I switched to the SuperShelter within a year due to the pain of the pad. I have no issues getting everything set now. It will be even easier with quilts once I get them. We have 4 bottom and one zip model. My middle son who has the zip does have to spend some time swatting bugs in the summer. All in all, I like the BE, although I'm making a tablecloth hammock for winter since the inside was an ice cave with the fly over it.
I have BE Expl UL...I haven't had any complaints. I agree that one of the best things about it is not having to rub up against the inside of a condensed tarp when entering/egressing.
I use a bubble windshield reflector in mine (and a half UQ if really cold...it extends just to the opening and doesn't interfere with the BE). My solution is to unfold the top half of the reflector and place in position. I then sit down on it, make sure I am positioned on it correctly, lean WAY back and unfold the rest under my legs. Takes me about 30 seconds to get set. This works best if you follow the practice of slightly elevating the foot end of the hammock.
OK then! Now you have to keep warm. As you can see from all of these posts, a pad will require practice, maybe a lot. If you go pad, consider an SPE if you can find one or this current version:Originally Posted by DRobertson
http://www.eaglesnestoutfittersinc.c...uct/A4011.html Makes life easier.
But HH makes the custom fit for BEs Super Shelter and JRB makes the Nest.
Have fun!
I have 2 Hennesey's. I took the netting off of one, mainly for cold weather use. But I did not sew up the bottom entry in case I put my hammock high and the tarp tight against.
"Courage Grows Strong at a Wound" - Stewart Clan Motto
I have tried both now and I found the bottom entry to be difficult to insulate. When my under quilt moves I simply unzip and reach my hand under to adjust it. This is not so easily done with the bottom entry. It is also more difficult to get things that are outside your hammock. It is also more difficult to close it up tight when your are outside the hammock. Not really difficult but enough that I noticed.
So as you can tell I prefer the Zip model.
I have used the bottom entry for a thru hike with no issues. I always thought it would be nice to have a Zipper to help adjust the ss or nest easer. So I had the mod done and now never use the bottom entry. I prefer the Zip !
I had a Mod 1 done by 2QZQ so I can easily unzip and adjust. Also makes it easier to add the top quilt and other things I want in my hammock. I used a pad to begin, then bought a used Nest. The only thing that I didn't like about the bottom entry was the grandaddy long legs that liked to congregate on the bottom of my hammock. I sprayed with permethrin and took care of that!I have tried both now and I found the bottom entry to be difficult to insulate. When my under quilt moves I simply unzip and reach my hand under to adjust it. This is not so easily done with the bottom entry. It is also more difficult to get things that are outside your hammock. It is also more difficult to close it up tight when your are outside the hammock. Not really difficult but enough that I noticed.
So as you can tell I prefer the Zip model.
Keep movin', keep believing and enjoy the journey!
i chose the bottom entry, because i can modify it if needed, and i love it. just came in the mail!
I got the bottom entry back around 2003/4, when it was the ONLY option. the Velcro definitely keeps the bugs out, so no worries there. However, difficulty in adjusting my underquilt once I got in caused me to think there was a better... the Zipper Queen fixed that for me... if I'd had the choice back then, I'd have gone with the zipper entry.
if you are thinking about it, look at this deal. I bought one. http://dutchwaregear.com/hennessy-ha...per-entry.html
Posting Permissions
Reply With Quote
Bookmarks