Getting into the hammock

• The trick to getting into a Hennessy Hammock is to enter through a slit in the bottom head first. Lift the flap, pop your head in, turn around and sit down on the part of the flap opposite the entry. Lean back and pull your feet up. The envelope closes around you. Your body weight maintains tension on the centerline of the material and keeps the slit closed until you want to exit. Then, shift and push your feet through the opening and stand up. Most of the hammocks have a Velcro seal over the opening for secure closure. Even without Velcro, the design keeps the hammock closed no matter what position you sleep in.
  
  

Weight Recommendations

• Hennessy Hammocks are designed for specific weights, so they will be as light as possible to carry. Failing to follow the hammock's weight guidelines will void the warranty. The hammocks and gear are strengthened about six times the requirement for the stated weight. They are more than strong enough for the weight they are designed to hold but might not perform as well for weights above the maximum allowance. The hammocks are designed for a single person.
  
  

Cold Weather Insulation

• Put a foam pad or a reflector under you for chilly fall campouts in the backyard or winter snowshoe trips. Body weight compresses the hammock, causing a lofting effect that traps air to be lost. Your body heat then is lost, too. More layers placed in the hammock will mean more insulation so that you can sleep warm.
  
  

Uses for the Tarp

• The Hennessy Hammock tarp, or rain-fly, can be set up flat or "gabled" over a tent to direct rain off. It's an asymmetrical shape and can be rolled back or hooked up as an independent tarp to cook under. The tent may be suspended so that is functions similar to a rocking chair with the rain-fly overhead for shade.
  
  

Quick Setup

• The hammock has tree-protective bands called "treehuggers" that wrap around a tree trunk to hang the hammock. Slip a camping carabiner through the loops at the ends of each treehugger and attach two heavy-duty rappel rings to the carabiner. Slide one end of the bungee cord that hooks to the hammock through both rings. Then, bring the cord around and slide it through the middle of the rings -- one ring on either side of the cord. You can pull the bungee cord on one side to tighten it but pulling on the other side will not release the tension. This allows you to instantly set up the hammock's tension. Tie off the bungee cords with quick-release knots on either side and you're finished.