Hennessey bottom entry insulation.

[Woody girl]

I have two hammocks, the dd set up, which is warm and cosy for the times I use it which I have used for a couple of years now due to the problem of insulation in my preferred Hennessey.
The main reason I like the Hennessey is the "all in one way it goes up, and the weight and bulk are better than the dd.
I'd realy like to take the Hennessey on a trip in July but I've always had a problem of mats sliding out from underneath me and cold seeping in through the sides if I inadvertently touch them in my sleep, which wakes me up, and I'm fed up with it!
I've looked at the HH site for their uq, and the price is stupid for a bit of material and a cheap (their own words) space blanket.
I've bought a snugpack uq, but finding getting in and out a wee bit tricky, and I'm not totaly happy with such a solution.
Is there any solution out there that doesn't require shed loads of cash, bearing in mind I've already shelled out for the snugpak uq, or sending off to America for a specialist uq made to fit ..for shed loads again.
I'm looking at,
A) putting a zip in the side of the hammock so I could use the snugpack uq easily.
B) modifying the uq to provide easier bottom entry .
Both of which I don't feel I have enough sewing skills for.
Is there anyone with the skill to do one or other of these mods out there for a reasonable price?
Any other helpful suggestions, or solutions?
I did look at the klymit static v hammock mat, but I'm not convinced it would be a solution for the bottom entry, though it might be for other hammocks, and yet more expensive purchasing.

Frustrated tree hanger!

 

[Danceswithhelicopters]

I'm not a mat /hammock person, although I'd love to try the Klymit but what I run with my HH is the Potomac Quilts Kick bottom Quilt. As you can guess from the name its American and mine is quite old but it interfaces very well with the bottom entry due to its long elasticated peripheral cords and the asymmetric design.

I've just checked and it is still about:

KAQ

 

[C_Claycomb]

@Woody girl
Which version of the Hennessey do you have? What tarp do you use? Do you use Snake Skins for packing up?

If it were me, I would push for the zipper addition and not spend time or effort on any other options. I think you will find it changes how you camp with the hammock. Changing to a side zipper certainly altered how I looked upon my hammock. The only thing I really miss about the bottom entry is how I used to suspend my shoes under the opening using their laces looped over the ridge line.

 

[pieinthesky]

I have a Hennesey (zip) with the foam mat insert, I find it far more comfortable than my DD Hammock which my Daughter now uses.

As my daughter does not tend to come along when it is cold I pinch the DD UQ and hang it under my Hennesey - complete with foam matt. Lovely and toastie I just hook the UQ on to the suspension rope at either end and at the two tie points - which I never use otherwise.

So I would recommend putting a zip in your Henessey and use the UQ you have.

 

[Woody girl]

@Woody girl
Which version of the Hennessey do you have? What tarp do you use? Do you use Snake Skins for packing up?

If it were me, I would push for the zipper addition and not spend time or effort on any other options. I think you will find it changes how you camp with the hammock. Changing to a side zipper certainly altered how I looked upon my hammock. The only thing I really miss about the bottom entry is how I used to suspend my shoes under the opening using their laces looped over the ridge line.

Deluxe explorer asym.
I have the poxy little tarp that comes with it and I do use snakeskins.
I have a lightweight tarp that I use to give extra coverage and admin area which I can put over it easily enough, and I plan to use daisy chains this year which I use with the dd, as it means I don't have to tye knots and it goes up even quicker. Plus you don't get water dripping down the ridgeline making your back wet!
I do love this hammock, and I've had it about12 years and it was second hand then!
I'm so over mat insulation though, after I got the dd set up. Quilts are so much more practical for decent warmth. And enables me to take a less bulky sleeping bag to try and stay warm. I get cold easily then sieze up, so its important to stay cosy for me.
I was thinking the zip would be the best option, but wondering where I go to get it done in the UK. I think I'd be happy with that solution, but was wondering if the collective wisdom of this forums members had any other solutions in their experience.

 

[C_Claycomb]

Ah, I have the standard Expedition Asym, now called "Classic".

I need to sell it at some point soon. I have the Super Shelter that fits it, but it would be too small for your Deluxe. The Hennessey pads are really light, and can be warm, but my experience was that they could be sensitive to set up, and if you have a quilt and are not trying to get minimum weight and bulk I think you are right to stick to it.

I fitted a pair of drip lines on the ridge, made of cotton, prussic knotted on, two per end and never had a wet back after fitting them.

So you are looking for someone in the UK to do this:

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I wonder if Simon, a bloke in the woods would be willing to take it on.

I have done some sewing in mesh and light fabric, and am going to be taking on sewing a bug nest for a tent, and have all the material to make a light hammock myself....but I am leery about trying to sew a zipper into someone else's hammock. I think you want someone who has actually tried the operation already, so has some experience and isn't fuelled on optimism alone

 

[nigelp]

If the under blanket is suspended with elastic at each end it is possible to pull it across from underneath.

 

[SaraR]

I have two hammocks, the dd set up, which is warm and cosy for the times I use it which I have used for a couple of years now due to the problem of insulation in my preferred Hennessey.
The main reason I like the Hennessey is the "all in one way it goes up, and the weight and bulk are better than the dd.
I'd realy like to take the Hennessey on a trip in July but I've always had a problem of mats sliding out from underneath me and cold seeping in through the sides if I inadvertently touch them in my sleep, which wakes me up, and I'm fed up with it!
I've looked at the HH site for their uq, and the price is stupid for a bit of material and a cheap (their own words) space blanket.
I've bought a snugpack uq, but finding getting in and out a wee bit tricky, and I'm not totaly happy with such a solution.
Is there any solution out there that doesn't require shed loads of cash, bearing in mind I've already shelled out for the snugpak uq, or sending off to America for a specialist uq made to fit ..for shed loads again.
I'm looking at,
A) putting a zip in the side of the hammock so I could use the snugpack uq easily.
B) modifying the uq to provide easier bottom entry .
Both of which I don't feel I have enough sewing skills for.
Is there anyone with the skill to do one or other of these mods out there for a reasonable price?
Any other helpful suggestions, or solutions?
I did look at the klymit static v hammock mat, but I'm not convinced it would be a solution for the bottom entry, though it might be for other hammocks, and yet more expensive purchasing.

Frustrated tree hanger!

I haven’t done this myself - I have a zip version and am forever struggling to perfect the DD underblanket set up with it - but I have seen plenty of discussions about the bottom entry one, and the take home message seems to be to either buy an underblanket with a split in the right place matching the one in the hammock (there are various versions for holding the sides of the split together) OR just using an ordinary underblanket and have enough give in the bungy cords to just pull it aside when entering and exiting. So I guess if you don’t want to take the scissors to your current underblanket - maybe try modifying the attachment cords so that you can move it out of the way more easily?

If you sleep warm and will be using it in warm weather perhaps rigging up a non insulated underquilt (like a windstopper) would be sufficient and easier for you to make a hole in the right place in?

 

[Woody girl]

If the under blanket is suspended with elastic at each end it is possible to pull it across from underneath.

This is how it works at present, but I'm not very nimble or plyable nowadays and it can be a bit of a struggle for me. Not impossible, but I do try to find solutions that make life easier, and save the hassles...hence now using daisy chains for instance.
You should see me struggling to tie boot laces on bad days! I feel like looking for velcroed walking boots!

 

[nigelp]

Sounds like you need to go for a top entry now.

 

[Woody girl]

Sounds like you need to go for a top entry now.

I do have the dd set up , and its a nice warm option with top entry, I do like it very much, and get a wonderful night's sleep in it... if I manage to set it up correctly.
The one thing about the HH is that its much easier to get it set correctly first time, every time. Its just the insulation that's the problem.
I've been using it for 12 yrs so I know it inside out. The dd I've only been able to use twice due to covid, and I always need a bit of help to set it up properly. I don't mind using that if I'm hanging for more than a few nights. But the HH is perfect for one or two nights, or if I'm on my own, and much lighter and less bulky. I've spoiled myself with the warmth of the dd and now want to get the same level with the HH. So I have an easy choice of what to take instead of wondering continually which one to pack in the week beforehand.
I think a zip is the ultimate solution. It makes sense, as I realy don't want to cut up a brand new quilt !
If I had the money I'd buy a new one, but budget restraints say no way!

 

[nigelp]

You could add a ridgeline to the DD hammock so it has the current amount of ‘sag’ each time you set it up. I prefer my longer and wider hennesey hammock with a zip to the DD style hammocks that are too short and narrow for a proper comfortable lay on the diagonal.

If funds are tight you might be able to sell the DD hammock and the bottom entry hennesey and buy a zipped hennesey? You could then use an under blanket with the hennesey.