Hi everybody, it's good to find a few like minds.

This is the first web group I've ever talked back to, but after reading some past postings, I'm looking forward to beinga part of the bunch. One thing that caught my attention was the A.F. survival lighter posting by southern. I've got one too! I don't have any info on it other than it is (was) government issue several years ago. I bought mine in a (not yet) "de-mil"ed pilot's survival vest about 20 years ago. It's refillable if you can find/make an adapter for it. The refill is good for quite a few lights, but I've held on to mine more for the uniqueness of the thing. It's a lot easier to pick up half a dozen throw-aways at Casey's or a dollar store. I'm a Laborer by trade in Illinois, so low key isn't a big priority for me (everybody just thinks I'm a red-neck version of Mcguyver), but some of the ideas you folks have come up with for compact/concealable gear are just OUTSTANDING!

Recently, I purchased a "Hennessy Hammock" Deluxe Asym model. In going through past postings, I've seen a LOT of different gear discussed, but not the Hennessy. I'd be curious to hear what you all think. Being that the weather here now isn't exactly condusive to spending the night in the all outdoors, I haven't tried it out yet, but on initial inspection, I am impressed. More on that this spring. Well, the Wife's calling, gotta go for now,
Troy

Welcome, Troy.

I have two Hennessys (the Explorer and Backpacker Ultralight Asym models) and love them - just got them this year and have used them now in the Sierras and Adirondacks. Comfortable, reasonably light, and great for hanging above wet/rocky/uneven campsites.

If you've not seen these already, take a look at:

Shane's Hennessy Hammock Tips

Sgt. Rock's HikingHQ Hammock Tips

Risk's Ultralight Hiking Page

Backpackgeartest.org's Hammock Reviews

...and the Yahoo Hammockcamping Group

You'll find all kinds of great tips and ideas at each of these sites. Enjoy...

- Steve

Troy,

Welcome - there are a few others on the forum active here in the state.

Tom

Hi Troy,Some forum members have sung the praises of Hennessy Hammocks before, so try a search. Be sure to set your parameters for "all posts".
Stay safe,
J.T.

I purchased a Hennessy backpacking hammock last year and have used it a few times. I found that you absolutely need insulation under your butt (maybe this should have been obvious but never having slept overnight in a hammock before, I didn't realise it at first). I use a 3/4 length Therma-Rest Z-Rest which folds up like an accordion. It's a good sleeping pad but I don't recommend it for the hammock, as it is very difficult to prevent it from folding up underneath you as you're trying to scramble into your sleeping bag. One of the less expensive blue foam pads would probably be easier to use.

I'm never sure where to put my boots - there's not a lot of room inside the hammock but I don't like just leaving them on the ground.

I want to redesign the attachment mechanism - I find it almost impossible to pull the ends of the hammock tight and fasten them at the same time. I would like to buy one of the self-locking pulleys that they use on sailboats and see it that makes it easier.

You do need a much warmer sleeping bag than you would with a conventional tent, which I suppose is obvious once you think about it.

The biggest advantage to the hammock is that you don't need flat, or even level, ground to set it up. And it is a great conversation piece <img src="images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

Aardwolfe: Let me know if you find those pullies. I started down that road, but it ended up being easier to learn some different knots. The HH "knot" is pretty good. You can also use a caribiner to make a non-destructive trucker's hitch in the HH lines. -- Bear