View Full Version : Breaking in my HH
MtnBikerGuy
03-04-2009, 15:17
I purchased a HH a couple years ago, but just recently used it for the first time. Overall I was happy with it and plan on using it on another section hike on the AT in the spring, but I have a couple questions and no better place to get answers than on WB.
1. Is the tarp over the hammock suppose to be rectangular? Seems like it should be square or at least diamond shaped. I don't think it would have provided full protection if it would have rained.
2. Will the ropes and/or hammock stretch the first time or two. I woke up the first night and was much lower than when I went to sleep. I checked the knots/lashings and they seemed fine and did not seem to slip from the appearance of them.
3. Had a mouse crawl across the top of it as I went to sleep. I could hear his little feet and see his shadow. It was funny to smack the top of the hammock with my hand and launch him 10-15 feet. No more mice problems that night. (I guess thats not a question, but rather a quick humor comment.) :)
Thanks in advance for your replies.
I converted to the ring buckle set up and have no sagging issues. I used Speers low stretch webbing. Can also use ratchet straps from the big box---careful to get correct load rating. the standard HH tarp is now in my gear trunk and I use a OES Maccat standard in its place. ALot less claustrophobic.
I tend to set my HH backpacker a little higher as to where I have to almost hop in so I dont wake up on the ground. There will be a little give im sure.
LoL on the mouse thing...never had issues with them since I left the manmade wood shelters.
bigcranky
03-04-2009, 15:27
The tarp is supposed to be an elongated, asymmetrical diamond shape. The stock fly is actually pretty good, but there are very good aftermarket tarps -- see Maccat (http://www.outdoorequipmentsupplier.com/products-maccat-tarps.html) for example. I've used my Maccat Deluxe in several frog stranglers, and it worked like a champ.
The ropes stretch at first. Use it some more, and this will lessen. You might still want to re-tie it after you've been lying inside for a little while.
Nice shot with the mouse. Been there, done that.
a lot of people perfer more room under their tarp, but the a-sym stock tarp... if used correctly, will provide the coverage you need (stake low and tight, but don't have the tarp touch the mess or water will bleed through). A lot of people buy OES MacCats, as they are the most coverage per oz, but they also are a little more work and you need more stakes, so the weight isn't that much different. For $10 more when you order a ultralight backpacker, HH will give you the ultralight explorer tarp, which is longer and wider, giving that little bit of extra that you're longing for. As far as it sagging, I've had ~4-5 HH of various models and I don't remember any sagging the first day. I'd just try it out another night and see if it happens again, and make sure you're doing the lashings correctly. There is a video that explains it here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VXk26e4kt4U
SGT Rock
03-08-2009, 13:25
I purchased a HH a couple years ago, but just recently used it for the first time. Overall I was happy with it and plan on using it on another section hike on the AT in the spring, but I have a couple questions and no better place to get answers than on WB.
1. Is the tarp over the hammock suppose to be rectangular? Seems like it should be square or at least diamond shaped. I don't think it would have provided full protection if it would have rained.
Should be a diamond.
2. Will the ropes and/or hammock stretch the first time or two. I woke up the first night and was much lower than when I went to sleep. I checked the knots/lashings and they seemed fine and did not seem to slip from the appearance of them.
They will stretch. If you store it for a while it will do it again when you start using it again. Set it up a little higher.
3. Had a mouse crawl across the top of it as I went to sleep. I could hear his little feet and see his shadow. It was funny to smack the top of the hammock with my hand and launch him 10-15 feet. No more mice problems that night. (I guess thats not a question, but rather a quick humor comment.) :)
It was funny. Good times.
...can't beat the weight of the stock tarp... and it does work well, just doesn't give you room to hang out underneath.
1. Is the tarp over the hammock suppose to be rectangular? Seems like it should be square or at least diamond shaped. I don't think it would have provided full protection if it would have rained.
The tarp on an HH is an asymmetrical shape. It can be a little confusing to know which way is right so I marked the two sides that go parallel with the hammock.
didymus128
03-21-2009, 22:36
I have made it a habit to lash mine up tight, get in it and lay for a few minutes, and then re-lash each side. The initial stretch does not come back. I think this could get better as I use the HH more.
I had the same experience with mice my 2nd night out in my HH!!! I hung next to a little mouse infested embankment and mice kept scurrying across my rainfly all night. I had an absolute blast launching them into the air.
I bought my HH recently and got the free Hexfly by ordering from the website. Man it has a TON of coverage. Still deciding if it will be worth the extra weight on my thru hike in 2010. It's very nice to stake both cords to one side and have a huge sitting area underneath until bedtime.