Hennessy hex fly

[stir crazy]

Just received my Hennessy explorer deluxe. Tried it out last week. Slept great! Only concern is the size of the fly. I remember a REI salesperson recommending to go with the larger hex fly. Any experiences?

[cowpoke]

I have the HHED with the stock tarp. Only slept in the rain twice with it and stayed dry both times...mostly. I found that I needed to tie the tarp off well below the hammock straps so that the tarp was riding...almost resting on the ridge line of the hammock. One was a good prolonged rain with wind...only got a little water in the top corner of the hammock. The stock tarp works but still think a larger tarp would work much better. I really enjoy the HHED and hope you do also...cheers.

[stir crazy]

thanks, cowpoke. I'm thinking that the hex fly would give me added room to cook under if i needed too. $130 bucks though. Almost as much as i paid for the hammock and standard fly combined.

[kayak karl]

thanks, cowpoke. I'm thinking that the hex fly would give me added room to cook under if i needed too. $130 bucks though. Almost as much as i paid for the hammock and standard fly combined.
its bigger, but not that much for cooking under. its over my hammock in this pic.

http://inlinethumb40.webshots.com/43751/2791527940104593866S500x500Q85.jpg

i like my JRB 11-9 better (on left) (stock on right)

http://inlinethumb55.webshots.com/41526/2094196110104593866S500x500Q85.jpg

or superfly with doors. great for the winter

http://inlinethumb64.webshots.com/44799/2066785680104593866S500x500Q85.jpg

KK

[stir crazy]

KK,
Definitely more coverage on the 11-9. I'll look into it. How's the weight?

[kayak karl]

KK,
Definitely more coverage on the 11-9. I'll look into it. How's the weight?
sorry 10-11 http://www.jacksrbetter.com/11%20x%2010%20Cat%20Tarp.htm

[Just Jeff]

Also check out the MacCat tarps...very easy to get a tight pitch.
www.outdoorequipmentsupplier.com (http://www.outdoorequipmentsupplier.com)

And www.warbonnetoutdoors.com (http://www.warbonnetoutdoors.com) has several tarps to choose from as well.

The HH Hex gives good coverage, but since it isn't cat cut it doesn't pitch quite as tightly as some other models. Lots of Hennessy stuff isn't made in the USA, if that's important to you. JRB, Speer, MacCat and Warbonnet are made in the USA by members of this community.

[Hooch]

I'm a big fan of the Speer Winter Tarp (http://www.speerhammocks.com/Products/Tarps.htm). It's my go-to tarp for all but the hottest, dryest weather. Don't let the name fool you, it's great for year round use. Can't hurt that it's on sale right now, either. :D

[singing wind]

Unexpectedly a hex tarp came with the Hennesy hammock. It seemed huge so I cut it down 18" in width to make it easier for site selection and used the leftover pieces to sew a makeshift pack cover that's worked well.

I really like the space it provides, especially in foul weather and the ends are long enough to tuck back in and create quasi-doors to keep out the wind. I also added some elastic tie outs to the lines for tensioners.

6613_1

Overall it's been a really good choice and quite versatile.

[stir crazy]

Hiking end of April for 2 weeks from Springer to Fontana. Been reading about underquilts and all kinds of things to insulate the bottom. Since we are getting a later start, I was just thinking about buying a thermarest prolite large (25" wide) and use that. If it starts moving around on me, I thought I would stick a velcro strip on the bottom.

[cowpoke]

You might want to consider getting a Speer SPE (Segmented Pad Extender). That is the direction I went instead of the under-quilt. The SPE will provide insulation for your shoulders and sort-of wraps around you in the HHED. I just change out the thickness of the pad depending on the expected temps. Cheap Wally-World pads work just fine. I'll be ahead of you...leaving end of April and walking from Deep Gap over to Nantahalla. Enjoy your walk. Cheers.

[stir crazy]

Cowpoke,
This SPE looks interesting. I'm confused looking at the site as to what you actually get. For example, the 8 wing SPE looks like it includes everything (foam, inserts, inflatable pad) for around $40. Sounds cheap if that's the case. Weight doesn't look like an issue but how does all that fold up as far as bulk?

[stir crazy]

Scratch the last post. I see how it works. You provide the pads. Still curious about the bulk and how you carry it. Size of stuff sack?

[cowpoke]

I carry mine strapped to the outside of my pack...my pack has specific straps designed to carry "something" outside of the pack. I wrap my ground-cloth around the SPE and put inside a large stuff sack. I think you will find the SPE to your liking...much less expensive than buying a bottom quilt. I place a wind-shield reflector under my SPE for added insulation...the whole bottom insulation kit weights right at 42oz's including ground-cloth and stuff sack. I've been in temps down to mid-20's with this bottom insulation kit. Cheers.

[take-a-knee]

Hiking end of April for 2 weeks from Springer to Fontana. Been reading about underquilts and all kinds of things to insulate the bottom. Since we are getting a later start, I was just thinking about buying a thermarest prolite large (25" wide) and use that. If it starts moving around on me, I thought I would stick a velcro strip on the bottom.

Trust me, been there, done that, and it don't work. Get a regular 20in thermarest for the SPE. You can just pull the "wings" out of the SPE, roll it up, and tuck the foam strips from the wings inside the roll.

[stir crazy]

Take your word for it. I'm going to order the SPE. Do you use the single or double wing?

[cowpoke]

I use the double wing version...I'm 6'4" / 250lbs...so lots of "girth"...unfortunately. I think you'll like the SPE. cheers.