The Hennessy Explorer Deluxe is everything that a backpacking hammock should be and more.
Not only is it easy to use, reasonably lightweight, and durable, but it’s also one of the most comfortable camping hammocks I’ve ever used thanks to its spacious asymmetrical design that is ideal for a flat lay no matter your height.
The Hennessy Hammock Explorer Deluxe Asym Zip is a solid choice if you’re looking for a full backcountry shelter at an affordable price.
| Comfort | ★★★★★ |
| Size & Weight | ★★★★ |
| Weather Resistance | ★★★★ |
| Ease of Setup | ★★★★ |
| Durability | ★★★★★ |
| Overall Value | ★★★★★ |
| Final Rating | 27/30 |
Table of Contents
Our Opinion of the Hennessy Hammock Explorer Deluxe Asym Zip
As a long-time fan of hammock camping, I’ve always had a soft spot for Hennessy Hammock.
Not only are all their hammocks specifically designed for camping and backpacking, but the company itself maintains a solid reputation in the industry with thousands of happy customers.
Simply put, you can trust right from the get-go that you’ll get a quality product. And the Explorer Deluxe Asym Zip is certainly no exception. The all-in-one backcountry shelter comes with a built-in bug net, full-coverage rainfly, integrated suspension system, and hammock tree straps.
Also called the Explorer Deluxe Zip XL, this Hennessy Hammock is notable for its large size, 140-denier high-density nylon taffeta construction, structural ridgeline which promises the perfect lay every night, and, of course, the patented asymmetrical shape which allows you to comfortably lay diagonally for a flatter lay and more back support.
As a three-season hammock, the Explorer Deluxe is built to hold up well to inclement weather and I can attest it performs well in the rain. However (and I’ll go into this in more detail below), you might prefer to swap out the rainfly for a larger (albeit heavier model) if you plan on camping in the rain on a regular basis.
Comfort
Comfort is the number one most important factor I look for in a camping hammock.
Luckily, the Hennessy Hammock Explorer Deluxe is extremely comfortable. In fact, it’s one of the most camping hammocks available today.
Much of this comfort can be attributed to the hammock’s large size. The bottom fabric dimensions are 130 inches long by 59 inches wide. The company states the hammock is suitable for those up to 7 feet tall (and the weight capacity is 300 lbs).
The patented asymmetrical design further increases comfort. It’s recommended you sleep diagonally for a flat lay rather than a bowed, banana-shaped lay. Lying flat is much more comfortable for overnight use and provides greater back support. A structural ridgeline further increases comfort by making it easy to get the same lay each time you set the hammock up.
Seriously though, the Hennessy Explorer Deluxe is beyond comfortable. I’m able to sleep just as comfortably on my side as I can on my back. I’ve never woke up feeling sore after a night in my Hennessy Hammock. It also has plenty of room to hang out before lights out without feeling the slightest bit claustrophobic.
Weight & Packed Size
Depending on how you plan to use your hammock, both weight and packed size can be serious considerations.
Personally, I like hammock camping most when I’m backpacking. Especially when I’m up in the North Cascades National Park and other mountainous areas near my home where it can be difficult to find flat ground to pitch a tent. And, as backpackers know well, the weight and packed size of every piece of gear, including your sleep system, is very important.
The Explorer Deluxe has a packed weight of 3 lbs 3 oz. This includes the hammock itself, the rainfly, and the stuff sack. It does not include the webbing straps. Bringing an underquilt for winter hammock camping further increases the weight. Although I’ve yet to use this hammock in winter, I have used it in freezing temperatures (just below 32°F) with just a closed-cell foam sleeping pad and a warm sleeping bag (no underquilt) and kept plenty warm.
That said, this Hennessy Hammock will still be a little too heavy for many backpackers. This is especially true if you typically backpack with a partner where you could normally split the tent, rainfly, and poles up between the two of you. With a hammock, you’ll each need to carry your own.
As far as packed size, the Explorer Deluxe clocks in at 5 inches by 8 inches by 12 inches. This is quite a bit smaller than most backpacking tents.
Personally, I don’t really mind the extra weight since the hammock is so comfortable and it packs down small. That said, the company does offer a lightweight model of this hammock, the Hennessy Hammock Explorer Ultralight, which has a packed weight of 2 lbs 4 oz and an even lighter hammock, the Hennessy Hammock Ultralight Backpacker, with a packed weight of just 1 lb 14 oz.
Weather Resistance
As a three-season camping hammock, the Explorer Deluxe is built from the ground up for use in rainy conditions.
It comes with a separate easy-to-set-up rainfly with an asymmetric shape that matches the hammocks shape and provides increased coverage. The rainfly is made of 70-denier polyurethane-coated ripstop polyester. Adjust the tilt angle of the rainfly for more or less side coverage depending on the weather conditions, such as angle of rain and amount of wind.
In my experience, the rainfly does the job fine but could be slightly larger to provide increased coverage. Luckily, Hennessy sells several different rainfly models separately, including the Hennessy Hammock Hex Symmetric Rainfly. The company even allows you to sub out the stock rainfly for another model (often at little to no extra charge) if you buy directly through their website.
Ease of Setup
The setup instructions for the Hennessy Hammock Explorer Deluxe and the included rainfly are printed on the stuff sack.
Honestly, setup was a little confusing for me at first, especially compared to other camping hammocks, like the ENO SingleNest, that use simple carabiners and webbing. The Explorer Deluxe uses lengths of rope which you attach to the webbing straps with a serious of knots.
I recommend setting the hammock up at home at least once or twice before heading out into the field. Now that I’ve set mine up a dozen or so times, I can easily set it up in just a few minutes.
Taking down the hammock is just as quick. Hennessy Hammock SnakeSkins (sold separately) make setting up and taking down your hammock even quicker and easier.
Durability
Everything about the Hennessy Explorer Deluxe screams quality.
The hammock itself is made from 140-denier high-density nylon taffeta. The rainfly is made from 70-denier ripstop polyester. The built-in bug net is made from 30-denier no-see-um netting. The zippers are heavy-duty double-slider YKK #10 zippers.
So far, I’ve had no issues with the durability of the Explorer Deluxe. And, considering the quality of the materials and the reputation of Hennessy Hammock, I expect no issues for years into the future.
Overall Value
At $200, the Hennessy Hammock Explorer Deluxe Asym Zip is a great value hammock.
It’s an all-in-one backcountry shelter. It comes with the hammock itself, a built-in bug net, integrated guy lines, an asymmetric rainfly, webbing straps, and a stuff sack.
In fact, this Hennessy Hammock is one of our top recommendations if you’re looking for a camping hammock suitable for backpacking in three-season weather conditions.
Hennessy Hammock Explorer Deluxe Asym Zip Features & Specs
Here are the most important features and specs for this Hennessy Hammock:
| Capacity: 1 | Seasons: 3-Season |
| Packed Size: 5x8x12 inches | Packed Weight: 3 lbs 3 oz |
| Dimensions: 108×56 inches | Weight Capacity: 300 lbs |
| 140-Denier Nylon Ripstop Hammock | 70-Denier Ripstop Polyester Rainfly |
| Built-In Mesh Bug Net | Suspension System Included |
| Instructions Printed on Stuff Sack | Gear Pocket on Ridgeline |
For more information on the Explorer Deluxe’s tech specs, visit Hennessy Hammock.
Is the Hennessy Hammock Explorer Deluxe Asym Zip Right for You?
The Hennessy Explorer Deluxe is a top-quality camping hammock.
It’s rugged and durable, extremely spacious and comfortable, and easy to set up once you get the hang of it. It also provides ample protection from inclement weather.
Although it’s not heavy by any means, it is one of the heaviest camping hammocks that I’ve used. I’d still bring it backpacking thanks to its superior comfort and protection, but lightweight backpackers or those on long expeditions might prefer something a little lighter (like the Hennessy Ultralite Backpacker Hammock).
Unless you’re concerned with every single ounce of weight, I seriously think you’ll be hard-pressed to find a camping hammock anywhere near as comfortable as the Explorer Deluxe Asym Zip.
The Verdict
It’s easy to love Hennessy Hammock.
All of their products are excellent and the Explorer Deluxe is no exception. It’s one of our favorite camping hammocks for backpacking, car camping, canoe and kayak camping, and more.