Advnture Verdict
For a hammock you can sleep in all year round, the Hennessy Hammock 4Season Expedition Zip is rock solid and infinitely versatile piece of kit.
Pros
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Four-season capability
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Asymmetric cut for greater comfort
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Integral mosquito net
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Two-skin insulation mat pocket
Cons
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Bulky and heavy for lightweight travel
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Relatively expensive
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First impressions
The Hennessy Hammock 4Season Expedition Zip is an all-year-long choice. North America is the home of all-season hammock camping and Hennessy has 20 years of experience in coming up with proven designs and features for the serious hammock camper. Whilst the Expedition Zip is still suspended in the normal way (using tree-saver straps and ropes at either end to make putting up and taking down quick and easy) its asymmetric cut gives a flatter, roomier sleeping area orientated diagonally across the axis.
Other features that make it one of the best hammocks include a zipped mosquito net, and a full-length pocket in the skin that will hold a foam or inflatable mat firmly in place (choose one from our Best sleeping pad or mat guide). For cold, wet or snow sleeping the complete set-up compares favourably in carry weight and size with a tent based system, but potentially provides more sleeping comfort.
• RRP: $270 (US) / £140 (UK)
• Weight: 1,837g / 4lb, plus rainfly 280g / 10oz
• Size: 305cm x 150cm / 120in x 59in
• Suspension system: Rope and webbing tree straps
• Fabric: 70d high density nylon taffeta
• Accessories included: Stock rainfly, integral mosquito net, compression stuff sack, suspension straps
• Accessories available: Larger and more complex rainflys, insulation mats, longer suspension straps
• Colors: Titanium grey with red lining
In the field
Compared to the simple skin and rope hammocks I’ve done most of my hammock camping in over the past years, the Hennessy design incorporates tested ideas from American campers who use hammocks in all seasons, climates and landscapes.
Still quick and straightforward to hang, the Hennessy uses ropes and knots, recommending a figure-of-eight hitch but giving me the option to use the bowline and hitch system I prefer (learn more about the the best knots for camping and hiking). Indeed the whole design encourages adaptability and offers versatility to meet different situations.
The lower of the two layers of skin is waterproof, meaning that you can use the hammock on the ground as a bivvy if you’re missing trees or there’s screaming wind. The double-skin forms a pocket that holds a mat firmly in place however much you move around, (and you could stuff in spare clothing or other insulation if needed) whilst the asymmetric sleeping axis feels flatter and more expansive.
