HAMMOCK CAMPING NEWS

September 2003

 

Here you will find the latest hammock camping NEWS and IDEAS, including industry-related event listings, new products, trip reports, gear reviews, hammocking tips, links to additional information, and much more.  This F-R-E-E e-newsletter is a great way to share hammock camping information with the outdoors world; thus submissions or links from others are accepted subject to editorial review.  We don't accept advertising.  We don't share or sell your email address.  This e-zine newsletter is distributed through Yahoo Groups.  Note that this is a newsletter distribution at Yahoo Groups and only one message a month (the newsletter itself) will be distributed.  Member postings are not allowed; however, feedback from members can be sent to the editor.  A separate bulletin board for the exchange of member messages has also been set up at Yahoo Groups (see below).

 

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

 

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

 

 

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          IN THIS ISSUE FROM SPEER HAMMOCKS  September 2003

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1.      Hammock Camping News

2.      Feature Article--Hammock Hangers Campout  Sep 20!                 

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, free shipping.  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

 

 

 

2-------------Upcoming Hammock Hangers Campout! -----------------

 

Join us for the third Southeast Hammock Hangers Association campout on Saturday, September 20!  It's FREE!  This is an informal group event and everyone is welcome--veteran, novice or future hammockers.  See, learn and share your knowledge with other hammock enthusiasts.  This will be an easy overnighter with an enjoyable 5-mile loop hike from the cars.  We will meet mid-morning Saturday and hike together to the campsite, returning to the cars on Sunday. 

 

Join me, Ed Speer, author of the Hammock Camping book and editor of the Hammock Camping Newsletters for a fun late-summer weekend.  Previous trips were run in Feb and April of this year and we had a lot of fun; this is another chance for hammockers to show their stuff, share ideas, learn from others, and be a part of the 'new way'.  Meet old friends and make new ones!  Check out the newest stay-warm gear!  Everyone will be responsible for his or her own transportation, gear, food and behavior; however, we will meet at the trailhead and hike in together.

 

The plan is to camp on the famous Mountains-To-Sea Trail along North Harper Creek in the Pisgah National Forest near Mortimer, Caldwell Co, NC.  Mortimer is located between Blowing Rock and Lenoir; about 40 miles NW of Hickory, 20 miles NW of Lenoir, and 15 miles north of Morganton.  Access is via Interstate 40, NC-181 or US-321.  This area is The Wilson Creek Wild and Scenic River area and is NC's secret wilderness treasure with numerous unspoiled mountain streams and spectacular waterfalls.


We will hike in 4 miles along the beautiful cascading North Harper Creek, a tributary of Wilson Creek.  We will camp Saturday nite and hike out 1 mile on Sunday.  We will shuttle a vehicle/s to each end.  There will be plenty of time for
visiting waterfalls and swimming in the creek.  Anyone wishing an easier hike, is welcome to take the 1-mile trail in and out, for a total of 2 miles--instead of the 5-mile loop. Note that the 1-mile one-way route involves one creek fording, which must be negotiated again on the way out.

 

The 5-mile loop requires 8 stream crossings--this means fording rocky streams in ankle-to knee-deep swift water!  The water should still be comfortably warm with autumn just nipping at our heels.  Fabric tennis shoes or sandals with secure straps are recommended for the crossings--wearing the same shoes for the entire hike eliminates the need to change at each crossing.  Extra dry shoes for camp are recommended.  Expect one stream crossing on the way out Sunday. Carrying two hiking poles/staffs will make the crossings safer. 

 

Camp will be a large open grove of holly trees on a flat bench along the creek--plenty of room for up to 30 hammocks, plus unlimited space for tents or tarps.  We will begin the hike at 11am on Saturday (plan for snack lunch at Harper Creek Falls, 1.3 miles in). The 4-mile hike in on Saturday is moderate, while the 1-mile hike out on Sunday is steep. We will shuttle back to the cars by mid-day on Sunday.

 

Expect daytime temps of 40-75F and nighttime temps of 25-50F.  It's generally still quite warm and mild this time of the year, however passing cold fronts can drop the temperature significantly.  Should fowl weather cause the trip to be canceled, notices will be emailed to individuals as well as posted on the HammockCamping-List:                     http://groups.yahoo.com/group/hammockcamping/


Access is from Lenoir or Morganton, NC; both accessible via I-40 and/or US-321.  On I-40, Morganton is about 55 miles east of Asheville and 95 miles west of Winston-Salem.  Detailed driving directions to the trailhead are given below.

 

There are plenty of additional spectacular trails in this area for folks looking for more adventure before or after the weekend--hiking, kayaking, fishing, waterfalls, etc!  Expect some early fall colors.


Check out these links for info on the area:

http://www.cs.unca.edu/nfsnc/recreation/wilson_creek.pdf  This is an informative Adobe Acrobat article on Wilson Creek


http://www.mountaintimes.com/summer/hiking5.php3   Short info on Wilson Creek hiking


http://www.ncwaterfalls.com/wilson_creek1.htm   Waterfall pics! Harper Creek Falls is the one we will see!

 

To purchase the trail map:  Pisgah National Forest's Wilson Creek Trail Map  http://www.ezflyfish.com/ncustrailmap.html

This map covers all the trails in the area and I will have mine on the hike.  The map is not required to attend the hike; but some folks just like to have their own.  The nearest ranger station where you can buy the map is listed in the notes below.

 

 

Access From I-40 (mileage is cumulative from exit 100 on I-40)

 

0.0  I-40, Exit 100 (Jamestown Rd & Glen Alpine exit) on west side of Morganton, NC; service station

Follow Jamestown Rd north  (Glen Alpine is to the south)

 

1.9  Jct Jamestown Rd & US-70; KFC, Taco Bell, gas station

Continue north on Jamestown Rd thru traffic light

 

2.8  Jct Jamestown Rd & NC-126 West; Jamestown Rd becomes NC-126 East

Continue straight ahead thru traffic light on NC-126 East

 

3.4  Jct NC-126 East & NC-181; restaurants, grocery stores, gas stations, drug store, K-Mart

Turn left (west) onto NC-181 at traffic light; follow NC-181 west out of town

 

14.0  Space gas station (small country store)--last chance for gas, check your gauge!

 

14.1  Jct NC-181 & SR-1405 (Brown Mountain Beach Road--paved country road),

Turn right (east) onto SR-1405 and pass Smyrna Baptist Church on left, continue east on SR-1405

         

19.3  Jct SR-1405 & SR-1328 (watch for sign: Pisgah National Forest Campground--Mortimer) 

Turn left (north) onto paved SR-1328; follow north past Brown Mountain Beach campground, pavement ends, continue on gravel SR-1328 parallel to Wilson Creek, note numerous pull offs for creek access

 

26.7 Harper Creek Trailhead  (trail # 260) on left (west) side of road--watch for small sign!; limited parking along road;

meet here  (It is 1.2 mi north to NC-90 at Mortimer)

 

NOTES:

For those driving south on NC-181, the jct with SR-1405 (Brown Mountain Beach Road--paved country road) is 2.6 mi south of the NC-181/Blue Ridge Parkway jct. Continue with directions above.

 

For those driving south on US-321: take paved NC-90 west from Lenoir; at Collettsville, turn left (south) onto paved SR-1337; follow SR-1337 for 3.2 mi to right (north) turn onto paved SR-1328. Continue with directions above.  Note: do not follow NC-90 all the way to Mortimer--it soon becomes a very curvy, long and narrow gravel road.

 

Food, gas & motels available at I-40 exits 103 & 105; also at intersections along the US-64/US-70/NC-18 Truck Route around west side of Morganton; hospital at exit 105 (NC-18)

 

For those approaching from the west on I-40---Exit 90 Nebo & Lake James Exit; US Forest Service Grandfather District Ranger Station located on access road on north side of Interstate; Wilson Creek Area Trail Map available for purchase

 

We will meet at the Harper Creek Trailhead (trail #260) and shuttle some cars to the north trailhead.  Hike begins at 11 am Saturday, Sep 20.  Do not leave valuables in parked cars.

 

Signing up is not necessary, but letting me know will be appreciated--you may email me at: ed@speerhammocks.com or call (828) 724-4444


Hope to see everyone September 20th! ....
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 August 2003------------------------

 

Mount Mitchell State Park, nc  Aug 31

 

Loud and increasingly closer thunder announced the fast approaching afternoon storm.  At 5,500' elevation on the flanks of Mount Mitchell, even summer storms like this one are not to be taken lightly--luckily Karen and I got our hammocks set up in time. 

 

First we selected a hillside site below the ridge crest that offered some protection from lighting and the prevailing winds.  Next we located three trees for our side-by-side hammock setup.  Our site was unsuitable for tents since the ground was steep and covered with large tree roots--but it was perfect for our hammocks.  Next we pitched our two tarps together and made a 10X16' shelter!  Our hammocks went up next with the head ends of both tied to the same tree and the foot ends tied to two separate but close trees.  This is our favorite 'doubles' setup, which often requires only some minor adjustments/readjustments to provide real comfort and intimacy.  A Speer PeaPod around each hammock gave all the bottom insulation needed.

 

Just as the rain started, we noticed the wet-weather drainage that passed completely under our hammocks!  Within minutes, this previously dry channel was flowing from rain runoff as we retreated to our hammocks to wait out the storm.  Dinner would have to wait as the water washed over much of the ground beneath our tarps.  Snug in our hammocks, we snoozed as the storm raged on.  Claps of thunder immediately followed flashes of lightening.  It rained hard for an hour or so and the noise of the pounding on the tarps was nearly deafening. 

 

The drainage pooled under our hammocks until we cleared the blockage, after which the newly christened "Lake Mitchell" drained; however, our instant creek continued to flow all night!  Some minor rain spray blew inside our otherwise secure shelter and was easily handled by ignoring it and letting the heat of our bodies dry off the PeaPods.  In our haste, we had set the tarps too high.  In light of the approaching storm, we should have lowered them closer to the hammocks.  Once the storm had blown itself out, we fixed dinner, lowered the tarps, and lastly retreated to the hammocks for a full night of sound sleep.

 

Other campers were nearby.  Five tents were set up in the grassy meadow on the ridge crest above us.  Exposed to the full furry of the storm, each of the campers had crowded inside and hoped for the best.  Although all were spared from lightening, it must have been quite a worry at the time.  A quick survey after the storm found several very wet and unhappy campers.  Assuming that we too were tent campers and thus must have endured the same fate, they never realized that Karen and I, who were out of sight with our hammocks down the ridge side, actually enjoyed the storm and considered it the highlight of our day!

 

During the storm, Karen shared her thoughts: "This hammock camping is cheating.  I'm warm, dry and comfortable in my hammock during a raging storm. And it only took a few minutes to set up camp.  This is too easy."  I reached over and gave her a hug…

 

 

Ed "Not To Worry" Speer, Marion, NC

 

 

 

4------------------------------Tip of the Month---------------------------------

 

The following handy hammocking tips have recently come to our attention

 

·   Rain Guards.  Prevent rainwater from seeping down hanging straps/ropes and into your hammock by using rain guards.  Rain guards should make full contact with the hanging strap/rope, have a drip feature to divert rainwater, and be positioned just inside the protective edge of the rain canopy.  They can be made from 3-5" pieces of webbing, rope, string, or yarn.  Even bandanas or dirty socks will work.

 

·   Set up your hammock with considerable sag--the MORE sag in the unoccupied hammock, the MORE comfortable it is!  Hard to believe, but it's true.  Over tightening a hammock can result in uncomfortable shoulder squeeze, the inability of the occupant to lie slightly diagonal across the centerline of the hammock, and adds possibility-damaging increased stress to the straps/ropes.  Yes, for a given weight, the more sag, the LESS stress there is on the straps/ropes!  It all has to do with physics and the angle between the hanging straps/ropes and the horizontal--for a given weight, the greater this angle is, the less the stress. 

 

·   Increase bottom warmth with custom-cut T-shaped closed-cell foam pad/s.  Several variations of this theme recently posted on the Hammock Camping-List.  Gives greater width at the shoulders where it's most needed.

 

·    Two-layer and/or double-bottom hammocks offer convenient placement for sleeping pad/s.  Other insulating items can be used as well, such as leaves, blanket, extra clothes, etc. Many versions of this theme recently posted on the Hammock Camping-List.  Homemade Speer-type hammocks can easily be constructed with two layers.

 

·    Add bottom warmth to any hammock with the Garrington Taco--silnylon shell loosely covering bottom and sides of hammock with air-filled trash bags placed between shell and hammock. Numerous posts on this idea can be found in the Hammock Camping-List archives.  See also: http://www.mindspring.com/~rgarling/Insulator.htm

 

·   Large tarps provide increased rain/cold wind protection for hammocks.  8X8', 8X10', and even 9X11' versions recommended on many Hammock Camping-List posts.

 

·   Prevent slack in a pitched tarp by using the 'Goller Grabber'--elastic tubing from Wrist Rocket slingshot.  Various ways to rig this have been posted on the Hammock Camping-List recently.  A length of shock cord in the tarp guidelines can also be useful in preventing wild flapping in high winds.

 

·   Add warmth to any hammock by adding a 2.5' wide skirt of vapor barrier sheeting completely around the hammock.  With open bottom and top, this provides wind block, a warming air chamber, and escape for rising moisture-rich warm air.  Use in combo with bottom insulation for cold weather.  First prototype described recently on Hammock Camping-List.

 

·   Add warmth to any hammock by adding an 'under cone' or 'inverted cone' of vapor barrier sheeting.  A rock or boot is used to weight the cone and create the shape.  This creates a complete bottom wind block and warm moist air is trapped beneath the hammock.  Use in combo with bottom insulation for cold weather.  Recently described on Hammock Camping-List.

 

·   Avoid all lightening!  This is the consensus of recent Hammock Camping-List posts.  Don't expect hammocks to offer safety, however it may be as safe as any other option.  No one knows for sure and volunteer gear testers have proven hard to find.

 

 

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

541-476-5804

Email: newtribe@cdsnet.net

 

Four Season Hammocks

1236 Oxborough Lane

Fort Collins, CO 80525

877-282-7145

http://www.mrhammock.com/

Email: mrhammock@verinet.com

 

Siam Hammock

Tawatchai Jaranai (Eff)

80/2 Prachachuen Road 33

Ladyao Jatujak Bangkok 10900 Thailand

+66-1869-8988

http://www.siamhammock.com/

Email: f_goodfeeling@yahoo.com

 

Tammock Trading + Marketing  New!

Rolf + Thomas Schneeberger

Steinenvorstadt 79/4

CH-4051 Basel, Switzerland

+41 61 281 73 33

http://www.tammock.com

Email: info@tammock.com

 

The Trease™  New!

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 fabric bottom 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/  

 

 

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

http://www.exped.com/exped/web/exped_homepage.nsf/bc533c91605f6841c12566e6006e0c82/abe00eea82521552c1256ae2002374a4!OpenDocument

 

High Country Outdoor Products  Mt Washington Pad  closed-cell foam; 7 oz; 20"X60"X0.6"

http://www.outdoorreview.com/Sleeping+Pads/High+Country+Outdoor+Products+Mt.+Washington/PRD_79213_3010crx.aspx

               

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   http://www.speerhammocks.com

 

Sportsman's Guide   closed-cell foam w/ reflective bottom coating   http://www.sportsmansguide.com/cb/cb.asp?a=77344

 

Stearns, Inc  Inflatable, various models

http://emarco.stearnsinc.com/eproducts/catalog_type.asp?dept%5Fid=601&dept%5Fname=Camping+%26+Hiking&hd%5Fimage1=hd%5Fcamping1%2Ejpg&image%5Fwidth=205&image%5Fheight=100&hd%5Fimage2=hd%5Fcamping2%2Ejpg&image%5Fwidth2=314&image%5Fheight2=69

 

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

Garrington Taco  Homemade silnylon bottom shell w/ air-filled plastic bags   http://www.mindspring.com/~rgarling/Insulator.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