I generally prefer the Hennessy. I have an explorer deluxe so there’s a bit extra room, with the fixed rain fly and snake skins it’s just a more complete sleep system. I love taking it camping and using it to chill out on during the day or after a hike. I don’t have an under quilt for it so I haven’t actually slept in it over night.
Good review. I have both too though my HH is a zip modified original with the ventral opening. I have ended up using the BB on all my shorter “comfort” backpacks but my long distance backpacks the lighter HH. I have whoopies on both now, though the original figure 8 on the HH was absolutely reliable and doesn’t slip at all unlike the whoopies which can move a little if not perfectly milked out. I also have the cuban/dynema 11 and wish for another foot, though got mine used so no choice. Occasionally use jacks r better sil nylon for winter camping. Comes down to lighter -HH vs more comfort-BB I think. 10 years on the HH 2 on the BB; both holding up fine.. Thanks.
I have Hennessy and warbonnet. The hennesy is firm for a single layer. I never tried my blackbird original yet. Might setup in the yard this week to test it out. The hennesy hex rain fly is good. Built tough and survived many a large storm.
15 year hammock camper almost exclusively with Hennessy. Unless you're an ultralight backpacker, and I've been that at one time drilling holes in the handle of my spork, spend the extra $30 and upgrade to Hennesy's Hex tarp. The webpage allows you to easily do this. Superior coverage. More versatile.
Use your trekking poles to connect your tie-outs to. My buddies have Hennessy's and they seem to sleep 'ok'. But I've never heard them say that they slept amazing or great. I have a couple XLCs, a Wide Chameleon, a 12' Dutchware and the new 12' Chameleon. I've had many Great nights sleep in my XLCs after some tweaking of the hang, but I've had lots of Amazing nights sleep in my Chameleon. I have 2 Superfly Tarps and they have kept me bone dry in multiple rain and thunder storms. Thanks for making this video to help others make an informed decision. Good job.👍🏻
I created Stick Mode for the Blackbird where the tie out points on the shelf & entry are each rigged with some shock cord & loops, then a stick can be inserted across the hammock to spread the net instead of the cords & stakes.
Hey Dennis, thank you for this review! I am Also unsig the Blackbird XLC since short time. But I share your impressions in terms of comfort. The difference to other hammocks is huge in my eyes. Concerning the HH… is it possible that you chose to your head in direction of the foot section during the review? In the beginning it seems you set the feet in the direction of the climbing frame but maybe I am wrong… PS: choose the Wookie Underquilt - best one I have used so far ;)
I got the Dutchware dyneema 11' hex tarp in olive green and I'm pretty happy with it. Maybe the only thing I'd change is to go with the 12'. It rained all night and morning the first time I used it, and although I stayed comfortable and dry, it would have been nice to have an extra foot to cover my pack and make breakfast under.
Good video, the only catch is the substantial weight difference between the two. I'm used to a super comfy asym hammock and tarp combo from hammock bliss, but my combined straps, tarp and hammock weight is 1.7kg and it just seems a bit much when the hennesy setup is half that weight. The warbonnet setup is perhaps the middle road, i think it's about 1.2kg total depending on the tarp you use
Thanks! That's a great point about weight. I did end up springing for a dyneema tarp (after I made this video) and my whole setup weighs 744 grams. Here's the breakdown: WBBB 468g, Suspension+Tree Straps 58g, Tarp 184g, Split ridgeline 34g.
I’ve had a Hennessy explorer for 16 years. It’s still in good shape and I always sleep great in it. It’s very good for summer camping on the gulf coast of the US. I’ve never gotten any bugs in it and you can sleep comfortably on those 88 degreeF nights.
Unless it's very warm out you need either a pad or a quilt that drapes underneath the hammock. It's worse than standing outside because your clothes are compressed under you and you get nearly zero insulation. The slightest breeze pulls warmth away very quickly.
I generally prefer the Hennessy. I have an explorer deluxe so there’s a bit extra room, with the fixed rain fly and snake skins it’s just a more complete sleep system. I love taking it camping and using it to chill out on during the day or after a hike. I don’t have an under quilt for it so I haven’t actually slept in it over night.
Thanks for the review! You just echoed my exact thoughts about these two.
Good review. I have both too though my HH is a zip modified original with the ventral opening. I have ended up using the BB on all my shorter “comfort” backpacks but my long distance backpacks the lighter HH. I have whoopies on both now, though the original figure 8 on the HH was absolutely reliable and doesn’t slip at all unlike the whoopies which can move a little if not perfectly milked out. I also have the cuban/dynema 11 and wish for another foot, though got mine used so no choice. Occasionally use jacks r better sil nylon for winter camping. Comes down to lighter -HH vs more comfort-BB I think. 10 years on the HH 2 on the BB; both holding up fine.. Thanks.
I have Hennessy and warbonnet. The hennesy is firm for a single layer. I never tried my blackbird original yet. Might setup in the yard this week to test it out. The hennesy hex rain fly is good. Built tough and survived many a large storm.
15 year hammock camper almost exclusively with Hennessy. Unless you're an ultralight backpacker, and I've been that at one time drilling holes in the handle of my spork, spend the extra $30 and upgrade to Hennesy's Hex tarp. The webpage allows you to easily do this. Superior coverage. More versatile.
Use your trekking poles to connect your tie-outs to.
My buddies have Hennessy's and they seem to sleep 'ok'. But I've never heard them say that they slept amazing or great.
I have a couple XLCs, a Wide Chameleon, a 12' Dutchware and the new 12' Chameleon.
I've had many Great nights sleep in my XLCs after some tweaking of the hang, but I've had lots of Amazing nights sleep in my Chameleon.
I have 2 Superfly Tarps and they have kept me bone dry in multiple rain and thunder storms.
Thanks for making this video to help others make an informed decision. Good job.👍🏻
I created Stick Mode for the Blackbird where the tie out points on the shelf & entry are each rigged with some shock cord & loops, then a stick can be inserted across the hammock to spread the net instead of the cords & stakes.
Hey Dennis, thank you for this review! I am Also unsig the Blackbird XLC since short time. But I share your impressions in terms of comfort. The difference to other hammocks is huge in my eyes.
Concerning the HH… is it possible that you chose to your head in direction of the foot section during the review? In the beginning it seems you set the feet in the direction of the climbing frame but maybe I am wrong… PS: choose the Wookie Underquilt - best one I have used so far ;)
thanks for the information
Great review! I've practically lived in my warbonnet Blackbird xlc for a year I highly recommend.
When you go to sit in a hammock, you should make a fold first next to the zipper, so that you don't stress the zipper.
Great video which tarp and where did you get it from for the Blackbird? Thanks.
I got the Dutchware dyneema 11' hex tarp in olive green and I'm pretty happy with it. Maybe the only thing I'd change is to go with the 12'. It rained all night and morning the first time I used it, and although I stayed comfortable and dry, it would have been nice to have an extra foot to cover my pack and make breakfast under.
Napping hammock is the perfect description for the Hennessey.
Gotta size up on the hennessy I'm 5'11" and I'm to big for the backpacker. So I gave it to my son and got the explorer ultralight. Way better
Good video, the only catch is the substantial weight difference between the two. I'm used to a super comfy asym hammock and tarp combo from hammock bliss, but my combined straps, tarp and hammock weight is 1.7kg and it just seems a bit much when the hennesy setup is half that weight. The warbonnet setup is perhaps the middle road, i think it's about 1.2kg total depending on the tarp you use
Thanks! That's a great point about weight. I did end up springing for a dyneema tarp (after I made this video) and my whole setup weighs 744 grams. Here's the breakdown: WBBB 468g, Suspension+Tree Straps 58g, Tarp 184g, Split ridgeline 34g.
The tarp is lowered by moving the ends of the tarp on the ridgeline of the Hennessy.
Your boy is super cute
I want to see the long term test, 20 years from now, from your Son. Enjoy.
I’ve had a Hennessy explorer for 16 years. It’s still in good shape and I always sleep great in it. It’s very good for summer camping on the gulf coast of the US. I’ve never gotten any bugs in it and you can sleep comfortably on those 88 degreeF nights.
Don't the skeeters get to you through that hammock?
nope. they can't bite through the material
@@WhatDennisDoes ty!
Do you really need a sleeping pad on a hammock?
Unless it's very warm out you need either a pad or a quilt that drapes underneath the hammock. It's worse than standing outside because your clothes are compressed under you and you get nearly zero insulation. The slightest breeze pulls warmth away very quickly.
Your angle is way too steep with that Hennessy.
Yes. My experience with my Hennessy is that you want more sag. You can't pull it so tight. With it tight its hard to be comfortable
Must admit, I need a 45’ angle on my expedition zip. Way more comfortable (for me 5ft 11, 225 lbs).
The joys of kids.... lol...
Keep that kid out of the video. If you want to make a video.
Keep scrolling if you don’t like it. It’s not like you paid for it.
Grow up dude. What you were witnessing is called "being a good daddy."