The Hennessy Experiment.

[headchange4u]

My thoughts had been lingering on details of the video tutorial thread when it came to mind that some of the things that need to be addressed in the videos will have to be done twice, once for a HH and once for just about any other type of hammocks. Things like using under quilts, dealing with pads, getting in your sleeping bag, even hanging the hammock are different with a HH.

It got me thinking about how many people currently own or have owned and used a HH. Wonder how many of us have had the HH influence at some point in our hammock camping experiences?

I would also like to know if you still use your HH or have you switched something else?

[Ewker]

I have laid in one and didn't like it. To much of a hassle to get in and out, to much of a hassle to get your stuff in and keep it in place. I prefer a top entry hammock.

I put my vote as used one even though I never owned one.

[Iafte]

Never been in one, seen them but never got in.

[Mule]

I am trying to sell my HH now. I have an Eagle's Nest and a Claytor Jungle. Mule

[NCPatrick]

I still own an Expedition and an Explorer Deluxe, but usually let friends or family use them. I prefer a "Speer inspired" homemade top entry, or a "Hennessy inspired" homemade top entry hammock.

[Nest]

It may be just my limited experience, but I notice a lot of people start off with Hennesseys. They are a complete package that you can hang immediately after opening the box. But then they start to drift toward top entry styles for the convenience of entry and options of going netless. Hennessey is the gateway drug to hammocking.

[Cuffs]

Own, use and like my HH Desert Rat. Havent experience all the others yet, so I have nothing to compare it to.

[BillyBob58]

I own several hammocks of both types. I still very much like my HHUL Explorer even though I like the top entry type in many ways also. It is for me the most comfortable one to lay in overall. If my netless Safari was a good bit lighter, it would probably take top honors, at least when it is not bug season. But it is a bit heavy for backpacking. I like my Speer also, but it is not quite as comfortable. But if I ever commit to the PeaPod, it will become my main hammock. Or, a Treklight or TTTM maybe, if the PeaPod will fit them.

Heck, the ones I have experience with all have pros and cons and I really like them all. But I started with and still use HH. And my SS.

[Spock]

Me, I sold my two HHs years ago because I like my homemade rigs better. They are easier to set up, easier to use, more versatile, lighter, more weather worthy and so on. But getting there was a long learning curve - not for everyone.

All in all, let's give Hennessee credit for being an innovator who has introduced hammock camping to a great many people.

The HH is an awsome piece of engineering - a turn-key, entry-level product for sure, but also great for swamp camping. (Your bedding won't fall out into the water, and the bottom entry is great when mounting a hammock from a canoe.) I can imagine it would be nice to use in Central America with all its creepy crawlies.

HH has patents on tricks that any hammocker can use, even with home made rigs. The snake skins are obvious. Less obvious is the static line that keeps the ends of the hammock at a constant distance apart so set-ups are consistent. On the other hand, the bottom entry is not for everyone for a lot of reasons; the tree huggers are tedious to use compared to using webbing straps for hanging lines; the attached net reduces versatility; fly coverage is skimpy.

[Javaman]

Started with HH and have stayed with my Explorer Ultralight with SS. Have experimented with numerous mods per threads here. I find the treehuggers with rings, 'biners and stock rope attached with a garda hitch keeps weight down and simplicity up. It's been a great "base" system to experiment on and tweak with personal preferences.