Hey guys I've decided to try sleeping in a hammock for the first time at BWCA. Any of you guys try out the new Jungle Safari from Hennessey Hammock? You guys think that's over kill. I don't really care about weight just want to be comfortable. I'm about 220 lbs 5' 10" and I figure the bigger the hammock the more comfortable it'll be. This trip will be on memorial weekend and nights are going to be kind of cold...what accessories should I purchase along with this hammock?

For the price, you may want to compare a few others such as Warbonnet, Hammeck, Dutchwaregear, etc. that are better made by cottage manufacturers and don't weigh quite as much.

You may not worry about weight right now, but I guarantee you will halfway through your first two mile portage.

Just out of curiosity, why would you think that the cottage style hammock makers are producing better products then Hennessy and Clarke?

just pulled up the Warbonnet site. . .a Blackbird is listed as 2 lbs 2 oz with webbing and buckles. Add an Edge tarp (similar to the Hex in Hennesy) and that is another 11.25 oz. . .basically 3 lbs.

A Henessy explorer deluxe is 3 lbs, however the ultralites are 2 lbs. Hes silnyoon rail fly is 18.6 oz.

So a Heneessyy explorer ultralite with a hex is basically the same weight as the Blackbird and the Edge. Am I missing something?

This is pretty complicated...I guess I need to do more research. I'm from MN is there a place I can go to see these hammocks in person.

Mark -- I have no intention of starting an argument here.

What caught my attention is that the OP mentioned the Hennessey Safari which is listed at 4 lbs and more than $300 (if my memory is correct). There are alternatives in that price/weight range and they include many manufacturers in addition to Warbonnet. There are also folks who prefer "Made in the USA."

By the way, I did not mention anything about Clarke.

quote popin_popper: "This is pretty complicated...I guess I need to do more research. I'm from MN is there a place I can go to see these hammocks in person. "

Pop -- Too bad you missed the Minnesota Frozen Butt Hang back in January (I assume you do not want to wait until next January). Keep an eye out on the "Midwest" section of the "Hangouts, Campouts and Trip Planning" section of HammockForums.net for future Minnesota hangs. Hangs are a great place to see and test all kinds of rigs.

Check here

There also is the Midwest Mountaineering expo in April where I believe that they have a few hammocks. I'm in the cities, and have both ENO and WBBB which I'd be happy to show you...

no problem. . .I have spent several years on the Hammock forums and there always seemed to be something going on between those who had the "cottage" hammocks, and the main line companies like Henessy, Clarke, Eno. When I asked several about it the feedback I got was that many were mad at the owner of Henessy for patenting his stuff and enforcing his patents. Not really sure what that was all about. You are correct that Henessy is made in Canada. Clarke and Eno in the US. That just never seemed to be the heart of the issue, however,as most camping gear such as tents are not made in U.S.

I am sure War Bonnet makes good hammocks based on the feedback I have heard. I just have always been reluctant to buy from very small home based shops as I am unsure how long they will be in business and if they can meet customer service demands. I have had experience with Henessy customer service and they have replaced a hammock virtually overnight when one in our group had a problem, vs sending it in, repairing it, and waiting on it to come back.

At the end of the day, best is settle on a budget and get the hammock that is the best made and most comfortable for the user.

After watching tons of hammock videos on youtube...I placed an order on the Warbonnet Blackbird XLC Double Layer 1.7 with the Superfly tarp, web buckles, and a couple carabiners. Total after shipping was $360. Even though I had never try camping with a hammock because I thought you can't sleep flat...the foot pocket and the options to remove the netting got me sold.

Can't wait to test this out in my back yard before the trip this Memorial weekend. I will post my review and first time experience hopefully in a couple weeks.

Thanks for all your input guys.

Congratulations, Popin. Welcome to the dark side!

Imagine yourself up in the Boundary Waters ...