HAMMOCK CAMPING NEWS
July 2004
Here you will find the latest
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IN THIS ISSUE FROM SPEER
HAMMOCKS July 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 July 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: 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 Hammock and PeaPod Demos July
See live demos of Speer Hammocks,
PeaPods, Top Blankets, and the unique new Frog Sacs at the 2004 annual
convention of the National Speleological Society (NSS) in Marquette, Michigan
July 12-16.
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!
G. 7th SEHHA Hot Springs, NC was a success
Our 7th SEHHA campout
at Hot Springs, NC was held over the weekend of June 12th. Ten hammocks were hung in the ample trees at
our riverside campsite! Among the
hammocks were 2 Speer Hammocks hung side-by-side from 3 trees, 3 Hennessy
Hammocks hung in a triangle of 3 trees, and a one tree-one post setup. Three folks stayed in a nearby cabin, 2
stayed in their travel trailer at the campground, and several visited only for
the day on Saturday. Folks from
Alabama, Kentucky, Georgia, Florida, North Carolina, South Carolina, and even
Canada attended! Our youngest attendee
was 5-week-old Cameron Carter--what a way to start an outdoor habit!
The Bluff Mountain Blue Grass
Festival was held the same weekend in Hot Springs and provided additional
entertainment.
The weather was typical with hot
sunny skies during the morning and thundershowers in the late afternoon and
evening. Several folks hiked the Appalachian Trail on Saturday while the
adjacent river provided relief from the afternoon heat for others, including
the Alabama trio who went on a guided rafting trip. The hot springs provided welcome relief for several campers. Rain briefly interrupted our hot dog cookout
Saturday evening, but the evening campfire quickly brought everyone out
again.
Everyone got the chance to see and
even try different hammocks and setups.
A current AT hiker attempting a 1,500 mile hike heard about our
gathering and dropped by to learn about hammocks. Many thanks to Jan for the music around the campfire-even John
joined in to help out!
Thanks too to everyone who
attended--we had a great time making new friendships and renewing old
ones. Best of luck to all. We hope to see you at the next campout in
September (sse below for details)
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------------------------------
8th
SEHHA Campout
Rainbow
Springs Campground
Franklin,
North Carolina
September
11, 2004
Join us for the 8th Southeast Hammock Hangers Association 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 auto, 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! Ed "Not To Worry" Speer
See ya at
Rainbow Springs! 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/
· Nomad
Travel several models
(search Mosquito Nets) http://www.nomadtravel.co.uk/
· MPI
Outdoors Hammock
Netting Cover http://mpioutdoors.com/netting5.htm
Insulation
Around Hammock
· Speer
Hammocks, Inc PeaPod sleeping bag
fits completely around hammock! Now in down!
http://www.speerhammocks.com/Products/PRODUCTLINK2.htm
http://www.hammockcamping.com/Free%20Reports/DownPeaPods.htm
· Jacks
"r" Better Down under
quilts for bottom entry hammocks http://216.83.168.206/
Email: jacksrbetterquilts@cox.net
Rain
Canopies
· Campmor Ultralight Backpacking Tarp, 8X10, silicone,
ripstop
http://www.campmor.com/webapp/commerce/command/ProductDisplay?prmenbr=226&prrfnbr=88643
· GoLite Sheet Tarp, silicone ripstop