SectionHiker shelter survey results surprised by hammock popularity

[sidneyhornblower]

Here's a link to the article, which surveyed backpackers on their shelter choices:
https://sectionhiker.com/top-backpac...urvey-results/


The part that caught my eye was this two-sentence admission: "What is surprising is how many backpackers prefer hammocks to single-wall tents. I guess I never realized just how prevalent hammock use has become."

It's no surprise to us here. Phil's articles are always worth reading and this one is no exception. I'd point to the list of manufacturer names in the preferred shelters in which several of the cottage vendors here show up well. As I said in another post along these same lines last month, there looks like a lot of room for growth and if I were a hammock vendor, I'd be bullish reading these survey results.

[Smckinney0031]

Not suprised to see Dutchware, Warbonnet and Dream Hammocks up there at all! SO HAPPY to see these great cottage vendors getting their due!!!

[TrailSlug]

Those backpackers are smart

[Philip Werner]

Here's a link to the article, which surveyed backpackers on their shelter choices:
https://sectionhiker.com/top-backpac...urvey-results/


The part that caught my eye was this two-sentence admission: "What is surprising is how many backpackers prefer hammocks to single-wall tents. I guess I never realized just how prevalent hammock use has become."

It's no surprise to us here. Phil's articles are always worth reading and this one is no exception. I'd point to the list of manufacturer names in the preferred shelters in which several of the cottage vendors here show up well. As I said in another post along these same lines last month, there looks like a lot of room for growth and if I were a hammock vendor, I'd be bullish reading these survey results.

[Philip Werner]

The follow on question I have is whether hammock sales are coming from newbies or people switching from single wall and double wall tents. Both have interesting implications, but I'd be real interested in why existing tent uses are switching if that's the case. For example, are they switching because of comfort, weight, the ability to find better campsites, or some other reason?

[alifeoutdoors]

The follow on question I have is whether hammock sales are coming from newbies or people switching from single wall and double wall tents. Both have interesting implications, but I'd be real interested in why existing tent uses are switching if that's the case. For example, are they switching because of comfort, weight, the ability to find better campsites, or some other reason?

Aye, are they switching for legitimate reasons or because it's trendy right now. Of course taking in mind that currently the entire act of backpacking is trendy.

[Tikker]

There's some of us that just started with Hammocks, and never hiked with a tent at all

[wbJohn]

There's some of us that just started with Hammocks, and never hiked with a tent at all

Then there's the old farts like me that used tent for years then stopped camping (because not sleeping is no fun), discovered hammocks and got back to Nature.

[sidneyhornblower]

The follow on question I have is whether hammock sales are coming from newbies or people switching from single wall and double wall tents. Both have interesting implications, but I'd be real interested in why existing tent uses are switching if that's the case. For example, are they switching because of comfort, weight, the ability to find better campsites, or some other reason?

And the man himself shows up. Cool!

To speak to your question above, I got interested in hammocks because sleeping on the ground was getting increasingly uncomfortable. At the time I had a tent and mistakenly thought hammocks might be lighter. They weren't but the weight was so close it was a wash.

What sold me immediately was the comfort of the thing. I will admit that the fiddle factor is attractive as well. Those of us who enjoy modding and playing around with our setups just like to fool with all the gear and accessories that go with hammocks. There's always something to change or try. That can be a detriment if you just want to go to sleep in the woods, or it can be an attraction to gearheads or people who like to tinker.

Cheers.

[Silverpalm2x]

maybe a follow up survey?

these are good questions!

PS really cool to see sectionhiker and hammock forums combine, overlap, whatever....

The follow on question I have is whether hammock sales are coming from newbies or people switching from single wall and double wall tents. Both have interesting implications, but I'd be real interested in why existing tent uses are switching if that's the case. For example, are they switching because of comfort, weight, the ability to find better campsites, or some other reason?