HAMMOCK
CAMPING NEWS
December
2003
Here you will find the latest
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=============================================================
IN
THIS ISSUE FROM SPEER HAMMOCKS December
2003
=============================================================
1. Hammock
Camping News
2. Feature
Article
The
PeaPod System for Hammock Warmth
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 F-R-E-E hammock
camping reports and handy hammocking tips.
Anyone wishing to post information on this site should contact us at: Ed@SpeerHammocks.com.
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 any other online "list;"
however you do not have to be a member of Yahoo in order to join. All you need
is a valid email address to join the group. NOTE that subscribers to this free
Hammock Camping News e-zine are not automatically signed up for
the bulletin board (you must sign up yourself).
All messages are archived and
searchable by members. Whether you are
a novice or a veteran hammock user, there is much to learn and share on The
Hammock Camping List!
To join, send email to: hammockcamping-subscribe@yahoogroups.com
Or sign up online at: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/hammockcamping
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.
Another New Backpacking hammock
The Sleep Catcher is the latest
entry in the rapidly developing camping hammock phenomenon. It is billed as a 'hammock-tent' and is
pitched tight between two large trees, creating a stretcher-type platform with
bug net and rain canopy. The
manufacturer, located in Santa Barbara, CA is unknown. Specifics such as weight, size, fabrics, etc
are not yet available. See the hammock
online at: http://www.sleepcatcher.com
H.
Southeast Hammock Hangers Campout--Dec 31
Everyone
Welcome!
South
End of Appalachian Trail
Springer Mtn, GA
Join us for our next hammock
hangers' campout and help us ring in the New Year! Learn from the hammock experts or show off your own stay-warm
gear. Meet Ed Speer, maker of camping
hammocks and inventor of the PeaPod!
This will be a challenging winter campout with expected temperatures
below 10F! Severe storm or blizzard
conditions are possible. This
unorganized event is open to all hikers and will include hammockers as well as
ground sleepers--expect 10-30 campers.
We will camp at or near the
Appalachian Trail shelter atop Springer Mtn and each person will be responsible
for their own transportation, gear and food.
Access is via hiking trails and/or Forest Service Road 42 (gravel),
which has a parking area where it crosses the Appalachian Trail 0.9 mi north of
the shelter. Local knowledge or
detailed directions are necessary to find the trails and/or road 42. A close watch on the weather forecast will
be necessary to avoid getting stranded during the campout--note that deep snow
or ice often prevents travel on road 42 (which is never plowed) or the access
trails at this time of the year. Each
camper should make their own decisions based on their ability to handle the
weather. Severe conditions and/or bad
road conditions will stop most if not all attendees.
While detailed driving instructions or maps will not be
provided to discourage novices, experienced winter campers are welcome. If needed, contact us for more
information. A regional location map is
posted at: http://www.hammockcamping.com/atSpringer.jpg
Some useful trail information can
be found at the web links below:
http://www.appalachiantrail.org/ Appalachian Trail Conference
http://www.nps.gov/appa/ National Park AT
http://gorp.away.com/gorp/resource/us_trail/appalach.htm GORP AT
http://georgiatrails.com/features/apptrail.html Georgia Trails AT
http://georgiatrails.com/trails/southterm.html Access Trail--Amicalola Falls SP
http://www.fred.net/kathy/at.html Appalachian Trail facts
http://www.rhodesmill.org/thefox/maps.html Nat'l Park Service AT maps
Amicalola Falls State Park is
located 9 miles south of Springer Mtn and some may choose to park there and
hike up to the campout. Information
about the park can be found at: http://gastateparks.org/info/amicalola/
or http://ngeorgia.com/parks/amicalola.html
or phone: (706)265-8888; address:
Amicalola Falls State Park, 418 Amicalola Falls Lodge Road, Dawsonville,
Georgia, 30534.
Everyone Welcome! If you have any questions--contact Ed at:
(828) 724-4444 or ed@speerhammocks.com
2-------------------------Feature
Article------------------------------
The
PeaPod System for Hammock Warmth
The Speer PeaPod: An insulated blanket specifically
designed to completely enclose an occupied hammock in such a manner that it
provides sufficient warmth for sleeping comfort
"What
makes the PeaPod the best warmth-to-weight-and-bulk ratio yet developed for
staying warm in a hammock?" Every
time I'm asked that question, my mind wonders back to the countless pieces of
gear and endless combinations I've tried in the battle to stay warm in my
hammock. And what a battle it has been!
The
most obvious way to stay warm incorporates the sleeping pads already in
widespread use for ground campers. See
the November 2003 issue of Hammock Camping News for more information on using
sleeping pads in hammocks: http://www.hammockcamping.com/Newsletters/Nov2003.htm
However, the thickness required for cold temperatures results in unacceptable
expense, bulk, and/or weight for most backpackers. While the sleeping pad solution is workable for many folks in
warm to cool temperatures, I continued to search for a solution for subfreezing
temps.
While
many ideas instantly presented themselves over the years, most were abandoned
on the battlefield when less-than-ideal conditions proved their
shortcomings. As the challenge got
tougher, I resorted to trying less-conventional methods--unfortunately, the
results were not encouraging. After
trying and rejecting a lot of commercially available gear, I was forced to make
my own. But still the answer was
elusive, until one fateful day when a fellow tree hanger bemoaned the loss of
insulation in his sleeping bag beneath him in the hammock and wondered aloud
about the possibility of using an extra large sleeping bag around the
hammock! I instantly knew it would work
and set about making my first prototype!
The
early tests were positive and soon the PeaPod was born. It is extra long to extend the full length
of the hammock (i.e. 9 feet for an 8-foot hammock). It has extra girth to accommodate the side sleeper with knees drawn
up. It was quickly learned than smaller
dimensions result in constrictions that reduce the loft of the insulation--thus
most commercially available sleeping bags are not up to the job.
The
PeaPod has drawstring end closures and a full-length central Velcro
closure. This allows it to be
positioned around a hammock already strung between trees. The PeaPod can also be removed without
taking the hammock down. These features
are useful when the PeaPod is to be used as a warm robe in camp (more about this
later). The PeaPod can also be used in
the more-normal way as a regular sleeping bag or it can be opened flat and used
as a large blanket. Two PeaPods easily
Velcro together to make an extra large sleeping bag for ground sleeping
couples!
Velcro
was chosen for the full-length central closure instead of zippers for
reliability, weight savings, and ease of opening to exit the hammock. Searching for zipper sliders in the darkness
proved frustrating--Velcro can be opened at any point. Securing the Velcro closed is simply a
matter of grabbing each side, pulling them straight and touching the Velcro
strips together.
With
its' full-length Velcro closure, the PeaPod can be entirely enclosed around an
occupied hammock or left open as much as needed. For warm temperatures, it can be left open on top, in which case
it serves as a bottom blanket providing warmth on the bottom as well as the
sides. For colder temperatures, it can
be closed along the top, leaving an appropriate breather hole over the
face. In really cold conditions, it can
be completely closed above the face without fear of suffocation (note this does
add considerable expelled-breath moisture to the insulation above one's
face--however, there are times when the added warmth may be worth the
tradeoff)!
Note
that the PeaPod is designed to work with a top-entry hammock such as 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.
The
PeaPod is attached to the hammock by tying the end drawstrings around the
hammock end knots in such a way that the ends of the PeaPod lie just inside the
hammock end knots. The PeaPod is then
wrapped around the hammock as much as needed.
As mentioned below, the drawstrings can be loosened as needed to avoid
undue stress on the PeaPod that reduces the loft of the insulation.
Lightweight
nylon fabric with a Durable Water Resistant (DWR) finish was chosen for its'
durability, wind blockage, and quick drying in the field. Breathable fabric was chosen over vapor
barrier to allow evaporation of body moisture, which otherwise is a serious
problem below the body, especially in cold weather. Waterproof-breathable fabrics proved troublesome as they retained
too much body moisture. Vapor barriers
can be employed inside the PeaPod for extreme cold weather if desired-- for
more information on vapor barrier use, see Chapter 6, How To Stay Warm
in the Hammock Camping book at http://www.hammockcamping.com/
or the January 2003 issue of Hammock Camping News at http://www.hammockcamping.com/Newsletters/Jan2003.htm.
But the real versatility of the PeaPod
comes from the fact that it can easily be enhanced with extra insulation as the
temperature drops! While alone it can
provide all the needed protection for warm to cool temperatures (i.e. 70-45oF),
the PeaPod readily becomes the key part of a component system for colder
temperatures. Adding a top blanket
inside the PeaPod-wrapped hammock is useful for most folks. This can vary from a light sheet or fleece
blanket to a summer-weight sleeping bag as the temps drop. The top blanket fills the space above one's
body where the sides of the hammock hold up the PeaPod.
Note that blankets or quilts over the
top of one's body function better in a hammock than struggling to get into or
out of a sleeping bag. Top blankets or
quilts should have a foot pocket to accept one's feet--the foot pocket and the
sides of the hammock hold them in place.
When using a sleeping bag, turn it over so it works similar to a top
blanket.
As colder temperatures call for thicker
top blankets, the old top blanket can now be used as a bottom blanket or liner
inside the PeaPod! In this manner,
warmth at any temperature is possible!
And this allows a single PeaPod to function over a very wide temperature
range. At colder temperatures, you must
carry more insulation anyway, even if you were sleeping on the ground. In a hammock with a PeaPod, you can get
maximum warmth with the least bulk and weight by combining your gear as
components added incrementally to the PeaPod.
In other words, the PeaPod with Bottom Blanket Liner and summer-weight
sleeping bag as Top Blanket should be the weight and warmth equivalent of a
winter sleeping bag and sleeping pad used on the ground!
As ever-thicker bottom blankets are
added, the PeaPod should be loosened to accommodate the new thickness--retying
the ends with more slack is called for.
The current Speer PeaPod and Top Blanket
are both filled with 0.8" thick LiteLoft synthetic insulation. However, the Top Blanket is large enough to
fold double lengthwise when used as a Bottom Blanket inside the PeaPod--that
gives 2.4" of insulation beneath the hammock sleeper!
Other items can also be used for
additional bottom insulation. Sleeping
pads placed between the hammock and the PeaPod add great warmth without the
usual loss of comfort or hassles with slipping common to pads used inside the
hammock. Clothes in your backpack but
not worn to bed can provide excellent insulation when placed inside the PeaPod
as liners--use your rain suit, wind suit, fleece sweater, insulated jacket,
shirt, pants, long johns, etc, Even
folded ground sheets or tarps can be used in this manner for extra bottom insulation. Frameless backpacks, pack rain covers, and
stuff sacks can also be used effectively in this manner--most anything already
in the backpack can be used! The amount
of additional bottom warmth will surprise you!
But we're still not finished--at certain
times of the year, vast amounts of natures own insulation is available. Dry leaves or dry grass make unbeatable
insulation! With no extra carried
weight, all the insulation needed is often easily collected right off the
ground. Packing dry leaves or grass
into the PeaPod can give 3-5" of compressed insulation--enough for 0oF! All without carrying an ounce of extra
weight! I've used this technique
numerous times and highly recommend it--just be sure and return the dry leaves
or grass to the spot where they were collected.
The following table suggests some
specific temperature ranges for your consideration. Note that the Speer Top Blanket, at 0.8" thick, can be
exchanged for the sleep pads when used as a Bottom Blanket inside the
PeaPod! Note also that cold wind will
greatly alter the temperature ranges given in the table--testing your own gear
in all conditions at home before heading for the backcountry is highly
recommended.
How To Stay Warm In A Hammock
Using the Speer
1.6" Loft Synthetic Pea Pod
Temperature
in Degrees F (no wind)
|
|
+75 |
75-65 |
65-55 |
55-45 |
45-35 |
35-25 |
25-15 |
15-5 |
|
Fabric Treatment |
|
|
|
x |
x |
x |
x |
x |
|
Pea Pod |
|
|
x |
x |
x |
x |
x |
x |
|
Sleep Pads: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1/4X22X47 |
|
|
|
|
x |
|
x |
x |
|
1/2X24X54 |
|
|
|
|
|
x |
x |
x |
|
Mylar Sheet |
|
|
|
|
|
x |
x |
x |
|
Top Blanket: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Thin Sheet |
X |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Speer Top Blanket |
|
X |
X |
X |
|
|
|
|
|
30o F Sleeping Bag |
|
|
|
|
X |
X |
|
|
|
20o F Sleeping Bag |
|
|
|
|
|
|
X |
X |
|
Clothes: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Thermal Long johns |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Lt wt |
|
|
|
|
X |
|
X |
X |
|
Med wt |
|
|
|
|
|
X |
X |
X |
|
T-Shirt |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Short Sleeve |
X |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Long Sleeve |
|
X |
X |
X |
|
|
|
|
|
Socks |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Lt wt |
|
X |
X |
X |
|
|
X |
X |
|
Heavy wt |
|
|
|
|
X |
X |
X |
X |
|
Balaclava |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Lt wt |
|
|
|
|
X |
|
|
|
|
Med wt |
|
|
|
|
|
X |
X |
X |
NOTES:
Pea Pod Sleeping Bag--1.6" loft, 2 lbs, rated 45o
F, synthetic insulation, DWR-treated 1.1oz/yd2 ripstop nylon shell,
drawstring end closures, full-length Velcro center closure, available from Speer Hammocks, Inc
Sleep Pads
1/4X22X47",
11 oz, closed cell foam
1/2X24X54",
14 oz, closed cell foam
Note
that the Speer Top Blanket, at 0.8" thickness, can easily be exchanged for
the Sleep Pads when used as a Bottom Blanket inside the PeaPod
Mylar sheet--Survival blanket, aluminum
coated, 6X8', 1.8 oz
Speer Top Blanket--3.5'X6', 0.8"
loft, 11 oz, synthetic insulation, DWR-treated 1.1oz/yd2 ripstop
nylon shell, foot pocket, available from Speer Hammocks, Inc
30o F Sleeping Bag--3" loft, 1 lb 13
oz, down, DWR-treated 1.1oz/yd2 ripstop nylon shell
20o F Sleeping Bag--3.5" loft, 2 lb 1
oz, down, DWR-treated 1.1oz/yd2 ripstop nylon shell
If this table does not print
correctly, a full-page version can be found at
http://www.hammockcamping.com/Newsletters/Jan2003.htm
We're still not finished with the
versatility of the PeaPod--it can also be worn as a warm robe in camp, thus
eliminating the need to carry extra camp clothes! Since it is open at each end, the PeaPod can be worn with one's
feet sticking out the bottom and one's head sticking out the other end! The extra length of the robe can be used to
double the length from the waist to the feet--just grasp the foot end and fold
it back up to your waist and tie the drawstring around your waist. The PeaPod robe easily stays centered over
the shoulders allowing you to stick your hands and arms out the Velcro-closed
front opening as needed for camp chores.
Even the Speer Top Blanket serves double
duty as insulation for your rain jacket, thus eliminating the need to carry an
insulated jacket! The foot pocket is
held together with Velcro--just open the blanket fully and wrap it around your
shoulders before putting on your rain jacket--viola, an insulated jacket! Of course, the Top Blanket is also a handy
lap-blanket for those cold nights around camp.
Down PeaPods and Top Blankets are
coming!
While many folks prefer the advantages
of synthetic insulation, others seek the lighter weight of down. Speer Hammocks is currently prototyping down
PeaPods and Top Blankets and hopes to have them available soon. While final numbers are not available yet,
the down PeaPod should 3" loft and weigh less than 2 lbs. The Top Blanket should be 1.5" thick
and weigh less than 1 lb. When
available, the new down gear will be announced on http://www.speerhammocks.com , the
Hammock Camping Newsletters at: http://www.hammockcamping.com/Newsletters/NEWS.htm
, and the Hammock Camping-List at: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/hammockcamping
Safe
Hammocking ....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 November 2003----------------------
Chattooga
River, South Carolina Nov 22-23, 2003
This was our third hammock hangers' campout on the Chattooga River this
year and the late fall weather was perfect with clear skies, warm days and cool
nights. The temperature fell to 36oF
Saturday night and gave us a good test of our various stay-warm hammock
gear. Scott and Dave joined Ed and
Karen for the campout and after deciding to shuttle all vehicles to an
alternate trailhead, we made a short hike and camped beside a beautiful
mountain creek. The afternoon was spent
hiking, reading, sleeping and gathering wood for the evening fire. Dinner was finished just at dark and then
everyone gathered around the fire to continue the gear discussions that were
ongoing all day! Scott was using his
new homemade down under quilt while Dave combined two foam pads for warmth in
his hammock. Ed and Karen were testing some new down PeaPods and Top Blankets. The hammocks consisted of two from Speer and
two Hennessey models. Rain canopies
were not used; instead we all enjoyed views of the stars through the tree
tops. On Sunday, after a pleasant
breakfast and more gear discussions, we packed and headed back up the trail to
the cars.
For those who missed the Chattooga River trip, we will probably run it
again several times next year--hope you can make it then. Our next hammock hangers' campout will be on
Springer Mtn on New Year's Eve! See the
write up else where in this newsletter.
Ed "Not To Worry" Speer
4------------------------------Tip
of the Month---------------------------------
The
following handy tips recently came to our attention
·
Use adhesive bathtub
stick-ons on nylon sleeping pads to prevent slippage inside the hammock. Avoid those with excessively abrasive
surfaces. A 1' X 3' piece of rubberized
shelf liner will also work
·
For added warmth, put a
folded blanket or bed sheet under your sleeping pad inside the hammock--or
place inside the PeaPod
·
To avoid sun-rot, keep
your nylon camping hammock out of the sun as much as possible
·
Avoid sharp objects
inside the hammock--items such as tent stakes, knives, belt buckles, key rings,
cell phones, etc can easily cut or rip the taut fabric of an occupied hammock
·
Treat nylon hammocks with
Permetherin to prevent mosquitoes or black flies from biting through the fabric
·
Use the adjustable
Taut-Line Hitch for tarp guidelines: http://www.northnet.org/ropeworks/reader/tautline.pdf or for an animated cartoon: http://lascouts.net/troop326/animnots/tautline.htm
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
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 or 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
Rolf + Thomas Schneeberger--Steinenvorstadt 79/4--CH-4051 Basel,
Switzerland
+41 61 281 73 33 http://www.tammock.com Email: info@tammock.com
The Trease™
Trease.Biz--PO Box 234--Colchester, VT 05446
http://members.aol.com/treasebiz/ Email: mailto:treasebiz@aol.com
SleepCatcher new!
(805) 705-6937
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
· Cedar Tree StrapoLounger Unique Sleeping Pad-Backpack-Hammock
combination new!
http://www.thepacka.com/strappack/page2.html
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,
1/4"-thick closed-cell foam & reflectix pads
· Sportsman's
Guide closed-cell foam
w/ reflective bottom coating
http://www.sportsmansguide.com/cb/cb.asp?a=77344
· Stearns,
Inc Inflatable, various models
· Stevenson's
Warmlite Down-filled
air mattress D.A.M. http://www.warmlite.com
· Wal-Mart Ozark Trail Egg Crate Camp Pad, 24"
wide closed-cell foam http://www.walmart.com/
Bug Nets
· Nomad
Travel several models
(search Mosquito Nets) http://www.nomadtravel.co.uk/
Insulation
Around Hammock
· 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 Portable hammock w/ AL tubular frame
· WrightStuff.Net Heavy duty tubular steel, w/ hanging rack
http://www.wrightstuff.net/products/hammockstand.htm
· Wal-Mart 5-piece green steel stand (search GARDEN
section for hammocks)
Other
Accessories
· Hammocks
America.Com Hanging
gear http://www.hammocksamerica.com/store/hammacceshook.html
·
Hammock Jungle.Com Hanging gear http://www.hammockjungle.com/accessories/
· Hammocks.Com Hanging gear
http://www.hammocks.com/hammock_stands/hammock_hanging_kits.cfm
8-------------------------Misc Online
Resources------------------------------
How To Make A Hammock
·
http://speerhammocks.com/Tips/Tips%20on%20hammock%20camping.htm
·
http://www.speerhammocks.com/Products/PRODUCTLINK2.htm Make Your Own Kits new!
·
http://www.imrisk.com/hammock/ultrahammockkit.htm new!
·
http://www.imrisk.com/hammock/ultraquarterweight.htm
·
http://www.imrisk.com/hammock/hammocktube.htm
·
http://home.attbi.com/~egowtkimoto/
·
http://www.hammockcamping.com/Garlington%20Insulator/GIversion2.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
·
http://www.angelfire.com/sc2/tygerheart/homepage2.html
·
http://www.hammockcamping.com/Free
Reports/SewingTips.htm new!
Sew Your
Own Hammock
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.imrisk.com/index.htm
·
http://www.imrisk.com/hammock/ultradoublehammock.htm
·
http://www.lovetheoutdoors.com/camping/Tips/hammock.htm
·
http://www.hammock-hammocks.com
·
http://www.imrisk.com/hammock/speerknot.htm
·
http://www.imrisk.com/hammock/improvedknot.htm
How To Stay Warm in a
Hammock
·
http://www.hammockcamping.com/Free%20Reports/SpeerStayWarm.htm Stay warm tables
· http://www.speerhammocks.com/Tips/Tips%20on%20hammock%20camping.htm Hammock Tips
·
http://www.hammockcamping.com/Tips/Tips.htm Hammock Tips
·
http://www.hammockcamping.com/Newsletters/Jan2003.htm Stay-warm tables
·
http://www.hammockcamping.com/Newsletters/Nov2003.htm Sleeping pads
·
http://www.hammockcamping.com/FreeReports/PeaPod03.htm PeaPods for hammocks
·
http://www.hammockcamping.com/Newsletters/Dec2003.htm PeaPods for hammocks
· http://www.hammockcamping.com/Garlington%20Insulator/GIversion2.htm
Garlington Insulator
·
http://www.imrisk.com/hammock/ultrahammock.htm Cold weather experiments
·
http://home.attbi.com/~egowtkimoto/ Home made LiteLoft underquilt
· http://www.Speerhammocks.com\Reviews\Zirkel-Durham.htm Review of Speer Hammock & Big
Agnes Zirkel Sleeping Bag
· http://www.hammockcamping.com/Free%20Reports/Zirkel-Durham.htm Review of Speer Hammock & Big
Agnes Zirkel Sleeping Bag
·
http://www.thru-hiker.com/workshop.asp?subcat=5&cid=72 Home made down underquilt
General Hammock
Interest
· http://www.goattracksmagazine.com Goat packers love hammocks too
· http://www.myhammock.com Complete selection of hammocks and
accessories
· http://www.angelfire.com/sc2/tygerheart/homepage2.html Workshops on hand weaving hammocks
· http://www.treetopadventures.com Tree climbers love hammocks too
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
9-----------------
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 these
upcoming events:
Dec 31, 2003-Jan 1, 2004 New Year's Eve Hiker celebration on Springer
Mtn, GA, Book Signing; expect very cold weather
10------------------UPCOMING
FEATURE ARTICLES---------------------
· Hammock Camping Freedom
· How To Avoid Cold Wind
· Alternate Hanging Methods
· Useful Modifications to Speer Hammock
· Vapor Barrier Gear for Hammocks
Don't miss a single issue--sign up now at:
Hammock Camping News http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Hammock_Camping_News/
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
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and other submissions worthy of sharing to: Ed@SpeerHammocks.com
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just copy and paste it into an email message.
Or send them this link:
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If you would like to be removed, simply follow the easy instructions
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Thanks
for your time and happy hammocking!
Ed
"Not To Worry" Speer
