About Clark Outdoor

The Clark Jungle Hammock story spans five decades, beginning in the early 1960s when Gary Clark produced the world’s first light-weight camping hammock in his Salt Lake tent shop. This revolutionary design hearkened back to the sturdy WWII models while utilizing modern materials to create an ultra-light, compact shelter. Clark’s vision for durable, effective camping hammocks continues today. Expect your Clark hammock to be perfectly stable, insect-proof and rain-safe. A Clark hammock is built for the long haul.

Since 1997, Clark has sold the world’s finest camping hammocks to a global community of hammock-campers who believe in comfortable, no-trace camping. Clark’s design has attracted dozens of imitators, but is yet to be matched in its ability to meet all of nature’s demands. Clark hammocks are packed with features you’ll find nowhere else.

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Our founder, Gary Clark: Inventor of the lightweight camping hammock

When Gary Clark invented the lightweight camping hammock in the 1960s, he had no idea how far ahead of its time it was. In fact, the original prototype of the Clark Jungle Hammock, built nearly 50 years ago, would compete well with the hammocks that Clark's competitors sell today. Gary's story is the story behind the origins of the camping hammock-- a product that now helps tens of thousands enjoy camping each year.

The story begins in Salt Lake City where the Boy Scouts of America was a major institution in the 1950s, as they are now. As a scout, Gary was part of troops who hiked the Wasatch and other ranges in the Rockies. It was not unusual to see a World War II era jungle hammock in those days. These sturdy anscestors of the Clark hammock had been designed by the likes of Cresson Kearny. As comfortable and useful as these hammocks could be, they were also cumbersome, heavy, and easy to tip. Many of Clark's customers love to recount childhood experiences using these great shelters that proved so valuable to soldiers in harsh jungles.

At the age of 17, Gary was made Scout Master in a large troop. He was entrusted to take dozens of boys on great adventures in the mountainous areas of Northern Utah.

In his twenties, Gary became interested in hot-air ballooning, eventually starting his own balloon advertising business called "Clark Balloon Company." He flew the first balloon licensed to fly over populated areas. Gary's interest in camping and ballooning came together when he realized the potential of using nylon fabrics, such as those used to make his balloons, to also make lightweight camping equipment. Soon, Clark Balloon Co. was sewing innovative tent designs under the Cary-Lite brand name.

Although the tent line was short-lived, the little shop in Salt Lake City did produce some very interesting designs, including prototypes of a lightweight hammock tent that included storage pockets, rain tarp and full mosquito-netting. Eventually, Gary started a Screen Printing and Embroidery business that has been operating for nearly 40 years. The jungle hammock prototypes were all but forgotten, mostly sitting in storage. The hammocks were only brought out of storage to bring along on family outings and the scout camps of Gary's children. In the mean time, Gary would serve as a Scout Master once again in his community.

In the 1990s, Gary became interested in the idea of producing jungle hammocks again when he found out that his son was being offered money by other kids who wanted to sleep in the old prototype hammock during a camp with a church group.

In 1997, patents were awarded to Clark's designs. Popular Science Magazine featured the hammock that same year. Soon, junglehammock.com was off and running.

Gary made a decision very early to strive to only use American-made materials to build the hammocks. He also decided that the hammocks would only be manufactured in the United States. This decision has cemented the Clark as the most respected name in top-quality camping hammocks.

Today, Clark Jungle Hammock company continues to grow and thrive as more and more realize the importance of purchasing a quality product that is built to last. Since 1997, Clark has developed the only mosquito-proof hammock bed and the only two-person camping hammock (a patented product).

When you call Clark Jungle Hammock, you are still likely to get Mr. Clark on the phone as he continues to oversee the production of every hammock that is built in our small Salt Lake facility.

Thanks for supporting our family business. We want to prove to you that Americans still make great stuff.

THE CLARK DIFFERENCE

Our mission is to produce camping hammocks that are better than they have to be. We never sacrifice the integrity of our products by skimping on materials. We expect your hammock to last a lifetime.

We believe in “open hammocks.” The zippered netting of a Clark allows you to enter or exit the hammock on both sides. When not needed, the netting unzips to fold away and create an open-air hammock. In a Clark, getting up in the middle of night is just like rolling out of bed.

We provide storage for your gear. Only the Clark Jungle Hammock provides storage in pockets which hang underneath your hammock bed. Your boots and gear are protected and within arm’s reach.

We provide cold-weather features. When winter temperatures arrive, you’ll be glad to have the North American model which allows you to enclose the hammock like a true tent. The North American’s insulating pockets shield you from frigid winds.

We are proud to be an American company. Every Jungle Hammock is still produced in our Salt Lake City facility where we ensure perfection in each shipment. This is why we can absolutely guarantee your satisfaction.

We back up our products. If you find anything you do not like about your Jungle Hammock, simply return it. See Our Guarantee for full details.