Saturday, May 5, 2012
Hennessey Hammocks for Camping
Hennessey hammocks are the 'Rolls Royce' of hammocks for camping. They're popular with the military and really are designed and built for heavy use and tough environments.
Hammock camping is all about comfort and Hennessey hammocks score well in the department too. If you're looking to buy a hammock for camping, hiking or any exploring or outdoor adventures look no further.
When I first saw a Hennessey hammock I thought that it would be uncomfortable. I expected the "butt-down" sleeping position which really doesn't work for me. But getting in a friend's for about a minute convinced me otherwise and I was able to find a great sleeping position. If you angle your body diagonally,you find that you are almost flat like sleeping on a bed at home!
I chose the Hennessey Explorer Deluxe A-Sym model. The "Deluxe" just means that it is longer, and somewhat more "heavy duty", for somewhat taller heavier guys like me. It's not cheap but you know it's built to last. Compared to a quality three season tent it's a bargain.
The standard rainfly didn't look like it would keep me adequately dry in the rain so I opted for the larger "Hex" fly, which they will substitute for no additional charge if you ask. They also sent a pair of SnakeSkins. As far as accessories, I bought the OverCover and the SuperShelter 4-Season Insulation System consisting of an UnderCover and UnderPad.
A hammock for camping should be a shelter not just a place to sleep at night. This serves well in the department too and has built-in mosquito netting and a rain-fly. It really is designed to completely replace a tent and a sleeping pad. Think about the weight saving benefit of a hammock because of that. And there's no tent poles to carry!
Setting up the basic hammock is easy - nothing to worry about. After a while you get used to centering the hammock and judging how far the trees need to be from each other in order for this to work out.
After tieing the end lines to the two trees using the two included nylon straps around the trees - which protect the tree pretty well - all you need to do is to similarly tie the ends of the fly to the trees and stake down the side lines of the fly.
The Hennessey Explorer Deluxe scores well in comfort, warmth and all round practical use as a shelter.
Wednesday, May 2, 2012
How to Keep Warm in a Camping Hammock
If you use a hammock for camping you need to understand some of the ways to keep warm and dry. Many people dismiss the idea of using a hammock for camping other than in very warm, dry conditions. In truth they are great for all but the most extreme conditions.
For mountain adventures and camping in extreme cold I would still recommend a four season tent. That said there are techniques for staying warm in a hammock which are very effective. If conditions really turn bad you can go to ground and use a hammock set up in other ways.
One of the obvious ways to stay warm in a hammock is to pitch it in a sheltered area. Wind chill is a major factor affecting temperature and this can often be avoided. If you are experienced in outdoor life you will understand how temperature changes in different landscapes such as areas close to rivers and lakes.
As with bedding down in a sleeping bag, insulation under the body is a basic principle. If you've ever made the mistake of sleeping with your bag on the ground you'll understand this! When sleeping outdoors in a hammock a slightly different approach is needed. A hard foam base which works well in a tent isn't ideal for hammocking as it won't flex to your body. It may keep you warm but you will pay a price in comfort.
A tarp is what's needed to stay dry in a hammock. There are many different options and the conditions will determine the type of tarp that's best. I prefer a rectangle shaped tarp but there are also diamond and square types. So long as it covers your hammock and can be secured adequately there is no right or wrong as such.
For extreme conditions such as heavy snow a more specialist approach to hammocking is required and I'll explore this later.
For mountain adventures and camping in extreme cold I would still recommend a four season tent. That said there are techniques for staying warm in a hammock which are very effective. If conditions really turn bad you can go to ground and use a hammock set up in other ways.
One of the obvious ways to stay warm in a hammock is to pitch it in a sheltered area. Wind chill is a major factor affecting temperature and this can often be avoided. If you are experienced in outdoor life you will understand how temperature changes in different landscapes such as areas close to rivers and lakes.
As with bedding down in a sleeping bag, insulation under the body is a basic principle. If you've ever made the mistake of sleeping with your bag on the ground you'll understand this! When sleeping outdoors in a hammock a slightly different approach is needed. A hard foam base which works well in a tent isn't ideal for hammocking as it won't flex to your body. It may keep you warm but you will pay a price in comfort.
A tarp is what's needed to stay dry in a hammock. There are many different options and the conditions will determine the type of tarp that's best. I prefer a rectangle shaped tarp but there are also diamond and square types. So long as it covers your hammock and can be secured adequately there is no right or wrong as such.
For extreme conditions such as heavy snow a more specialist approach to hammocking is required and I'll explore this later.
Why Use a Hammock For Camping
When I first heard about hammocks for camping I thought it was going to be another 'fad' for campers and hikers but it's become a serious option. For certain conditions I will stick to using my four season tent but for the right conditions a hammock is a great shelter for camping.
Some of the benefits of using a hammock for camping are -
A hammock is generally lighter and easier to carry than a tent. Weight and space are always a prime consideration of hikers and backpackers. There's no need to carry tent poles either!
A hammock can be pitched very quickly. If the weather turns you can literally set it up in minutes as a shelter.
There's no need to search for a level site or to clear away rocks and other debris to hang a hammock. If you're camping with a tent this is always an issue. A rock or stick on the ground can tear or damage a tent. Not only that, have you ever tried sleeping with a rock sticking in your back!
Sleeping outdoors in a hammock in warm weather is great as there is plenty of ventilation. Air can circulate and flow freely to keep you warm.
Hammocks are generally cheaper to buy than tents. If you are into backpacking and just want a cheap shelter to carry for overnight stays they are a great option.
So what about the downsides of hammocks for camping?
Well, I have yet to find a really effective way to keep warm in a hammock. In a tent you can sleep on a piece of insulating foam or other protection but I don't find this works in a hammock.
Sleeping in a hammock is something of a skill which needs to be acquired! The solution is a way of laying across it diagonally. It takes some getting used to and it's not for everyone.
You need trees or something to fix a hammock to. In certain areas this is pretty much impossible! If you hike above the tree line you may have to climb lower at night to find a place to camp for the night.
On balance I believe hammocks for camping are great so long as you aren't sleeping outdoors in very harsh weather.
Some of the benefits of using a hammock for camping are -
A hammock is generally lighter and easier to carry than a tent. Weight and space are always a prime consideration of hikers and backpackers. There's no need to carry tent poles either!
A hammock can be pitched very quickly. If the weather turns you can literally set it up in minutes as a shelter.
There's no need to search for a level site or to clear away rocks and other debris to hang a hammock. If you're camping with a tent this is always an issue. A rock or stick on the ground can tear or damage a tent. Not only that, have you ever tried sleeping with a rock sticking in your back!
Sleeping outdoors in a hammock in warm weather is great as there is plenty of ventilation. Air can circulate and flow freely to keep you warm.
Hammocks are generally cheaper to buy than tents. If you are into backpacking and just want a cheap shelter to carry for overnight stays they are a great option.
So what about the downsides of hammocks for camping?
Well, I have yet to find a really effective way to keep warm in a hammock. In a tent you can sleep on a piece of insulating foam or other protection but I don't find this works in a hammock.
Sleeping in a hammock is something of a skill which needs to be acquired! The solution is a way of laying across it diagonally. It takes some getting used to and it's not for everyone.
You need trees or something to fix a hammock to. In certain areas this is pretty much impossible! If you hike above the tree line you may have to climb lower at night to find a place to camp for the night.
On balance I believe hammocks for camping are great so long as you aren't sleeping outdoors in very harsh weather.
Monday, April 30, 2012
Hammocks for Camping Outdoors
Tents have long been the shelter of choice for most campers but hammocks for camping outdoors now give us another great option.
Hammocking as it's sometimes called started as what some people thought was just a craze. Many people now realise the advantages hammocks offer for camping and they have become well established.
You can now buy hammocks for a range of prices and it's a great cheap way to start some camping adventures.
Hammocks are much lighter to carry than most tents and take up less space if you are backpacking. Once you get used to them they are very quick to set up. Unlike pitching a tent, you don't have to worry about finding a flat, level surface to pitch a hammock.
One of the disadvantages of a hammock can be sleeping in very cold conditions. There are ways to keep warm in a hammock and I will explore those elsewhere on this site. If you have your own tips or advice please add them as contents to this 'Hammocks for Camping' blog.
After many years sleeping in tents I am now experimenting with other forms of shelter. I do sleep outside all over the world and in a range of climates so I am serious about this whole subject. In this blog I will also offer hammock reviews to help you find the best hammock for your own style of camping and backpacking.
Hammocking as it's sometimes called started as what some people thought was just a craze. Many people now realise the advantages hammocks offer for camping and they have become well established.
You can now buy hammocks for a range of prices and it's a great cheap way to start some camping adventures.
Hammocks are much lighter to carry than most tents and take up less space if you are backpacking. Once you get used to them they are very quick to set up. Unlike pitching a tent, you don't have to worry about finding a flat, level surface to pitch a hammock.
One of the disadvantages of a hammock can be sleeping in very cold conditions. There are ways to keep warm in a hammock and I will explore those elsewhere on this site. If you have your own tips or advice please add them as contents to this 'Hammocks for Camping' blog.
After many years sleeping in tents I am now experimenting with other forms of shelter. I do sleep outside all over the world and in a range of climates so I am serious about this whole subject. In this blog I will also offer hammock reviews to help you find the best hammock for your own style of camping and backpacking.
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