Introduction

This article is intended for backpackers who normally sleep in a tent or under a tarp and are interested in learning more about hammock-based shelters, and specifically Hennessy Hammocks. When I first tried a Hennessy a few years ago, I found that it was very difficult to really understand how they worked from the explanations I found online at the Hennessey web site. So, in the following article I try to explain the basics in from the perspective of a non-disciple. I’ve also included an excellent video below that shows how to set up a Hennessy to complement my explanation. 

When I originally bought an Ultralight Backpacker A-Sym (31 oz.), it took me over one year of experimentation to understand when to use it as a shelter and how it is better than a tent under certain conditions. Despite the marketing,  hammocks are not functional for 4 season use, but they do have distinct advantages over tents in certain weather conditions and terrain. They also have some pretty severe limitations and so is important to match the shelter you take with your needs. I’ve had some unpleasant cold nights when I picked wrong.

The Basics

The Hennessey Hammock hangs from two canvas straps that you wrap around trees about 10 feet apart.  Each canvas strap, called a tree hugger, has loops at the end: you tie the hammock to the loops to protect the trees’ bark. The hammock has a top half made of mosquito netting and a bottom half that you lie on made of heavy nylon. The sides are sewn together to form a completely contained space that you sleep inside of. You enter the hammock from the bottom. A slit runs about a third of the way along the hammock bottom and you stand up in it so you can see out via the netting on top. You sit down on the hammock bottom at the head of the slit and raise your feet. As you do this the slit closes beneath you and seals with a Velcro strip. 

You are now lying down in your hammock. Above you is a black cord the runs the entire length of the hammock. This is called the centerline. The Hennessey comes with a little pocket that hangs from the centerline that you can put your glasses or an LED into. You can also hang other gear off the centerline like your boots, wet socks, or whatever.

To get out of the hammock, you position your feet over the slit and push down. The slit will open, your feet will touch the ground, and you can raise the hammock over your head to get out completely.

Before you go to sleep, you want to hang up your rain fly over the hammock. You can hang this over the centerline and stake down the sides or you can suspend it separately between the two trees. The degree of separation between the fly and your hammock and the direction of the wind can make a huge difference is how warm or cold you get at night. This will take some experimentation on your part, but you’ll be cooler if you have more airflow, just like in a single walled tent.

 Video Demonstration

 Temperature Range

I do not recommend that you try your new hammock for the first time if the nighttime temperature is less than 55-60 degrees F. The bottom of the hammock is a poor insulator and your sleeping bag will not provide you with much insulation because you will be sleeping on it. Hennessey Hammock sells some additional fabric and insulation layer add-ons that can extend the temperature range of your hammock. I’ve tried them all, but I prefer a product called The Nest, (see my review) from a manufacturer called Jacks R Better that makes extremely high quality quilts and aftermarket products for Hennessy Hammocks. Hammocks and quilts go hand-in-hand and you may end up reconsidering your insulation system and getting rid of your sleeping bag. I haven’t for expense reasons.

Hammocks are great for a limited temperature range. I prefer to use them in late spring through early fall. They are fantastic when it is raining and the ground is very wet. Your friends will be envious. They are also good for camping is heavily forested mountainous areas where the ground is a very hard or good campsites are hard to find. Hammocks are also excellent for stealth camping when you want to camp away from other people in a wilderness setting because they have a much lower impact on the environment than tents.

I hope this article and video provided you with valuable information. Please write to me or comment below if you have any questions or something you’d like to add.

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4. Peeing at Night - Tents vs. Hammocks
5. Choosing the Right Shelter