Re: [Paddlewise] Hennessy Hammock: Functional Equivalents?

(Pete Cresswell) wrote:
> 
> Intrigued with the idea of a sleeping hammock, I bought one of these things at
> REI a couple of months ago.
> 
> For me, the idea still shows promise, but the Hennessy implementation doesn't
> suite me.    
> Anybody know of something bigger/tougher?    Right now, I'm playing around with
> some nylon pack cloth - but realize that the whole Hennessy implementation is
> not quite as simple as it looks....
> -----------------------

You might want to look into the hammocks made by a small company in New
England, the Vermont Voyageur Equipment Co.  I have not used one but was
put on to by Mike Hughes from the Chesapeake Paddlers Assoc..  Mike is
an ex-Marine and probably has a high threshold re discomfort.  But from
what I see of the hammock he doesn't have to test that fortitude.  

Here is the writeup on it from my May/June 1997 issue.  Area codes have
been changing in recent years and that one may not be right.  And
perhaps the small company is no longer in business but still worth
checking.

BEGIN FK EXCERPT M/J 1997-----
Voyageur Hammock and Tarps.  These are made by a small company in
Vermont, Vermont Voyageur Equipment, that specializes in high quality
camping gear.  The backbone of the business is the Hammock costing $71. 
It comes in two sizes, one for people up to 6 feet tall, and the other
for taller individuals.   The hammocks weigh 1.5 lbs. and 1.9 lbs.  But
the tarps to go over them are extra (see below).
	I have not used the setup but seen it displayed by Mike Hughes, a
hardshell paddler from Maryland.  The Hammock is all nylon.  Two layers
of breathable nylon line the bottom.  This reduces stretch and sag plus
adds strength.  The top is nylon with mosquito netting panels at the
ends.  It comes with 8 feet of cord for each end.  From what Mike
reports, this is a real comfortable hammock to sleep in.  There is a
grommet in the roof material just above the chest and this helps raise
the top away from you with an extra cord and cordlock.  And you can also
use the Hammock as a bivy shelter  when you can’t find trees.
	You do need the tarp, though.  You have two choices, the Rain Tarp or
the Expedition Rain Tarp.  The first is 9.5 feet by 9.5 feet and weighs
just 2 pounds for the standard size and 2.2 pounds for the tall (10 feet
long).   Cost is $66.   So basically you are looking at about 3.5 lbs
for the total shelter.  The color is a muted green and khaki.  It comes
with strong line, corner webbing loops, etc. to give you some
versatility in staking down.   It can either be used to protect the
Hammock or act as a hanging out tarp shelter for two people.
	If you want the ultimate in protection, there’s the Expedition Rain
Tarp that has ends that close with snaps.  It can shelter more people
and stop heavy driving rain from coming in at the ends.  It costs $117
and weighs 2.7 lbs.
	To find out more call 802-326-4789.
---END ARTICLE

best,

ralph  
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
Ralph Diaz . . . Folding Kayaker newsletter
PO Box 0754, New York, NY 10024
Tel: 212-724-5069; E-mail: rdiaz_at_ix.netcom.com
"Where's your sea kayak?"----"It's in the bag."
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
***************************************************************************
PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List - All postings copyright the author and not
to be reproduced/forwarded outside PaddleWise without author's permission
Submissions:     PaddleWise_at_PaddleWise.net
Subscriptions:   PaddleWise-request_at_PaddleWise.net
Website:         http://www.paddlewise.net/
***************************************************************************