User Review: Hennessy Hammock Expedition Asym

I purchased two Hennessy Expeditions about three years ago (after seeing the display at the World Scout Jamboree in England). My wife and I have spent about 60 days in them, in both hot and cold weather.  I've got a bunch of suggestions that I think would greatly improve the product, but I can never get a return call from the company regarding these ideas.

It is important to get the ridge line very taut.  In the setup shown in the firehouse, the two anchor poles are too close together and do not allow a taut ridge line. I found it very easy to set up always less than 5 minutes, even from the very first use.  As with everything, the more you use it, the easier it gets. 

I did have problems with the tarp being insufficient, and one night during a thunderstorm it filled with about two gallons of water; I managed to get out and follow the trail to a shelter that kept me dry the rest of the night.

When I go out, in addition to the hammock, I carry a very small REI two man tent; I use this for gear storage and changing; but sleeping in the hammock is so much more comfortable than on the ground. 

Getting in and out is somewhat of a challenge, in the sense that it is hard to get into your sleeping bag inside the hammock. I've tried several approaches and have gotten it down to a method that works pretty well.

The idea is to unzip the bag (I use a mummy) and as you enter through the bottom of the hammock, sit your butt right into the open bay, slide feet in, and then pull the bag around the shoulders and zip up. Also, any items like a light, watch, book, etc, I just load into the center ridge bag and it is quite handy.  

Getting out of the hammock: I just exit through the bottom and with my feet still in the bag, I just stand up on the ground, and let the bag slip down to my ankles.

The hammock also makes a good seat when you "sit" on the top and dangle your legs over the side.  Very comfortable for eating or reading.

Overall: I'd buy more if they incorporate my suggestions for improvement. Most comfortable sleep in the wilderness, even better than an air mattress for me.

Bill Crielly (age 65)