Ease of use of a Hennesy Scout, classic?

[Tord Hoppe]

Hey, a local retailer har a great price on a couple of Hennesy Scouts, classic model (not zip). I´m a bit reluctant though, mostly regarding how problematic it might be to adjust the kid and pad through that slit when he´s sleeping. Anyone with experience of this model? My intended kids are 6 and 8 with hammock experience from other models. How tricky is it for kids to get through that slit and into their sleeping bag?

[oldpappy]

Hey, a local retailer har a great price on a couple of Hennesy Scouts, classic model (not zip). I´m a bit reluctant though, mostly regarding how problematic it might be to adjust the kid and pad through that slit when he´s sleeping. Anyone with experience of this model? My intended kids are 6 and 8 with hammock experience from other models. How tricky is it for kids to get through that slit and into their sleeping bag?

My grand kids love it - can't fall out. We use a 36"X30" pad and it doesn't move. Youngest is 5. Scouts are pretty heavy duty - holds up well.

[nothermark]

If you really have to adjust the kid get a mod 1 from 2QZQ. Otherwise what he said.

FWIW there is no reason for the kid to get in the sleeping bag if they are using a pad. Just leave the bag open and use it like a quilt. If you really want to do something wrap the pad in a fleece blanket or make a cover with poly fleece on one side and nylon on the back.

[oldpappy]

I missed the sleeping bag question - I put a ground cloth down and help them stand in the s'bag (so they are in the s'bag but standing in the hammock 'birth canal') then assist them getting into the hammock. Soon they will figure out a preferred method on their own. I like to zip them into the s'bag to ensure they are covered up all night. My g'kids move a lot during sleep.
P.S. The hardest part is getting them to go to sleep. They are excited about hammock camping and it is hard for them to settle down. Don't expect a lot of sleep for the 1st couple hours/tries. Telling stories help.

[Tord Hoppe]

Thanks for your insight fellas. My kids aren´t new to hammocking and thoroughly enjoy it. In fact, I got told off by the youngest when I went out alone last saturday evening without them. I also prefer to use the sleeping bag closed. I´ve let them use it as a quilt once which worked well for the one that slept in a hammock with integrated bug net. The other one had a separate bug net "tube" and he woke up when the bag had fallen down from the hammock. He got everything sorted, but still. I´ve just bought the Classic so now the entire family is upgraded to hammocks with integrated bug nets. Lesson learned.

Be well!

[craigharrison]

I have a 7 year old and was going to ask the same question, a classic or a zip? I like the idea of the ease of the classic for a kid...

[oldpappy]

These are the 1/4" wide pads I use with my bottom entry HH - cut the the 1/4" Wide pads cut in half so you have 2 pads, each cover the shoulders to the birth canal.
http://gossamergear.com/sleeping/thi...b431-197831197

[Whiskeyjack]

All three of my kids hang. One in a cub zip, two in the scout classic. The youngest started at 4. No issues getting in or getting settled. I just pop my head in to make sure they're inside their bags and zipped up, and then they're off for 12 hours of sleep.