Hennessy Expedition Asym Zip Hammock Evaluation

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 good selection for folks simply entering into hammock tenting. It’s not essentially the most spacious or well-protected system, however the fundamentals are stable. The sturdy supplies also needs to final a very long time, which isn’t a given within the realm of finances 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 the whole equipment.

Worth is the principle draw right here; it’s exhausting to seek 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 easy sufficient when you be taught it however isn’t our favourite. These tradeoffs aren’t sufficient to disregard the worth proposition right here, and for somebody interested by hammock tenting, that is essentially 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 the whole equipment.

Consolation

The Hennessy Expedition Asym Zip offers a suitable degree 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 snug, flat mendacity place. Nevertheless, the ten foot size of their commonplace 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 snug, however in comparison with different extra roomy hammocks the place you possibly can shift round quite a bit, there appeared to be just one sweet-spot for consolation. Hennessy charges the consolation as much as 6 toes, however we predict 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 snug even when it’s not as delicate 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. 

Normally, an uneven design makes it simpler to get a flat mendacity place. Like different asymmetrical designs, essentially the most snug place is on the diagonal. We discovered the candy spot of consolation was a bit difficult to seek 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 quite a bit to assist inside livability as properly, so the mesh isn’t falling in your face, and options just like the included ridgeline organizer assist maintain 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 a very good night time’s sleep, even when utilizing it with a sleeping pad as an alternative of an underquilt.

Options

Hennessy provides a very good quantity of options to their hammocks that strike a steadiness between helpful however not in the best way. The addition of aspect pulls on the top and foot space helps quite a bit 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 aspect pulls meant the bug internet stayed out of our faces all night time, 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 cupboard space, since they inherently lack flooring house. Fortunately, the Expedition Zip is above common on the subject of storage. The included ridgeline organizer is decently giant and properly organized, and we particularly cherished stashing our cellphone and headlamp up there when delivering for the night time. The bigger pocket has house 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 means that you can get began hammock tenting very simply. Hennessy takes a barely totally different method to suspension and tarp set-up than most manufactures, choosing a set of quick tree straps that connect with rope that’s completely connected to the hammock physique. The storage bag does embrace directions for set-up, however they nonetheless might be complicated for first-time customers, particularly in the event 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 easy. As a substitute 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 less complicated than the traditional methodology of getting a tarp connected to the timber unbiased of the hammock, however it comes with downsides.

First, you may’t swing within the hammock an excessive amount of as a result of it is going to stress the stakes holding the tarp down. Second, you may’t arrange the tarp independently in the event you simply wish 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 quick 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 giant 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 mild drizzles throughout our testing on the Ice Age Path.

Weight

At 46.5 ounces for the whole package deal (not together with two required stakes for the tarp), the Expedition Zip is on the heavier aspect, 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 by means of the small tarp and suspension system. All options have to be taken into context with value; on this case, the heavier weights make sense contemplating that is Hennessy’s most reasonably priced choice.

Ease of Use

With some follow, the Expedition Zip is simple 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 quick, 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 toes lengthy, meaning the utmost diameter of a tree is 1.1 toes, 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 have now expertise tying ropes securely, however since this equipment is aimed toward first time hammockers, we predict this can be a misstep. Hennessy does promote longer tree straps, however they actually must be commonplace. 

This expertise was bolstered when handing the Expedition Zip to a buddy who was interested by attempting hammocking for a enjoyable weekend journey in Sand Dunes State Forest. That they had 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 in the event you’re contemplating this hammock, strive setting it up a number of instances to get the dangle 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 information, endurance, and follow, which we don’t suppose is the very best 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 a terrific choice for somebody who’s not able to assemble their very own system or spend that a lot on it however nonetheless desires one thing high quality that can permit them to discover hammocking.

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

What Different Hammocks Ought to You Contemplate?

Kammok Mantis UL Evaluation: 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’ll be able to obtain lighter weights and higher customization by assembling a equipment, however the Mantis UL isn’t overpriced for what it gives, and the consolation is a lot better than the Expedition Zip.

Hennessy Ultralight Asym Zip Evaluation: If the overall 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 scale are the identical so in the event 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 toes that must be extra snug. To go even decrease on weight, Hennessy additionally gives a Hyperlight Zip mannequin at solely 28 ounces, however this isn’t supplied in an XL size.

Onewind Tempest Evaluation: If essentially the most interesting factor concerning 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 snug 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 whole weight and value is similar to the Expedition Zip however with considerably extra rain protection and luxury.