Hennessy Hammock Explorer Deluxe Zip Review
The Hennessy Hammock Explorer Deluxe Zip is a heavy-duty, all-in-one hammock system designed for campers who prioritize comfort and durability over ultralight weight. After analyzing its specs, owner feedback, and design philosophy, here is a full breakdown of what this system offers.
Performance
Setup: The Learning Curve is Real
The first setup of the Explorer Deluxe Zip can be a challenge. The system includes the hammock body, integrated rainfly, tree huggers, rope suspension, and snakeskins. The process of threading the rope through the figure-eight descender rings, adjusting the ridgeline, and draping the rainfly is not intuitive. Owners consistently report a 20-minute first setup. However, after about three uses, the knotless rope suspension becomes intuitive. Once familiar, setup time drops to 5 to 7 minutes from bag to fully pitched. The included snakeskins speed pack-up but add a few seconds to initial setup. Beginners or those who dislike fiddling with gear should expect a frustrating first few tries.
Comfort: The Asymmetrical Lay is a Game Changer
The asymmetrical design is the standout feature. Traditional gathered-end hammocks force a banana-shaped lie, causing shoulder and hip pressure points. Hennessy solves this with a diagonal lay built into the hammock’s cut, with offset fabric and ridgeline. On the spec sheet, the Explorer Deluxe Zip is rated for users up to 250 pounds. Owners consistently report a nearly flat sleeping surface. For a 5-foot-10-inch, 185-pound user, the hammock feels spacious, allowing full stretch without fabric pressure. The integrated bug net is mesh with a zippered entry along one side and across the foot end, a major upgrade over older bottom-entry models. Owners report deep sleep with no back pain upon waking.
Rainfly: Reliable Coverage, But Not Perfect
The included rainfly is a hex-shaped tarp that attaches directly to the hammock’s ridgeline and stakes out to the sides. It provides excellent coverage from rain and wind, extending well past the hammock on both ends with space to store a backpack underneath. The tie-out points are reinforced, and the included aluminum stakes hold well in soft soil. However, the rainfly is permanently integrated via the ridgeline, meaning it cannot be pitched independently from the hammock. There is less flexibility in adjusting tarp height independently, and in heavy wind, the tarp can sag against the bug net if not staked perfectly. It is a solid, reliable system but lacks the modularity of a separate tarp and hammock setup.
Build and Value
Durability: Built Like a Tank
The hammock body is made from 70 denier nylon taffeta, significantly thicker than the 30 or 40 denier fabrics on many ultralight hammocks. Stitching is clean and reinforced at stress points around the zipper and suspension attachment points. The tree huggers are 1.5-inch wide polyester straps that will not damage tree bark. The rope suspension is thick, braided polyester. Owners report using the hammock on rocky ground, near thorny bushes, and in sandy campsites with only minor scuffs and no punctures or tears. The zipper operates smoothly over time. This is a workhorse piece of gear built for years of regular use.
Weight and Packability: The Heavy Price of Comfort
The total package weight—including hammock, rainfly, suspension, tree huggers, snakeskins, and stakes—is approximately 3 pounds 10 ounces. This is almost a full pound heavier than many separate hammock and tarp combos. For backpacking, this extra weight is noticeable. The packed size compresses to about the size of a small football but is not as compact as dedicated backpacking hammocks. For car campers or base campers, this is a non-issue. For ultralight enthusiasts or long-distance hikers, it is a significant penalty.
Value: What You Get for Your Money
The Explorer Deluxe Zip sits in the premium price bracket for hammocks. However, it is a complete system: no separate rainfly, suspension, or bug net is needed. When factoring in the cost of buying a high-quality hammock, separate tarp, bug net, and tree straps, the Hennessy offers reasonable value. The build quality is excellent, and the asymmetrical design is patented and proven. The lack of modularity is a drawback—upgrading the tarp or suspension is not easily done without changing the whole system. For the right user, it is a fantastic value; for those who like to mix and match gear, it may feel restrictive.
Who This Suits
The Hennessy Hammock Explorer Deluxe Zip is not for everyone. Here is who will love it and who should look elsewhere.
Buy it if:
- You are a car camper or base camper who values comfort and durability over weight.
- You are a beginner who wants a complete, turnkey system without researching separate components.
- You are a side sleeper or back sleeper who struggles with traditional hammocks and wants a truly flat lay.
- You camp in buggy or rainy environments and need reliable, integrated protection.
- You are a larger person (up to 250 pounds) who needs a spacious, sturdy hammock.
Do not buy it if:
- You are an ultralight backpacker who counts every ounce.
- You prefer modular gear that you can customize and upgrade over time.
- You hate fiddling with setup and want something you can pitch in under 2 minutes on the first try.
- You primarily camp in dry, bug-free environments and do not need a rainfly or bug net.
- You are on a tight budget and cannot justify the premium price tag.
Final Verdict
The Hennessy Hammock Explorer Deluxe Zip is a durable, comfortable, and complete hammock system. Its weight is a serious concern for backpacking, and the initial setup learning curve is steep. However, for its core purpose—providing a comfortable, dry, and bug-free sleep—it delivers. The asymmetrical lay is genuinely the most comfortable hammock sleep available. The build quality is exceptional, and the integrated design eliminates guesswork. For car camping and short backpacking trips, it is a go-to shelter. For longer, weight-conscious adventures, a lighter setup may be necessary. If you can handle the weight and setup quirks, the Explorer Deluxe Zip is an outstanding investment that earns its place in your gear closet.
