Hammocks
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Hammocks
I'm leaving for a 5 month tour of Europe in just over a month and weighing my options for stealth camping. I don't want to blow a heap of cash on a tent, nor do I want to deal with a lot of weight. I'm considering picking up a hammock tent allong the lines of the Hennesey Hammock (https://www.hennessyhammock.com/) - does anyone have experience with these? I'm told that in the absence of trees, ect. to hang them from they make a half decent bivvy - again, anyone have any experience with that?
Tried searching the forums for info on this, but the search function has been busted all afternoon.
Cheers.
Tried searching the forums for info on this, but the search function has been busted all afternoon.
Cheers.
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HH is IMHO is the best hammock. Before your trip I would test it because Hammocks always require a little getting used to and customization. Also you will sleep different when your in the HH then when your ground dwelling
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I like the hammock. It would seem at first glance that it would restrict you on choice of campsites , while that may be true for campgrounds it is not true if one is camping in a undeveloped area. I have found it much harder to find flat, brush free sites for a tent then to find a couple of trees the right distance apart and hanging above all the wet, rocks, brush, roots, and sloping uneven ground. It is really comfortable too. A down side is that it is harder and more involved to keep warm , not a problem though above 55 degrees or so.
try these links for more information
https://www.hammockforums.net/?
https://www.whiteblaze.net/forum/forumdisplay.php?f=104
try these links for more information
https://www.hammockforums.net/?
https://www.whiteblaze.net/forum/forumdisplay.php?f=104
#4
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How does the ground setup work? I was able to find very little info on the HH website. Does it require poles of some sort?
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The Hennesey Hammock website has some info on setting up on the ground. It does requires poles or some sort of raised support.
Keep in mind that if you are using a hammock, you usually do not take a sleeping pad as the hammock is comfortable without it. That could be a problem if you need to set up on the ground. Also, you should be aware that hammocks are best during warm weather (>65 deg F at night). Since there is no insulation below you, and the insulation in your sleeping bag will be compressed between you and the hammock, heat loss to cold air below the hammock can be a problem. There are solutions to this, but they add cost and complexity to the setup.
Finally, in some parks in the US, you cannot tie a hammock to the trees for fear of damage to the bark. I have no idea if this is a problem in Europe.
Depending on where you are going in Europe, these may, or may not, be concerns, but it's something you should consider. Perhaps someone here has experience there.
Keep in mind that if you are using a hammock, you usually do not take a sleeping pad as the hammock is comfortable without it. That could be a problem if you need to set up on the ground. Also, you should be aware that hammocks are best during warm weather (>65 deg F at night). Since there is no insulation below you, and the insulation in your sleeping bag will be compressed between you and the hammock, heat loss to cold air below the hammock can be a problem. There are solutions to this, but they add cost and complexity to the setup.
Finally, in some parks in the US, you cannot tie a hammock to the trees for fear of damage to the bark. I have no idea if this is a problem in Europe.
Depending on where you are going in Europe, these may, or may not, be concerns, but it's something you should consider. Perhaps someone here has experience there.
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I echo everything these guys are telling you. I thought about the HH hammock, but opted to buy local and have the Clark's North American Hammock. I recently used it for a four day bike tour west of Eugene, OR.
I was not happy.
Main reason, was being cold. I had known about the heat loss, but everything I tried did not make much help. I used a Big Agnes Primaloft insulated air mattress to give insulation below my Marmot down bag, and I
filled the pockets on this hammock with extra clothes to add insulation on the sides. I wore thermal underwear, and the last night I wore my bike tights, my down anorak, my wool cap. Everything! Was still very cold in the low 40's degree weather.
I also brought along some tent poles, which I used the second night and set it up on the ground as a bivy.
This did work much better.
Finally, what really bothered me was the "cocooning" effect that all hammocks display. My legs were tired after a day of pounding chip rock asphalt roads and lots and lots of hills. The last thing I needed was to have my legs constricted.
I have not given up, and will try it again when the weather is warmer, but I would have been much better served with either my Zeus Exo or my new Hilleberg Nallo GT.
If it would work, it would be so light.
Also, Hennessey offiers you "tree hugger" nylon that is supposed to protect the bark on trees. But I have been at a biker/hiker campsite along the Oregon Coast trail, where a ranger told a guy he would have to set his hammock up on the ground and couldn't use the trees.
Good luck on whatever you decide.
Lyndon
Salt Lake City
I was not happy.
Main reason, was being cold. I had known about the heat loss, but everything I tried did not make much help. I used a Big Agnes Primaloft insulated air mattress to give insulation below my Marmot down bag, and I
filled the pockets on this hammock with extra clothes to add insulation on the sides. I wore thermal underwear, and the last night I wore my bike tights, my down anorak, my wool cap. Everything! Was still very cold in the low 40's degree weather.
I also brought along some tent poles, which I used the second night and set it up on the ground as a bivy.
This did work much better.
Finally, what really bothered me was the "cocooning" effect that all hammocks display. My legs were tired after a day of pounding chip rock asphalt roads and lots and lots of hills. The last thing I needed was to have my legs constricted.
I have not given up, and will try it again when the weather is warmer, but I would have been much better served with either my Zeus Exo or my new Hilleberg Nallo GT.
If it would work, it would be so light.
Also, Hennessey offiers you "tree hugger" nylon that is supposed to protect the bark on trees. But I have been at a biker/hiker campsite along the Oregon Coast trail, where a ranger told a guy he would have to set his hammock up on the ground and couldn't use the trees.
Good luck on whatever you decide.
Lyndon
Salt Lake City
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I have had a Hennessy Hammock for a few years now, and I live and tour in Europe, so I guess I have some relevant experience. (FWIW, I think I am the only Hennessy Hammocker in Europe)
It is absolutely the greatest thing since sliced bread. I have NEVER had a problem finding a place to set it up, both in and out of campgrounds. For stealth camping, you can't find a better tool than the HH.
Another benefit that isn't often mentioned is that you are guaranteed the same sleeping position every night. And that position is SUPER COMFY!!! I don't know anything about the ground set up because I've never needed it. Europe ain't Kansas.
My tip for campgrounds: when you enter, tell them you want to look around the camp ground before you pay. Then ride around the place looking for suitable spots. If you find a suitable spot, "test" it first by pacing off the distance between the two trees, or fence posts, or building beams. For me, anything between 5 and 12 paces works.
I have more tips if you want.
It is absolutely the greatest thing since sliced bread. I have NEVER had a problem finding a place to set it up, both in and out of campgrounds. For stealth camping, you can't find a better tool than the HH.
Another benefit that isn't often mentioned is that you are guaranteed the same sleeping position every night. And that position is SUPER COMFY!!! I don't know anything about the ground set up because I've never needed it. Europe ain't Kansas.
My tip for campgrounds: when you enter, tell them you want to look around the camp ground before you pay. Then ride around the place looking for suitable spots. If you find a suitable spot, "test" it first by pacing off the distance between the two trees, or fence posts, or building beams. For me, anything between 5 and 12 paces works.
I have more tips if you want.
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Also, if the search function isn't working, enter this in Google without the quotes:
"site:bikeforums.net hennessy"
"site:bikeforums.net hennessy"
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^Man, thats some great info - thanks!
One other question - does anyone have experience with the 'scout' version of the tent? looking at the comparison sheets on their page it appears to be virtually identical to the 'expedition asym', only slightly smaller and $40 cheaper. thoughts?
One other question - does anyone have experience with the 'scout' version of the tent? looking at the comparison sheets on their page it appears to be virtually identical to the 'expedition asym', only slightly smaller and $40 cheaper. thoughts?
#10
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Becnal is not the only HH camper in Europe. I found that I have some problems sleeping on my back. You have to like that in order to enjoy the HH IMO. If you are going alone and the weather is bad it can get you some rather long evenings since it gets dark fairly early down south. Not much to do inside a hammock.
I am thinking now of buying a really lightweight tent ( for example https://www.bigskyinternational.com/S...PEXdetails.htm) in order to get more options at night. But yes it is nice to put up your HH with the snakeskins in just a few minutes just about anywhere you want. And yes scouting for a place in the camping sites is a very good idea. In France it took some time to make them understand I was sleeping in an "ammac" and had no tent.
I am thinking now of buying a really lightweight tent ( for example https://www.bigskyinternational.com/S...PEXdetails.htm) in order to get more options at night. But yes it is nice to put up your HH with the snakeskins in just a few minutes just about anywhere you want. And yes scouting for a place in the camping sites is a very good idea. In France it took some time to make them understand I was sleeping in an "ammac" and had no tent.
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Originally Posted by becnal
I have more tips if you want.
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I used to use a HH but sold it after a couple tries. I had a Exp.-A in the Desert Rat color. At one park, when I did find the right distance to hang it, the two trees wore almost too big around for my straps. I had the standard length ones so I'd advise getting the longer ones. Also when I did use it as a tent once due to no trees it was not a good experience. I had no sleeping bag and it was ackward to say the least. BUT when I did use it properly in the trees I was amazed at how well it slept even though it got a little chilly. I ended up selling it for about what I gave for it and am now going to go with a tent.
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My best tip is to use a bivy bag around your sleeping bag. Keeps any air moisture off your bag. And also, it makes it a cinch to slip one of those reflective pads (like the ones people use on their car windshields) between the sleeping bag and the bivy sack, keeping you nice and toasty warm.
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Becnal has a good idea with the bivy bag, though wouldn't it also trap moisture in?
Those survival sheets he is talking about also make a good barrier.
Though they are bulky, the old style closed cell foam sleeping pads placed inside can force out the sides of the hammock for a less confined feel. Since a pad can slip around, I had tried the Big Agnes bag/pad combo, as the Big Agnes system doesn't have any insulation on the bottom, just a sleeve for the pad, and that keeps it more in one place underneath you.
Those survival sheets he is talking about also make a good barrier.
Though they are bulky, the old style closed cell foam sleeping pads placed inside can force out the sides of the hammock for a less confined feel. Since a pad can slip around, I had tried the Big Agnes bag/pad combo, as the Big Agnes system doesn't have any insulation on the bottom, just a sleeve for the pad, and that keeps it more in one place underneath you.
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My only glitch with hammock (assuming you are going somewhere with trees), is they weigh more than similar levels of protection on the ground. A lot more in the model I have. They combine the need for shelter with the need for suspension, so what does one expect. If I could use the ultralight version it wouldn't be so bad.
If you're in Canada, you are going to have your choice of trees, and the majority of them will be owned by the crown, help yourself. If you are in europe, there often aren't trees, or they are privately owned, in many cases. I wouldn't want someone hanging from my trees in an environement where trees are rarish. So with all this fear mongering, I would love to know whether hammocking is accepted in europe?
If you're in Canada, you are going to have your choice of trees, and the majority of them will be owned by the crown, help yourself. If you are in europe, there often aren't trees, or they are privately owned, in many cases. I wouldn't want someone hanging from my trees in an environement where trees are rarish. So with all this fear mongering, I would love to know whether hammocking is accepted in europe?
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Originally Posted by LuckyLyndy
Becnal has a good idea with the bivy bag, though wouldn't it also trap moisture in?
Also, make sure you wear socks and long johns and a long sleeve cotton shirt when you go to sleep. It is chilly when you are hanging up in the air overnight. I'm never cold, but I always have a sleeping back, bivy, and "pajamas".
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Originally Posted by becnal
I have had a Hennessy Hammock for a few years now, and I live and tour in Europe, so I guess I have some relevant experience. (FWIW, I think I am the only Hennessy Hammocker in Europe)
I'm leaving today for Netherlands, Belgium and France along the North Sea Route. Typically I stealth camp with my Hennessy hammock. As stated elsewhere, you are more likely to find two trees the correct distance apart than a space with good ground for a tent.
If you are planning to use the campground route you might find a tent better as many campgrounds either don't have trees or they are there as an ornament, and they won't let you use them.
I usually stealth camp on really nice days and if it turns cold or rains, I take a B&B, have a shower and wash my clothes. I was stealthing when a gale blew up in Wales last year. I did stay warm and dry but you will need a reflective pad. The pad is also useful for reducing insect bite-through.
Ideal spots for stealth camping: Along canal tow paths, beside rail trails, near public footpaths. If you are looking for more ideas see my stealth camping articles and touring journals.
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There is a short learning curve to enjoying a hammock. You will find that if you sleep at an angle it may be more comfortable for you. If the tree is too big for your straps, just use some cord you brought and extend it. Order it from REI and if you don't like it return it. I like mine and have used it down to 18 degrees and could have went lower. The HH also makes a great chair, really more like a porch swing. That info is on their web site as well. Get creative. Think outside the box.
#19
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I still don't get how to use the HH as a chair.
#20
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Originally Posted by becnal
I still don't get how to use the HH as a chair.
it puts a lot of strain on the bug netting and allso the center ridge line is in the way. not very comfortable. i dont reccomend this but here is how i did mine. basically, I take the ridge line loose and flip the hammock if i want an open hammock, not sure if you have to be a member of hammockcaming to see these pics though.
https://groups.yahoo.com/group/hammoc...0Boys%20Stuff/
check out the first several pics.
#21
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Originally Posted by coyboy
it puts a lot of strain on the bug netting and allso the center ridge line is in the way. not very comfortable. i dont reccomend this but here is how i did mine. basically, I take the ridge line loose and flip the hammock if i want an open hammock, not sure if you have to be a member of hammockcaming to see these pics though.
https://groups.yahoo.com/group/hammoc...0Boys%20Stuff/
check out the first several pics.
https://groups.yahoo.com/group/hammoc...0Boys%20Stuff/
check out the first several pics.