The label on all our models say that the hammock is "bug proof". This means that it is designed to keep all bugs from getting inside the hammock, including mosquitoes. This is one of the features that makes the Hennnessy Hammock so desirable to it's owners: to come back to your hammock after several hours and know that there will not be any mosquitoes waiting inside to bite you while you are trying to sleep. The entrance has an overlapping closure and remains tightly tensioned when the occupant is inside. The velcro, when fastened correctly, holds the entrance closed when the occupant is not in the hammock.

We recommend the Backpacker Asym and Explorer Ultralight models for mosquito infested areas of the world because they feature hammock bottoms made from tightly woven, high performance fabrics which combine durability, better mosquito-resistance, extra-comfortable softness, and perspiration-wicking properties.

Please note, however we do not recommend that you put your bare skin against the hammock fabric. It is common knowlege that extremely persistent mosquitoes can penetrate almost any single layer of woven material, even a heavy pair of jeans, but have very little chance of biting through multiple layers of fabric. Although tropical fabrics for shirts and pants are usually more tightly woven and provide better protection than other clothing. we recommend that hammock users take extra precautions to prevent being stung through the hammock body. We are regularily updating our website with information about the need to wear clothing in the hammmock or place multiple layers of fabric, a pad, or a sleeping bag into the bottom of the
hammock to make it impossible for mosquitoes to bite through. The Hennessy Hammock's patented "hold-outs" on each side keep the netting well away from your face and the high fabric sides help minimize the chance of being bitten through the netting. Remember also to protect yourself in camp when you are outside the hammock.

For those who don't add layers of fabric for protection, the use of bug spray to the outside of the hammock bottom and netting is common practice in the tropics. The use of Permethrin spray is a standard precaution for many jungle travelers, including the military. This is a very strong spray, not available everywhere. Both extra layers of fabric plus your choice of spray is the best protection. We recommend that you determine what is the best solution for you. It's also a good idea to consult a Tropical Medicine consultant in your area.

It is also important for owners to exercise due care and attention to regularly inspect their survival equipment for wear and tear. This would include the Velcro closures, ropes and any holes that might develop in the netting or bottom of the hammock.

Letters from jungle trekkers, guides and explorers

"Hi Tom and all at Hennessy Hammocks
Earlier this year I went to the Amazon Rainforest with a group of friends to live with a family in the jungle. We received our Hennessy Hammocks just before leaving and had no time for testing until the first night in the jungle. Big smiles in the morning, no mosquito bites and really comfortable. The locals were amazed and bewildered by the cocoons that had appeared in their house over night. As you can see in the photos we strung them up between the rafters of the lodge and used them as chairs during the day. We also found they swung perfectly between the uprights of the upper deck of the Miron, a boat we chartered to take us up the Amazon.

Since then our hammocks have been used continuously. I run a wilderness survival skills company called Wild Life in the U.K. and have found that the lightness and durability of the hammock is a big plus when needing to carry equipment. It also gets put up in the garden on hot summer nights when it's too uncomfortable to sleep in doors.

The kids love it too. If you ever get a chance to watch two small boys playing in a Hennessy Hammock you'll laugh as much as they will. The carry bag should read, “Rated to over 200lbs and child proof !”

Thanks for an excellent product


David Goodworth, Main instructor of Wild Life

"Just a quick note of appreciation. I used your hammock for 3 months in typhoon conditions in the jungles of Madagascar, it surpassed far beyond what it should have. I spend 6 months of the year in extremely remote locations, where proper kit is essential for survival. Well done!"

Sincerely,  Dirk

Hello Tom and Ann

"This summer I bought 4 of your hammocks and traveled with my family to visit a remote Indian tribe on the upper Paraguay River in Brazil's Pantanal. Temperatures varied from chilly to hot and the insects, mosquitoes in particular, were thick.  Your hammocks were invaluable and the nights would have been miserable without them. Besides the comfort and protection, their quick and easy setup let us wait closer to dark heading up the river and find better campsites — sometimes they were few and far between.  Nice work!"

T. R.

Two letters from Peter Gorinsky, Outfitter andf Guide, of Fly Fish Costa Rica:

"Hi Tom, I am just back from a long trip to Angle Amazonas(Guyana) where I had some very important trips undertaken to some areas where the Hennessy Hammock was a real benefit. I am now interested in buying 20 for distribution in Guyana to people working in these remote jungle areas and who really were impressed with the hammock and its benefits. With malaria and dengue fever being bad now in both Guyana and Brazil ... this hammock is a necessary part of the remote area traveler's equipment." P.G

"Once again, I look forward to receiving one more hammock to add to the present equipment we use on our sportfishing expeditions in Costa Rica, Nicaragua, Guyana and Northern Brazil(Amazonia). During the past year we have undertaken extended trips into many remote areas of both Guyana and the Brazilian Amazon area of the upper Rio Negro. On these trips we found that the Hennessy Hammocks became part of our survival equipment and not just basic sleeping gear. Many times we had to 'camp' along the banks of rivers that offered very little dry ground or even with space for a camp.We then literally had to take to the trees and only the Hennessy hammocks effectively and comfortably protected us from the elements and gave us a good nights sleep, dry and safe...others using the traditional hammocks,were plagued by biting insects...two others became infected with malaria.The Hennessy Hammock was found to give us effective protection from both biting insects, bats and even insects that seem to invade a lot of our jungle camps or use the strung hammocks as 'bridges' between trees. Many times we also had to make camp on rocky shores and the Hennessy Hammock straps were able to be used to hang the hammocks between large rocks and off the ground after a bit of adjustment. This was a real asset on the Essequibo river in Guyana and in the Rio Pauini off the Rio Negro.

Now we are about to begin some more trips into the jungles of Guyana and Brazil ... into areas where malaria is a major problem. I feel a lot safer now with the knowledge that the Hennessy Hammocks have proven their value under many hazards and one of the greatest values is the protection offered against biting insects, that are potential vectors for many diseases. They are also very comfortable and easy to use in many difficult remote camping situations.
 
All the very best and thanks again.
 
Peter Gorinsky
Outfitter & Guide,
Fly Fish Costa Rica
Amazon Fly Fishing