I don't know if many of you are aware of this but Backpacker has finally decided to test and review various hammocks...they picked 4 and Clark was not one of them...Here is what Spencer wrote us (yahoo group) about this....
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Hi all,
After 10 years of ignoring hammock camping as a legitimate option
for backpackers, Backpacker Magazine finally decided to publish a
review of the top four camping hammocks which will appear in the
June 2008 issue. They requested two samples of our products which
we delivered for testing ( a Tropical and North American model). We
were stunned today at Clark Outdoor Products when we learned that
the review will not include a Clark hammock. Backpacker Magazine
opted for what they consider to be the "best 4" camping hammock
brands.
Gear Editor Kristin Hostetter of Backpacker has notified us of two
complaints about our hammock which prevented it from reaching the
top four. First, the tester felt the rope was a bit more slippery
than that of other brands which "frustrated the pitching process."
The second complaint from the tester was that the Clark's pockets
did not provide as much insulation as the sleeping pad sleeve
available on other brands. We can only guess that the tester found
the storage pockets to be useless.
Backpacker's complaints are utterly absurd and indefensible,
demonstrating a lack of experience with hammock camping. We feel
that Backpacker ought to be embarrassed to publish a review ignoring
the Clark North American. Clark has always been wary of submitting
its products for review in the past because the testers are usually
far less experienced than our own customers.
If you agree with me, please contact Backpacker's Gear Editor
Kristin Hostetter (Khostetter@aol. com) and let her know why you
believe the Clark should have been included in their June 2008
review.
Meanwhile, Clark Outdoor Products will continue improving our
hammocks according to your needs, and not the concerns of
inexperienced reviewers.
Thanks,
Spencer
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I wrote Kristin right away...I am appalled at Backpacker magazine...imagine not including one of the top 2 hammocks in your review due to inexperienced testers!
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