New to this HELP!!!!

[tom_alan]

I just received my Hennessy Hammocks and Snake Skins. I have also ordered some Slap Straps Pros and picked up two carabineers for each of them. Found out I could go with the Slap Strap Pros for around $1.50 more because I needed two sets and the price range put me into free shipping. They are also 22” longer and 4oz lighter. That will give more space and adjustability between trees.

http://www.rockcreek.com/products/listing/item10749.asp?ref=RCO_googlebase (http://www.rockcreek.com/products/listing/item10749.asp?ref=RCO_googlebase)

Does anyone have a video or pictures on how to install the Snake Skins?

Will the hammock, bug screen, and rain fly fit into the Snake Skins?

Thanks,

Tom

[Rain Man]

Will the hammock, bug screen, and rain fly fit into the Snake Skins?

Mine sure do. And I think the HH web site has the pics and videos.

Rain:sunMan

.

[tom_alan]

Mine sure do. And I think the HH web site has the pics and videos.

Rain:sunMan

.

I looked last night and didn't see them but I was half asleep as well. I'll look again.

Do you need to set the hammock up before putting on the snake skins or can you just lay them out on a floor? Which way is easier?

Thanks!

[peanuts]

go to hammock forums.net....
forget the slap straps, they are nylon and they stretch, you want polyester straps instead.

[tom_alan]

go to hammock forums.net....
forget the slap straps, they are nylon and they stretch, you want polyester straps instead.

Thanks peanuts!

I did go there and got the same info. I guess my question is do the straps ever stop stretching? They really look like the way to go as far as flexability. If they stop stretching, they may be worth a try.

[Dogwood]

Once U have the snakeskins on leave them on. It makes setting up and storing the hammock that much easier. I wrap up my rainfly separately, but I know everything else fits inside the skins when U shimmy them down to meet in the midddle of the hammock and over the netting.

[Hooch]

I guess my question is do the straps ever stop stretching? They really look like the way to go as far as flexability. If they stop stretching, they may be worth a try.As a former Slap Strap user, I can tell you they won't stop stretching. Since they're made from nylon, they will stretch under load, then go back to their original size when not under load. Trust me, they're not worth the time, trouble or money. You'll want a strap made out of polypropylene or polyester, both of which are available from Strapworks. As far as attaching them goes, do a search for "cinch buckles" and "ring buckles" over on HF, then read about the differences and decide which is right for you.

If you're going to use Snake Skins, don't store the tarp and hammock together. If you do this while you're out hiking and encounter bad weather, then it'll take you that much longer to get the tarp up. AFterward you'll be storing a wet tarp with a dry hammock, which you won't like at all the next place you come to set up. I store my tarp in it's stuff sack in an outside pocket on my pack. You're a lot better off like that, IMO. But do what works for you.

[boarstone]

I just received my Hennessy Hammocks and Snake Skins. I have also ordered some Slap Straps Pros and picked up two carabineers for each of them. Found out I could go with the Slap Strap Pros for around $1.50 more because I needed two sets and the price range put me into free shipping. They are also 22” longer and 4oz lighter. That will give more space and adjustability between trees.

http://www.rockcreek.com/products/listing/item10749.asp?ref=RCO_googlebase (http://www.rockcreek.com/products/listing/item10749.asp?ref=RCO_googlebase)

Does anyone have a video or pictures on how to install the Snake Skins?

Will the hammock, bug screen, and rain fly fit into the Snake Skins?

Thanks,

Tom

Go to Campmor.com, I hammock and use the Hammock bliss tree straps--$9.99 plus shipg. #67903

[Hooch]

The Hammock Bliss tree straps are almost exactly identical to the Tree huggers your Hennessy hammocks should have come with. No need in paying for what you've already got.

[tom_alan]

As a former Slap Strap user, I can tell you they won't stop stretching. Since they're made from nylon, they will stretch under load, then go back to their original size when not under load. Trust me, they're not worth the time, trouble or money. You'll want a strap made out of polypropylene or polyester, both of which are available from Strapworks. As far as attaching them goes, do a search for "cinch buckles" and "ring buckles" over on HF, then read about the differences and decide which is right for you.

If you're going to use Snake Skins, don't store the tarp and hammock together. If you do this while you're out hiking and encounter bad weather, then it'll take you that much longer to get the tarp up. AFterward you'll be storing a wet tarp with a dry hammock, which you won't like at all the next place you come to set up. I store my tarp in it's stuff sack in an outside pocket on my pack. You're a lot better off like that, IMO. But do what works for you.

I believe I'm going to send the slap straps back.

:-? Last night I put everything into the snake skins; however, the way they are put into the skins, I could easily keep the rain fly out while putting the skins over the hammock. With the rain fly laying over the hammock to keep everything dry than pulling the rain fly does sound like a good way to go. :-?

[tom_alan]

The Hammock Bliss tree straps are almost exactly identical to the Tree huggers your Hennessy hammocks should have come with. No need in paying for what you've already got.

Thanks Hooch!

I like the style and flexibility of the Slap Straps so I may just have something home-made using the right type of material and the design of the slap straps.

[Hooch]

Thanks Hooch!

I like the style and flexibility of the Slap Straps so I may just have something home-made using the right type of material and the design of the slap straps.

If that's what you want to do, then go for it, but if you go with plain straps made from polypro or polyester with ringbuckles or cinch buckles, you'll have a lot more adjustability. If you do homemade slap straps, then you can only adjust loop to loop, therefore limiting adjustments to the distance apart the loops are set at. If you go with buckles, you can adjust the trap by fractions of an inch at a time if need be. HYOH (hang your own hammock), but the latter is a lot better option in my opinion. Either way you do, best of luck.

[Just Jeff]

Slap straps are heavier, too - every section of length has at least two layers of webbing, and the overlaps have four layers. But they are convenient if you use biners.

[tom_alan]

If that's what you want to do, then go for it, but if you go with plain straps made from polypro or polyester with ringbuckles or cinch buckles, you'll have a lot more adjustability. If you do homemade slap straps, then you can only adjust loop to loop, therefore limiting adjustments to the distance apart the loops are set at. If you go with buckles, you can adjust the trap by fractions of an inch at a time if need be. HYOH (hang your own hammock), but the latter is a lot better option in my opinion. Either way you do, best of luck.

:-? I have been looking on HF and the ringbuckles look like they would be lighter than the cinch buckles. I can see where there would be more flexibility using either one that you have mentioned.

:-? I see that I have more research to do in this area before I make a commitment. However, I do know that I am going to return the :mad: slap straps :mad: and use the straps supplied by Hennessy Hammocks for the short term. :cool:

Thanks to all!!

[Hooch]

:-? I have been looking on HF and the ringbuckles look like they would be lighter than the cinch buckles. I can see where there would be more flexibility using either one that you have mentioned.

:-? I see that I have more research to do in this area before I make a commitment. However, I do know that I am going to return the :mad: slap straps :mad: and use the straps supplied by Hennessy Hammocks for the short term. :cool:

Thanks to all!!

There is definitely a trade off between the cinch buckles and the ring buckles. Both have excellent adjustablity, withthe ring buckles being lighter, but less secure. The cinch buckles are a little heavier but more secure. It's all a matter of which is more important to you. There is no wrong answer. :D

[JaxHiker]

:-? Last night I put everything into the snake skins; however, the way they are put into the skins, I could easily keep the rain fly out while putting the skins over the hammock. With the rain fly laying over the hammock to keep everything dry than pulling the rain fly does sound like a good way to go. :-?
Tom,

You don't want your fly in the snake skins with your hammock or you'll end up getting the hammock wet. Not only that, if you keep your fly separate and easily accessible (mine stays in the top of my pack in on outside pocket) then you can whip it out in a flash if you need to seek immediate shelter. Of course if you decide to stay put the fly is already up and now you can set the hammock up and keep everything dry.

[tom_alan]

Tom,

You don't want your fly in the snake skins with your hammock or you'll end up getting the hammock wet. Not only that, if you keep your fly separate and easily accessible (mine stays in the top of my pack in on outside pocket) then you can whip it out in a flash if you need to seek immediate shelter. Of course if you decide to stay put the fly is already up and now you can set the hammock up and keep everything dry.

I'm leaning towards separating the two. It seems to make more since. I guess that leads to another question ~ Do I get a small regular stuff sack for the rain fly or do I get a water proof stuff sack?

Seems to me if I use a regular stuff sack, everything around it may get wet. However, if I use a water proof stuff sack the rain fly will not dry until I pull it back out.

What do you suggest? My thought is to go with a water proof stuff sack than the only question will be ~ what size?

[Just Jeff]

When I use a stuff sack, it's waterproof. But now I save the weight and hassle and just stuff it into the mesh pocket outside my pack. What size depends on what tarp you go with.

[tom_alan]

When I use a stuff sack, it's waterproof. But now I save the weight and hassle and just stuff it into the mesh pocket outside my pack. What size depends on what tarp you go with.

I'm planning on going with the original tarp that comes with the hammock. Looks like this is a trial and error thing as well. Every night will be a learning experience for a bit.

[Just Jeff]

Yep - with practice you'll learn how you want your system to work. That's the neat thing about hammocks and hiking in general - there are lots of options to customize your gear. Some folks will hem and haw about what's right or what's better, but in the end you're the one carrying it and sleeping in it so yours is the only opinion that counts!

The stock tarp is adequate...with good site selection it'll keep you dry. Windblown rain can get under it, which can cause an issue with underquilts...but good site selection will protect you from that. Most people who upgrade to bigger tarps do it so they have more room to cook and do chores under, more privacy, more windblock, less stringent site selection, etc. It's a tradeoff for more weight and usually more cost, though.

Definitely read up on attaching the tarp to the trees vs to the hammock supports like HH does, though. HH's method causes the tarp to sag.

[sclittlefield]

Echoing Just Jeff there - there are lots of options - just don't let "finding the perfect set-up first" keep you from getting out there. We all learn best by experience, so go with what you have on a short trip and strategize as you find better ways to do things.

That's not towards anyone at all, I need to apply it more than anyone here, I am sure. I tend to spend more time thinking about the best way to do it than I should, and skip out on the actual doing of it.

[JaxHiker]

Tom, sorry for the delay. I was away this weekend. I use a MacCat tarp which came with its own silnylon stuffsack. Had I stuck with the stock HH tarp I would've made my own sil sack. I don't think you want it in a regular sack. As for it not drying out, its no big deal. It'll dry out when you put it up the next day or whatever or when you get back home and put it up to dry out. It all works out. :)

[BumpJumper]

If you're going to use Snake Skins, don't store the tarp and hammock together. If you do this while you're out hiking and encounter bad weather, then it'll take you that much longer to get the tarp up. AFterward you'll be storing a wet tarp with a dry hammock, which you won't like at all the next place you come to set up.


Good info. Thanks.

[tom_alan]

Ok' ~ I refused the Slap Straps at the door. Going to get a strap support system not made of nylon. Not sure of the material these are made of but I'm thinking something like this and the ring buckles will give me the flexability I'm looking for. http://www.strapworks.com/Strapworks_Simple_Sling_p/hss1s.htm
http://www.hammocks.com/accessories/hanging-kits/twohammocktreestrapswith2shooks.cfm
http://www.strapworks.com/Polypropylene_s/59.htm

Looking at using Descending Ring Buckles with a slightly different set-up than Jeffs. http://www.tothewoods.net/HomemadeGearRingBuckleSupports.html
http://www.rockclimbing.com/gear/Detailed/2648.html

Plan on using Carabiners for a quick set-up ~ leaning towards the TrekLight biners. http://www.treklightgear.com/catalog/pc/viewPrd.asp?idcategory=7&idproduct=15

Planning on separating the rain fly from the hammock to prevent the hammock from getting wet. I will get a waterproof stuff sack to store the rain fly.

Not sure yet if I'm going to use the ridge of the hammock to support the rain fly or not.

Would appreciate any feed back.

Thanks,

Tom

[Tinker]

Thanks peanuts!

I did go there and got the same info. I guess my question is do the straps ever stop stretching? They really look like the way to go as far as flexability. If they stop stretching, they may be worth a try.

I made my own tree hugger straps when I stopped using my HH hammock exclusively - the ones it came with wouldn't take the 6mm climbing cord I use on my other hammocks. the straps are made of nylon.

Yes. Nylon will stretch to a point then stop. It will still stretch ever so slightly with changes in heat and humidity, The half hitch plus a slippery half hitch over it that I use is easy enough to retighten if the sag gets to be annoying (I seem to like a tighter hammock hang than most others).

I recently changed the way I hang my hammock. I cut the support lines close to the hammock body and installed s-hooks on one hammock and locking links on another. They are under the fly and function as interrupters to water running down the lines, so it doesn't get to my hammock.
That allows me to set up the fly first, then preset the lines on each tree to approximate length, take the hammock out of my pack and hang it by the hooks or links (never exposing it to rain), then if necessary, tightening the climbing cord to my liking. I would post pics, but my pc is having problems in that area.

[Grinder]

tom,
You're on the right track!!
ring buckles rock. Home depot sells welded rings that work just fine. Somewhere in the hardware row.

Poly Strap from Speer, or Outdoor Western Fabric.

the ridge line isn't a good idea for supporting the tarp.( because of rainy day setups, where the tarp goes up first.) . Also, it's kind of claustrophobic with the tarp so close. It is a good idea when the weather is really bad.

But!! It's (a ridge line) a great idea for speeding set up. no more internal arguments "Is the angle right or not???". And, a small stuff sack with a cheap carabinner clipped on the ridge line is almost indispensable as a "bedside table" for glasses, headlamp and the book.

Grinder

[Just Jeff]

Some folks tie one ond of the tarp to the tree and clip the other end to the hammock support. It makes setup faster but leaves some adjustability options and decreases the sag issues of hooking both ends to the hammock. And if you leave the cord daisy-chained to the end that you hook to the hammock, you can just pull it out and tie both ends to the tree when it's raining.

[tom_alan]

Ok',

Have my straps, carabiners, and decending (reppal) rings ordered. I called Strapworks and talked with them about their "Simple Sling 1in Seatbelt Webbing". Turns out the "Simple Sling 1in Seatbelt Webbing" was designed for Hammock Hangers because of the high volume of calls and requests they were getting about their webbing and how it could relate to Hammocking.

Went with TrekLight Carabiners, and SMC decending rings.

:-? I believe I'm good to go; however, would still like any suggestions,

Tom_Alan :cool::cool:

[tom_alan]

I went to the park and set-up my hammock tonight. I started putting it up in the daylight but finished in the dark. It was a great experience for the first time. Almost fell asleep in it. Anyhow, on with the post.

I made some changes to the Hennessy Hammock support system to give me what I was looking for in flexibility. I do have an issue with the way the rain fly is supported so I have a plan to fix that as well. I will discuss that later in this post. After starting a Thread on WhiteBlaze and Hammock Forums I got a lot of good information and places to go to do my research.

The first thing I had to address here in Colorado was the fact that the straps provided with the Hennessy Hammocks don’t go all the way around most of the trees along the trails. I ended up going to www.strapworks.com (http://www.strapworks.com/) and purchased two of their “Strapworks Simple Sling 1in Seatbelt Webbing”. Through talking with Strapworks I discovered that this strap was actually designed because of the high number of calls they were getting from “Hammock Hangers” who wanted a strap that would not stretch. I went with 15-feet lengths and 4-inch loops on both ends. The reason I went with 15-feet was to give me the flexibility of nearly twenty more feet between trees if I needed it. I found by wrapping the strap around the tree and through the loop, reverse the strap taking it back around the tree and through the loop, checking to see if the strap was flat against the tree and cinching it up put a solid hold on the trees without any damage.

http://whiteblaze.net/forum/vbg/files/1/8/7/6/6/straps.jpg


The second thing I wanted to address was how to get the flexibility I wanted and connect the straps to the ropes of the hammock. I started focusing in on “rings buckles” and “cinch buckles”. The “cinch buckles” looked like they would not slip as easy as the ‘ring buckles”; however, the “ring buckles” appeared to be much lighter. I felt I had a good plan to keep the “ring buckles” from slipping so I went with them.

http://whiteblaze.net/forum/vbg/files/1/8/7/6/6/ring_buckles.jpg


For the “ring buckles” I went with “SMC Rappel Rings” from www.rei.com (http://www.rei.com/). I used a bowline_knot (http://www.apparent-wind.com/knots/bowline/) on the rope ends of the hammock and had large enough loops that I could loop them through the “ring buckles”. I than threaded the end of the strap through the “ring buckles” and cinched the strap. To keep the strap from slipping I used the figured eight knot that Hennessy Hammocks suggest to use to fasten the ropes to the strap. I did find that if you went up through the “ring buckles” twice before doing the figure eight knot (once on each side of the strap coming into the buckle) the knot was easier to untie. I came up through the “ring buckles” twice than I came towards myself and under the strap, around and under the loop I just made and up through the “ring buckles” four times was enough to stop any slip.

The third thing to address was the ability to quickly install and adjust the side adjustment cords. This is the area I did the most research! The first part was easy ~ pickup some lightweight tent stakes. Next I knew I wanted to use carabiners and the problem would be to find some really lightweight and handle a large load. At the time I felt that I would be looking at six carabiners for the two sides and if I decided to do something else with the rain fly so lightness became a real issue. On the side adjustment cords I tied three half hitches knots that hold well and also will manually slip for quick adjustments. I ended up going to www.treklight.com (http://www.treklight.com/) and got three of their carabinerpair to use. They work great! I just hook them in the loop and around the tent stake. I could have gone without the carabiners, but its nice to have a couple around to fasten things to the outside of your pack like cameras.

http://whiteblaze.net/forum/vbg/files/1/8/7/6/6/three_half_hitches_knot.jpg


http://whiteblaze.net/forum/vbg/files/1/8/7/6/6/carabiner.jpg

For the rain fly I plan on getting a static line and using a three half hitches knots on each end with carabiners hooking to the “ring buckles”. I’m optimistic that this will solve the problem; however, if it doesn’t I will hook the carabiners to the 4-inch loop against the tree.

Putting it all away I decided to not put the rain fly in the snakeskin’s to keep the hammock dry during bad weather. I found some nylon mesh All-Purpose Storage Bags (SKU 8703165) at Best Buy for $8.99. Once again I was optimistic that the rain fly would fit inside the large one and it did. Now I have three additional lightweight bags to help organize.

http://whiteblaze.net/forum/vbg/files/1/8/7/6/6/hammock_04_put_a_way.jpg

http://whiteblaze.net/forum/vbg/files/1/8/7/6/6/storage_bags-a.jpg

Check out my gallery for more pics and how I resolve the rain fly issue.

[Red Hat]

Thanks for the post, Tom. I did almost the same things: webbing, rings, and separated my tarp from the hammock. I bought a MacCat and used the spectra that I had cut when I put on my rings from my HH for tying the ends to the tree. I used the hammock tie outs for the edges of my tarp. Not sure yet if I'll tie out the hammock edges or not. Happy Hanging...

[tom_alan]

Went to the park and set-up my hammock again to work on the situation with the rain fly. I set it up in 20 minutes. That was about an hour faster than I set it up yesterday. Of course it was my first time setting it up, it got dark on me and I didn’t have a flashlight. I also took it down and packed it in 12 minutes.

I felt claustrophobic with the rain fly dropping down on top of the ridge of the hammock so I wanted to solve that issue. I went to several sporting goods stores and was unable to find 5mm static rope that I wanted. I finally went to an Army Surplus store and got 6mm nylon rope for $.15 a foot. That was about $.18 a foot cheaper than anywhere else and at that price I can toss it when I find the static rope that I want. The reason I want the static rope is due to the stretch with nylon rope.

Using four half hitches knots on both ends of the rope I made loops and fasten carabiners to the rope. I than slid the rope under the rain fly and fasten the carabiners to the “ring buckles”. I also moved the sliding hooks off of the rope to the hammock and put it on the rope that now supported the rain fly. I believe the next time I set it up I will hook to the strap loops against the trees to give it a little more lift. I do feel that this is the way to go in good weather camping and if you get into bad weather you can always drop the fly back down to the ridge of the hammock itself.

http://whiteblaze.net/forum/vbg/files/1/8/7/6/6/four_half_hitches_knot.jpg
Four Half Hitches Knot will adjust manually with ease and if tied right will not slip under presser.

http://whiteblaze.net/forum/vbg/files/1/8/7/6/6/ring_buckles_-_knots.jpg
Lot going on here and all of it centers around the "Ring Buckles". There is a bowline knot tied on the rope end of the hammock and it is looped through the rings. The strap is than threaded through the rings and cinched down. To keep the strap from slipping four figure-eight knots are tied in the webbing and around the rings. The carabiner holds the looped end of a 5mm rope that supports the rain fly higher for ventilation in good weather camping.

http://whiteblaze.net/forum/vbg/files/1/8/7/6/6/rain_fly_01_118656.jpg

http://whiteblaze.net/forum/vbg/files/1/8/7/6/6/rain_fly_02.jpg
The two pictures above are with the rain fly raised.

[BumpJumper]

Is the white specs on the picture a dirty lens or is that snow?:eek:

[tom_alan]

Is the white specs on the picture a dirty lens or is that snow?:eek:

It was starting to rain / ice and it was in the high 30's. The pre-flash for night time pictures lite them up. I did edit them out on some pics.

Edit: If the lens was dirty all of the pictures would have spots. I cleaned up the picture and I even took out the over-exposer.

:-? What do you think of the set-up? :banana I like it!

[tom_alan]

Thanks for the post, Tom. I did almost the same things: webbing, rings, and separated my tarp from the hammock. I bought a MacCat and used the spectra that I had cut when I put on my rings from my HH for tying the ends to the tree. I used the hammock tie outs for the edges of my tarp. Not sure yet if I'll tie out the hammock edges or not. Happy Hanging...

Red, How do you like the MacCat? I have heard a lot of good things about them. How much larger is it than the rain fly that comes with the hammock?

[TOW]

I just received my Hennessy Hammocks and Snake Skins. I have also ordered some Slap Straps Pros and picked up two carabineers for each of them. Found out I could go with the Slap Strap Pros for around $1.50 more because I needed two sets and the price range put me into free shipping. They are also 22” longer and 4oz lighter. That will give more space and adjustability between trees.

http://www.rockcreek.com/products/listing/item10749.asp?ref=RCO_googlebase (http://www.rockcreek.com/products/listing/item10749.asp?ref=RCO_googlebase)

Does anyone have a video or pictures on how to install the Snake Skins?

Will the hammock, bug screen, and rain fly fit into the Snake Skins?

Thanks,

Tom
Tom? There is no help for you.........:D

[tom_alan]

Tom? There is no help for you.........:D

:-? Got it all figured out!! I may be a "Silly Man" but I am a happy man as well! There is help for people like me. :sun:sun:sun

:-? The only problem I have is getting two days in a row off work to really enjoy the outdoors; however, in today’s economy that is more of a blessing than a problem! :banana:banana

[JaxHiker]

Red, How do you like the MacCat? I have heard a lot of good things about them. How much larger is it than the rain fly that comes with the hammock?
I love my MacCat. If I remember and have enough daylight when I get home I'll try to take pics of them together.

[Ekul]

http://www.tothewoods.net/ImagesStay...flyProject.pdf (http://www.tothewoods.net/ImagesStayWarm/HH_UnderflyProject.pdf)

^^from just jeff

Maccat =ftw. cant help but like the idea of having a dry place to get out of the hammock for the late night tree run or just packing up in the morning

[tom_alan]

I love my MacCat. If I remember and have enough daylight when I get home I'll try to take pics of them together.

Thanks Cary!

I look forward to seeing your pictures.:welcome

Tom

[JaxHiker]

Dark and rainy when I got home last night. I'll try again.

[Oms]

Tom, I have two tarps from OES. Brian makes some awesome tarps, extremely well made. Since I got my son into camping I had to buy another hammock and tarp, otherwise I was stuck in a tent :(. So after giving it a little thought, I decided to have one for summer use and one for cold weather hanging. The stock HH tarp, for me, did not cover well, especially when using an under quilt. I have a MacCat Deluxe and an 8x10. As you can see the 8x10 can be closed off at one or both ends when the weather requires it. The MacCat gives lots of coverage. In some of the photos you can't even see the hammock. Check out the pics, the one with both tarps I didn't tie them too taut because the weather was mild. http://picasaweb.google.com/GeorgeG61/2008_5_26WarrenDunesCamping?authkey=frtDccCnBlQ# http://picasaweb.google.com/GeorgeG61/2007_4_27KettleMorraineGeofJeffGeo?authkey=5SETkjP Fgfo#

[Oms]

Forgot the one with both together. http://picasaweb.google.com/GeorgeG61/2008_08_31PorkiesBackpackingTrip#52459334635919973 62

[tom_alan]

Looks like the OES has a 6 point tie down. I can see where it would cover more area.:-?

Loved your slide shows,:D:D

Tom

[TOW]

:-? Got it all figured out!! I may be a "Silly Man" but I am a happy man as well! There is help for people like me. :sun:sun:sun

:-? The only problem I have is getting two days in a row off work to really enjoy the outdoors; however, in today’s economy that is more of a blessing than a problem! :banana:bananaNo Tom, there is absolutely no help for you because you are addicted to this way of life and those who are addicted like a junkie to the hiking way of life there is just no help at all for them...........hopeless I tell you, hopeless........;)

[JaxHiker]

Yesterday was cold and rainy. Today is bright and sunny. I should be able to get the two tarps snapped for you this afternoon.

[JaxHiker]

Ok, here are your comparison pics. Hennessy stock in brown, MacCat Deluxe in gray.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v386/fotomonkey/hiking/gear/tarps/IMG_0562.jpg

You can see that there is considerably more coverage provided by the MacCat. I was feeling lazy and in a hurry but if I'd staked the Mac out near-horizontal you would really get an appreciation for it.

You can see in this blurry (sorry) close-up that the Hennessy is slightly longer on the ridgeline but even with that the Mac wins out imho.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v386/fotomonkey/hiking/gear/tarps/IMG_0563.jpg

[JaxHiker]

I found a pic of the stock over my hammock so you can get an idea of the actual coverage.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v386/fotomonkey/hiking/gear/tarps/P9010468-1.jpg

Not much protection from the wind as you can imagine and you lose a lot of heat that way.

[tom_alan]

I found a pic of the stock over my hammock so you can get an idea of the actual coverage.



Not much protection from the wind as you can imagine and you lose a lot of heat that way.


Thanks for sharing. I like the idea of a 6 point tie down

[BumpJumper]

Jax, thanks for those pics. It really put it into prespective on how much bigger it is than stock. That made my mind up.

[Oms]

Hey Jax, cold and rainy is a matter of perspective. I wish it could rain, -9F here. That's it, I'm moving south when the kids are out of school!

[JaxHiker]

Glad to help.

I'll also explain my neon lines. I got tired of tripping over the black lines that came with the Hennessy tarp. I swapped them out for neon and haven't had any problems (of course it doesn't help as much at night but they do show up in your headlamp). I used hot pink for my ridgeline and neon green for the tieouts. Makes it easier (for me at least) when I'm unfolding it or stowing it away. I know right away which end is which.

[JaxHiker]

Hey Jax, cold and rainy is a matter of perspective. I wish it could rain, -9F here. That's it, I'm moving south when the kids are out of school!
:D Man, I've been hearing some cold temps up that way. I never saw temps that low when I was living in Chicago. I don't think it even snowed but maybe once.

We're supposed to set a record low tonight. Not sure if it's 28 or 24. It was beautiful today.

[tom_alan]

I have a MacCat Deluxe and an 8x10. As you can see the 8x10 can be closed off at one or both ends when the weather requires it. The MacCat gives lots of coverage. In some of the photos you can't even see the hammock. Check out the pics, the one with both tarps I didn't tie them too taut because the weather was mild. http://picasaweb.google.com/GeorgeG61/2008_5_26WarrenDunesCamping?authkey=frtDccCnBlQ# http://picasaweb.google.com/GeorgeG61/2007_4_27KettleMorraineGeofJeffGeo?authkey=5SETkjP Fgfo#


Ok, here are your comparison pics. Hennessy stock in brown, MacCat Deluxe in gray.

You can see that there is considerably more coverage provided by the MacCat. I was feeling lazy and in a hurry but if I'd staked the Mac out near-horizontal you would really get an appreciation for it.


Where can you get the MacCat Tarps at the best prices? Is this an OES supplied product only?

[JaxHiker]

OES or 2nd hand. But Brian has them priced well imho. Worth every penny.

[Ashman]

Looks like you got the storage for the tarp taken care of but another thought. If you have snake skins for the hammock use the bag that the hammock comes with for the tarp.

[tom_alan]

Looks like you got the storage for the tarp taken care of but another thought. If you have snake skins for the hammock use the bag that the hammock comes with for the tarp.

:-? That's a good thought. However, I found that I was able to stuff everything into the bag that the hammock came in. ;);) It's a tight fit but I got it all in. :sun I can hang the tarp on the outside of my pack in the mesh bag if it's wet. :cool:

[Ashman]

This thread gives an excellent walkthrough on how to pack the hammock in the snake skins. They way I was trying didn't work at all. Its worth a look.

http://www.hammockforums.net/forum/showthread.php?t=82&highlight=snake+skins+roll+hammock