HAMMOCK
CAMPING NEWS for May 2003
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IN THIS ISSUE FROM SPEER
HAMMOCKS May 2003
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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 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.
NEW 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. Also available on Amazon.com
($2.26 shipping).
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. Learn 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-L 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).
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
2---------------------Hammock
Camping Comfort-------------------------
Are hammocks really comfortable enough to sleep in?
As hard as it may be to believe, comfort is my number one reason for carrying a
hammock. Most people agree that a properly made hammock is far more comfortable
than any bed they've ever had on the ground!
Of course, the key words here are "a properly
made hammock". Most folks have tried and rejected the universally
available string net hammocks that generally stretch far too much and leave the
user bent into an uncomfortable "V" shape. The current crop of
camping hammocks is made with suitable high-tech fabrics that provide comfort
by conforming to the users body without undue stretch. Of course proper length,
width, and set up are also critical to comfort. The camping hammocks provided
by the manufactures listed in this newsletter easily pass the comfort
requirement.
Many people express their concern about hammock
sleeping this way: "But I toss and turn all night long," insinuating
they would not be able to sleep well in a hammock. However, the exact opposite
actually happens in a properly made hammock! The hammock sleeper does not toss
and turn excessively because there is no need to do so; the hammock supports
the body much better than the unyielding ground or even a bed with a mattress.
As remarkable as this sounds, it's true. The hammock sleeper remains
comfortable all night long without suffering from the usual hip and/or shoulder
pressure points common to beds, mattresses and sleep pads on the ground. In
addition, the hammock responds to the sleeper's every move, continually
readjusting and eliminating any pressure points before they cause discomfort.
Whether you are a back sleeper or a fetal position
sleeper, a suitable camping hammock offers complete comfort. For the back
sleeper, the ability to lie slightly diagonal to the centerline allows truly
horizontal sleeping. The side sleeper uses only half of the hammock's length
and comfortably lies on a slight incline. Switching from either position to the
other is simple and easy.
The first time user generally needs only a few hours
to adjust to the hammocks' movements, which are somewhat similar to that of a
canoe on the water. However, soon each user finds their 'sea legs' and is
handling the hammock like a pro--turning over, changing position, and entering
and exiting with ease. Before long, the user adjusts so well to the hammock
that they actually miss the comfort if they return to sleeping on the ground or
in a bed.
Still not convinced? Read a few of the these comments
from others:
"Before trying one of Ed’s
hammocks, I would never have believed that any hammock could be so
comfortable.” Dr. Cato Holler, Fellow, Explorers Club; author, Caves of
South Carolina; Director, Carolina Cave Survey; Marion, NC
"Ed turned me on to hammock
camping two years ago. I’ll never go back to tents again.” Matthew ‘Dark Star’
Carter, Appalachian Train Thru-Hiker 1999; Louisville, KY
“At first I was skeptical, but
after the first night, I was sold.” Stacy ‘MoJo’ Hielger, Appalachian Trail
Thru-Hiker 2001; Outfitter store manager; Baltimore, MD
“I love this hammock...spend all
my time in it even when not sleeping. It really is more comfortable than (my)
bed. Thank you very much...back to hammock I go.” Ron ‘Mudman’ Grace, Appalachian Trail Thru-Hiker 1999, hammock
set up in cabin; Wilmont, NH
“This hammock is a lot more
comfortable than I thought it was going to be.” Hammock tester, Appalachian Trail Hiker Celebration Trail Days
2002; Damascus, VA
“I can’t believe how comfortable
it is!” Hammock tester, Appalachian Long Distance Hikers Association Gathering 2002;
Athens, WV
“I absolutely love this hammock.
The first night I slept in it I slept better than I usually do in shelters.
Thanks Ed.” Chris Stevens, East Continental Trail hiker 2002; Murfreesboro, TN
"Better
than any night I've ever spent on the ground." Karen "Pog" Susa,
editor The Long Distance Hiker, newsletter of the Appalachian Long Distance
Hiker Association; Asheville, NC
So what are you waiting for? Join the thousands of
happy campers who have already made the switch and take a hammock on your next
outdoor adventure. You may never sleep on the ground again!
These and other comfort features are covered in more
detail in Chapter 1 of the book Hammock Camping: The Complete Guide To
Greater Comfort, Convenience and Freedom.
Best
of luck and happy hammocking
Ed
"Not To Worry" Speer
3--------------------Hammock
Hangers Trip--------------------------------
Chatooga River Hammock Hangers Trip Apr 19-20, 2003
The
First Annual Southeast Hammock Hangers Association (FASHHA) trip was a great
success and fun for all. The trip was organized by the Hammock Camping e-mail
List on Yahoo Groups. Seven hammock hangers from AL, KY, and NC attended. Old
pros and first-timers alike shared their gear and experiences for this spring
hike along the Chattooga River in South Carolina, locale of the famous movie
"Deliverance". The
hangers: Coy and Paul from Alabama, Matthew, Andrea and Daman from Kentucky,
and Karen and Ed from North Carolina.
Saturday
morning started out promising after the heavy rains of the previous days.
Cloudy but fair skies greeted us at the trailhead. After introductions and a
car shuttle, we geared up and hit the trail about 11:30. Our first adventure
came quickly with a short side trip to spectacular King's Creek Falls. Swollen
from the recent rains, the Falls were really grand and a fortunate break in the
clouds provided bright sunshine and a true "Kodak" moment. Returning
to the trail, we hiked pass blooming Dogwoods, Trillium, and Wild Iris, arriving
at the river in time for a snack lunch.
Wet,
slick roots and rocks on the trail posed quite a challenge for all and actually
stopped us short of our destination with a sprained ankle. Not a problem for
hammock hangers since we soon had all seven hammocks hung at a small one-tent
campsite at the river's edge. Soon our makeshift camp took on all the comforts
of home as we settled in. Several folks took off on a hike along the river,
while others relaxed around camp where afternoon naps became the order of the
day.
With
five Speer hammocks, one Hennessey, and one Crazy Creek, there was plenty to
see and learn. One of the Speer hammocks was even homemade! Two hammockers were
first timers and we all helped pitch their shelters--they quickly settled in
just fine. Paul's Hennessey Racer was certainly the lightweight winner, while
Coy's Crazy Creek pitched with the most interior space. The large rain canopies
on the Speer hammocks loomed appropriate in light of the recent rains and the
threading skies. A couple of Speer PeaPods created much discussion. As the
afternoon passed, we shared hammock tips, discussed gear and generally got to
know each other better. By dinnertime, several hammockers had to be woken up!
We
all gathered for dinner around a small fire, where again the discussions
focused on gear, specifically camp stoves. Everyone had his or her favorites
and we enjoyed hearing about each. After dinner and as darkness fee, trail
stories began and continued into the night. The clouds occasionally parted to
reveal the stars and our day ended as hikers headed for their hammocks. Soon
everyone was sound asleep. Thankfully the rain held off.
Easter
Sunday dawned foggy and surreal. Coy was the first up and soon had the fire
going. Slowly the rest were up, except Andrea who was hesitant to give up her
comfortable bed! The camp stoves again came out for breakfast as the sun burned
off the fog. After a leisurely meal, we broke camp and headed back to the
trailhead.
Before long it was all over and time to say goodbye. With promises to
"do it again", we parted and headed in different directions. Everyone
made it home safely. Thanks to everyone for coming--hope to see ya again on the
trail soon.
Ed
Speer
34
Clear Creek Road
Marion,
NC 28752
828-724-4444
4-----------------Camping
Hammock Manufacturers---------------------
From
the book: Hammock Camping:
The Complete Guide To Greater Comfort, Convenience and Freedom,
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). Some other manufacturers of hammocks that can easily be modified for
camping use can be found on the Hammock Camping-L.
Speer Hammocks, Inc.
34 Clear
Creek Road
Marion, NC
28752-6407
828-724-4444
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
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
Email: chairs@crazycreek.com
Terrelogic, Inc.
477
Brunswick Ave.
Toronto,
Ontario
Canada, M5R
2Z6
888-693-7923
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
Email: mrhammock@verinet.com
Siam Hammock
Tawatchai Jaranai (Eff)
80/2 Prachachuen Road 33
Ladyao Jatujak Bangkok 10900 Thailand
+66-1869-8988
Email: f_goodfeeling@yahoo.com
5-----------------------------Online
Resources---------------------------------
How
To Make A Hammock
·
http://www.speerhammocks.com/Tips/Tips_on_hammock_camping.htm
·
http://www.flyfisher-kayaks.com/ultralite/ultrahammock.htm
·
http://www.flyfisher-kayaks.com/cgi-bin/hwiki.pl?Hammock_Tube
·
http://www.flyfisher-kayaks.com/cgi-bin/hwiki.pl?Building_A_Hammock
·
http://home.attbi.com/~egowtkimoto/
·
http://www.mindspring.com/~rgarling/Insulator.htm
·
http://www.uniqueprojects.com/projects/hammock/hammock.htm
· http://www.hammocksamerica.com/how_to_make_a_hammock/how_to_make_a_hammock.html
· http://www.shelter-systems.com/gripclips/hammock.html
History
of Hammocks
·
http://www.hammocksamerica.com/portable_hammock/portable_hammock.html
·
http://www.ecomall.com/greenshopping/hammock.htm
·
http://www.hammocks.net/hammock-history.html
·
http://www.theplacewithnoname.com/hiking/sections/gear/shelter/whyhammock.htm
Camping
Hammock Use
·
http://www.hammockcamping.com/Tips/Tips.htm
·
http://www.hammockcamping.com/Newsletters/News.htm
·
http://www.speerhammocks.com/Tips/Tips_on_hammock_camping.htm
·
http://www.hammocksamerica.com/Camping_Hammocks/Camping_Hammocks.html
· http://www.hammocksamerica.com/jungle_hammock/jungle_hammock.html
·
http://www.shire.net/mormon/hamock.html
·
http://www.hikinghq.net/hammock/hammock.html
·
http://www.theplacewithnoname.com/hiking/sections/gear/shelter/whyhammock.htm
·
http://www.flyfisher-kayaks.com/ultralite/ultraindex.htm
·
http://www.flyfisher-kayaks.com/ultralite/ultradoublehammock.htm
·
http://www.lovetheoutdoors.com/camping/Tips/hammock.htm
How
To Stay Warm in a Hammock
·
http://www.speerhammocks.com/Tips/Tips_on_hammock_camping.htm
·
http://www.hammockcamping.com/Tips/Tips.htm
·
http://www.hammockcamping.com/Newsletters/Jan2003.htm
·
http://www.flyfisher-kayaks.com/ultralite/ultrahammock.htm
·
http://home.attbi.com/~egowtkimoto/
·
http://www.mindspring.com/~rgarling/Insulator.htm
·
http://www.thru-hiker.com/workshop.asp?subcat=5&cid=72
·
http://www.Speerhammocks.com\Reviews\Zirkel-Durham.htm Review of Speer Hammock & Big Agnes
Zirkel Sleeping Bag
General
Hammock Interest
·
http://www.goattracksmagazine.com Goat packers love hammocks too
·
http://www.myhammock.com Complete selection of hammocks and
accessories
Online
Hammock Camping Discussion Sites
· http://groups.yahoo.com/group/hammockcamping Hammock Camping Email List
·
http://hikinghq.net/forum/forumdisplay.php?s=eb636c93eeabedf3780773543424349&forumid=74 Hammock Camping Forum
·
http://www.flyfisher-kayaks.com/cgi-bin/hwiki.pl Hammock Camping Wiki (group written
encyclopedia)
6-----------------
SPEER HAMMOCKS CALENDAR-----------------------
Meet
Ed Speer, buy a signed copy of the Hammock Camping book, and see the complete
line of camping hammocks and PeaPod sleeping bags from Speer Hammocks at the
following events:
B.
Oct 2003 ALDHA The Gathering, Hanover, NH, How To
Stay Warm workshop (free), How To Make Your Own Hammock workshop (free).
7--------------------UPCOMING
FEATURE ARTICLES---------------------
Hammock
Camping Convenience
Hammock
Camping Freedom
How
To Avoid Cold Wind
Don't
miss a single issue--sign up now at: Hammock Camping News
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send corrections, additions and other submissions worthy of sharing to: Ed@SpeerHammocks.com
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This
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follow the easy instructions that accompany each issue.
Thanks
for your time and happy hammocking
Ed
"Not To Worry" Speer