In-depth review
Hennessy Expedition Asym Zip Review (2027)
In-depth review of the Hennessy Expedition Asym Zip: complete shelter system, asym lay, and weight trade-offs.
Hennessy Hammock Expedition Asym Zip
The original all-in-one hammock shelter with net and rainfly included.
Our verdict
The Expedition Asym Zip is the hammock shelter for people who want decisions made well by someone else. Hennessy's asymmetrical cut, integrated net, matched rainfly, and two decades of refinement produce a system that simply works out of the bag. Ultralight modularity it is not; dependable completeness it absolutely is.
What we like
- Bug net and rainfly included: a true complete system
- Asymmetrical shape promotes a flat diagonal lay
- Side zip entry is easy to use
- Two decades of expedition-proven design
What to watch out for
- Heavier than modular ultralight setups
- Fixed system limits mixing and matching components
- Stock suspension is less convenient than strap systems
What owners report: Hennessy Hammock Expedition Asym Zip
Synthesized from recurring themes in long-term owner feedback.
Most praised
- Net and rainfly in the same sack means one purchase genuinely completes the shelter
- The asymmetrical cut guides your body into the flat diagonal without a technique lecture
- Side zip entry makes getting in and out feel like a tent door rather than a wrestling match
Common complaints
- The packed weight lands heavier than modular setups built from separate ultralight pieces
- Being locked into one fixed system frustrates owners who later want to swap fly or net
- The stock suspension feels dated once you have used modern strap systems
Who it is for
Backpackers buying their first complete hammock shelter, up to 6 ft and 250 lb.
The asymmetrical design
The hammock body is cut asymmetrically so that when you lie diagonally, as the design intends, extra fabric supports your shoulder and feet while the net's shape keeps mesh off your face. It is a considered answer to the banana problem from a maker who has iterated since the 1990s, and first-night campers consistently report sleeping flatter than expected.
System completeness
Open the box and you can camp: hammock, No-See-Um net, rainfly sized to the system, webbing straps, and stuff sacks with setup instructions printed on them. The packed weight of about 2 lb 13 oz is honest for a full shelter and competitive with tent systems, though heavier than a la carte ultralight hammock builds.
Known compromises
The stock suspension uses Hennessy's lashing method, secure but slower than strap-and-buckle systems most owners eventually adopt. The integrated design means a torn net or lost fly is a system problem, not a component swap. And the 6 ft / 250 lb sizing is a hard ceiling; larger campers must step to the Explorer line.
Key specifications
- Dimensions
- 10 ft long, asym cut
- Weight (packed, with fly)
- 2 lb 13 oz (1.28 kg)
- Capacity
- 250 lb, up to 6 ft
- Fabric
- 70D Oxford nylon, No-See-Um mesh
- Includes
- Hammock, bug net, rainfly, straps
Also consider
Hennessy Hammock Ultralite Backpacker Classic
Hennessy's lightest complete shelter: asym hammock, net, and fly at 2 lb 6 oz.
Why consider it: A lighter complete system at 2 lb 6 oz for backpackers who fit its 200 lb rating.
- Weight (packed, with fly): 2 lb 6 oz (1084 g)
- Capacity: 200 lb, up to 6 ft
Grand Trunk Skeeter Beeter Pro
A netted double hammock at a price the big systems cannot touch.
Why consider it: Integrated netting at a budget price if the full Hennessy system stretches the wallet.
- Dimensions: 10 ft 6 in x 5 ft
- Weight: 1 lb 12 oz (about 790 g)
Research-based assessment. TrueGear has not hands-on tested this product; this evaluation synthesizes manufacturer specifications, retailer documentation, and published expert reviews.
Questions, answered
Zip or Classic bottom entry?
The Zip reviewed here is the popular choice for easy entry and open-air lounging with the net tied back. The Classic's bottom entry seals completely against insects and suits pure shelter use.
Is the rainfly big enough for storms?
The included fly covers the hammock well in rain; in driving, wind-blown storms, owners often upgrade to a larger hex tarp for cooking and gear space.
Can I use a pad instead of an underquilt?
Yes. A pad inside works, and Hennessy sells the SuperShelter insulation system designed for the hammock. An underquilt remains the comfort benchmark.