The pelt of the animal comment threw me for a sec., but I think Narwhalin nailed it on the head as to why we won't ever see more than a blurb or two in a magazine.
As far as Backpacker being in the real worl... I don't think they have ever really been there and most people know it. Of the people I know around here I can't think of anyone who actually got themselves a subscription, it's been christmas present subscriptions or skimming at a bookstore. I'll skim if I find time but honestly it's to check for stove or bag comparisons and the possibility of a trail close to here that I haven't heard about... first aid, emergency response, and orienteering have not changed enough over time for me to feel I need to be updated monthly by magazine full of adds. Read the Complete Walker from the library and take a first responder course and you'll be more satisfied with the time and money you've spent than if you had a subscription.
For me it's no biggie if some mag doesn't want to show hammocks I'll just continue to show them to my friends and encourage them to show them to their's.
Bookmarks