Compare HH Exped w/ss to NX150
I love my hh Exped with the SS, but really have it bad wanting a NX150. However, the price is scary on the Clark. I would want to try something first that costs that much, but I don't think they do that, so your input as to comfort of the Clark and ease of use, etc. would be appreciated.:D Thanks, Shelby
I have both a HH and a CJH.
An Explorer asym and a NX-250. They are different beasts, but I am comfortable in both.
I wouldn't call the CJH a true "gathered end" hammock. The HH ends are gathered together in a "W" fold and bundled and sewn. The CJH ends are square-cut with a tunnel sewn in which accordions in as the suspension ropes are installed and snugged.
As I see it, the HH is a flat hammock, whereas the CJH is actually sewn in a 3-D shape.
I can comfortably sleep on my side in either in a semi-fetal position. Today I compared both; I could not discern a major difference in comfort.
The HH with bottom entry is fast and easy for me to enter and exit; the CJH is a bit slower. But sometimes the HH velcro seems to mesh perfetly and getting it to part with your heel is a chore.
The CJH is great when you wish to unzip and throw the netting back out of the way; The HH would need a zipper mod to be as flexible.
The CJH (at least the NX series w/spreader hoops) is quite airy inside; The HH is a bit more claustrophobic.
The CJH tarp has hook & loop fasteners on the end margins for closing it off during inclement weather; The HH tarps are more open and airy.
The pockets on the CJH add a minor amount of insulation via dead air space; The HH feels cooler on youur back in the summer.
The CJH is more expensive because it has more included feaures (zipper bug net and weather cover, under pockets) and there is more sewing involved in it's manufacture (think of sewing in 3-D). It is also domestically made. The gathered design of the HH is a simpler design to construct.
Out of the stuffsack, I consider the HH to be a superior summer hammock due to it's cooler design. The CJH can be easily equipped with OEM insulation (Z-Liner) for cooler temps, but the HH can have an Undercover and pad installed, or either can have a underquilt attached.
The CJH is probably easier to arrange a sleeping pad inside (so I hear).
So, which is the winner in my estimation? Neither! As I said, they are slightly different beasties. In canoeing circles, this would be analogous to arguing over the merits of a Bell Magic vs a Wenonah Prism vs a Placid Rapidfire. All different, all worthy. Great campfire debate fodder! I plan on using my HH in hot summer conditions and my CJH in cooler/colder temps.
Jim
Current hammock count: 2
A couple of hints about setting a Clark:
In my experience, set the foot 3-4 inches above the head so you do not slide down past the pockets, especially if tou are using the pockets with insulation.
And don't set it too tightly. If you experience difficulty sliding the zipper pulls past the "corners" then your set is too taught.
Jim