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Hennessy Deep Jungle Asym Hammock Review

Hennessy-Hammocks-Deep-Jungle-Asym-Zip-Model-6

Hennessy Deep Jungle Asym Hammock

Product Description

The Hennessy Hammock brand is one of the most well-known all-in-one jungle hammocks on the market. In my review of the Hennessy Hyperlite Asym Hammock, I go into more detail about the basics of the Hennessy asymmetric design and what that means, along with the other unique features on this brand. Be sure to read that review if you’re new to Hennessy.

The Deep Jungle carries all the basic features of every Hennessy but differentiates itself by having a double-layer bottom. These two layers of fabric provide a significant protection against possible bites through the fabric compared with single-layer hammocks. This is a great feature for camping in bug-infested areas (hence the “deep jungle” name).

hennessy-deep-jungle-9

Openings along the edge allow the two layers to open up so you can insert a pad or insulation between the layers. Hennessy sells a radiant bubble pad that is designed specifically for the Deep Jungle. Clips on the bubble pad match perfectly with hammock’s asymmetric clip points.

I reviewed the zipper model, which includes a full-length zipper on one side. This allows the bug netting to be pulled open and it can be held back with a toggle tie.

The Deep Jungle uses the same lightweight but durable 30D ripstop fabric that the Hyperlite uses but keeps some trimmings such as full-size zipper pulls. The double layer fabric adds a little bit of weight, but it can be worth it in hot and muggy areas when you don’t need much insulation but you still want bite-through protection from underneath.

Overal Impressions and Updates

I’m a big fan of the Hennessy brand. They offer models for both beginners and veteran hangers alike. There are also versions for big and tall folks or those going ultralight. The Deep Jungle model provides a layer of protection and also a place for pads that is appealing for folks who don’t want to invest in hammock-specific insulation such as under quilts to stay warm. The double layer really does a great job in keeping a pad in place when you move around in the hammock.

Two Hennessy's side-by-side. The Deep Jungle (right) is attached to a rock anchor.
Two Hennessy’s side-by-side. The Deep Jungle (right) is attached to a rock anchor.

Hennessy recommends that you lay in the hammock with the zipper on your left side, your shoulder matching up roughly with the asymmetric tie-out. You can also lay the opposite way, with your legs toward the zipper and head next to the net side. You’re still laying right-to-left, but in the opposite direction. For me, I found that this direction was the most comfortable for this hammock, but it works both ways.

The Deep Jungle is the lighter, more agile “big brother” of the Jungle category from Hennessy. The Hennessy Jungle category include all double-layer hammocks but use less expensive fabrics to bring the cost down.

The Radiant Bubble Pad

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I can’t really mention the Deep Jungle hammock without a little more detail on the Radiant Bubble Pad. After all, the two were meant for each other. The Radiant Bubble Pad is a custom-cut pad that is tapered to be wider at the shoulder and narrow at the feet. It’s a great pattern for any pad used in a hammock because it eliminates unused portions of the pad and provides adequate shoulder protection without a pad extender.

People have been using reflective bubble pads for a long time with hammocks. Car sun screens and Reflectix are both popular for do-it-yourself projects. The Hennessy version is nice because of the custom cut, edging, and asymmetric clips that pair perfectly with the Deep Jungle.

To insert the pad into the Deep Jungle, I fold it in half lengthwise and then push it into the slit in the hammock on the foot end. Once in-between the layers, I reach into the hammock through the slit and open the pad up. The foot end of the Deep Jungle has the largest slit and is the easier to fit both my arms inside to adjust the pad. On the head end, a smaller slit opens up where I can reach in and use the pad’s clip to secure it to the hammock’s pull-out points.

There is enough room between the layers that you can fit a thicker pad if you wanted.

Recommendations and Review

Criteria Rating Notes
Construction and Craftsmanship ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ Everything is well-made and has the fit and finish of quality: no loose strings; straight, even stitching; no “ugly” exposed seams or unfinished areas.
Modularity and Adjustability ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ The zipper model offers more modularity by allowing you to unzip and pull the netting back.
Aesthetics ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ I’ve heard the Hennessy referred to as a floating space ship. To me, the hammocks are reminiscent of an Imperial Star Destroyer.
Price and Value ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ The Deep Jungle is a little more expensive thanks to lighter/stronger fabric, but compared with piecing together a hammock+tarp combo, it’s on par with cottage competition.
  • Manufacturer: Hennessy Hammocks, made in China
  • MSRP: US$289.95 (the Radiant Bubble Pad adds US$29.95)

Available Features/Specifications

Features

  • Includes tree-friendly webbing straps
  • Tarp included (you can swap your tarp during ordering; upgrade fees may apply)
  • Complete with bug netting (zippered and traditional bottom-entry)

Specifications

  • Two 10 ft (3 m) long 1500 lb. (680 kg) test Spectra reinforced ropes with tightly braided polyester cover
  • Capacity: 250 lbs (114 kg)
  • 30D high-tenacity 66 silnylon ripstop fabric
  • 20D Polyester no-see-um bug netting
  • Hammock: 120 × 59 in (305 × 150 cm)

Weight

  • 24 oz (1.2 kg)

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Disclosure of material connection: The author (Derek Hansen) was provided with a free sample from the manufacturer for testing and evaluation purposes. The comments in this post (written & spoken) are of my own opinion, which I formed after personally handling the gear.

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17 thoughts on “Hennessy Deep Jungle Asym Hammock Review”

  1. Awesome – thanks for the review! I know on HF Hennessey is not as highly regarded vs. the cottage guys (generally, though not from all quarters), and it helps to have someone in the know review them.

    I personally would like to see how you tied up to that rock – it can’t be that the Hennessey strap was that long 🙂

  2. Bought this Deep Jungle Aysm Zip recently on sale. First Hennessey, first aysm, love it! With the fly attached, it has to fastest setup/take down there is. It will take a much thicker pad, I used a full size self inflated because I put the bubble pad in my WBRR my son-in-law to use in same trip. The only problem I have had is the straps are smallish and I’m having a little trouble getting the climbing ring rig to hold well. It is still five stars for me and I would love to hear from someone who converted to whoopies that are happy with it or aren’t.

  3. I read in a hammock forum that Hennessy went to a single descending ring system to tie the hammock. Away from the Hennessy knot. Did this hammock use that?? Your thoughts? And have you tried a carabiner to replace the ring??

    1. No. Hennessy has not changed their suspension system. I know hat they have considered things like whoopie slings but nothing that has changed their setup.

  4. I have a deep jungle xl and after taking to you I Ditched the single suspension ring for the Becket hitch like u suggested…. What a difference…. Thanks for all the work you put into this.

  5. What I did do is add 6mm shock cord (about 24 inch) to each corner of the fly to help with tensioning in high wind to take pressure off the fly. Works really well.

  6. Maybe a silly question but does the Radiant Bubble Pad really work down to 40 degrees or is it only a sales gimmick?. I need to save weight and still have some comfort and are not sure if I should go for the jungle (with bubble pad) or the ultralight with a therma Rest or similllar. The weight will almost be the same and if the bubble pad don’t work to 40 degrees the extra weight in to worth it…or ?

    1. Really good question. By itself maybe not. As a kit, it works pretty well, but as I observed in my review, much depends on the whole package of what you wear, how hot you sleep, and your sleeping bag. It is a little like a vapor barrier. Hennessy doesn’t really list a rating. Those are my own estimations after testing.

  7. Thanks for review Derek. Just purchased Hennessy xl jungle zip in last ten days or so and have been using, experimenting with and without bubble pad etc…it works…will see when weather gets bit cooler . No “Stiff back” in mornings….that alone makes it worthwhile. Also purchased and received your hammock book yesterday and finished reading. Great info and few suggestions in there going to try to employ over next few days as am a newbie at hammock hanging. I was sleeping with zipper to my right, will have to try other way. Only thing is I noticed my feet seemed to get compressed at ankles on the diagonal laying straight out vs crossing feet etc and wondering if I am doing something incorrectly. Checked my ridge line in hammock and was level maybe to tight? albeit close to the 30 degree recommendation. Any suggestion(s)? I have a pad I can use between my feet then to alleviate that I suppose.

    1. It’s hard to go wrong with a Hennessy. Lay diagonal. I often cross my legs. Whatever feels good. Sometimes I out my legs in a figure 4 or frog legs. The ridgeline should be tight but not bowstring tight.

  8. Thankyou Derek……did notice some relief doing those / that figure 4 configuration but just that I had experienced below knees what seemed bit like being trapped in a divot of hammock around the feet for the lack of a better description while diagonal. No biggie and was just wondering if you had experienced that. Thanks and will continue finding that sweet spot. Enjoying your hammock hang book and all the great info you have included in it as well as your videos. Good stuff and well done.

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