Hennessy Expedition Asym Zip Hammock Evaluate

Backside Line

For a stable, all-in-one equipment that is available in at a low value for the standard it delivers, the Hennessy Expedition Asym Zip is a superb selection for folks simply stepping into hammock tenting. It’s not probably the most spacious or well-protected system, however the fundamentals are stable. The sturdy supplies must also final a very long time, which isn’t a given within the realm of funds choices. We examined the Expedition Zip within the Boundary Waters of Minnesota and on the Ice Age Path in Wisconsin and got here away impressed with your entire equipment.

Worth is the primary draw right here; it’s exhausting to search out or assemble a extra compelling package deal for the worth. However nothing comes at no cost, and Hennessy is making tradeoffs in consolation to realize the low weights. This hammock comes with a smaller tarp that doesn’t present as a lot safety as a hex tarp, and it options non-standard suspension that’s simple sufficient when you study it however isn’t our favourite. These tradeoffs aren’t sufficient to disregard the worth proposition right here, and for somebody inquisitive about hammock tenting, that is probably the most accessible approach to discover it.

How We Examined

We examined the Expedition Zip within the Boundary Waters of Minnesota and on the Ice Age Path in Wisconsin and got here away impressed with your entire equipment.

Consolation

The Hennessy Expedition Asym Zip offers an appropriate stage of consolation for an all-in-one system that hits an impressively low value for the standard and weight. It has a patented, asymmetrical design that Hennessy employs on all of their fashions to realize a extra comfy, flat mendacity place. Nevertheless, the ten foot size of their customary mannequin feels extra cramped than different 10ft hammocks just like the Warbonnet Blackbird or Kammok Mantis UL because of the aggressive asymmetrical design and relatively shorter ridgeline that makes for a deeper curve. 

A few of our testers did discover it comfy, however in comparison with different extra roomy hammocks the place you possibly can shift round loads, there gave the impression to be just one sweet-spot for consolation. Hennessy charges the consolation as much as 6 ft, however we expect that’s beneficiant. In our opinion, anybody above 5’9” can be higher served by the Explorer Deluxe Zip XL, which is an 11 foot mannequin.

Fortunately, the fabric is comfy even when it’s not as gentle as a number of the different extra premium choices, and there are different options that assist with consolation. It makes use of a 70D nylon which is the thickest of any hammock we examined. 

On the whole, an uneven design makes it simpler to get a flat mendacity place. Like different asymmetrical designs, probably the most comfy place is on the diagonal. We discovered the candy spot of consolation was a bit tough to search out as a result of Hennessy makes use of a curve that’s extra aggressive than different hammocks, and the scale are smaller. 

The side-pulls do loads to assist inside livability as effectively, so the mesh isn’t falling in your face, and options just like the included ridgeline organizer assist hold objects from rolling round inside with you. When testing this on a backpacking journey on the Ice Age Path, consolation was first rate sufficient to permit for evening’s sleep, even when utilizing it with a sleeping pad as an alternative of an underquilt.

Options

Hennessy provides quantity of options to their hammocks that strike a stability between helpful however not in the best way. The addition of facet pulls on the top and foot space helps loads for livability. We want that they had been extra adjustable, nonetheless, so they might connect to the identical stakes because the tarp, like another all-in-one kits we examined. These facet pulls meant the bug internet stayed out of our faces all evening, however the aggressive, asymmetrical reduce and deep fastened ridgeline meant that the bug internet was already pulled out of the best way higher than different fashions.

In comparison with tents, most hammocks battle with space for storing, since they inherently lack ground area. Fortunately, the Expedition Zip is above common on the subject of storage. The included ridgeline organizer is decently massive and effectively organized, and we particularly beloved stashing our telephone and headlamp up there when delivering for the evening. The bigger pocket has area for a hat, buff, or ditty bag, however a puffy can be a decent match.

As an all-in-one equipment, the Expedition Zip comes with a full suspension system and tarp that lets you get began hammock tenting very simply. Hennessy takes a barely completely different strategy to suspension and tarp set-up than most manufactures, choosing a set of brief tree straps that hook up with rope that’s completely hooked up to the hammock physique. The storage bag does embody directions for set-up, however they nonetheless might be complicated for first-time customers, particularly should you’re not helpful with knots since there’s no included {hardware} to connect the rope to the tree straps.

Fortunately attaching the tarp is comparatively simple. As an alternative of connecting the tarp to the timber, it connects on to the hammock rope utilizing a prusik knot and mitten hook. This technique is extra light-weight and easier than the standard technique of getting a tarp hooked up to the timber unbiased of the hammock, however it comes with downsides.

First, you’ll be able to’t swing within the hammock an excessive amount of as a result of it’ll stress the stakes holding the tarp down. Second, you’ll be able to’t arrange the tarp independently should you simply need to quickly shelter from the rain, one thing that’s all too widespread on wetter backcountry adventures like within the Boundary Waters, North Cascades, or Appalachian Path. Moreover, the included tree straps are brief and inadequate for bigger timber, which made us resort to utilizing different tree straps throughout testing.

One other draw back of the tarp is the scale. Merely put, it’s small. Versus a extra widespread hexagonal form, the Expedition Zip tarp is an offset diamond that’s massive sufficient to cowl the hammock physique, however not a lot else. It’s not our favourite form for weathering storms, however we managed to remain dry in gentle drizzles throughout our testing on the Ice Age Path.

Weight

At 46.5 ounces for your entire package deal (not together with two required stakes for the tarp), the Expedition Zip is on the heavier facet, however that’s truly respectable, contemplating it features a tarp and suspension. Nevertheless, the hammock physique alone is 27.5 ounces, and it’s clear Hennessy was solely capable of obtain that 46.5 whole weight via the small tarp and suspension system. All options must be taken into context with value; on this case, the heavier weights make sense contemplating that is Hennessy’s most reasonably priced possibility.

Ease of Use

With some observe, the Expedition Zip is straightforward to arrange, however the non-standard nature of it takes some getting used to. The reliance on knots as an alternative of {hardware} for each suspension and man strains makes issues slightly complicated, even with the included directions. The brief, included tree straps had been tough to make use of, as a result of the directions solely work if the straps can wrap fully across the tree. At solely 3.5 ft lengthy, which means the utmost diameter of a tree is 1.1 ft, which is comically small in comparison with the behemoths that we examined this with within the Boundary Waters throughout a Labor Day weekend journey.

We had been capable of improvise with another knots as a result of we’ve got expertise tying ropes securely, however since this equipment is geared toward first time hammockers, we expect this can be a misstep. Hennessy does promote longer tree straps, however they actually must be customary. 

This expertise was bolstered when handing the Expedition Zip to a pal who was inquisitive about making an attempt hammocking for a enjoyable weekend journey in Sand Dunes State Forest. They’d by no means used a hammock earlier than, and regardless of the printed directions and ample time to set issues up, they discovered the expertise complicated. One individual’s frustration shouldn’t be taken as concrete proof of a product’s flaws, however should you’re contemplating this hammock, attempt setting it up a couple of occasions to get the cling of issues earlier than taking it on an journey.

Counting on knots for a hammock system will not be inherently a problem. Skilled hammockers will completely use knots to safe their kits as a result of knots are lighter and extra adaptable. Nevertheless, that takes data, persistence, and observe, which we don’t assume is the most effective introduction for a newbie testing the world of hammocking.

Ought to You Purchase the Hennessy Expedition Asym Zip?

Hammocking might be an intimidating and costly interest to get into, and the Expedition Zip makes each of these issues a lot simpler by providing an all-in-one equipment at an reasonably priced value that ought to enchantment to many. It’s an ideal possibility for somebody who’s not able to assemble their very own system or spend that a lot on it however nonetheless needs one thing high quality that may enable them to discover hammocking.

It’s not match for a extra skilled hammock backpacker as a result of different fashions will do issues higher or are lighter at worth. It’s additionally not match for taller individuals who can be higher served by Hennessy’s XL fashions.

What Different Hammocks Ought to You Think about?

Kammok Mantis UL Evaluate: For a step-up in high quality, options, and in addition value, the Kammok Mantis UL is an superior equipment that nails the basics in a premium package deal that is available in at a decent weight. You possibly can obtain lighter weights and higher customization by assembling a equipment, however the Mantis UL isn’t overpriced for what it provides, and the consolation is a lot better than the Expedition Zip.

Hennessy Ultralight Asym Zip Evaluate: If the final idea of the Expedition Zip was interesting, the Ultralight Zip takes all that’s good about that design and makes use of extra premium supplies to take 12.9 ounces off the load. The size are the identical so should you discovered consolation missing within the Expedition Zip, the Ultralight Zip gained’t change that, however there may be an XL mannequin that will increase the size to 12 ft that must be extra comfy. To go even decrease on weight, Hennessy additionally provides a Hyperlight Zip mannequin at solely 28 ounces, however this isn’t provided in an XL size.

Onewind Tempest Evaluate: If probably the most interesting factor in regards to the Expedition Zip was the low value, the Onewind Tempest is an excellent higher worth. Throughout our testing, we had been constantly impressed at how comfy and full-featured this hammock is, and regardless of the low value, the standard was stable. It’s not as bomber because the Expedition Zip, however the 40D nylon nonetheless feels good. When including OneWind’s Hex tarp and whoopie sling suspension system, the overall weight and value is akin to the Expedition Zip however with considerably extra rain protection and luxury.