HAMMOCK CAMPING NEWS
August 2004
Here you will find the latest
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IN THIS ISSUE FROM SPEER
HAMMOCKS August 2004
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1----------------------HAMMOCK
CAMPING NEWS------------------------
A. DID YOU MISS A PAST ISSUE?
Postings of each newsletter on Yahoo Groups will be left on
the Hammock Camping News home page for subscribers to view any time; go
to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Hammock_Camping_News/
Subscribers and non-subscribers can freely view and download
the current issue or any of the back issues at:
http://www.hammockcamping.com/Newsletters/NEWS.htm
Note: Some of the many web links in the newsletters do not
survive in the email versions--if this happened to yours, you might want to
download the newsletter from the hammockcamping.com site.
B.
DOWN PEAPODS ARE HERE! NEW
Speer Hammocks has introduced down
hammock gear! Our down Peapods and Top Blankets offer the ultimate in
uncomplicated lightweight warmth! PeaPods are insulated bags that completely
surround an occupied top-entry camping hammock. Top Blankets are insulated
quilts for use over a hammock sleeper or they can be used as liners inside
PeaPods. Together they make the best system available for cold weather hammock
comfort. Now warmth at any temperature is possible. Visit us at our September
demo (see below) or learn more at:
http://www.hammockcamping.com/Free%20Reports/DownPeaPods.htm. Order at:
http://speerhammocks.com/Products/PRODUCTLINK2.htm
or call (828) 724-4444, 9-5 Eastern Time, workdays.
C.
NEW MULTI-FUNCTION
Sleeping Bag The Frog Sac! NEW
Speer Hammocks announces their new
multi-function sleeping bag that is setting the next trend in sleeping
gear! Called The Frog Sac, the design
includes a unique hood to keep your head warm and a foot opening that allows
you to walk around without removing the sleeping bag! This allows the bag to function as a normal sleeping bag or as a
super-convenient camp robe! When worn
as a robe, it provides warmth without the need for extra clothes, thus saving
the wise camper valuable weight and bulk.
Since you are already carrying a sleeping bag for nighttime warmth,
isn't it smart to also use it for daytime warmth as well? This bag does both. And as a sleeping bag, it can be used alone
or it can extend the warmth of another sleeping bag when used as a liner or
over bag! It can even be opened flat
and used as a blanket. No other
sleeping bag is this versatile!
Filled with PrimaLoftTM insulation, the semi-rectangular bag is rated
to 45F. Other features include: 1.1
oz/yd2 ripstop nylon shells with Durable Water Repellant coating,
full-length front zipper with two sliders, draw-string closures at head and
foot ends, and locking barrel toggles on the draw strings. The super lightweight bag weighs only 1.8
pounds and is sized for extra interior room.
It comes in regular (60.5" X 84") or long (64.5" X
90"). The bag packs into a clever
double-drawstring carry sack that's only 8" long and 7" in
diameter…that's about the size of the human head!
For more information, see the comprehensive gear reviews at:
http://www.backpackgeartest.org/speerhammocks/
See also: http://www.speerhammocks.com/Products/FrogSac.htm
Contact SpeerHammocks.com
at 828-724-4444, or info@speerhammocks.com
Or see the bags at our booth at the upcoming vendor events
(see below).
D.
HAMMOCK CAMPING BOOK
Hammock
Camping: The Complete Guide To Greater Comfort, Convenience and Freedom by Ed
Speer was published in 2003. The book
is based on Ed's many years of hammock camping around the world and his
experience making and designing his own hammocks. In addition to key chapters
on "How To Stay Warm In A Hammock" and "How To Make Your Own
Hammock", the book contains numerous entries from Ed's trail journals that
show just how hammocks can be used in actual wilderness settings. The book is well documented with numerous
photos, drawings and tables of information. For those not inclined to make a
hammock, one chapter presents brief reviews of all the commercially available
camping hammocks. Appendices give valuable information on Ed's hammocking tips,
hammock manufactures, the Leave No Trace organization, and web links to
additional hammock information. This book is sure to become the standard
reference manual on hammock camping.
Autographed copies and free shipping on all orders from Speer Hammocks.
Order online at http://www.HammockCamping.com
or call (828) 724-4444, 9-5 Eastern Time workdays--$19.95. Also available at major Internet book sites
or a bookstore or retail outfitter near you.
E.
MAKE-YOUR-OWN HAMMOCK KITS
It's fun and easy to make your own
camping hammock with the simple kits from Speer Hammocks. Based on our
successful hammock design, the kits come complete with all the fabric, webbing,
Velcro, pull tabs, guidelines, ridgeline, hardware, etc. needed to make a
complete hammock with bug net and rain canopy. Even the thread is included!
Making your own hammock is highly rewarding and each one should give years of
satisfactory use. The only thing needed is a household sewing machine and
minimal sewing skills (only easy edge hems, straight stitches, and one flat
felled seam are required). Check out the kits at: http://www.SpeerHammocks.com
F.
Speer HammockS Demo September 24-26, 2004
See live demos of Speer Hammocks,
PeaPods, Top Blankets, and the unique new Frog Sacs at the American Whitewater
Gauley River Fest in Summersville, WV September 24-26.
·
http://www.americanwhitewater.org/events/info/GHome.phtml
Try a Speer Hammock for an
afternoon nap or even overnight!
Snuggle up in a new down PeaPod or Top Blanket! Here's your chance to see what hammock
camping is all about before buying an outfit.
Ed Speer will be on hand to sign his new hammock camping book! Everyone is invited to stop by our booth to
say 'Hi' and tell us your hammock camping story!
H. FREE HAMMOCK CAMPOUT
September 11, 2004
Join us for the 8th Southeast Hammock Hangers Association (SEHHA) campout on Saturday, September 11, 2004. It's FREE! (except for your camping fee). This is an informal group event and everyone is welcome--veteran, novice or future hammockers. See, learn and share your knowledge with other hammock enthusiasts. This will be an easy overnight campout at a commercial campground in a beautiful mountain setting at 3,700 feet elevation near the Appalachian Trail in western North Carolina. Join me, Ed Speer, author of the Hammock Camping book and editor of the Hammock Camping Newsletters for a fun early-spring campout. This is another chance for hammockers to show their stuff, share ideas, learn from others, and be a part of the 'new way'. Meet old friends and make new ones! Check out the newest stay-warm gear! Everyone will be responsible for his or her own transportation, gear, food and behavior; as well as camping fees.
We
will camp in the Rainbow Springs Campground only 15 minutes drive west of
Franklin, NC on US 64. The campground
is located 1/2 mile east of US 64 on the Old Murphy Road (Old 64)--sign at
intersection says Wallace Gap and Standing Indian. The campground is situated on the Nantahala River on the west
flank of Standing Indian Mountain, which is a memorable landmark on the
Appalachian Trail. Road access to the campground is from
Franklin or Murphy, NC--complete car, food and lodging accommodations can be
found in either town. Bring hammock
stands if you have them--we will also provide stands.
Show up anytime and leave anytime, but don't miss the informal Saturday
afternoon demos (~4 to 6 pm). We will later fix dinner together. Upon arrival,
check in at the campground office.
Find
complete campground details and driving directions at: http://www.rainbowspringscampground.com/
Located
only one mile west of Wallace Gap, the campground is a popular stop for hikers
on the AT.
Late summer temperatures at this elevation can fluctuate wildly, so
expect daytime temps of 40-80F and nighttime temps of 30-50F. Although unlikely, the campout will be
cancelled if bad weather creates dangerous conditions--each person should make
their own wise decisions.
There are plenty of spectacular trails in this area for folks looking
for more adventure before or after the weekend--hiking, kayaking, fishing,
waterfalls, etc!
Some
useful Appalachian Trail information can be found at the web links below:
http://www.appalachiantrail.org/ Appalachian Trail Conference
http://www.nps.gov/appa/ National Park AT
http://gorp.away.com/gorp/resource/us_trail/appalach.htm
GORP AT
http://georgiatrails.com/features/apptrail.html Georgia Trails AT
http://georgiatrails.com/trails/southterm.html Access Trail--Amicalola Falls SP
http://www.fred.net/kathy/at.html Appalachian Trail facts
http://www.rhodesmill.org/thefox/maps.html Nat'l Park Service AT maps
Signing up is not necessary, but letting me know will be
appreciated--you may email me at: ed@speerhammocks.com
or call (828) 724-4444
Everyone Welcome! See ya at
Rainbow Springs! Ed "Not To Worry" Speer
H. HAMMOCK
CAMPING WEB SITE
http://www.HammockCamping.com. This site provides a general exchange of
hammock camping news and information. Excerpts from Ed's new book and F-R-E-E copies of these newsletters are featured
here, as well as lots of F-R-E-E hammock
camping reports and handy hammocking tips.
Anyone wishing to post information on this site should contact us at: Ed@SpeerHammocks.com.
I.
HAMMOCK CAMPING-L Discussion Group
Join fellow outdoor enthusiasts in
an open discussion on all aspects of hammock camping. Learn from the experts
before you buy or make your own. Or help others by sharing your knowledge. The
widespread use of camping hammocks is the latest development in wilderness
travel. Be a part of this exciting phenomenon. The Hammock Camping-List is
hosted on Yahoo Groups and works like any other online "list;"
however you do not have to be a member of Yahoo in order to join. All you need
is a valid email address to join the group. NOTE that subscribers to this free
Hammock Camping News e-zine are not automatically signed up for
the bulletin board (you must sign up yourself).
All messages are archived and
searchable by members. Whether you are
a novice or a veteran hammock user, there is much to learn and share on The
Hammock Camping List!
To join, send email to: hammockcamping-subscribe@yahoogroups.com
Or sign up online at: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/hammockcamping
J. Down Under quilts for hennessy hammocks! new
Custom made down under quilts designed for the bottom-entry
Hennessy Hammocks are being offered by Jacks "r" Better of
Williamsburg, VA. Designed and
manufactured by the enterprising duo Jack Tier and Jack Myers, the under quilts
are proving very popular. Check them out at: http://216.83.168.206/ Email: jacksrbetterquilts@cox.net
(757) 209-7240 or (757) 593-6094
K. Follow Leave No Trace!
As hammock campers we have the
duty to not only act responsibly in the backcountry, but to also set a proper
example for others to follow. One of
the great advantages of hammock camping is the ability to reduce our adverse
impact on the environment. Everyone is
encouraged to join and support the worthy Leave No Trace
organization and to follow their outdoor ethics. To learn more, visit: http://www.lnt.org
2-------------------------Feature
Article------------------------------
Aurora Borealis and Camping Hammocks
Day
8 July 27, 2004
Nina
Moose Lake, Boundary Waters Canoe Wilderness Area
Northern
Minnesota, USA
From
the comfort and warmth of our camping hammocks we watch in awe as the Northern
Lights dance wildly overhead. Long
curtains of eerie yellowish-green light stretch across the night sky from
horizon to horizon, gently waving and changing shape reminiscent of eelgrass
undulating in the water. At times the
curtains block the background pattern of stars and we mistake them for
threatening storm clouds until they dissolve away or migrate elsewhere in the
sky. Some of the lights dance closer to
the horizon and form elongate patterns that radiate outward from the zenith
directly overhead. The lights brighten,
darken, disappear and are reborn elsewhere in a continually changing but never
repeating sequence that holds our attention as we struggle to fight off sleep.
Suddenly
the lights begin a rapid pulsating pattern of brightening and dimming that
races in ripples across the entire sky affecting each curtain, strand, and
filament of the aurora no matter what it's size or shape or where it is
located. The effect is that of a
living, breathing planet! Captivated,
we watch for another hour as the pulsations continue and the elongate curtains
and filaments diminish, until finally they dissolve away entirely leaving only
a star-filled cloudless sky. Only then
do we succumb to the coziness of the hammocks and fall into a deep restful
sleep for the remainder of the night.
This
is the last night of our eight-day canoe trip into Boundary Waters. Karen Sousa (Asheville, NC) joined me for
this long-overdue and much anticipated wilderness adventure. We are not disappointed in the isolation as
the wildlife, quietness, beauty and excitement of the area renew our confidence
and bring serenity and peace.
Our
adventure is greatly enhanced by camping hammocks, which we take great pleasure
in hanging on tree-covered rocky points at many of the established
campsites. These exposed spots not only
offer bedrooms with exceptional views, but also many hours of wind-swept,
bug-free lounging perfect for afternoon naps.
Often the winds continue to keep the mosquitoes away even during the
night, allowing us to avoid the hordes of flying devils that usually plague the
campsites here after dark. But when the
wind dies down and the hordes do threaten our very existence, we easily find
refuge in our bug-netted hammocks. Many
hours are spent in them sleeping, reading, talking or simply watching and
listing to the lake wilderness.
While
camping hammocks are new on the American outdoor scene, interest is now being
driven by the promise of greater comfort and convenience. To qualify for serious camping, the hammock
must be extremely comfortable for extended periods of use--this usually means a
suitable size and suspension system as well as a solid fabric bottom. Equipped with a proper bug net and rain
canopy, the hammock can easily replace a tent, often with less weight and bulk.
Above
all an acceptable suspension system must not harm the trees; thus wide webbing
is preferred over rope for hanging lines.
Properly built and used camping hammocks offer an environmentally
friendly alternative to more traditional camping since they can disperse
campers throughout a campsite, thus reducing the effect of the compacted ground
that generally comes from repeated use of the same flat tent space. In addition, hammocks can be easily set up
in spots unavailable to tents, such as over exposed rock surfaces, boulders,
roots, logs, etc.
What
if suitable trees aren't available? Not
to worry--most currently available camping hammocks easily set up on the ground
as more-traditional bivy sacks and tarps.
However, on our trip Karen and I have no problem finding suitable trees
at most of the established campsites, yet we generally set up in spots
unsuitable for tents.
Camping
hammocks can also provide greater comfort for those who find it difficult to
sleep on the ground. Karen and I often
spend 14 or more hours every day suspended in our hammocks--try doing that on
the hard ground! The hammocks are so
comfortable that we eagerly anticipate very opportunity to return to them.
We
awake our final morning and lounge in the hammocks discussing last night's
light show. We both agree it was a
fitting end to our adventure.
Reluctantly we rise to eat breakfast and begin breaking camp. It is difficult knowing we're leaving behind
the loons, the eagles, the moose with her calf, the deer and her fawn, the
beaver and his dam, and the many snapping turtles, crows, red squirrels and
chipmunks. As we near the final
portage, we begin making plans for a return trip.
Ed
Speer
(Ed is owner of Speer Hammocks, manufacturer of
custom-made camping hammocks and author of the book that is changing how
America camps: Hammock
Camping, The Complete Guide to Greater Comfort, Convenience and Freedom. When not adventuring, Ed lives in Marion,
NC. For more information on hammock
camping, see: http://www.hammockcamping.com
or contact Ed at info@speerhammocks.com)
Safe
Hammocking!
Take a hammock on your next
outdoor trip
and experience the wonder
of nature all over again
3-----------------Camping
Hammock Manufacturers---------------------
As
hammock camping continues to catch on, the number of manufacturers also is
growing as can be seen in the following list; this month another new hammock is
added--for a total of 17! Only makers
of secure, comfortable and complete hammocks with bug net and rain canopy are
included. Manufacturers of some other hammocks that might be modified for
camping use can be found in the next section.
Speer Hammocks, Inc.
34 Clear
Creek Road--Marion, NC 28752-6407
828-724-4444
http://www.speerhammocks.com/ Email: info@speerhammocks.com
Hennessy Hammock Co.
637
Southwind Road--Galiano Island, BC--Canada, V0N 1P0 888-539-2930
http://www.hennessyhammock.com/ Email: info@hennessyhammock.com
Clark Outdoor Products
4637 South 300 West--Salt Lake City, UT 84107 800-468-4635
http://www.junglehammock.com/ Email: info@junglehammock.com
Lawson Hammock Co.
PO Box 12602--Raleigh, NC 27605
919-829-7076
http://www.lawsonhammockco.com/
http://www.tbcinc.com/hammocks/hamindex.html
Crazy Creek Products
PO Box 1050--1401 South Broadway--Red Lodge, MT 59068 800-331-0304
http://www.crazycreek.com/ Email: chairs@crazycreek.com
Terrelogic, Inc.
477 Brunswick Ave.--Toronto, Ontario--Canada, M5R 2Z6 888-693-7923
http://www.terrelogic.com/ Email: mdj@terrelogic.com
Laid Back Designs, Ltd.
Suite 160, Unit 3--304 Stone Road--Guelph, Ontario--Canada N1G 4W4
800-465-7519 http://www.travelsource.com/travelstore/lbd/lbd.html
Email: sammyd@mgl.ca
New Tribe, Inc.
5517 Riverbanks Road--Grants Pass, OR 97527 866-223-3371 or 541-476-5804
Email: newtribe@cdsnet.net
Four Season Hammocks
1236 Oxborough Lane--Fort Collins, CO 80525 877-282-7145
http://www.mrhammock.com/ Email: mrhammock@verinet.com
Siam Hammock
Tawatchai Jaranai (Eff)--80/2 Prachachuen Road 33--Ladyao Jatujak
Bangkok 10900 Thailand
+66-1869-8988
http://www.siamhammock.com/ Email: f_goodfeeling@yahoo.com
Tammock Trading + Marketing
Rolf + Thomas Schneeberger--Steinenvorstadt 79/4--CH-4051 Basel,
Switzerland
+41 61 281 73 33 http://www.tammock.com/ Email: info@tammock.com
The Trease™
Trease.Biz--PO Box 234--Colchester, VT 05446
http://members.aol.com/treasebiz/ Email: mailto:treasebiz@aol.com
SleepCatcher
(805) 705-6937
Hammock Bliss
(Rain
Canopy expected soon)
5800 N. Kolb #9246, Tucson, AZ
85750 (520) 577-7779 http://www.way2coolgifts.com/ Email: dovman1@yahoo.com
Mosquito Hammock
new!
Tom Claytor c/o 211 Radnor-Chester
Road Villanova, PA 19085
http://www.mosquitohammock.com/
Email: tom@claytor.com
Ticket To The Moon
new!
Jalan Tangkuban Perahu no. 14X,
Kerobokan Bali - Indonesia (+62)
361-735131
http://www.ticketothemoon.com/ Email: office@ticketothemoon.com
Eco Sleep System new!
Pyramid Body Guards Suisstulle Uk PLC
Hartley Business Centre Hucknall Road Nottingham, England NG5
1FD
tel: 0115 969 2500
http://www.pyramidbodyguards.co.uk/
4---------------Other
Hammocks Suitable for Camping-----------------
Some
hammocks that do not come with a bug net or rain canopy may be modified for
hammock camping. While many hammocks
offer this potential, the following ones may be promising. Note that a proper bug net and rain canopy
must be added to these hammocks in order to make them suitable for serious
camping use.
· Bliss
Hammock lightweight solid
nylon bottom, now with mosquito net http://www.hammockbliss.com/
·
Byer of Maine
solid fabric hammocks; several models http://www.byerofmaine.com/
·
Exped Expedition
Equipment Scout
Hammock; ripstop nylon bottom
http://www.exped.com/exped/web/exped_homepage.nsf?OpenDatabase&Language=E
· Nomad Travel Tropical
Hammock (search Sleeping Essentials), double bottom
http://www.nomadtravel.co.uk/#
· Paradise Hammock parachute silk http://www.paradisehammocks.co.uk/
· Sportsman's
Guide Guide Gear®
Camp Hammock, solid nylon bottom
http://www.sportsmansguide.com/cb/cb.asp?p=WX2&i=70415
·
Suspended Sleeping System by Center of Gravity,
Inc
Unique backpack-hammock-sleeping
bag-mattress system; not available yet?; see review at: http://www.backpacking.net/gear-reviews/sss
· Cedar Tree StrapoLounger Unique Sleeping Pad-Backpack-Hammock
combination
http://www.thepacka.com/strappack/page2.html
· Hammock
Universe See the camping
hammock section
http://www.hammockuniverse.com
5----------------------Camping
Hammock Accessories-------------------
This list includes useful
but often hard to find camping hammock accessories. Web searches and/or eBay
auctions may turn up these and other suitable accessories. This list will be expanded over time.
Sleeping
Pads
· Exped
Expedition Equipment Down-filled
air mattress
http://www.exped.com/exped/web/exped_homepage.nsf/bc533c91605f6841c12566e6006e0c82/abe00eea82521552c1256ae2002374a4!OpenDocument See also: http://www.backcountry-equipment.com/sleeping_pads/exped_downairmattress.html
·
High Country Outdoor Products Mt Washington Pad closed-cell foam; 7 oz; 20"X60"X0.6"
· Knox Foam closed cell foam,
3/8"X73", buy by linear foot; other styles available
http://www.knoxfoam.com/cgi-bin/SoftCart.exe/closedcellfoam/CCR02.htm?L+scstore+nigf9039+1062576884
· Oware closed-cell foam,
1/4"X60"X40"; 7oz http://www.owareusa.com/sleep.html
·
Quest Outfitters Thin, extra-wide closed-cell foam; must be cut to size
http://www.questoutfitters.com/Foam%20Page.htm
· Target Stores 27" wide closed-cell blue foam http://www.target.com
·
The Coleman Co
24" wide closed-cell foam; various thicknesses
http://www.coleman.com/coleman/colemancom/subcategory.asp?CategoryID=9060
·
Therm-A-Rest
wide selection of various self-inflating & closed-cell foam
pads http://www.cascadedesigns.com/thermarest/
· Seattle Fabrics,
Inc Thin, extra-wide closed-cell
foam; must be cut to size
http://www.seattlefabrics.com/
· Slumberjack
Products covered and
uncovered closed-cell foam and inflatable pads
http://www.slumberjack.com/category_list.asp?category_name=Sleeping+Mats
· Speer
Hammocks, Inc extra wide,
1/4"-thick closed-cell foam & reflectix pads
· Sportsman's
Guide closed-cell foam
w/ reflective bottom coating
http://www.sportsmansguide.com/cb/cb.asp?a=77344
· Stearns,
Inc Inflatable, various models
· Stevenson's
Warmlite Down-filled
air mattress D.A.M. http://www.warmlite.com
· Wal-Mart Ozark Trail Egg Crate Camp Pad, 24"
wide closed-cell foam http://www.walmart.com/
Bug Nets
· Hammock
Bliss Net for any hammock
http://www.way2coolgifts.com/