Hammock Choice

[MagiKelly]

Okay I am in the market for a Hammock. From my research I am down to a Pro Pod or a Hennessy Explorer.

The Pro Pod looks more comfortable and is cheaper but would not keep out insects unless I buy the netting. It is also cheaper has Pockets and clips etc. At 3m long it is likely to project past the ends of my tarp does this mean it will get wet.

The Hennessy comes with insect mesh and tarp so actually is about the same overall cost as the Pod. The Tarp looks as if it would not keep out the rain very well but if it is well designed as people say I find this hard to believe but still it looks that way.

These are just a few of my thoughts so far. Can you help me with more details etc. Also bare in mind I am 6 foot 3 inches tall so the hammock must be suitable for someone my size (worryingly on Jack's site is says the hennessay is comfortable for those UP TO 6 foot makes me wonder about those over 6 foot)

AtDhVaAnNkCsE

[Adi007]

Sounds to me like you are the ideal candidate for the Hennessy Ultralite Explorer. This one is designed for people greater than 6 foot tall.

The build quality on these things is amazing - all the cuts and seams are perfect and the fit and finish is wonderful. The tarp is something that might, on the face of it look odd but it is well made and offers good coverage.

Also, the instructions are excellent and, if you go for the snake skins too, you have a system that you could have up and running in minutes.

[MagiKelly]

So where do you get this model?


Also does the built in tarp mean I do not need to carry my own tarp any more?

And one last question. I like to be able to see around me when I am sleeping outdoors. Can you do this in the Hammock or do the sides come up and block your view?

[Ed]

Also does the built in tarp mean I do not need to carry my own tarp any more?

Thats up to you really.... The tarp on the hennessy does unclip so you can use it seperately :-) On the safari delux model the tarp is a huge hex shaped thing.... that would be great to use on its own.

I like to be able to see around me when I am sleeping outdoors. Can you do this in the Hammock or do the sides come up and block your view?

The sides of the hammock on the hennessy are held out by guy-lines, with your head right at the top you can see clearly around you (unless you've pulled your tarp right down to a steep angle). You can also sit up in them ;-)

Ed

[Paganwolf]

nomad jungle and your basha cheap as chips combo does the job :wink:

[JakeR]

IMO (although i havent ried anything else) the hennessey is excellent. I havent spent a night in it yet, although i have tried it and it is very comfortable.

[Stuart]

hennesy





says it all

[MagiKelly]

More questions.

What is the difference between the ultralite explorer and just the plain explorer and yes I realise the ultralite is lighter but how much lighter and how is it achieved. What compramises are made to reduce weight?

Now from my quick search the Pro Pd would cost me £55 and be plenty big but I would use my own tarp and bug net. The Hennessy would be £120. Is it really that much better?

Thanks again.

[jakunen]

Personally I'd got for the Hennessy Expedition Asym. Only weighs a couple of pounds and is nice and roomy. BUT get the hex fly, gives you more cover so you can store your pack underneath and also as it comes down lower, you don't get woken up by the sun quite so early.

The lighter hammocks are achieved by using slightly lower spec materials. I don't mean lower QUALITY, just that a 'light' hammock will not take as heavy a person as a full strength, heavier model.

Jack at Woodland sells both items (FANTASTIC service, btw, cheers Jack!). You can also get them from the US at a slightly longer delivery time if you search on e-bay. My brother got me one as a late (4 years combined - cheapskate!) birthday and Xmas present on there. OK, it took 3 weeks to come, but the Asym cost only $60 INCLUDING shipping.

[Ed]

What is the difference between the ultralite explorer and just the plain explorer and yes I realise the ultralite is lighter but how much lighter and how is it achieved. What compramises are made to reduce weight?

Lighter fabric is used and it is slightly smaller. The fly sheet for example on the ultralite is made from sil-nylon which is very lightweight.
Both are excellent quality and well built.

Ed

[bothyman]

I have the Explorer deluxe and it also has a sil-nylon Canopy it just seems to be stronger in some wayto the ultralite

Looking at the chart it doesn't seem to show much difference or have I missed something.

Or maybe it is just the rope that is stronger???

>> http://www.hennessyhammock.com/comparisonchart.htm :wave:

[jakunen]

Loooks like its mainly the ropes, btu would think the weight of the nylon would affect it too. Obviously if the material could only hold 100lb, but the rope could hold 500lb, you know which would give first...

The material must be biased against the rope and tapes to give the required holding strength.

[Stew]

Well I've just recieved my unused Expedition A-sym and Hex fly that I won on evil-bay for about £50. I was a bit unsure about going for this as it seemed to good to be true but everything seems in order.

Looking forward to getting out and using it now!!
(I'm sure it'll be better than my £10 string hammock)

[bothyman]

Well I've just recieved my unused Expedition A-sym and Hex fly

It looks like he got the same deal as I did when I bought mine, if you bought a hammock before end of December you got the Hex fly free. :wave:

[tedw]

Have a look here for a US supplier at discount prices:

http://stores.ebay.com/Apexalon_Henn...isplayZ2QQtZkm

Ted W

[jakunen]

It looks like he got the same deal as I did when I bought mine, if you bought a hammock before end of December you got the Hex fly free. :wave:

What!!! I could have saved meself some dosh! Or rather my brother could have saved me some dosh...

[MagiKelly]

Have a look here for a US supplier at discount prices:

http://stores.ebay.com/Apexalon_Henn...isplayZ2QQtZkm

Ted W

Thanks Ted

Great mind must think alike. I was just out bid last night on the previous Explorer thay were selling. Just need to keep my eyes open. I have also sent an Email to Jack about the Explorer and possibly a Hex fly & Snake skins. Although to be honest it looks like I might be as well to go for a Safari as it has a Hex fly anyway.

Will see how it goes.

[MarkG]

As much as I like the hennessey (and I intend to get one soon) The last time I used a hammock I did it on the cheap.

1 small net hammock £5
1 Huge blue tarp (had planned to get a green/cammo one but they had all sold) £5
1 Real of builders nylon string £1

The other people I was with had £150+ tents, by the time they had cleared the sheep 'deposits' and stones I'd got my shelter up and a brew going. The first night it tipped it down myself and a sheep that decided to shelter under my tarp :shock: were the only ones to stay dry.

It carried on raining for most of the morning with my big tarp providing the only dry place to make a brew and with enough room for the five of us plus seating for 2 (just ) on the hammock.

It was a little bit cool in the night (around 5 degrees) as I was only in cheap 2 season millits sleeping bag and the hammock was a bit tight for my slender frame but it was still both good fun and very practicle. It also taught me the importance of nylon string, it's cheap, strong and your not scared to use loads of peices of it to tie everything up (I love para cord but it's blooming expensive)

So for those of us that don't have the money for some of the more expensive kit don't feel left out just improvise.

*for slender read fat

[MagiKelly]

Hi Mark


Like you I have tried a cheap version first. it was one of those Brazillian Ebay jobs. I was fine and comfy untill the string separated from the nylon and down I went. I also have the net one but at 6 foot 3inches tall it is not the width that is the problem.

[MarkG]

I also have the net one but at 6 foot 3inches tall it is not the width that is the problem.

It was bad enough for me at 5' 11"!

[jakunen]

There's nothing wrong with doing things on the cheap. Means you have more money for other things or for getting somewhere you can use your kit.

[MagiKelly]

There's nothing wrong with doing things on the cheap. Means you have more money for other things or for getting somewhere you can use your kit.

No arguement from me. That is why I was originally asking about the Pro Pod as it seemed to be good for the money (£55) but the advantage of a built in insect net is a big draw given the famous Scottish Midge.

[jakunen]

No arguement from me. That is why I was originally asking about the Pro Pod as it seemed to be good for the money (£55) but the advantage of a built in insect net is a big draw given the famous Scottish Midge.

And how!
It also stops wasps too! The site that Taz, Womble and myself went to a while ago had LOADS of wasps...

[Womble]

A mate of Taz and mine also has gone down the cheap route for hammocking - he bought what H&M supplies describes as an "Army hammock", an unbrella mozzie net and used the outer of an elderly ridge tent (that his scout group had spare) as a tarp. As a home made package it seemed to work really well! It also had the advantage over a hennesy (or at least as some argue it) that the bedding can be made and easily climbed into (I usually have to get into my bag and THEN climb into my Hennesy)!

The great thing about doing it this way was that he could adjust the setup to suit how he wanted it, and improve it as he went. He wants to change to a Hennesy, but I asked him why, when what he has is as good, and cost a fraction of the price.

[MagiKelly]

The other reason I have moved towards the Hennessy is that the weight of the hammock, tarp and netting is the same as just the Pro Pod on its own.

[jakunen]

That is always a very big point if you intend travelling by public transport or walking. One of the main reasons I got one.

[willie]

hey im not looking for a hennsey but more of a military one and was wondering if any one could recomend good sites or any other makes ???



cheers