Second Edition Now Available!
I’m pleased to announce that the second edition of The Ultimate Hang: Hammock Camping Illustrated, is now available in digital and paperback formats.
About The Ultimate Hang 2
What’s New
This edition has been completely re-written with all-new sections on hammock FAQs and basics for new hangers, an expanded advanced section for veterans, plus a DIY section to get you started making your own hammock-related gear. The book is a whopping 344 pages littered with hundreds of illustrations and tips you won’t find in the first edition.
Throughout the book you’ll also find tables and charts comparing hammocks and gear to help make decisions a little easier.
The Ultimate Hang 2 covers everything from suspension systems, hammock stands, staying dry, warm, and bug free, along with setting up hammocks indoors. It builds on and expands what was in the first edition but in a more methodical format. A handy reference and index in the appendix makes finding resources much easier.
All the best tips and techniques on hammock camping in one place. Stop searching and start relaxing! I hope you will enjoy this edition!
I already have the first edition, should I get the second?
In a word, yes! The second edition doesn’t just update the first edition, it has been completely overhauled and expanded from the ground up.
When I first published The Ultimate Hang, I fully intended on keeping it incrementally up-to-date. But as the years have past and hammock adoption grew, I found that the first edition format just didn’t keep pace. If the first edition was a treatise on hammocks, the second edition is the encyclopedia. But I didn’t just randomly throw everything into the second edition. Over the past five years, I’ve reviewed dozens of hammocks of all different styles and designs. I’ve done more research and filtered through feedback and questions. I’ve also done a lot of my own experimenting, building, and testing. I’ve tried my best to stuff as much of this information into the second edition and in a way that makes the book as relevant as possible.
In other words, I spent a lot of time in hammocks 🙂
The book is HUGE! Why make it so big?
I’m a visual learner and I always wanted the book to be as visual as possible. The first edition was constrained by the traditional 6×9 format. Even then, I found that it was difficult to illustrate some techniques and I had to make a lot of compromises. For the second edition, I spent months mocking up different sizes and formats trying to find a format that would not only allow for a wider canvas, but also feel “right” when held.
Those who have followed me on Facebook may remember that midway through designing the book I had to make a significant format change. Once I mapped out the book and got a better idea of the total size, I hit a crossroads. The custom format and colors I wanted to use at that page count would mean a significant price increase for the book. I could either work with a traditional publisher, maybe even crowdsource the funding, or change the format using a standard print size. Ultimately, I opted for a larger but standard print format that, ironically, cost less in the long run.
The new format meant going back to the beginning of the book and changing dozens of illustrations. It literally took years to finish the book, but overall I am satisfied I made a good compromise to make the book as affordable as possible while also aligning with my vision. Those familiar with book design will appreciate the wider margins and white space (within limits!). I tried to fill up every nook and cranny with helpful and inspiring illustrations.
Thank you for your support!
I couldn’t have completed this book without the help of a lot of people, but I’ll leave the acknowledgements for the book. However, I do want to thank YOU, my friends and fellow hammock hangers, for all your support and encouragement over the years. It’s been a fun ride! I hope you enjoy the second edition!
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