I got my new Hennessy Expedition Zip yesterday and spent the rest of the day working with it. I traded out the stock lines for Amsteel whoopie slings. I had also ordered long tree straps from Arrowhead but my trees were small enough for use with the stock Hennessy straps (I do hike in areas with big timber).
So, much fiddling and a lot to learn. The information provided in these forums was a HUGE aid. I can see that getting the hang right will take some experience. I knew it would take several tries and I experimented with strap height on the tree, line angle and tautness, climbing in and out of the hammock until I understood the relationship and geometry of the hang. I got used to the asymmetrical design after some trial and error.
I have all kinds of sleeping pads and I also have a big roll of 5mm EVA foam. I cut a pad based on the dimensions for the Hennessy radiant pad and used that for my first night "off the ground." I can see why many prefer double-layer hammocks for use with CCF pads. I'm going to cut another with some wings. I can see an UQ in my future.
I piled into the hammock with my pad and 32F synthetic fill mummy bag. I quickly found out that it is easier to get into the bag before or as you get in the hammock. The pad wrinkled a bit at first, but took a curve and molded to my shape as it warmed up.
I was surprised how well the hammock supported my back. I was worried about getting the wrong curve in my lower back and found that the opposite was true--- the fabric provided the proper support and was quite comfortable.
I set up with my satellite radio, a book, and a Black Diamond Orbit LED lantern hanging from the ridge line. I have a Cocoon Ultralight air pillow and that worked well. I didn't need much air in it-- just a little change in head angle was enough.
I slept well--- better than any night on the ground with a hiking-style pad. I did wake up a few times, with a couple "where am I?" moments. The gentle sway of the hammock was nice, but it was a different sensation in those twilight sleep moments. It reminds me of a water bed. I'm normally a side sleeper, but I found sleeping on my back easy and I did find a kind of half-way side position that was comfortable too.
I do want to get a larger tarp. The stock asym tarp looks fine for light rain, and I did get some overnight. It was raining when I got up and didn't realize it as I had been listening to the radio with earphones. I have an 8x10 cat-cut tarp in mind and I can use that for ground camping too, I use a Six Moon Designs Gatewood Cape poncho shelter now, so converting to another tarp is easy for me. No doubt, the 8x10 will make for better shelter in heavier weather.
Conclusion: I like it! I'm looking forward to a hike with the hammock ASAP.
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