On July 22nd, ENO celebrates National Hammock Day — its 10th anniversary. A $1.45 billion industry. A Swiss study showing hammock napping improves sleep quality. A hammock 500 feet in the air in Moab, Utah. And a company founded by two brothers selling hammocks out of a van at music festivals in Florida in 1999 that pioneered the first knotless suspension system and made hammocking accessible to everyone. Anna Rawlins, Chief Marketing Officer of ENO, joins The Parks Podcast to celebrate — and to talk about how Asheville is rebuilding after Hurricane Helene.
A note from Missy: I LOVE A HAMMOCK! I can completely get into a day celebrating this toy/outdoor essential. So when I could catch up with Anna from ENO and geek out about hammock history, sign me up!
Episode Guest
Anna Rawlins, Chief Marketing Officer
ENO
Hammock Stats
- Height: Never hang higher than 18 inches off the ground (“never hang your hammock higher than you’re willing to fall”)
- Trees: Over 6 inches in diameter, mature, healthy, no dead limbs above
- Check park rules: Some parks (Joshua Tree NP) prohibit hammocking to protect fragile ecosystems
- Don’t stack hammocks: They can break under combined weight
- Take it down when not in use: Protects environment and extends hammock life
- Care: Store in cool, dry, dark place; machine wash without carabiners; inspect for pinholes, discoloration, texture changes
- Under quilt: Essential for hammock sleeping below 60°F — sleeping bag loft is compressed by body weight
Hammock Safety Rules
- Some debate on where hammocking began – South America, Athens, Greece, maybe somewhere else? We know that hammocks or hammock-like objects appear in etchings & paintings throughout history
- Hammocks have been used on Apollo 12 for better sleep and military use them for tight quarters sleeping
- $1.45 Billion of hammocks was sold in 2024
- A swiss study found that napping in a hammock leads to better sleep vs a stationary surface
- The tallest hammock is located in Utah’s Moab Dessert – nearly 500ft in the air
Transcript
National Hammock Day — How to Hammock, Where to Hammock, and Why It Matters
The Parks Podcast, Episode 33 | Anna Rollins, Chief Marketing Officer, ENO (Eagles Nest Outfitters)
Welcome and Hammock Stats
Missy Rentz: In today’s episode, I am joined by Anna Rollins, who is the Chief Marketing Officer at ENO. Anna, welcome to The Parks Podcast.
Anna Rollins: Thank you for having me, Missy. I’m stoked to be here.
Missy: Okay, so we are about to celebrate one of our favorite holidays — National Hammock Day here in the United States — and so it makes this conversation even more special for me, because I know you also love this holiday.
Anna: July 22nd. It’s marked on our calendars a year in advance.
Missy: Circled and all of that. I want to just start — when we’re talking to parks, we go through park stats, but I’ve done a little homework on hammock stats. Some debate on where hammocking began — the thoughts are South Africa, Athens, Greece. We know that hammocks or hammock-like objects were in etchings and paintings throughout history. Hammocks have been used on Apollo 12 for better sleeping, and the military has historically used them when they have tight sleeping quarters. It’s a $1.45 billion industry — that’s how many were sold in 2024. A Swiss study found that napping in a hammock can lead to better sleeping versus stationary sleeping. The tallest hammock is located in Utah’s Moab Desert — it’s nearly 500 feet in the air, which is so intimidating to me and my fear of heights, but it really does look pretty beautiful. I love hammocking. I do it all the time. So it was interesting to see these stats about the thing we love.
Anna: I love that you put these together, especially the Swiss study about napping in a hammock leading to better sleep. I find that I sleep better in one myself.
How ENO Was Born
Missy: First I want to start with a little bit about ENO. ENO is — you do a lot of things, but I first was introduced to you many years ago for your hammocks, and I feel like ENO brought hammocks back and made them cool again.
Anna: Very different design.
Missy: Yes. So you started in 1999. How was the company created?
Anna: ENO was founded in 1999 by the Pinholster brothers, selling hammocks out of a van at music festivals and gatherings along the way. They started in the state of Florida, then expanded to the East Coast and the US and now even across the globe. Our classic Double Nest was the first product. And then our Atlas hammock straps — a slightly different version back in the day — was the first knotless hammock suspension system, which really opened it up to a much wider range of people. You didn’t have to know how to tie any special knots or untie them. So it really made it easier and more accessible. The whole original idea with this lifestyle focused on traveling was rooted in freedom to explore the world, connect with people, and to relax between those adventures by giving you that dedicated space. By making these hammocks portable and expanding to a much wider group of people, we really see ourselves as kind of the pioneer of the hammock counterculture that happened in the late nineties and early two thousands.
Missy: I think that’s a great way to say it — a pioneer — because you see them everywhere. I will take the dog for a walk on college campuses and there they are. It’s my go-to graduation gift because it’s so easy to store in a dorm room. But it’s also like this word — hammocking. What does it mean?
Anna: Hammocking — it’s kind of a lifestyle. It’s also a product. It’s also a general vibe. Using your hammock however you like to in a safe way. You can hang hammocks between trees or secure attachment points. You can put it on a stand, you can convert them to a chair. You can use them in almost any capacity — your backyard, on campus, in a park, at a music festival, when you go camping in the middle of nowhere or in the middle of urban spaces. That’s one of the appeals to our hammocks — that you can use them in such a wide range of activities and find a place to relax. It gives you a spot to take a moment for yourself. You can connect and talk and hang out with friends. You can journal, listen to music, meditate, take a nap, or rock out to music depending on where you are and what you want to do.
How to Hammock Safely — and Leave No Trace
Missy: You talked a little bit about doing it safely, and I think there are different avenues I want to take with this. First there’s the safety of how you’re hanging it. And I’ve been to several parks where hammocks were just not allowed at all. And I think you guys have addressed this in some of your marketing. There is a way to safely protect our environment while hammocking.
Anna: There is. We always recommend to use the principles of Leave No Trace anytime you’re enjoying your time outside, and especially when hammocking. A lot of it comes down to finding the right location. Making sure — first — that it’s allowed in that park. A lot of super fragile ecosystems will not allow hammocking because there could be damage. Joshua Tree National Park is one, which makes total sense. So first, make sure it’s allowed where you’re going. Two, make sure whatever you’re attaching to is secure. Typically if that’s trees, you’d want them to be over six inches in diameter — mature, healthy, substantial trees with no dead limbs above you, and nothing sharp below you. If you’re using different attachment points like eye bolts in four-by-fours, you’d want to make sure that it’s structurally able to hold your hammock when in motion with your weight. There’s a lot of physics that go into hammocking, so if you’re not sure, check with a professional. We’d always recommend to not hang them any higher than 18 inches off the ground.
Missy: That surprised me. I do it wrong and I need to fix that.
Anna: Never hang your hammock higher than you’re willing to fall. It’s pretty simple.
Missy: That’s really good — where’s the T-shirt that says that?
Anna: So when you mentioned the 500-foot hammock in the air, that was stressing me out a little bit. But a lot of people will use harnesses — professional climbers. But for general use population, be safe. Don’t hang it high. Do not stack hammocks — they can break, so you don’t want to be falling on anyone or from a tall height. Be sure to take it down when you’re not in use. That’s a mix of just being conscious of the environment and not invading the space when you’re not using it — but it’ll also extend the lifespan of your hammock.
Missy: And the way hammocks — particularly your hammocks — are made, care is pretty easy for them too.
Anna: So much of it is store it in a cool, dry, dark place out of direct sunlight. Most of our hammocks, depending on the style, you can wash them just by removing the carabiners. I say every stain is a memory.
Missy: Yeah, mine’s starting to fade a little and bleed a little, and has maybe some s’more stuff on it.
Anna: Oh yeah. And so every time you use it, just inspect it — check and see if there’s any pinholes, any discoloration, if the fabric feels like a different texture. And if you do feel any of that, we would recommend to discontinue use, reach out to us. We can always see if it’s something that we can fix, or it might be time for a new hammock.
The Appeal of Hammocking
Missy: I feel like it has become just a standard in outdoor recreation. What do you think the appeal is of hammocking?
Anna: They’re easy to use and really comfortable. Hammocks can really turn any place into a spot of rest and relaxation, which is much needed these days by most people. You’re off the ground, you’re supported, you can sway with the breeze. You’re immersed in nature. You feel like you’re a part of it, and they really invite you to slow down — which is something we don’t tend to do often in our everyday life. Hammocks are also extremely versatile. You can use the same hammock in a bunch of different settings, from the beach to the backwoods. You could use it in everyday lounging or as your main sleep system when you’re camping or ultralight backpacking, with just a few extra accessories.
Missy: And National Hammock Day — you mentioned it’s July 22nd. This is its 10th anniversary, and you guys usually do a lot to celebrate — contests, promotions, encouraging people to plan hammock time.
Anna: We do. This is a holiday — you don’t really have to buy a gift for someone. You don’t have to travel to see anyone. We just want you to hammock, just hang out with us. We joke around here and call it ENO Day because it’s our main holiday. So be sure to check out our social media — you’ll see how some of our employees take it very seriously this year.
Missy: And you guys have contests too, where even throughout the year, you highlight how hammocks are used. It has given me several ideas of how to take pictures with a hammock involved. You certainly celebrate year round. And for me, hammocking reconnects me with my youth because it feels like I’m playing, and there aren’t many times in life where I feel like I’m playing. And I think there’s something really special about a hammock — the look on people’s faces whenever they see a hammock is just childlike. It’s so much fun.
Anna: I think one of my favorite parts about it is I think that feeling is somewhat universal. I’ll be working an event and have hammocks strung up, and people just run over to take a seat and test them out. And then it creates this air of just community and collaboration and a nice, fun, easy hangout. I’ve met some of my closest friends from just inviting them to sit in a hammock.
Where to Hammock — Camping, Home, Parks, and Travel
Missy: Let’s talk about how and where people hammock. I have like four categories. Let’s talk about camping and how you can use a hammock camping.
Anna: There are a few different ways to use hammocks when camping. You can use it more recreationally — just around camp as a seat that’s off the ground. You could still have your traditional tent and sleep system and use the hammock as a place to hang out. Always supervised though when it comes to kids — always supervised in the hammock. You can also use your hammock as your main camping sleep system. We have our more classic gathered-end parachute hammocks, which really work across the board for a variety of activities. With these, it’s a very modular setup — you have your hammock, your hammock straps, and we also have bug nets and rain tarps. So you can build this elevated tent off the ground, which is your hammock. This works really well in areas where the ground is not level, where it’s uneven. There are a lot of lumps or rocks or sticks that tend to stick in your back. My favorite part about it is — if it’s not buggy, or if it’s supposed to be a clear night — you fall asleep looking at the stars and wake up to the sunrise with no barrier between you and the outdoors. It’s beautiful. I’d much prefer that than waking up sweating in a tent with all the bugs swarming underneath the rain fly and it’s heated up to 100 degrees already and it’s only 7:00 AM.
Anna: We also have more camping-oriented hammocks that have integrated bug nets and lighter weight suspension systems. There’s ultralight hammocks if you’re really an ounce counter. And when sleeping in your hammock, you tend to get a cold butt if it’s anywhere like 60 degrees and below. There’s a product called an under quilt — it essentially hangs below your hammock and keeps you warm by maintaining loft. If you’re in your sleeping bag inside the hammock, your body weight is compressing the loft of that sleeping bag, so it’s really not going to retain much heat. An under quilt is typically best to use when hammock camping, and then you can use a top quilt or a typical sleeping bag to keep the top of your body warm.
Missy: I’m so intrigued by it. I’ve only seen it done one time in Maine and every so often you guys will post some pictures of it. But I feel like I have to do so much research before I try it because I would want to do it properly.
Anna: It is so enjoyable. I laugh because when I go camping with friends who set up tents, I’m typically set up first. If it’s nasty out and raining, I can still hang out with people in my hammock instead of being closed off in the tent. And it’s just something you can use all over camp instead of only sleeping in overnight. So the functionality of hammocks at camp, as long as there are trees or you’re bringing a stand with you, works really well.
Missy: I might have to try this. You may have convinced me. Okay, let’s talk about at home.
Anna: So in the home, you could still use that same gathered-end parachute hammock with different hanging kits indoors or outside, as well as with hammock stands. Hammocks are nice at home just as a creative option for seating. In kids’ rooms as a reading nook or just a dedicated relaxation spot. We have some larger backyard hammocks that are quite large with stands. The Super Nest is actually one that I have at home — I read my Kindle on it every single evening after work and snuggle my 100-pound dog on essentially a queen-size hammock.
Missy: Oh my gosh.
Anna: It’s fantastic.
Missy: Yeah. I had mine at one of my houses as like my back porch furniture — I just put the bolts in the wall and did it. The other thing I’ve heard it being used for a lot is nap time for kids.
Anna: Oh yeah. And really all ages of kids. There are a lot of young parents here at ENO that say the only way they can get their infant or toddler asleep is to lay in a hammock with their child.
Missy: Yeah, you get it — rocking an infant to sleep. And that study about the gentle sway. And then the last one is in parks, which is different than camping but in parks they’re great.
Anna: Oh yeah. And again, it’s kind of that everyday use. You can take it to a picnic with friends, using straps or some portable stands, in a variety of different parks, whether it’s a national park, a local greenway, or even just a playground.
Missy: Yeah. And you mentioned some colleges have that setup where there were like three you could hook to it. And I think it’s such a great way to integrate it into what we’re doing.
Anna: Anytime that we can set an intentional space for people to connect and slow down, it’s going to be beneficial.
Missy: Yeah. And that connection point is really key. You can go out with your friends and put the phone down and just sway and chit chat. I think that’s a really beautiful thing. And I think that comes back to the whole idea of what is hammocking — it’s really using and enjoying your hammock in a way that brings you joy. And for so many people that is going out with friends, setting up their hammocks, and hanging out. It’s not some big place you have to go to, you don’t have to pay to gain entry into a specific area — it’s a product that can unlock all of these different experiences no matter where you go.
Buying Safe Gear and ENO’s Recovery After Hurricane Helene
Missy: Is there something people should look for when they’re buying their gear to know they’ve got the safe way to hang it on a tree?
Anna: Hammock straps are really the best way to go when it comes to hanging your hammock on trees. For the most part, hammock straps are widely tested, so just make sure you’re getting them from a reputable brand. You can check the capacity and weight rating, and then read the directions to make sure that you’re setting it up correctly.
Missy: Clearly I didn’t do that since I’m hanging mine like four feet off the ground. What’s your favorite way to use a hammock?
Anna: The most frequent way is definitely in my backyard. Just that everyday use and that intentional space to relax. When I was on vacation last week, we strung one up under the pier at the beach — it’s 95 degrees, really hot and humid, you’re in the shade, you have a spot to relax, you’re not getting sandy, you can feel the breeze. It was just fantastic. I really like those everyday opportunities to use that hammock and relax.
Missy: So Anna, I know we’re talking a lot about hammocking and the fun of hammocking, but I also want to bring up that ENO is an Asheville brand. A year ago, you all got hit really hard with the hurricanes, and you were a big supporter in the recovery as an organization, but you were also living in it — it was home. How’s Asheville? How’s the region? How’s the recovery going?
Anna: I appreciate you asking about that. September 27th will be a day that we’ll never forget. But it’s been, I think, eight or nine months now. And recovery every day is a step in the right direction. The town itself has changed, but being able to see people come together — and the outdoor industry in particular — has been nothing short of amazing, supporting cleanup efforts. During the thick of it, even rescue operations with our whitewater community. It was really impactful to see how this area is uniquely situated to respond to a situation like that. No one really expected this — Asheville was considered a climate haven. But it is beautiful to see the community come together. We’re excited to see where we’ll be nine more months from now. But a big way that anyone can help us is come visit us. Book excursions with local experiential providers. Shop locally, go out to eat, spend all your money in Asheville, and you are supporting locals and our recovery. It’ll be a while till things are looking somewhat normal.
Missy: One thing you have introduced me to is just how big of an outdoor industry that area is. So anything you want to do could be done in that region, and I encourage people to put it on the top of their list for their next outdoor vacation spot. So how will you celebrate National Hammock Day?
Anna: First is just by getting more people outside hammocking — from all of our social content and all of our friends. And then I think we’ll probably take the dog for a hike in a local park and string up some hammocks and bring some snacks.
Missy: I love it. I encourage people to go to your Instagram page and see what’s up leading into National Hammock Day — and also during National Hammock Day, you guys usually have some really fun contests and opportunities for people.
Anna: Every year on July 22nd, check our website. And if you want a reminder, subscribe to our email list.
Speed Round
Earliest park memory?
Running around barefoot, climbing trees, and covered head to toe in mud, being chased by geese in a local park where I grew up called Echo Lake in Glen Allen, Virginia.
What made you love the parks?
I’ve always felt free in parks. Again, just that running around, climbing on things, getting dirty — that freedom has always been allowed in parks that you can’t do in many other public spaces.
Favorite thing about parks?
Having a dedicated space for slowing down, escaping that everyday life. Immersing myself in nature.
Favorite thing to do when you’re in a park?
Lately I’ve gotten really into mountain biking. There are so many wonderful trails in national parks and parks around Asheville. Right now I’ll get together with some girlfriends, ride bikes, swim in the lakes, and relax in a hammock. It’s like the perfect day.
Park on your bucket list?
Yosemite. I’m dying to visit Yosemite. It’s iconic. I think it’s so different visually than a lot of the other parks I’m used to on the East Coast — we’re very green, lush, rounded mountaintops that aren’t very high. So I’d love to experience its epicness and grandness.
Three must-haves for a park visit?
First one is pretty obvious — a hammock and straps. Second would be water and snacks. And third would be a good book or my bike, depending on the day.
Favorite campfire activity?
S’mores, but we do a weird version of them where our graham crackers would always get crushed. So you take M&M peanuts, smush them in a very large marshmallow, and you roast that. So the chocolate melts inside the candy, and then the peanut in the center gives you that crunch like the graham cracker.
Tent, camper, or cabin — or hammock?
Hammock always. The nice quick setup. If it’s nice weather, you can fall asleep under the stars and it’s so much more open. You can sleep in as well without getting super sweaty.
Hiking with or without trekking poles?
Without — unless it’s super steep or there’s a lot of water crossings.
Favorite trail snack?
Gushers.
Best animal sighting?
I was foraging for mushrooms and stumbled upon a mama black bear that was eating berries. It was from a safe distance, but still a bit shocking. It was just so beautiful to see her and her babies in nature.
Favorite sound in the park?
A storm rolling in. The sound of wind coming through the trees first, then it gets a little bit louder, a little bit more constant — then you can hear the rain when it’s at a distance, right before it hits you. It just feels magical and almost primal, how you can tell as soon as that wind picks up that a storm is coming.
Greatest gift the parks give to us?
Perspective. They remind us that we’re a part of something much bigger, which is just very awe-inspiring. They give us a place to reconnect with nature and ourselves.
Missy: Anna, thank you for taking time to talk to us about hammocking, how to hammock, and getting us ready to celebrate National Hammock Day.
Anna: Thank you, Missy. I hope to see you out in a hammock on National Hammock Day.
Missy: You will see me there. Excellent. Thanks for listening today. Until next time — we’ll see you in the parks.
Music for The Parks Podcast is performed and produced by Porter Hardy. Follow us @TheParksPodcast or visit TheParksPodcast.com.