5 Tips for Hammock Camping

I'll tell you what, it may be the warm weather, the abundance of trees or the laid back feel of a college town but hammock camping is a favorite among just about all of us here at Brasington's. Here are some of our favorite tips from our past trips.

1) Hang it as taught as you can! This is number one for a reason. Hanging a hammock in the typical "U" shape is not nearly as comfortable and can lead to restricted blood flow to extremities.

2) Size matters. Sometimes the best spots are between young, small trees but save yourself (and the trees) and try set up on two trees that can easily hold your weight without any movement.

3) Get comfy. A ground pad can not only make life better with some added comfort, but it will help with body heat loss through the hammock. This is extra noteworthy for low temperatures and windy nights. 

4) Be smart with the rain.  There are few things more awesome than sleeping under the stars but if rain is even possible set up a tarp... even if it's not over the hammock. Find three trees in a triangle. Set the hammock up under one side and the tarp on another. Then if it starts raining you can untie one side, swing it over and be protected from the rain within seconds. 

5) No bugs here! The common answer for mosquitoes or other bugs is a bug net: we agree. But we like to treat our sleeping bag liners or hammocks with a safe bug repellent like Pemethrin to hang in the open air and stay bug free. 

Chariots of Fire

Calling athletes everywhere! Check that... calling athletes, who recently found themselves with a small version of themselves as a training partner, everywhere! Thule, yes the same Thule that puts kayak racks on your car roofs and bike racks on your trunk, has released the perfect lightweight, performance stroller. The Thule Chariot Cheetah.

This stroller comes fully equipped with multi-sport capabilities, an adjustable handlebar for user comfort and a cross bar to mount accessories. So whether you're walking, running, biking or even CROSS COUNTRY SKIING your child is along for the ride in their own 5-point safety harness.

Comes in two sizes for one or two children.

Wait, was it cold here?

What are you supposed to do when the weather drops into the 30's? How do people do this who live up north? What's a winter hat? Or even better, maybe the travel bug just hit you and you're headed to London in the winter.

As crazy as it sounds, you can buy a winter coat, snow pants and boots in Florida. Often snow shops and exotic locations increase prices on must-have gear so buying when you're on vacation can cost an arm and a leg. Buying gear before you leave can help decrease stress levels before the trip, ensure you have enough space in your bags for the return trip and allow you to take your time during your retail experience.

Our winter stock begins arriving today and continues throughout the holidays.

Royal Robbins Desert Pucker ($57)

Outdoor Research Proverb rain jacket ($299)

Royal Robbins Global Traveler pant ($61)

FITS Light Hiker Crew socks ($19)

Mammut Advanced GTX boots ($179)

Screamer Brandon hat ($26)

Royal Robbins Bella Rosa Twist Neck shirt ($77)

Royal Robbins Departures Fleece Zip ($74)

Royal Robbins Ponte Travel pant ($77)

Salomon Comet 3D Lady GTX boots ($199)

FITS Medium Hiker Crew socks ($20)

Screamer Curley Buttons hat ($29)

Never Ending Summer

If you live in Florida, like we do, summer seems to start in January and end in December. Lucky for you, we're stocked year round with everything you need from sandals to sunglasses to keep you fashion focused and sun protected. 

Ex Officio Sol Cool shirt ($59)

Patagonia Happy Hiker shorts ($49)

Chaco Sleet sandal ($74)

Buff headband ($14)

Reflekt Lotus sunglasses ($89)

Bouldering World tank top ($17)

Patagonia Baggies shorts ($49)

Chaco Yampa sandals ($99)

Patagonia Master Chief hat ($29)

Reflekt Chemist sunglasses ($119)

The Northwoods

A few weeks back one of our staffers took a trip north and found himself in Ely, Minnesota. An old stomping ground, he geared up in the small, outfitting town and headed out for the real reason he was there: the Boundary Waters Canoe Area.

If you've never heard of this wilderness area it is one of the true gems of this part of the world. Over a million acres within the Superior National Forest in Northeast Minnesota are explorable via one paddle stroke after another. Each trip begins at an entry point and continues from lake to lake via portages where everything you bring is carried as it was hundreds of years ago.

Sometimes it takes getting way out to experience the true beauty of nature.

Some of Our Favorites

Big Agnes Pads and Sleeping Bags

Fits Socks 

 Crazy Creek, Helinox and Grand Trunk chairs

Mountain House meals

Camping chairs

ENO hammocks

Ruffwear sun vest

Weekend pack list