Hammock Decision Hennessy vs Other
 

I'm looking at getting a hammock to use for stealth camping on my tour this summer. The way I see it most people are getting Hennesy hammocks. However while cruising the internet I came across a little different style of hammock that seems like it would work well also and is about half the cost of the hennessy. These are the GI Style Jungle Hammocks like the attached. How do these compare to the hennessy, money is a concern for me but if there is a large quality and functionality difference I will get the more expensive hennessy. The hennesy seems to use a different rain fly system, is this more effective? What other differences are there? Basically anything you can tell me is appreciated.

Try it out if you can (or just try any hammock.) The Hennessy selling point is that you sleep crosswise and get a much flatter position. I couldn't sleep in a hammock because of the bend you get in a normal one.

All soft hammocks can be slept in lying flat. Only hammocks with wooden slats at the ends can't be. I love my Hennessy and can't imagine using a different one. The entry slit is a great idea, and the rain fly keeps one bone dry. Absolutely perfect IMHO.

I also found that the Hennessy was usually lighter than the competition... if you also plan on backpacking with your hammock, this is something to consider. I just got my hammock so I can't comment much on the other features yet.

If you go to the Hennessy website they have a discount on two of the models. I got the Expedition Asym for $89. The website says something about the stiching, but it looks perfect to me.

yeah I know my assesment of half the price was ffrom that figure, the GI's are $40.

I think most people who own a Hennessy will tell you it is worth a lot more than an extra $40, especially if you have any concern about comfort, weight and convenience.

I'd say buy the Hennessy and get 'snakeskins' at the same time. They make setting up and breaking camp a breeze.

I wouldn't even consider having a Hennessy without the snakeskins.

Well I'm still deciding and would really appreciate input from anyone who has tried one of the GI style hammocks. so far it seems like the Hennnesy is getting the reccomendations though. The main thing I dont like about the Hennessy is the price figure with snakeskins $110 vs $40, I know that I shouldnt cheap out on equitment it's just that as a student I have a limited budget which I am already over and I still have to buy a hammock and panniers for sure and could definately use a new sleeping bag and a variety of other supplies. However I am trying to sell some of the bike parts I have accumulated for various projects to help pay for these supplies so I guess I'll see what comes of that and make my final decision then. I would still appreciate any and all advice on these two hammocks. Thanks

You're a student, which probably means you're still young, which probably means you haven't learned one of life's more important lessons, which is: "Buy Cheap, Buy Twice."

Get the Hennessy, it will last you for years and years, and will cost about $10 per year. I know I have wasted hundreds and hundreds of dollars buying a similar product 4 times because I wanted to "save money" by getting a cheaper one. I've learned the above lesson the hard way.

Yeah, get quality. Given yr already saving a bit re: no sleeping bag/pad.