HAMMOCK CAMPING NEWS for January 2007

HAMMOCK CAMPING NEWS

Jan 2007

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 distributed through Yahoo Groups.

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

Disclosure Note: HAMMOCK CAMPING NEWS is owned and written by hammock manufacturer Speer Hammocks, Inc of Marion, North Carolina. The primary purpose of the newsletter is to promote hammock camping in general; however, submissions from other hammock manufacturers are seldom available and the following material often focuses on the activities of Speer Hammocks and its customers.

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IN THIS ISSUE FROM SPEER HAMMOCKS Jan 2007

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Hammock Camping News
The Speer PeaPod and Top Blanket Offer Superior Hammock Warmth
16^th SEHHA Campout now History
18^th SEHHA Campout—April 13-14, 2007
Camping Hammock Manufacturers
Other Hammocks Suitable for Camping
Camping Hammock Accessories
Misc Online Resources
Speer Hammocks Calendar
Hammock Friendly Government Lands
Hammock Camping Authors

1----------------------HAMMOCK CAMPING NEWS------------------------

A. 2006—an exciting year for camping hammocks

The fast pace of conversion to hammock camping continues unabated as the good news spreads. No longer the exclusive domain of long distance hikers, hammock camping is rapidly spreading worldwide and throughout the entire outdoor community. New hammock models and accessories continue to be introduced. The worldwide list of camping hammock manufacturers now totals 21! That’s about 16 new manufacturers in the past 4 years!

In the spirit of promoting the industry, this newsletter includes a detailed list of all known camping hammock manufacturers. In addition to the list of manufacturers, numerous other lists of useful online hammock information sources are also given near the end of this newsletter.

Hammock Warmth

The interest in stay-warm systems continues unabated and is driven by the ever-increasing number of new users as well as the increased use of hammocks in winter camping. While many hammock enthusiasts make their own gear, three cutting-edge companies currently offer proven stay-warm systems:

Speer Hammocks PeaPod/Top Blanket system & Segmented Pad Extenders http://www.speerhammocks.com

Jacks R Better Underquilts & Weather Shield http://www.jacksrbetter.com

Hennessy Hammocks Supershelter http://hennessyhammock.com

Speer Hammocks recently upgraded their unique PeaPod and Top Blanket system with 900-fill down and baffled construction for a significant increase in warmth (see discussion elsewhere in this newsletter).

Online Discussions

Internet bulletin boards are rapidly spreading the good news about hammock camping. Three discussion groups currently stand out: 1) The Hammock Camping List; 2) The Hammock Forums; & 3) The Hammock Camping Forum. See SECTION H below for details on these exciting discussion groups.

Hammock Campouts

The informal Southeast Hammock Hangers Association (SEHHA) sponsored four well-attended campouts in 2006 and the next one will be held in April 2007. Hosted by Speer Hammocks, these campouts are open to the public and help bring enthusiasts, novices, and want-to-be’s together for fun weekends of sharing and learning. These campouts provide an ideal outdoor opportunity for hammockers to demo their new or home-made gear. And the comradely can’t be beat! Four campouts are planned for this year—hope you can make all of them! See elsewhere in this newsletter for the campout schedule.

Informal hammock groups elsewhere in the US are also getting together to share and learn from each other. 2006 saw several small groups arranging campouts across the country. As the popularity spreads, expect more of these campouts.

2007 promises continued excitement in the brave new world of hammock camping. Welcome aboard and hang on for the ride!

Ed “Not To Worry” Speer

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. Newsletter Publishing Schedule

The publishing schedule for Hammock Camping News is:

Publish Date Submission Date

May 1, 2007 April 15, 2007

August 1, 2007 July 15, 2007

January 1, 208 Dec 15, 2007

Please note that the next issue is due May 1, 2007 and submissions for publication are due April 15, 2007.

D. Segmented Pad Extenders--AFFORDABLE WARMTH IS HERE!

Speer Hammocks recently introduced their new Segmented Pad Extender, the simple lightweight and affordable way to provide 4-season warmth in any hammock. The SPE incorporates your own gear for insulation! A central sleeve accepts your sleeping pad or even multiple stacked pads for bottom warmth while segmented side wings provide shoulder, hip, and knee protection. Multiple sleeping pads can be stacked in the central sleeve up to a total thickness of 3”, allowing the user to mix and match pads for conditions from 70⁰F to well below zero! Inflatable pads and closed cell foam pads in full length or three-quarter length can be stacked as needed for warmth and comfort. The wings can be filled with closed cell foam pad inserts and/or rolls of extra clothes, again providing adjustable insulation. The SPE also accepts dead leaves, the ultimate no-carried-weight insulation!

Find out more about these remarkable accessories at: http://www.speerhammocks.com/Products/SPE.htm

Contact SpeerHammocks.com at 828-724-4444, or email at info@speerhammocks.com

E. HAMMOCK CAMPING BOOK

Hammock Camping: The Complete Guide To Greater Comfort, Convenience and Freedom by Ed Speer was published in 2003 and 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 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 Check out the free kit sewing instructions at: http://www.hammockcamping.com/Free%20Reports/SewingTips.htm

G. 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 FREE copies of these newsletters are featured here, as well as lots of FREE hammock camping reports and handy hammocking tips. Anyone wishing to post information on this site should contact us at: Ed@SpeerHammocks.com.

H. ONLINE DISCUSSION GROUPS

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 by participating in one or more of these online discussion groups.

Hammock Camping-List The Hammock Camping-List is the original email discussion group started by Ed Speer in January 2002. Topics cover all camping hammock brands, including home-made ones. The HC-L is hosted on Yahoo Groups and works like any other online email ‘list’; however you do not have to be a member of Yahoo in order to join. All you need is a valid email address. Membership is FREE. To join, send email to: hammockcamping-subscribe@yahoogroups.com or sign up online at: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/hammockcamping

Hammock Forums: The good folks at the popular Appalachian Trail Whiteblaze website responded to the increased interest in camping hammocks this year by starting the Hammock Forums: http://www.hammockforums.net/ Discussions cover all aspects of hammock camping and all brands. Membership is FREE

Hammock Camping Forum: Sgt Rock, an experienced and avid hammock camper, started his Hammock Camping Forum last year: http://hikinghq.net/forum/forumdisplay.php?f=39 Again discussions cover all brands and aspects of camping hammocks. Membership is FREE

Whether you are a novice or a veteran hammock user, there is much to learn and share with these online hammock camping groups.

I. 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/

J. Hammocks in the news

Don’t try this at home!!! Photos recently posted on the following website show just how dangerous hammocks can be. While we don’t encourage this kind of extreme hanging, it is interesting to see some folks pushing the envelope. http://www.extremehammock.com/

K. Hammock Fun!

Hangers

Ground people sleep in tarp, leanto, or tent

Squandering their nights in restless torment.

Fighting the rocks, roots, sticks, and cones.

Moaning and groaning, Oh!, my aching bones!

Vis’ted by mice, snakes, skunks and slugs;

Nightmares in mud with ants, spiders, and bugs.

Tree people are suspended by strap and rope

Above the hard ground, mud rocks, and slope.

Rocked by the breezes, our cares float away;

Tired muscles relax, as gently we sway.

Then off to dreamland we blissfully fly,

Cradled securely ‘tween earth and sky

Ralph Oborn (revised by Patti Binder)

Hammock Camping List Aug05

Want to see your hammock poetry in print? Submit it to: info@speerhammocks.com

2-------------------------Feature Article------------------------------

The Speer PeaPod and Top Blanket

Offer Superior Hammock Warmth

BAFFLED 900-Fill down PeaPods and Top Blankets

Speer PeaPod III Speer Top Blanket III

The Speer Peapod III, our current version with 900-fill down and baffle construction, is our warmest Peapod ever! It’s actually 40% thicker than the PeaPod II without any increase in weight. Likewise, our Top Blanket III, with 900 down and baffles, also offers a major increase in warmth over previous versions. Together, they offer the ultimate in uncomplicated lightweight hammock warmth! Now hammock comfort at any temperature is possible.

PeaPods are insulated ‘sleeping bags’ that completely surround an occupied top-entry camping hammock while Top Blankets are insulated quilts designed for use on top of a hammock sleeper. These are exclusive Speer Hammocks’ designs. Together they replace the camper’s usual sleeping bag and provide lightweight, low-bulk warmth that is flexible and efficient over a wide range of temperatures and field conditions.

The unique Speer PeaPod/Top Blanket stay-warm system is based on many years of field testing in all kinds of weather conditions. It is designed with the hammock camper in mind and has many user-friendly features not found in other outdoor gear.

PeaPod Design

The Speer PeaPod III is designed with extra girth and length to accommodate the fit around an occupied hammock. It is symmetrical and tapered at both ends to reduce cold spots and to save unnecessary weight and bulk. It’s made with lightweight, breathable ripstop nylon shells with Durable Water Resistant (DWR) finish. The insulation is 900 fill-power goose down, meaning that one ounce will expand to fill a volume of 900 cubic inches—this is the lightest and highest quality down available. No-see-um bug-netting baffles keep the down in place and give maximum loft. Down tubes run the entire length of the PeaPod, allowing the down to be manually shifted during use for maximum warmth when and where needed.

The PeaPod III has drawstring end closures and a full-length hook-&-loop central closure so it can be placed on, or removed from, a hammock that is already strung between trees without having to take the hammock down.

The PeaPod III is designed to work with any top-entry hammock, including, but not limited to the Speer Hammock (with ridgeline and bug net removed). Unfortunately it does not fit around camping hammocks that have a permanent ridgeline and bug net.

In addition to its primary use, the PeaPod III is designed with multiple uses in mind, including use as a:

1) Robe

2) Sleeping bag

3) Over bag for a sleeping bag to extend its range

4) Large blanket

The Speer PeaPod III is produced in two sizes—8.0 and 8.5. The 8.0 PeaPod fits the Speer 8.0 Hammock, which is for folks up to 6’ tall. The 8.5 PeaPod fits the Speer 8.5 Hammock, which is for folks up to 6.5’ tall. The PeaPods also fit comparable-size top-entry hammocks made by other manufactures.

The PeaPod III comes with three insulation choices: A) regular fill, B) 1 ounce overfill, or C) 2 ounce overfill. See Table 1 for more details.

PRODUCT	Size (ft)	Weight Down Fill (oz)	Total Weight (oz)	Loft (in)	Temperature Rating (OF)
8.0 PeaPod III 900 Fill Down
Normal Fill	9 x 6	16	32	4.2	30
1 oz Overfill	9 x 6	17	33	4.5	25
2 oz Overfill	9 x 6	18	34	5.0	20
8.5 PeaPod III 900 Fill Down
Normal Fill	9.5 x 6	17	35	4.2	30
1 oz Overfill	9.5 x 6	18	36	4.5	25
2 oz Overfill	9.5 x 6	19	38	5.0	20
Top Blanket III 900 Fill Down
Normal Fill	3.5 x 6	9	17	2.0	30
1 oz Overfill	3.5 x 6	10	18	2.5	25

Table 1 Speer PeaPod III & Top Blanket III Specifications

Top Blanket Design

The Speer Top Blanket III is designed similar to the PeaPod III. It is made with lightweight, breathable ripstop nylon shells with Durable Water Resistant (DWR) finish. The insulation is the same 900 fill-power goose down used in our PeaPods. No-see-um bug-netting baffles keep the down in place and give maximum loft.

The Top Blanket III has an 18-inch-deep foot pocket at one end. The foot pocket is created with hook-&-loop fasteners, allowing the blanket to be opened flat for other uses. When employed, the foot pocket, in combination with the sides of the hammock, keeps the Top Blanket in place over the sleeper’s body.

In addition it its primary use, the Top Blanket III is also designed with multiple uses in mind, including use as a:

1) PeaPod liner

2) Sleeping bag liner

3) Jacket liner

4) Lap blanket

The Speer Top Blanket III comes with a one-ounce overfill option---See Table 1 for details.

PeaPod Setup

The PeaPod III should be positioned around a hammock that is already strung between two trees and has the proper amount of hammock sag that is suitable for that hammock sleeper. The PeaPod should be tied so it has slightly more sag than that of the occupied hammock—trial and error is the best teacher. Too much air space between the hammock and the PeaPod will result in a layer of cold air, while too little sag of the PeaPod will result in stretching it resulting in loss of loft and the resultant loss of heat, especially under one’s bottom where the maximum stretch occurs. The object is to get the PeaPod as snug against the occupied hammock as possible without stretching the PeaPod itself.

When setting the correct sag of the Peapod, one should allow for the anticipated hammock stretch that will occur during occupancy. Especially when they are new, most fabric hammocks stretch as much as 6 inches during the course of a single night. The need to readjust the PeaPod during the night can be eliminated by correctly anticipating this stretch when first setting it up.

Attach PeaPod to hammock (Figure 1):

1. Cinch the drawstring toggles tight on one end of the PeaPod

2. Position that end of the PeaPod around the hammock and close the hook-&-loop fasteners just below the hammock end knot

3. Adjust the distance between the end of the PeaPod and the hammock end knot to set the proper sag of the PeaPod (see additional comments below)

4. Gather the ends of the drawstrings and wrap 3-4 times above the hammock end knot, securing with a simple slip knot to prevent the closed PeaPod end from sliding toward the center of the hammock during use

5. Repeat steps 1-4 for the other end of hammock

When placing more insulation inside the PeaPod (see discussions below), additional PeaPod sag is necessary to prevent loss of loft due to stretching—just loosen the PeaPod drawstrings and allow the PeaPod ends to move further down the ends of the hammock—even 3” to 5” inside the hammock end knots may be necessary for some setups (Figure 1). Remember that each hammock setup is different—thus re-adjusting the PeaPod tie offs may be necessary each time your set up your hammock.

I” 2” 4”

Figure 1 PeaPod III End Tie Offs on Speer Hammock

Of course, should the weather be too warm and you’re looking for a cooler setup, a similar tie-out procedures may be called for---increase the sag of the PeaPod by lengthening the drawstring ties until you have a layer of air between your PeaPod and your hammock.

Closing the PeaPod

Close the PeaPod over the hammock with the hook-&-loop fasteners, leaving a suitable breather hole near your head (Figures 2-7). Yes, you can even close the PeaPod entirely (it has breathable shells), but be aware that your exhaled breath may add considerable moisture to the inside of the PeaPod. On some really cold windy nights, the tradeoff may be worth it!

Figure 2 PeaPod III open for ventilation Figure 3 PeaPod III open with windward side up

Figure 4 PeaPod III 2/3 closed Figure 5 PeaPod III with large breather hole

Figure 6 PeaPod III with small breather hole Figure 7 PeaPod III for maximum warmth

The lightweight hook-&-loop fasteners are reliable, fast and easy to use; they provide easy opening and closing of the PeaPod for entry, exit or venting. However, the biggest advantage of hook-&-loop fasteners is they avoid the ‘stuck-in-the-fabric’ problems common with zippers. Eventually every zipper fails, and in the confines of a hammock this can be dangerous and may result in injury. Besides, being trapped in a hammock on a dark night because your gear failed or because you can’t find the zipper slider is no fun. Hook-&-loop solves these problems forever.

Closing the PeaPod is best done from inside the hammock itself:

1. Reach above your head with both hands, grab the PeaPod edges, pull them straight toward you and touch them together (Figure 8). The hook-&-loop strips will stick together enough for you to next run your hands along them to tighten the closure.

2. Reach down to your knees, grab the PeaPod edges, pull them up towards your waist, touch them together and run your hands along them to tighten the closure (Figure 9). CAUTION: Do not sit up and lean forward in an attempt to close the hook-&-loop fasteners near the foot end of your hammock—this could raise your center of gravity enough for the hammock to tip over! If needed, use your knees or feet while lying down to press up against the hook-&-loop on the center closure where your hands can’t reach.

3. Repeat the process for your torso, closing the PeaPod as much or as little as needed for warmth

Note: You may find it easier to start closing the ends of the PeaPod prior to lying in your hammock, but it can easily be closed entirely from a lying-down position with minimal practice.

Figure 8 Closing head end of PeaPod III Figure 9 Closing foot end of PeaPod III

Repositioning Down in the PeaPod

Each PeaPod III is designed so the down can be repositioned as needed. For instance, if you find your shoulders or bottom getting cold during the night, you can reposition some of the down from the ends of the PeaPod where less insulation is needed anyway, to the center of the PeaPod where it is needed more. Simply grasp the ends of the PeaPod with your hands and slide them toward the center of the PeaPod. This shifts down from the ends to the center of the PeaPod and might give you just the extra warmth you need to remain toasty until morning. In this manner, the down can be shifted while one is inside or outside the hammock (Figure 10). Of course, the opposite down shift might be called for if you’re too warm.

Figure 10 Repositioning down in PeaPod III

(This can also be done in similar manner while inside the hammock)

Venting the PeaPod

In many situations, you may find the closed PeaPod is too warm and you need to vent it. No problem, just open the PeaPod’s central closure as much as needed (Figures 2-7). You can even open it at your head and at your feet, leaving it closed in between! You can completely open the PeaPod and let the sides droop down both sides of the hammock, thus allowing warm air to escape from beneath the hammock and cooler air to enter (Figure 2). You can open the PeaPod, droop the lee side down while keeping the windward side tucked inside the hammock to block cold wind (Figure 3). For those hot summer nights, you might want to untie one end of the PeaPod and let it fall to the ground for maximum cooling, until later in the night when it’s colder and you can easily retie the PeaPod and close it around you as much as needed. The adjustable combinations are endless and allow you to ‘match the conditions’ no matter what they are or how much they change while you’re in the hammock.

PeaPod & Top Blanket for Superior Warmth

While a PeaPod is comfortable by itself over a wide range of temperatures, there comes a time when more insulation is needed (Table 2). The Speer Top Blanket is the perfect solution.

A PeaPod’s lower temperature rating is based on the thickness of the bottom insulation since that is the most critical area of heat loss. However as outside temperatures drop, PeaPods can become colder on top sooner than they do on the bottom because there is an unoccupied air space above the sleeper’s body. Since PeaPods go completely around an occupied hammock and the sleeper is down inside the hammock, a potentially cold empty air space is left above the sleeper’s body. Top Blankets are designed to fill this space; of course any lightweight blanket, quilt or sleeping bag might work as well. Therefore a Top Blanket, or a suitable substitute, may be necessary to reach the PeaPod’s lower temperature rating. When used as a quilt over the sleeper, the Top Blanket or substitute also blocks the PeaPod’s central closure and prevents the escape of heat through that less-insulated strip.

Temperature ^OF	Speer PeaPod III			Speer Top Blanket III
	reg fill	1 oz overfill	2 oz overfill	reg fill	1 oz overfill
+65