"I LOVE THIS HAMMOCK!! ... LOVE IT - LOVE IT - LOVE IT!

from the whiteblaze.net Appalachian Trail forum

Letters

Dear readers: we get many positive reports sent in by happy hammockers, and while we can't publish all of them on our website, this large collection gives you an idea of some of the things people are saying.

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AMAZON DRUG TRAFFICERS TAKE HENNESSY HAMMOCKS AND LET CAPTIVES GO FREE

Hello James at Hennessy Hammock

I was just going through some old Amazon stuff, and figured out that we somehow missed sending Hennessy Hammocks a thank-you letter!  I panicked, and thought I'd hack out an email really fast.

You guys gave us prodeals on two Deep Jungle hammocks for a 2-person descent of the Amazon River from Tamshiyacu, Peru, to the Atlantic by dugout canoe.  The hammocks were fantastic.  By the time we got the hang of it, we could have them up minutes after finding a campsite.  It also made it easier to find places to stay when we'd float up to a village in the late afternoon.  Kids would usually run out to see us; we'd ask for the teniente gobernador.  Rather than having to ask him for a place to stay, we'd say, "We're look for a safe place to pass the night; we have hammocks for camping, so if you have two trees..."  Nobody hesitated to put us up, in houses and schools--but it helped to make an offer as self-sufficient transients, rather than needy travelers.

The real testimonial, however, comes from an unlikely source.  A few days shy of Manaus, some drug traffickers grabbed us from the river, handcuffed us to the bottom of their boat.  They thought we had drugs in their territory; there was a long series of questions, punctuated by kicks, whacks from the flat side of a machete, gun barrels in our faces.  They searched all our equipment, decided we were harmless, and let us go.  They didn't take our passports, our water filter, our stove, our dry bags.  In fact, they only took four things:  our GPS, our camera, and our two jungle hammocks.  So don't take our word for it when we say the hammocks served us well; instead, listen to the professional Brasilian narcos who are now making use of them.  Those guys know what they're doing.

So, again--thanks so much for making our trip possible, and I'm so sorry this note came so late and in such a hurried form,

Logan Bingham

 

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Hello Tom

I have had the Explorer Deluxe Asym since 2009.  I am 6 foot and 200lbs. It fits me great with extra room to stretch out.  It has been in the Hills of Tennessee and more recently the Sawtooth Mountains.  I have a Kelty Lightyear 20 deg bag and use a car sun screen (the one with the bubble rap and space blanket type covering on both sides) between the bag and the hammock.  That keeps me very warm down to 32ish, the coldest night a few trips ago.  My pack was 68 lbs and now is 42. The old tent is gone, replaced by the Explorer, new sleeping bag and homemade dehydrated meals. Anyway, Love the hammock and few fellow backpackers on the trail are now sleeping in style after the grand tour of my Hennessy setup.  Thanks for the the quality product and shelter that with some treking poles and imagination can get a good night sleep anywhere.  (sorry no pics of the, above the tree line treking pole setup)

Attached are pics of the last trip to the Sawtooth Mts.

Jeremy

 

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Dear Tom,

This must be a story you've heard thousands of times over the last decade..."heard about your hammocks from a friend of mine"..."well, that seems like a CLEVER idea!"..."maybe I'll try one of those hammocks". I just bought a HH Expedition from a friend. It arrived today and two hours later I'm wondering "What the heck have I gotten into now? I made a minor change in position, found a sweet spot (several) and thought "Tom is a genius!"   Great job, and thanks. I run a small kayaking eco-tours biz in SW Florida (Easy Kayaking: Lessons and Tours). If you're ever down this way you have several free
tours to your credit (and will probably get several more hammock sales from friends of mine).

thanks again,
Terry Brawley  (Romany)

 

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From: Tom Brown
Sent: Sunday, July 10, 2011 12:48 PM
To: Hennessy Hammock
Subject: Hennessy Hammock Expedition

Just a note of congratulations to Hennessy Hammocks for designing and producing such a wonderful product. I have enjoyed the outdoors and camping for many years, and I have really enjoyed taking my new hammock out and about in the forests of Norway several time this year already. Last night was the first time I had experienced rain whilst being in the hammock (something I had been a bit sceptical about). What a wonderful surprise - I stayed completely dry and comfortable - much more so than I would have done in my more expensive ( name withheld) Tent. I'm really looking forward to using it more this year in both good and bad weather. The design is so well thought out - I am impressed by every aspect of it. Thank you!
Tom

 

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To my friends at Hennessy Hammock,  

I have to write this letter to brag about your hammocks and the comfort i get sleeping in them.
First of all, for several years i have had bad problems with my hips and shoulders when I sleep.  I tend to sleep on my side and after about an hour I seem to wake up in pain and so I turn to the other side and then after about another hour or so I wake up in pain on that side and so this goes on every night, all night.
The first time I slept in your Explorer Deluxe, I slept for the whole night without interruption and when I woke up the next morning I could not believe how I felt.   For the first time in years I actually slept all night without hurting from shoulder and hip pain.  I could not believe how great i felt just getting a deep nights rest. The way the hammock hold my body, I dont seem to feel the need to turn on my side but yet I stay very comfortable on my back. It seems to keep me at a perfect position to sleep.
Maybe some people reading this can't understand what I am talking about, but when you never experience real quality sleep and then all of a sudden you get it, then it actually just kind of shocks you at how amazing it really feels.  After that first night sleeping in the Hennessy Hammock I knew I was hooked and that I also knew I had to become a dealer.  I told my wife that we needed to put some big eye-bolts in the walls of our bedroom so I could hang up my hammock but she didn't see the humor in that request and so I told her I was just kidding. ( sort of ).  It amazes me that I can spend allot of money on a really great mattress at home but get my best sleep in a 199.95 Hennessy Hammock.    Thank you Hennessy.      Your friend and proud dealer,  Ray Frost @ Bunker Hill Supply

 

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I was on my way to visit the incredible Rio Celeste waterfall located in the Tenorio National Park in Costa Rica. My Hennessy Explorer Ultralight was right at home on the edge of the cloud forrest. While setting up, I saw 4 different snakes in 5 minutes! The trees above me were home to a loud family of howler monkeys as well... I needed to use earplugs to get to sleep. The rainy season had begun, and a nighttime downpour was no match for the well-designed rainfly. I love my Hennessy Hammock. A vagabond's best friend! - Matthew Karsten

Hi - just thought that I would let you know that I used one of your hammocks  hiking around Corsica and Sardinia, and that it was fantastic. Here is a photo of it in action in Sardinia.  It was difficult to stand on the side of that ravine, let along pitch a tent
there. The hammock opens up so many places to camp in this sort of country that I could not imagine doing these kinds of walks with a tent ever again.  What was so cool about that spot was that it allowed me to set up camp and watch rock-climbers scaling a huge spire as the sun went down, which I simply would not have been able to do if I was looking for a more somewhere to pitch a tent.  I reckon there is something pretty cool about lying in a hammock on an isolated mountain-side in Corsica when the nearest human being is at least an hour's walk away and having a sleepy chat to the girl in Australia.  Slept in this morning – actually set the alarm, but then the sun was hitting the hammock and it was so nice and toasty that I went back to sleep.

 

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Hi,

I just got back from the Amazon Jungle in Peru and wanted to tell you that I didn't have one bad nights sleep the entire time I was gone.  My Deep Jungle XL performed perfectly and I slept wonderfully and comfortably every night.  Thanks for such a great product and for all of your help and support in helping our mission team order and receive our hammocks.

I have attached a photograph of my Deep Jungle XL in the deep jungle of the Peruvian Rainforest.

Thanks again and God bless.
Rev. Terry L. Corder, Pastor

 

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Thank you for your quick response!  FYI a friend who is a long time back packer in most any conditions told me "if you don't buy a Hennessy Hammock you will regret it", "most easy setup and tear down and best sleep you'll ever have".  How can you beat that!

 

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From: paul messier
Sent: Monday, August 01, 2011 4:59 AM
To: Hennessy Hammock
Subject: Love my hammock

To whom it may concern,
I just got back from a trip to northern Maine where I spent eight nights sleeping in my hammock, and I just wanted to thank you folks for making this possible for me. I have had back problems for years, and have recently suffered an additional injury that would have made sleeping in a tent painful, if not impossible. My hammock allowed me to pop out on my feet every time I got up, with no painful climbing from the ground to the upright position that I would have had to endure with a tent. Camping in the wilderness has been a lifelong passion of mine, and my hammock will allow me to continue this for many years to come. I truly want to thank you folks from the bottom of my heart.
The only downside to the hammock is that my friends are constantly joking that it gives birth to the ugliest baby they’ve ever seen every morning.
Thanks again,
Paul D. Messier

 

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Hi Tom

I should have written a testimonial long ago.  I don't know how many people I have sent to your website, but it has been a lot.

I am a 64-year-old woman who has suffered from insomnia all of my adult life -- that is, until the night of May 11, 2010, when I slept in a Hennessy hammock for the first time.  I went to sleep immediately (no tossing and turning for 2 hours), and slept the whole night through.  For the rest of the year, I slept outside under the stars.  When winter came, my husband built me an enclosed area covered with a tarp outside our bedroom doors on the patio.  I slept there virtually all winter, even during ice and snow storms and 30 degree weather.  We are now in the midst of horrible heat (78 at night up to 108 in the day) and have been for weeks.  But I am outside every night sleeping in my hammock.

We even tried to bring the hammock indoors, but whether it is the lack of fresh air or what, I don't know.  I just couldn't sleep, even in the hammock.  It seems a combination of fresh air and the unique support of the hammock are what it takes for a refreshing, healing good night's sleep.

Anita Robertson

 

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Hey this is Courtney from Trail Days!  

I received my hammock in the mail about a month or so ago and I love it!  I’m so glad I went with the Ultralite!  The hammock is comfortable and I sleep great in it (as long as I don’t lie like a “white girl,” haha).  The snake skins are what make it though!  Set up and take down is SO easy.

Thanks so much! - Courtney

 

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Tom,

Since discovering your hammocks in 2007 I have converted at least 4 others, including my son.  I thought it might serve as a reminder that the beauty of your system is found not just in a comfortable nights sleep, but the hex rainfly serves as a great rainy day shelter for napping after lunch.  "Skins" conveniently hold the hammock up and out of the way.  Photo was taken this past Father's Day weekend at Toleak Point, WA.

Mahalo nui loa for a great product.
  Evan Smith   Traverse City, MI

 

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Sent: Thursday, June 02, 2011 2:49 PM
To: Hennessy Hammock
Subject: Nice Hammocks

So after trying to find a nice lightweight camp hammock for my backpacking trips I ran across the Hennessy Hammocks.  Checked out the videos and forums and couldn't leave your website without buying one.  I'm very much looking forward to using it on an upcoming canoe trip.

The problem is, now that I've bought a Hennessy Hammock I'm going to have to leave behind my camp pillow, inflatable sleeping pad, rain gear (since I can use the rainfly for a poncho), pack cover (ditto), a really nice backpacking tent with rainfly and footprint, and probably some other stuff, too.  And, of course, you realize this means now I'm going to have to get a smaller pack because I'll be carrying about 15 - 20 pounds less equipment.  All in all, I figure you guys are costing me over $1000 in stuff I've bought over the years that I don't need anymore.

Oh well, maybe the kids can use it.

Thanks for being brilliant.

Bill Jenkins
Northfield, IL

 

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Hey Tom and everyone at HH,

I have recently moved from Eugene to Seattle. Since I was getting to
my new place pretty late and didn't feel like putting my bed together
or crashing on my couch, so I grabbed my Explorer Deluxe, a pillow and
a blanket and headed off into the backyard for the night. The next day
I set up my bed as well as my three year daughters bed among other
move in tasks. Even though my bed was made, I decide to forego the bed
because I knew I'd get a good night sleep in my HH.

Thanks, for such a great product,

Jake

 

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Hey Hennessy

Just wanted to tell you how grateful I am for your product.
I just took a trip to Busuanga, Palawan in the Philippines and my Hennessy hammock provided the BEST nights sleep of the entire trip!
After a tedious flight, a bone- rattling jeepney ride and a banca ride to Calumbayan Island, the Hennessy was set up and ready to go in no time on one of the most beautiful beaches I have encountered. After a day of snorkeling pristine reefs, my Hammock was a godsend for an aching, tired body. I can't imagine a better way to end a day than swinging in my Hammock with the sound of the waves crashing on the shore.  Judging by the reactions to the Hennessy from people I met, I think I may have made a few converts for you in the Philipines, both fellow travellers and locals alike! Even the local family of  Tagbanua people that I stayed with were amazed!   I'm already planning my next trip, a dirtbike ride around Palawan, and I can assure you my Hennessy will be with me the entire way.
Here are a few photos of my Hennessy on the beach.
Thanks again,  Patrick Duffin  Taiwan, ROC. (originally from Nanaimo, British Columbia, a fellow Island boy)

 

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The Adirondacks, Eastern High Peaks, en route to Mount Marcy via Slant Rock.  Ran into inclement weather with few viable sites for our camp.  Using creative pitching, we were able to squeeze in 3 Hammocks (One Hyperlite and One Expedition)  along with a tarp into a very small space.   Magnus

 

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Hello Hennessy...

I am the owner of an Explorer as well as an Expedition...

I decided that it was time to get a new hammock and cycle mine down the food chain to my kids... I was in the mood for something new, so I decided to order a .................. hammock.. I just got it today and Literally opened the cord lock and didn't like what I seen, didn't even get it out of the bag...

After screwing around with the ................ hammock for well over an hour I'm kicking myself for even Thinking there was anything better than the Hennessy.. I can't explain how utterly disappointing I was after attempting to figure out just what the heck to do with this thing, no ridge line, .................. what the heck is going on.. .

So needless to say the minute I get a paypal refund I will be returning to Hennessy.

Once you've had the best,, it's hard to go anywhere else...

A very satisfied Hennessy customer

Eric E. Noeldechen
On/Scene Tactical

 

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Tom

Thank you very much for helping me figure out what I was doing wrong with my explorer deluxe asym. Imagine my suprise when I thought I was talking with a customer service rep and you introduced yourself as the owner. That doesn't happen much anymore in todays enviroment.

What really caught my eye was the detailed instructions for returning the hammock for repair. The process is a little different from that in the lower48, but with the instructions it was an inexpensive and flawless process.

Just so you know, over the years, I have turned on many family members, hiking and canoeing friends, scouts and scout leaders to your products. Mybest satisfaction was seeing a young scout useing your "scout clasic" to complete the Bentom Mckay trail in preperaton for the Appalachain Trail.

Good luck with your business and thanks again.

As ever, Charles West, Atlanta, Georgia

 

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My first hammock was a Hennessy and I will never use anything else! Just last weekend I was backpacking with a group of 7 and I was the only one with a hammock. Sunday night it started to storm BAD. The storm lasted until the next afternoon. By the end of the storm I was bone dry and every one else was floating on their air pads because all of their tents had about 3 inches of water on the ground. I just wanted to say thanks for making such a great quality product!!!!

 

Phil Lein, ReStore Supervisor, Habitat for Humanity of Kent County

 

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Hi Hennessy

My son and I each recently purchased one of your hammocks with the original rain cover.  We had planned our initial backpacking trip with them this weekend and had to think twice when the weather predicted severe weather through our entire area.  We decided to go ahead with it anyway and trust that the hammocks would keep us dry.  I haddecided before the trip that I would write a review no matter whathappened.  I'm happy to report, that after riding out a very impressive thunderstorm, neither one of us had a drop of water hit us and we had a wonderful night's sleep (except when the lightening strikes woke us up).  Thanks for the great product.  We will never sleep in a tent again!!

Mike Vogel
Georgetown, Ohio

 

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Subject: I'm a believer

I was told in December of 2010 about your product by a friend of mine. I did my research and found the concept behind the hennessy hammock interesting.  So I bought the Explorer Deluxe and it came with the 'hex-fly' and snakeskins for free! It was everything I expected and more! The first night there it rained, but the 'hex-fly' kept me dry. The next three days were a blast and I had the best sleep. It was ,also,pretty cool to have a nice canopy in the woods to sit two chairs under. Last night some bad storms went through Mississippi and the hennessy hammock held up strong. Thank you hennessy hammock!  

A loyal customer forever, Maxx Martin

 

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Dear Tom,

Thirty years ago I built and lived in a treehouse 85 feet high,(actually measured with a tape-measure), near my school, the University of California at Santa Cruz, but stopped camping shortly thereafter. Recently, I saw a picture of your hammock and became inspired to start hitting the woods again. I simply cannot express how grateful I feel to you for being a big part of returning me to this simple and wonderful pleasure. Over the last year I have camped in many exciting places, but, as you can see below, Lake Aloha, Desolation Wilderness, CA. was probably the most picturesque... Your hammock never ceases to amaze me; it is literally like magic.

Thanks again, Mark

 

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To: Hennessy Hammock

Once again enjoyed the sleep in my Deep Jungle Hennessy. This photo is the hammock set up inside a hut somewhere in northwest Burma.
Everyone is so impressed with this product when they give it a try.

Paul

 

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Dear Hammock Maker,

Received my hammock today and could not wait to try it out. I only had two trees in the backyard strong enough to support my 225 lbs and the lower branches did not allow me to have the hammock at chair height. If first impressions are all that counts - your hammock design exceeded my best expectations. Even though poorly set up with the head about 2 feet lower than the feet, I just about fell asleep as soon as I got into it.

We are often very quick to complain about poor quality and seldom give thanks when things go well. You have another happy camper......

I set up my hammock at the cottage and the thing I did not appreciate was the asymmetrical design. Once you are in it you see the difference between a standard hammock and a Hennessy Hammock. I am a technical person with a PhD in engineering and I missed the asymmetry in the web page. Granted I bought it for a different reason - the bug net, but I would suggest a simple diagram showing a normal hammock and an HH would help people understand and buy.

I had a couple of great naps in the hammock over the weekend - still very impressed with the design.

The snake skins work great - allowed me to get the hammock stored before the black flies completely got me. I am now preparing for an overnight kayak trip on the Ottawa River.

Regards, Peter Fransham

 

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Tom,

I got my hyperlight! This is really sexy stuff. It's better than viagra.

thanks, Gary

 

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Hi

I bought one of your hammocks years ago, and although I must admit that it is sometimes hard to find a good campsite for it when backpacking, it is great for kayaking and AT HOME! I live in a city, but on the shore of a big lake in the NW and I sleep out in my hammock over the dock very often. During the sumer months, it is two or three nights a week. I prefer it to my bed. Imagine...hearing the water and watching the moon from my hammock in the city!

Thank you so much for such a great product.

Gratefully,   Sherri (Eugene)

 

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i love your hammocks. i went camping and there was only one tree in the entire campsite so i wound up pulling up my suv into the campsite and tying it off to the luggage rack. everyone else in tents thought i was crazy until it rained that night and i was the only one who woke up dry. all my friends brought tents and they had 12 of them situated in a semicircle in an open hay field. they never saw a hennesy hammock before so they we're wondering if i was going to show up with one of those open rope hammocks. they kept asking me when i was going to set up camp and i kept blowing them off because i told them it would only take me 5 minutes. well there i was in pitch black night with my little headlight setting up my rain fly and straps while everyone struggled screwing there poles together and putting up their tents for 45 minutes. the next day i woke up all relaxed and laughing at the sore backs everyone else had from sleeping on ground pads. it got even better the next day when i rained all night. i've taken your hammocks to the rain forests in hawaii and survived a week of torrential downpours so one rainy night in downstate illinois was going to be cake. i can't stop telling people and trying to convert them to your sleep system. i'm never gonna camp any other way again. i love your stuff!

 

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Hello Tom,

Given the crazy prices of housing in New England right now I am unable to afford a residence near where I work. As a result I have given up the rental condo I was living in, and I have secretly moved into my office. Every evening I leave work at 5:00 like everyone else, however, later that night, I sneak back into my office and set up my Hennessy Hammock between the main vertical beams and sleep soundly till dawn whereupon I take the hammock down and get back to work. it's saving me money, it's good for the environment since I don't have to commute, plus I can be the "first in at the office every day" which my company finds commendable. Everybody wins! Thanks for a unique product. (Please keep this E-mail anonymous, I've got a good thing going and don't want the 'others'  catching on. Thanks.) 

Anonymous

 

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I just wanted to write and tell you how pleased I am with the purchase of my new Hennessy Hammock.  I purchased an Explorer Deluxe hammock, snake skins, and the automatic fly tensioner and water collecting system. After sleeping in my hammock for only one night.  I was so happy with the purchase that I bought my 16 year old one as well. We took the hammocks backpacking in the Bear Tooth Pass region in southern Montana as well as in the backpacking country at Yellowstone National Park. The snakeskins made setting up and taking down the hammock a breeze. The first night out I was sold on the automatic fly tensioner and water collecting system.  When I set up the hammock I screwed an empty 2 l. Platypus water bladder to each of the funnel-like collectors. That evening we had a mild to moderate amont of rain for no more than 20 minutes and i ended up 4 l. of fresh water. It sure made water collecting a lot easier than filtering it and purifying it from a stream.

Thanks once again for your tremendous products...Chris Crowe, MD, Fargo, ND

 

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"Great product by the way! I sold my tent!"

Paul Castonguay

 

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Hello, I received my Hennessy Hammock about a month ago. It really got a work out on the Appalachian Trail in Virginia. I slept every night (12 nights in total) in my hammock and can give you nothing but praise. Sleeping in the shelters would be agony on my bony shoulders and hips. To stretch out and turn over in your hammocks was heaven. Plus the added bonus of being protected from the bugs and rain helped immeasurably!  Just wanted to say "Thanks" for designing a great product, it made hiking on the trail a lot easier.

Jamie Brewer

 

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Would you believe this?

Yellowstone Elk tries to eat Hennessy Hammock! Yup, I saw it with my own eyes a few days ago. There was a young, female elk going through our Madison campground early in the morning. One of your hammocks was in its path. Repeatedly it tried to "taste" the fabric. And repeatedly, all that happened is that it slipped out of its mouth. Unfortunately, my camera was not available, so I didn't catch the moment. I finally shouted at the elk, clapped my hands, and it backed off (scowling, I think) and kept moving through the campground. On inspection, I discovered the hammock was one of yours and that it was fully intact with absolutely no damage. An amazing, weird tale.

Marshall Karon

 

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Hello!

I just finished an incredibly successful two week trip through the mountains and coasts of Shikoku, Japan, and I'd like to take this chance to thank everybody in this message group. My Hammock(HH ulasym) became much more than just a shelter at the end of a day. It rocked me to sleep, provided a writing chair, and not to mention quick escape from rain(and rain there was. Everything from a happy sun shower to gumball size drops of water). It was such a breeze setting up everytime, that I no longer had to look for camp two hours before sundown like I usually like to. I was so excited the first few times I used it before I set out, and was sure that the novelty would wear off once I had to do a rain setup after a 30 km day, but I found myself actually looking forward to pitching the hammock and making camp - half the fun of this shelter is working it into a desired space. I'm so used to using a tent that I just figured that the old square peg and round hole rule would apply with the hammock as well. To my delight, the hammock seems to operate more like a fluid than a solid - it will pretty much just conform to any place you can string it up (and I was afraid this would be a probem - but once you figure out how much distance you need, potential hammock 'anchors' are everywhere) and rock you gently to sleep OFF THE GROUND! Once again thank you to all who have posted, asked questions, answered questions, and especially those who have speculated about hammock possibilities. I think that my mobility has almost doubled with this shelter, while cutting my shelter weight in half!

Everett

 

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Just thought I'd like to let you know how great my experience with your hammock has been...I've spent over 60 nights in it so far since this summer when I got my hands on the hammock. Took the hammock on a 30 day wilderness kayak expedition and the novel design allowed us(as we all had your hammocks) to be equally novel in our choice of camping spots. I don't think the trip would have been nearly as easy or even possible using a conventional tent. Who wants to be a ground dweller anyways.

So, from over streams in densely packed forest to cliff-side sunset lookouts, to the foreshore feet from raging tidal rapids, the Hennessy Hammock provided the same incredible comfort every night. With the hex fly we slept through the strongest gales the Johnstone Straight wind tunnel could go through our way. On the clear nights we watched the stars and universe unfold right before us.

I am totally sold on the idea of hammock camping and truly there is no better, quicker, more comfortable way to sleep from the ocean front to subalpine. I guess tree-dwelling as we call it now is the lifestyle of the bachelor as I haven't found how to bring girls back to the hammock yet. Maybe I should try your two person hammock for that.

Anyways, love the hammock and have raved about them the entire way up the coast and all my friends certainly know about my crazy hammock dwelling habit.

Justin Finn

 

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Dear Hennessy Hammocks

I've been sleeping in my tent all summer, but was getting sore places, hips and back, from the hard ground, even with two sleeping mats under me. I am so comfy in the hammock! I have slept in it every night since getting it and LOVE it. (I live in the mountains near Port Angeles, WA and sleep outside 3 seasons.) I've never slept so good, no pressure points or sore back. I use my 20 degree Marmot sleeping bag. I do not get cold at all, even when it is quite windy. I feel like I'm floating in a cloud in the trees. I've also been telling all my hiking friends about it. Great job, Mr. Hennessey!

Julie Silveria

 

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We do a lot of backpacking/hiking/kayaking in the NC/TN/GA mtns. Unbelievable, but true tale about the Hennessy...while at Stratton Bald in the Citico/Joyce Kilmer/Slickrock Wilderness Area over the weekend, on top of the mtn, at 5400 ft., at least 20 miles from nowhere, we set up camp (including the Hennessy). Thunderstorms were on the way..while sitting around the camp by the fire, rain starts pouring....we look beyond the campfire to the Hennessy hammock with tarp, and standing beneath, out of the weather is nothing other than a feral peacock....something unexpected, and unknown round these wild mountainous ranges. Attached a snapshot, thought it might bring a smile.

Gretchen Kirkland

 

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Hi Y'All

We've been using an Explorer UL Asym and BP UL Asym during our wilderness patrols in Olympic and Mt. Rainier National Parks this summer - great great products. Approximately 100 folks including rangers and guided NOLS and REI groups have got our use and set up demos...We've slept in the hammocks at least 65 times and have enjoyed restful, quiet, mouse free sleep and gentle contact close up with elk (12 ft) and a spotted owl(30 ft.)...Keep doing what you're doing it, it's great.

Bob and Jeri

 

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FYI- I received your hammock as a gift and finally had a chance to use it this weekend. We went down the lower Deschutes River on a Steelhead fishing trip. Most of the camp sites have trees(shade) along the river so setting it up was no problem. The unique entry worked perfectly, but the best part was the comfort and openess due to the bug netting. I got to see Mars through the screening and woke without the backache I went to bed with. Perfect for snake protection and doesn't require or compete for the few flat spots available in these campsites. Thanks, and keep up the good work. - Burr Richards

 

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Hey Tom

You won't remember me...I'm one of those customers that will complain when needed but will speak words of praise where it is due. I just thought I would give you some feedback on your product. I bought your hammock before going on my fruit picking/bike packing tour of Europe. That was over a year and a half ago and I have slept in your hammock for most of it. I have to tell you that it has served me well and still has no faults...it is as I bought it. It has gained me a lot of attention from people and perhaps you have sold a few more becuase of this...I hope so. I still go to sleep every night knowing that i will sleep like a baby...with no aches and pains in the morning. I have slung it between football goal posts...from barn rafters...everywhere you can think of. Minimum temprature -7 with a standard roll matt and cheap sleeping bag. I cannot think how you could improve your design...its perfect! Many thanks for a Fantastic product.

Greg Miller + Pippa Moxham

 

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I love your hammock. I used it during a 4 hour thunderstorm, and I stayed dry while my friend in a tent pretty much had a creek running under him. He is now very interested in your hammock.

Thanks - Noah Kennedy

 

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Tom,

I just wanted to thank you for an outstanding product!!! I just returned from a canoe camping trip in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area of Minnesota and utilized the Expedition A-sym that I had purchased from you this past spring. Your supershelter is exactly that - a super shelter. While providing a great night's sleep throughout my trip, the hammock was put to a test in the final night of our trip. A severe wind and rain storm struck our campsite, but I stayed completely dry within my a-sym. Anticipating that the night air would be the coldest of our trip, I had clipped the rain fly to the side pull-outs of the hammock in hopes of containing some heat from my body. Had I not done this, when the surprise storm hit, the rain fly would have been flapping in the wind and I would have been scrambling in a downpour. Sometimes it is better to be lucky than good.

Thank you, again, for a great product. I have suggested to all of my camping friends that they strongly consider the Hennessey Hammock. - Roger A. Kilmer

 

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Recent letter posted at whiteblaze.net (Appalachian Trail forum)

"I LOVE THIS HAMMOCK!! It is so roomy and comfortable. I have been in it during torrential rain and come out as dry as a bone. It is designed to have a "flat" bottom versus curved. I can sleep 3/4 of the way on my stomach. When it rains NO wet tent to carry as only the fly gets wet and dries in in seconds. LOVE IT - LOVE IT - LOVE IT!"

 

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Hello Tom

First off I have to say that I love my hammock!!! The people down here are starting to call me the "Hammock Evangelist". I tell them to burn their tents and go get a hammock. I took both of my tents back to the store. Your hammock shelter is the only thing I use now. I tell the local gear stores that they are crazy not to carry these in their stores. All of the people that I go hiking with all kind of give me that raised eyebrow look when I start putting my hammock up. Then they slowly start to come over and check it out (still a little skeptical). Then I tell them all about it and how good I sleep and that I don't even use my .........(mattress name deleted). Then I tell them to get in it. And once they lay down in it......it's all over from there. From that point they are hooked. I have so many friends who after trying my hammock have rushed out to get theirs for the next trip. I just laugh...Now we're all hiking at a good pace so we can get to camp and get the best spots to hang from.

Brandon

 

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Hi Ann

Just thought you'd like to know that at remote Kalalau Beach on Kauai at the end of a tough 11-mile trail which is essentially the only way in, there were six Hennessy Hammocks there last week (I just returned). And that was about 1/2 of the shelters there.

I had one. I lent one to my partner. Another member of my hiking club who happened to be there had one and he'd talked two of his friends who came into getting them, too. Another woman down the beach had one, as well, and she found it through an Internet search for lightweight shelters.

You're taking over the backpacking world, and deservedly so!

B.S.

 

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Here is something you might want to consider before buying one. (No, I'm not getting paid to say this!) It's possible you won't like the H H, but I'll bet if you ask other owners they would say the same.

Think of all the gear you own and let say you have to trade it for another brand. I like my N.B. 803's but I could be happy with Nikes I'm sure. I like my Camp Trails Lobo pack but would trade it in a heartbeat. I like my Bucklight but would trade it for another similar knife. I love my Photon II so much, but if I lost it, I would replace it with a CMG Q4 mini task light or other similar lights without much thought.

Now then… I won't trade my H H for another shelter because I sleep so much better with it and come home rested instead of worn out. I guess what I'm saying is get yourself a H H (the Ultra-Light if you want a really light shelter) and if you don't like it, I'll buy it from you — half price of course (used once.)

Coy Boy

 

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Hey Tom

My name is Mike Gross and and I spoke to you about my hammock in the fall of 1999 before I left for a three month camping trip to Costa Rica. The trip was fantastic and I loved sleeping in my hammock! It took a couple of days to really figure out how to tie it to be the most comfortable but after that, no problems.

We ended up staying in Central America for five months and I slept in my hammock in Costa Rica, Nicaragua, Honduras and Guatemala! I used it in campgrounds, on beaches, in trees (literally in one) and also in hotel rooms when they were cramped or the beds weren't comfortable. I showed off your hammock to travelers from all around the world (yes, they got your e-mail) who kept coming to talk to the gringo about the weird body bag he was sleeping in!

I just checked out your new models for this year, I really like the addition of a full Velcro closure. That was a problem in some really buggy parts, I always left my pack in the hammock when I wasn't in it and that helped a bit. Unfortunately, no pictures of the hammock really turned out. My camera broke when I got to Costa Rica and I had to pick up a cheap-o that didn't take the best shots, and to top it all off, in the last week of my trip I ran out of cash due to my overstay and a slight miscalculation of funds. Guess which piece of gear sold first? Sad story but the guy who got it was really excited and was going to take it off on another adventure.

Congratulations! After five months of me abusing my hammock there wasn't a stitch out of place! I plan on buying another before I try anything big like this again, and the yellow one is looking pretty cool. Thanks Tom!

Mike Gross

 

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Hello, I just bought one of your hammocks from MEC, took it into the park to try it on a rainy night...excellent!  Most of my back country travel is solo (with my dog) in a bivy bag, while the bivy is excellent in winter it is not ideal for summer use. It opens from the top so rain falls straight onto my sleeping bag whenever I enter or exit, summer travel is complicated by the extensive bush around BC (flat, comfy campsites can be hard to come by), sudden rainfall can fill a dry campsite with rivulets. The hammock solves all these problems. I am taking it to Australia / Indonesia with me this December. Good luck with your sales.

Murray Comley

 

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Tom, I love your hammock. I take it with me on every hike or bike ride, just in case I want to crash for the night.

I once spent an entire day in the hammock, just daydreaming, reading, and looking up at the swaying trees above. I can't wait for the two person model!

Daniel Chauvin, Sooke, BC

 

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Hi!

I read your story on your website...good for you! I love to hear of enterprising, successful people such as yourself! And what a great product!

I'm in Vancouver, B.C., and I saw your hammock in the new MEC catalogue. I knew it was for me! You see, I am a total "city person", but I bought some property up north, and have stayed there in a tent the last few summers I dragged my husband up there. The sounds of night time scurrying, rustling, and footsteps (little paws? big paws?!) on the other side of an opaque tent wall was enough one memorable night to send us high tailing it to the closest hotel. Well, I am thrilled to see that your product has a screen that will both protect me AND let me see what kind of monster is coming to get me in the night! Yes, an overactive imagination coupled with lying on the ground had almost scared me out of ever visiting my property again! I guess it's the control freak in me that likes to be up at the height of a normal human at all times (yes, I drive a "high up" 4X4 SUV!) AND see all that is going on around me. I am heading up to my property this May long weekend, alone. Your hammock (along with my night vision monocular! City-person-with-lots-of-gadgets-in-the-wilderness syndrome?!) has made me actually excited about spending my nights outside! You see, I can use my night vision monocular through your ingenious mosquito netting, while keeping a safe, butt-off-the-ground position, all the while scanning for critters! (F.Y.I.: There's nothing worse than having to crawl out of a sleeping bag, figure out which way to unzip the tent, and crawl out on all fours to see what is coming for you!)

I will send you a picture of my little perch in my paradise! Until then, my hammock has been unfolded and refolded in our little living room, and I dozed on the couch late last night with the hammock draped over me...it has a very comforting air about it! It is currently tucked beside my bed, as I dream of my first night with it!

S. R.

 

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S. R. here — I am the one that took my hammock up to my island in Stuart Lake. Well let me tell you… it was the most comfortable sleep I have had up there yet! The May long weekend had the most awful, gusting winds I have EVER been in. I'm not kidding, some of the gusts sounded like hurricane force! All that happened was the hammock swayed a bit! The fly above it, however, sounded like it wanted to take off to the heavens, so I took both my axes, (yes, I AM prepared!) and hung each one over the ties holding the fly to the ground. And boy, did that work! I have a picture I will send you of my hammock the next morning. It had "relaxed" a little from the tree, and with the sun shining on it as it hung between the trees on my favorite part of my island, it looks very magical!

I just wanted you to know that I had a winter sleeping bag in it, my gun, my night vision goggles, two layers of fleece, my toque, my head lamp, etc. and even though I had to get out THREE times to retie the fly, and once to visit the loo, I didn't have any trouble getting in and out easily...amazing! I did think it would be a lot of work, so the first time I waited quite a while, but after that, I didn't hesitate to get out to retie things. I'm not kidding, the wind was so bad, my old trapper friends at the base of the lake woke up to the gusts of wind and were actually quite worried about me! And do you know, even after its maniacal flapping, the tent fly looks brand new! I was amazed that it didn't "fly" away!

Would you ever put poles in for the fly? I assume the fly should be quite close to the hammock, and if it is tied wider, the wind tries to kill it...! Other than that, the hammock was awesome! Oh, and I got my cabin built!

Bye for now! — S. R

 

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Thought you might like some feedback. I bought one of you hammocks last year, the updated version, green with charcoal bottom and finally got a chance to use it. I've been backpacking since childhood and after using your hammock, have pretty much vowed to not mess with tents anymore! As long as I have two stationary objects (not necessarily trees!), I have a home for the night. Comfortable, light, and warm. I've been able to cut my pack weight by 4.6 lbs. which can be a life saver. Hammock quality is better than mil spec. Thanks for making a wonderful product!

About me:

My wife, I, and two kids manage a nature preserve and two girl scout troops here in De Soto, Texas.

P. D., Desoto Texas

 

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Just wanted to send you a copy of the review I posted on several backpacking websites and also give you one more "at-a-boy" for a great product. This hammock really made my trip enjoyable and comfortable.

Thanks — Joe La Rocque

 

 

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Several years ago while selling my Art at the Summer Fest for Water sports at Ladysmith on Vancouver Island I not only saw but bought the first time I saw "it", THE best most practical toy I have owned in my travels. "I don't leave home without it".

No matter when or where, be it on a sailboat as guest cavorting around the Johnson Strait off Vancouver Island, kayaking/canoeing anywhere, as a quick shelter and quite often the only one even for week camping/canoe/kayak trips, travelling in my car as a quick rest stop off from long drives be it in Canada or even in the Arizona desert and my latest use in back-up shelter plans while travelling in China Laos, Tibet off and on these past two years.

Irmgard aka Kunming "Joy"

 

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Hennessey Hammock:

At first I was rather skeptical of a backpacking hammock, having tried the net types in the Army I found them uncomfortable and too cold. My first 5 nights in the Hennessey Hammock were delightful, most relaxing nights of sleep I have had in the backcountry in many years. This along with ease of use, lightweight, and great workmanship will place this item on the top of my list of favorites.

Use of the hammock was so quick and simple that on some rest breaks I would set it up to really relax. On one evening I made camp late and even without the perfect pitch I was still comfortable all night. I did add a couple tent stakes to help with keeping the side tied out so I didn't have to look for rocks to tie off to.

This shelter is lightweight. At 2 pounds, it beats every tent I have ever owned. I was able to leave my sleeping pad at home to save additional weight.

When looking at the web site I couldn't get a feel for how the hammock was made. So when I found out REI carried them I ran right over to see it. Everything about this hammock is quality.

I don't feel there is a better hammock out there. I can't wait to see the double model Hennessey is working on, and neither can my wife!

 

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"G'day Tom,

I use my hammock out bush at least once per month...Please note that over twelve months of regularly using this hammock, I have had no materals/workmanship problems.

All the membes of my Outdoor Recreation Course(Tropical North Queensland TAFE, Cairns) have tried out the hammock and most have decided that tree-dwelling is the way to go. Even my Fiancee has been sold on this product. I let her use it when we go hiking, while I slum it in my old aus army surplus "Hootchie" shelter. Guess what Virginia's getting for Christmas this year? I just won't tolerate sleeping in the dirt after using the A-Sym.

Mate, you deserve a Nobel prize for your shelter design. I haven't had a bad night's sleep in my HH yet, regardless of weather 

Craig Brown

 

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Hello

First I must say sorry to Tom,  I think I might of woke you (since I called around 10 p.m.) And thank you for being patient with me.  That was the first time I ever had an owner answer a call instead of a computer like most other companys.  The fact that the owner still involves him self with the customers like that is amazing.  The next day I talked to james and explained how I was at fualt for the tear in the snake skins and with out question he sent me a new pair.  I just wanna say I love the product and prefer it over my own bed.

Thank you so much for the great service and wonderful hammock,

Cullen Lonergan