Hello, I'm trying to down size my pack. I was wondering if anyone has used these products and could tell me the pros and cons of each. What are the differences. I'm trying to get everything in one pack.(one portage solo). Has anyone else ditched their tent? Sounds like a good idea, but do they really keep the bugs and the rain out? [smiley=dankk2.gif]

Fishpig,
I can't speak to the Eagles Nest, I do own a Hennessy Hammock, I been using it for about 11 years now. The only draw back I can think of is your limited to fairly warm temps. for me that's down to the mid 40's, that is unless you invest in some of the aftermarket items that allow you to use it all year long, kind of defeats the purpose of scaling back weight.
Positives for me: it can not only be hung it can be used on the ground as a bivy, it's a chair with back support, it's light weight, mine comes in at just over 2 1/2 lbs including tarp and stakes, and during the summer it is cooler than a tent.
I would offer a couple of suggest if you take the plunge 1). Make or buy a ten by ten silcone tarp, and replace the one that comes with the hammock this will eliminate the need for a additional tarp during inclement weather giving you and a travel partner to get out of the weather. 2). Cut down closed cell foam pad for insulation under you to prevent loss of body heat through convection, this will even occur during the summer months.
For some people using a hammock takes some getting use to, and others it's the best nights sleep they ever gotten in the back country bar none.
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flpaddler - I spent my first night in my Hennessey (and my 11 year old grandson in his) Friday night in my back yard.  Here in northern Indiana the low was about 35 degrees, there waa a steady breeze, ~10-15 mph, and I did not put up the rain flys.  I bought a 72"x20"x1/2" closed cell foam pad from WalMart to go inside the hammock and we slapt in 15 degree bags in sweats.  By about 3:00AM I was a bit cold so I woke the little guy and we went in to bed.

I agree with you about warmer weather.  I think a thinner and wider pad would be a good idea too.  I don't want to pack too heavy but I also don't want the skeeters pok'in me in the ribs when I'm laying on my side.  What do you use?

terp

Terrapin wrote on Apr 12^th, 2009 at 10:01pm:

I don't want to pack too heavy but I also don't want the skeeters pok'in me in the ribs when I'm laying on my side.  What do you use? terp

Terp,
I have a Ridgerest that I've cut in half.  I've had no issues with mosquitos biting through the hammock but then I'm also in a sleeping bag or when the weather is warm clothing  and under a blanket.
flp

BTW: Going with a hammock IMO is a great way to start reducing pack weight.

Take a look at a Blackbird Warbonnet
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Looks like you would lay flatter and have room in side to stash things.

Flpaddler
That is just about the same way I hang my hennessy and tarp.

I use the Hennesey with their under cover and insulation system.  Works great for colder weather and additional mosquito protection.

Maybe I'll should go with the EOS hammock and bug screen,use my 10 x 10 CCS tarp, and the Big Agnes sleeping bag with pad. That's probably the cheapest way to go. [smiley=dankk2.gif]  

One way to find out-----the Back Yard!

Fishpig wrote on Apr 14^th, 2009 at 3:47am:

Maybe I'll should go with the EOS hammock and bug screen,use my 10 x 10 CCS tarp, and the Big Agnes sleeping bag with pad. That's probably the cheapest way to go. [smiley=dankk2.gif]

 IF your concerned about whether a hammock instead of a tent is right for you, this might be a cheaper way to find out?
 I have this hammock. I have slept in it when forced to bush camp when forced off the water by high winds. I'm a tosser and turner, so a hammock isn't for me everyday. I bring it every trip, and wouldn't be without it. I set it up close to water and bugs or no bugs, its a safe haven
I bought the EOS deluxe Slap straps, and a couple of carabiners, to make it easy to hang without damaging the tree bark. Its much cheaper than the EOS set-up, but the bug net is smaller and IF you enjoy the hammock experience, then I'd go for the more expensive set-up, and take the Byer for a spare or siesta set-up. I can guarantee that if your in a group setting, people will fight too get into it ;)

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Dang you can beat that price!

how so?

NEW, hammock + bug net.....cant do that in an ENO or in the HEN.. for that matter......good deal! Is the quality there?

marlin55388 wrote on Apr 18^th, 2009 at 3:41pm:

NEW, hammock + bug net.....cant do that in an ENO or in the HEN.. for that matter......good deal! Is the quality there?

IF your talking about the Byer Mosquito hammock, I think for the money the quality is very good. Mine is about 4 years old, and the only trouble spot is the fine bug mesh has a few holes in it.
That was my fault, because I had it set up out in the breeze, with the mesh side underneath. I took a siesta, not thinking :-[, the mesh was being dragged/snagged on the ground. For the money, its a great camp "LUXURY", and a cheap way too see if the hammock experience is right for you :-/

After careful deliberation the Hennessy won out. They answered my E-mail. Buy one get a youth system free. Good deal. Thanks to everyone for their input. Happy paddlin' 8-)

Dang that is a deal too fishpig. Very happy with mine!