User Review: Hennessy Ultralight Backpacker Asym

Hennessy Ultralight Backpacker Asym
Above: The current Ultralight Backpacker Asym, which may differ slightly from the version reviewed.

Reviewed April 23, 2001 by Forrest

Rating:
Design: Hammock with rain fly
Sleeps: 1
Ease of Setup: Easy
Weight: 1.5 lbs.
Price Paid: $157

I found this product by searching for a bivy sac on the web. I liked the idea and the price so I ordered one over the internet.

I spent two rainy nights in the Catskills and it workded like a dream. I loved the way you can tie off the hammock to one side and use the fly as a cooking shelter. The weight and little room that it takes in the pack, (it packs smaller than a loaf of bread), makes this an easy choice for three season packing in the Northeast. I brought a light opencelled pad and I was toasty at night in my bag. Getting in and out to pee took a little getting used to as you enter through the bottom and with the pad and the bag inside, it takes some manuvering bu I have it down now. I just quarter fold the bottom half of the pad and push the bad up to the head and get in. the I smooth out the pad. Then I pull the bag onto my feet and pull it on up. I experimented by draping my rain poncho over one end and created additional space out of the rain to stow my pack for the night.

Overall, the weight savings make using this as a replacement for a tent a snap. It's even lighter than a bivy and I can set it up anywhere I can find two trees close enough together no matter the terrain. And who can beat the price. That Tom Hennessey is one smart fella.