Hennessy Hammock Expedition Series Review

For the dedicated hammock camper that wants an all-in-one package, look no further than the Hennessy Hammock Expedition Series. What makes the Hennessy stand out? With a built-in bug net, ridge line and an included tarp, the Hennessy comes with everything you need to start camping with it right out of the bag. It’s spacious and features an asymmetrical design to make it easier to get a flat lay.

While it has a few setbacks, overall the Hennessy is incredibly solid and great for backpacking or car camping. The price point may be a bit daunting to some, but with its impressive bulk of features, it may prove a good value. Check out the details below!

Product Performance

Comfort: The Hennessy Hammock Expedition Series shines when it comes to comfort. Sporting an asymmetrical design, it makes it incredibly easy to get a flat lay and make the most of the available space. The Hennessy has guy lines that can be set up to give you extra shoulder space. While the material itself is a little rough and less comfortable than some other hammocks we reviewed, that problem goes away once you’re in a sleeping bag and drifting off to sleep.

However because it comes with a ridge line and bug net, the Hennessy is reserved for laying down only. Sitting up is possible, though not very comfortable with ridge line getting in the way. The positive is that the ridge line comes with a small mesh pouch for you to store small items before you go to sleep. The built-in bug net is a great feature, although it cannot be removed so it may be difficult to get an unobstructed view of the stars.

Weight and Size: The great features of the Hennessy Expedition comes at a cost – the weight. Large in size, the Hennessy Expedition weighs in at a whopping 41oz (though this includes a 10oz rainfly that can be left at home if camping in clear weather). The Hennessy also has a listed weight limit of 250 lbs, a bit lower than we’d like especially with a hammock as heavy duty as this.

Durability: The Hennessy Hammock Expedition Series is made with some of the toughest and most durable fabric dested, a 210 denier nylon with double stitched seams. The fabric is burly and will be a welcome addition if there is any rain or snow.

All hammocks can be used with a rainfly, but the Hennessy comes with its own system to suspend it on the ridge line.  A small plastic clip and friction knot make setting up the rainfly a breeze. However, the rainfly itself is a bit small and its asymmetrical diamond design will not offer great protection in heavy storms. The rainfly is better reserved for small squalls and showers and if heavy rains are in the forecast, a hexagonal rainfly may be a safer option.

Versatility: The heavy bulk of the Hennessy Expedition may deter ultralight backpackers from using it, but it is still a versatile hammock and easy to use. It features long ropes that makes set up versatile, but compared to its competitors, it is a bit more difficult to pitch. The included tree straps are incredibly short and serve only to act as a bit of protection for the bark. Setting up the hammock requires tying the rope through the straps and there is nothing to help you with adjusting tension after you hang it up.

One popular option to speed up the setup is to purchase a pair of climbing carabiners and 4 rappel rings. The rope can be looped through the rappel rings to quickly set up the hammock and also allow for quick tension adjustments. However, this is an additional purchase which adds even more bulk to the already heavy Hennessy.

Conclusion

The Hennessy Hammock Expedition Series is a great hammock for a beginner backpacker looking for an all-in-one solution. However it’s heavy weight and difficult set up make it less attractive for dedicated backpackers. Nevertheless, the wide range of features offers a good value and justifies its top price point.

Product Specs

Name: Hennessy Hammock Expedition Series
Material: 210D Oxford nylon
Height limit: 6’ Tall
Weight Limit: 250 lbs
Unfolded Dimensions: 120” x 59”
Weight: 2 lbs 12 oz
Packed Dimensions: 4” x 7” x 9”
Bug Netting: 30D polyester No-See-Um netting
Rainfly Weight: 10 oz
Rainfly Fabric: 70D polyurethane coated polyester ripstop
Rainfly Dimensions: Parallelogram 63” x 99”, Diagonal length above ridge line 132”