Hanging Out: Hennessy Hammock Ultralite Backpacker Review

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There is always going to be a war in the hiking and camping community on the tent versus hammock debate, but this hammock has a lot going for it. The Asymmetrical build allows for a better surface to lay on and helps you to get restful sleep. This hammock also features two versions, we are covering the hatch but there is a zip-up option here.

There are some very nice benefits for a hammock camper which gives you a lot of different approaches to where to set up camp that tent hikers just don’t get. You don’t have to worry about sloping areas, less worry about drainage and in general a faster setup and tear down. This does though limit your use to areas that have trees that are the right distance apart and big enough to support the hammock and weight.

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Here’s a rundown of what we’ll provide in this Hennessy Hammock Ultralite Backpacker review:

  • First, we’ll share the features and benefits that you’ll find useful
  • Next, we’ll take a look at the drawbacks you might need to know about
  • Then, we’ll tell you a bit about the Hennessy company
  • And finally, we’ll provide a sampling of the actual customer and Independent reviews to give you better insight into the product.

Sound good? Let’s get started!

Features and Benefits of the Hennessy Hammock Ultralite Backpacker

  • ULTRALITE BACKPACKER CLASSIC – This hammock is a favorite on long trail hikes and thru-hikes; The hammock was designed to take almost no room in your backpack along with for anyone up to 6 ft and 200 lbs.
  • HATCH ENTRANCE THROUGH BOTTOM – Ingenious entrance through the bottom snaps closed automatically after entrance and seals with velcro
  • COMPLETE SHELTER SYSTEM – 70d high density nylon bottom and a 20d No-See-Um mosquito mesh. The detachable 30d silnylon 66 ripstop rainfly and 1200 lb / 545 kg spectra support ropes. mesh gear loft on ridge line; Complimentary webbing straps
  • LEGENDARY WORKMANSHIP – Uncompromising in design, materials and workmanship; Countless tiny improvements that only 40 years of effort could achieve but you can feel as soon as you stretch out in this hammock and close your eyes
  • ASYMMETRIC DESIGN – Shape conforms to your anatomy providing exceptional comfort when lying on the diagonal. The structural ridgeline assures the exact same bed every night and a perfect setup every time!
  • WEIGHT AND DETAILS: One year on materials and workmanship; Weight: 2 lb 6oz / 1084 g; Compact size: 4″ x 6″ x 9″ / 10 cm x 15 cm x 23 cm; Color: Coyote with black trim

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Special Features (Pros) of the Hennessy Hammock Ultralite Backpacker

WEIGHT SAVINGS – The Hennessy comes in lighter (many cases up to a pound or more) than much of the competition while providing all the needs for a complete hammock setup.

HATCH ENTRANCE – The hatch entrance allows for very fast entrance into the hammock without all the fuss of unzipping and letting in the mosquitoes and other flying insects.

Drawbacks (Cons) for the Hennessy Hammock Ultralite Backpacker

HEIGHT & WEIGHT – Definitely need to look to the Hennessy Explorer if you are over 6 feet tall or 200 lbs.

ROPE SYSTEM – The ropes are parachute-style cords so there are multiple strands, if this is an issue for you then you can purchase Snake Skins from Amazon to cover these.

Video: Hennessy Hammock Ultralite Backpacker


Video Courtesy Of: OutdoorLifeOfBrian – Watch on YouTube

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About the Hennessy Company

Hennessy was founded by Tom Hennessy who is and always has been a lover of hammock camping. He has been through all the weather and issues which could hinder a hammock user and used that knowledge to create his brand.

Hennessy Hammock is dedicated to making sure you are sleeping in comfort wherever your imagination takes you in the outdoors. Our Industrial Designer founder, Tom Hennessy, combines a life-long love of hammocks with a passion for innovation.

Hennessy About Us

Hennessy Hammock Ultralite Backpacker Reviews

Examining the features and benefits to a hammock is nice, but taking a look at what the real customers have to say about a product offers a deeper understanding or insight into how the product works. We have curated many reviews below that reflect the Hennessy Hammock Ultralite Backpacker, providing feedback from product users and reviewers on independent review sites as well as on Amazon.

Independent Reviews and Recommendations for the Hennessy Hammock Ultralite Backpacker

If you’re looking for proper protection and versatility in a lightweight package, the Hennessy Ultralite Backpacker Classic is a fantastic option. It was one of the few hammocks in our review that comes with a rain fly and suspension without an additional upgrade.

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After tons of use on the Appalachian Trail, this backpacking hammock is still in perfect condition. I’m not rocking any fabric snags. The bug netting is in beautiful condition. I have complete confidence that I could use this hammock for another 2000 miles hike without issue.

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In summary my Hennessey Hammock has provided me some really good nights of sleep out on the trail and the weight savings has been wonderful. I can leave my tent, and my sleeping pad at home, in my case, netting me a 3 lb savings right off the top.  One caveat, though, if you are planning on heavy weather I strongly recommend a bigger fly.

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Set up now takes me almost no time at all after I find the right site. My biggest difficulty, which has surprised me given that my trips have all been in the forest, has been finding two perfect trees to hang the hammock from in a place I want to camp. You see, I like to camp where there is a view, and that usually means the vegetation is more open. 

Read More…

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What Amazon Customers Have to Say About the Hennessy Hammock Ultralite Backpacker

Rated year-after-year consistently with good reviews on Amazon, this hammock always comes highly recommended.

So far so good, highly recomend seting up a few times before actually taking it on a trip. Grab snake skins, maked the set up and tear down extra fast…

I got the Backpacker UL to try out for the weight savings. It is the same size as the Expedition but weighs in at 1 pound 12 Oz on my scale with the rain fly and snake skins attached. The Clark and the Explorer both weigh the same at 3 pounds 14 oz. The Expedition came in at 2 pounds 10 oz.

The Hennessy is a great design for backpacking and gives good protection from rain with the ample rain fly.

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Final Thoughts on the Hennessy Hammock Ultralite Backpacker

Hennessy is one of THE bestselling hammock manufacturers available who makes a quality product and stands behind their work. They provide very good quality support and will make any issue right if it is a defect in workmanship, this is something that doesn’t happen as much.

One thing to keep in mind is to use and setup hammocks before you start your hiking and are relying on it, they do take some level of practice in the setup and teardown and you want this to be a very familiar process. After this, you will come to love hammocks and may start using it more often!

If you hammock camp let us know your favorite type and what your good and bad experiences have been as we would love to hear!

Compare to Other Amazon Hammock Systems

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