This review dives into the Hennessy Hammock, a lightweight and comfortable camping shelter perfect for backpacking and longer trips. Weighing in at only 2 lbs 12 oz (including tarp), its portability is a major advantage. The integrated bug netting and rainfly provide excellent protection from insects and rain, offering a significantly more comfortable sleep than ground-based options, especially for those with back or hip problems. Setup and takedown are remarkably quick and easy, thanks to intuitive design and clever knotting techniques, minimizing hassle and maximizing enjoyment.Beyond its convenience, the Hennessy Hammock prioritizes comfort. The asymmetrical design and adjustable suspension system, detailed with helpful visuals in the full review, contribute to a pain-free sleep. Innovative features like tree huggers protect both trees and hammock ropes, while added reflective cord enhances nighttime safety. This comprehensive review explores every aspect of the hammock, from setup and knotting to takedown and packing, providing a complete picture of its strengths and suitability for various camping scenarios.
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Setup and Key Features
Setting up the Hennessy Hammock is surprisingly quick and easy. You'll need two trees approximately 20 feet apart for optimal setup. The hammock itself is lightweight, weighing only 2 lbs 12 oz (possibly including the tarp). This makes it perfect for backpacking or longer treks.
A key feature is the integrated bug and weather protection. The hammock design keeps insects out and the rainfly provides excellent shelter from rain. It's significantly more comfortable than sleeping on the ground, especially for those with back or hip problems.
I've added orange paracord to identify the entry end. The hammock is a closed design, making entry from one designated end more convenient. Tree huggers are included to protect both trees and the hammock's ropes.
Hanging the Hammock and Tying Knots
Attaching the hammock involves using the included tree huggers. Wrap the hugger around a tree at approximately eye level, then secure the hammock rope using a special knot (detailed below). Ensure the foot end is slightly lower than the head end for comfortable sleeping.
The video demonstrates a unique knotting technique. A close-up of the knot will be shown for clarity. The knot is designed for easy adjustment and removal, minimizing wear and tear on the hammock ropes.
This method allows for easy tightening and loosening of the hammock, ensuring a comfortable and secure setup. The slip knot design makes taking down the hammock very easy. The process is simple, efficient, and avoids damaging the ropes.
Rainfly and Additional Modifications
The Hennessy Hammock comes with snake skins, protective sleeves that easily slide down the suspension ropes to cover the hammock. The rainfly attaches to the hammock lines and features clips for quick setup and removal.
I’ve added reflective cord to the suspension lines for added safety when camping with children at night. While it compromises the stretchiness for added comfort, the visibility improvement outweighs the minor comfort reduction for my needs.
The rainfly is integrated into the hammock's suspension, ensuring a streamlined setup. The asymmetry of the hammock design is intentional and key to its comfort level, preventing back pain.
Trucker's Hitch and Take Down
Securing the hammock to the stakes involves using a Trucker's Hitch. This knot provides excellent tension adjustment and is easily released for takedown.
The ease of takedown is a major advantage of the Hennessy Hammock. The Trucker's Hitch allows for quick and simple adjustments and removal, making the packing process very efficient.
The process of taking down the hammock is straightforward and quick. The snake skins are simply slid back up the ropes, and the entire system folds compactly into its carry bag.
Final Thoughts and Conclusion
The Hennessy Hammock offers a lightweight, comfortable, and convenient camping solution. Its integrated bug netting and rainfly provide excellent protection from the elements, and its innovative asymmetrical design prevents back pain often associated with traditional hammocks.
The ease of setup and takedown, combined with its durable construction and thoughtful design details, makes this hammock a top choice for campers of all skill levels. The Trucker's Hitch is a simple but very effective way to manage tension and simplifies the setup and takedown process.
While an underskirt kit is available for colder weather, the hammock itself is well-suited for a wide range of camping conditions. Overall, the Hennessy Hammock offers excellent value and performance for its price, making it a highly recommended product.
