buyer's remorse

Order my first hammock (Expedition) and expect to get early next week. But, I'm starting to have some buyer's remorse even before I take delivery. It seems that everyone has made modifications to their set up or has had to buy several before settling into the right fit. I am hoping its more of an issue with having access to too much information via the internet, and its just making my head spin.

Anyway, I am excited to get it and looking forward to setting the thing up sometime next week. Already planning to take it on a test run towards the end of the month along with some other new gear. Ended up also buying the Super Shelter taking advantage of their special offer.

May need to reach out this group for a little guidance on the set up.

Larry

You won't be sorry. There is too much info to ponder and I used mine unaltered for two years and enjoyed every trip. The upgrades only effect the experience with minimal change.

None of them are like.. Oh man, how could I have lived without..>X... Except for going from a tent to a hammock..

Relax and smile! It will be ok. You see lots of mods here but we don't all do them. Just those that do mod tend to post more about them.

I got my HH in the fall sale and use it almost once a week. More if you count the nap time every day or so :) The only mods I have done is to upgrade the tarp to a 10x10 (or 12 x12 for winter) and added a different ridgeline bag. I changed out tarps only because I like a "porch" to sit under. There was nothing wrong with the stock tarp. It did it's job and kept me dry.

I purchased a JRB Nest for UQ and a DIY down TQ. I will be adding some Dutch quilt clips so the Nest so it will stay around my shoulders better.

Get your HH, use it stock, then you can decided what, if any, mods you want to make.

As long you're not taller than 6 ft., the Expedition should serve you well. It was my first hammock, and it got me off the ground while I was plowing through all the information and choices on this site. It's better to be hanging than reading about hanging and trying to figure out what to buy. Excellent, affordable hammock hanging setup.

The only thing most folks say is skip the stock tarp and upgrade to the Hennessy Hex. The coverage on the stock tarp is pretty skimpy; works fine in a straight-down downpour but blowing rain it's hard to get adequate coverage, I've found.

You may eventually want to ditch the heavy rope suspension, but upgrading to whoopies is fairly easy.

Did you get bottom entry or side entry?

Thanks everyone. I think I am going to like it. Planning on a number of solo hikes this year and thinking that this is the way to go.

I got the bottom entry. Im only 5'8" so it should provide plenty of room.

Hey, Larry,

I am new to the world of hammocks as well and can understand you feelings here. As is stated here.."Hang your own hang". Enjoy it.

I am starting out with a pretty much stock Grand Trunk Skeeter Beeter Pro. I will try that for a while. It is great to see so much information here, but at the same time, I will decide what I want and when. f I run into a problem, then I am sure the folks around here will have suggestions to help, but no matter how much I read, I still need to experience things first hand and find out what I like.

Enjoy - OFG

Larry, rest easy. You choose well. I've got 4 HHs. I know it gets a little overwhelming looking at the mods folks have done but +1 on the advice from above. Use it stock for a bit and let your system come to ya. What works for or bothers one is different for another and another and another and a hole in the log at the bottom of the sea. You understand me I'm sure.

First rule of hammocks is relax...these things are fun. If you're not having fun you're probably not doing it right.:cool:

The HH Expedition is a fine hammock. Have one just like it with the btm entry.

One caveat: HH sez to set it up tight - It is better to follow the guidance her on HF and set some sag to give you the 30 degree angle from the ground to the suspension lines. With the stock setup the adjustments are a bit time consuming, which leads me to.........

Modification!

I have swapped the stock set-up for a set of Arrowhead Eq straps and buckles on Amsteel loops. Paul at AE can guide you through the mod. Makes it so much quicker to set. Oh, and make sure the foot end is a couple of inches higher than the head end so your butt settles away from the slit.

Many hangers have poo-poo'd the bottom entry, but it is the berries when skeeters are buzzing. Which leads me to .......

Modification #2!

A popular mod is to have 2QZQ add a zipper. One of these days I will do so.

Have a great hang.
Jim

I agree with a lot of what you've had said on this thread.

I used my stock HH Explorer Deluxe for over a year without modding anything at first. It worked just fine that way.

Then I started looking at making incremental changes to simplify hanging it...first went with biners/rings, which worked fine, then eventually to whoopie slings.

I too love the bottom entry for climbing into the hammock during mosquito season, or in storms where I have the tarp pitched tight to keep the wind/rain out.

But I've found that I also love having the 2QZQ mod and being able to reach in/out of the hammock on either side works well too.

Get it, use it...and as you've heard, figure out for yourself what you want to change over time...if anything.

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Originally Posted by Owl

I agree with a lot of what you've had said on this thread.

I used my stock HH Explorer Deluxe for over a year without modding anything at first. It worked just fine that way.

Then I started looking at making incremental changes to simplify hanging it...first went with biners/rings, which worked fine, then eventually to whoopie slings.

I too love the bottom entry for climbing into the hammock during mosquito season, or in storms where I have the tarp pitched tight to keep the wind/rain out.

But I've found that I also love having the 2QZQ mod and being able to reach in/out of the hammock on either side works well too.

Get it, use it...and as you've heard, figure out for yourself what you want to change over time...if anything.

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+1

I used my HH bottom entry for 2 years stock. Then moved to whoopies. It was headed to 2qzq, until I drank the Warbonnet Coolaid, never really as happy with the lay of the BB compared to my HH Explorer Deluxe. Regret selling my HH. Only reason for getting a zipper mod for me was lounging around and UQ adjustments. Would leave the bottom entry in place and use it most of the time unless lounging or doing camp chores.

We have four HH and love them. So far we have only upgraded to whoopies, new tree straps and hex tarps. My youngest has the bottom entry and enjoys being 'birthed' every morning. Lol

Like everyone said, enjoy what you got. You won't regret it and mods are generally easy, and fun.

You'll be fine, and keep your excitement going.

I purchased the same model you did for my first hammock. I did not like the looks of the fabric or the color. It sat for two years, then I listed it on Craigslist, it sold after two weeks (I did not know about Hammock Forums at the time, so Craigslist is where I sold it.

I then purchased a Explorer, I liked the color and fabric better. It is hard to know what you like until you try it out. Fabric, color, suspension and unfortunately advertising all play a part in deciding what we like.

As our taste matures we want different things. For me I want light, smaller, a certain color, I really hate the bug net, that I really wanted in the beginning. All sorts of things, that experience has shown me that I prefer.

That is why we buy so many different types of gear.

it's not a bad setup for the money ... and it's a nice First hammock ;)
i would however get the zipper mod... it makes it a whole new hammock and much easier to use with a UQ ;)

it was my first hammock as well

They're great hammocks still love mine! Whoopie slings are the best easy change, and make set up way faster, and easier with less weight. I swapped mine for about 20-25 bucks with biners and worth more in functional value to me, the rest just comes from experience in the woods and choosing what you like. Don't have to go off and customize right away, give it time to settle in.

No worries. Just learn how to do a Siberian/Evenk Hitch because it is faster and easier than Hennessy's instructions on the figure-8.

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Originally Posted by larryp09

Thanks everyone. I think I am going to like it. Planning on a number of solo hikes this year and thinking that this is the way to go.

I got the bottom entry. Im only 5'8" so it should provide plenty of room.

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The bottom entry has some distinct advantages. Being 6'1" I have always used the longer Explorer UL ( as well as many other hammocks ) and it is still a favorite. In fact, I will sleep in it tonight. If you are using the small, uber-light, 2 stake only HH tarp, you will appreciate both the HH Super Shelter with lots of extra wind and rain protection. And the bottom entry allows you to avoid scraping the tarp when it is wet from dew or fog or condensation and you have it pulled down tight in storm pitch mode. And the bottom entry is the quickest way to escape mosquitoes, IMO.

But, it is wonderful to be able to reach out of the hammock to grap something on the ground or to adjust a jacket added to the HHSS for extra warmth. So if it hasn't shipped, you might consider having it shipped to 2QZQ for a zipper mod. Even the smallest one would be very convenient just to reach out. Or, you might just want to do it later.

Just expect a learning curve and don't get discouraged. It is a very good hammock.

Have had my expedition HH for two years now and love it. I was alittle over whelmed when I discovered HF and all the mods here but just took it in stride and kept mine stock. I have just added whoopies and plan on a 2qzq mod 4 to make it easier to use during winter hangs.
Enjoy your HH.

Don't worry about it. Get plenty of good nights hanging then you'll know what you want to tweak!

I had my Explorer Deluxe 8+ years before I even thought of any modification and it served me well the entire time. The changes I made was for the conditions in which I hang. Everyone has different requirements of what they want in hanging, the first few hangs will be an adjustment to get comfortable with it after that you won't be disappointed.

I think the biggest buyers remorse is when they mod the heck out of something and then try to sell it.

There is a cadre of folks here typical of any gear group that starts planning modifications while waiting for delivery. They are sometimes more into mods than use but very vocal about "how they improved" the product that was fine to start with. These folks are always changing what they have and trying to sell off what they "fixed" so they can get something new to work on. In the meantime most users buy a product and just use it with no bad results. It's all mindset. Are you a user or tinkerer.

There are also folks very vocal about certain changes like adding whoopee's. Some folks like them and some do not. Ditto straps. Ditto knots. You need to figure out where you fall out. The good news is that for suspension mods buy a couple of descender rings or use a couple of biners if you have them and just tie the hennesy line to them close the the hammock body. Attach any other suspension there and you can return to original with ease. Try them and live with them a bit then see if you really want them.

You can change tarps with minimal fuss. Save the original and you can go back to it if you want to.

Well done zipper mods are marketable but before I paid to make the bug net removable I would make another hammock with no bug net. Cheaper, easier, lighter, simpler etc. OTOH one of the big pains with a bottom entry is adjusting stuff in the head end peak. A ZQ mod 1 or side zip are handy.

The one thing I would only do as a last move is remove the stock suspension at the hammock. That changes everything with a very minimal weight saving. As far as I am concerned you trashed the hammock. Other folks disagree. My point is that you need to be sure what you want before you break it.

until I discovered HF. Then I branched out into modifications and other brands of hammocks!

HF is apparently the source of my discontent! :unsure:

Jim

Quote:

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Originally Posted by slipbobber

I had my Explorer Deluxe 8+ years before I even thought of any modification and it served me well the entire time. The changes I made was for the conditions in which I hang. Everyone has different requirements of what they want in hanging, the first few hangs will be an adjustment to get comfortable with it after that you won't be disappointed.

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WOW! 8 years with the same HH, and stock/original? Very impressive!

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Jsaults

until I discovered HF. Then I branched out into modifications and other brands of hammocks!

HF is apparently the source of my discontent! :unsure:

Jim

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LOL! I think there is a lot of truth in that. I've said for a long time that if I had not learned about all of these other hammocks and all the accessories to go with them, and don't forget the mods, that I would still be totally happy with my original HH Explorer UL with the HHSS. On my first two different week long trips to the mountains with that set up, I had no complaints and was thrilled with my comfort. I did some serious sleeping and managed to stay warm and dry. Not counting the first horrible night- but hey, for me there was a learning curve, and there was no one to ask out in the middle of the Wind Rivers in WY!

Still, all the rest has been a lot of fun. It is just fun for me to play with this stuff, and I have learned a bunch of little tricks here. Some of my other hammocks have had some various comfort advantages over my original, but usually at some other cost or tradeoff in either comfort or function or weight etc. My original HH and method of insulation still remains quite competitive overall.

Good stuff!

I guess its a non issue until I get a feel for what I like/don't like. And, who knows, maybe I will end preferring the rocks and the sticks over hanging from a tree. :rolleyes:

We got our first two Hennessys last summer. We have 5 now. One for each member of the family. Two of them we added descender rings and biners to. The others are still stock and will likely remain that way for quite a while. We've added one larger tarp, and will probably get another, but that's for sitting outside during the rain. We haven't had issues with the stock tarps during very heavy windy rain.

wow, I'm happy i came across this thread. I've been thinking about getting a HH for over a month now. i keep going back and forth on whether or not to start hammock camping and whether to go for Hennessy or something else. after reading everyone's post on here i have decided to go with the HH Expedition zip. with any luck i'll be picking it up by the end of may and hanging in april.
Thanks everybody

Ever tried a bottom entry?

My hh is the same as you ordered except it's zip entry. I added rings and Biners but that is it. Been hangin for almost 3 years in it and it is great for me.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by nothermark

I think the biggest buyers remorse is when they mod the heck out of something and then try to sell it.

There is a cadre of folks here typical of any gear group that starts planning modifications while waiting for delivery. They are sometimes more into mods than use but very vocal about "how they improved" the product that was fine to start with. These folks are always changing what they have and trying to sell off what they "fixed" so they can get something new to work on. In the meantime most users buy a product and just use it with no bad results. It's all mindset. Are you a user or tinkerer.

There are also folks very vocal about certain changes like adding whoopee's. Some folks like them and some do not. Ditto straps. Ditto knots. You need to figure out where you fall out. The good news is that for suspension mods buy a couple of descender rings or use a couple of biners if you have them and just tie the hennesy line to them close the the hammock body. Attach any other suspension there and you can return to original with ease. Try them and live with them a bit then see if you really want them.

You can change tarps with minimal fuss. Save the original and you can go back to it if you want to.

Well done zipper mods are marketable but before I paid to make the bug net removable I would make another hammock with no bug net. Cheaper, easier, lighter, simpler etc. OTOH one of the big pains with a bottom entry is adjusting stuff in the head end peak. A ZQ mod 1 or side zip are handy.

The one thing I would only do as a last move is remove the stock suspension at the hammock. That changes everything with a very minimal weight saving. As far as I am concerned you trashed the hammock. Other folks disagree. My point is that you need to be sure what you want before you break it.

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Well Said!!Couldn't have said it better. I have been noticing the same thing!

I liked the bottom entry HH, but other parts of the kit didn't fix my needs.

I still think the HH is a great product and an excellent place to start. With the hammock forums you can make any improvements and modifications you need and branch out when you have a better idea of what you are looking for.

If I'm not mistaken HH still get snapped up pretty fast in the for sale thread, lots of people like them.

I have a bottom loader and enjoy it! I will admit though, that I upgraded to a Clark NX 250. I like them both. I think of the Hennessy as my summer hammock. the only mods I have done to either of them is to add Whoopie slings.

Love my hennessy. I've used the stock tarp several times, twice in moderate rain. My foot got a little wet in the rain. I bought the hex tarp but haven't used it yet. It's Huge. Once you take it out the little bag, forget getting it back in. I stuff it in one of the green bags from Walmart.
I'm 6'02 and use the expedition asym. I should have gotten the longer one, but the store didn't have it when I bought it. I haven't modified it yet, but after having it a year I think I'm going to put the Whoopie slings on it. The slings will make it easier to hang and center the hammock.

I bought an ENO, only for a winter hammock since it has no bug net. It's so much smaller packed, and I can use the hennessy hex tarp with it. But now that it's spring, the Hennessy will come out again.

Ok, I'm a big guy (6'2" and 250lb) so looking at the HHExplorer Deluxe. I like the idea of a bottom entrance, but will it really hold me? Has anyone fallen through the cracks? :)

I wish I could buy all different hammocks, because many have so many cool features, but the HH seems to be a great deal for them money, and I just got my REI dividend and a 20% off coupon...

I am planning on using my REI pad, probably with an ENO hot holder.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by cv66seabear

Ok, I'm a big guy (6'2" and 250lb) so looking at the HHExplorer Deluxe. I like the idea of a bottom entrance, but will it really hold me? Has anyone fallen through the cracks? :)

I wish I could buy all different hammocks, because many have so many cool features, but the HH seems to be a great deal for them money, and I just got my REI dividend and a 20% off coupon...

I am planning on using my REI pad, probably with an ENO hot holder.

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You would have to work really, really hard to fall out through the bottom entry. All the vendors are pretty conservative in their weight estimates and the Explorer Deluxe is listed at 300 pounds

My brother is about 6'4" and is over 270lb. He spent the night in my Expedition and loved it. Only issue he had was that he would have liked it a bit longer.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by dkurfiss

You would have to work really, really hard to fall out through the bottom entry. All the vendors are pretty conservative in their weight estimates and the Explorer Deluxe is listed at 300 pounds

My brother is about 6'4" and is over 270lb. He spent the night in my Expedition and loved it. Only issue he had was that he would have liked it a bit longer.

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That and you'd probably have to lay in it backwards...really don't see you doing that.:cool:

Quote:

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Originally Posted by cv66seabear

Ok, I'm a big guy (6'2" and 250lb) so looking at the HHExplorer Deluxe. I like the idea of a bottom entrance, but will it really hold me? Has anyone fallen through the cracks? :)

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I'm 6'-4" and 215 lbs... the Explorer Deluxe is plenty roomy, and I don't see how anyone could fall through the crack. On the HH video, Tom implies that you can just put your feet on either side of the crack and it will self open. Mine certainly doesn't do that... once the velcro is closed, I have to hand rip the velcro open to exit the hammock... I actually like this added feeling of security.

Don't let your size concern you about this hammock.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by hawghangar

I'm 6'-4" and 215 lbs... the Explorer Deluxe is plenty roomy, and I don't see how anyone could fall through the crack. On the HH video, Tom implies that you can just put your feet on either side of the crack and it will self open. Mine certainly doesn't do that... once the velcro is closed, I have to hand rip the velcro open to exit the hammock... I actually like this added feeling of security.

Don't let your size concern you about this hammock.

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6'02 and 210. Never felt like I might fall through. The split winds up below the knees when you are inside laying down. It's not all the way across the hammock. And I have to half sit up and pull it open with my hands, then stick out my legs. There's a real giving birth look and feel to it. It never looks that big outside, but very roomy inside.

We have a family member a little taller and heavier, he has used mine several times without a problem, no falls, no damage to the fabric that I can see. Yes, I am a picky person and everything looks AOkay.

It's really an interesting idea, and keeping skeeters and ice flies out is a priority!
Thanks once again for the info! Can't wait for my first hang!