HAMMOCK CAMPING NEWS for July 2003

 

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 great way to share hammock camping information with the outdoors world; thus submissions or links from others are accepted subject to editorial review.  We don't accept advertising.  We don't share or sell your email address.  This e-zine newsletter is now distributed through Yahoo Groups.  Note that this is a newsletter distribution at Yahoo Groups and only one message a month (the newsletter itself) will be distributed.  Member postings are not allowed; however, feedback from members can be sent to the editor.  A separate bulletin board for the exchange of member messages has also been set up at Yahoo Groups (see below).

 

New subscribers to this free newsletter can sign up online at: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Hammock_Camping_News, or send email to: Hammock_Camping_News-subscribe@yahooglroups.com.  To unsubscribe, follow the easy instructions that accompany each issue.

 

Back issues of HAMMOCK CAMPING NEWS are archived online for F-R-E-E viewing and/or downloading at: http://www.hammockcamping.com/Newsletters/NEWS.htm

 

 

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          IN THIS ISSUE FROM SPEER HAMMOCKS  July 2003

=============================================================

1.      Hammock Camping News

2.      Feature Article--

                 Comfortable Summer Hammock Camping

3.      Hammocks in Use

4.      Camping Hammock Manufacturers

5.      Other Hammocks Suitable for Camping

6.      Camping Hammock Accessories

7.      Misc Online Resources

8.      Speer Hammocks Calendar

9.      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 home page for subscribers to view any time (go to our Yahoo Groups Hammock Camping News home page).  Subscribers and non-subscribers can view the free back issues at hammockcamping.com

 

 

B. HAMMOCK CAMPING BOOK PUBLISHED!

Speer Hammocks published Hammock Camping: The Complete Guide To Greater Comfort, Convenience and Freedom by Ed Speer in January.  Everyone's initial reaction has been positive and early sales are off to a good start.

 

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 workdays--$19.95, free shipping.  Also available at major Internet book sites or a bookstore or retail outfitter near you:

 

Major Internet Book Stores:

Amazon.com Books   Barnes & Noble   Borders Books   Books A Million

Waldenbooks   eCampus   BiggerBooks (Search Hammock Camping) 

Half.com   Amazon.ca   Amazon.co.uk   Alibris (Search Hammock Camping)

1 Bookstreet (Search Hammock Camping)  

 

Retail Outfitters:

Appalachian Outfitters, Greenville, SC

Backcountry Outdoors, Pisgah Forest, NC

Black Dome Mountain Sports, Asheville, NC

Bluff Mountain Outfitters, Inc., Hot Springs, NC

Diamond Brand Outdoors, Naples, NC

Half Moon Outfitters, Charleston, SC; Greenville, SC

Highland Hiker, Cashiers & Highlands, NC

Looking Glass Outfitters, Pisgah Forest, NC

Mast General Store, Valle Crusis, Asheville, Boone, Waynesville & Hendersonville, NC and Greenville, SC

Mountain Crossings at Walasi-Yi, Neels Gap, GA

Mt Rogers Outfitters, Damascus, VA

Nantahala Outdoor Center, Bryson City, NC

Outdoor Adventures, Clemson & Spartanburg, SC

REI, Inc  stores nationwide

Sunrift Adventures, Traveler's Rest, SC

Take A Hike Mountain Outfitters, Black Mountain, NC

The Outfitter at Harper’s Ferry, WV

 

Book Store:

Malaprops Book Store & Cafe, Asheville, NC

 

 

C. 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 free hammock camping tips. The site includes instructions for ordering Ed's book.  Anyone wishing to post information on this site should contact us at: Ed@SpeerHammocks.com.

 

 

D. 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 other online "lists;" however you do not have to be a member of Yahoo in order to join. All you need is a valid email address. 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).

 

In the past month alone, the following topics were discussed on the List:

 

Hammocks by Speer, Hennessey, Clark, Byer, Bana, Amazonas, Nomad Travel,           

        Tammock and others

Alcohol stoves

Anatomic measurements

Attaching rain tarp to hammock

Avoiding tree damage

Avoiding wind

Cold weather use

Cooking dinner for 80 in camp

Cooking meals from hammock

Cotton hammocks

Double bottom hammocks

Down-filled sleeping pads

Fabrics suitable for hammocks/tarps

Falling trees

Garlington insulators

Hammock Camping book

Hammock comfort

Hammock deterioration with normal use

Hammock Hangers trips

Hammock stands

Hammock use in the bedroom

Hammock Wiki

Hammock use in caves

Hammocks on trails: AT, PCT, NCT, etc

Hand woven hammocks

Hanging straps, ropes, and knots

High wind setup

Insulating fabrics

Joint medications

Lightning danger

Lightweight backpacking with hammocks

Lightweight hand-made backpack

Long-distance hiking with hammocks

Making your own hammock

Make-You-Own Hammock kits

Mosquitoes

Motorcycles and hammock camping

Neat Sheet

Nylon hammocks

Poison Ivy

Poncho wind shells

Rain setup

Sleeping pads

Snakes

Snake Skins

Space blankets

Stormy weather setup

Taco shells

Tarps flapping in the wind

Tarps and rain canopies

Tree Huggers

Under quilts

Waterproof fabrics

Water wicking down straps

Wind proof shells around hammock

Yurts

 

In addition, numerous photos of hammocks in use were posted, promising new modifications to hammock designs were posted and discussed at length, and some hammock-use reports were provided from around the world.  A special project helping elementary school kids in Hungary make their own camping hammocks was announced and supported with donations from many list members.  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

 

 

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. Join 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 these outdoor ethics.

 

 

G. Low Gear prices!

Looking for the lowest prices on outdoor gear?  This web site specializes in extra low prices on quality name-brand gear:  http://www.backpackingdeals.com

 

 

H.  Speer Hammock Catches some serious air!

With the proper safety gear, camping hammocks can be used high in the trees!  Some tree climbers recently adapted a Speer hammock for their sport.  Check it out at: http://treetopadventures.com/photos2.htm

 

 

I.  SEHHA CAMPING TRIP SET FOR SEP 20, 2003!   North Carolina

 

Join us for another Southeast Hammock Hangers Association campout!  This is an informal group and everyone is welcome--veteran, novice or wantabees.  Previous trips were run in Feb and April.  See, learn and share your knowledge with other hammock enthusiasts.  This will be an easy overnighter with a short 3-5 mile one-way hike from the cars.  We will meet mid morning Saturday and hike together to the campsite, returning to the cars Sunday.  The proposed plan is to camp on the Mountains-To-Sea Trail along North Harper Creek in the Pisgah National Forest near Mortimer, Caldwell Co, NC (between Blowing Rock and Lenoir, NC; about 40 miles NW of Hickory; access via Interstate 40 & US 321).  This mountainous area hosts pristine cascading streams with numerous waterfalls and is one of North Carolina's backcountry secrets.  Expect detailed instructions for finding the trailhead later.

 

 

2----------Comfortable Summer Hammock Camping------------------

 

Now that warm weather is firmly established across most of the country, hammock hangers are really in their element.  Thoughts of snow and freezing temperatures have been put aside and we all dream of pleasant nights swinging in gentle breezes with only bear skin under light blankets.  Testing and experimenting with cold-weather insulating systems for hammocks have ended for the season; instead our attention is now drawn toward staying cool on the upcoming hot, muggy nights of summer.  We've waited all year for this and now it's here.  Certain we can now venture into the backcountry with less bulk and weight, we eagerly anticipate the lighter load and smaller pack on our backs. 

 

Since most camping hammocks are made with solid nylon fabrics, we may now find them too hot or clammy for sleeping comfort, especially before the heat of the day has fully dissipated.  Breathe-able hammock fabrics are essential for air temperatures above about 70oF.  While vapor-barrier fabrics may be useful for colder temperatures, they can become quite uncomfortable in the summer.  Thus for greater comfort, avoid hammocks in the summer with waterproof or windproof coated fabrics.

 

Sleeping pads often prove uncomfortable as well, since they are generally also vapor barriers that greatly reduce airflow and trap heat below the body. 

 

Even the usual durable-water-resistant (DWR) treatments found on most breathe-able nylon fabrics can significantly reduce airflow through the fabric.  Multiple washings (5-10) with detergent and fabric softener can remove these treatments and thus improve the comfort of the hammock.  When needed again for the cold season, these treatments can easily be reapplied using any number of spray-on or wash-in products that are available at most outdoor stores.  Note that DWR treatments are seldom visibly noticeable--If unsure, it's best to assume the coating is present.  Dry cleaning does not remove DWR treatments.  Remember to wash in front-loading tumbler type machines to avoid damage to the hammock and hanging straps/ropes.  The bug net and rain canopy need not be washed for this purpose.

 

TIP FROM THE TRAIL:  Baby powder liberally applied to the entire body works wonders to absorb sweat and cool the skin.  It also kills body odor, including foot odor, and leaves one feeling clean and fresh.  So, when bathing is not possible, use baby powder!  Avoid the medicated menthol types since they can sting tender body tissues.

 

Of course the summer heat generally means less sleeping clothes are worn.  Actually bare skin directly on the nylon hammock fabric can be refreshingly cool in hot temperatures since the nylon robs heat from the body and transfers it to the surrounding air quicker than the body at rest generates it.  Some people object to the skin-on-nylon feeling and prefer to wear light wicking clothes, which can also be surprisingly cool. 

 

Pitching the rain canopy high over the hammock on muggy windless nights can add significantly to comfort by allowing increased airflow and ventilation.  Of course, omitting the rain canopy when possible is an even better option.  Keeping the rain canopy close to the hammock obviously restricts airflow and can lead to excessive and uncomfortable heat buildup.

 

Bug net fabric can be considered a poor vapor barrier since it noticeably restricts airflow inside the hammock.  It can trap enough body heat and expelled warm breath to make sleeping uncomfortable.  When possible the bug net should be removed for greater comfort. 

 

Of course, if mosquitoes are a problem, removing the bug net may not be an option.  Or is it?  At times, I've actually set up my hammock on rocky points overlooking a lake or cliff where gentle breezes not only cooled me, but also kept the bugs away, allowing me to remove the bug net!  At one such spot, nearby tent users were restricted to the swampy flat ground that was out of the wind.  The tenters retreated inside from the flying devils and suffered throughout the hot muggy night, while I slept in peace and comfort without my bug net!  Thinking outside the box quickly becomes second nature for the hammock user.

 

But nighttime temperatures are seldom constant and we often find that we need to add some light layers as the night progresses and cools significantly more.  Most folks find that additional warmth is needed when the temperature drops below about 70oF.  Additional clothes and/or thin summer sleeping bags or top blankets can offer considerable warmth.  Sleeping bags are easiest worn as quilts over the top of the body, leaving the option of getting completely into the bag if needed.  Sleeping pads, which are often carried in the pack anyway, can also provide the warmth needed for the late-night or early morning times.  Often, a summer sleeping bag and a thin sleeping pad can get one completely through the late night and early morning. 

 

Actually, my preferred system is a thin top blanket and my 45-degree rated PeaPod sleeping bag, which can go completely around the hammock.  With the PeaPod connected to the ends of the hammock and hanging loose below, it offers great flexibility.  As the temps drop during the night, I can progressively close the PeaPod as much as needed.  With it closed about a foot at each end, the sides and bottom hug the hammock and provide warmth below 60oF; if it gets even cooler, I can easily close the PeaPod over the top of me.  With the thin top blanket, I'm toasty warm down to about 45oF.

 

TIP FROM THE TRAIL:  Maintaining proper hydration is critical to sleeping comfort in hot temperatures.   The well-hydrated body is able to dissipate heat and remain cooler.   When out in hot climes, drinking water because of thirst is a clear sign of dehydration--the wise person drinks to prevent thirst!  If you don't have to get up and pee during the night, you're dehydrated.  Keep your water bottle beneath the hammock and drink often.

 

But giving up all or most of our cold-weather insulation may not be appropriate if temperatures can still drop below our comfort level.  Northern latitudes and high-mountain elevations are especially prone to much colder nighttime temperatures than during the day, even in the summer months.  Warm/hot daytime temperatures and below freezing nighttime temperatures are possible in some of our favorite summer designations.   In addition, unexpected storms and cold fronts can significantly drop otherwise moderate temperatures and catch us unprepared.   In these conditions, it's wise to know what to expect and then carry the proper insulation.

 

These and other features are covered in more detail in the book Hammock Camping: The Complete Guide To Greater Comfort, Convenience and Freedom.

 

Take a hammock on your next wilderness trip

and experience the wonder of nature all over again

 

Best of luck and happy hammocking

 

Ed "Not To Worry" Speer

 

 

3---------------------Hammocks in Use June 2003--------------------------

 

Mountains-To-Sea Trail, NC  June 5-8, 2003

 

This 50-mile hike completed another section of the Mountains-To-Sea Trail (MST) for me.  At 938 miles, this is North Carolina's premier foot tail and I've now walked the westernmost 270 miles in the mountains.  Highlights of this hike were the carriage trails on the Moses Cone estate along the Blue Ridge Parkway, the cascading Upper Boone Fork, Grandfather Mountain, the $700,000 Tanawha Trail with the Linn Cove Viaduct and the Rough Ridge boardwalk, and North Harper Creek with it's many waterfalls.

 

Equipment for this summer hike in the mountains included:

 

Speer 8.0A hammock with bug net and 8X10 rain canopy (2 lb)

Speer 8.0 PeaPod sleeping bag w/ synthetic fill (2 lb)

Speer Top Blanket, 3.5'X6' (12 oz)

Speer foam sleeping pad, 1/4"X24"X46" (4.4 oz)

G-4 backpack (12oz)

GoLite umbrella (9 oz)

New Balance 805 Trail Shoes, 13EE, cushion insoles, orthotics (2.5 lb)

Leki hiking poles, Ultralite Titanium (16 oz)

Clothes, rain jacket, hat, etc

Toiletries

Cell phone, camera, flashlight, journal, maps, etc

Food

 

Total pack weight without food or water:  11 lbs

 

Camp on day 1 was a rugged stealth site among house-size boulders well off the trail.  The closest ground suitable for tent camping was miles away.  Having cooked dinner earlier by a stream, I'd hiked a few more hours until after dark and now was able to dry camp.  With warm temps and clear skies, the bug net and rain canopy were not used.  I started the hot humid night with only the top blanket and loose-fitting PeaPod; by daylight, I'd closed the PeaPod about half way over me.  The wipperwills and night owls kept company.

 

Camp on day 2 became quite an adventure with heavy rain starting about 9 pm, only minutes after camp was set up.  Again, I'd selected a steep mountainside stealth site well off the trail.  In retrospect, I should have continued on a few minutes and crossed the creek before making camp.  The heavy rain continued all night and the normally knee-deep crossing was waist deep the next morning!   Of course I pitched my 8X10 tarp over the hammock and used my dirty socks as drip lines on the straps.  Since I'd cooked dinner several hours earlier, I only snacked in camp.  Heavy rain on the tault tarp lulled me to sleep without a worry knowing I was able to stay dry.  Even getting up to pee several times during the night was no problem since the large tarp provided the needed protection.  Breaking camp in the morning rain was simple: after a cold breakfast in the hammock, it was taken down and my pack was loaded under the tarp.  With my rain jacket and umbrella, I then took down the tarp and stowed it in an outside pack pocket.  The only thing l left behind was a large dry spot on the ground!  How drasticly different was the night for an unfortunate couple who tented in the flats along the nearby creek--their tent was sitting in a 10-foot wide puddle of standing water the next morning!  Their sleeping bags were actually submerged!  Their weekend trip ruined their first night out, they were packing up in the down pouring rain to begin the wet trudge back up the mountain to their car.  With my umbrella, I smugly continued down the trail--little did I know that the rains would soon bump me off the trail as well when I could no longer safely cross the flooded streams.

 

Camp on day 3 was another stealth site on a low ridgeline.  After nearly 24 hours of rain, the mosquitoes were out in full force and I was happy to have the bug net!  I'd bailed off the trail earlier in the day when the numerous creek crossings got progressively deeper and more dangerous.  A short, but rugged crosscountry trek took me to a side trail that allowed me to bypass about 5 miles of flooded stream with numerous reported fords.  The delay caused me to spend another night out--this one.  Set up in the rain went well with the wet tarp going up first, then the hammock.  I fixed dinner from the hammock while the rains continued!  Safe from the bugs and dry from the rain, I slept like a baby.  The next morning, I lounged in the hammock and watched several hundred or so large black ants swarm over my pack that had been left on the ground--sure glad I wasn't tarping on the ground at this spot!

 

Day 4  Breaking camp went easily; even after 24 hours of heavy rain, my gear was still dry.  Now only one more creek crossing lay between me and the pick-up point; but with the end of the rains last night, the crossing was now no problem.  However, a youth group was wisely camped at the creek waiting for even lower water levels before trying to cross--they were amazed to hear that I had hiked 23 miles yesterday in the rain!  Soon, I was at the road and the end of my hike. Karen arrived to pick me up right on time.  Life is good.

 

Ed "Not To Worry" Speer, Marion, NC

 

 

Cave Capers   Jun 19-22, 2003

 

The 50th Cave Capers weekend campout, sponsored by the Central Indiana Grotto was held at Delaney Creek Park near Salem, IN.  This year's event drew record crowds and since caving and camping go hand in hand, Speer Hammocks took the opportunity to introduce camping hammocks to these hard-core outdoor types.  It was exciting to watch the crowd's initial disbelief quickly turn into enthusiastic acceptance!

 

Two hammocks were set up and available for anyone to try and many cavers and campers got their first taste of comfortable hammocking.  The word quickly spread that the hammocks really did work and by the end of the weekend, nearly everyone had stopped by to try them.  Some cavers are even now considering Speer hammocks for underground camping on long-term cave expeditions!

 

Each night, Karen and I reclaimed the hammocks for our own use.  Metal stands allowed us to use the hammocks in the treeless meadow.

 

We'd like to wish 'happy hammocking' to everyone now using a Speer hammock.  And to all of our wonderful caver friends--safe journeys until we meet again next year!

 

Ed "Not To Worry" Speer, Marion, NC

 

 

North Country Trail, Wilderness State Park, MI

 

"My brother and I did a weekend hike on the NCT (North Country Trail) through Wilderness State Park, near Mackinaw City Michigan, this past weekend. I was worried about being cold, even though it only going down to the high forties at night. Surprise! I slept like a log, I mean seriously deep, dreaming like mad sleep! The strange part was that I slept so well in my hammock, and my brother said he damn near froze sleeping in his tent on a therm-a-rest, fully clothed, with a sleeping bag. This was truly the best nights' sleep I have ever had in my thirty years of camping.

"The hike was great, even in the height of the mosquito and biting fly hatch. Several miles of the trail was either through or along swamps, and we had swarms of mosquitoes following us for miles. We didn't get bit! We both treated our hiking clothes, my hammock, and his tent with Permethrin a couple days prior to our hike, and used a little cutters' bug spray on our hands. We were a little skeptical of the Permethrin, but I am now a believer in the stuff.

"Also, we picked a great stealth camping site up on a ridge, and we never saw another human being until we hiked out onto the road. Beautiful country, a great section of trail, and great nights sleep in my hammock."

 

Member of Hammock Camping-L June 2003

 

 

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

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  New!

Rolf + Thomas Schneeberger

Steinenvorstadt 79/4

CH-4051 Basel, Switzerland

+41 61 281 73 33

http://www.tammock.com

Email: info@tammock.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 fabric bottom; various retailers (Google search bliss hammock)

Byer of Maine   solid fabric hammocks; several models

Exped Expedition Equipment   Scout Hammock; ripstop nylon bottom

Nomad Travel Tropical Hammock (search Sleeping Essentials), double bottom

Paradise Hammock  parachute silk

Sportsman's Guide  Guide Gear® Camp Hammock, solid nylon bottom

Ticket To The Moon Hammocks

 

 

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

High Country Outdoor Products  Mt Washington closed-cell foam

Oware closed-cell foam

Quest Outfitters  Thin, extra-wide closed-cell foam; must be cut to size

Target Stores   27" wide closed-cell foam

The Coleman Co  24" wide closed-cell foam 

Therm-A-Rest  various self-inflating & closed-cell foam pads

Seattle Fabrics, Inc  Thin, extra-wide closed-cell foam; must be cut to size

Slumberjack Products  covered and uncovered closed-cell foam

Speer Hammocks, Inc   extra wide, thin closed-cell foam & reflectix

Sportsman's Guide   closed-cell foam w/ reflective bottom coating

Stearns, Inc  Inflatable, various models

Stephenson's Warmlite  Down-filled air mattress

Wal-Mart  Ozark Trail Egg Crate Camp Pad, 24" wide closed-cell foam

 

Bug Nets

Nomad Travel several models (search Mosquito Nets)

 

 

Insulation Around Hammock

Speer Hammocks, Inc  PeaPod sleeping bag fits completely around hammock

 

Rain Canopies

Campmor  Ultralight Backpacking Tarp, 8X10, silicone, ripstop

GoLite  Sheet Tarp, silicone ripstop

Integral Designs Siltarp  8X10 (google search Integral Designs Siltrap)

Oware  silicone-treated nylon tarps

Speer Hammocks, Inc  8X10 silicone treated 1.1 oz ripstop w/ guidelines

Equinox, Ltd  The One Pound Tarp

 

Portable Hammock Stands

Campmor     Search Hammock Stand

Google Search Hammock Stands--Generates many retailers

Hammocks America.Com  good listing of stands

Hammocks.Com  Many stands, second tree stands, also hanging gear

Hangouts.Com  Many stands and online services

Magic Hammock.Com  Portable hammock w/ AL tubular frame

WrightStuff.Net  Heavy duty tubular steel, w/ hanging rack

Wal-Mart  5-piece green steel stand (search GARDEN section for hammocks)

 

Other Accessories

Hammocks America.Com Hanging gear

Hammocks.Com  Hanging gear

 

 

 

7-------------------------Misc Online Resources------------------------------

 

How To Make A Hammock

·    http://speerhammocks.com/Tips/Tips%20on%20hammock%20camping.htm