Comfort: Hennessey vs Clark

**Jsaults** · 07-16-2010, 12:27

I have been using Hennesseys for...hmmm....at least seven or eight years now. Had one of the original symmetrical versions.

I have always found them to be very comfy, especially the asym explorer model. Great for a "big guy". But recently I have become intrigued by Clark Jungle Hammocks. I rather like their complete system approach, like the pockets, like the built-in weather shield.

My question to anyone who is experienced with numerous manufacturers is: Can one sleep comfortably on their side in a Clark (200 series)?

I cannot sleep well on my back, and for that reason I love the HH's design allowing side-sleeping. I would hate to invest in a CLark and find that the fetal position is impossible.

Jim

**bigbamaguy** · 07-16-2010, 13:31

jsaults:
I have the NX-200 and like yourself I am a larger hammocker. I have found that I can only get comfortable on my back. I have tried the side sleeping, fetal position and have not been able to get comfortable. When I am on my side I get the "banana" feeling, that is comfortable when I am on my back, and this is not very comfortable. I don't like to sleep on my side with my head even with my feet and by abdomen/backside sagging below. They are great hammocks and I will buy another one if I ever wear this one out, but they are not made for side sleeping in my opinion.

**Jsaults** · 07-16-2010, 13:43

I sort of suspected that was the case.

Truth be, I get to looking at new equipment and start trying to convince myself that "Yeah, I need one of those! And they are only 1/5 the price of a new canoe!"

Now, if you had said that the Clark was the most comfortable sleep you had ever experienced......... I would have been severly tempted to order one.

Thanks.

Jim

**Cannibal** · 07-16-2010, 13:46

Just to mess-up a perfectly good answer, I'm the opposite in the Clarks. On my side, or fetal, are the only comfortable positions I can find in them. I'm 6' and 230ish (this week). Find one to try before you write them off. While they don't fit me all that well, others of similar size and build are happy with their Clarks. They really are well made hammocks and I wish they fit me better.

**Riverpirate** · 07-16-2010, 14:14

I have 5 differnt manufacturer's hammocks including two Clarks and three HH and side sleeping is not possible in any of them IMO. If I had to get rid of all but one I woudl keep the Clark Tropical II. It best suits my all around needs here in Georgia.

**SGT Rock** · 07-16-2010, 14:16

I tested a Clark for a weekend or so. As I recall I only found it comfortable back sleeping.

**DFL** · 07-16-2010, 15:13

Jim
Where do you buy your canoes?

**Jsaults** · 07-16-2010, 18:40

No, not really.

A Mad River Freedom Solo in Royalex from Blue Mountain Outfitters in Marysville PA (great store).

My Bell Magic in Black/Gold came from Rutabaga in Madison Wisconsin (another great store).

We just don't have much in the way of specialty outfitters in southern WV unless you want a WW kayak.

Jim

**TinaLouise** · 07-17-2010, 05:56

What I've read about here is that with the Clarks (probably with just about any hammock) you either love them or you hate them. Also what I've read here is that most of the guys tend to veer towards the BlackBird hammock.

If you can get to one of the hammock get-togethers, you'd be able to see, touch, try-out different hammocks.

TinaLouise