Hammock Camping?

[bdhawk133]

I have a Hennesey Hammock that has now been on several backpacking trips. It is lightweight, comfortable, and very durable. Hennessey even makes straps called "tree huggers" that do not damage the trees, and funnel attachments for collecting rain water for drinking. Since it converts from an enclosed tent to a hammock-chair, and even a lounger, it cannot be beaten for its comfort level. After years of sleeping on the ground, this hammock has converted me fully! Although designed for hanging, it is built so well as to even have the option of setting up as a tent if you are in an area absent of some sort of anchors. Having spent hundreds and maybe even thousands of dollars on the newest, greatest, lightweight tents, I will never again use any other shelter!!!! Take it from me... this thing ROCKS!

 What brand of Hammock do you use?

Hennessey Hammock Expedition Asym

[bdhawk133]

Just to add a little tidbit of info for those who were worried about tree damage... I was commended by two separate rangers from two separate areas (Big Bend and Carson National Forest) who stopped by my camps on patrol, for using a shelter that had practically no impact on the surroundings. Each ranger spent close to an hour with me looking over the Hennessey, and even trying it out. They were amazed at how comfortable, complete, and no-impact it actually was. Before I purchased mine, I got more input than I could sort through from people on the ATF and PCT who swear by theirs, and these are people who are on the trail for 6 weeks at a time, not to mention mostly "tree huggers" themselves. Long story short, unless your trying to anchor to a sapling, there will be absolutely no damage in using this hammock.

[homerboy2u]

While watching Backpacker's video, on their webpage i saw this neat video of a review of Camping,Hammock Style maybe this could help you folks in some way.

  What i still can not coupe, is how to sleep in a banana way.....all night long.

[bdhawk133]

While watching Backpacker's video, on their webpage i saw this neat video of a review of Camping,Hammock Style maybe this could help you folks in some way.

  What i still can not coupe, is how to sleep in a banana way.....all night long.

I'm a side-sleeper, and with my hammock I can sleep as flat as I would in my own bed. I've never felt like a banana before.... 

[Undertaker]

Sleep like a banana and for a short hefty guy like me LOOK like a bear bag that should make the forest creatures happy. 

[jeffblaylock]

After experimenting with Sleepy's Hennessy, I ordered a Hennessy Ultralight Backpacker A-sym hammock. It is sub 2 pounds as advertised. I've put it up and taken it down several times since it got here last week, and it's comfortable. No banana-ing. I can lie flat, even on my side. It's been too hot here to try to spend the night in it, but I did get to look at hordes of mosquitoes thwarted by the netting the other evening. It will be going to Yosemite with me. We'll see how well it works, especially at the higher elevations, where the temps will dip into the 40s at night.

[Desertwalker]

Jeff:

I'm hoping to hike a section of the AT this Fall. Some friends told me about "hanging" and I thought the idea sounded pretty neat. So I've been researching hammocks on the web and will be buying the same hammock which you purchased. I think that I'm going buy a MacCat Deluxe tarp to use with it instead of the HH fly. The larger tarp should give more protection from rain and wind. From what I've read the MacCat tarp supposedly fits much tauter and will not flap as much in windy conditions. Nothin worse then a tarp or fly flapping in the wind.

Did you decide if you are going to use a pad?

Enjoy "hanging" in Yosemite!!

[jeffblaylock]

Still experimenting with insulation options. An inflatable pad is out. I may just use a car windshield reflector thingy.

[bdhawk133]

Hey Jeff and Desertwalker,
Be sure and order the snakeskins for your hammock..... they are definitely worth the $... also, when hiking through rainy country, the funnels are a must also!!

[Desertwalker]

Thanks for the advice on the snakeskins. I'll be sure to do that.

[Desertwalker]

Still experimenting with insulation options. An inflatable pad is out. I may just use a car windshield reflector thingy.

I'm looking at a evazote pad from Gossamer Gear. It's about 60"x40" and about 1/4 inch thick. It's about 8 oz. but I've read that it can be cut to be more tapered, wider at top and narrower at feet, which could shave a few ounces off.

[bdhawk133]

Still experimenting with insulation options. An inflatable pad is out. I may just use a car windshield reflector thingy.

A little advice..... I tried several variations for insulation while in the backyard, but it wasn't until I got out into nature that I finally made up my mind. Although akward at first, I finally ended up using an inflateable.... Two reasons: 1)In the event that you find yourself in an area that lacks two anchoring points and you end up having to set up your hammock as a tent, it is going to be really nice to have something other than rocks to lay on. I didn't want to have to carry insulation and a ground pad so that I could save weight... 2) Most importantly.... through my experience with a windshield visor, a fleece blanket, and a ground pad in 15-25 degree weather, I found that the ground pad makes for a much more comfortable (warm) night! If your not using the inflateable because of its akwardness.... hold your tongue just right and practice a night or two in the backyard. Hopefully it will grow on you and you can save the time of trial and error in the backcountry. Hope this helps!!!