I have taken the jump but I have questions

**Lorethian** · 09-24-2007, 16:40

Well my Hennessy Explorer Deluxe came in Friday and I had a chance to test it out this weekend. I have a few thoughts and questions.

First let me say this is the most comfortable sleep I have had while camping, but I have a few concerns with the Canopy.

The canopy seems a little small. Do you attache it to the same stakes that you attach the hammock to? I have it alligned right but as the wind picks up and it moves I think that the rain would come in if it was coming down. Do I need to make a larger canopy?

Also, I like the snake skins but I wonder if a compression bag would be a better way to go. I would love to hear opinions.

Last, anyone out there from Kansas City area? Would love to chat.

Lorethian

**angrysparrow** · 09-24-2007, 16:47

Welcome to the forum, Lorethian.

Your concerns with the size of the stock HH tarp are shared by *almost* every HH owner on this board. Most do in fact opt for a larger tarp, whether by making one (like the BlackCat method) or by getting a similar one from OES.

For storage, you should read about the BishopBag. It is essentially a stuffsack with a hole in the bottom for the suspension to run through. It might suit your likes better than the skins.

**FanaticFringer** · 09-24-2007, 16:54

Welcome,

Ditto what AngrySparrow said. I use snakeskins and I really like them.
I have a homemade BlackCat tarp that is really nice. Another option is the Sportsmans Guide 9x9 tarp. Fairly popular among some around here. Hard to beat for the price and coverage.www.sportsmansguide.com/cb/cb.asp?a=97247

**FanaticFringer** · 09-24-2007, 17:09

You might also consider holding out till this great looking tarp becomes available.
http://www.hammockforums.net/forum/s...speer+cat+tarp

**Lorethian** · 09-24-2007, 17:36

Thanks for the ideas guys, let me ask a question. The current canopy I have seems to attach easily to the support ropes for the hammock. Will these also? And, $120.00 for a canopy? Is that what I just have to live with?

Thanks again everyone.

**FanaticFringer** · 09-24-2007, 17:49

Originally Posted by Lorethian

Thanks for the ideas guys, let me ask a question. The current canopy I have seems to attach easily to the support ropes for the hammock. Will these also? And, $120.00 for a canopy? Is that what I just have to live with?

Thanks again everyone.

If your talking about the MacCat deluxe at around $120, I think it is worth the money. Great coverage. The tarps that have been mentioned should be tied directly to the trees. Not to the hammock rope. It works much better this way. The Hennessy tarp attached to the hammock will sag downwards once you occupy the hammock. It will not stay taught. Some people tie the tarp line under the hammock line so when they enter the hammock, the tarp will stay close to the hammock and taught and provide better rain/wind/warmth protection. Go here for great tarp info.www.tothewoods.net/HammockCampingDry.html

**Lorethian** · 09-24-2007, 18:16

I notice that hennessy has a "hex" tarp, has anyone had any experience with it? What is the general thoughts on its merits?

**neo** · 09-24-2007, 18:25

Originally Posted by Lorethian

Well my Hennessy Explorer Deluxe came in Friday and I had a chance to test it out this weekend. I have a few thoughts and questions.

First let me say this is the most comfortable sleep I have had while camping, but I have a few concerns with the Canopy.

The canopy seems a little small. Do you attache it to the same stakes that you attach the hammock to? I have it alligned right but as the wind picks up and it moves I think that the rain would come in if it was coming down. Do I need to make a larger canopy?

Also, I like the snake skins but I wonder if a compression bag would be a better way to go. I would love to hear opinions.

Last, anyone out there from Kansas City area? Would love to chat.

Lorethian

happy hanging to ya

neo

**sk8rs_dad** · 09-24-2007, 19:47

Originally Posted by Lorethian

I notice that hennessy has a "hex" tarp, has anyone had any experience with it? What is the general thoughts on its merits?

I have the heavier hex that is available as a "no extra charge" option when you order certain models direct. It works well for me but an ultralight camper is going to want a different model.

It's coyote brown with excellent coverage. I like the guy line pockets. Construction is good, although I had to restitch the tie loops when some over-exuberant kids went running through camp and tripped over the guy lines. I'm sure they are more than sturdy enough for any normal use.