Thinking about buying an Expedition Asym Zip

First off, I am a complete newbie to hammocks beyond the cheap one I have in the backyard...

Right now I am a day hiker looking to expand my horizons by doing a couple of one or two night overnights in places like the AT in Virginia (where I am from) when the weather is warmer (evening temps 50+) and traveling very light (hopefully fitting everything into a GoLite 35L Jam Pack). Ideally I would get a relatively cheap, light, package that has everything in it that a newbie like me needs to start hanging (minus insulation I guess). From the research I have done online it looks like the Expedition Asym Zip is a good choice.

Is this a relatively safe choice for someone like myself who is just getting started out?

Thanks!
Craig

Well...for something as light as possible, that's pre-made, you may want to look at the ButtInASling (BIAS) Weight Weenie Micro. It's the lightest hammock I know of (~11 oz without net for the stock set up, ~20 oz with the Buginator standard net or ~18 oz with the Buginator Nano) that has the comfort of an eleven-foot-long body. For trips where temperatures are below 50* for the low, you can leave the bug net at home. However, for summer trips, you might want to look into adding their bug net (it's an option on that page).

It'll also come out to be about the same cost as an Hennessy or slightly less, but will weigh in much lighter on trips where you don't need the netting.

If your budget doesn't reach to an underquilt just yet, I'd spring for the double layer mod, to slip a pad in between the layers and make it more comfortable and easier to use (note that this will increase the weight by about 5 oz).

If you're DIY-capable, making an hammock is one of the easier projects out there. You'll still probably come in at about the same weight as the WWM if you use the same materials and dimensions, but if you're set on the lightest hammock possible, there are a number of threads here that might be worth looking at.

Actually, that's a very good point: how tall are you and what do you weigh? That'll help determine what length hammock you want, and what fabrics it can be made of.

Welcome to the forums.

I am completely satisfied with my Hennessy. In fact I have 2 of them now, the original bottom entry and a zip. If you are close to 6' tall, or taller, I would recomend the Explorer rather than the Expedition. I am 6'1 and tested my brother's Expedition. I could have slept in it, but I would not have been as comfortable as in the larger Explorer.

The stock tarp is small, but they do work. I have spent a few rainy nights under one.

If you can get to a group hang near you to check out your options, you will not have any trouble getting people to show off their set up.

Ragnall

I to have an Expedition classic. I have enjoyed it but not my favourite. The larger Explorer i would recommend in the Hennessy line. Seems you are at a point where you can research a little, spend a bit more and buy once (many do after an all in one purchase) or possibly go with a used hammock to get a better idea of what you like.

I guess I should have mentioned I am 6' and fluctuate between 170 and 180 depending on the time of year and whether or not I am sticking to my exercise routine (as opposed to right now when I am mostly sitting around watching TV).

I am not very handy when it comes to things like sewing so don't plan on much in the way of DIY. I would prefere something that out of the box/bag can be hung up and used. Bugs will definitely be a factor so netting seems like a must have. Packing size is probably more important than a few ounces here or there as long as total pack weight isn't much more than 15lbs for an overnighter (with everything in it as I tend to over pack).

The HHs are about the only ones where the tarp is fool proof. There are clips on the rope lines that slide on a prussik, no separate rigging system for a tarp - that and the fact that the price includes the tarp does make it a great initial setup.

However, there are more modular options which are around the same cost total, but probably a better overall setup. Especially in terms of the hammock suspension, which uses the old lash to straps method which can be very tedious in making adjustments - something as a noob that you will certainly be doing. And HH is also not the lightest of setups.

Have you checked out Warbonnet and some of the other hammock makers?

I'm 6'0 around 203 pounds. I have the Expedition classic also. I really like it and I sleep in it just fine but I would like a little longer hammock. I feel like I'm too close to the ends. Maybe just a character fault on my part. :)

I have the HH Expedition and am totally happy with it. I have tweaked the suspension a bit to use biners instead of lashing and sometimes use a bigger tarp (depending on what Mother Nature is doing) but that's about it. I like the fact that the bug net is attached and it all fits together so nicely into a package not much larger than a loaf of bread. Keep in mind though, I'm not hiking with it, I'm kayaking. I used to have the bottom entry, and liked it too, but had issues with my hair getting caught in the velcro.

I'd try a bottom entry before I bought a side zip.

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Originally Posted by cvitter

I guess I should have mentioned I am 6' and fluctuate between 170 and 180....

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Just saw this... you probably want a longer hammock like the HH Explorer, and you can get by with lighter material, like the Explorer UL. That was my first one, the classic.

Let me ask, would you want a "shelter" on a dayhike, or just a hammock. Seems a shame to take a total pkg type of hammock on a dayhike when you might just want something light to lounge in. A more modular hammock setup might suit you better for going in between dayhikes and overnites, although if you don't mind hauling the whole package for the dayhike, then I suppose that's easier in some ways.

And there are plenty of net options, too, so keep that in mind when deciding on a hammock. Don't not include the BIAS hammocks (and others) just because they don't have a built-in net.

Given your size, I'd suggest going with the Explorer. I am about 5' 10" 175lbs and my expedition feels just a little bit cramped. I still use it since I have a decent amount of mod's (money) put into it, but wish I had gotten the explorer for that extra room to stretch out.

I do like that my bugnet is always with me on my HH. Seems like there are always bugs out in the evenings when/where I camp... and when there aren't bugs out, the net holds a little bit of heat in to help keep me warm.

There is an HH Explorer with the 2QZQ #4 zipper mod in the for sale thread. It is a very good price. See the post by DoctorUSA.

Thanks everyone! Can't believe how active this forum is.

Daytime lounging sounds like a great plus but my primary desire is just someplace comfortable to sleep at night out of the elements.

Sounds like I should check out the Doctor's hammock...

I have an HH Expedition Zip, but I don't use it much anymore for a couple of reasons:

1) It's reasonably comfortable, but is not in the same comfort class as a 10 to 11 ft. hammock. Not even close.
2) I despise built-in bugnets - makes me feel like a prisoner zipped up in there. You wanna get out of your hammock fast because of a leg cramp, a bladder about to burst, or an approaching critter? An independent bottom-entry, or TED-style bugnet, is a much easier escape.
3) I do most of my camping in non-mosquito weather. It drives me nuts carrying a bugnet when there are no bugs.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by cvitter

First off, I am a complete newbie to hammocks beyond the cheap one I have in the backyard...

Right now I am a day hiker looking to expand my horizons by doing a couple of one or two night overnights in places like the AT in Virginia (where I am from) when the weather is warmer (evening temps 50+) and traveling very light (hopefully fitting everything into a GoLite 35L Jam Pack). Ideally I would get a relatively cheap, light, package that has everything in it that a newbie like me needs to start hanging (minus insulation I guess). From the research I have done online it looks like the Expedition Asym Zip is a good choice.

Is this a relatively safe choice for someone like myself who is just getting started out?

Thanks!
Craig

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Id probably go with the Explorer Deluxe instead of the Expedition. The extra length will give someone with your height, a bit more comfort. You will be able to achieve a flatter lay with the larger hammock. I went with my HH for my first and I am still using it. I dont have nearly the experience as many of the other members have here but I am pretty happy so far.

Well now I am thinking if I get an HH it will be the Explorer Ultralite Asym Zip.

I probably need to spend quite a bit more time doing research on comparable models out there on the market though. I don't really have a looming deadline as the weather isn't going to be warm enough (for me) until May at the earliest unless I start further south.

LOL, spending way too much time researching this right now... found the Northwoods Wolf Hammock (http://northwoodshammock.com/?wpsc-product=bear-hammock) which looks promising at 20.5 ounces with a bug net (but no tarp). A good price too although I would need to figure out what to do for a tarp but that should be fairly easy (famous last words and all) right?

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Originally Posted by cvitter

LOL, spending way too much time researching this right now... found the Northwoods Wolf Hammock (http://northwoodshammock.com/?wpsc-product=bear-hammock) which looks promising at 20.5 ounces with a bug net (but no tarp). A good price too although I would need to figure out what to do for a tarp but that should be fairly easy (famous last words and all) right?

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Haven't seen that one before, looks like a real good setup, especially for that price. A decent size tarp runs around 10-15 oz and about $90-120. Another $25-50 for ridgeline and tie out packages, and stakes. My 3 favorite places to "look" are Warbonnet, Wilderness Logistics, and Arrowhead Equip., but there are others... most are listed in the Forum section for vendors.

Well, being a bit compulsive I went ahead and bought the Wolf Hammock last night after emailing with Tom at Northwoods...

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Originally Posted by cvitter

Well, being a bit compulsive I went ahead and bought the Wolf Hammock last night after emailing with Tom at Northwoods...

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Looks nice, they appear to be a brand new company. I don't see any tarps on their site. What did you decide to do for a tarp?

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Originally Posted by Hotone

Looks nice, they appear to be a brand new company. I don't see any tarps on their site. What did you decide to do for a tarp?

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I haven't selected a tarp yet. Researching my options now. Being new to this I am trying to be smart... of course I impulse bought the hammock so that will probably happen with a tarp to now.:laugh:

Well, I ended up "buying" a the HH Hex Rainfly via Amazon because I had credit enough to more than cover the cost there. In this case free won out over the additional weight. So far the hammock plus tarp combo is roughly 2.8 lbs.

I think I still need a ridgeline for the hammock and then insulation...

Quote:

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Originally Posted by cvitter

I think I still need a ridgeline for the hammock and then insulation...

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Free is always good.

I ordered a jarbige Uq from arrowhead-equipment Though it is 20oz got good reviews and is relatively inexpensive. New River full length one looks nice as well.

The have a dutched tarp ridgeline which a lot of people seem to like. Looks pretty quick and easy to set up.

I have a HH Exped Zip...great hammock. Similar to WBBB for comfort.

I really like that northwoods, its nice hammock makers are doing the good suspensions out the gate these days. The only niggle i have with the hammock that i noticed right away is that the fabric will potentially lay on you a bit and in the summer thats a no go. If only they had side tie outs like my henessy and the war bonnets. The price is nice. The weight is too. Do you guys have experience with the 1.9 nylon? I heard the heavier ones sleep flatter and don't flex much so maybe a comfort issue.

That Wolf Hammock comes with a ridge Line BTW. That looks like a nice starter hammock, and for only $50.

After perusing the site, who wants that hammock toilet?