Well, you don‘t have to go home, but you can‘t stay here! Our hammock camping series is wrapping up. While we haven‘t covered every last detail and piece of gear that can be used in hammock camping, we have hit that major areas. Insulation, shelter, packs, and of course the hammock have all been covered. Part of the fun is discovery, so get out there, have some fun, and discover what works for you! Of course, I do plan to continue hanging on the trail, so check in from time to time for more reviews on hammock and ultralight gear.
In wrapping up this series of articles, I would like to end with a famous quote from Robert Baden-Powell, the founder of the Boy Scouts. In his last message, he wrote, “Leave this world a little better than you found it.” Now, I have to confess that I didn‘t do scouting growing up, but I do agree with this message. In order to accomplish Mr. Baden-Powell‘s request, we need to live responsibly while having fun.
Eagle‘s Nest Outfitters knows this and has taken up the torch of environmental responsibility. They have put together a handy guide for responsible hammocking, which they provided to me. This brochure lists a few small things that we can all to do preserve our natural resources and help to make sure that we can enjoy those pristine spots for years to come. These practices require almost no extra effort on our part and can have a pretty big impact, if we all cooperate. You can find a copy of it on the ENO blog.
History is full of examples of various cultures exploiting their natural resources, and the drastic consequences of these behaviors. From the dust bowl of the 1930‘s in the Great Basin, to the de-forestation of Easter Island and the demise of the Mayan civilization, the human race has time and again failed to care for the natural resources of the planet. Of course I am being overly dramatic here, but I‘m just trying to make a point. If we want our wild and beautiful places to remain that way, then people as a whole need to change their attitudes and behavior.
So take a look at what ENO has put together and listen to their message. Some of these tips will make your outing more enjoyable while preserving the environment. Get out there and have some fun while enjoying the outdoors. While you are at it, do a little something leave this world a little better than you found it.
Thanks for reading.
– Mark