Local REI providing basic hammocking classes

[ApeHanger]

I was looking through a recent email from REI and noticed a local REI in Pittsburgh is providing basic hammocking classes.

http://www.rei.com/event/66486/session/116650

I found this interesting and I'm almost tempted to go to assess the quality of information they will be providing. I'm guessing the gear discussed will be focused solely on the gear they sell and the cottage vendors will not get any mention.

What are your thoughts on this? Is hammock camping on its way to becoming mainstream when a retailer like REI starts providing classes like this?

[SilvrSurfr]

Some of the Jersey HF members were discussing this. They're probably going to show you how to string an ENO guitar-string tight. I'm mildly interested in seeing what they have to offer, but not enough to actually attend a class.

[Wise Old Owl]

just go for it no harm done.

make your own decisions

[ApeHanger]

Some of the Jersey HF members were discussing this. They're probably going to show you how to string an ENO guitar-string tight. I'm mildly interested in seeing what they have to offer, but not enough to actually attend a class.

I hope for the sake of the people attending they will be given sound advise, but I fear they will be shown pictures of suicide hangs over canyons and stacking hammocks 10 high that ENO seems to be famous for.

[SilvrSurfr]

I hope for the sake of the people attending they will be given sound advise, but I fear they will be shown pictures of suicide hangs over canyons and stacking hammocks 10 high that ENO seems to be famous for.

They have such a limited supply of hammocks and accessories - I expect they'll only tell people about what they sell: ENO, Hennessy, Byer, Kammock, Thermarest and Tentsile (though I wouldn't call that a hammock). They're only going to tell you about what they sell and not a thing more.

[Xtrm tj]

"I'm mildly interested in seeing what they have to offer, but not enough to actually attend a class."

SS....That comment sounded like it came right out of Sheldon Coopers mouth on the Big Bang Theory show....quite funny!!!

[obxh2o]

Last time I was in the hammock section of an REI, the clerk did not even know what an underquilt is. Of course, they don't carry them (or did not at the time, at least) so why should the clerk know about underquilts?

[Ratdog]

I've been to some REI "classes".

They are typically given by a current or former employee, but not always, with a passion for a given area of interest. Often it is an intro survey and gear is laid out for display. Not all of it is available from REI, certainly some is. Attendees are interested folks generally categorized as beginners or information seekers.

The gathering provides an opportunity to learn and discuss. In every 'class' I've attended the speaker was experienced, fielded questions during and after the presentation, was open to discussion and experience related by others and shared their personal equipment.

After the class there are always a few people that want to hang around, inspect the gear, pickup a handout, and often a discount coupon for REI 15-20% off Full Price item.

If I go, I would expect them to mention parachute and camping hammocks. Hennesey hammocks are available at my local REI. Anticipate that the person speaking may have heard of HF, but if not, I'll mention it should I attend. Online communities are often mentioned.

My only concern is that they cover the basics, ridgelines, diagonal lay, never hang higher than you want to fall, never hang over anything you don't want to land on, no shoes/sharp objects, underquilts and perhaps topquilts. I also wouldn't have a problem mentioning HF, some cottage vendors and invite them out to a group hang.

For those reasons, I think it would be worth going. Not to mention maybe grabbing a be erage afterward should any other HF'ers be in the area.

[SilvrSurfr]

Well, you would have to teach them some advanced hammocking techniques, like how to "go without leaving the warmth of your hammock."

http://www.dutchwaregear.com/pee-bags.html

[slbear]

I like REI even if they don't support the cottage outdoor suppliers very well. But even so, SS got me thinking, what basics can be taught any better than a Shug or Dutch video (many others could be mentioned too).
Face to face interactive instruction has its merits to be sure, but if I were to step into an REI course that was leading off with a Shug video, I would be entertained and impressed.

The Dutch video mentioned... That's definitely an advanced course in hanging.