Hennessy Hammock vs. ENO

**jeremy.fox50** · 01-15-2012, 18:30

Originally Posted by Rosaleen

I started with a Hennessy over 10 years ago, when the stock flies were proportionally smaller and stayed dry in some pretty wild storms. Careful pitching and tarp adjustment were key.

I have a Hex and only use it when car camping, as I value weight and bulk savings over more room under the tarp. The tarp shaped to match the hammock helps with air flow, which is extra important in the summer. The bottom-entry is great for summer for quick escape from bugs or rain and fast exits for bio breaks. If you do more winter camping, you MAY want the side-zip which can make dealing with bottom insulation easier.

I haven't tried the other brands.

How long do people wait out storms? Hiking in simple rain isn't a big deal unless I'm negotiating slippery rocks. Throw in heavy winds, hail, or lightning, we have a different story, but they usually pass within an hour or two.

Regards,

Thanks, I think if the stock tarp keeps you dry in tough storms, I'll go with it. As for the bottom entry vs. side entry, it seemed to me that the bottom entry was way cooler than the side, but that the side was simply more practical. Also, it seemed that with the bottom, your feet could slip out. Is that an irrational fear?

As for me, I'll hike in most weather and just throw a pack cover over my bag. I dry a lot easier than my gear, so I don't mind getting wet. What I HATE is trying to sleep in a tent that's wet, as my sleeping bag gets wet. I can only imagine that a hammock would be worse, as there would not be a dry side to move over too.

**jeremy.fox50** · 01-15-2012, 18:39

Originally Posted by nothermark

You really should try a Hennessy bottom entry before buying. I'll take it over a side entry any time. OTOH from the number of folks pushing the zipper model there folks with other preferences. YMMV. ;-)

Why bottom over side? It seems to me that your feet could slip out in a bottom entry!

**jeremy.fox50** · 01-15-2012, 18:39

Originally Posted by deadeye

My first hammock was the HH UL Backpacker Asym. I used everything stock, and it was a great set up. The fly looks small, but kept the hammock dry in some pretty nasty weather. the whole kit 'n kaboodle came in at about 2 pounds. I even like the bottom entry.

Some days, I don't know why I sold it, but I'm very happy with my WBBB!

Haha what's the WBBB?

**jeremy.fox50** · 01-15-2012, 18:41

I think that sounds like a great way to improve the ENO. If I were to keep it, that's what I would do.

As for the bug net, it seems to me that the advantages would far outweigh the disadvantages. In fact, that is one of the main reasons I want to switch to the HH. That and the integrated ridgeline

**Bubba** · 01-15-2012, 19:35

Originally Posted by jeremy.fox50

Haha what's the WBBB?

Warbonnet Blackbird. Made by forum member Warbonnetguy. Its perhaps the most popular and most recommended hammock here.

**Matt65** · 01-15-2012, 20:20

I love my ENO Double.

I got mine for $35. I have been in the Hennessy. In my opinion the price vs. value ratio is highest with the ENO. I run whoopie with spike hitch to webbing.

uploadfromtaptalk1326676861206.jpg

**shhQuiet** · 01-15-2012, 22:09

Originally Posted by jeremy.fox50

As for the bottom entry vs. side entry, it seemed to me that the bottom entry was way cooler than the side, but that the side was simply more practical. Also, it seemed that with the bottom, your feet could slip out. Is that an irrational fear?

Yes, your feet won't slip out, don't worry. I have the bottom entry and it is fine for me, but when the supershelter insulation is on it, it is a little bit of a hassle, since you have to push the foam pad and mylar sheet off to the side to get in and out, and adjusting it back once you get in can be a pain.

Summertime, I have no issues with the bottom entry, but if you want to stay in camp, I can see how the zipper would make using it as a chair a lot more convenient.

**dakotaross** · 01-15-2012, 22:17

Yeah, the velcro holds the bottom entry fine, with the exception of wee hour wrangling with a pad. Woke up with my feet hanging out one time after some unconcious pad wrangling had opened up the slit. Not an issue with an UQ.

**BillyBob58** · 01-15-2012, 22:50

Originally Posted by Rosaleen

I started with a Hennessy over 10 years ago, when the stock flies were proportionally smaller and stayed dry in some pretty wild storms. Careful pitching and tarp adjustment were key.

Rosaleen, was your tarp tied to the trees or did you use the traditional HH Prussick hook tarp attachment ( to the hammock suspension)?

Originally Posted by jeremy.fox50

Thanks, I think if the stock tarp keeps you dry in tough storms, I'll go with it. As for the bottom entry vs. side entry, it seemed to me that the bottom entry was way cooler than the side, but that the side was simply more practical. Also, it seemed that with the bottom, your feet could slip out. Is that an irrational fear?

As for me, I'll hike in most weather and just throw a pack cover over my bag. I dry a lot easier than my gear, so I don't mind getting wet. What I HATE is trying to sleep in a tent that's wet, as my sleeping bag gets wet. I can only imagine that a hammock would be worse, as there would not be a dry side to move over too.

You will need to know your stuff with that stock diamond tarp. Many have testified that it will keep you dry, but you definitely need to pitch it just right IMO. Back yard practice is advised. But, how are you going to keep your back warm? The HH SuperShelter, used with the stock small diamond tarp, is pretty bombproof in my experience.

I make sure I keep my hammocks dry as well as my bags, with an appropriate cover or drysack. Then you can set your tarp up 1st in the deluge, then hang your hammock under the tarp and keep it perfectly dry.

Originally Posted by shhQuiet

Yes, your feet won't slip out, don't worry. I have the bottom entry and it is fine for me, but when the supershelter insulation is on it, it is a little bit of a hassle, since you have to push the foam pad and mylar sheet off to the side to get in and out, and adjusting it back once you get in can be a pain.

Summertime, I have no issues with the bottom entry, but if you want to stay in camp, I can see how the zipper would make using it as a chair a lot more convenient.

Even with the Supershelter on, I got so fast with that bottom entry that it was a non-issue. Still, I do like to be able to reach outside of the hammock.

**Rosaleen** · 01-16-2012, 08:32

I nearly always have the tarp attached to the hammock suspension, not tied off separately.

Using the bottom-entry as a chair is pretty easy, once you have the knack. It probably works best if the hammock is empty, but find the velcroed slit. With that as the reference point for the centerline of the hammock, fold the hammock in half, lenghtwise. Grab that center as you reach between your legs and use your other hand to push the loose fabric towards the other side you as you sit. This should keep you from accidentally sitting on the bug net, chancing damage.

Foot through slit-OK, it CAN happen, but it rarely does to me. I like to hang my hammock with the foot end just slightly raised. It helps to elevate one's feet after a long day to aid blood return and reduce any swelling. The bonus is it makes it harder for me to accidentally stick a foot out if I move around.

Zippers can get stuck or break. Pretty much everything we do has some trade-off between features/disadvantages. HYOH!

Regards,