I just returned from a camping trip with the motorcycle. While packing up my gear, I noticed that the tree straps are starting to fray. This is the moment I usually make a mental note to look for replacements, so that they are ready to go should the other ones fail.

Hummingbird Hammocks

My hammock and straps both are from Hummingbird Hammocks, and I am very satisfied with it. It is comfy, lightweight and packs down to an ultra small size.

Unfortunately they went out of business 10 months ago and have put all their designs a cut patterns, pretty much everything on GitHub under the MIT license. I am sad that they are gone, and at the same time awestruck by their brazen move to still uphold the quality promise to their customers at the same time.

Helinox

Some other gear I love and use regularly are my Helinox Lite Cot, which has a small tear in the fabric. I emailed them about it and without hesitation they sent me the replacement part free of charge. I haven’t yet installed it, but keep it handy should the tear get to the point that using it becomes uncomfortable.

Valleys & Hills

Another one is my travel towel from Valleys & Hills, which is packs down well, is lightweight, drys quickly and doesn’t smell. They are sold by a local couple near where I live that is travelling by van and couldn’t find any suitable products, then decided to make them themselves. Highly recommend.

And no, I still don’t make any money with this. I am merely a satisfied customer wanting them all to succeed, in order for them to be able to uphold the quality and sustainability promises to their customers (e.g. me).