Of course, the only reason we don't have a top option, along with the normal bottom, is because of the non-removable net. If I ever get around to cutting that part off and re-attaching with velcro or a zipper, that would be a non issue.Originally Posted by kohburn
Another thought on Food's praise of the bottom entry allowing a closer tarp pitch and the use of tiny tarps such as his poncho:
This gets back to the tarp attached to ridge line heresy. Unless the trees are really close together and fairly stout, I have always had very significant sag after hammock entry. Unless the tarp ( tied to the trees) is a pretty good size, I often end up feeling a bit expose on the ends after I get in. Bottom line is, regardless of hammock type, I have to use a bigger,heavier ( by a few ounces or more), more expensive tarp. Which is fine, I can think of several good reasons to have a bigger tarp. But saving ounces ( or, often, dollars) is not one of them. But if I attach to the ridge line, pull down tight on the ridge line into a steep storm pitch( while forcing some "pre-sag, so to speak), then tighten each end on top, and hopefully use some tarp tensioners ( only 2 needed), that rascal is pretty bomb proof. I think there is actually more rain coverage with my UL Explorer set up this way, than there is with my MacCat Deluxe tied to the trees. Reason: when the hammock sags, the tarp sags with it, leaving me snuggled well up near the roof where protection is max. Naturlaly, you get a loser tarp this way, but tarp tensioners or weighted stuff sacks and pre-sag tensioning will help a good bit with this, though never completely.
The point is: this kind of setup would be pretty difficult with top entry, though not impossible. So if you want to use a really small tarp for whatever reason, this HH design has some real advantages, as well as some drawbacks. That stock tarp, though very light, is truly inadequate when tied to trees. Which is why, I guess, you hear so many complaints about how inadequate it is. Once you lay down causing the hammock to sag(but not the tarp tied to trees), you are going to have a lot of exposure to side ways rain, even with a steep storm pitch. But when used as designed, you will have MUCH better rain protection, though you won't- no matter what you do- have the tightest tarp in the world.
For those to whom cutting ounces is of up-most importance, the HH is a really good design, and I figure it works better with that bottom entry/exit than it would as a top loader. But I usually take a larger tarp and tie to trees.
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