HAMMOCK
CAMPING NEWS
October
2003
Here you will find the latest
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=============================================================
IN THIS ISSUE FROM SPEER
HAMMOCKS October 2003
=============================================================
1. Hammock
Camping News
2. Feature
Article--How To Waterproof Silnylon Fabrics
3. Hammocks
in Use
4. Tip
of the Month
5. Camping
Hammock Manufacturers
6. Other
Hammocks Suitable for Camping
7. Camping
Hammock Accessories
8. Misc
Online Resources
9. Speer
Hammocks Calendar
10. 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
However,
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.
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. Also available at major Internet book sites or a bookstore or
retail outfitter near you.
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. 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 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
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. 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
G. Beware of Moose During the fall Mating Season!
Thanks to Dave for this news item recently posted to the Hammock
Camping-L:
Hammocks Tangle
Aroused Moose in Alaska
Associated Press, September 18
ANCHORAGE, Alaska - Itchy to rub
antlers and aroused for fall mating
season, bull moose have been
tangling with hammocks this week.
The hammocks are winning.
At least three moose have been
caught since Sunday and another four
have been reported snarled in
hammocks or swing set chains over the
past two weeks, said Jessy Coltrane,
assistant area biologist with
the Alaska Department of Fish and
Game.
"I get a call every day
almost," she said Tuesday on her way back
from rescuing the latest victim in a
mountainside area on the city's
east side.
"I took a hammock off a moose
on Sunday. I had a call on Monday that
I couldn't find. And now
today."
Coltrane suggested that residents
take down their hammocks or tie up
swings so that bulls aren't tempted
to joust.
"We're just asking people to
help the moose out," she said.
It happens every fall when adult
males bang and rub their antlers
against objects to remove summer
velvet. With hormones starting to
rage, the bulls also become more
rambunctious as they start following
cows and confronting other males.
Ed's comments: Hammock Hangers beware! Obviously an occupied hammock could be dangerous in moose country, especially during the Fall mating season!
2-------------How
To Waterproof Silnylon Fabrics-----------------
This
article describes the rapidly growing use of silnylon fabrics in the outdoor
industry and offers advice on waterproof maintenance and repair.
As
used in the outdoor industry: Silnylon--silicone impregnated
ripstop nylon fabric
The
past few years have seen an explosion in the use of outdoor gear made from
silnylon, especially the very lightweight and strong fabrics. This waterproof and windproof fabric is now
used for many tents, rain canopies, tarps, ground cloths, rain suits, ponchos,
packs, pack rain covers, stuff sacks, and clothes. Even the rain canopies for our Speer Hammocks are made from this
remarkable fabric. This modern wonder
fabric has certainly proven its usefulness in the world of outdoor gear.
Silnylon
is even more popular in the manufacture of lightweight parachutes and
kites. Although often referred to as
'silicone coated' nylon, this is a misnomer since the silicone, which is
applied after the fabric is manufactured, actually wets and soaks completely
through the fabric, unlike the earlier generation urethane-coated fabrics where
the treatment remains on only one side of the fabric. Silicone is replacing urethane for outdoor use because it
protects both sides of the fabric, is lighter weight, and lasts longer.
This
widespread use of silnylon brings up the issue of durability. How long will it be waterproof? Can it be maintained and/or repaired? How?
The good news is that the silicone, which is primarily responsible for
making the fabric waterproof and windproof, will last for many years. The application process thoroughly soaks the
fibers of the individual threads themselves, thus ensuring that the silicone
completely impregnates the fabric.
Regular outdoor use, such as stuffing or storing in a carry sack, or
deploying for rain/wind protection, do not cause deterioration of the silicone;
in fact, the treated fabric remains soft and pliable even at sub-zero
temperatures.
However,
the silicone is slightly water-soluble and repeated long exposure to rain, or
repeated washings, can render the fabric less than completely waterproof. Unlike urethane-coated fabrics, that are
susceptible to non-repairable deterioration over time, silnylon fabrics can be
easily and inexpensively re-treated when needed!
Consumer-applied
silicone is highly effective in restoring full waterproofing in most
fabrics. Silicone liquids and sprays
for this purpose are readily available on the market today; they are
inexpensive and can be applied easily and quickly. Once-a-year treatments are recommended for fabrics under normal
outdoor use. Twice-a-year treatments
may be needed for fabrics that receive lots of use. Fabrics exposed to rain only a few times a year, may not need
re-treatment for many years. However,
note that consumer-applied silicone may be less permanent than factory-applied
silicone. Washing with detergent also
removes a certain amount of silicone and multiple washings may significantly
reduce the ability of the fabric to repel water.
Silicone
aerosol (w/ 10% silicone) is probably the best option for most silnylon owners
since it is readily available and easily applied. While several brands are available, Silicone Water-Guard®
is a popular one found at many outdoor retailers, including Wal-Mart. Ever-Dri brand, which comes in
aerosol or liquid, can be found at many military surplus and/or shoe
stores. ScotchgardTM
is perhaps the best-known silicone aerosol.
A search engine such as Google will
provide many Internet retail sources.
Silicone
liquid (w/ 5-10% silicone) may be more appropriate for treating seams since it
allows application with a small paintbrush or sponge. This concentrates the liquid on the area of concern and limits
'over splash'. A suitable brand is Aqua-Tite®;
however it is only available in 1 quart or larger bottles, which is far more
than most folks will ever need. I have
found a useful small bottle of similar liquid silicone with a handy sponge-top
applicator at some outdoor retailers, but the brand name is unknown. Ever-Dri, mentioned above, also comes
in small bottles with a dapper applicator.
Again, a search engine such as Google
will provide many Internet retail
sources.
Additional
brands of silicone aerosols or liquids can usually be found in RV and/or Marine
stores. Silicone liquids used in the
Construction/Home Improvement industry may also function on fabrics; however,
the ones I've tried leave the fabric brittle and much darker in color.
Be
sure and follow directions when using silicone aerosol or liquid since the
petroleum-based solvent carrying the silicone is hazardous to your health and
plenty of ventilation is advised during application and drying. Quickly worsening headaches are often my
first indication that more ventilation is needed!
Treatment
consists of soaking the entire fabric or area of concern making sure to wet
both sides of the fabric by applying silicone to both sides. If treating seams, be sure to completely
soak the threads as well as the fabric that surrounds the seam. After the first application has dried to the
touch, a second application is recommended to help ensure waterproof-ness. Two aerosol treatments to an 8' X 5' piece
of 1.9 oz/yd2 ripstop nylon add about 0.6 oz to the total weight.
Note
that silicone treatments do not completely 'seal' fabrics or seams in the same
manner as urethane coatings. Instead,
silicone simply causes water to bead up on the surface exposed to rain,
allowing it to run off or evaporate instead of wetting the fibers and soaking
through to the other side. Thus silnylon
is 'waterproof' only up to a certain pressure; at higher pressures, water can
be forced through the fabric.
Fortunately even a heavy driven downpour does not generate enough
pressure to cause well-treated silnylon to leak.
Seams
in your silnylon fabric deserve special attention. They can be treated with silicone liquids or aerosols as
described above, or with seam sealant glues.
When silicone liquids or aerosols are properly applied, as described
above, they are often sufficient to waterproof seams. However, greater peace of mind may come from using silicone-based
seam sealant glues.
Avoid
the non-silicone-based seam sealants, which are commonly used to treat seams in
urethane-coated fabrics, since they will not adhere properly to silnylon. Only silicone-based sealants should be used
on silnylon.
While
slower to apply than liquids or aerosols, glues may last as much as twice as
long before re-treatment is required. Sil-NetTM is a popular and
readily available silicone-based seam sealant.
It can be purchased in 1.5-ounce tubes at most outdoors retail stores or
over the Internet--this should be enough to seal the seams in a small
two-person tent. Be sure and follow
directions on the tube and again provide plenty of ventilation. Lightly coating the dried seam with baby
powder is recommended to prevent it from sticking to the rest of the fabric
when stuffed into a carry sack.
The
following homemade silicone glue directions are taken from the book Hammock Camping, The Complete Guide to Greater
Comfort, Convenience and Freedom, by Ed Speer 2003 (see the book
at: http://www.hammockcamping.com).
A
simple and inexpensive seam sealant can easily be made from a 60/40 mixture of
clear household silicone sealant or silicone caulking and a solvent such as
gasoline. Any clear silicone sealant or
silicone caulking from a hardware or home-improvement store works fine; it can
generally be purchased in quantities as small as 4 ounces, which is enough to
seal hundreds of tents. The solvent can
be automobile gasoline or camp stove gasoline; however, extreme caution is
necessary when using these highly flammable and toxic substances. The solvent dissolves the normally thick silicone
sealant or caulking and makes it much easier to spread on the seam, after which
the solvent evaporates and leaves the silicone in place. The solvent is not in contact with the nylon
fabric long enough to harm it. About
1/4 ounce of this mixture is all it takes to seal both sides of an 8' seam,
such as the one on the Speer 8 X 10 tarp (1/2"-wide, double stitched
seam). Avoid breathing the solvent
fumes by working in a well-ventilated area.
Mix
the items in a small squeeze bottle using the head of a nail as a
plunger/mixer. If necessary, enlarge
the spout's exit hole with a straight pin heated in a small flame; hold the hot
pin with pliers and keep the flame away from the gasoline! If a suitable squeeze bottle is not
available, the items could be mixed on a paper plate and spread over the seam
with a plastic picnic knife. Let the
sealed seam dry 48 hours and then coat it with baby powder; otherwise it will
continually stick to folds of the tarp when stowed away.
Sun
rot is probably a more serious threat to silnylon than loss of
waterproofing. You can replace
waterproofing, but you cannot repair sun rot! You can reduce sun rot by
limiting exposure to sunlight; bright, direct sunlight is particularly harmful. Try to set up in the shade and remember to
put away your tent or tarp during the day.
With
occasional re-treatment as needed, your silnylon fabrics can remain in service
for many years; even 10 to 20 years are not unreasonable expectations. The good news is that with proper care you
can enjoy years of service from this wonder fabric!
....Ed "Not To Worry" Speer
Take a hammock on your next
wilderness trip
and experience the wonder
of nature all over again
3----------------Hammocks
in Use September 2003----------------------
NORTH HARPER CREEK, NC SEP 20
4------------------------------Tip
of the Month---------------------------------
The
following handy tips have recently come to our attention
·
Mailbox preparation for
long-distance hikers. Check out Karen
Sousa's web site for complete instructions on the art of packing and shipping
supply boxes: http://members.aol.com/karens62/maildrops.html Better yet, attend Karen's info-packed
workshop at the Appalachian Long Distance Hikers Association Gathering in
Hanover, New Hampshire on Oct 12
·
Find interesting
camping related news, books and web resources at: http://www.utyx.com/camping/
·
Use a stiff hairbrush
to remove lint from Velcro. When the
stiff hook strip gets clogged with lint and fibers, it can easily be removed with
your hairbrush!
5-----------------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
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
Tammock Trading + Marketing
Rolf + Thomas Schneeberger
Steinenvorstadt 79/4
CH-4051 Basel, Switzerland
+41 61 281 73 33
Email:
info@tammock.com
The Trease™
Trease.Biz
PO Box 234
Colchester, VT 05446
http://members.aol.com/treasebiz/
Email: mailto:treasebiz@aol.com
6---------------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 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
7----------------------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 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, thin 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
Nomad Travel several models (search Mosquito Nets) http://www.nomadtravel.co.uk/
Insulation Around Hammock
Garlington Taco Homemade silnylon bottom shell w/
air-filled plastic bags
http://www.hammockcamping.com/Garlington%20Insulator/GIversion2.htm
Speer Hammocks, Inc PeaPod sleeping bag fits completely around
hammock
http://www.speerhammocks.com/Products/PRODUCTLINK2.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
Campmor Search
Hammock Stand http://www.campmor.com
Google Search
Hammock Stands--Generates many retailers
http://www.google.com
Hammocks America.Com good listing of stands
http://www.hammocksamerica.com/store/standall.html
Hammocks.Com Many stands, second tree stands, also
hanging gear
http://www.hammocks.com/hammock_stands/index.cfm
Hangouts.Com Many stands and online services
http://hangouts.com/hammocks/hammock_stand.html
Magic Hammock.Com