Large Camping Tents: survival gear

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Potable Aqua Purification Iodine Tablets Review

The 5 most common ways backpackers/campers purify water are
1. Boil it.Obviously slow and cumbersome.If doing strenuous backpacking/canoeing each person will need to boil a big pot of water every night.
2. Natural sunlight - letting water sit in the sun for 6 hours works (need cloudless day, correct kind of clear plastic container). The World Health Organization published a study on this, but Amazon won't let me link to it.
3. Water pump - I have used MSR HyperFlow Microfilter, though there are cheaper options if you can accept it being slightly larger.In my opinion this is the best method.
4. Household chlorine bleach - the EPA and WHO give instructions on doing this. The EPA says this may not kill Cryptosporidium. I've never tried.
5. Iodine tablets -

Positives:
-Tablets are small/light for backpackers
-Only takes 30 minutes to have water ready
-No work required

Negatives:
-EPA says it is not 100% affective against Giardia and Cryptosporidium, especially if the water is cold while being treated.
-The taste is slightly bad ('metallic' is my best description).

I think a good attitude towards these tablets is "emergency use" (which is labeled on the side of the bottle, not visible in the Amazon image). No good backpacker doesn't have these, but I suggest a water pump as the planned primary method. Note: there are also iodine "neutralizer" tablets that are supposed to remove the bad taste (you drop them in after the 30 minutes is up and wait another 30 minutes).In my opinion they barely change the taste and are not worth it.

I'm only giving 4 stars since the EPA says it is not 100% effective against Giardia and Cryptosporidium.I'd give 5 stars if the product was named something such as "EMERGENCY AQUA" vs. "POTABLE AQUA".

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Product Description:
Used worldwide by campers, hikers, militaries, emergency organizations, and anyone else who needs to drink water of questionable quality, these Portable Aqua iodine tablets will disinfect contaminated drinking water in a pinch. The tablets--which are intended for short-term or limited emergency use only--make most water bacteriologically suitable for drinking, proving effective against Giardia lamblia when used as directed. Each Potable Aqua tablet contains 20 mg of Tetraglycine Hydroperiodide (TGHP), which liberates 8 mg of titratable iodine when released into water. Within 30 minutes, the iodine will have penetrated the cell walls of the microorganisms, rendering them inactive and making the water safe to drink. Potable Aqua tablets also neutralize the iodine aftertaste and color, helping your drinking water taste better.
About Potable Aqua
Potable Aqua iodine water disinfection tablets were developed by Harvard University in conjunction with the U.S. Army in the 1940s, and have been used by the military for emergency drinking water disinfection for more than 50 years. Pharmacal currently supplies the U.S. Military with Potable Aqua for its emergency drinking water needs. Potable Aqua is also widely used by campers, backpackers, and various other militaries around the world. With the addition of the Potable Aqua Traveler and Chlorine Dioxide Water Purification Tablets, Potable Aqua continues to meet the ever-changing needs of today's outdoor enthusiast.

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Ultimate Survival Deluxe Survival Took Kit Review

All components are well made. A little difficult to re pack but most kits are. Case is extremely tough, the one handed striker is very easy to use and the fire starters work quite well.

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Product Description:
The Deluxe Survival Kit is a collection of some of the world's finest camping and survival gear. Whatever you do outdoors (camping, hiking, climbing, fishing, off-roading, etc.), these premier recreational, safety and camping supplies can simplify your life every day, and can help save your life on the worst days. Features: BlastMatch Fire Starter: Simply put, it is the world's finest one-handed fire starter. It generates intensely hot sparks, three times hotter than a standard match. Once you've tried it you'll never go back to flint again. BlastMatch is safe, easy-to-use, and works in any weather. WetFire Tinder: You will love this amazing fire starting tinder. It is non-toxic, odorless, smokeless, and you can start a fire even in the driving rain. In fact, WetFire tinder burns longer when its wet! A small pile of tinder shavings is all you need to start a roaring fire. StarFlash Signal Mirror: This signal mirror is unbreakable, can be aimed precisely, floats and can signal for communications up to 100 miles away. You can use it hiking, camping or backpacking for communication or signaling, or to apply first aid or camouflage. StarFlash was chosen as the premier signal mirror of the U.S. Air Force and other government agencies 10 years ago. JetScream Whistle: This whistle is one of the loudest in the world, any louder and it would cause physical pain, literally. You can hear JetScream's amazing 122Db ear-piercing shriek above most natural or man-made noises. It is equivalent to the sound of a rock concert or a jet at take off. You can use JetScream in the city or woods for communication and personal protection. SaberCut Saw: This revolutionary hand-operated chain saw cuts and clears in both directions, so every stroke eats through whatever you need cut. Its self-cleaning cutting teeth and custom carrying case make this a must for anyone spending time outdoors hiking, camping or backpacking. It is ideal for clearing hiking trails or roads when on your ATV or mounta

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Grand Trunk Skeeter Beeter Hammock Review

I received this as a gift last year and promptly took it on a 3 day wilderness expedition. When you have to carry everything you could possibly need over 3 days of exploring, weight matters a lot, and this hammock weighs near nothing. You will also appreciate how relaxing it is to not have to deal with uneven/rocky ground that hurts almost as bad a too heavy pack. It is also setup and ready for use in a few minutes... very simple to get camp ready after a long day of hiking and mapping. My only beef with it is that the mesh is not even remotely flame retardant, as a stray ember from our small campfire hit it and burned a 1 inch hole nearly instantly. Nothing that the almighty piece of duct tape couldn't fix, but it would've been a great feature.

Between this and my Katadyn, I'll never hit a trail without it!

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Product Description:
There's no better way to ruin a camping trip than to get eaten alive by mosquitoes. Enter the Skeeter Beeter hammock, which is not only light enough to appeal to fast-moving adventurers, but also offers shelter from nature's most unsavory critters. Preserving the same lightweight design as the Ultra-Light Travel Hammock but with an attached no-see-um mosquito net mesh, the hammock is a must for camping trips near lakes or in damp forests. The hammock is made of 100-percent polyester taffeta, with 3x stitching on all stress points.

The Skeeter Beeter's no-see-um mesh keeps mosquitoes out. As a result, the hammock maxes out at 250 pounds--enough for one adult or a couple of kids. In addition, you don't need to sleep with the netting if you find it uncomfortable. Simply flip the hammock onto its backside and it turns into a traditional hammock. The remainder of the time, however, the fine mosquito netting acts as a comfortable cocoon, shielding you from nasty bugs and pesky crawlers.
The Skeeter Beeter comes with an easy overhead net suspension system that sets up in a matter of minutes, along with a free hammock hanging system that includes two 10-foot pieces of pre-knotted hanging rope and attached S-hooks. Other details include a mildew-resistant, quick-dry design and an attached stuff sack for transport. The Skeeter Beeter measures 9.5 by 4.5 feet, weighs 20 ounces, and carries a 10-year warranty.
Key Features:

Manufacturer's Warranty
Ten-year warranty

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Hot Shot Signal Mirror w/ WW-3 Whistle Review

I think this combo pack is alright. The whistle is very loud and the float ring works as stated but the mirror is hard plastic and not as bright as a thinner mirror. What that means is this actually has a thick layer of clear plastic coating to keep the thin filiment intact and keep from breaking. However because of this the reflective compacity is dulled. I would suggest getting another mirror and having this for the floatation, backup and whistle. Get yourself another thinner mirror as your first, one that actually reflects better.

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Product Description:
Hot Shot™ Signal Mirror

Sighted signaling mirror with float and whistle

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Adventure Medical Heatsheets Emergency Blanket Review

I used this product on a canoe trip.In the tent, it provided excellent insulation when used as a second blanket.Out on the water it reflected heat from the sun and really warmed us up.Even when it was wet, it still kept us warm.Great product that I would definitely purchase again.

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Product Description:
Supplement your backcountry gear with Adventure Medical's Heatsheets Emergency Blanket?you'll thank us if you get stuck out there. While emergency (A.K.A. ?space?) blankets in general aren't a panacea against freezing cold, they can be tied up for improvised shelter, signal rescue teams to your location with the blaze orange side, and when used correctly, save the life of a hypothermia victim. Also, they're insanely affordable. So while the Heatsheets Blanket will never sub in for a -40 degree sleeping bag, there's also no excuse not to carry one of these tiny Adventure Medical wonders in your pack.

Product Features

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Katadyn Drip (Ceradyn) Water Filter (Spring 2010) Review

I have used the Ceradyn Water Filter in Ghana, West Africa for the past seven years. It has performed very well, filtering up to 3 gallons a day. I clean it periodically with a moderately abrasive pad. Green algae grows on the filter after the top-fill container drains into the lower one. It cleans up well and I have added a little chlorine at times to cut down the problem.
People who are considering such long time use of a water filter should not purchase the Gravidyn Water Filter because the effective life span of the central charcoal core is only six months. When I call Katadyn about its effectiveness past six months, they warned me that the charcoal core could develop mold after that time and is impossible to clean effectively. So I am purchasing a new Ceradyn filter for our up-coming work in Liberia.

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Product Description:
No pumping required with the Drip (Ceradyn) Water Filter by Katadyn. Free-standing gravity filter with 3 ceramic filters and a 10 liter water container for large quantities of water. Filters without effort. With 3 ceramic filters for maximum capacity. SPECIFICATIONS of the Drip (Ceradyn) Water Filter by Katadyn Technology: 0.2 micron ceramic depth filter Output: 1 gal/hr / 4 L/h Cartridge Capacity: Up to 39,000 l (depending on water quality) Weight: 3300 g / 116.4 oz Dimensions: 25 x 45 cm / 11 x 18 in Capacity: 40"000 gal / 150"000 L BPA-free: Katadyn uses only plastics that are FDA approved and BPA-free.

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Adventure Medical Heatsheets Survival Blanket Two Person Review

It wasn't actually an emergency, it just got much colder than I expected up at Lake Vernon in Yosemite in late May. I woke up at 4am, thoroughly chilled, and realized I already was wearing all the clothing that would be reasonable (skipping damp stuff). I wasn't in any real danger, but had been hoping for a good nights sleep before a long hike the next day.

Eventually I realized I had one of these emergency blankets in my gear, and although I was pretty certain it was a one-use item (more later), I decided I might as well try it -- it would also be good to know what to expect in case of a real emergency.

First, kudos for making this so light that it is almost silly *not* to have something like it in your backcountry kit. And having wandered off the track once in a New Zealand rainforest, I really really really like bright orange and bright shiny reflective surfaces, and this has both. I was able to find my own path back to the main trail that time, but the possibility of attracting a search helicopter's attention became something I've thought seriously about.

But I found two significant negatives:

* If your hands are already shaking due to the cold, simply unfolding this thing will be a problem. It expands to a big sheet, but that means the very thin material is folded so many times that it will take several minutes of careful attention and somewhat delicate handling to get it open.

* My mistake, but I didn't understand "blanket": I was expecting something like a bag. It turns out that is a different product, by the same manufacturer and also available on Amazon: look for "Adventure Medical Heatsheets Emergency Bivvy Orange" -- the "bivvy" means you can climb in directly, or slip your sleeping bag into (or, perhaps if your sleeping bag is wet, this might be better inside the bag?). In both cases, the material doesn't breathe so it will quickly collect condensation, so you'll be damp and uncomfortable but warmer.

There are emergency instructions printed on the orange side, which would mostly just make interesting reading while trying to stay warm. For example, you could use the sheet to make a solar still to gather water, but I suspect the overwhelming majority of people that might want or need something like this are fending off hypothermia, not thirst.

And the only reason you might want to try to reuse this would another night in a different location during the same emergency. I tried folding it up, but the result was at least four times as big as the original (and damp, too, from condensation).

The key problem with a blanket is that you'll want to tuck it in to enclose yourself, but such thin filmy material doesn't tuck well; this stuff is thinner than aluminum foil, but thicker than cling wrap (and stronger than both). And you'll want it under you, since you'll lose heat from that side too -- but if you want it wrapped all around you, why a sheet instead of a bag? The bivvy is twice the price, but I think would be much easier to use (and perhaps reuse, at least judging from the product picture).

The only advantage of the blanket is that it could be wrapped around two people -- but not for overnight, just for an unexpected downpour, as the product photo suggests. Preventing a cold drenching might be all you need, but the biv sack could be easily modified to do the same, whereas this product won't be nearly as good if you have to overnight it.

Recommendation: Get a "Adventure Medical Heatsheets Emergency Bivvy Orange" for everyone in the party instead. Yes, you'll pay more, but don't scrimp on critical emergency gear.

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Product Description:
The Adventure Medical Heatsheets Two Person Blanket reflects 90% of your body's heat to help keep you and your hiking partner warm through an unexpected emergency bivy. Carry this 2.8-ounce blanket in your pack whenever there exists the slightest chance that you won't make it back to the trailhead by sundown. Adventure Medical made the Heatsheets Two Person Blanket in bright orange, so it will be easy for a search party to spot you from a distance.

Product Features

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AMK Spark-Lite Review

The good things you have read are true, but it could be modestly improvemed:
1. There is nothing wrong with the included tinder, but I would prefer to save a dollar.
2. The packaging is excessive for the eco-conscious consumer.
3. The directional marking is fairly clear, but might not be noticed in a stressful situation.
4. A lanyard hole would give more security.

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Product Description:
Adventure Medical Kits Spark-Lite Adventure Medical Kits Spark-Lite Firestarter & Tinder-Quik is a waterproof official military firestarter, useable one-handed and tested for over 1,000 sparks. Tinder-QuikTM is waterproof and burns for 2-3 minutes giving you plenty of time to light a fire. Waterproof Tinder-Quick: official military firestarter Useable one-handed Tested for over 1,000 sparks Burns for 2-3 minutes so you can start your fire Same as style #371947

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Katadyn Hiker Field Maintenance Kit Review

Nice to have the spare parts along. I think it could use a couple of Quick Fill Hydration Adaptors added in. When I bought my Katadyn Filte it came with 1 and a half connectors. ;O}..silly huh? Other than that, cool stuff...

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Product Description:
Improves long-term performance of Hiker Microfilter FEATURES of the Hiker Field Maintenance Kit by Katadyn Cleanable filter protector extends cartridge life in challenging conditions Deluxe carry bag upgrades older style bag and protects microfilter Silicon lubricant keeps parts moving smoothly Replacement o-rings for cartridge and pump handle

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AMK Heatsheets Emergency Bivvy from Rescue Essentials Review

This is an outstanding piece of equipment.None of us fully expects to be caught in a bad situation; they EMERGE upon us, and we'd better be prepared.

I ordered this for my daily emergency kit (something that would fit in a small shoulder pouch or Camelbak M.U.L.E.If you're looking for a sleeping bag for regular use, by all means, buy the doggone sleeping bag.This isn't it.For good lightweight bags, check out SnugPack. They're great.But I honestly don't want to carry around even a compact 3 lb. sleeping bag every day "just in case" I get caught needing shelter.This little bivvy foots the bill perfectly.

The Heatsheets Emergency Bivvy in the "stuff sack" is about half the size of a soda can and weighs mere ounces.I didn't weigh it, but it's negligible.The stuff sack is ultralight nylon with a cheap but sufficient drawstring.
The Bivvy itself is made of reflective mylar with a hi-viz orange coating on the outside.The material is THIN!But it's warm.You'll retain 90% of your body heat from the bag alone, which is good in case your clothes get soaked and you have to hang them out to dry.The mylar in this product is a bit better than in the cheaper fold-up space blankets you see at most big-box stores.It's got a bit of flex/stretch to it and is slightly more tear resistant.It WILL tear, of course, but it's not as disastrous as in the other options.Tears can be repaired with duct tape in a pinch.

If you're serious about building an emergency kit, you need to add this piece of gear.It's better for personal insulation than a space blanket, as it's a bag.You can still pack the "blanket" and use that as a tarp/shelter.For the price, the size, the weight and the added tech above the older blankets, it's hard to go wrong with this for a short term emergency.

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Product Description:
Adventure Medical Kits Heatsheets Emergency Bivvy Vacuum-metalized polyethylene, providing durable yet quiet protection Bright orange exterior is easy to spot, even in bad weather Protection from water and wind Sized to shelter one adult Comes with nylon stuff sack for convenient stowage Wt: 3.8 oz

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Polar Pure Water Disinfectant With Iodine Crystals Review

Our group used Polar Pure in the Boundary Waters and Quetico on a week-long canoe trip.At first, everyone was squeamish about using iodine and so we spent a lot of time pumping water with a conventional filter.But the filter leaked and so some of us decided maybe we'd try to survive the awful taste of iodine in the water.Color me surprised - the water tasted fine.It was convenient - just dip your water bottle over the side of the canoe to fill, add a capful of Polar Pure solution, shake, and wait 20 minutes.It tasted great.Could I taste the difference between Polar Pure and filtered water?Sure, on a side-by-side taste test I could tell a slight difference.But it was so much more compact and convenient than the water filter that I switched to Polar Pure for the rest of the week.Now I'm going to get bottles for the rest of the family so that we can take it on our hikes and trips in the Cascades and Olympics.A small bottle in a backpack and we'll never run out of water on those hot grinding switchback trails.

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Product Description:
Whether you're traveling in unfamiliar countries, camping in the great outdoors, or just want to be prepared in case of emergency, the Polar Pure water disinfectant is a space-efficient, reliable choice. Polar Pure uses a unique bottle design to deploy pure crystallized iodine into contaminated water. This iodine destroys waterborne pathogens, including the Giardia cysts and microorganisms (viruses) that normally pass through filters. All you have to do is simply add water to your Polar Pure bottle--which features a particle trap to prevent the loss of iodine crystals--and you will create a saturated solution to disinfect your water. The water cap then acts as the measuring cup, dispersing the required amount of Polar Pure to disinfect each quart/liter bottle of water.
Polar Pure offers several advantages over other water-disinfectant methods. It's far more portable than carrying household chlorine bleach, which is often available only in a dilute solution when traveling in many parts of the world. It's more convenient than bringing along enough fuel to boil water every time you want a drink, especially at altitude. And unlike most water filters, Polar Pure doesn't get clogged over time. In fact, a single bottle of Polar Pure treats up to 2,000 quarts of water. Other advantages: Polar Pure doesn't deteriorate in extreme temperatures, it has an indefinite shelf life, and it's small and light enough for backpacking or traveling.

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Aquamira Frontier Emergency Water Filter System Review

I bought the Aquamira filtration straw as a lightweight way to keep safe and not get sick from water-born illnesses (Cryptosporidiosis and Giardiasis being the two major ones) while abroad. I still carry water filtration tablets while abroad as a "just in case" item, but let's face it - that's a pain to deal with and you need to be planning ahead. Sometimes you just need to drink now.

I really can't get over how light this thing is. It weighs less than an ounce, and fits easily inside of any pocket you can think of. The collapsible straw is a bonus. The straw is rated at being able to filter around 20 gallons of water before it's discarded.

The price and size make this a "must have" for any hiker/camper/traveler/survivalist. Sure, you'll probably not use it, you'll be glad you have it.

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Product Description:
Ideal for hiking, travel, and emergency preparedness, the Aquamira Frontier emergency water filter system is the perfect addition to your 72-hour emergency kit. The Frontier filter's proprietary blend of microscopic carbon, binder and antimicrobial particles is tested and certified to remove more than 99.9 percent of cryptosporidium and Giardia while also helping improve water taste and eliminate odors. At the same time, the filter is also easy to operate: just attach and expand the straw, submerge the filter end into the water source, and drink through the straw. It's just like drinking soda from a cup or bottle, or you can even drink directly from a water source, such as a stream or lake. And at less than 1 ounce, the Frontier slips easily into a daypack, shirt pocket, or travel bag, so it's always ready when you need it. A single Frontier unit filters up to 20 gallons (75 liters) of water.
Aquamira's Filtration Technology
Aquamira's blend of filtration particles is heated beyond the melting point of the binder material until the particles adhere to each other in a process called "sintering." The result is a highly porous, carbon-impregnated filter block with a tightly controlled pore structure. Aquamira Filtration Technology incorporates both mechanical and absorptive filtration processes to remove both physical and chemical contaminants. Although the Frontier filter does reduce bacterial and viruses, it is not certified to remove the more than 99.9999 percent of bacteria and 99.99 percent of viruses required by the U.S. EPA water purifier standard. For maximum protection, use the Frontier in conjunction with water treatment drops or water purifier tablets.
About Aquamira
Aquamira water treatment drops were introduced to the outdoor market in 1999, and have been a favorite of top outdoor guides and instructors ever since. The original idea was simple--people should be able to drink water anywhere, and the water should be safe to drink, taste good, and be easy to treat. This idea inspired the company's research team to develop the technology for a variety of portable drinking water systems and a line of water treatment products that effectively treat water in all kinds of environments, including when camping, traveling in a foreign country, or faced with a disaster. More recently, Aquamira has expanded its vision to include providing basic life-preserving items for both individuals and groups, such as villages in developing countries. Aquamira is headquartered in Logan, Utah.

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Lawson Hammock Blue Ridge Camping Hammock Review

There are definitely some advantages to hammock camping such as being off the ground and not sleeping on a hard surface. I have no trouble with sleeping in the Lawson Hammock, but I have discovered a few setbacks about hammock camping in general. If privacy is required to change clothes, changing inside the hammock is tough but doable. You don't really have an area to store your gear while camping and especially while sleeping that a tent provides. It is extremely difficult to cold weather camp using a hammock. The process of positioning yourself in the hammock in a closed sleeping bag is tough due to the slick surfaces of both the nylon hammock and the bag. The fact of being suspended in the air (cold air)on a compressed sleeping bag does not allow the camper to retain body heat as compared to sleeping on a closed cell pad. To best use the Lawson Hammock as a bivy, the camper needs to be smaller than 6' and really a lean individual as the suspended roominess disappears once the hammock is on the ground.

All that being said, I'm still glad I bought the hammock. I will gladly use it in spring/fall conditions where sleeping under a bag or blanket will suffice. I did have an aluminum pole to snap which was replaced with no squabble under warranty.

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Product Description:
Maximize your camping options by utilizing our # 1 Rated (by publications such as Backpacker and Outside Magazines) Blue Ridge Camping Hammock by Lawson Hammock Company for any of your outdoor adventures. With our unique arch pole and spreader bar system, you can camp virtually anywhere because it enables our product to be used suspended as a hammock or on the ground as a traditional tent. This system also allows for more comfort by keeping the bed "taut", eliminating the "cocoon" effect. Easy to use and packs small (22in x 6in) and light (4.25 lbs)..no need to carry extra gear like sleeping pads or tarps. Comes with detachable rain fly and built in no-see-um netting for a dry, bug-free experience. Made of quality material including rip-stop nylon, has a 250 pound weight capacity, roomy interior (86in.x 42in.) and comes with a 1 year warranty. Live the Good Life with one of our hammocks!

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