User Review: Hennessy Hammock Explorer Ultralight Asym

Summary

The 2012 HH Explorer Ultralite is both quick and easy to set up and take down, packs well, opens up terrain options that tent and tarp users wouldn't even consider. The benefits do not stop with versatility, coupled with quality insulation it affords the users comfort in both heat and cold.

As far as setup goes, find a couple of trees about 15' apart with no dead or suspect limbs above and little clutter below. Once you find your trees if you take more than 3 minutes to setup your rig, you're just lollygagging.

Take down is just as simple, and one point in particular I like is that your sleep system never, ever has to touch the ground. Raining? Pitch your tarp first, now you can set up with out getting you hammock wet! Know you're headed into wet weather, pack a larger tarp, put the tarp in Snakeskins (2 sections of elongated sock like tubular material netting or silnylon) that organizes your tarp and facilitates storage on the outside of your pack or in a smaller exterior pocket.

Using the tarp tie points on the stock hammock suspension simplifies the setup process, and the asymmetrical shape of the tarp matches the hammock perfectly, minimizing tarp size and weight while allowing setup with only 2 stakes. I've slept in the rain several times, and been high and dry every time. 

The bugnet is sewn in on one side of the hammock, with dual zippers on the other, there is a loop of velcro on the sewn side that appears to be an attempt to secure the net while rolled up, but I've been unable to use it. The tarp may be hung low on the same suspension as the hammock or raised by connecting it directly to the trees to meet any ventilation needs the weather dictates.

The hammock packs up to about 11" x 6" in the included stiff sack, that's everything for your shelter and weighs in at 2 lbs. 10 oz.  Directions are printed directly on the stuff sack for setup as well as care and maintenance.

The setup is detailed on videos available on the Hennesseyhammock.com, and are just as easy as the inventor conveys in the videos. Everything about this product equals the companies claims in writing and on their videos, and everyone I have dealt with in e-mails or over the phone have been eager to help and professional.

After a couple of months of ownership I see no reason to believe the product will not last for many years. The seams are consistent, all of the materials are just as advertised. I've used this on local trails in South Carolina for two months. I've slept in conditions from clear skies and 55° to rain and 40°, to 30° with breezes, and the low of 23° and breezy.

Modifications are possible with minimal effort and expense, so far I've cut a few ounces by removing the stock suspension and replacing with Amsteel. Modification ideas and details may be found on Hammock Forums.