My 2 cents

I am not trying to put HH on blast just add some info for someone who is on the fence about hammock camping in general.

My first hammock ever was a HH expedition zip, I had also bought the HHSS for my bottom insulation, I also had the over cover and 20* burrow from Hammock Gear. My first hang I set out to my local woods with a light rain the temps in the mid 40s. I was back home in four hours with these take-aways.

1. I needed a bigger tarp. As i power-walked back home all i could think about was what was the biggest tarp i could purchase. The rain that did get trough was stopped by the under cover of the SS.

2. Even though there was a light rain outside the tarp I felt like there was a light rain on the inside of the hammock. The moisture build up was so much that I thought my tarp was letting all the rain through and that my hammock was soaked with rain water.

3. I am more claustrophobic than I realize. I was mostly the overcover i think but with my tq, but net, rl organizer, and overcover. All i could think about was that i was in my HH coffin.

4. I was not a fan of the one side entry being the only way to get in and out. mostly because of the first point but also to adjust the HHSS on the no zip side i had to pinch the SS fabric from inside the hammock. if my arms were longer or if i was Mr. Fantastic i would have had no problem reaching up and over the ridgeline to adjust the SS but i was dealt neither of those cards.

Most of these things are just a me issue. I think i could have not used the over cover and been fine, I had pretty much a vapor barrier jacket on so that did not help much for the sweating/ moisture control and pitched my tarp in a better fashion. My hanging buddy loves his HH explorer deluxe he has not expressed any issues to me about his setup. That was the first and last time I slept in that hammock. I have gone on a DIY binge. I wish there was a rental service for all hammocks so you can test them out before you buy. I hope that this helps out at least one person. "That's all I have to say about that."-Forest Gump.

All new things take some getting accustomed to that's where this forum comes in takes some of the trial and error away.

It's hard to even find a place that sells one brand of hammock, never mind most of them. I'm hoping to do a hammock tutorial at a local outdoors event this spring. Let people try them out. Of course, they'll be stuck trying HH since that's all we have. :)
I've never had an issue with the fly. The asyms are designed for light weight. I've been through some serious storms with it, and have yet to get wet. My wife was always worried though, so I got her the Typhoon for Christmas. You do have the option to upgrade to the Hex when you order, but that does add a lot of weight. I'm going to make a larger tarp, but just to get more coverage for sitting.
I've only ever used the bottom entry, which I am rather fond of. Watching my son get in his zip model last night I was always worried he was going to lean forward too much and flip over onto his face.
Has your claustrophobia been eased with the DIY hammock?

I would have felt claustrophobic with the overcover as well.

But like all things, hammock camping takes some trial and error (which is different for everyone).

Some of us like the integrated bug nets some of us don't. I don't... and you explained why mostly. I also didn't like waking up on the net looking at the ground.:eek: (I'm an active sleeper & it shifted the hammock around).
I use a separate net now and a plain ol' gathered end hammock. Diff things make diff people happy and it takes some trial & error to find your niche. At least the hammocks hold their value and can be sold to get back most of your investment.

I'm glad you didn't give up...It took me a while and now I'm very happy. :)

Trying out and looking and touching hammock set ups is one of the reasons I like group hangs. There is always a variety of hammocks, tarps, suspensions and tweaks. Maybe we need to coordinate a group hang/hammock show at our local outfitters. Would need lots of turtle dog stands!

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by NWOHanger

Has your claustrophobia been eased with the DIY hammock?

---

I have had no problem my my DIY. I dont have a bug net for it yet I don't know what design I will want to go with or if I even need it.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by lubbockhammockguy

I would have felt claustrophobic with the overcover as well.

---

After living in Lubbock for 18 years I feel claustrophobic everywhere I go. Especially in Europe.:scared:

BTW, Whatcha gonna do with that HHSS? Just askin.....:boggle::D

Try again without the over cover and a bigger tarp, without the over cover it will open up a lot. Even go with no tarp if possible! Nothing like stars though the trees. The bug net will fade away from thought.

FWIW - I would try it with the over cover pulled back on the head end. Do not string it through the end rope and either fold it back or roll up one side so you can see out and get some more ventilation. You are going to get condensation is a situation like that if you are below the dew point and have high humidity in any kind of hammock. Your feet do not get claustrophobic but your head does. ;-) Pitch your feet into the wind and enjoy.