Hammocks

	The TLH010 hammock from Ningbo Top Green adopts powdercoated 48x1.2mm steel poles and PVC-coated 600x300d fabric.

Suppliers employ less expensive quality materials to slash prices. Compact and environment-friendly designs continue to gain traction.

The growing popularity of inexpensive models in key export destinations is prompting China suppliers of camping and outdoor sleeping materials to focus on the low end and midrange.

Renewed interest in casual open-air recreation is fueling demand, according to the Outdoor Industry Association. The group noted a marginal increase in US retail sales of camping products in April this year.

Makers in China are also seeing signs of recovery after the 10 to 20 percent decline in exports the industry faced in late 2008. Several companies have noted, however, that the sales mix is shifting more toward lowand midpriced designs.

At Ningbo Topgreen Enterprises Co. Ltd, for instance, steel-framed hammocks now account for a larger portion of export volume.

The line’s share rose to 65 percent from 50 percent in 2008. In contrast, the ratio of the more expensive aluminum-framed models shrank to about 25 percent from 40 percent last year.

To sustain buyer interest, suppliers are expanding their line of competitively priced basic models. Doing this involves reducing manufacturing outlay through the use of high-performance cost-effective materials.

Further, some companies are restructuring designs and eliminating parts that do not affect overall product quality. This approach also reduces the shipping weight of models and helps minimize delivery costs.

Environment-friendly materials are increasingly being used in many designs, particularly those in the midrange and high end. Products in these segments usually have amaterial composition that is 70 to 80 percent nontoxic.

Some recent pads adopt XPE, an odorless rubber foam that boasts better insulation and tensile strength than EVA and EPE.

Synthetic-fill designs constitute 60 to 70 percent of China’s total sleeping bags output while down-fill types have a 25 to 30 percent share. Models with natural animal fiber such as cashmere and camel hair are also available.

Most synthetic-fill products have a 170, 190, 210, 240, 270, and 290 to 320t polyester or nylon shell. Hollow-core, and 4 and 7-hole fibers are the commonly utilized synthetic filling, although imitation down fiber is sometimes used. The fill weight varies from 125 to 300gsm.

Down-fill sleeping bags usually contain white goose, gray goose, white duck and gray duck down. WDD and GDD have a fill power of less than 600in3, while quality WGD and GGD have up to 650in3. A higher fill power means the bag can hold extra padding and retain more heat.

Models have a fill weight of 250 to 1,500g. Down content is between 40 and 90 percent.

Most employ baffle, 3D and box-type constructions that require a high-density shell. The lining is made from water-resistant fabric such as 210, 240, 290, and 320 to 350t pongee or ripstop made of polyester or nylon.

Self-standing hammocks come in 16x1, 19x1, 22x1, 25x1.2 and 32x1.2mm dimensions. They have a metal frame and a fabric bed that can support 250 to 600-pound loads.

The steel tubes for stands are generally powder-finished for corrosion resistance. Zinc coating is also adopted in midrange and high-end designs.

A hanging hammock traditionally comes with wooden or metal spreader bars that extend the width for easy installation.

The majority of suppliers in China offer Mayan, Brazilian, Nicaraguan or Venezuelan styles.

Hanging models are made of PVC-coated nylon mesh, water-repellent polyester, nylon, T/C or cotton fabric.

Environment-friendly nontoxic options are also available but these raise the final price by nearly 50 percent.

China’s selection of camping mats and pads consists largely of foam, inflatable and fabric types.

Ranging from $1 to $3, EVA designs dominate the foam line and account for more than 70 percent of output. Fabric or aluminum film enhance appearance and comfort.

Available in 2 to 3mm thickness, mats and pads with EPE provide better insulation despite the material’s lower tensile strength and softness.

Priced at $4 to $6, XPE types feature embossed designs and are up to three times more expensive than EVA.

The inflatable line includes air mattresses and pads, with models going for $8 to $25. Self-inflating types come in nylon with a PVC or PU coating, and a PU pad.

More-expensive designs sometimes use lightweight PU in honeycomb structure.

Fabric camping mats combine a printed textile top, PP cotton or foam filling, and PVC, EVA or nylon bottom layer.

Models with a polyester or T/C top, PP foam filling, and PVC or EVA bottom layer go for $2 to $3. Versions featuring a T/C or canvas top, PP foam filling, and EVA bottom are between $3 and $5 each. Designs with nylon fabric, PP cotton or foam filling, and PU-coated 600d nylon oxford can reach $8.