Launched on Kickstarter last week, the M.C. Hammie is made from rugged ripstop nylon that has been treated with a durable water-resistant coating, giving it the ability to keep moisture at bay. It functions just like a standard hammock, allowing users to sling it up between a couple of trees and relax in comfort both at home or while in the backcountry. But, unlike most other hammocks, it can also serve as a waterproof ground blanket with enough room for up to eight people and, in a pinch, it can also be converted into an emergency shelter, not unlike a traditional tent.
The designers behind the M.C. Hammie created the hammock as a way of lightening their load when they hit the trail for a day with friends. The prototype model weighs in at just over two pounds, although that number climbs to 3.2 pounds when you factor in stakes, paracord, and straps to lash it to a tree. That is still considerably lighter than carrying a tent, blanket, and a hammock individually, however, and it takes up a lot less room in a backpack too.
Wildish hopes to raise $15,000 to get the hammock into production and if successful, they hope to begin shipping the M.C. Hammie in September at a price tag of $129. Early-bird adopters can pre-order one now for just $99 however as part of the Kickstarter campaign.