HAMMOCK CAMPING NEWS
October 2004
Here you will find the latest
hammock camping NEWS and IDEAS, including industry-related event
listings, new products, trip reports, gear reviews, hammocking tips, links to
additional information, and much more.
This F-R-E-E e-newsletter is a
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IN THIS ISSUE FROM SPEER HAMMOCKS October 2004
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1----------------------HAMMOCK
CAMPING NEWS------------------------
A. HAMMOCK CAMPING NEWS PUBLISHING
SCHEDULE
Upcoming issues of Hammock Camping News are scheduled as
follows:
January 1, 2005
May 1, 2005
August 1, 2005
January 1, 2006
The first issue of the ‘News’ was published in December 2002
and monthly thereafter. However time
constraints are forcing me to reduce the publishing schedule. Each issue will continue to report on the
latest happenings, events, and gear in the hammock camping world. Hammock Camping News will still bring you
timely, practical and informative news and information—especially how-to
information you can use to enhance your outdoor hammocking adventure. As always, each issue will be posted online
for free viewing (see below).
B. 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.
C.
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.
D.
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).
E.
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.
F.
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
G.
Speer HammockS Demo October 9-10, 2004
See live demos of Speer Hammocks, PeaPods, Top Blankets and the unique new Frog Sacs at the
Appalachian Long Distance Hikers Association annual gathering in
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. 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
(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------------------------------
The 8th Hammock Hangers Campout
is Now History
Our 8th Southeast Hammock
Hangers Association campout on September 11 was fun
and informative with five hammock campers and/or future hammock campers. We returned to one of our favorite sites, the
beautiful mountain campground at Rainbow Springs near
Karen and I were joined by Dave Rust and his wife Judy, who
were on their way to drop Dave off at the western end of
Make-your-own hammock camper Seuss also made a long drive
and joined us for the weekend—this was his third campout with us and we always
enjoy his company. Seuss also brought
his home-made hammock stand.
Karen and I brought our pipe stands and set our hammocks
side by side where, without the tarps, we had a clear view of the stars. We delighted in the calls of campground crows
who greeted us the next morning.
Hope everyone can make one of our hammock campouts—the next
one is a winter adventure scheduled for Dec 31, 2004 atop
Ed "Not To Worry" Speer
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--a total of 17! Only makers of secure, comfortable and
complete hammocks with bug net and rain canopy are included. Many of these
manufacturers frequently upgrade their existing models and accessories or issue
new ones, so check these web links often.
Manufacturers
of some other hammocks that might be modified for camping use can be found in
the next section.
Speer Hammocks, Inc.
http://www.speerhammocks.com/ Email: info@speerhammocks.com
Hennessy Hammock Co.
http://www.hennessyhammock.com/ Email: info@hennessyhammock.com
4637 South 300 West--
http://www.junglehammock.com/ Email: info@junglehammock.com
Lawson Hammock Co.
http://www.lawsonhammockco.com/
http://www.tbcinc.com/hammocks/hamindex.html
Crazy Creek Products
http://www.crazycreek.com/ Email: chairs@crazycreek.com
Terrelogic, Inc.
http://www.terrelogic.com/ Email: mdj@terrelogic.com
Laid Back Designs, Ltd.
800-465-7519 http://www.travelsource.com/travelstore/lbd/lbd.html
Email: sammyd@mgl.ca
New Tribe, Inc.
Email: newtribe@cdsnet.net
Four Season Hammocks
http://www.mrhammock.com/ Email: mrhammock@verinet.com
Tawatchai Jaranai
(Eff)--80/
http://www.siamhammock.com/ Email: f_goodfeeling@yahoo.com
Tammock Trading + Marketing
Rolf + Thomas Schneeberger--Steinenvorstadt 79/4--CH-4051
+41 61 281 73 33
http://www.tammock.com/ Email:
info@tammock.com
The Trease™
Trease.Biz--
http://members.aol.com/treasebiz/ Email: mailto:treasebiz@aol.com
SleepCatcher
(805) 705-6937
Hammock Bliss
(Rain
Canopy expected soon)
5800 N. Kolb #9246,
Mosquito Hammock
new!
Tom Claytor
c/o
http://www.mosquitohammock.com/
Email: tom@claytor.com
Ticket To The Moon new!
Jalan Tangkuban Perahu no. 14X, Kerobokan Bali -
http://www.ticketothemoon.com/ Email: office@ticketothemoon.com
Eco Sleep System new!
Pyramid Body Guards Suisstulle Uk PLC
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®
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