In Episode 95 of The Hammock Hangers Podcast, your host Phoenix sits down for a heartfelt and enlightening conversation with returning guest and good friend of the show, Stephanie Arends. Together, they dive into a topic that isn’t often discussed enough in the outdoor and hammocking communities — hammocking while living with illnesses and navigati…

In this solo episode, Pheonix sits down with Jackson Busch, the creative mind behind Madison River Outdoors, to talk about a game-changing new hammock design that’s shaking up the world of hammock camping. Unlike traditional hammocks that rely on an underquilt for insulation, Jackson’s design features an integrated air mattress system built right i…

In this exciting episode, Skunkape, Pheonix, and Waterboy are buzzing with anticipation as they get ready to head across the pond for the second annual HangCon Europe and The Danish Outdoor Festival! For Skunkape and Pheonix, this marks their second trip to Denmark, and they’re stoked to revisit some favorite places, reconnect with their European h…

In this episode of The Hammock Hangers Podcast, Phoenix goes solo to chat with Haley Ladner, a dedicated librarian and educator from Mississippi who has created a truly inspiring outdoor space for her students. Haley shares how a simple Pinterest post sparked the idea for The Hammock Garden, a unique reading space where students can relax in hammoc…

Welcome back to The Hammock Hangers Podcast! In this episode, Pheonix goes solo to break down the details of planning an international trip for HangCon Europe 2025 at the Danish Outdoor Festival. If you're thinking about joining us in Denmark, this episode is packed with insights to help you get prepared! Pheonix shares how he and Waterboy mapped o…

In this exciting episode of The Hammock Hangers Podcast, Skunkape and Pheonix welcome back Derek Tillotson, the founder of Haven Tents. Over the past year, Derek has been hard at work refining and innovating the Haven Tent design, and he joins us to share all the latest developments. Most notably, he announces the upcoming release of Haven Tents’ m…

Are you new to hammock camping and wondering where to start? In this episode, Skunkape and Pheonix break down Hammock Camping 101, covering everything you need to know to get off the ground—literally! We discuss: ✅ The different types of hammocks and which one might be right for you ✅ Essential gear like quilts, tarps, and ridgelines ✅ Suspension s…

In this episode of The Hammock Hangers Podcast, Skunkape, Pheonix, Kory from Majestic Hammock, and the legendary Shug gather to relive the incredible experience of HangCon 2025! With nearly 600 guests in attendance, this year’s event was bigger and better than ever. We chat about how the event unfolded, the amazing lineup of vendors, and the fantas…

This week we have one of the OG's from the hammocking community join us to talk about everything from how he got started in hammock camping, to the 3rd edition of his very popular book on everything about hammocks, called The Ultimate Hang. Yes, I am talking about none other than, Derek Hansen. I'm sure a good number of you have bought and read one…

I hope everyone had a great Christmas, and is ready to bring in the new year as we roll into 2025. Join Skunkape and Pheonix as they do a look back on 2024, talk about what their goals are for 2025, and of course, talk a little about HangCon 2025, coming up in just a few short weeks. Contact Skunkape & Pheonix: Email : skunkape@thehammockhangerspod…

Pheonix catches back up with a couple of friends that are no stranger to the podcast or the hammocking community, Kristen and Cal, from YOBO Gear. Pheonix wanted to have these two back on so that they could talk some about their newest creation, the Turtle Bug stand. They go into detail about everything from the designing of the stand, to the wait …

Welcome to Episode #84 of The Hammock Hangers Podcast! In this episode, Pheonix is catching back up with Danny Warnock, the founder of Superior Gear, to talk about the company’s latest creation: the Voyager hammock. This new hammock features synthetic insulation, offering a great option for those looking to stay warm and comfortable in all kinds of…

In this exciting episode, we sit down with outdoor enthusiast Matt Lawder, who shares his incredible experiences hiking the Appalachian Trail, the Pacific Crest Trail, and the Pinhoti Trail. From breathtaking vistas to the challenges of life on the trail, Matt gives us an insider’s look at what it truly means to be a long-distance hiker. We delve i…

This week, Skunkape and Pheonix chat a little bit after Hurricane Milton makes it's was through Florida, to find out how each faired through the storm. And since we just had to deal with the storm and rain, we figured that we would talk some about tarps and which type we each use when we are headed out for some camping and may encounter a storm or …

https://youtu.be/W15kVpYgrHI?si=iAuYraZOotHf1wqh Eyeshine is a visible effect caused by the tapetum lucidum, a reflective layer of tissue located behind the retina in the eyes of many animals. This layer acts as a retroreflector, bouncing light that passes through the retina back into the eye, thereby enhancing the animal's ability to see in low-li…

Pheonix catches up with one of our Danish friends this week. Rasmus Madsen, or better known as Fimbul, from Fimbul Outdoors Instagram page makes the time to have a chat with Pheonix. They talk about everything from hanging out over in Denmark at the Danish Outdoor Festival to different places that Rasmus has been camping. Connect with Fimbul : Inst…

Research Pioneer Spotlight: In the world of cryptozoology, the elusive creature known as Bigfoot has sparked the curiosity and imagination of us all. But among the believers and skeptics, one renowned scientist stood out for his unique approach to this mystery—Dr. John Napier. A distinguished primatologist, Napier's contributions to the study of pr…

We are back with Pheonix as he talks about the second half of his 2024 family vacation along the East coast. This is part 2, where Pheonix and his family make their way out of Vermont and head further north to Maine before heading back home. Contact Skunkape & Pheonix: Email : [email protected] Website : https://www.hikingradion…

Join us this week as Pheonix talks about his 2024 family vacation along the East coast. This is part 1 of 2, where the Pheonix clan make their first stop in Georgia, and then make their way up to Vermont. Contact Skunkape & Pheonix: Email : [email protected] Website : https://www.hikingradionetwork.com/show/the-hammock-hangers-p…

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FF5NBlavRS4 This episode is the audio of Pt. 2 of the video linked discussed what to do with the the impressions recovered on your vehicle. What we didn't discuss is what that evidence means, and what it can mean. We also need to further the investigation after the collection of of your dermal evidence. Join me and f…

This is a special must listen to episode if you are planning on joining us for HangCon 2025. Skunkape & Pheonix go over all of the frequently asked questions that we get asked about the event, plus go over a few changes that have been made. All of the FAQs can be found on our website at www.hangcon.com under the FAQ tab at the top of the page. Cont…

In this week’s episode of The Hammock Hangers Podcast, you get to listen as Pheonix sits down with Chad and Britani, the owners of UGQ Outdoor, to explore their journey from passionate campers to leading outdoor gear innovators. UGQ Outdoor has made a name for itself with its top-notch, customizable quilts, and today’s conversation covers it all. J…

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tst15giw67c&t=420s Today, we're diving into the world of DNA and trace evidence in forensic science. Trace evidence refers to tiny particles like hair, pollen, and fibers that are often invisible to the naked eye, excluding DNA. "Trace DNA" and "touch DNA" are clarified, with "trace DNA" being the correct term for sm…

The story begins in 1967, in the dense forests of northern California, specifically in the Onion Mountain area. It was here that a set of unusual footprints were discovered. These prints were not just any footprints; they appeared to have dermal ridges—fine details similar to the friction ridges found in human fingerprints. This discovery was remar…

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qh5pGhX68DU&t=4s Bigfoot tree knocks are often described as that typical baseball hitting the baseball bat sound. That clear crisp "Thwack!". Listen to my first possible first recording of that sound. Then follow me into the investigation of what it could be. I still don't have the answer. However, I did discover ano…

This week, Pheonix caught up with a few of our Danish friends that we met while in Denmark at the first HangCon Europe and Danish Outdoor Festival. He chats with Christian, Niels, and Nils, to hear about each of their background stories and how they each got into hammock camping. They talk about gear, some of the places that they have been camping,…

This week Pheonix is going solo and talking about his journey into making the transition to ditching the hardware and only using knots for his hammock set up. He talks about the struggles and anxiety that some people have when it comes to even thinking about tying a knot, to some of his go to knots that he uses for his set up. Connect with The Hamm…

Our guest this week is Stephanie Arends. Stephanie is the miCHILIgan group hang events coordinator and will soon be taking over from "Karla with a K." She is working on a YouTube channel focusing on camping and traveling for "non-traditional" campers. Meaning, tips and tricks for camping and traveling if you are disabled, overweight, solo, or advan…

Pheonix is out and about on his yearly family vacation with his wife and 2 kid. This year they are here on the east coast enjoying some of the Appalachian Mountains and the A.T. We catch up with Pheonix while he is in Georgia visiting with family and meeting his new nephew for the first time. We find out what all they have gotten into and done so f…

Skunkape and Pheonix talk about some of the recent hangs that were very successful, and that we have added to our calendars to make sure to get to next year. Pheonix tells us about some new gear that he has recently obtained, as well as some that is on the way. We also go over the good and the bad flight experiences that we had during our trip over…

Join Skunkape, Pheonix, and The Lord of Lollygag himself, Shug, as they recap their travel over to Denmark for the Danish Outdoor Festival and the first ever, HangCon Europe. With the event hitting record numbers, 26,000 people coming to the event and over 300 hammocks hanging in the woods for the weekend, there were a lot of people for us all to t…

In this exciting episode of the podcast, Pheonix sits down with Dutch and Phi from Dutchware Gear for a captivating conversation filled with stories and insights. Phi shares his journey into the world of hammock camping and how it led him to his current role at Dutchware Gear. The trio also delves into the latest innovation, the Quilted Chameleon, …

Join us in this episode as Phoenix takes us on a captivating journey back to Hidden Pond for a heartwarming family hiking trip. Delve into the highs and lows of their outdoor escapade as they navigate trails, laughter, and unforeseen challenges. Tune in as Phoenix shares insights on their culinary adventures with freeze-dried camp meals – some hitt…

Join us in this episode as we talk with Eric Flottmann, the co-founder of the revolutionary Flip Fuel Device. Eric shares his inspiring journey of creating a product that has changed the game for backpacking, hiking, and any other outdoor adventure you are on where you are using a camp stove that uses isobutane fuel. Discover the technology, design…

On this weeks episode, Pheonix has our very own Matt Hammond, or y'all have all heard us refer to him as Water Boy, on to talk to. They talk some about their first adventures together, scouts, knot tying, kayaking, and much more. Connect with Skunkape & Pheonix Email : [email protected] Website : https://www.hikingradionetwork.c…

In this weeks episode, Pheonix and I talk about some exciting news about an upcoming adventure that we are about to go on. Some of you may have already heard about it or figured it out from some social media posts that we have made, but HangCon is going international and will be over in Denmark at the end of April. We have been invited by Christion…

This week on the podcast you will be hearing as Pheonix chats with Tony, or as a bunch of you may know him as, Random Adventures 2.0 They talk about everything from a stroke that Tony had, to his stealth camping adventures, his YouTube channel, and of course, about Tony's first ever trip down to HangCon. Tony has a bunch of great videos over on You…

We are back this week with our good friends, Cal and Kristen, from YOBO Gear. If you are new to the hammocking world, YOBO Gear is a cottage company that makes some of the best hammock stands on the market that include the Cricket Stand, Freedom Stand, the Hive, and now, coming soon, the Turtle Bug line of stands. If you were one of the many that w…

This week, Skunkape, Pheonix, and a few of the other HangCon crew get together to go over and chat about HangCon 2024 and their thought of how it went. The whole crew was not able to join us, but you will hear from Britt (Grizzley Beard), Juan (Florida Hanger), and then right at the end, Chino jumps in. You will hear us talk about some of the vendo…

In this episode we take a look at what some considered myths and fabrications that turned out to be true. From Machu Pichu, the Kraken, and yes even the famed platypus. We also look at how oral traditions play an important role in passing information down through generation to generation. Then actual newspaper articles are read and shared about Big…

This is a special episode that Pheonix and I recorded live while at HangCon 2024, so if the audio sounds a little different than usual, that would be why. We decide that we wanted to do a live, in person recording at HangCon so that some of our guests could participate and ask questions if they wanted to. Some did, but most just sat and listened to…

This week Pheonix is back with me and he has a special guest with him. He took a trip up to Virginia to spend a little time with a childhood friend, his beast friend to be exact, James Lawrie, and so he drug him on this weeks episode so we could all chat for awhile. They tell us when and how they met, why they became best friends, and why they refe…

Our guest this week is the Founder & CEO of Tentsil, Alex Shirley-Smith. Tentsile is a blend of both a hammock and a tent. You are suspended in the air between trees like a hammock, but you have the space and room of a tent that can hold multiple people. We have a nice chat with Alex, and hear about his passion for nature and the outdoors, along wi…

On this weeks episode, Pheonix and I have our 2024 HangCon pre talk. We discuss and answer some of the questions that that we regularly get asked from people that are wanting to come to HangCon and hang out with us for the weekend. Pheonix goes over some of the numbers/stats from the ones that are already registered for the event as far as the tota…

This is our 3rd episode that was recorded on-site at the Palmetto State Hangers, Fall Sprawl. Our guest this week is David Hughes, or some of you may know him better as Phantom Grappler. David has been in the hammock community for quite some time now, and is the one that took over the Yates Hang so that it would keep going. David is also a master o…

This is the 2nd of 3 episodes that Pheonix and I recorded onsite in South Carolina at the Fall Sprawl Hang that is hosted by The Palmetto State Hangers. Our guest for this episode is Jason Flowers, from Walhalla Hammocks and Outdoors. Pheonix and I had tried to record with Jason several times a while back but ended up having technical issues every …

This is 1 of 3 episodes that Pheonix and I recorded onsite in South Carolina at the Fall Sprawl Hang that is hosted by The Palmetto State Hangers. Our guest for this first episode is Barry Garibaldi, or also known as Cajun. Barry is one of our good friends that is a huge supporter in the hammocking community. He is a gear rep for 8 cottage vendors …

Our guest this week is an outdoor adventurer, environmental enthusiast, flower lover, thru-hiker, runner, gardener, and YouTuber based in Western North Carolina. On March 13th, She began her thru-hike of the Appalachian Trail from Springer Mountain, Georgia, and 166 days later summitted Mt Katahdin, Maine, and used her hammock for her journey. She …

Our guest this week is another YouTube sensation that has 14,000 subscribers and over 500 awesome videos uploaded that consist of everything from gear review videos to trip videos and how to videos. He has been making these great videos for everyone to watch since 2015. His name is Mark Orton, or many of you may know him as Spiguyver, from the Spig…

Welcome back, everyone. On this episode of the podcast, Pheonix talks more on his weight loss journey and tells us all of the ways that it has helped him with his hammocking and hiking, and a few ways that it has made it a little more challenging for him. He also goes over some recent events that are happening in the hammocking community, as well a…