I'm doing my Dec , St.Mary's River ,08 trip report in assorted bits and pieces but will interlock all of them together later.
The Eagle Nest Outfitters hammock is one comfortable S.O.B. Just set it up in a flash , then I put in the self inflating mattress from Campmor for the mummy bag ( on sale for $35.00 , closeout ) and let it inflate.
Next was my bag in there and the rain fly over me ( Not happy with it ). I got the fast fly from them and it is OK if you are not having a real storm , like the ones that tag me. :lol: All of there rain flies are 9 1/2 by 12. The 9 1/2 is from the beanier that hooks to the slap strap on each end. It does not offer the additional covering for the hammock that I am use to. :x
Back to the hammock..... It is great , easy to set up , like I said. Even easier to get in and out of during the night if the need comes up. Sleeping in it is great , you have all sorts of visibility and the sense of openness. Especially since it is wide open.
I never got cold in it ( a 0 degree bag helps ) and had all the comfort needed.
The down side is the rain fly.
1...It has to be low over the hammock and does collect moisture on the underside like the rain fly on a tent does.
2...It is not as big as I would like for some serious protection in a blowing storm.
3...It has to be set low over the hammock which means you have to duck under it to get in the hammock.
4...The dam slap straps need more loops on them for a better adjustment as to the degree of slack that is desired in the hammock for sleeping.
Solution......
1...Hang the hammock and then use a 12 x 12 tarp (
or larger ) over it at a comfortable height so there is no bending over and having a comfortable and secure area to sit in when there is a storm. Plus having a good place to sleep out of the weather. Forget there rain flys.
2... Making your own slap straps from a non stretch rope to hang the hammock from , with better adjustments in it.
3. For bugs , use the skeeter screen as advised to do. I did not use it since no self respecting skeeter was out in the weather we had. "O"oop's , I did have a few
( 3 or 4 for both nights when in the hammock) but they died when slapped.
I did wish I would of had my Hennessey with me when the nasty weather hit and would not of been in a tent. From now on I will not make that mistake. Both hammocks will be with me , one closed in and secure for really nasty weather and the other open and free.
Chuck.
*** Joe ( lazyriverguy) had his Hennessey hammock set up ( with the standard rain fly ) under a 16 x 20 tarp when the storm hit us. What a great place several of us had to get under , relax and even cook a meal while under a water fall of rain and lots of wind.