HAMMOCK CAMPING NEWS
May 2004
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=============================================================
IN THIS ISSUE FROM SPEER
HAMMOCKS May 2004
=============================================================
1. Hammock
Camping News
2. Feature
Article
7th
SEHHA Campout June 12, 2004
3. Camping
Hammock Manufacturers
4. Other
Hammocks Suitable for Camping
5. Camping
Hammock Accessories
6. Misc
Online Resources
7. Speer
Hammocks Calendar
8. Upcoming
Feature Articles
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 March and
April demos (see below). You can 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! NEW
Speer Hammocks announces their new
multi-function sleeping bag that is setting the next trend in sleeping
gear! 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 overbag! It can even
be opened flat and used as a blanket.
No other sleeping bag is this versitable!
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 lock/connetct 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!
These bags are so new they aren't
even posted on our web site yet.
Contact us for more information SpeerHammocks.com
828-724-4444 info@speerhammocks.com or see the bags at our booth at the
upcoming Trail Days or SERA events (see below).
D.
HAMMOCK CAMPING BOOK PUBLISHED!
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 NOW AVAILABLE
It's fun and easy to make your own
camping hammock with the simple kits from Speer Hammocks. Based on a 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 May
See live demos of Speer Hammocks,
PeaPods and Top Blankets at the following upcoming outdoor events:
·
Trail Days, Damascus, VA
May 14-16 http://www.traildays.nstemp.com/
·
SERA Summer Cave Carnival, St. Clair, TN May 20-23 http://www.caves.org/grotto/appalachian/SERA/serascc.htm
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. Ozarks extreme Annual Conference 2-4 April 2004
Speer Hammocks demoed our Hammocks
and PeaPods at this first annual gathering of cavers in Branson, Missouri. Like most ourdoor enthusisiants, cavers are
just beginning to learn about the benifits of hammock camping and this event,
in the heart of America's 'cave country', is sure to grow in size over the
coming years. Our thanks to the kind
folks who organized the event and to everyone who made us feel welcome.
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. 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------------------------------
7th SEHHA Campout
Hot Springs, NC
June 12, 2004
Join us for the 7th SEHHA (SouthEast
Hammock Hangers Association) campout on Saturday, June 12,
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 river setting 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 mid-summer
campout. Previous trips were well attended and 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 hammock gear!
An added bonus this time is the
annual Bluff Mountain Bluegrass Festival!
http://main.nc.us/bluff/ The festival is being held the same weekend
on the grounds of the Hot Springs Campground--how neat is that! A hammock campout and bluegrass festival all
in one! Sleep like a baby outdoors and
listen to live bluegrass music from your hammock! It doesn't get any better, so don't miss this one!
We will camp in the popular Hot Springs
Campground approximately 45 minutes drive northwest of Asheville, NC or 1.5
hours east of Knoxville, TN. The campground is located on the east side
of the town of Hot Springs on Highway US 25/70 directly across from the Hot
Springs Resort and Hot Tubs. The
campground is situated on the French Broad River and our campsite (#413) is on
the rivers' west bank. Road access to the campground is from Asheville,
NC or Newport, TN on US 25/US 70. A few trees are available, but bring
hammock stands if you have them--we will also provide stands (contact us to
reserve one). Everyone will be
responsible for his or her own transportation, gear, behavior, and camping fees
($5/person).
Show up anytime and leave anytime,
but don't miss our free Saturday evening hot dog cookout! Following her popular feast at the last
Hammock Hangers campout, Karen has offered to repeat it again--it's not to be
missed! Otherwise, everyone will be responsible
for his or her own meals.
Upon arrival, check in at the
campground office and pay the camping fee.
Karen and I will be at the campsite Friday afternoon thru mid-day
Sunday, so arrive anytime after 2 pm Friday.
Folding lounge chairs might be appropriate for the festival, so bring
your own. The Hot Springs area abounds
with outdoor opportunities like hiking, canoeing, kayaking, fishing, mountain
biking, etc--you can easily combine the hammock campout with an outdoor
trip. The Appalachian Trail passes thru
town and only a few hundred feet from our campsite. The French Broad River adjacent to our campsite is a popular
fishing and floating stream.
Find complete campground details
at:
http://www.hotspringsspa-nc.com/campground/campground.html
Find driving directions at: http://www.hotspringsspa-nc.com/map/map.html
Mid-summer temperatures at this
elevation can fluctuate wildly, so expect daytime temps of 50-80F and nighttime
temps of 40-60F. Rain is possible so be prepared.
Signing up is not necessary, but
letting us know will be appreciated-- ed@speerhammocks.com or call (828) 724-4444
Everyone
Welcome! See ya at
Hot Springs! Safe Hammocking!
....Ed
"Not To Worry" Speer
Take a hammock on your next
outdoor trip
and experience the wonder
of nature all over again
3------------------------------Tip
of the Month---------------------------------
The
following handy tip recently came to our attention
· Hammock
Bliss is fast becoming the newest entry in camping hammocks. Check out their new mosiquito net options
at: http://www.way2coolgifts.com/
4-----------------Camping
Hammock Manufacturers---------------------
The
following is a list of manufacturers that make and sell camping hammocks. Only
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
new!
5800 N. Kolb #9246, Tucson, AZ
85750 (520) 577-7779 http://www.way2coolgifts.com/ Email: dovman1@yahoo.com
5---------------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 mosiquito 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
·
Ticket To The Moon solid nylon bottom
hammocks http://www.ticketothemoon.com/
·
Suspended Sleeping System by Center of Gravity,
Inc new!
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 new!
http://www.thepacka.com/strappack/page2.html
· Hammock
Universe See the camping
hammock section new!
http://www.hammockuniverse.com
6----------------------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
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
http://www.golitestore.com/store/prodinfo.asp?number=SH6007&variation=&aitem=4&mitem=12
· Integral
Designs various size silnylon tarps
http://www.integraldesigns.com/tarps-frame.htm
· Oware silicone-treated nylon tarps http://www.owareusa.com/tarps.html
·
Speer Hammocks, Inc 8X10 silicone 1.1 oz ripstop complete w/ guidelines; 13 oz
http://www.speerhammocks.com/Products/PRODUCTLINK2.htm
· Equinox,
Ltd The One Pound
Tarp
http://www.equinoxltd.com/Cart/description.php?II=1989&UID=2003090311484863.90.39.154
Portable
Hammock Stands