toejam

I need to spend some money (birthday present) on good camping gear before I blow it on something unmemorable. I've been thinking of getting an ultralight backpacker Hennessy Hammock for a while. I've heard nothing but positive reviews so far. Have any of you tried one? Are they good in Texas heat and bugs?

copuswalker

I have had one for a while. All in all it is great. As is the case with anything it has it's pros and cons. It is great in the heat, It is bad in the cold. I sleep much better normally than a tent, Limited gear room and tough to get into with a bag and pad if needed (colder waether). Of course they are light and most times you also save the weight of the pad. Do a search in backpacker.com in the gear section and you will find a lot of reviews etc.
Last hike I took my tent and liked the vestibule but missed the comfort and weight reduction of the hammock.
If you are looking for a vote. get one

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There are those that hike and those that don't and those that say they will but won't.

ploddinTod

I don't have a hammock but since Texas has more heat and bugs than cold weather, it sounds like a good match.

Wingman

I have used my HH in both wnter and warmer months and overall it's a great way to go. If you're into the ultralight backpacking thing it's makes great sense. I bought a closeout Expedition model from their website and it weighs in around 2.5 lbs. or thereabouts. It's kind of tricky in cold weather though... I just did a 3 day trip in the Ouachita Nat'l Forest and if you don't have something underneath your backside it can get kind of cold and uncomfortable during the night. Kind of like a bridge in icy weather I guess. I wound up stuffing my fleece jacket underneath which got me through each night. It's pretty versatile too... on my last night I just pitched it close to the ground, threw my Z-Rest inside and it worked great. No cold spots. The other thing is getting in & out of your bag. Take some getting used to but can be mastered. The HH website has a few write ups on both to give you some ideas. My father, brother & I used to use those old nylon hammocks way back about 20 years ago and this is so much better. Very comfortable and I sleep great. I say get one... well worth it in my opinion.

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Wingman

ploddinTod

Hey Wingman,
What part of the Ouachita National Forest did you visit? Ouachita Trail? See any wildlife? I've done the western part of the OT to Queen Wilhelmina SP. It's a nice trail and close to Texas.

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PloddinTod

Wingman

PloddinTod,

I haven't had a chance to get on the Ouachita Trail yet. I did a loop trail on the Arkansas side called Eagle Rock Loop http://www.fs.fed.us/oonf/rec/eaglerock.htm. It's a nice 3 day trip although you could probably do it in 2 if you really tried. It's really pretty up there... lots of river & creek crossings and mountains. Parts of the trail follow the Little Missouri River which is classified as a Nat'l Wild River I believe. There is a pretty cool place to camp along the trail called Winding Stairs which has several deep pools to swim in. It's great after a hot day of hiking. It can get a little crowded when it's warm as it is an area that is accessible from the parking area at Albert Pike - about 2 or 3 miles away or so. Anyway, as I say it's a nice little trip. I hope to do the Ouachita Trail one of these days when I can carve out 2 weeks or so to do it.

I did see plenty of deer and a few wild turkeys. On my last day hiking out I came walking up the trail and I could hear leaves rustling and just about that time about 20 grouse flew suddenly flew away about 20 yards in front of me. It surprised me so much I jumped about a mile!

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Wingman

OutdoorPhoto.com

Shannon and I visited Little Missouri Falls on at least a couple of Arkansas trips. Absolutely gorgeous!

Here's a photo from that trip:
Photo of Little Missouri Falls

copuswalker

Who is this guy that claims to know Shannon??

__________________
There are those that hike and those that don't and those that say they will but won't.

OutdoorPhoto.com

Shannon

He's the one who keeps me in line, dontcha know?

...or something like that!

He's put up with me for fifteen years, so I think he's a "keeper"!

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- Shannon Moore
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