USA 
CA
EU
UK
AUS/NZ
How To Set Up My Hennessy Hammock
Learn The Basics Today!
Setting up a hammock seems simple, but it can become frustratingly complex very quickly! We want to make sure you have everything you need when you are setting up your brand new Hennessy Hammock, so we have put together this guide that should help you get started. If you have further questions, you can always reach out to our team! We are happy to provide you with the highest quality hammocks available, and we want to make sure that you are able to enjoy your time outdoors to its fullest. Continue reading to learn more about hammock setup, and don’t forget to explore our full catalog of hammocks today.
Tree Or Post Spacing
The first thing you’ll need to find when you’re setting up your hammock is the right spacing of trees or posts. The best choice is to find two solid trees that are about 12-25 feet apart from each other. This will allow your hammock to be pulled tightly without having too much sag in the middle. This is very important, because if your hammock isn’t supported correctly, it could lead to an uncomfortable night of sleep and soreness the next day. Our hammocks come with adjustable straps to accommodate for various situations, and we always recommend trying out different distances so you get the most comfortable support possible.
Pitch Of The Hammock
Once you have found your trees, it is important to angle your hammock suspension at about 30 degrees. Pitching your hammock too tight puts too much force on the suspension lines. If there is too much force on these lines, it can not only lead to a less comfortable experience, but it can also lead to the hammock failing entirely! If the pitch of the hammock is too tight, it also leads to the hammock being more unsteady due to its higher center of gravity. By pitching at about 30 degrees, you will be sure to get the deep, comfortable sag that you need for the best possible hammock comfort.
Height Of The Hammock
You don’t want to have troubles getting into your hammock! Therefore, you should try and make the height of your hammock approximately chair height. This will allow you to easily climb into and out of the hammock, reducing risk of injury and frustration. If the trees are further apart, you’ll need to attach your webbing straps higher up the tree. If they are closer together, you’ll be able to attach the straps lower. You can experiment with different heights to find what is most comfortable for you, but you will want to have at least 16-19 inches of clearance from the ground when you are in the hammock for the best experience.
How Tight Should It Be?
While this partly depends on your preference, it is very important to find the correct tightness for your hammock. Many people find that they need to tie the hammock a little bit tighter because once they sit or lay in it, it sags more deeply than desired. While there is no tried and true way to find the right tension for your hammock, you can start to get a better feel for it the more you use your hammock. You can even take it out to trees in your yard or a nearby park to test it out and experiment in comfortable and familiar territory beforehand! This will make it easier for you to find the desired tightness for your hammock when you are out and about!
Tying The Knot/Lashing
There are a wide variety of ways that you can tie your knot and lash onto the trees you are using, but the method that Hennessy Hammocks recommends can be seen in this video from our founder, Tom. With this method, you’ll avoid jammed knots and you will be able to keep your rope in great condition for a long time. It also saves time in both setup and tear down because of its simple and reliable steps! Watch the video for a simple explanation and demonstration or follow these steps:
Making Little Adjustments
As we mentioned, it may take a little bit of time to get used to your new hammock. Not every hammock acts the same, and finding the accommodating trees or posts can be difficult in some situations. Therefore, you may need to make small adjustments to your hammock once it is set up to ensure that it is as comfortable as possible for your whole time using it. The best way to make sure that your hammock requires the least amount of adjustments possible is simply to practice! Setting it up will soon become second nature and you’ll be able to make adjustments as you set up once you know some of your preferences.
SnakeSkins
SnakeSkins are a handy stuff sack that allows you to collapse and protect your Hennessy Hammock in about 30 seconds. It helps you to create a shelter that never touches the ground, gets dirty, or becomes covered in mud. These are very helpful for those that may encounter foul weather on their outings, and it can be used with all Hennessy Hammock models! It can be frustrating and very uncomfortable to set up a hammock in the rain, but with SnakeSkin you can reduce the moisture on you and your hammock as you are easily protected from the weather!
Setting Up Your Rainfly
Along with a SnakeSkin to protect your hammock and your gear, you will also want to be sure you have a rainfly. These are designed to protect you and your hammock from inclement weather as you rest for the night. We offer several different types of rainflies, and finding the right size for your needs will be key to helping you reduce the amount of rain that ends up on you and your gear. If you’d like, you can also utilize extra rainflies to give you more protection. This can be useful if you plan to spend more than a few hours in a certain spot as it can let you pull out various equipment without the worry of it being damaged by weather.
About Our Suspension System
Nothing lasts forever, but our suspension system certainly will try! It is extremely durable, reliable, and will easily last for many, many uses. When you’re using a hammock, having a suspension system that you can trust is imperative! Nobody wants to fall in the night due to a broken suspension system or wake up partially on the ground because the suspension slowly slipped down the tree. You can always rely on the suspension from Hennessy Hammock to keep you comfortable throughout your travels.Shop For Your Hennessy Hammock Today
Ready to get out there and start exploring? Shop for your own hammock from Hennessy Hammock today! We have a variety of models available to meet all of your needs. Whether you’re just going out for the day or you plan to be exploring for a long period of time, you can find a Hennessy Hammock that will keep you comfortable. Don’t forget to pack a SnakeSkin and rainfly to ensure you are never at the mercy of the weather! If you have any questions about our hammocks or how to effectively set them up, you can always reach out to us. We would be happy to discuss our hammocks with you and help you make the right choice for your next adventure.
