Hennessy Hyperlite vs. Ultralight Backpacker

[FreeTheWeasel]

Greetings,

I have been lurking here for about 3 months and I feel as though I have learned great heaping buckets about hammocks and how to use them. I really want to thank you.

I've spent the last two night sleeping in my friend's Hennessy Expedition A-sym and I am sold. I need to have a hammock.

I've spent a lot of time reading about do-it-yourself hammocks and I'm afraid that I just don't have the time to make it cost effective (money and time combined). The Hennessy seems like a decent solution that fits my needs and impatient nature.

My question: Other than the price and weight, is there any substantial difference between the Hennessy Hyperlite and the Ultralight Backpacker? Is there any reason not to buy the Hyperlite if I can afford the cost difference?

I am also toying with the idea of buying a larger tarp right away. Since it is nearly summer, I'll probably try the cheap and easy methods of insulation and worry about a more permanent and effective solution as it gets colder.

Thanks.

Geoff

[FanaticFringer]

Welcome to the site. I own both the Hyperlight and Backpacker UL.
I love them both. Besides price and weight differences, the only real difference is the hammock material. 30D threadcount for the Hyperlight vs. 70D for the BUL.
I use the Hyperlight and the BUL is used by my nephew when he goes with me.
The Hyperlight material feels almost like silk. Very soft and smooth. They both sleep about the same as far as I can tell. If I were to do a thru-hike or do many long distance hikes, I'd go with the Hyperlight for weight savings. Not sure it is worth the extra $40 on the Hennessy site. Look on e-bay for deals on the BUL. Also e-mail Hennessy and ask for their demo list. I bought my BUL this way for $99. Once you get one, I highly recommend switching the suspension system over to the highly popular ring/buckle system: http://www.hammockforums.net/forum/s...highlight=ring
Both of mine are set up this way and it makes set-up a breeze.

[FreeTheWeasel]

Thanks FanaticFringer.

I take it that you bought your Hyperlite at full retail? It isn't that I do many long distance hikes but I would like to do more in the future. I'm not going to be a thru-hiker any time soon, but, since I'm buying gear for the first time, it seems to make sense to find the lightest stuff available if price is reasonable. $40 is right on the edge between sticker shock and gear lust Whatever I get, it is is going to be lighter than my tent.

Also, to convert to the ring buckles, did you cut off the stock Hennessy rope?

[FanaticFringer]

Thanks FanaticFringer.

I take it that you bought your Hyperlite at full retail? It isn't that I do many long distance hikes but I would like to do more in the future. I'm not going to be a thru-hiker any time soon, but, since I'm buying gear for the first time, it seems to make sense to find the lightest stuff available if price is reasonable. $40 is right on the edge between sticker shock and gear lust Whatever I get, it is is going to be lighter than my tent.

Also, to convert to the ring buckles, did you cut off the stock Hennessy rope?

I kept 2 feet of spectra rope on each side after I made the cut. Then took the spectra around the rings 3 times and then tied a bowline knot. Others here use different knots. Then it's as simple as getting the webbing and carabiners. Speer is a good choice for webbing. Others like material different than Polypro. Sew a loop in the end of the webbing and your good to go. 12 feet per side is about average.
Yes I bought my Hyperlight at retail. $220 ouch........

[FanaticFringer]

What is the weight of the Hyperlight?

I looked on the Hennessy site and couldn't find any reliable information on the Hyperlight. One place has:

But there is no Extreme Light Racer on the site. There is the Adventure Racer at 15 oz. Not too sure if that is what he means.

But at another place on the site he has:



I assume he means an additional 8 oz from the ULBA which is 31 oz, which puts the weight at 23 oz.

So, does anyone know what the weight of the Hyperlight really is? Inquiring minds want to know.

The Hennessy site is a little screwy. My Hyperlight, with the stock tarp which I dont use, says 1lb.8oz on my stuff sack. That is 1 oz. more than mentioned above.

[southmark]

The Extreme Light Racer has been discontinued or rather replaced by the Hyperlight. The Extreme Light Racer was lsisted at 1 lb 4 oz. The Hyperlight is listed at 1 lb 8 oz.

Hennessy's Odds & Ends sale lists a Light Racer as:

Light Racer - racing model, not guaranteed for backpacker or general use.
[$129] 0288 - prototype, 12" narrower than standard Light Racer

[FreeTheWeasel]

I emailed Hennessy for their sale list and while I was at it, I asked if they sell hammocks without the stock fly. They do and that allows you to knock $59 off the price. Since most people seem to prefer a larger fly, this seems like a good way to purchase an expensive hammock like the Hyperlite and preserve enough money to buy an aftermarket tarp.

They have some good deals on the Ultralight backpacker A-sym but, gear head that I am, I will probably pay more for 8 oz which i'll probably never even notice anyway. Oh well. At least I know that I am neurotic and I've come to terms with it.

I must say, the email response was lightning quick for my initial email and my followup question. So far, the service is pretty good.

[locorogue]

try a byer parachute traveller. For what you described, sounds like a good fit. $20, 11oz. im not into what everybody else gets, so i tried one. Used it all summer, and im all

As forums go, youll get all the nay-sayers(usually yuppie followers), but check out the byer.

[FanaticFringer]

try a byer parachute traveller. For what you described, sounds like a good fit. $20, 11oz. im not into what everybody else gets, so i tried one. Used it all summer, and im all

As forums go, youll get all the nay-sayers(usually yuppie followers), but check out the byer.

I guess theres alot of yuppies on here then.

[Take-a-knee]

I picked up a Hennessy Expedition on ebay for $85, this is my test-bed/backporch hammock. It stays set up on my backporch and as soon as the weather cools I'll be spending most nights in it finding the lower limits of my stay warm gear. If I had to live in a hammock indefinetely, this would be the one.
UL backpackers turn up on ebay from time to time, sometimes cheap, sometimes not.
If money isn't a problem and you don't weigh more than the hammock is rated for get the hyperlite sans tarp and get a Macat Deluxe.