They are a little heavy, but I don't count ounces, and reliability and longevity are more important to me.
Here is mine without a tarp.
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I have the Explorer UL model, and (as I type this from the durned thing) I have virtually nothing but good things to say about it.
It's lightweight compared to other mass-produced shelter systems out there, comfortable as all get out, easy to set up (though I'll come back to this one in a moment), and it packs small.
My only complaints with the stock system follow:
- The suspension system is a pain to adjust. If you know how much line to use when setting it up in a location the first time, this won't be a problem. However, I don't want to mess about guessing at the distances and heights of my hang points every single time I set it up outside my yard. I've fixed this by swapping it out for JRB tri-glides--though, if I had to do it again, I'd probably go with the adjustable webbing suspension available from both Warbonnet and AHE (amongst others).
- The stock tarp does not work well with a side entry. It has to sit too close to the ridgeline to keep rain out for you to avoid brushing it when you get in and out. This is easily fixable by doing the free upgrade to the hex tarp (though you'll be adding weight going this route). This is one of those "it was designed as a system" problems that using a side entry instead of a bottom entry causes.
- Not so much a problem with the system, but with the instructions. I set mine up more loosely than the instructions that come with the hammock suggest. I find that this reduces shoulder squeeze, but your mileage may vary here.
Otherwise, it's a wonderful hammock (and even these niggling issues aren't enough to put me off of it), and I think that you won't be disappointed!
I am pleased with HH Explorer Deluxe with Zip. I am 6'4" at 220 pounds. I would never use a shelf as even when campign I tend to keep most things in my bear bag or in my pack, with my shoes (camp and trail), and no smellable water bottle on a piece of tyvek under the hammock.
The loft is nice for my migraine drugs and head lamp.
Oh, and I switched mine to Whoopies to use with the tree straps.
Mine still has not came in yet was hopeing it would come today but it wont be here till tuesday. I CANT WAIT...
My first hammock too, but it was the one without the zipper so i sold it to a friend who ruined it by cutting the mesh off, now hes always falling out of it. If ya go with HH get the zipper!!
You're right...I do love it!
Got my hammock back yesterday, and took it out for a short test hang in the afternoon.
Awesome work, and I can tell aready I'm going to like how much more versatile this is going to make my hammock.
My youngest (Weasel) has an expedition, and he didn't seem very interested in getting any mods done...til he saw mine yesterday! LOL.
well i got mine in... and it was GREAT! dosent beat my DIY but its super cool and comfy.
love it
Keep close to Nature's heart... and break clear away, once in awhile, and climb a mountain or spend a week in the woods. Wash your spirit clean.
- John Muir
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