Have Haven fixed the zip problem?

[@garysmith7286]

Good review and fair. I have found that if you lift your weight up by holding ridge line, closing or opening the zip becomes much easier. I do agree that two zips each side, meeting in the middle may be better?? Good on Haven for sending you a replacement, hope they do that for anyone else who has problems.

[@NoviceWildCamper]

I'll give that a go. I've.tried adjusting my weight around which seams to help a little but not ideal. Thanks for watching 👍

[@number1adventurebound]

Does it help? I was worried about putting too much weight on it but it is rated for 285. Ill give it a go too. To be honest I think a little extra netting will be the way for haven to go though. Give it some more slack.

[@NoviceWildCamper]

I haven't tried it yet tbh. I have been out in it once since and turning the hammock round has seemed to work so I reckon the hammock zip is damaged but so small you can't see.

[@SzymSzejdi]

@@NoviceWildCamper I've seen people adding another ridgeline just for the bugnet to lay on, that way it is less tense and zips easier. I would like to buy this tent, but i've read that a lot of people have problems wth haven pad loosing air overnight, and you've mentioned it also, i dont want to replace my mat once a year forever :)

[@NoviceWildCamper]

@SzymSzejdi I must admit, not that I've used it a huge amount but the new pad has been fine since they replaced it 👍

[@DJunclepaul2nd]

Fair play for trying, and fair play to them for trying to fix the issue. Hope they continue to improve this and find success!

[@NoviceWildCamper]

Fingers crossed. I still think it might be the hammock zip that's causing the problem. Time will tell. 👍

[@GoonSquad710]

@@NoviceWildCamper they now have 4 zippers but mine is still tight, just bought 1 week ago ,i think they need to make it longer length wise not wider

[@NoviceWildCamper]

I think it's just a natural effect of the suspension bridge type design that's causing it.

[@fuffydingo]

Nothing beats an honest review!

[@NoviceWildCamper]

Cheers buddy 👍

[@Roman-nu1om]

The 2024 Haven XL comes with double zippers on each side, no more problems opening and cosing the bugnet. However due to patent restrictions, the bugnet isn't fully removeable anymore but I actually use the budget all the time as it helps when condensation builds up on the tarp.

[@NoviceWildCamper]

@Roman-nu1om good the see they've sorted it 👍

[@typo4000]

A fresh dimension to 'torture by hammock'! 😝👍👍

[@NoviceWildCamper]

Frustratingly true but just so comfy when it works.

[@typo4000]

Perhaps Lucifer's found another recruit?👹👅👍👍

[@fatmanfaffing4116]

They are very good with their customer service, gotta give them that. I no longer use my Haven XL for all the reasons you mentioned with the zip and the mat. I asked why there isn't a two piece zip and was told something about patents held by others but every bugnet I have for three other brands has double zips. I was once trapped inside and luckily had a mate camping with me to undo the zip; otherwise it was Opinel time!

[@NoviceWildCamper]

🤣 quick release through the bottom 😂

[@outdoorsurvival7730]

I had a problem with my pad it was replaced within a few days at no cost to me couldn’t be happier

[@NoviceWildCamper]

Yeah my pad started deflating and they sent me a new one. Great service dealing with these guys 👍

[@DaSauceDatsBoss]

I’m glad the service is nice. I don’t particularly want to spend the effort to send a piece back to get a replacement when something happens. But knowing they have good customer service helps me decide to spend the money on one of these. As of yet, I’m not sure what I would get instead. Haven safari looks pretty nice.

[@NoviceWildCamper]

@DaSauceDatsBoss I don't think there's much out there to compare really. I also have the Amok but it's way more expensive and not really like for like.

[@jbcardin]

I saw in a "Haven Hack" video where he ran the net under the ridgeline and decreased the pressure on the net making it easier to zip and unzip. He also ran another small Ridgeline underneath that so he could still hang items inside. Thinking about trying that with my XL.

[@NoviceWildCamper]

Cheers Ben. I'll have a look at that. 👍

[@WildclawsDK]

@jbcardin You don't happen to have the link for the video?

[@jbcardin]

@@WildclawsDK kzbin.info/www/bejne/l3y0n4GMqZeKgZY

[@swamphennz3380]

I've found with my haven if you adjust your weight to the other side while you zip it releases alot of that pressure when you zip

[@NoviceWildCamper]

Yeah also if you grab the ridgeline you can alleviate a lot of the pressure as well. 👍

[@scottbutler1561]

Nice video. It would be helpful to see the angle of your hang and the distancing of your trees. I've seen this issue before with tree spacing too wide.

[@NoviceWildCamper]

If you watch my previous videos using this hammock I go over this in more detail. This video was simply about the bug net issues but generally the trees are around 4 to 5m apart that I hang from.

[@barnylondon]

Try this technique as I had same problem . Push the zip slightly towards the ground as you do it up …… hay presto works every time for me .

[@NoviceWildCamper]

Cheers barny. I'll have a go at that.

[@kmazinthewoods6634]

Good job on the honest review. I didn’t watch the whole video but saw enough to determine it didn’t fix it at all. Derek’s customer service is the best no doubt though. I didn’t think it would fix it. I ran mine under the net in the past and determined it wasn’t the tension causing the problem. It’s the fact that the zipper track is directly sewn onto the support webbing and it’s stretching the zipper beyond the usable specs. For whatever reason I have one xl that zips perfectly from end to end when loaded. A friends is the same as yours. I also have an original size from their earlier days that zips super easy. They used to use a stiffer, less stretchy fabric that I believe helped out the excessive stretch of the suspension webbing. Keep up the good videos!

[@NoviceWildCamper]

Cheers buddy. At the end of the video i try the other side as I always get in amd out of the same side (with the Haven sign) and it worked better. I think over time the zip has been strained as you say and damaged the teeth. The other side is still not perfect but usable at least. 👍

[@TheZakkmylde]

So then which one would you say works best for 6 foot 175lbs cause I love the idea of this tent but ain’t dropping the cash if it doesn’t zip 😮

[@NoviceWildCamper]

It does zip but just stiff. If you use the ridgeline to lift yoursel it will release the pressure a.bit to allow the zip to flow more free. The only other option is that amok which is even more expensive. See my later videos.

[@TheZakkmylde]

@@NoviceWildCamper ok but between safari or XL i meant. If there a clear winner for moto camping ?

[@NoviceWildCamper]

I believe the safari is the same size as the xl so if weight isn't a issue then go safari as you have the lounge chair as an option 👍

[@silvermagic1]

I have bought my XL more than a year ago, the issue with the zippers is exactly the same. The lower half of the zipper is stretched by the weight of the person, thats why it doesnt fith with the upper half of the zipper which is not stretched. Its simply a design flaw (not the only one). My workaround is to lift most of my weight to the ridgeline when closing the zipper. But thats quite an acrobatic exercise.

[@NoviceWildCamper]

Yeah someone else said that. The new mesh they sent me is better but still a bit tough. I still like it but could do with some upgrades. 👍

[@tonycastro5826]

Yes, that's my problem with the Hammack, any better solution?

[@tonycastro5826]

They need a stiffer center part of the mattress to prevent folding of half the Hammack.

[@NoviceWildCamper]

@tonycastro5826 they have now made the true flat pad which is thicker in the middle so doesn't fold at all. Also if you grab the ridgeline with one hand and lift yourself up it helps with the zip but not ideal.

[@tonycastro5826]

@@NoviceWildCamper Great tech tip Thank you 👍

[@willisblevins4190]

Nice one thanks

[@NoviceWildCamper]

No probs 👍

[@the_original_bluegrassmoto]

When I did my review of the Haven and specifically noted the same problem and suggested that they do two zippers on each side, seems to me that they have not addressed that yet. The issue isn’t more fabric the issue is we need two zippers on each side.

[@NoviceWildCamper]

By two zippers do you mean do that they can be zipped down to the middle where the stress point is?

[@the_original_bluegrassmoto]

@@NoviceWildCamper Yes, I think that would make a big difference. And most of the time i never fully unzip the bug net, just 1/2 to 2/3 enough to get out.

[@NoviceWildCamper]

I don't think they would zip closed though and would unzip with the pressure at that point during moving at night. It's a tough one but maybe some additional strengthening underneath to relieve the pressure from just the zippers.

[@chrishayes8446]

It would be awesome to have 2 zippers on each side. I sleep on my left side mostly and the zippers on both sides are made so I have to reach to my feet to get out or in.

[@NoviceWildCamper]

Yeah that would certainly help 👍

[@HikeCamp]

I have a Haven with the same problem... They need a two way zipper from each end to meet in the middle.. Don't know why they did not do that from the beginning... The single zipper has too much tension at the mid point so a zipper from each end to meet in the middle should solve that.

[@NoviceWildCamper]

Possibly but I think its so tight it won't reach the middle together and will leave a gap. That or it will unzip as you move inside and the pressure increases leaving you open to bug bites. It's not an easy one to fix I reckon other than having a loose section of material above the webbing they use and attach the zip to that. It will be a bit flappy but at least it will be lose and able to zip.

[@TheZakkmylde]

So best not to buy one it’s fair to say for this summer until a newer version is released?

[@NoviceWildCamper]

They sent me out a new mesh with zip which is designed looser. It works better buy is till very tight however I don't really see a way around it other than lifting your weight up using the ridgeline to reduce the tension. Seems to work for others. 👍 It is a great hammock other than that

[@TheZakkmylde]

@@NoviceWildCamper cool. Thx

[@MikeJones-ju1bc]

That’s a no go for me my friend. I’ll figure out how to sleep on my side in a “regular” hammock. Thanks for the honest review. Good luck to the supplier

[@NoviceWildCamper]

It worked fine on the other side on my last camp so i think theres some tiny zip damage somewhere. May have a new option to release the zip pressure though so keep an eye out 👍

[@buddhagem]

Is it still just one zipper instead of two?

[@NoviceWildCamper]

@@buddhagem yes

[@freeforester1717]

A double runner zip with one coming from either end would make it easier to close, and probably require less effort to use. A zip should never be forced of course. The design of the haven means there is constant tension on the lower half material all around, but especially so at bends in the zip pathway; the bugnet being looser is actually a better idea, but of course you do have to ensure no material gets in the pathway of the zip and runner. I personally use a normal gathered end 11 foot hammock and have a home made bugnet which covers the top end only of my top quilt and head end, with plenty to tuck in between the hammock and underquilt so that any midges etc cannot get it, they don’t bother the lower half, they’re attracted to folk via the carbon dioxide and flavours from one’s breath. That being said, it’s best to not expose any skin bottom half, just in case!

[@NoviceWildCamper]

Yeah it's a shame they cant get it any better as it's very annoying

[@Amilliondreams87]

Looks like just a bit of morning and evening yoga is in order to make this ideal lol

[@NoviceWildCamper]

Certainly don't need yoga making a video like this, more than enough stretching 🤣

[@brucemercer8441]

…a possibility to try, since it’s part of the suspension system, how about shifting your weight to the opposite side while zipping up and while you’re at it,attach a cord to the zipper tags (inside) so you don’t have to reach over on that affected side….shifting your weight to the other side while zipping might possibly relieve the tension.

[@NoviceWildCamper]

I've found that by arching while laying on my back alleviates the pressure in the middle but not tried that. I'll give it a go one day 👍

[@TheZakkmylde]

That could be a deal breaker no? Expensive tent if that fly zipper is an issue

[@jeffwall2906]

NWC, I noticed in ur vid that ur upperbody/head is lower than ur feet . . I've seen somewhere, for a # of reasons, on shud tie the head-end of hammock 4-6" higher on the tree . . . I wonder if that wud help with the bug-net tension problem

[@NoviceWildCamper]

Thanks for the comment Jeff. The thing with the Haven is it should be level both ends as its a flat lay. Normal hammocks you should have the foot end slightly higher to stop you sliding down and so you dont get leg/knee stretch but some people have the head end higher for their own reasons. The issue with the lay flat hammocks is your main weight is in your torso so the head end always drops lower therefore you need to lay further toward the foot end. Problem is with my height I can't really shuffle down any further. Aside from all that, the issue with the bugnet is very common with others who have the Haven. Another way around I have found since is to grab hold of the ridgeline and pull yourself up a little to receive the tension. 👍

[@guinnik8219]

My Haven XL does exactly the same. When inside I’m always afraid the zip is going to tear away from the bugnet. There’s way too much tension on the zipper. I also own a Safari and the four zip heads that come with that are so much easier to manage. Hopefully Derek and the Haven team will add that design to future versions of the other models. In the meantime I have started to use the bugnet below the ridgeline, not ideal but better than a ripped net or busted zip. Hope Haven watch your vid.

[@NoviceWildCamper]

So the safari has a different zip system?

[@guinnik8219]

Yes , it has four zippers. Two on each side that meet at the bottom of the arc, this appears to greatly reduces the stress on the zip when under load.

[@NoviceWildCamper]

That's odd. Wonder why they do it on the safari but not the others? Maybe to do with the raising of one end?

[@jbcardin]

I think there was an issue with the double zipper design patent or something like that. Couldn't copy another design or something.

[@NoviceWildCamper]

But they have it on their own safari?

[@peteliston2686]

I hear most of the air mattresses leak also shame high $ products don't work well.

[@NoviceWildCamper]

I know it's not ideal. They did send me out a new one and thats been fine since.

[@TheAmick218]

Works best to just grab the Ridgeline with one hand and pull down. You'll zip up easily

[@NoviceWildCamper]

I'll give that a go. Thanks.

[@TimKaseyMythHealer]

It would be difficult to sew this zipper in correctly. You would need to put the seam under 200Lb of tension, and then sew the zipper onto the under tension seam. The teeth are apparently being spread apart on the under tension side of the zipper, and remaining with a tighter spacing on the the bug mesh side of the zipper. This would naturally put the zipper in a bind. I would put some banana based lubrication on the zipper, don’t remember what that lubricant is called.

[@NoviceWildCamper]

Cheers buddy. I'll have a search although I was also thinking of using a wax stick on the zipper which is what I used to use on dry suite when diving as they had similar issues 👍

[@ricardoneto7789]

Don’t know if the Safari Haven model have the same zip issues?

[@NoviceWildCamper]

Not sure to be honest. 🤷🏼‍♂️

[@macanbhaird1966]

Just a thought - generally with zips curves are where I have the most issues and breakages. "Straight line" zips I can't remember having an issue. It might mean a little more material in the middle part of the hammock so using it as a seat might be an issue.

[@NoviceWildCamper]

True but then it wouldn't work as a flat lay. The upside down arc is what keeps it flat like a suspension bridge, all the tension is there. If its made straighter then it wouldn't hold its shape.

[@macanbhaird1966]

@@NoviceWildCamper Good point! They'd need a major redesign to keep that tension.

[@NoviceWildCamper]

Apparently the safari version has different zips and don't have the same issue. Just waiting to find out more info.

[@jbcardin]

Yes the Safari has double zippers and way less tension. They're actually easy to zip and unzip. Plus you can keep both zippers at your shoulder to unzip and reach something from the ground without having to unzip the net halfway. You can also run both zippers to the foot end and stuff the entire net into the storage net at the foot end while leaving the zippers attached at the foot end for quick deployment. Nice design.

[@twighiker]

I never want to hear a zip ever again after that! 😂 Does seem the design is kinda flawed and needs another tweak. Maybe tweak it into a tent and have done with it. Hammocks are the work of the devil anyway. 😆

[@NoviceWildCamper]

😂 when it works it's great.

[@RuffKutz]

Perhaps try someone a bit lighter using your hammock and see if there's an issue with weight. The low point in the zipper area would definitely be an issue though.

[@NoviceWildCamper]

@RuffKutz you calling me fat 🤣 it should take 129kg and I'm around 100kg.

[@SnowyAspenHills]

Looks like it needs stronger reinforcement on the zip line so it doesn’t sag so much. Tentock, rods on the bottom edges.

[@NoviceWildCamper]

I dont know what the answer is. Maybe heavier duty zips would work.

[@chrisarnold4709]

Gear reliability and robustness.....I recall an earlier video where u spoke about key pieces of equipment eg tent, head torch, sleeping bag, waterproofs, boots, water filter etc and now of course this. Guess any equipment can and will fail but seems this isn't quite right yet....and certainly not good for dogs!! Tent all the way for me and now I have the Nightcat that seems a good option for the moment...

[@NoviceWildCamper]

No I don't think a hammock will ever work for a dog unless very small. I'm going to carry on using it and see how it fares zipping the other side. 👍

[@chrisarnold4709]

@@NoviceWildCamper not for a 35kg labrador or two then..... 😀😃

[@NoviceWildCamper]

😂 definitely not!

[@craig3401]

Just a thought why not use velcro instead of a zip

[@NoviceWildCamper]

Could do. Not sure it would work near the top where it's tight though. And imagine the noise if you're trying to be stealthy or not wake camping buddies up when you wake in the night for a pee 🤣😂

[@sylvesterbushcraftuk480]

Hello. I have the XL version, I don't know why you have such a problem, maybe you can ask for a replacement hammock . I can zip and open the zip in my hammock without any problem. Regards

[@NoviceWildCamper]

Not sure. Quite a few people have had similar issues. 🤷🏼‍♂️

[@sylvesterbushcraftuk480]

@@NoviceWildCamper You need to talk to the manufacturer and replace it with another one for free. Maybe it's a manufacturing defect.

[@NoviceWildCamper]

It worked a little better but intil they do yet another design this is as good as it gets for me. Maybe it's about weight? Im not sure but it's certainly still stiff and difficult to do up.

[@neillawson4252]

At the end of the day is the hammock worth the chew on with the zip as long as it doesn’t break of course ?👀

[@NoviceWildCamper]

Definitely if the pad doesn't go down anymore. I'll happily put up with a little strain for the comfort and practicality it gives. 👍

[@marleymayfield2635]

If you have any more issues with the pad simply purchase a NeoAir topo luxe XL..... flat lay and never leak.

[@NoviceWildCamper]

@marleymayfield2635 that's huge though. Although haven have now brought out a new pad that doesn't bend in the middle called the true flat.

[@southcoastoutdoorsuk6301]

The zip can not form part of the structural integrity not designed for that kind of pressure , redesign of the actual hammock is required I would say, should have done more testing before releasing

[@NoviceWildCamper]

Agree but the structural part is below the zip. There is a ribbon sewn into the material which is the same as the ridgeline ribbon that takes the strain however the zip attached just above it and obviously is affected by this pressure as well. Apparently the safari version from haven has a different zip that works better yet is identical in size and shape. 🤷🏼‍♂️

[@southcoastoutdoorsuk6301]

@@NoviceWildCamper few tweaks would be spot on ! Well done for your perseverance and getting Haven to update 👏👏

[@NoviceWildCamper]

Cheers. They're a good company to work with and look after their customers. 👍

[@robertmatthews198]

I think i'll stick to a conventional tent, they are tried and true

[@NoviceWildCamper]

Tent or hammock?

[@robertmatthews198]

@@NoviceWildCamper The good ole' dome tent for me

[@stevenrigsby4635]

Wax the zipper

[@NoviceWildCamper]

I tried it. It doesn't work. It's just too tight however I have since found that if you grab the ridgeline and pull your weight up slightly then it alleviates the pressure and works better. 👍

[@jimwalsh6453]

this is not going to help sales, thanks for the review

[@NoviceWildCamper]

I believe in being honest. People complian that youtubers get stuff free and fake the results. Its a really good system but like most things it has its flaws.

[@mikeyp33]

​@@NoviceWildCamper what if they sew in 1 inch of fabric above the strengthener ridge and put the zip onto that, maybe this would give it a bit of flex and take the pressure off.

[@NoviceWildCamper]

Maybe. I'm sure they've looked into all options.

[@theMisadventuresofaLittleWolf]

needs zips coming from each side. dumb design.

[@NoviceWildCamper]

Each side ot each end?