Derek J Hansen - The Ultimate Hang: An Illustrated Guide To Hammock Camping

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The Ultimate Hang

An Illustrated Guide To
Hammock Camping

Written and Illustrated by Derek Hansen

Although the author has taken all reasonable care in preparing this book, we make no warranty about the accuracy or completeness of its content and, to the maximum extent permitted, the author assumes no liability for accidents happening to, or injuries sustained by, readers who engage in the activities described in this book. Hang safe!

Text and illustrations copyright 2011 Derek Hansen

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying and recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, except as may be expressly permitted by the 1976 Copyright Act or by the publisher. Requests for permission should be made in writing to .

The Seven Principles of Leave No Trace have been adopted for hammock camping, and are printed with the permission of the Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics. For more information, visit: http://www.LNT.org.

Digital edition published November 2011. Revised February 2012.

Simply amazing! If you are new to hammock camping, already love hammock camping, or just simply want to spread the word,this book is a must have.

Adam Hurst, HammockGear.com

If you want to invigorate your backpacking experience and sleep consistently in or on any terrain then this book will give you all the gathered intel on the wonders of hanging cradled in comfort. Hammock camping is a former tarp-only campers dream. Hammock camping has a learning curve and is not for everyonebut if you are ready for a new level of wonder in the backwoods then this book will be you guide. It is truly a right goodie!

Sean Shug Emery

A fast, interesting, and excellent read. The illustrations really add to both reading enjoyment and clarity. Hammock camping has steadily evolved over the last decade as a comfortable, sustainable, low-impact camping lifestyle. The Ultimate Hang will enhance the hammock hanging experience of novice and veteran hangers alike.

Jack Tier and Jack Myers, Owners and founders of Jacks R Better, LLC

Finally, a modern-day, comprehensive resource on all aspects of hammock camping. The lighthearted illustrations along with excellent explanations make for a quick and enjoyable read. Every current and future hammock user should have this on their bookshelf.

Stuart Raike, whoopieslings.com

Dereks book demonstrates the basic principles as well as the more advanced techniques of hammock camping in one easy-to-understand compendium. Not only does The Ultimate Hang cover the ins and outs of hammock camping, it also explores some of the gear currently being offered by hammock retailers and its use.

Even someone like me, who has been using hammocks for years, learned a thing or two from The Ultimate Hang. This is a must-have book for those just starting out in the world of hammock camping or long time users such as myself.

Jason Headchange4u Turner

I wish to express my gratitude to my family, especially my wife, who allowed me to go on so many hikes and backpacking trips where I tested and explored hammock camping. I also credit my wife for encouraging me to write and illustrate this book and her assistance in editing, and for the many nights when I bored her to sleep with long, tedious one-sided conversations about hammocks. I am also grateful to my brothers, Cameron, Jason, and Breton for their input and editing skills, and my wonderful parents, who helped edit early drafts and who have always begged me to illustrate a book.

To my friend Bill Linney I owe many thanks for his late night reviews and publishing acumen that helped make this project successful.

Id like to extend specific appreciation to friends and forum members:

• Just Jeff Jackson
• Jason Headchange4u Turner
• Tim slowhike Garner
• Mike te-wa Stivers
• Sean Shug Emery
• Thom Dutch Ressler
• Jack Myers
• Jack Tier
• Grant Cannibal Doner
• Patrick NCPatrick Brown
• Sam Angry Sparrow Lentz
• Stuart Raike
• Adam Stormcrow Hurst
• Paul Gibson

and to various hammock manufacturers for reviewing the manuscript and making valuable suggestions and corrections.

This book represents a collection of my own experiences and trials, but it also benefits from feedback and the giving spirit of members on HammockForums.net who constantly innovate, explore, and experiment with hammock camping.

Derek

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Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication.

Leonardo da Vinci

My first experience in an all-in-one camping hammock was with an Expedition ASYM from Hennessy Hammocks. It was summertime in Virginia and the Asian tiger mosquitoes were at their peak. I jumped in the hammock and escaped the blood-sucking rascals, thanks to its protective sewn-in bug netting. I didnt worry about the light drizzle coming down because the hammock came with a matching rain fly. I adjusted my position inside to find the sweet spot by laying in a diagonal line. Within moments I was relaxing in recumbent bliss.

When I sleep on the ground or even on my bed at home, I toss and turn when my back, arms, or shoulders get uncomfortable. In contrast, the hammock removed most, if not all, the pressure points naturally. I was so comfortable I slept the entire night on my back without moving much. I woke refreshed with an added bonus: no bug bites!

Beyond the comfort, I loved the hammock because it was suspended a few feet above the ground, away from protruding pebbles, soggy soil, crawling critters, and insect infestations. This also meant that getting out of this new tent was as easy as standing up.

No more crawling and squirming into small spaces, no more drying my tent out before packing, and no more scraping off muck, leaves, and slugs.