Ten Reasons Why a Hennessy Hammock is Better Than A Tent

At Hennessy Hammock, we’re always interested in hearing how people have put our camping hammock to the test. We’ve heard stories about taking them on jungle expeditions, dangerous treks through the desert, and even on a journey that took over two years to complete. Most of these adventures involved hot, humid conditions and torrential downpours — classic summer camping in many parts of the globe. Because our hammocks are built with bug-proof, yet breathable fabric, you might just assume that they’re only good for warm summer nights. On the contrary — our camping hammocks have been put to the test in some of the coldest conditions. Keep reading to learn more.
Designing the perfect hammock has been a lifelong quest for our founder, Tom Hennessy. Over the years, our hammocks have evolved as we tried to make them better, lighter, more bug-proof, and more comfortable. Although much of the testing involved taking them on adventures in warm climates, we were happy to hear how one camper used our hammock during a trip to the frigid far-northern area of Harstad, Norway.
If you’ve ever made a trip to Harstad, Norway, then you probably already know that it can get cold — bone-chillingly cold. It was there that Ben Reynolds of the Royal Marines’ Commandos decided to put our camping hammocks to the ultimate test. Would it provide enough shelter from the extreme temperature to sleep safely throughout the night?
During Ben’s test, he encountered everything from freezing rain and sleet to several inches of snow. To make matters worse, the temperature dropped to 0℉, which is plenty cold, but when you factor in the wind chill, it dropped the perceived temperature to -54℉. Fortunately, Ben has his Explorer Ultralite Asym including canopy with undercover and foam insulation to help weather the storm.
We were pleased to hear that Ben’s experiment concluded that the Hennessy camping hammock and insulation system is capable of supporting a person in extreme weather environments where temperatures are well below freezing. Yet another reason why a Hennessy is the only camping hammock you’ll ever need.
While investing in one of our insulation systems is a must if you’re going to be traveling to any cold-weather environments, our hammocks are designed with several other features to help keep you safe and dry in adverse conditions.
Sometimes you can get cold even when there’s a lack of precipitation — it’s called wind, and it can make you start shivering in a matter of minutes. Fortunately, our hammocks are designed with high-density fabrics that deflect wind to help you stay warm and cozy inside.
The fastest way to get uncomfortably and dangerously cold is to get wet. Even if you’re in a location that typically doesn’t get that cold, if rain seeps into your sleep space, you’re likely to wake up with a chill. That’s why we’ve created a polyurethane-coated or silicone-impregnated waterproof rainflies to keep you, and your hammock, dry.
We have several different rainflies available. Order an extra-large one to create enough dry space for multiple people. Rainflies can be tilted at any angle, rolled up, or even removed and used away from your hammock.
Many of our hammocks come with the option to add an extra layer of fabric to the bottom. This is helpful for keeping out insects when you’re in a particularly bug-infested place, but it also provides an extra layer of insulation. However, the best way to take advantage of a double-layer bottom is to use it for holding your insulating pad. Sure, you don’t have to put it between the two fabric layers, but doing so helps to ensure your insulation stays right where it’s needed the whole night long.
You don’t have to be camping in below-freezing temperatures to appreciate the comfort of a Hennessy hammock. Sometimes you just don’t know where the road will take you and that’s why it’s important to always be prepared. For less than the cost of many tents, you can upgrade to a camping hammock that’s been engineered to keep you safe and comfortable no matter where you end up.
Interested in learning more about our hammocks? Visit our website for tips and tricks on how to do everything from setting up the rainfly to using your hammock as a chair. We also have specifications on all of our hammocks and a detailed comparison chart so you can determine the one that’s right for you. Ready to plan your next adventure? Don’t be limited by your gear — shop Hennessy Hammocks and order your camping hammock today.
Read moreWhen it comes to camping equipment, it seems like there is an unlimited number of options to choose from, and some of it works just fine — if you’re car camping at a local park. However, if you’re about to embark on a true adventure far from home where you have to carry everything on your back and sleeping conditions are unknown, you’re wise to take trusted — and tested — survival gear that is engineered for anything you’re about to encounter.
The Hennessy survival hammock is one such piece of equipment you shouldn’t be without. Its usefulness and durability were tested once again during a cave diving expedition led by an international team of explorers in 2018. The mission was scheduled as a follow up to one that was done 34 years earlier, and the hope was to explore additional sections of the cave known as Cueva de la Peña Colorada in the Mexican state of Oaxaca. Armed with state-of-the-art dive gear and their Hennessy hammocks, the team set off to explore the unknown. Unfortunately, they had to cut their adventure short when sudden flooding in the cave cut them off from their camp, only allowing them to escape once the floodwaters had receded.
You don’t have to be part of a cave diving expedition to see the value of our survival hammocks — but it does go to show that even the bravest explorers trust Hennessy hammocks enough to include them in their gear. Whether you’re exploring a dense forest, high mountains, or deep caves, our hammocks will provide you with the comfort and safety you need, all while being incredibly light and easy to set up.
When you’re out in the wild, effective shelter is not only a must for getting the restful sleep you need to continue your journey, it can literally be a life-saver. Here are just a few of the important features you’ll appreciate in our hammocks.
The tightly-woven mesh that makes up our hammocks is incredibly durable. But more importantly, it helps keep you from getting eaten alive by pesky mosquitoes and other potentially-dangerous insects. If you’re traveling to an area that’s known for life-threatening disease-carrying pests, we suggest that you order one of our jungle models. Each one is designed with two layers of highly-durable, bug-proof fabric for double the protection.
Even if you’re going on the adventure of a lifetime, that doesn’t mean you have to be miserable doing it. You may be sleeping in tight quarters, but once inside your tent you’ll have plenty of room to spread out and get comfortable. Standard hammocks having you lying with your legs together and your arms pinned tightly to your side. However, Hennessy hammocks have a patented asymmetrical shape that makes it feel longer and wider. We’re sure you’ll never experience a better night’s sleep in the wild.
Few extreme adventures allow you to bring unlimited gear. On the contrary, you’re usually carrying everything on your back, making it important to eliminate any unnecessary ounces. If you’ve ever carried a tent with you, you know that many of them are quite heavy and just not a good option for a long-distance hike. If you want a shelter that packs tightly and won’t add much weight to your pack, a Hennessy survival hammock is the way to go. In fact, our hyperlight weighs in at just over a pound and a half!
Although many adventure-seekers do the majority of their excursions during the heat of the summer, depending on where you’re going, nights can get quite chilly. And, if you’re doing your quests all year round, you’ll likely need something to help you stay warm and comfortable at night. Luckily, we’ve thought of that too. We offer optional insulating pads that are designed to fit your hammock perfectly. You can attach it to the hammock under your sleeping bag, or you can put it between the layers of our double-bottomed hammocks.
Whether you’re exploring caves in Mexico or just doing a quick overnight trip a short distance from home, our hammock is the only sleeping gear you’ll ever need. Available in a wide range of sizes and materials, plus plenty of optional features, we encourage you to compare our products and then order the one that’s right for you.
Not sure of the best way to set up a hammock? Visit our website for an abundance of videos and reference material that will help ensure you enjoy every minute with your Hennessy hammock. You can start by referring to our “What to know before you go” page.
Life is too short to just sit at home. Order your new survival hammock from Hennessy Hammocks and start planning your adventure today!
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