Introduction

Brief Overview

The Hennessy Ultralight Backpacker Asym Zip is an innovative hiking hammock designed for avid backpackers and outdoor enthusiasts. Engineered for ultralight camping, this hammock stands out with its asymmetric design, which enhances comfort and provides a flat, supportive sleeping surface. Its key features include a built-in bug net, a side zipper for easy access, and an integrated ridgeline to ensure the perfect hang every time. This hammock is ideal for various outdoor activities such as long-distance hiking, multi-day backpacking trips, and even casual camping.

Initial Impressions and Context of Testing

First Impressions

Upon unboxing the Hennessy Ultralight Backpacker Asym Zip, the high-quality craftsmanship is immediately evident. The hammock comes in a compact, lightweight package, perfect for ultralight backpacking. The fabric feels durable yet lightweight, and the included accessories—tree straps, rainfly, and guy lines—are all designed for convenience and efficiency.

Testing Conditions

I tested the Hennessy Ultralight Backpacker Asym Zip during a week-long hiking trip in the Pacific Northwest, known for its variable weather conditions. The testing period included sunny days, rainy evenings, and cold nights, providing a comprehensive evaluation of the hammock’s performance in different environments. The diverse conditions allowed me to assess the hammock’s comfort, durability, and weather resistance effectively.

The combination of innovative features and thoughtful design makes the Hennessy Ultralight Backpacker Asym Zip a promising option for anyone looking to lighten their load without sacrificing comfort or functionality on the trail.

Technical Specifications

Key Features and Technology

Innovative Technologies

• Asymmetric Design: The Hennessy Ultralight Backpacker Asym Zip features an asymmetric shape that allows for a flat, comfortable sleeping position. This design minimizes pressure points and provides a more restful sleep compared to traditional hammocks.
• Integrated Bug Net: The hammock comes with a built-in bug net, essential for keeping insects at bay during summer trips. The fine mesh netting ensures protection without compromising breathability.
• Side Zipper Entry: The side zipper provides easy access to the hammock, making it simple to get in and out. This design also enhances ventilation compared to bottom-entry models.
• Integrated Ridgeline: The ridgeline ensures the hammock maintains the correct sag every time it is set up, offering a consistent and comfortable sleeping experience.

Design and Materials

Design Philosophy

The Hennessy Ultralight Backpacker Asym Zip is crafted with the ultralight backpacker in mind. The design focuses on comfort, ease of use, and durability while minimizing weight. The hammock’s asymmetric shape and thoughtful features make it suitable for long-distance hikes and multi-day camping trips.

Material Composition

• Body Fabric: Made from 70D nylon taffeta, the hammock’s body is both lightweight and durable, offering a perfect balance of strength and comfort.
• Rainfly: The included rainfly is made from 30D silnylon, providing excellent waterproofing while being lightweight. It is designed to protect against rain and wind, ensuring a dry and comfortable sleep.
• Suspension System: The hammock uses strong, lightweight polyester tree straps and Spectra ropes, ensuring secure and damage-free attachment to trees.

Sustainable Materials

Hennessy Hammocks emphasizes sustainability by using environmentally friendly materials and practices. The nylon fabric and other components are selected for their durability and low environmental impact, ensuring that the hammock is both eco-friendly and long-lasting.

Additional Features

• Pockets: The hammock includes an internal gear pocket, perfect for storing small items like headlamps, phones, or snacks.
• Compression Sack: The hammock comes with a convenient compression sack, making it easy to pack and carry. This sack helps minimize the space the hammock takes up in your backpack.
• Adjustable Components: The adjustable suspension system allows for quick and easy setup, ensuring a perfect hang every time.

The Hennessy Ultralight Backpacker Asym Zip combines innovative technology with high-quality materials and a thoughtful design, making it a top choice for serious backpackers and outdoor enthusiasts seeking a reliable and comfortable sleep system.

Performance Evaluation

Fabric Performance

Breathability

The Hennessy Ultralight Backpacker Asym Zip excels in breathability, thanks to its 70D nylon taffeta fabric. The material efficiently wicks away moisture and allows for adequate airflow, preventing overheating during warm nights. The integrated bug net also contributes to breathability by allowing air to circulate while keeping insects out, making it ideal for use in various climates.

Waterproofing

The hammock’s included 30D silnylon rainfly offers exceptional waterproofing. During a week-long hike in the Pacific Northwest, the rainfly effectively kept the hammock dry even during heavy rain. The fly’s diamond shape provides ample coverage, ensuring that water is directed away from the hammock, and the tensioning system keeps it taut and secure.

Durability

The Hennessy Ultralight Backpacker Asym Zip is built to withstand the rigors of the trail. The 70D nylon taffeta fabric is not only lightweight but also highly durable, showing minimal signs of wear after extended use. The Spectra ropes and polyester tree straps are robust, ensuring secure and damage-free attachment to trees.

Weather Resistance

In addition to its waterproofing capabilities, the hammock performs admirably in various weather conditions. The silnylon rainfly provides excellent wind resistance, and the integrated bug net offers protection from insects without compromising ventilation. During cold nights, the hammock’s design and materials help retain warmth, especially when used with an appropriate underquilt or sleeping pad.

Practical Features

Ease of Setup

Setting up the Hennessy Ultralight Backpacker Asym Zip is straightforward and quick, even for beginners. The integrated ridgeline ensures the perfect sag every time, and the adjustable suspension system allows for easy adjustments to find the optimal hang angle. The provided tree straps are gentle on trees and easy to use, enhancing the overall setup experience.

Entry and Exit

The side zipper entry is a significant improvement over traditional bottom-entry hammocks. It allows for easier and more graceful entry and exit, especially when getting in and out during the night. This feature also provides better ventilation and accessibility.

Storage and Portability

The hammock’s compact size and lightweight design make it highly portable, fitting easily into the included compression sack. This makes it a perfect choice for ultralight backpackers who need to minimize pack weight without sacrificing comfort or functionality. The internal gear pocket is a handy feature, keeping essential items within easy reach while you relax or sleep.

Versatility

The Hennessy Ultralight Backpacker Asym Zip’s versatile design makes it suitable for various outdoor activities. Whether you’re embarking on a long-distance hike, a multi-day camping trip, or simply spending a night in the backcountry, this hammock offers a reliable and comfortable sleep system. Its weather-resistant features and ease of use make it a dependable choice in diverse conditions.

The performance of the Hennessy Ultralight Backpacker Asym Zip showcases its strengths in breathability, waterproofing, durability, and weather resistance. The practical features like easy setup, side zipper entry, and compact storage further enhance its appeal for serious backpackers and outdoor enthusiasts.

Comfort and Usability

Sizing and Fit

Universal Fit

The Hennessy Ultralight Backpacker Asym Zip is designed to accommodate a wide range of body types. Its asymmetric design ensures a flat and comfortable sleeping surface, which significantly reduces pressure points and enhances overall comfort. The hammock’s dimensions are generous, providing ample space for users up to 6 feet tall and weighing up to 200 pounds. This makes it a versatile option for many hikers and campers.

Ease of Adjustment

The integrated ridgeline and adjustable suspension system allow users to customize the hammock’s tension and sag, ensuring a personalized fit. Whether you prefer a taut or more relaxed hang, these features make it easy to achieve your desired level of comfort. The side zipper entry also simplifies adjustments, allowing you to fine-tune the hammock setup without hassle.

Comfort During Various Activities

Sleeping Comfort

During my testing, I found the Hennessy Ultralight Backpacker Asym Zip to be exceptionally comfortable for sleeping. The hammock’s asymmetric design allows for a diagonal sleeping position, which is far more ergonomic than traditional hammocks. This design helps maintain a flat sleeping surface, reducing the risk of back pain and discomfort. Even after several consecutive nights of use, the hammock provided consistent support and comfort.

Lounging and Relaxation

Beyond sleeping, the hammock is also ideal for lounging and relaxation. Its breathable fabric and integrated bug net make it a pleasant place to rest during the day, even in buggy environments. Whether you’re reading, napping, or simply enjoying the view, the hammock offers a comfortable and relaxing experience.

Practical Features

Integrated Bug Net

One of the standout features enhancing comfort is the integrated bug net. This fine mesh netting effectively keeps insects out while allowing for excellent airflow. The bug net is spacious and doesn’t feel claustrophobic, ensuring you remain protected and comfortable throughout the night.

Rainfly Effectiveness

The included silnylon rainfly is another practical feature that adds to the hammock’s comfort. It provides reliable protection against rain and wind, keeping you dry and sheltered. The rainfly’s design allows for various setup configurations, so you can optimize it for maximum ventilation or full coverage, depending on the weather conditions.

Personal Experience

Anecdotal Insights

On a particularly rainy night in the Pacific Northwest, I appreciated the hammock’s rainfly and bug net combination. Despite the downpour, I remained dry and comfortable, highlighting the hammock’s excellent weather resistance. The ease of entry and exit, thanks to the side zipper, also proved invaluable when I needed to adjust the rainfly during the night.

Recommendations

The Hennessy Ultralight Backpacker Asym Zip excels in comfort and usability, making it a top choice for both seasoned backpackers and casual campers. Its ergonomic design, practical features, and customizable fit ensure a comfortable and enjoyable outdoor experience, whether you’re sleeping, lounging, or simply taking a break from the trail.

Pros and Cons

Advantages

Lightweight and Compact

One of the primary advantages of the Hennessy Ultralight Backpacker Asym Zip is its ultralight design. Weighing in at just over 2 pounds (including the rainfly and suspension system), it is perfect for hikers and backpackers who prioritize a light pack. Its compact size allows it to fit easily into a backpack, making it a convenient choice for long-distance hikes and multi-day trips.

Comfort and Support

The asymmetric design of the hammock ensures a flat, comfortable sleeping surface, which significantly reduces pressure points and enhances sleep quality. The integrated ridgeline maintains the optimal hang, providing consistent support throughout the night. Additionally, the breathable fabric and built-in bug net enhance overall comfort, especially in warm or buggy environments.

Durability and Weather Resistance

Made from 70D nylon taffeta, the hammock is both lightweight and durable, capable of withstanding the wear and tear of extended outdoor use. The 30D silnylon rainfly offers excellent waterproofing and wind resistance, ensuring you stay dry and protected in various weather conditions.

Easy Setup and Versatility

The Hennessy Ultralight Backpacker Asym Zip is straightforward to set up, even for beginners. The adjustable suspension system and tree-friendly straps make it easy to find the perfect hang. This hammock is versatile, suitable for a range of outdoor activities from casual camping to rigorous backpacking adventures.

Drawbacks

Size Limitations

While the hammock is designed to fit most users up to 6 feet tall and 200 pounds, it may not be suitable for taller or heavier individuals. Those who fall outside this range might find the hammock less comfortable or supportive.

Price Point

The Hennessy Ultralight Backpacker Asym Zip is on the higher end of the price spectrum for hammocks. While it offers numerous features and high-quality materials, budget-conscious campers might find the cost prohibitive. However, the investment in comfort, durability, and performance can be justified for serious outdoor enthusiasts.

Learning Curve

Although the setup is relatively easy, there is a slight learning curve associated with achieving the optimal hang and making adjustments. Beginners might need some practice to get it right, but once mastered, the process becomes quick and efficient.

The Hennessy Ultralight Backpacker Asym Zip offers a range of advantages, including lightweight design, comfort, durability, and ease of setup. However, potential buyers should consider the size limitations, price point, and initial learning curve when making their decision.

Comparative Analysis

When comparing the Hennessy Ultralight Backpacker Asym Zip to the Warbonnet Original Blackbird and the Kammok Roo Single, several distinctions emerge in terms of design, features, and usability.

Hennessy Ultralight Backpacker Asym Zip vs. Warbonnet Original Blackbird

The Warbonnet Original Blackbird is renowned for its comfort and unique features, such as the footbox, which provides extra room for a diagonal lay, and a shelf for gear storage. While both hammocks offer asymmetric designs for a flat sleeping position, the Blackbird’s footbox gives it an edge in terms of spaciousness. However, the Hennessy Ultralight Backpacker Asym Zip is lighter and more compact, making it a better choice for ultralight backpackers. The integrated bug net and rainfly included with the Hennessy are also significant advantages for those looking for an all-in-one solution.

Hennessy Ultralight Backpacker Asym Zip vs. Kammok Roo Single

The Kammok Roo Single is a highly durable and comfortable hammock made from Gravitas™ fabric, which is soft yet strong. It is designed primarily for day lounging or overnight use with additional accessories. Unlike the Hennessy Ultralight Backpacker Asym Zip, the Kammok Roo Single does not come with an integrated bug net or rainfly, requiring users to purchase these components separately. While the Kammok Roo excels in simplicity and ease of use, the Hennessy offers a more comprehensive setup ideal for extended trips, including built-in weather protection and bug prevention.

Overall, the Hennessy Ultralight Backpacker Asym Zip provides a balanced combination of lightweight design, integrated features, and comfort, making it a versatile choice for serious hikers and campers. In contrast, the Warbonnet Original Blackbird and Kammok Roo Single offer specific advantages that may appeal to users with different priorities, such as additional space or customizable configurations.

Verdict

The Hennessy Ultralight Backpacker Asym Zip is an exceptional hammock that strikes a perfect balance between lightweight design, comfort, and practicality. Its asymmetric shape and integrated ridgeline ensure a flat and comfortable sleeping position, while the built-in bug net and rainfly provide comprehensive protection against the elements and insects. This hammock is particularly well-suited for ultralight backpackers and long-distance hikers who prioritize minimal weight without sacrificing comfort or functionality.

Although it comes with a higher price tag and may require a slight learning curve to master the setup, its durability and versatile features make it a worthwhile investment for serious outdoor enthusiasts. Ideal for multi-day backpacking trips and various weather conditions, the Hennessy Ultralight Backpacker Asym Zip delivers on its promises, offering a reliable and comfortable sleep system for those who demand the best from their gear.