User Review: Hennessy Hammock Ultralight Backpacker Asym

Summary

Hennessy is of the elite of hammocks.

Having slept in a Mexican hammock for a few weeks straight on vacation once, I figured that I could tolerate one as a shelter. It is a tough call whether a hammock will work for you or not, it all boils down to trying it. I am generally a side or stomach sleeper, so it has been an adjustment for me.

After a lot of reading, I went with the Hennessy Ultralight with a zipper, because of its reputation and features. By the way, the hammock forums (google it) will tell you all you ever need to know about hammocks. There is even a book on hammock camping.

The zipper is a newer feature and one that was kind of a deal breaker for me...I waited for a bit until Hennessy finally started making these, as opposed to the bottom opening. But it does make it a bit difficult getting in sometimes, mainly because you have to hang the hammock pretty high at first to account for the stretch in the cords. If you don't start out high enough, your bottom just may end up brushing the ground.

So when getting into the hammock from the side, sometimes you have to almost do a high jump maneuver (I'm exaggerating a bit, but maybe you see what I mean.) And you also have to consider the opening side when you hang the hammock...upslope as opposed to downslope would be preferable, but I've never had the opportunity to camp on a slope just yet. I admit, I have a lot to still learn about my hammock.

I have used it only in Florida so far but the very first night I used it, the temp dropped to 38 degrees! I used a Therm-a-Rest, a reflective sunscreen for a car, and a 30-degree down bag, and I was just warm enough..thank goodness there wasn't any wind. On another night, I was too cold in my 40 degree bag, and I don't think it got below 55. I didn't consider buying the supershelter mainly because I don't anticipate using it in very cold weather.

Others have pretty much said all there is to say....again, the hammock forums will answer all your questions. I look forward to using my hammock a lot more this next winter in Florida to really get a feel for it and will update my review then.