HangCon 2025 – Visiting the largest hammock hang in the world

I said it a few times in the video, but it bears repeating: I had a blast at HangCon 2025. It was great to connect with all the participants and to hang out and rub shoulders with the vendors. It was also my first face-to-face with long-time friend, Shug, the great hammock entertainer and enthusiast. I think most of us owe some credit to our hammock camping addiction to Shug.

Looking back at HangCon, my impression of the “state of hang” is that in the United States, the market has stabilized–even plateaued–with a great consolidation of vendors in the garage space. The collective conscious of hammock technique has matured and there are so many “experts” now in the field that the space for gurus has really diminished. This is a great time to be involved with hammock camping and it means that I can start transitioning some of my work into education instead of advocacy, although there will always be a need for all of us to be good stewards in this space.

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2 responses to “HangCon 2025 – Visiting the largest hammock hang in the world”

  1. Nol Kirchyunger Avatar

    Hi Derek,

    In deed HangCon 2025 was a blast. It was also good meeting you and had some good conversations. I hope you enjoy the Schwarze Biene table. Looking forward to the review of the table.

    Hope to see you in april in the Netherlands. As I mentioned before. I have to defend my thesis in April.

    Regards,

    Nol

  2. Bob Montgomery, BearBurrito Avatar
    Bob Montgomery, BearBurrito

    It was great to see you again! I enjoyed your presentation. I still can’t believe I left my copy of your book in my laptop bag at home. I was so looking forward to having you sign it for me! Next time I will double check my daybag.
    I think you may be right about the hammock market stabilizing even though there have been some recent innovations. Haven’s design, Majestic’s design and Dutch’s bonded tarps and side door come to mind.
    After watching Shug for so many years on YouTube it was nice to finally meet him in person also. He was as nice a person as I always thought he would be. HangCon never disappoints!!
    Also I want to thank you again for allowing me to use some of your artwork for the presentation I did on hammocks to my scouts several years ago.
    I wish you the best and look forward to seeing you again sometime.