In the beginning...or, How do they do it?

[Rat]

In the beginning options were few and, on the whole, Hammock camping information was very dispersed; from Youngblood's site, to the Yahoo Groups, Just Jeff, Speer's book etc. Tinkerers and philosophies blossomed and then ripened into what you see now; but in the beginning the options were few...

For example, if you wanted a gathered end hammock made of camo material you had to make it, or if you wanted a double layer hammock, you had to make it. Speer and Hennessey were the kings, indeed they were the only contenders of any merit for some time. Tarp options were even fewer, but soon we had cat cut tarps of all shapes and sizes, then the Hammock hut and Winter Tarps emerged...

Insulation had always been modified, from pads to frankenpods and everything in between. Your choices were Speer down or pads, then cam along modified sleeping bags, then the KAQ, now we have, well, whatever we want...

Many people saw the light and jumped right in to fill the gaps, JRB among the first, then others, and the list is still growing...

But, what truly amazes me is this: This year my family has decided to MAKE Christmas gifts instead of BUYING Christmas gifts. My idea was to make some hammocks and some gravity filters for the boys/men. As I priced the components here is what I found.

For less money than I can buy the individual components I can buy a Warbonnet Traveler, and I don't hafta sew it. Same thing on the water filter; all tolled it will cost me just over $65, I can buy one for $69. Synthetic underquilt kit for $90 from AHE or the MMG IX for $90. It just blows me away the quality of workmanship (and workwomanship) of these products at the price point.

The newbies have no idea how easy they have it!

I usually DIM (do it myself) because I can do a better job, build something not available or do it cheaper; this just isn't the case anymore for my hammocking needs, and I am glad for it.

It's a great time to be a hammock camper! And thanks to all of you who have stepped out and started businesses for the community; I can spend less time making - and more time using - my gear!

[beep]

In the beginning options were few and, on the whole, Hammock camping information was very dispersed; from Youngblood's site, to the Yahoo Groups, Just Jeff, Speer's book etc. Tinkerers and philosophies blossomed and then ripened into what you see now; but in the beginning the options were few...

For example, if you wanted a gathered end hammock made of camo material you had to make it, or if you wanted a double layer hammock, you had to make it. Speer and Hennessey were the kings, indeed they were the only contenders of any merit for some time. Tarp options were even fewer, but soon we had cat cut tarps of all shapes and sizes, then the Hammock hut and Winter Tarps emerged...

Insulation had always been modified, from pads to frankenpods and everything in between. Your choices were Speer down or pads, then cam along modified sleeping bags, then the KAQ, now we have, well, whatever we want...

Many people saw the light and jumped right in to fill the gaps, JRB among the first, then others, and the list is still growing...

But, what truly amazes me is this: This year my family has decided to MAKE Christmas gifts instead of BUYING Christmas gifts. My idea was to make some hammocks and some gravity filters for the boys/men. As I priced the components here is what I found.

For less money than I can buy the individual components I can buy a Warbonnet Traveler, and I don't hafta sew it. Same thing on the water filter; all tolled it will cost me just over $65, I can buy one for $69. Synthetic underquilt kit for $90 from AHE or the MMG IX for $90. It just blows me away the quality of workmanship (and workwomanship) of these products at the price point.

The newbies have no idea how easy they have it!

I usually DIM (do it myself) because I can do a better job, build something not available or do it cheaper; this just isn't the case anymore for my hammocking needs, and I am glad for it.

It's a great time to be a hammock camper! And thanks to all of you who have stepped out and started businesses for the community; I can spend less time making - and more time using - my gear!

Very well said...and thanks! We are all beneficiaries of the entrepreneurs who supply our gear needs and wants!!

[bdbart]

+1

But DIY is soooooo much fun

[bigbamaguy]

Well said indeed!!!!!!! To the men and wemon who have brought us all of the fabulous products and ideas my hat is off to you!!!!!!!! Good luck to all of the vendors and inventors of the site, may the future be just as prosperious.

[BillyBob58]

Aint it the truth! I am amazed they can offer these quality products, at the prices they ask, and without even any real mass production!

[Buenos]

I've got to repeat the thanks. I'm so glad that I don't have to reinvent the wheel here. Between the information ant the quality cottage industry I have all I need to get started and keep going.

Thank you to all who work so hard to make these quality products, and participate in this community.

[Shug]

Whoooooo .... that is why I do not DIY as much as I used to.
Too much good stuff out there and time is money.
Shug
I pay myself $125 an hour .... I am a good boss.

[pedro]

Kudos to all the cottage industry manufacturers!

[Barefoot Child]

Dang!!

I sure do like hiking, camping, and just generally hanging out with all me friends in the Piney woods...I am talking about all of my cottage industry stuff (gear). Because I prefer to buy most of my gear from the Cottage Industry Girls and Guys here on HF I feel like I am using something of very high quality (because I am), that was less expensive then the big boys could produce, and best of all...it has been custom made to my specifictions by a freind...and that my freinds is the best part of it all.

I too am amazed by how these people can produce something of such high quality and yet offer it at such a low price. How do you acquire all the gear you want or think you need...like eating an elephant....one bite at a time.

New comers enjoy and take advantage of all that there is to offer for your use!

BTW-When I do get the chance to meet one of my cottage industry freinds...it is a truly special moment, and is definetely appreciated by this wittle guy.

[oldgringo]

Americans working in America...what a concept!

Thanks, Hogn8r, for saying it so well.