The Clark Jungle Hammock Vs. Hennessy Hammock

A lot of people ask me why after owning a Hennessy Hammock I decided to buy a Clark Jungle Hammock. There are five main reasons the Clark Jungle Hammock is my new favorite piece of gear:


1) The Hennessy Hammock requires you to enter the hammock through a hole in the bottom. This idea is clever because it means the hammock doesn't need zippers which add weight. Then reality sets in. Once inside the Hennessy, you are trapped like a bird in a cage. How do you realistically climb in and out of your sleeping bag? It's like being in a coffin. Imagine waking up during the night and needing to answer nature's call. How do you climb out of a sleeping bag and down through a hole without extreme discomfort and without ruining your sleeping environment? I tried it. It doesn't work. I don't even want to think what would have happened if I'd been approached by a bear.

The Clark Jungle Hammock has zippered entries on both sides. That means you can prepare your bed before you get in, plus you have easy escape on both sides. I also love that I can sit on the edge of the Clark like I'm in an easy chair. It won't tip. And when I'm ready to sleep, I just swing my legs inside and lay down. Easy. Advantage Clark.


2) The Hennessy rain fly is cut in a diamond shape. This looks really cool but is completely non-functional. More than once I woke up soaking wet because the Hennessy fly does not help at all with blowing rain. Unless rain falls down ever so straight and lightly, the Hennessy won't keep you dry.


The Clark Jungle Hammock's sil-nylon waterproof rain fly keeps me dry regardless of conditions. The fly is cut to completely cover any points at which moisture could enter the hammock. Plus, the Clark has a breathable covering called a weathershield that zips over the bug netting. This is like insurance against rain that could blow underneath the fly. It also provides privacy and warmth in cold weather. Advantage Clark.



3) The Hennessy Hammock has rope that soaks up water like a sponge. If it rains, the rope wicks the water down to the hammock bed. The Clark Jungle Hammock has waterproof rope that repels water. And if any water did run down the rope, the Clark Jungle Hammock has a drip ring that stops the water short of the hammock bed. Advantage Clark.


4) The Clark Jungle Hammock is the only hammock on the market with pockets for storage underneath the hammock bed. It's so nice knowing that my boots are right there, ready to go. Depending on the model, the Clark has pockets designed to keep you warm in cold weather. They work great. The Hennessy has no pockets. Advantage Clark.


5) The Hennessy Hammock is made in China. The Clark Jungle Hammock is made in the USA. Advantage Clark.



This is truly one of those times that you get what you pay for. I feel like I've moved up from the Fisher-Price version to the real thing.