DougPaul
Well-known member
Yes it is possible in a Speer, on either diagonal. (The Hennessy is designed for only one diagonal. The Speer is a symmetrical design, the Hessessy is asymmetric.) Any decent hammock based upon the Mayan design allows (actually expects) one to sleep on the diagonal.Zer0-G said:For those of you who don't know, when you lie in a hennessey hammock, on the diagonal to the ridge line, you are laying practically straight, almost parallel to the ground.
I don't know, is this possible in a Speer? I don't think so.
Speer sells a book which might help you check it out on the cheep. Available from http://www.speerhammocks.com, I got mine at REI. The book even includes construction plans and you can buy materials, parts, and partial hammocks from Speer. (I bought an assembled hammock body and added my own fly (silnylon 8x10 tarp). If you are handy with a sewing machine, you can easliy make a Speer-design hammock--a friend has made several and has experimented with several variations.Anyway, being a gear freak (see above) I am very willing to try the Speer hammock, but I have already invested a lot in the hennessey. Perhaps when I hit the lottery!
The main differences are:
* Speer is three separable pieces (hammock, mosquito netting, and fly; can be used in different combinations), Hennessy is a single unit
* Speer symmetric (sleep either diagonal), Hennessy asymmetric (sleep on only one diagonal, small weight saving)
* Speer separate fly (8x10 silnylon tarp, can be used with or without), Hennessy built in (can't be changed).
* Speer top entry (organize sleeping bag and insulating pads, then get in--just like you do on the ground), Hennessy bottom entry (through slit which ends up along side your legs, you have to get in and then organize your sleeping bag and pad under you).
* Speer has velcro-on mosquito netting (can be used with or without), Hennessy built in (can't be changed).
* Speer allows you to organize your insulation as a tube which includes both you and the hammock (ie full loft under you as well as above you), Hennessy does not.
I tested the Hennessy and chose the Speer because I thought it to be easier to use, more versitile, and the tarp can be used on the ground without the hammock. IMO, the underneath entry of the Hennessy is clever, but the boring top-entry of the Speer is more practical.
Doug
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