Newbie... Hyperlite v. Deep Jungle

I am new to your world, and would like to give hangin' a try. Based on my location (Florida), and the fact that we have a good amount of bugs here, I am considerin' the Deep Jungle as an option (double layer = skeeter free livin' apparently...?) I am also weighing the possibility of a Hyperlite, most notably the ability to add the super-shelter if I desire (and about one pound less weight).

Can anyone help me in my decision here... do I go Hyperlite and just add another layer or spray with permethrin when the skeeters are thick, or do I go with the Deep Jungle and add layers or retrofit something when it gets cooler...? OR do I consider a completely different model (or manufacturer) for that matter.

Certainly may end up with multiple hammocks in the future, but would like to get the most versatile that I can for starters.

FYI - the supershelter will fit the Deep Jungle, just get the correct size (# 1 for Deep Jungle; # 2 for Deep Jungle XL).

Thank you Roche. I was on the phone with HH earlier today... besides their web-site specifically stating (on the Deep Jungle description) that they recommend not going with the DJ for four-season, the sales person confirmed that as well... are they not telling the whole story?

i have a slightly used 7 month old survivor in digital camo with tarp id sell for 250.its bottom entry.pm me if interested

I used the hyperlite on the entire AT.
Not once in 6 months did I ever have a mosquito problem.
And I am not a fan of Deet or anything of the like. Just feels yucky on my skin and god knows what it does to materials. ( I did see some lettering come off a Nalgene bottle when someone who had applied Deet rub up against the bottle.)

there were maybe 2 night where the skeeters were out in droves.
But I easily made my way into my HH, and all was good. :)

Hope this helps

oh- and for FLORIDA, you might only need a ZRest from Thermarest. I used that after winter in GA. No need for an UQ.
At least, that was my experience. I made sure my tarp was pretty taut and close to me. That adds several degrees.

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Originally Posted by hanginvirgin

Thank you Roche. I was on the phone with HH earlier today... besides their web-site specifically stating (on the Deep Jungle description) that they recommend not going with the DJ for four-season, the sales person confirmed that as well... are they not telling the whole story?

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Huh, so their website does states If you are looking for a 4 season insulation system, we reccommend the SuperShelter 4 Season System with a single bottomed hammock as a better choice. I've used the SS with the Deep Jungle XL on an extremely windy trip in the Linville Gorge back in Jan/Feb. I don't think the air temp got below 30 (not what you think of for 4 season) but it worked fine. I did not use the double bubble pad in that set up.

What was HH reasoning for not combining the SS with the DJ?

It is interesting the way they talk about it on the Hennessy site. Taken from the description of the Deep Jungles on the HH site:

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Designed to be used with the new Radiant Heat Reflecting DoubleBubble Pad which attaches to "o" rings between the two fabric layers to hold the pad on the correct diagonal. Remember that even jungles can get chilly at 4:30 in the morning and surprisingly cold at altitude. If you are looking for a 4 season insulation system, we reccommend the SuperShelter 4 Season System with a single bottomed hammock as a better choice

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What strikes me as odd, is the recommendation for a single layer specifically. I wonder why? Is there a benefit to using the SuperShelter with a single layer over a double?

I have a Deep Jungle XL. Never a problem with skeeters, and I enjoy the comfort of the roominess. I'm wonderign why you would want a 4 season in Florida. The climate is a good deal like Texas and 3 season is usually good enough. If it gets down below 30* we just wait till next weekend when its going to be 50*.

FWIW, I think that you will end up wanting an underquilt before you're through. I gave up on the bubble pad that comes wcith the DJ for hiking as its just too bulky. Works OK for car camping, but something as ompressible as down or even synthetic packs easier. AHE makes one especially for Hennessey Hammocks.

If I ever do go out when its going to be around 30* or below, I an just use the bubble pad in conjuntion wth my AHE Potomac and a fleece mummy bag liner inside the hammock with a good top quilt and I an do 20-25*.

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Originally Posted by Cannibal

It is interesting the way they talk about it on the Hennessy site. Taken from the description of the Deep Jungles on the HH site:

What strikes me as odd, is the recommendation for a single layer specifically. I wonder why? Is there a benefit to using the SuperShelter with a single layer over a double?

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I've always wondered about that myself. I kinda figger its marketing of somekind, I just can't figger the advantage. Prolly sells a few extra Super Shelters that way. I'd rather use a UQ.

Great comments everyone... thank you!

The reason (at least implied) by the folks at HH were that the SS would not "fit" the DJ.... it appears that may not be the case, based upon the feedback I see here.

The reason for the four season (living in Florida) concern is that it still can get a bit cool hear in the winter season (30 - 40 is not uncommon overnight) as well as the desire to use it when I head elsewhere (BWCA in northern MN a couple weeks ago = 30* at night).

On the other hand, I was in Ocala National Forest this past July, so I am just trying to get the most bang...

Sounds like Sargevining is recommending the Potomac UQ anyway. How does that compare to the SS.... anybody?

Allow me to make a comparison of what I have and my own opinion (YMMV); info is based upon website specs without shipping charges.

SuperShelter # 2: $150 weighs 20 oz. Pros: fits like a glove on HH hammocks (get correct size for hammock length); can use on both bottom entry and zip models; can order replacement parts (under cover and under pad) in the event of "oh crap"; has keep me (YMMV) warm down to 20. Cons: bulky when compared to UQ; don't even think about trying to put back into original stuff sack - tough to do at home, fugetaboutit on chilly mornings in the woods; silnylon UC tends to get condensation.

HG Phoenix 20 (3/4 length): $180 weighs 16.7. Pros: fits most hammocks (worked decently on a netless HH Safari); can use on both bottom entry and zip models; easy to pack small; can tweak (loosen) for warmer weather. I supplement this with the 2QZQ UnderQuilt Protector: $35 weighs 8 oz. Recommend the breathable ripstop. I can leave it at home or pack it in the event of wind and/or rain. Fits most hammocks. This systems provides flexibility, is a bit more expensive, is a bit heavier when combined, packs down smaller than the SS.

Everything piece of gear / system is a trade off between cost, weight, pack size, and ease of use.

I have the Hyperlite and the DJ XL and really like both. I will use my Hyperlite for backpacking and the DJ XL for car camping and short hikes. I like the DJ XL better than the Hyperlite, because it is more versatile with the double layer. I also like the size of the DJ XL better, but the hyperlite is still very comfy.
I have the HHSS for both sizes and use it with an UQ when it is cold. I like to protect my UQ, and would get an UC if I didn't have the HHSS already. :)

bajahanger: you like the DJ better, but use the hyper for backpacking... is that because of the weight (about 1 pound if I recall), bulk, both, or other reason?

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Originally Posted by hanginvirgin

I am new to your world, and would like to give hangin' a try. Based on my location (Florida), and the fact that we have a good amount of bugs here, I am considerin' the Deep Jungle as an option (double layer = skeeter free livin' apparently...?) I am also weighing the possibility of a Hyperlite, most notably the ability to add the super-shelter if I desire (and about one pound less weight).

Can anyone help me in my decision here... do I go Hyperlite and just add another layer or spray with permethrin when the skeeters are thick, or do I go with the Deep Jungle and add layers or retrofit something when it gets cooler...? OR do I consider a completely different model (or manufacturer) for that matter.

Certainly may end up with multiple hammocks in the future, but would like to get the most versatile that I can for starters.

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If sketters is the problem, I suggest you treat the hammock with permethrin for the warm weather when your not using insulation, permethrin is an insect repellant for fabric that when used on clothing lasts through 6 washings, so used on a hammock and bug net is lasts a long time, its made by sawyer.

This way you can use which ever hammock you prefer without the concern of bugs, hope this helps

I Certainly would like the weight reduction in the Hyperlite. Does the Permethrin effect the integrity of the materials over time?

For those with Hyperlites, what do you think... how do you like them?

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Originally Posted by hanginvirgin

Does the Permethrin effect the integrity of the materials over time?

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No.
I have been a constant user of Permethrin for over 5 years now. All of my hammocks (well, most) get at least one treatment a year, including my Deep Jungles, which use the same fabric as the Hyperlites. One of my hammocks has been treated heavily for those 5+ years, no signs of harm from the Peremethrin whatsoever.

Thanks Cannibal. So, you prefer the DJ apparently?

No, I prefer cheeseburgers and funnel cake, so the Hyperlites are out. :lol:
What I like about the DJs is the fabric. If I could sleep comfortably in a Hyperlite, I'd probably be all over them. That fabric is very comfortable.

Wow... I love this forum... the more info you get, the more questions it creates.

How is the fabric different? Unfortunately I am new to this world, and haven't actually seen one, just heard good things about the HH. I am about 5'9" and 165... so I am thinkin' I could get by with the hyper...???

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The reason for the four season (living in Florida) concern is that it still can get a bit cool hear in the winter season (30 - 40 is not uncommon overnight) as well as the desire to use it when I head elsewhere (BWCA in northern MN a couple weeks ago = 30* at night).

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I personally don't consider 30-40*F four season camping, but a Floridian would probably freeze in those temperatures. That stated, when I owned a Deep Jungle I comfortably used only the bubble pad to freezing. I am a warm sleeper, so I should preface that and I prefer sub-freezing outings. I wouldn't trust the bubble pad below that.

I also only use an UQ. I sold my DJ with a heavy heart because I knew I'd never use it save car camping. As comfortable as the material is I knew I'd never use it backpacking due to the weight penalty. As I've recently lost a great deal of weight I've personally debated looking at the Hyperlite or the 1.1 oz netted hammock from another vendor. I will probably go with the competitor as I've become more accustomed to the hang of it.
Im sure you can't go wrong with either the DJ or the Hyperlite.

...oh yeah. I took my DJ to 14*F with moderate winds and a 20*F UQ and was toasty.

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Originally Posted by hanginvirgin

Wow... I love this forum... the more info you get, the more questions it creates.

How is the fabric different? Unfortunately I am new to this world, and haven't actually seen one, just heard good things about the HH. I am about 5'9" and 165... so I am thinkin' I could get by with the hyper...???

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You'd have to ask one of the fabric experts around here why it is different. Probably something to do with a higher thread count and I think the material is a polyester based, as opposed to a nylon based; just a guess on my part though.

The fabric is very soft against against the skin, it feels warmer quicker, and is obviously light in weight. Personally, I don't find the HH line to be terribly comfortable when compared to the competition. The fabric used on the DJs is what makes me a fan of that hammock model. I will tolerate the minor drop in comfort for the big gain of fabric comfort when using my DJs. Very fine hammocks. :cool:

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Originally Posted by hanginvirgin

Wow... I love this forum... the more info you get, the more questions it creates.

How is the fabric different? Unfortunately I am new to this world, and haven't actually seen one, just heard good things about the HH. I am about 5'9" and 165... so I am thinkin' I could get by with the hyper...???

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You could easily get into a Hyperlite, and I like to describe the material as "buttery soft". By far the most comfortable material of any hammock I've ever owned.

I live in North Florida and have used my Expedition in 30-40 degree nights. I just used a silver car sunshield under my sleeping bag and it worked fine. I recently did a section of the AT in Ga and the sunshield worked great at virtually no weight gain.