all of us came to your channel to learn something about hammocks. Most of us have stayed because you capture the essence of the backpacking community. All of us have a story to tell and all of us want to listen to others stories. It is a human connection in a simple form.

I think one of my favorite things to think about in life, is how sometimes people affect your life and not even know it. A KZfaqr from REI is the reason I got a job at REI. You're the reason I know as much about hammocks as I do now. You've affected so many lives, and I'm so glad I stumbled on your channel :)

I very kind fellow at REI pointed me to your account while attempting to buy a tent far too heavy to backpack the Appalachian trail with. Thank goodness he did, because me and my warbonnet blackbird, and minifly tarp have successfully seen the whole length of the trail together. each night spent in it was a welcome cocoon of warmth and comfort after a hard days hike, it kept me dry in even the worst rain storms the east coast can throw at a shelter. Thank you so much for everything you do Shug, you always bring a smile to my face, and leave me a little more informed than I was before.

Shug, you inspired me many years ago. So in 2017 my daughter, my sister, and I packed up our Shug-recommended gear and hiked and hammock camped in the high country of Yosemite. (I was 57 at the time). We had a blast! This trip most likely would not have happened if I had not stumbled upon your channel. Thanks Shug, for memories of a lifetime ❤

I hope your realize what you've done to inspire so, so many of us. I've learned so much from you, more than anyone else. And, you're a good content creator. Just really entertaining, no matter what you're covering. Might be BBQ, or Halloween, whatever. I've here for it. You're a real Renaissance man. Thank you so much!

I look at it this way. Had you not got into hammock camping, 110,000 fans would never have known you, even though you've entertained people all your life! I've learned so much about hammocking from you, while being entertained while learning. Woo buddy!!

Started hanging in hammocks around 2007-08 in high school. I remember your videos from way back. Glad to see you're still at it. Always entertaining and educational. Thanks, Shug

Shuga shug. I am a hammockphile because of your great presentations. Greetings from Alaska!

I found hammocks when I was 55 thanks to your videos. I have hung my hammock in several national parks and most of the state parks in Michigan. Best "new path" in my life

I just alerted the fine folks at Medaglia D' Oro about you and your one man effort to get the the entire population of the planet camping in hammocks and sipping their instant espresso. You're the one who got me and my daughter hammock camping, and me sipping Medaglia D' Oro each morning from my Hennessey Hammock and my home sewn under quilt and top quilt. You are inspirational to so many.

Shug, for what it's worth, your channel has changed me into a more positive and appreciative person. Seeing you always do your best despite your age and whatever circumstances life may throw your way motivates me to keep my chin up. You're an absolute beacon in the backpacking/camping community. Thanks for existing.

Well spoken, the Buddha said 4 principles to all of Life....Creation, Expansion, Evolution & Dissolution. Each activity, relationship, hobby, sport, moment goes about this process. If the Heart and Head meet then there is a real passion, desire, wisdom and excitement. Sharing these micro/macro journeys is the beauty of You-Tube Channels to assist those with a common fascination. Humor and enthusiasm are your icing on the trail. Cheers!

Preach brother! I wasn’t much of an outdoors person until my son joined Cub Scouts. Almost simultaneously we were introduced to hammocks and then found your videos. We have loved watching you - both the education you provided us and the entertainment. Here we are 10 years later and we so enjoy our outdoor adventures together and we both enjoy being known as the hammock guys in our troop…thanks to your tutelage. We have Dutch in our backyard and his support has furthered our journey too. I would have to say hammocks have changed/enhanced our lives too!

Love hammocks, then loved winter camping. Love biking. At 63 I got a fat bike. Makes me feel like I'm young again. Challenges keep us young. Keeping the old man out is my mantra. Take care, Al

You bloody magnificent legend!! Thanks Shug. Them there words was real good! Deep. Prismatic. And sublime. But most of all straight from your glorious heart. It was wonderful to hear and learn from that sweet soulful philosophy. 🙏

I’m a solo retired traveler and have a hammock with me at all times. Just today I hung for a couple hours in the shade of a live oak and cabbage palms in a city park overlooking the Gulf of Mexico. Music and a picnic included. I’ll bring my hammock to the alps this summer for 4 months around Europe. Never slept overnight in it but cherish it all the same. Thanks for sharing and inspiring us.

SHUUGGG!!!! Keep making the videos! You were the final creator in helping to make my decision to get into hammock camping. Even though I'm disabled now, and the hammock makes it easier to sleep thru a usually pain filled night even in a memory foam mattress. I'll be forever grateful to you for making that first and continously since video. I'm also thankful to the many I've encountered, who took time out of their trip (or day) to care about sending me some learned advice of the very relaxing skill known as hammock camping.

Wise as ever Shug! What a lovely video!

My life changed for the hammock. Best dang thang ever happened to my woodsman living. WHOO BUD-DAAYYY! ❤

Shug playing some funky jams

Great wisdom from a great man. Thank you for all you do for us.

Hey Shug, I didn't know how much I missed that hat Hahaha but seriously, I'm 45 and kind of new to hammocks like you know. You talk about finding something new. It can also be something about ourselves. As an example, A few years ago, I discovered I'm in the autism spectrum (Asperger syndrome). This helped me understand a bunch of things about myself and why I perceived the world the way I did (and still am). The journey of discoveries still goes on and I really like videos like this one where you go deeper than usual. Keep them coming and Whoooooooo buddy

Great video!! Please keep them coming. Speaking of revisiting old things, you relit 🔥 my control line journey and it’s much appreciated. Glad sector 7 is secure !!

For all the years you've been doing this, Thanks Shug!

This man is the reason I got into hammocking! Now I’ve been lucky enough to share with others. Thanks Shug

Hey, Shug! I have enjoyed your videos and open approach to life. You allowed strangers into part or your life and entertained all of us. I always thought about Shug as what my generation called a penpal. We never met, but I’ve considered us friends of sorts. I was honored for you to send me a short clip for one of my videos years ago. Thanks for your unknowing friendship. -Beas

Your video change my life ! because i start hammocking because of your video !! and now i do video about it in french !!! thank you Shug for everything !!!!!!!

I just stumbled across this video with no real idea of who you are but your energy is infectious and you've made me excited about the journey of life and a little bit more okay with being materialistic because it's something that adds to the journey and not something that detracts from it. Thank you!

I've definitely been in a rutt. I've noticed it now and need to do something about it. You're an inspiration, Shug!

You’ve inspired me to check out hammocks and even though it's going slow. Slow and steady is better than nothing at all. Just wanted to say I greatly enjoy your videos and am always amazed by your incredible outlook in life. One of these years maybe we’ll meet on a trail up in the BWCA. ;)

I NEEDED this today. Thank you!!!

love all your vids, thank you for being you!!

Shug I’m so glad that you found hammocks. I rekindled my love of hiking and camping after I watched a couple of your videos of the SHT. I shared them with my buddy Dan, you met him a while back in the Boundry waters. I fell in a rabbit hole, but I ended up tenting for a decade. You’ve showed me many things that I’ve copied. My imusa cook pot with a Tinny lid, I gravity filter water. I finally got a Superior gear hammock this year. I’ve seen and fell in love with this state’s wilderness. Part of is because I got excited about camping watching your videos. From the deepest cockles of my heart, thank you Shug. You are truly a treasure. I hope to cross paths on the trail with you.

Evenin', Shug!

Hey shug good to see ya again. Keep up the great work and information you give I love it

Thanks Shug you have changed this 72 year old man from car camping into hammock camping! Yes I consider you a live friend.🤓

Shug Shug Shugity Shug HAHAHAHAHA Nice To See You My Friend 👍🙂👍

Early!!

Thanky Shug. I’ve been watching for years and years. I’m a confirmed hanger, at least in part because of you and this channel. Thanks for everything.

Thanks Shug, good stuff!

When I started into hammocks your videos were highly influential in my development. Thank you for doing this! Aside from actually getting out there, some of my hammocking highlights were you answering some of my questions on Hammockforums and giving me a Thankee on a KZfaq comment.

Man. What a great way to look at life’s journey. I like it. Perhaps I’ll tell my tale. Cheers Mr. Shug. Keep on slappin’!!

Love all your videos. I love the hammock forums and that site helped me put together my awesome backpacking setup. You’re the friend I’ve never spent a physical second with but I feel like I know you well. Keep good entertaining content coming.

Shug you've been a mentor and inspiration for me and a bunch of my friends. Every time I bring new people out on the trail I always recommend to check out a few of your videos with no context other than "you just gotta". They always are impressed by your showmanship and easy-going approach of teaching them what they need to know. Keep doing you! You're the bomb (:

I haven't gotten tired of you. I remember watching you because you were doing a bunch of alcohol stove content. All these years, all the smiles you've put on my face. Thank you! WOOOO BUDDY)))))))

Hammocks, and in NO small part your videos, got me back to loving backpacking again after about a 20 year break. Thank you kindly for all you do!!

@shugemery I appreciate you brother. You have taught me soo much about Hammock camping. For sure more than any other sorce (and I'm a serial researcher) so thanks for that. Now that I've got my system figured out, I find myself still coming back to your feed just because you're so entertaining. Thanks for sharing you journey, you've touch a lot of folks. WHOO-BUUUDDDY!🤙🏼✌🏼

Thank you for that trip down memory lane. It's been an awesome journey with me more memories to go. I've learned a lot with your shortcuts, tips, and tricks. And how to do videos. Thank you for making my hiking and hammocking experience much more enjoyable!

Thank you Shug!

Good stuff Shug. Keep it comin’.

Shug thanks for all the information, the laughs and the insight. Every time one of your videos drops I know my day will be just a little bit better. It’s weird how this internet allows people to connect from far away but I’m glad that I’ve been along for all the journeys.

Found your channel when I wanted to hammock camp the Appalachian Trail in 2017 now after the Appalachian Trail, the Pacific Crest Trail, and the Continental Divide Trail all in a hammock I'm still here enjoying all your videos!

Sir Shug, I am glad our hammock journeys crossed. I hope they will again someday. I learned a bunch from you, and have been greatly entertained. Thank ye

Thanks for opening up some new paths for me and I'm sure many others. The idea of camping in a hammock was cool, the idea of solo backpacking was amazing, all your instructions on how to do both has made my life better.

Great video Shug. Haven’t watched you in a while cause I’m one of those that have drifted off. But that being said everything you said is true. I found my family I never had with hammock camping. And I do many solo trips as well where I find myself more and more. I just want to thank you for all your hard work with videos cause it helped me in the beginning and many others I know that I sent links to your videos. Much love brother

Thank you for being an inspiration and reminder to take break from the monotony!!

Great attitude on importance of new life adventures. Sector seven is all secure, when Shug is around. Great video once again, keep them coming. Huge fan.

Thanks Shug!

I came to your channel back in 2015 to learn about hammocks but found so much more! I stick around because it's like checking in with an old friend and seeing what they're up to. I totally feel you on changing your path and getting lost in something new. For me the past couple winters it was nordic skiing. I still hike, backpack and hammock camp but having an activity like skiing where I can get out for a couple hours and feel fulfilled has been a game changer. It's also circled back to my other loves such as backpacking and hammock camping. I recently did a "ski-packing trip" with my ridge runner and it was awesome. It can also be fun to pull a pulk with. It's been less of a path change, more like a lane change if that makes sense. That all said looking forward to summer backpacking again. May even take a trip down to the Gorge again this year, I went last summer and have you to thank for the inspiration. Keep up the good content my friend, I'll always be here to watch!

I started hammocking because I found your videos. Glad you found a new journey in life so I could too. Your reach stretches further than you could imagine. Thanks for being you.

Your enthusiastic take on hammock camping got me out of a tent and into the trees many moons ago. Thank you.

Was just telling a friend about you and your content a few weeks ago. Glad you are doing well and still out there chasing passions

You’re truly a blessing Shug

There is some great life philosophy in this video. Thanks for everything you do, Shug!

Buddy, you gave me the confidence to canoe and hammock camp 700 miles of the Mississippi in 2017. I learn so much and I don’t know if I would’ve made it that far without your videos. This year I’m trying bikepacking along the Paul Bunyan trail for something different. Thanks for the YEARS of you being a great role model to all my man!

Mr. Emery- Thank you so much for your time and effort on this amazing video! You warmed me up to the idea of thru-hiking the AT (and lots of other trails) with a hammock someday! You should totally start a band! You have tons of natural talent and style on bass…looking forward to seeing you live on tour sometime soon! Rock on brother

You've been inspiring, very educational and also very entertaining. Thank you Shug, my hammock journey is just beginning. Between your videos and Derek Hansen's book 'The Ultimate Hang' that you recommended we are off to a great start.

Some excellent perspective on life, thank you!

I grew up watching your hammocking videos and applying them to my scout life. I’m glad to hear your opinion on life and how change affected yours. Keep uploading, we all have appreciated your content over the years.

I’ll never tire of watching your videos. Just great.

If there was a HHOF...Hammock Hall of Fame - You would be the grandfather! Thanks Shug....

Found you because of hammocks but stuck around because I like your content. You have many talents and bring enthusiasm to them.

Beautiful journey, Shug! Love your videos. You've got a fan from Brasil 🙏🏻💙

You helped me go down a different path! I had already felt the urge to disappear into the woods for a little while, especially with everything going on in recent years, but of all the camping videos I saw, what really stuck out is you saying you got 10-12 hours of sleep. Sold me right away. If I didn't stumble upon your channel, not only would I not be considering hammock camping, I might not have gotten that little extra bit of motivation to actually go out into the woods. Thanks for that!

Just got home from a 3 day hang on the ozark highlands trail and your videos have definitely helped me get into hammock backpacking and tweak my system. Thank you!!!

Oh. You've learned me a lot about hammock camping, and you have put many smiles on my lips! Thank you Shug for sharing!

Shug, I'm almost 40 and just discovered the miracle of hammock camping. Your videos are great and so helpful! Thanks for continuing to make them for us newbies!

Captain! Checking in! Love what do and do what you love! Never back down.

Absolutely love the message of this video. The journey of hammock camping have been a great one for me. I use to only do videos of mountain biking to share with family and friends. My research into hammocks led me to you, Sintax77, Frozen, and Kurt Zitzelman Outdoors just to name a few. Chatting with and getting advice from some random youtubers has turned into them becoming some of the best friends. Never thought being this active on a place like this would have such an impact on my personal life but like you said you got to take the side trail sometimes.

Thanks :) I couldn't sleep (it's 3.30am in the UK) and looked at my phone, and you popped up, like the shopkeeper from Mr Benn. Shug the magical adventure man. Your videos are top and always make me smile. I own 5 or 6 hammocks and as many tarps because I stumbled on a video of yours many years ago. My life is enriched, thankyou mate, thankyou :)

Nicely done sir ! You have been a huge influence on me ! Peace !

thanks, Shug - I was smiling and nodding my head all the way through this video to a computer screen LOL - my hammock journey begin 6 years ago when I turned 65 and found a used $3 7-foot hammock at a Good Will store. I am so glad you began Your hammock journey before me, because, between you and one other person who shares videos I was able to get all the teaching I wanted, all my questions answered, and was able to find out all the things I didn't know by binge watching your videos. I am a visual learner so watching someone do it instead of just reading or talking about it, made it easy for me to understand. Never had set up a tarp, except to cover a load of hay or grain, never strung up a hammock thought that's what old men laid in out in the backyard. Had no idea the places I could get to and stay a day or more and not need a tent........ anyway I am loving my journey. My family thinks I'm in my second childhood (my first like yours, was cub scouts, boy scouts, hiking, camping, but funny enough nothing with hammocks) and that's okay cause they let me do it. Every once in a while I set up 5 or 6 of my hammocks in the backyard and have the grandkids over while their still little and papa and them hang out in the hammocks. It is really fun. Enjoy your bass journey, as it seems you truly are - it is an awesome one I've been on for years and it never seems to get old and does lead to other paths which can be fascinating. Be careful though, like hammock camping, there is always another hammock to try or check out - and good basses like good hammocks usually don't come cheap,😂 BUT every once in a while in a pawn shop, a no-name brand cheap bass can really sound good, and play like a dream. just saying So again thanks for all the free knowledge over the last 10+ years of videos you have been helping all of us hangers with. And as they always use to say when I was young "keep on keeping on"

I started hammock camping about 15 years ago and I watched all of your videos from 'way back then' and ever since and I too found inspiration from hammock forums. Although I don't do much backpacking anymore, now at 71, I have lots of fond memories of those experiences. My 'journey' the last few years has been overlanding to remote locations out West in a 4x4 truck. Living in these old mountains of East Tennessee gives me a new appreciation of the vastness and isolation the West has to offer.

Thank you! 💪🏼

Shug I found you as I was doing research for hammock camping. Your such a good soul and so funny. Where you go from is fine cause Everyday above the ground is a good day.

Love you Shug.❤️

Much love from the Oklahoma City! Glad to see that you are still kicking!

I've met a lot of great people thru hammocking and the forum, people I'm sure I'd have not otherwise met. So I'd say hammocks have changed my life too. Your videos have brought a lot of joy thru the years as well. Thanks for all you do.

Shug the legend. Always nice to see your energy. Gives you the boozt one needs

Thanks for sharing Shug! Hammocks definitely changed my life too!!

Shug I came across your channel. Initially, because of my interest in control line airplanes, then I found your hammock videos which opened mind to other possibilities. Thanks for doing all you do❤

My youngest took to hammocks years ago and we’ve been a hammocking family ever since. Thx Shug 👏👏👏

Last year I got back into snowboarding for the first time in about 25 years. I had feeling pretty similar to what you described, maybe a combination of that and the mandolin experience. Last year I dipped my toe in, this year I dove head first. I've met new friends, reconnected with old friends, and along the way pushed myself to heights I never imagined with freestyle snowboarding (doing jumps, starting to do tricks). It have been in incredible journey this winter, and I think it's only beginning. It took me a lot more time, a lot of hard work, but I have something now which is a passion. It brings me joy in the rest of my life, because I am just plain happier with myself. Great video. Been enjoying the ride since you camped in -40 years ago. You're one of my favorites on this platform because unlike many, you don't let it define you!!

Yo buddy!...keep making videos of whatever you're into...You're a kindred spirit and I will enjoy going along for the ride. I currently am caring for my 92 yr old dad here in Southern CA. so I am not able to get out camping as much as I'd like but I look forward to your updates and adventures to help me cope😊...Just got into hammocks this last year but enjoy all your videos from the music to the tautline flying. So yeah ...You got a friend out here in So Cal and I'm sure I would be seeing you at the flying field or "hanging" out with you if you were local...stay well my friend and keep the curious adventuresome spirit alive!

Nice video. You captured the essence of life's journey and your appreciation of its fullness.

You are a man of many talents for sure, Shug! Thank you for sharing some of your wisdom! 👍

Thanks for taking all you've learned and passing it along to others! Like you said, going to a hammock was an absolute game changer and reinvigorated my love for backpacking. Loved those funky bass lines! Haha Cool to see you diving into the instrument. Every day is an opportunity to keep growing, evolving, and to explore and learn about yourself and the world around you. Keep on keepin' on, Shug!

Still hanging in with you after these many years. Keep it up. 🇺🇸🇨🇱

Been a subscriber for many years and learned everything from you when I was starting out with hammocks. You've made an impact on so many people's lives with your camera and hammock gear. Your cyber family loves you Shug!

You got me interested in hammock camping a few years ago, I had an eno to start with and slowly upgraded. I am in my 50's so it is new to me and it has made camping much more enjoyable. Like you I sleep better in my hammock than I do in my bed at home. Thanks for all the info and entertainment over the years.