So no one likes the bottom entry models?

**kobold** · 10-27-2011, 02:38

it's more rugged; a zipper can fail, but the bottom entry has no 'moving parts'. even w/ a hh zipper mod i would keep my bottom entry intact.

**Walking Dead** · 10-27-2011, 06:09

Although I'm having the zipper mod being done, I did find that the bottom entry is easier to getting up and out. I can just shove my legs through and then sit there for a minute until I'm actually coherent and then stand up. I was always struggling to get out of the side entry only - especially if I got a leg cramp. But I miss the option of just opening the side zipper to adjust the UQ or grab something. In the warmer weather I'll use the bottom almost exclusively since I use a poncho liner as a quilt but in the cold I still use a sleeping bag (but boy do you warm up trying to get into a sleeping bag while inside the hammock!).

Zip mod = best of both worlds!

**Cali** · 10-27-2011, 06:38

Hennessey has hammocks without bugnets on sale. (October Sale) I got a Safari for $49. That is the one that I will use with an UQ. Have one with a net for hot, bug infested summer nights in the south.

May still eventually get the Zip mod.

**Gaberloonzie** · 10-27-2011, 06:43

Personally I love the bottom entry - I had purchased an Eno DN years ago and threw myself out of it trying to get in, then had problems trying to get out, I had a really bad bike accident and it took years to get my strength back in my left arm. The bottom entry is like a dream come true - no dirt in my hammock, easy to enter/exit, love hanging my footwear on a tether just outside my hammock and being able to sit comfortably and put them on. I wouldn't trade, and as far as the bug net goes you can use the "lounger" mode and be comfortable with no cover.

**captaincoupal** · 10-27-2011, 07:03

I agree with most of the folks here - I like the bottom entry, it's simple and keeps the bugs out. One thing that I haven't seen much about, but I have found that it's a little harder to keep clean, since you can't turn it over and just dump it out (fine dust, etc...). That being said, I have no problems adjusting the PLUQ and I really like the stability/reliability of the system.

My son also has a HH Scout, and since he's still short the bottom entry seems to me to be the only way that he would be able to get gracefully into his hammock, especially if we're hanging over scrub, brush, etc...

**Chard** · 10-27-2011, 08:11

Hey all,

Just throwing my two cents in...

Here's the scenario: Early spring canoe trip, temperatures just below freezing, howling winds, bottom entry HH, shock-cords of full-length down underquilt synch'd tight to eliminate any air spaces. Now add several cups of tea, some time and waking to an extreme bladder evacuation emergency.

Imagine, if you will, the ensuing panic as the trapped hanger struggles desperately, frantically clawing, swearing and praying to get past that underquilt to sweet, sweet relief.

First thing I did when I got home after that trip was install a DIY Mod4 (full-length both sides/double zipper one side) on my HH Expedition, leaving the bottom entry intact.

I now use the zippers exclusively. I left the bottom entry as an option, but never use it. I really like the ability to unzip and reach out to access gear, water or whatever. I like the ability to lay out my sleeping gear before getting into the hammock. I also find packing more efficient, as I use my unzipped hammock as a gear sling. If the bugs are really bad, I can always opt for the bottom entry, but so far, I haven't had to.

**Gaberloonzie** · 10-27-2011, 22:43

But there's always the pee bottle option....well as long as your an outtie!

**andrewallan** · 10-30-2011, 05:02

I've just added a short (~2ft) #3 zipper to my HH, just downstream from my left elbow, so I can reach out and adjust/grab/be given things. Took 45mins to do. My main issue is bugs (NZ sand-flies), so prefer the bottom entry. My home-designed tapered UQ hangs just to one side of the bottom entry, so doesn't pose any issues with egress from hammock
AA

**nothermark** · 10-30-2011, 07:42

Originally Posted by Chard

Hey all,

Just throwing my two cents in...

Here's the scenario: Early spring canoe trip, temperatures just below freezing, howling winds, bottom entry HH, shock-cords of full-length down underquilt synch'd tight to eliminate any air spaces. Now add several cups of tea, some time and waking to an extreme bladder evacuation emergency.

Imagine, if you will, the ensuing panic as the trapped hanger struggles desperately, frantically clawing, swearing and praying to get past that underquilt to sweet, sweet relief.

First thing I did when I got home after that trip was install a DIY Mod4 (full-length both sides/double zipper one side) on my HH Expedition, leaving the bottom entry intact.

I now use the zippers exclusively. I left the bottom entry as an option, but never use it. I really like the ability to unzip and reach out to access gear, water or whatever. I like the ability to lay out my sleeping gear before getting into the hammock. I also find packing more efficient, as I use my unzipped hammock as a gear sling. If the bugs are really bad, I can always opt for the bottom entry, but so far, I haven't had to.

Funny, that's how I feel about zippers. I just stick a foot through the hole and things move! ;-)