Hennessy Hamock Supershelter Sale Feb 1 - 28

[biggie]

Looks like Hennessy is having their annual insulation sale, I'll be buying one. Should be good for the spring and early fall

https://ca.hennessyhammock.com/collections/insulation

[BillyBob58]

Looks like Hennessy is having their annual insulation sale, I'll be buying one. Should be good for the spring and early fall

https://ca.hennessyhammock.com/collections/insulation

I have now been using these, on and off, for over 11 years. In fact, I have had mine out the last couple of days. Still gets the job done. Still the only system, far as I know, that includes a wind/water proof proof layer as part of the cost and weight. Still one of the easiest to augment by placing whatever clothing not needed for sleeping down under the pad, for a very significant boost.

[psyculman]

I have now been using these, on and off, for over 11 years. In fact, I have had mine out the last couple of days. Still gets the job done. Still the only system, far as I know, that includes a wind/water proof proof layer as part of the cost and weight. Still one of the easiest to augment by placing whatever clothing not needed for sleeping down under the pad, for a very significant boost.

Same!

[biggie]

I have now been using these, on and off, for over 11 years. In fact, I have had mine out the last couple of days. Still gets the job done. Still the only system, far as I know, that includes a wind/water proof proof layer as part of the cost and weight. Still one of the easiest to augment by placing whatever clothing not needed for sleeping down under the pad, for a very significant boost.

Ordered it, excited to see how it works!

[BillyBob58]

Same!

Ordered it, excited to see how it works!

Just don't forget to use the space blanket(sb), which I think has come with it the last few years. Failing to do that has led to many a bad result over the years, though you can sometimes get away with it. But I think the refusal to do that has greatly contributed to this being the least popular bottom warmth solution here, except mybe for the wonderful PeaPod. Does anyone here use a PeaPod? LOL! If it doesn't come with a sb, I suggest you order that orange one, can't think of the name. Quieter and more durable than the others, with very little added cost, and maybe no weight added, either are 2 or 3 oz max. I finally added some tiny snaps to my pad/sb to hold that rascal in place, works like a charm. All bottom insulation(pad,clothing, etc) goes under the sb, which goes under the hammock.

I am in a never ending years long battle between my bridge hammocks and various GEs, such as my HH Exp. UL/HHSS, my original hammock. I prefer the the never, ever, ever having to even think about calf ridge/pressure or side twist, of my bridges. And ease of set up, including in most cases set up of insulation (and no concerns about perfect RL lengths or sweet spots etc), of my bridges. I prefer the way my UQs wrap around the bridge in constant contact, head to toe, with little or no thought of adjustment, and knowing I can not or it can not get out of optimum position during the night(can't slip). Also, the TQs seem easier to manage, as the V or U shape of the deeper JRB bridges seems to act like a funnel, that makes my TQ easier to keep on top of me, less room for it to go towards the sides and open a draft. Works good.

OTOH, I prefer no spreader bars to keep up with and carry, no larger tarp to try to avoid contact with the spreaders, and still the most wind and water resistant system I have(i.e. HHSS) even if used with a small tarp. I love that the wind and wind blown snow/water resistance is part of the cost and weight carried. I have been considering finally buying a 2Q UQP for my bridge, to maybe get the best of both worlds. But my UQs already weigh as much or more than my HHSS, though they are probably a bit warmer if wind can be totally blocked. I suppose they would be significantly warmer with an UQP in the wind, but that will also add about 6 ozs. Pros and cons. Always a tough decision for me when it is time for a multiday hike. But all of these systems have worked well for me.

OTOH

[dunbustn]

Hi BB58...based on experience I am a newbie hammock person, based on age not so much anyways ordered Super Shelter system on sale for my classic entry Hennessy (one of three Hennessy -underquilts on others) and am having a heck of time getting open cell foam pad specifically back into stuff sack? Any hints seeing you been playing with this system for a long time. Thanks in advance.

Lou

[BillyBob58]

Hi BB58...based on experience I am a newbie hammock person, based on age not so much anyways ordered Super Shelter system on sale for my classic entry Hennessy (one of three Hennessy -underquilts on others) and am having a heck of time getting open cell foam pad specifically back into stuff sack? Any hints seeing you been playing with this system for a long time. Thanks in advance.

Lou

Hi Dunbustin!

I bet you are having some difficulty, it is not particularly easy to do. Which is why I never do it. Well, I have done it, by stretching it out length wise and folding it- if mem serves- in thirds, then rolling it up as tight as possible.

So, it can be done, but is a hassle not worth messing with for me. When I put my HHSS on the hammock once weather cools off a bit, I leave it on until it is to hot to stand it. For as long as it is cool enough to need something for my back, I either:
1: Untie one end from the tree, and start stuffing the entire thing into my pack. Perhaps even leaving my TQ zipped up inside the hammock. Being careful to keep the under cover between my fingers and the pad, or just generally being careful not to poke a hole in the pad. But, it really doesn't harm function much if that does happen. Then, stuff other things into the pack on top of the HHSS and compress it right on down. The when ready to set up camp, I just pull one end out of the pack, attach to tree, walk pack to other tree and attach to the other tree. Now everything, both under insulation and TQ, is ready to go. Or:

2: I stuff the entire thing, TQ and all, into a large stuff or dry sack. Then I stuff that sack into my pack, compressing it as needed inside the sack, or strap it on the outside of my pack. Or:

3: I remove just the pad, and place it into a large dry sack that has some of my other "must keep dry" clothing in it, then compress that sack down as needed, and place in or strap on pack. Then, I usually have snake skins that I use to engulf both my hammock and under cover, and place in or strap on the pack.

All methods work great, and are vastly less work that trying to get that pad back into it's stuff sack, even if it can be done.

[BillyBob58]

I forgot to mention: seems like I remember some have said that this system was too bulky. If compared to a full length UQ rated to 30F or lower, and including an UQP( like the HHSS under cover ), I think they are in the same ball park:

[oldpappy]

I forgot to mention: seems like I remember some have said that this system was too bulky. If compared to a full length UQ rated to 30F or lower, and including an UQP( like the HHSS under cover ), I think they are in the same ball park

This was probably me. This is my 3rd winter using this system and I have not experimented with trying to remove and compress the foam pad.
I saw where some folks found that the Open Cell Foam Pad (OCF) is easy to poke holes in, so I try to limit handling the pad by leaving it on and rolling the entire Hammock/SB/Pad/Undercover up (tarp is kept seperate). This is somewhat bulky, but very light, and about the size of a synthetic sleeping bag rolled up. My external frame pack has a place and strap attachment for this, so this bulky but light set-up is the only method I have tried so far.
Using 'Dutch Clips' and rolling the HH/SS up (head end still attached to tree and starting to roll at the foot end) makes for a very easy set-up/pack-up in any weather.
But, I do miss using the snakeskins when setting up in the wind/rain. Let us know what works for you.
Here's the way the true expert uses it:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BJ9HZek74Sk

[oldpappy]

The SS has made my summer hammock (HH Backpacker UL) a heavy duty winter hammock system. I think BillBob58 convinced me to try it.
I supplement the SS insulation with a Jarbride 3/4 UQ or throw blanket when temps get below 40F (4.5C). Here's some info someone recently requested that may help:
The Jarbridge (or a blanket) goes between the HH Undercover and foam pad. I have a Classic/bottom entry HH, so I only connect the Jarbridge suspension at the head end. I leave the foot end float free so I can get in/out easy and the Undercover keeps it in place.

Before you get in the hammock, make sure the Jarbridge is spread out flat and in the right place for where your shoulders to ankles will be. I have to tie a 4" loop to my Jarbidge suspension shock cord to extend it to the right position. If you have a zip model and connect both ends you won't have this issue.

More FYI stuff:
Also, always use a space blanket on top of the foam pad - the SOL orange ones are much quieter than the $1 specials.
I tie the 4 corners of the space blanket to the pad suspension (where it connects to the pad) and use a couple fabric clips along the space blanket/foam pad to keep the space blanket in place.

Also, if you lay a tee shirt or towel (something absorbent) on top of the space blanket (under the hammock) it will absorb any condensation so you won't be damp.

I find that when below freezing, getting into a sleeping bag (with hood) works best. The sleeping bag bottom insulation keeps you an inch or so off the hammock/space blanket. This is enough to get the most benefit from the space blanket radiated heat as well as its vapor barrier properties. If you have a fire - a hot water bottle is my favorite trick and back-up item (there is a post on HF on using a hot water bottle).

As always - spend a few nights at home first and try various combinations - winter camping can quickly go from 'camping' to 'survival' and knowing your equipment and options can save your behind.

Here's a link to the USA price (free shipping). Great prices - I paid $100 about 3 or 4 years ago during that Feb sale.
https://hennessyhammock.com/collections/insulation