and dependable.

This is an updated review from many years ago. As I could not find my information from back then, I made a new profile. As I'm such a major fan of hammock camping, I thought I would submit another review and mention some additional points.

When Tom was just starting out making hammocks, he and I had the pleasure of talking several times over the years. I was very impressed by his dedication to quality and also his dedication to customer service. In fact, I upgraded two models courtesy of Tom as he was bringing out new ones.

I switched over to hammock camping years ago. I have several tents and two Hennessy Hammocks and a Clark Jungle Hammock. I love them all, for different reasons. I think they are all cold in the winter... Neither hammocks or tents are warm by themselves. With something like a custom pad, it does compensate for hammocks. For tents, it is simpler to use something like a Thermarest pad or a solid foam pad.

But, I'm a large framed camper and lumber around in a sleeping bag. I found the Hennessy Hammock Ultralight Asym to be the softest of the comparison. My Ultralight Asym is particularly silky feeling. I tend to have my butt slide down toward the slit if I'm not careful.

Caveat, I plan to purchase a third Hennessy Hammock with a zipper, and give my Asym model to my son. I've also had major problems with a sleeping bag. In the hammock's defense, I'm not a small-sized camper. A thin person would likely have less difficulties.

Standing up and sliding in gets my bag dirty and it almost always pulls down in the process. With the zipper options, this is not a problem. But...in the summer, the Hennessy Hammock is a dream come true. It's soft, comfortable and cool...very cool.

I've had some problems with the fly parachuting and rain blowing under it, but Tom said to slide the tie outs through the bungee rings. This of course is if I know a rain is brewing. With a larger rain fly, the ability to cover the hammock is really good. Other models of the Hennessy series have fabric much like a regular tent. It isn't quite as soft, but it is cheaper.

As a comparison note, it is worth mentioning how the competition compares. As my Clark hammock is my only other comparison, I will discuss it. My Clark Jungle Hammock is a different story. It's made for heavy duty use. It has a rain fly that you can detatch or wrap underneath the hammock. I even thought about using my Kelty Noah's Tarp to make a super wide fly.

The inner liner is great if a wind or light rain comes up. It's shaped like a peapod and you just sit down in it. I enjoy that more because it's easy to use as a chair and even easier to just sit down and lie back in. A sleeping bag is easier because you can put a liner in, then the bag, and sit down and slide your feet into the bag. Of course, moving around still sucks, but Gary put a pull strap in the head end that helps.

In my opinion, for a major storm, this is the better of the two hammocks to have. But, it is a lot hotter—a factor that can be a deal breaker. The fabric comes up around you more, there is less ventilation, and the fabric is thicker. I choose to use this one when it gets down to the 60s or lower. I apologize to those folks who can use these in a blizzard, but I think I'll still use my backpacking tent and pad for that cold weather stuff.

I can't sleep well in a tent, but at least I can get in and out of my bag and not wake up in a totally wierd position. Other than that, both of these hammock brands are wonderfull. Perhaps a bit easier to use for skinnier folks. I sometimes get frustrated moving around and having the wrong end result. I have found that after I've sunk down into either the Hennessy or the Clark, getting up in the morning requires a pull. So, I'd tie off a rope and use it as a grip to get a boost up and over the edge of the hammock.

As the review is about a Hennessy Hammock, my final thoughts are as follows. Hammocks are soft and very comfortable. The design and updates that Tom has made are cutting edge with top quality materials. Being so lightweight, it is difficult to justify a 6-7 pound tent. I have a sleeping bag for summer use that weighs less than 2 pounds. Combined with the lightweight hammock, I am carrying a fraction of what my 2-person backpacking tent would amount to—both in size and weight.

When the tree hanger bug bites you, it's difficult to go back! Steve

Perfect for the solo backpacker in areas where there are lots of trees. Most comfortable sleep this side sleeper has had in the outdoors.

I had been hiking the Appalachian Trail, in long sections, using a lightweight solo backpacking tent. I came to realize that there are no flat tent sites in the mountains. Maybe a bit of an overstatement, but I often woke up to find myself bunched up in one corner or another of my tent, my old hips hurting from side-sleeping on the ground.

I began to see these hammocks, purpose built for backpacking. The asymmetrical design allows one to lay a bit on a diagonal, and flat! Side sleeping is absolutely not a problem (and your hip bone won't be grinding into the ground.) They have integrated bug netting held overhead by a ridgeline, and a tarp over the whole thing for inclement weather. Hang it from the right height, and it is the ultimate camp chair

They do need insulation underneath. A sleeping bag provides almost no insulation underneath you once you've compressed the insulation. True on the ground as well as in a hammock. There are many options, but the trick setup is to have an "underquilt" suspended under the hammock, and snugged up to the feet and sides, and a top quilt, or sleeping bag inside the hammock.

I hiked into Trail Days in Damascus to find Hennessy Hammock, Jacks R Better Tarps, and Dutchware set up together in the vendor area. I bought the Ultralight Backpacker Asym Zip, had some simple modifications done by Dutchware to be able to rig the tarp separately, and bought an underquilt from Jacks 'R' Better. I downloaded the kindle version of "The Ultimate Hang: An Illustrated Guide To Hammock Camping" by Derek J Hansen to my smartphone, read it twice, practiced hanging the hammock a couple of times, and mailed my tent home.

My first nights back on the trail provided me with raging thunderstorms. I stayed dry, and learned a bit about tarp camping in the process. I had previously replaced my sleeping bag with a HammockGear top quilt to lighten my load, and together with the underquilt, I was warm, dry and comfortable.  Within a couple of days, I was hanging my hammock as quickly as I had ever pitched my tent. The hammock and tarp pack down to roughly the size of my tent, and the quilts together packdown to the size of my equivalent temp-rated sleeping bag.

The Hennessy Hammock Ultralight Backpacker Asym is excellent out of the box with appropriate insulation. It is definitely built for one. Hennessy specifies a max weight of 200 lbs. It serves well as the basis of a modular system of tarps and quilts to provide year-round backpacking comfort. And there is a robust online community of owners, and of cottage-industry manufacturers, to help you achieve whatever goal you have in mind. 

I subsequently hiked 438 miles with this system, with no apparent wear or failures. I ultimately purchased a new, lighter tarp, with greater coverage from HammockGear. When I get back on the trail this spring, I will be packing my Hennessy Hammock.

I purchased this hammock for my 2008 Southbound thru hike on the Appalachian Trail. I liked the price. Not sure what to expect but in hindsight I must say it was the best purchase I had made in years.

Setting up this hammock is a breeze. Tie each end of the hammock to included straps that go around the trees and put four stakes into the ground (two for hammock lines so you dont sway in windy conditions, and two for the hammock rainfly.

This hammock will make you into a stealth ninja (hahaha) - you can set it up anywhere there are two trees with distance enough to fit the hammock length. I have set up on the side of mountains, on top of mountains at alpine level (not recommended), in fierce rain/lightning storms, etc. - this hammock has held up through all.

The comfort level depends on each individual. It does take a couple of sleeps in it to get used to the hammock but once that's taken care of it's great.

The rainfly is made out of some really good slippery stuff that rolls rain right off it..this is a big plus.

The hammock itself has bug netting on the top portion so on nice evenings the hammock rainfly isnt needed. I found the bug netting to be 100% bug proof. The rainfly can be drapped down on each side of the hammock if wanted for privacy and/or in a bad rainstorm.

It's been a few years since I summited Springer and I still take this hammock out on the trail every chance I get. After hundreds of uses it's still in as good a shape as when I purchased it. I'd give it ten stars if I could. The Hennessy website gives in depth details on the hammock (including sizing choices) and shows you how to tie the hammock ends.

-Use a pad (Thermarest or whatever) under your sleeping bag for more stablization and comfort. Cold wind will pick up at times and you will want the pad between your sleeping bag and the hammock.

-I used two D-rings clipped onto the tree straps for even faster setup.
Make sure you use a strong brand or they will bend.

-Get snake skins for the hammock (they used to give them away free with purchase). It keeps the hammock dry until you are ready to use it. The snake skins are just protective covers for the hammock. See website for details.

I switched over to hammock camping a couple of years ago. I have several tents and two Hennessy Hammocks and a Clark Jungle Hammock. I love them all, for different reasons. I think they are all cold in the winter... But, I'm a large framed camper and lumber around in a sleeping back like an ox trying to get comfy. I found the HH to be the softest of the comparison.

My Ultralight Asym is particularly silky feeling. I tent to have my butt slide down toward the slit if I'm not careful. I've also had major problems with a sleeping bag. Standing up and sliding in gets my bag dirty and it almost always pulls down in the process. But...in the summer, the HH is a dream come true. It's soft, comfortable and cool...very cool.

I've had some problems with the fly parachuting and rain blowing under it, but Tom said to slide the tie outs through the bungee rings. This of course is if I know a rain is brewing. Tom and Ann are super nice people by the way.

My Clark Jungle Hammock is a different story. It's made for heavy duty use. It has a rain fly that you can detatch. I even thought about using my Kelty Noah's Tarp to make a super wide fly. The inner liner is great if a wind or light rain comes up. It's shaped like a peapod and you just sit down in it. I enjoy that more because it's easy to use as a chair and even easier to just sit down and lie back in. A sleeping bag is easier because you can put a liner in, then the bag, and sit down and slide your feet into the bag.

Of course, moving around still sucks, but Gary put a pull strap in the head end that helps. For a major storm, this is the better of the two hammocks to have. But, it is a lot hotter. The fabric comes up around you more, there is less ventilation, and the fabric is thicker. I choose to use this one when it gets down to the 60s or lower. I apologize to those folks who can use these in a blizzard, but I think I'll still use my backpacking tent and pad for that cold weather stuff. I can't sleep well in a tent, but at least I can get in and out of my bag and not wake up in a totally weird position.

Other than that, these hammocks are wonderful. Perhaps a bit easier to use for skinnier folks. I sometimes get frustrated moving around and having the wrong end result. I have found that after I've sunk down into either the HH or the Clark, getting up in the morning requires a pull. So, I'd tie off a rope and use it as a grip to get a boost up and over the edge of the hammock.

But, the tree hanger bug bites you and it's difficult to go back! Steve

UPDATE TO 2004 REVIEW: Nicely researched and developed products. They are comfortable and dependable.

This is an updated review from many years ago. As I could not find my information from back then, I made a new profile. As I'm such a major fan of hammock camping, I thought I would submit another review and mention some additional points.

When Tom was just starting out making hammocks, he and I had the pleasure of talking several times over the years. I was very impressed by his dedication to quality and also his dedication to customer service. In fact, I upgraded two models courtesy of Tom as he was bringing out new ones.

I switched over to hammock camping years ago. I have several tents and two Hennessy Hammocks and a Clark Jungle Hammock. I love them all, for different reasons. I think they are all cold in the winter... Neither hammocks or tents are warm by themselves. With something like a custom pad, it does compensate for hammocks. For tents, it is simpler to use something like a Thermarest pad or a solid foam pad.

But, I'm a large framed camper and lumber around in a sleeping bag. I found the Hennessy Hammock Ultralight Asym to be the softest of the comparison. My Ultralight Asym is particularly silky feeling. I tend to have my butt slide down toward the slit if I'm not careful.

Caveat, I plan to purchase a third Hennessy Hammock with a zipper, and give my Asym model to my son. I've also had major problems with a sleeping bag. In the hammock's defense, I'm not a small-sized camper. A thin person would likely have less difficulties.

Standing up and sliding in gets my bag dirty and it almost always pulls down in the process. With the zipper options, this is not a problem. But...in the summer, the Hennessy Hammock is a dream come true. It's soft, comfortable and cool...very cool.

I've had some problems with the fly parachuting and rain blowing under it, but Tom said to slide the tie outs through the bungee rings. This of course is if I know a rain is brewing. With a larger rain fly, the ability to cover the hammock is really good. Other models of the Hennessy series have fabric much like a regular tent. It isn't quite as soft, but it is cheaper.

As a comparison note, it is worth mentioning how the competition compares. As my Clark hammock is my only other comparison, I will discuss it. My Clark Jungle Hammock is a different story. It's made for heavy duty use. It has a rain fly that you can detatch or wrap underneath the hammock. I even thought about using my Kelty Noah's Tarp to make a super wide fly.

The inner liner is great if a wind or light rain comes up. It's shaped like a peapod and you just sit down in it. I enjoy that more because it's easy to use as a chair and even easier to just sit down and lie back in. A sleeping bag is easier because you can put a liner in, then the bag, and sit down and slide your feet into the bag. Of course, moving around still sucks, but Gary put a pull strap in the head end that helps.

In my opinion, for a major storm, this is the better of the two hammocks to have. But, it is a lot hotter—a factor that can be a deal breaker. The fabric comes up around you more, there is less ventilation, and the fabric is thicker. I choose to use this one when it gets down to the 60s or lower. I apologize to those folks who can use these in a blizzard, but I think I'll still use my backpacking tent and pad for that cold weather stuff.

I can't sleep well in a tent, but at least I can get in and out of my bag and not wake up in a totally wierd position. Other than that, both of these hammock brands are wonderfull. Perhaps a bit easier to use for skinnier folks. I sometimes get frustrated moving around and having the wrong end result. I have found that after I've sunk down into either the Hennessy or the Clark, getting up in the morning requires a pull. So, I'd tie off a rope and use it as a grip to get a boost up and over the edge of the hammock.

As the review is about a Hennessy Hammock, my final thoughts are as follows. Hammocks are soft and very comfortable. The design and updates that Tom has made are cutting edge with top quality materials. Being so lightweight, it is difficult to justify a 6-7 pound tent. I have a sleeping bag for summer use that weighs less than 2 pounds. Combined with the lightweight hammock, I am carrying a fraction of what my 2-person backpacking tent would amount to—both in size and weight.

When the tree hanger bug bites you, it's difficult to go back! Steve

Hennessy is of the elite of hammocks.

Having slept in a Mexican hammock for a few weeks straight on vacation once, I figured that I could tolerate one as a shelter. It is a tough call whether a hammock will work for you or not, it all boils down to trying it. I am generally a side or stomach sleeper, so it has been an adjustment for me.

After a lot of reading, I went with the Hennessy Ultralight with a zipper, because of its reputation and features. By the way, the hammock forums (google it) will tell you all you ever need to know about hammocks. There is even a book on hammock camping.

The zipper is a newer feature and one that was kind of a deal breaker for me...I waited for a bit until Hennessy finally started making these, as opposed to the bottom opening. But it does make it a bit difficult getting in sometimes, mainly because you have to hang the hammock pretty high at first to account for the stretch in the cords. If you don't start out high enough, your bottom just may end up brushing the ground.

So when getting into the hammock from the side, sometimes you have to almost do a high jump maneuver (I'm exaggerating a bit, but maybe you see what I mean.) And you also have to consider the opening side when you hang the hammock...upslope as opposed to downslope would be preferable, but I've never had the opportunity to camp on a slope just yet. I admit, I have a lot to still learn about my hammock.

I have used it only in Florida so far but the very first night I used it, the temp dropped to 38 degrees! I used a Therm-a-Rest, a reflective sunscreen for a car, and a 30-degree down bag, and I was just warm enough..thank goodness there wasn't any wind. On another night, I was too cold in my 40 degree bag, and I don't think it got below 55. I didn't consider buying the supershelter mainly because I don't anticipate using it in very cold weather.

Others have pretty much said all there is to say....again, the hammock forums will answer all your questions. I look forward to using my hammock a lot more this next winter in Florida to really get a feel for it and will update my review then.

I own the Ultralight Backpacker Asym with the Supershelter insulation system, Snakeskins quick-setup covers, and silnylon 30D Hex Tarp.

I ordered the setup for solo fastpacking in the Rockies, and it's been extremely impressive. Some of my major trekking issues—weight, aches from ground sleeping, cold sleep, and storm protection—are now only an issue when I go above treeline.

My first overnight test run started on a sunny March afternoon, but by the time I slogged into my campsite 10 miles out, hail was bouncing off my head. I whipped out the hex tarp, tied it up, got underneath to hang the insulated hammock, and snugged in. Within twenty minutes, snow was howling down at a 45-degree angle, and within the hour, it was near-horizontal.

I only had a twenty-degree down bag, and since I sleep really cold, I figured I was in for an ugly night—maybe a dangerous one, if meltwater leaked onto my down. Ha! I was totally toasty—it was like being in a 70-degree room.

By dawn, there was nearly two feet of snow on the ground, but I felt great—no aches, I had comfortably side-slept, and I was warm. And, when I called Hennessy the next day to ask about why my head had been weirdly pressed against the hammock's back wall, the owner himself called back to puzzle it out with me and give me the right fix (I needed to hang the foot higher).

I've had some of my best trips in this setup. I only wish I could use it above treeline, and with a partner. And that I didn't look like a burrito on a string for mountain lions, but what the heck—at least I'm not at serving-height, like I would be in a bivvy.

Notes:

• Definitely get the Supershelter insulation system or use a sleeping pad inside the hammock—otherwise you can get as cold as sleeping on the ground without a pad.
• Because you don't have a lot of extra room, pack the rest of your gear small if you have a chance of windy precipitation—you can put gear in the hammock with you or outside under the hammock, but it doesn't provide a lot of shelter. 
• Practice hanging it in your backyard a number of times before going out. It's easy once you figure it out, but it's best to be in practice.
• You probably won't sleep much the first time you use it, because it takes your body at least a night to get used to sleeping in motion. 

I found this product by searching for a bivy sac on the web. I liked the idea and the price so I ordered one over the internet.

I spent two rainy nights in the Catskills and it worked like a dream. I loved the way you can tie off the hammock to one side and use the fly as a cooking shelter. The weight and little room that it takes in the pack (it packs smaller than a loaf of bread), makes this an easy choice for three-season packing in the Northeast.

I brought a light open celled pad and I was toasty at night in my bag. Getting in and out to pee took a little getting used to as you enter through the bottom and with the pad and the bag inside, it takes some maneuvering but I have it down now. I just quarter fold the bottom half of the pad and push the pad up to the head and get in. I smooth out the pad. Then I pull the bag onto my feet and pull it on up. I experimented by draping my rain poncho over one end and created additional space out of the rain to stow my pack for the night.

Overall, the weight savings make using this as a replacement for a tent a snap. It's even lighter than a bivy and I can set it up anywhere I can find two trees close enough together no matter the terrain. And who can beat the price. That Tom Hennessey is one smart fella.

Just hanging about.

Pretty simple unit and a good hammock system.

Sets up in a couple of minutes, best to test at home, know best tie-up spacing, not hard at all. Watch Hennessy setup video.

Stable as much as a hammock can be. Actually pretty darn good once you are in, easy to get in, don't hang too high lower (still off the ground) is better.

Weather resistance, be aware as to where the wind/rain may come from as fly is asymmetrical and possibly slide the fly slightly towards the weather side.

Ventilation is good. If too hot make fly tie higher, if cold make fly tie lower, even open the zip if no bugs.

Room & Storage: it's a hammock duh.

Pack-ability: very small and easy, just stuff it in the bag.

Ease of use: very easy.

Features: simplicity. Has a small double pocket and two clips inside on interior line.

Construction& durability: Seems OK.

When camping below the treeline, there's a better way. Ditch the tent and give a hammock a try.

This is the BEST shelter I have ever used. I use to look for a flat spot to pitch a tent. Those days are over! My last hike I camped on hillsides, over rocks, and next to some of the most beautiful scenery on the trail. You'll never again have to keep hiking while looking for a good spot to camp...now they are ALL good spots!

I've found the Therm-a-Rest RidgeRest closed cell foam pad placed inside the hammock is a great way to insulate yourself on cold nights. I use the large RidgeRest, which is five inches wider than the regular size and has a great R-rating. Also, using an inflatable neck pillow is a comfortable support for your head and neck. 

I bought this on a whim, saw it on display and read the "how to and why for" and thought that it might be nice to relax in, providing I could find two hard points far enough apart. I have since made it a permanent part of my backpack. It is great in all but the worst condition, I'd guess that to be a raging blizzard. It is great for solo hiking or even on a fishing trip when you don't want to listen to a campmate snore thru the night.

It sets up quick and is comfortable to the extreme. I use my light pad in it to ward off the cold from below and a bag for the season. The way it sets up it keeps me at a very comfortable angle and I sleep very well and wake up very refreshed. Better than sleeping on the ground by a long shot.

The only complaint I had is that the first time I set it up I didn't get the knot right and I landed rather abruptly on my butt. Hasn't happened since. I do recommend the snake skins, they make stowing the thing very easy.

Easy to hang and lightweight, great for solo backpacking travel. Just make sure you have a plan for lower insulation.

The version I bought came with the hammock, straps, rain fly, and snake skin.

Setting Up

This is fairly easy as long as you are camping in areas with good trees. 

Getting in

This is challenging at first, but once you get the hang of it, it becomes much easier. You will learn where to put your tush and how to swing your body in so your stuff inside isn't too disturbed. 

Comfort while asleep

There isn't much room to move around or slide up or down from where you start. As long as I am comfortable when I start sleeping I find I'm pretty good for the rest of the night.

Staying warm

This was the hardest part for me. I can easily stay warm from the top with a hammock. I have tried a few different pads inside the hammock. Inflatable air mattress can be tough. They tend to move around more than you want especially while getting in through the bottom entrance.

A foam pad was my next attempt. This worked better. It kept me warmer since I was able to keep it in one spot easier and it was bigger than my air mattress. Still looking for a better solution without paying for a full official insulation system, but the pad works good enough for now. 

Staying Dry

The fly they make that matches the hammocks works well to keep you dry. Doesn't leave a ton of room underneath you for your stuff, so make sure you keep that stuff protected by a second method (pack cover or bag) if you suspect heavy rain/wind. 

I find my Hennessy hammock to provide a more comfortable night sleep than my bed. The hammock is great for spring summer or fall but is especially nice on warm summer nights!I have slept comfortably through plenty of extreme weather such as snow, rain, sleet, and winds.
Hammock camping completely ends the necessity for flat ground so camping spots are exceptionally easy to find even in steep or rugged terrain.

After five years of using my Hennessy hammock I have had little to no issues. I have used it for everything from bike touring to thru-hiking and could not have been happier.

I love my hammock. Best sleep on the trail comes in a hammock. Only problem is you can't curl up next to your significant other in a hammock.

For lite weight backpacking it is wonderful. Really helps me lower my pack weight.