2008 has been a great year to date…

Eight new significant JRB items debuted this year with full production run availability.  They include:

The long awaited Bear Mountain Bridge Hammock, the world’s only true lay flat hammock.  The initial production run of the BMBH sold out three months earlier than forecast.   An expeditious second production run quickly put this popular hammock back in stock.  Additionally, all BMBH delivered since April have included the JRB Tri-Glides for knot free and lashing free hanging.  More on the JRB Tri-Glide in a subsequent paragraph.

The JRB 11×10 Cat Tarp not only debuted but also sold out of the initial production run six months early.   The second production run is in stock and continues to be a customer pleasing item.  Perhaps it is the availability in two new subdued colors, cattail brown and moss green.  JRB tarps include appropriately sized silnyl stuff sacks.

Trail Day’s saw the unannounced introduction of a JRB Fifth Anniversary Special Quilt.   The JRB Winter Nest debuted as 10-15 degree capable model of the Original Nest, the world’s first commercially available under quilt.  Same perfect size, baffle height improved by 50 percent, five additional ounces of top quality, 800 power fill down, new five point suspension capability for improved fit and warmth.

Note:  the leg end modification for JRB Nests and any other JRB Standard Family Quilt is highlighted on our web site here and is available to JRB quilt owners free.  Again see the web site announcement for details.

We did bring back a weather shield capability for those minimal tarp users and those afflicted with soaking fog conditions needing additional protection.  Early Spring brought the availability of the JRB Weather Shield two (WS2).  It is slightly larger for improved coverage.  The weight was reduced by two ounces to 7 ounces total.  The WS2 is a three panel construct of water proof silnyl side panels and a breathable yet water resistant nylon center bottom panel.  Additionally, we added a foot box capability so that one item will now function as either an under shield or a top quilt bivi.  Finally it now comes in an appropriately sized silnyl stuff sack.

JRB Tri-glides were developed and introduced in late March.  These 3/16” aircraft grade aluminum are machined exclusively for JRB.  They turn any one inch wide nylon, polyester or polypropylene hammock suspension strap into a knot free and lashing free system.  They have been added to the BMBH as an upgrade feature.  They are sold separately and are also available with two polypro straps with loops to provide a full suspension set for hammock sold without suspension such as Eagles Nest, Travel and Byer hammocks.   A pair of JRB Tri-Glides weighs 8 grams or 0.3 ounces.  The JRB Tri-Glides and strap set weighs a mere 4.2 ounces.

July saw the roll out of another long awaited product, the JRB 8×8 Hammock Hut.  Twenty months in development, it is the world’s only commercially available full hammock tent.  Sized for use with currently available gathered end hammocks, it provides full side, sealed, top vented, single wall weather protection for a hammock camper and up to two ground dwellers.  All for only 1 pound 12 ounces, barely more than a large tarp.  Now for the first time those who want to hammock and have privacy and full protection, as well as those looking for family capability in one tent, and or those looking to protect large dogs in a hammock camp can have their cake and eat it too.

Finally, the Jack’s are pleased to announce there is now a zero degree capable under quilt.  The Mt Washington was debuted at the Outdoor Retailer Summer Market, in Salt Lake City, Utah in August.  The Mt Washington has a dual differential design with body contoured, constant height radial baffles.  It has a 22 percent overstuff of top quality 800 power fill down and lofts to 4-5 inches.  In use, it’s loft will not compress.  Just snug it up to any hammock bottom with the provided JRB suspension system.  The Mt Washington weighs 28 ounces and comes with a 1.5 oz JRB Compression Sack which allows it to be stuffed to as little as 8x8x9, if desired.

For ground dwellers, the Mt Washington will mate to the JRB Down to Earth Pad Converter with the addition of full length omni tape, separately available.

A hugely successful close out sale of the old kelly green JRB 8×8 Tarps made way for the currently available subdued models in both cattail brown (a nice match for brown Hennessy hammock models) and moss green.

Self Tensioning Line (STL) sets which include two ridge cords and appropriate numbers of STL for JRB small tarps and large tarps were added, at discounted prices to our regular offering of STLs in pairs.

Finally, JRB is pleased to announce, Jacks ‘R’ Better gear is coming to an outfitter near you.  There are now outfitters in Louisiana, Ohio, Georgia and Virginia carrying JRB products.  You can find their names and location on our Retailers page, here.  You the customer are the best indicator that a retailer will do well to carry JRB products.  If you would like to see JRB in a quality outfitter near you, suggest it to them.  Also send us an e-mail and we will reinforce your suggestion with phone calls, brochures, and catalogs to the outfitters.

On a summary note … The first two thirds of 2008 has been great!  The JRB web site has turned over 100,000 hits … AND … JRB quilts number in the thousands.

HOIL FYN!

Jack and Jack

Jacks ‘R’ Better, LLC