Hennessy Expedition Asym Zip Review

Hennessy has been offering its unique hammock shelter systems since the '90s and has been the forerunner of the popular and comfortable asymmetric design that allows you to lay flatter. The Hennessy Expedition stands apart from other shelter systems in our review in that each component is integrated; the suspension ropes appear seamlessly out of the hammock fabric, the rainfly attaches to and is held taught by the suspension, and each piece works together to create a comfortable haven that keeps you protected from weather and bugs.

Comfort

Thanks to its asymmetrical design, the Hennessy Expedition is very comfortable compared to more classic hammock designs. Even though it lacks a foot box, it does have guylines to stake the sides of the hammock out, which helps provide extra shoulder and foot space. However, the hammock body is narrower and shorter than comparable models. While the sweet spot is definitely there, it's a bit harder to find; finding a comfortable hang took a bit of experimentation. The stuff sack is uniquely printed with details on exactly how to hang this hammock successfully – trust us, you'll be glad you read it. The comfort is greatly improved when using the correct tension and hanging the feet slightly above the head.

Like other models with a ridgeline and bug net, this was not an ideal hammock for sitting up, although it is possible with the right setup. The ridgeline also comes with a mesh organizer, a great upgrade that some users found very helpful for storing a headlamp, book, or other small items that can otherwise be difficult to stash. The heavier fabric is less comfortable than thinner, silkier materials of other models we tested, but this problem disappears once you crawl into a sleeping bag. The added durability means you are less likely to puncture your hammock and cause an unfortunate midnight blowout.

We tested the Expedition with a side-entry zipper, but Hennessy also offers a velcro bottom entry option that we tested on the Ultralight version. Since you are entering where the tarp is highest, you can stand more upright, which is nice for body positioning. But the velcro drove us crazy because it roughed up the pants of our testers wearing leggings or baselayers. Between the two options, we recommend the zippered side entry.

Ease of Setup

The Hennessy Expedition is one of the most difficult models to pitch of all the hammocks we tested. While it takes some learning and is more time-consuming to hang, the basic rope system is lighter weight than other suspension systems – with the exception of the whoopie sling style – and helps keep the overall cost of the hammock low. Again, we recommend following Hennessy's instructions to ensure you tie the right knots to secure the lashing.

The first thing we noticed during the setup is that getting the tree straps and lashing set up around a tree feels more like a two-person job. The tree straps that come with the hammock are only 42 inches long, so if you're surrounded by trees more than about 12 inches in diameter, you will likely find this process difficult or frustrating. Adjusting the lashing rope to have the right tension can also be tedious. If you don't get it right the first time, you must untie and rework the knots until you get it right. If you order directly from Hennessy, you can upgrade to longer tree straps for free – or you can bring extra webbing of your own and easily attach it to this hammock.

Contributing to some confusion during setup is that the fly has an asymmetrical shape that must match the hammock's shape, but there are no markings or color coding to tell you what corner lines up with what. You can lay it on the ground and look at the shape in the daylight, but it is a pain when it's dark outside or the ground is wet, so we recommend somehow marking the tarp in a way that makes sense.

We do really like how the rainfly ties directly into the hammock suspension. The small clip and friction knot of the Hennessy models are surprisingly strong and make micro-adjustments fast and simple. When we needed more or less tension on the rainfly, we only needed to slide the knot further up the cord, closer to the tree or anchor.

Durability and Protection

While most hammocks can be upgraded to have a fly, the rainfly on the Hennessy Expedition is designed to fit the hammock's shape perfectly and integrates easily into the suspension system, meaning you can't pitch the fly incorrectly.

However, the diamond shape of the rainfly doesn't offer the most protection in windy, rainy conditions. The Expedition includes clips at the corners of the tarp that allow you to attach a weight to pull the corners further down for additional protection, but you still won't get as much coverage from blowing rain as with a larger rectangular tarp. If you buy your hammock directly from Hennessy, you can customize your system by choosing a larger tarp, a lighter material, and a different shape.

The Expedition has fairly durable fabric: 70-Denier Oxford nylon with double-stitched seams. Most shelter system models we tested use a lighter-weight body fabric to save ounces, decreasing durability. If taken proper care of, this hammock will be around for many years and can be relied on for extended trips when durable gear is paramount.

Versatility

While the Expedition is a great choice for camping, it lacks versatility. The bug net is permanently attached, making it less than optimal for sitting. And the time-consuming nature of the suspension means this isn't a hammock you will likely bring along to casually set up in the park.

The attached bug netting doesn't zip back far enough to be tucked out of the way. It can be rolled and clipped to the ridgeline to open up one side, but you still won't be able to sit sideways all that easily in this hammock. Its relatively low weight rating of 250 pounds further limits most folks to using the hammock alone.

Campers looking for a hammock that they can use to chill in their backyard with friends and a shelter system to use on backpacking excursions should look elsewhere. But for those who purely want a protective hammock shelter for sleeping, the Expedition is a great choice.

Weight

Great features and durability tend to come at the cost of heavier materials, and the Expedition is no exception. But compared with other models we tested, the Expedition actually ranks similarly with most of the full shelter systems. While many hover around 42 ounces, it is important to note that some other models include larger rainflies offering better coverage.

We aren't sure why 42 ounces is the magic number, but we tested so many models that came in right at this weight. Some of these models include larger rainflies, and some have smaller hammocks – but interestingly, all of the different tradeoffs result in these systems weighing about the same. The Expedition's sacrifices for shaving ounces are the lighter weight but more time-consuming suspension system and the smaller, diamond-shaped rainfly. These weight savings balance out the heavier, more durable material and the spacious, asymmetric hammock body that offers a high degree of comfort.

Should You Buy the Hennessy Expedition?

The Hennessy Expedition falls within the price range of other all-inclusive backcountry shelter systems we tested. Considering its comfortable, asymmetrical design and the added durability of heavier fabrics, this product offers great overall value. Hennessy also offers add-ons like larger tarps and straps, top and bottom insulation, and specialized SnakeSkins stuff sacks to help you set up and tear down without the hammock ever touching the ground. But remember: this hammock does have a learning curve to set up, and it's not exactly the lightest system of our test group.

Lashing Setup

Tips for Hanging the Hammock

What Other Hammocks Should You Consider?

Overall, the Hennessy Expedition offers great value with its high-end comfort and durable materials. If you're looking for another shelter system that's more backpacker-friendly, the Hennessy Ultralite Backpacker Classic has a very similar look and feel, but in a lighter-weight package. While the Kammok Mantis is a bit more expensive, it is even lighter, includes the entire shelter system in one package, and is slightly easier to set up than the Hennessy systems. And if you're after a significantly cheaper shelter system, check out the Grand Trunk Skeeter Beeter Pro. Though there is a bit of a learning curve with this model as well, the mosquito net is effective and makes for a perfect entry-level shelter for those seeking bug protection in the backcountry.