Australian Noob

**Smarteee** · 03-20-2011, 04:16

G'day Everyone!

Been looking for a healthy & enjoyable outdoor hobby for years. Discovered hiking last year (More popularly known as Bushwalking here). I've been using a small tarp tent up until now. But I've always been quite intrigued by you guy's in North America and the comfortable fun I've seen posted in the videos of Shug, Professor Hammock, etc...Tried out a Hennessy at my local Outdoor Gear store last week. WOW! Took the Plunge today and bought a Hennessy Expedition Asym (The older non-zip, velcro model).

Looking forward to my first 'Hang' on a one night'er next weekend!

Would appreciate any info or special hints/tips for that model if anyone out there thinks I need to know.

Many Thanks.

Smarteee

**MedicineMan** · 03-20-2011, 04:18

best advice I can give is to go ahead and order a Warbonnet and be done with it.

**Smarteee** · 03-20-2011, 04:39

Originally Posted by MedicineMan

best advice I can give is to go ahead and order a Warbonnet and be done with it.

You can't get Warbonnets in Australia. You have to get them shipped in from the US. With the costs of an additional Tarp and the shipping it would of cost me upwards of +AUD$300 (USD$300). I'm no Millionaire, So I bought the Hennessy at my local Store for $149 (Incl. Snakeskins).

I've watched a few vids on Youtube and the Hennessy seemed a good (Cost efficient) place to start. If I enjoy 'Hanging' as much as I hope, maybe I'll save up and invest in different designs/brands....

Thanks

**Lepmeister** · 03-20-2011, 05:04

Enjoy.... and welcome.

**Rikall** · 03-20-2011, 05:23

Welcome to the forum and the world of hanging Smartee.

**MedicineMan** · 03-20-2011, 06:11

Truth is whether your hammock is made of canvas or chainmel your hanging and that's the point! You have evolved, no more slithering on the ground. Sorry I'm prejudiced toward WB but I used HH's for years.

**flatline** · 03-20-2011, 06:39

welcome to HF and hey from high point nc. +1 on warbonnet. for what it's worth, i'm on a really tight budget too, but i knew that i wouldn't be happy unless i had a blackbird. mine set me back 380us with a superfly. i am very happy that i made that choice.
i camped in the bb last night and i slept like a joey.

MedicineMan is right. hanging is the important thing, no mater how you do it.

**Smarteee** · 03-20-2011, 07:36

Thanks for the welcome Flatline, glad to be here.

The Hennessy seems really comfortable to me (I'm only 5' 7" and 80Kg). What is it about the Warbonnet that makes it a much more superior Hammock?

**flatline** · 03-20-2011, 09:27

Originally Posted by Smarteee

Thanks for the welcome Flatline, glad to be here.

The Hennessy seems really comfortable to me (I'm only 5' 7" and 80Kg). What is it about the Warbonnet that makes it a much more superior Hammock?

hey Smarteee,
i appologize, i really didn't intend to seam to demean hennessy's they are good and well respected hammocks and ear. mm got me started.
this is all my humble opinion.
i think hennessy makes great hammocks. i don't know that the wbbb is superior to hennessy, more like, it's different. most hammocks have their good and bad points. i have never slept in a hennessy so i can't speak for or against them.
when i was researching (reading on the web) what to buy for my first hammock, i nearly went with a hennessy. at that time they didn't offer a zippered entry... i checked them all out, online.
then i found HF and started reading all the mfg forums, alphabetically. after reading thru them all, i was most impressed by was the blackbird. i wish it had a removable bug net and was easier to see out of when i'm zipped in. imho, those short comings are what make it possible to have it's good points, mainly the foot box and shelf which out weigh the net and vision, for me.
i'm am currently trying to get my wife to hang with me so we can get away together. if i can get her interested enough i will order another hammock. not a bb but a switchback. the sb has the removable net and better visibility, but no foot box or shelf.
my wife would, of coarse, have her pick of the two any time she is with me. when i go solo i will have my pick of the two, i'll probably use the bb for summer (bug season) camping and the sb for cooler season with a "pod" for insulation, which would be difficult with a bb.

i think hammocks are kinda like shoes, a lot of things factor in to their purchase, but ultimately it comes down to personal comfort.

hammocks are good because they are usually attached to trees and trees are great.
i hope you have a great day in the land of Oz. i'd love to come hang there some day.

all the best,
__bob__

p.s. per Shug and gargoyle... i say vegimite sandwich!

**gargoyle** · 03-20-2011, 07:47

Welcome Smartee. Aussie's are popping up like kanga's.
I believe your fellow oz's were getting together soon (maybe this weekend), check the trip planning forum. Good bunch down under.

Enjoy.