The Haven XL Hammock Tent offers a compelling blend of comfort and versatility for solo campers. This review delves into the details of this lay-flat hammock, examining its suitability for backpacking and car camping alike. Weighing just over 7 lbs, it's manageable for shorter trips, while the lighter Haven Spectre provides an ultralight alternative for those prioritizing minimal weight. We'll explore the Haven XL's ease of setup, its spacious dimensions, and the crucial role of its integrated sleeping pad in achieving a truly comfortable, lay-flat sleeping experience. Its robust rainfly provides excellent weather protection, and its adaptable design allows for both tree and ground setups, enhancing its usability in diverse camping locations.This comprehensive review covers key aspects, from the Haven XL's impressive features like multiple storage pockets and an adjustable lounge strap, to its performance in various weather conditions. We'll assess its strengths and weaknesses, comparing it to its lighter counterpart, the Haven Spectre, and ultimately determine if the Haven XL’s comfort and convenience outweigh its weight for different camping styles and preferences. Read on to discover if this hammock tent is the right choice for your next outdoor adventure.
Pros And Cons
- Go-to setup for solo sleeping
- Used for various trips (car camping, sea kayaking, backpacking)
- Comes with straps, whoopy slings, stakeout kit with guidelines
- Large pad (30in x 80in)
- Includes a pump (dual-use with Ridgeline lighting system)
- True Level pad for comfort and minimizing tacoing
- Pockets for storage
- Lounge strap for adjusting head height
- Rainfly for weather protection, including windy conditions
- Can be set up on the ground with trekking poles if no trees are available
- Allows for sleeping on uneven ground
- Weight (7+ lbs for XL)
- Not ideal for mega-mile backpacking (Spectre is lighter)
- May require additional puffs of air to reach desired firmness
- Pad may feel softer in cooler temperatures
- Sleeping position may not suit stomach sleepers
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Weight and Size Considerations
The Haven XL, designed for solo campers, weighs just over 7 lbs. This is a significant factor to consider for backpacking trips. However, for car camping or shorter treks, the weight is manageable. For ultralight backpacking, the Haven Spectre, a mesh version, is a much lighter alternative at under 4.5 lbs. The original Haven is also smaller and lighter than the XL but still large enough for most people under 6 feet.
The dimensions of the Haven XL pad are 30 inches by 80 inches, providing ample space for most adults. The size is a key selling point for comfortable sleeping, but affects its packability and weight. Users who prioritize ultralight travel should consider the Spectre's lighter weight and smaller pack size.
Setup and Configuration
Setting up the Haven XL is straightforward. The kit includes straps, whoopie slings for versatile tree hanging, and a stakeout kit for ground setups. The hammock features a lounge strap to adjust the head and foot positions, offering greater flexibility for different body types and preferences.
The sleeping pad, which is a crucial structural element, inflates easily with the included pump. Though adding to the overall weight, the pump also serves as a power source for the optional Ridgeline lighting system. For those wanting lighter options, the pad can be substituted for a smaller bag.
Sleeping Comfort and Features
The Haven XL's lay-flat design ensures comfortable sleeping, accommodating both back and side sleepers. The included pad, while adding weight, is integral to the system's structure and provides a comfortable sleeping surface. The True Level pad further enhances comfort by distributing weight more evenly.
Multiple pockets are conveniently integrated into the design. Large storage pockets on either end provide ample space for personal items, while smaller pockets offer places for smaller items like a phone. This thoughtful design keeps essential items close at hand for easy access.
Rainfly and Weather Protection
The Haven XL's rainfly offers excellent protection from the elements. It can be attached in multiple ways, from simple hanging to secure staking for windy conditions. The toggles provide adjustments for optimal coverage and protection, ensuring stability in various weather situations.
The rainfly's design effectively protects against wind and rain, providing a comfortable and dry sleeping environment even in challenging weather conditions. The reviewer's experiences indicate its effectiveness in strong winds and heavy rain.
Ground Setup and Versatility
The Haven XL’s versatility extends beyond tree setups. For situations without trees, the system can be configured for ground use, employing trekking poles or sticks for support. The weight is supported entirely by the ground and the pad, making the trekking poles merely structural support.
The ground setup relies on staking the rainfly to maintain the trekking poles’ vertical alignment. This method is practical for ground-based camping, provided the ground is stable enough for stakes. However, this method may not be ideal if you're unable to use stakes.
Conclusion and Overall Assessment
The Haven XL hammock tent offers a comfortable and versatile solution for solo campers. Its lay-flat design, combined with the adjustable lounge strap, accommodates various sleeping positions. The sturdy rainfly and multiple configuration options increase its usefulness in different camping scenarios.
While the weight of the XL model might deter ultralight backpackers, its comfort and features make it a worthwhile investment for those prioritizing convenience and spaciousness, particularly for car camping or shorter backpacking trips. The Haven Spectre offers a lighter alternative for backpacking enthusiasts, and the reviewer expresses eagerness to test it soon.