Hennessy Expedition Asym Zip Hammock Assessment

Backside Line

For a stable, all-in-one equipment that is available in at a low worth for the standard it delivers, the Hennessy Expedition Asym Zip is a superb alternative for individuals 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 your entire equipment.

Worth is the principle draw right here; it’s onerous to search out or assemble a extra compelling bundle for the value. However nothing comes without cost, and Hennessy is making tradeoffs in consolation to attain 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 in hammock tenting, that is essentially the most accessible method 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 gives a suitable stage of consolation for an all-in-one system that hits an impressively low worth for the standard and weight. It has a patented, asymmetrical design that Hennessy employs on all of their fashions to attain a extra snug, flat mendacity place. Nevertheless, the ten foot size of their normal 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 can shift round so much, there gave the impression to be just one sweet-spot for consolation. Hennessy charges the consolation as much as 6 ft, 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 few 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, essentially the most snug place is on the diagonal. We discovered the candy spot of consolation was a bit difficult 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 so much to assist inside livability as properly, 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 a very good evening’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 way in which. The addition of facet pulls on the pinnacle and foot space helps so much for livability. We want that they have 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 web stayed out of our faces all evening, however the aggressive, asymmetrical lower and deep mounted ridgeline meant that the bug web was already pulled out of the way in which 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 properly 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 means that you can 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 quick tree straps that hook up with rope that’s completely connected to the hammock physique. The storage bag does embody directions for set-up, however they nonetheless may be complicated for first-time customers, particularly in case you’re not useful with knots since there’s no included {hardware} to connect the rope to the tree straps.

Fortunately attaching the tarp is comparatively easy. As an alternative of connecting the tarp to the bushes, 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 methodology of getting a tarp connected to the bushes 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 should stress the stakes holding the tarp down. Second, you may’t arrange the tarp independently in case you simply need to briefly 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 bushes, 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 bundle (not together with two required stakes for the tarp), the Expedition Zip is on the heavier facet, however that’s really 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 complete weight via the small tarp and suspension system. All options have to be taken into context with worth; on this case, the heavier weights make sense contemplating that is Hennessy’s most reasonably priced possibility.

Ease of Use

With some follow, 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 quick, included tree straps have been tough to make use of, as a result of the directions solely work if the straps can wrap utterly across the tree. At solely 3.5 ft lengthy, meaning 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 have been capable of improvise with another knots as a result of we now have expertise tying ropes securely, however since this equipment is geared toward first time hammockers, we predict it is a misstep. Hennessy does promote longer tree straps, however they actually must be normal. 

This expertise was strengthened when handing the Expedition Zip to a buddy who was interested in 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 particular person’s frustration shouldn’t be taken as concrete proof of a product’s flaws, however in case you’re contemplating this hammock, strive setting it up a number 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 difficulty. Skilled hammockers will completely use knots to safe their kits as a result of knots are lighter and extra adaptable. Nevertheless, that takes information, persistence, and follow, which we don’t suppose is the perfect introduction for a newbie testing the world of hammocking.

Ought to You Purchase the Hennessy Expedition Asym Zip?

Hammocking may 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 worth that ought to attraction to many. It’s a terrific 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 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 Think about?

Kammok Mantis UL Assessment: For a step-up in high quality, options, and likewise worth, the Kammok Mantis UL is an superior equipment that nails the basics in a premium bundle 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 provides, and the consolation is a lot better than the Expedition Zip.

Hennessy Ultralight Asym Zip Assessment: 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 burden. The size are the identical so in case you discovered consolation missing within the Expedition Zip, the Ultralight Zip received’t change that, however there may be an XL mannequin that will increase the size to 12 ft that must be extra snug. 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 Assessment: If essentially the most interesting factor in regards to the Expedition Zip was the low worth, the Onewind Tempest is a fair higher worth. Throughout our testing, we have been repeatedly impressed at how snug and full-featured this hammock is, and regardless of the low worth, 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 full weight and worth is corresponding to the Expedition Zip however with considerably extra rain protection and luxury.