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\u201cPeople from all over the United States and Canada meet up in places like the Huron-Manistee National Forests [extending across the northern lower peninsula of Michigan],\u201d said Mark. \u201cThe camps can last for three days up to a week with campers staying however long they can.\u201d<\/p>\n
The Carters camp year-round, mostly in the Midwest and Canada. Although his sons are grown now, they still enjoy spending quality time outdoors with their father and other family members. Winter camping is a bit of a tradition for the Carter Clan. \u201cMy son Carl and his wife, Jessica, my son Corey, my brother James and a few cousins camp with me,\u201d Mark stated.<\/p>\n Through his winter camping hobby, Mark realized there was a void in the camping gear and equipment industry for hammock tents. So what does any self-reliant, determined hobbyist do? He made his own, of course! Mark first learned to sew practicing on his mom\u2019s old Singer, repairing his camping gear. He later purchased a used Singer that he uses to sew his tents and hammocks.<\/p>\n Mark was inspired to sew his own hammock hot tent after watching a YouTube video his friend, and fellow winter camper, Tom Brown had posted. The video featured a tour of Tom\u2019s handmade hammock hot tent as he explained how he\u2019d constructed and sewn it. In the video, Tom mentioned using double-sided Seamstick Basting Tape on the tent\u2019s seams, and that\u2019s how Mark first learned about Sailrite.<\/p>\n Why sew a DIY hammock hot tent instead of buying one? \u201cNo one makes them commercially to the specifications I\u2019m looking for,\u201d Mark explained. \u201cSewing allows me to make the things I dream up a reality. I can make them the way I want them to look \u2014 a tent that weighs 4 lbs. that lets you sleep in a hammock and stays heated with a small wood stove. By sewing the tent myself, I can save money and build a tent with quality materials.\u201d<\/p>\n Mark has sewn two tents so far, as well as hammocks. His first tent was based on a wall tent, also known as a safari tent, and sleeps three. With more experience under his sewing belt, he kicked his design skills up a notch for his next tent. \u201cMy second tent was based on a Dogger TZ Brown design. I modified it for additional height and simplified it for easier construction and faster set up.\u201d<\/p>\n When designing and constructing a tent, Mark always begins with a paper drawing. He scales it down and decides how he wants it to look and the features he needs. He then figures out the dimensions and measurements. Next he plots out a full-size pattern on the floor in his home using painter\u2019s tape to map out the pieces. After that, he marks and cuts the fabric to match the taped pattern on the floor.<\/p>\n Next come the sewing and construction process. Mark uses Sailrite basting tape to sew the slippery silpoly tent panels together. \u201cSilpoly is very slippery fabric to sew and you want to avoid using pins through the fabric as it can create work waterproofing all those extra holes. After I assemble the tent, I set it up to evaluate how I did and look for ways to make it better the next time.\u201d<\/p>\n In addition to basting tape, Mark also orders the other materials for his tents and hammocks from Sailrite, basically everything but the fabric. \u201cI started buying supplies from Sailrite after watching Tom Brown\u2019s YouTube video. I order #10 Vislon zippers, 1-inch webbing, binding and vinyl window material. Hammock campers are DIY types, and Sailrite is well-known in the community.\u201d<\/p>\n Altogether Mark\u2019s tent weighs about 5 lbs. It\u2019s heated with a small wood burning stove with an opening in the roof that fits the pipe for the smoke to escape. He can cook food protected from the elements and he can dry his clothes and gear in the comfort of his tent. Plus, sleeping in a hammock means he\u2019s protected from the cold, hard ground.<\/p>\n Mark loves the tents and hammocks he\u2019s custom made to fit his camping pastime. For him, it\u2019s not just a way to be creative and experience the joy and pride that comes with making something with your hands. Camping is also his family\u2019s way of coming together for good laughs, good fun and a little adventure. And at the end of the day, isn\u2019t that what life\u2019s all about?<\/p>\n \u201cMy hammock hot tent lets me travel to remote areas and sleep in comfort,\u201d Mark said. \u201cWinter camping is peaceful. Give it a try!\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Sailrite is your one-stop DIY shop! We are a passionate crew of do-it-yourselfers who strive to equip you with the supplies and how-to knowledge you need to tackle your next project. Do you want to learn upholstery, leatherwork, canvaswork, hobby sewing, bag making or more? We have the fabric, tools, hardware, sewing machines and notions you need to master any DIY. And even if you’ve never sewn before, our tutorials and how-to videos are designed for beginners and experienced crafters alike.<\/span><\/p>\n Start your DIY journey today: www.sailrite.com<\/span><\/a><\/span><\/p>\n \n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"![\"IMG_1698\"](\"https:\/\/www.sailrite.com\/meet-our-customers\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/IMG_1698.jpg\")
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Who We Are<\/b><\/span><\/h3>\n