HangCon 2025 Was It Worth It?

[@thehammockhangerspodcast]

Hey, Shug. Thanks for all of the kind words about HangCon, myself, AJ, and the rest of the awesome HangCon crew. I will see you again in a few short months over in Denmark for the second annual HangCon Europe, and then again next January back in Florida for HangCon 2026.. ~ Skunkape ~

[@shugemery]

Hey Paul. Can't wait!!!!!!!!!!!! Whooooooo Buddy))))

[@aventuroso84]

Hey Shug, not sure if you'll get around to reading this, but I'm glad you mentioned your swag shop. You've been an incredibly strong influence on my hammock camping journey and an amazing resource. Even as an experienced camper there are so many unique skills and unique pieces of equipment associated with hammock camping I know you've brought a lot of people into the community with your videos. I can't thank you enough for sharing your tips and your trips with us so I wanted to support you directly by buying some swag aside from just watching and liking your KZbin videos. Wishing you the best!

[@shugemery]

Thankee for snagging up. Appreciate the support for my retirement fund....haaa. Glad to show hammock stuff. Whooooo Buddy)))

[@AuthorMelanieSue]

Thanks for the shout out, my friend! I look forward to "introverting" with you again soon 😊

[@edchaos2679]

Hammocks and Horror stories. Hmmm

[@shugemery]

Really enjoying the novella...and I have been working on the memoir when I can. Seem busy since I got home. Best writing time for me is mid morning. Still have some brain power then. Till next time.

[@shugemery]

Sweet spooky slumber.....

[@mat-ventures]

@@shugemery oh a mémoire of Shug? Really interesting

[@shugemery]

@ I am currently writing my memoir of my circus clown journey. It is daunting but I chip away at it.

[@ReWyldOutdoors]

Hey @Shugemery I had a blast playing the cardboard box! Lol Thanks for the great memories!!!

[@shugemery]

Yessir. It was a lot of fun having that wee jam that turned into a funk party!!!!

[@ReWyldOutdoors]

@shugemery lol that's right

[@1jeepcam]

Glad you had a great time. I may have to buy Melanies book. Looks pretty good.

[@shugemery]

If you like horror then for sure. Always enjoyed novellas.

[@jq2911]

Thanks, Shug, for the kind words about the HangCon staff. They truly do a lot of behind-the-scenes work to ensure everyone has a wonderful time. Those few minutes of respite we take at our site keep us going throughout the weekend. So glad you were able to share those times with us. And for myself, it was my pleasure to be your guide through the wonderful world of firewood burning. Juan, floridahanger

[@shugemery]

Respites for the Win. I like backstage life...or better, backfield life. Till next time.

[@johnsahawneh3867]

I have been watching and re-watching your videos for close to a decade, and I think you're one of the most decent humans in the world. You are far more beloved than you could ever know.

[@shugemery]

That is a very nice thing to say and I appreciate you saying it...but I just show you what I want to present. I hope I'm a decent person but an ass sometimes!!! Haaaaa

[@mountainmanhikes]

Thanks for the shout out and I'm honored that you like my gear!! Loved meeting you and hanging by the fire chatting.

[@shugemery]

Yeah Matt. T'was a soul filling time. My butt was tired when I got home.

[@BillyBobTup]

Hey Shug! Watching your report makes me wish I had gone(This is BillyBob58 from older days at HF). Even more when you mentioned meeting DGrav of JRB! I have talked with him over the years and have been using JRB gear since about 2007, but have never met him. It just sounds like it would have been a wonderful time! Though infinitely greater in scale, it reminds me of some of the original HF backpacking trips in the Sipsey Wilderness in north Alabama. The hiking and the hanging( 1st time 5" of snow Feb 09! WhoooBuddy!) was great, but the best thing was the community and meeting great folks, some from hundreds of miles away, and all who loved hammock camping. Those were great trips. (This was back when AngryBird(?), Sam, was a mod at HF.) Anyway, it was great to hear your report. I never thought the massive Hangcon appealed to me, but after listening to you, I realize I was wrong/

[@shugemery]

I recall those days of HF backpacking hangs. Loved those. They got to big to be sustainable up here. Grave was a good feller.

[@volleytheory]

Palmetto State Hangers representing Midnight Bacon. 🤘

[@shugemery]

They hosted a vibrant meat rave for sure~~~

[@mat-ventures]

Wow! You really had a great time at Hang on and I'm glad to see you grabbed your mandolin back. Very nice reflection on the event, Thankee!

[@shugemery]

Nice to be in the mando zone again. And yes still kinda riding the HangCon buzz wave of soul fulfillment.

[@EatCarbs]

It looked like a lot of fun going there. Thanks for sharing.

[@shugemery]

I am always surprised when I have so much fun!!!

[@hughdfukairs1768]

Even as a tag-along, on MY own schedule, it was worth it. The driving, anticipation and the welcoming comfort from others . . WHOOOOO BUD- DAAYY!! (tip o’ the hat) thanky sir.

[@shugemery]

Tippin' the ol' beanie backatcha.....

[@STinGa157]

Wow! Loved seeing you get excited about the people and experiences of HangCon.

[@shugemery]

I dread everything in life....then I go and get all gushy! Story of my life.

[@SherpherdsPie]

It was great meeting you down there Mr. Shug, we talked for a bit Sunday night. Like you, I enjoyed the music by the campfire very much and I now have a renewed passion to learn the banjo which I had bought last year and had set to the side. While down there I ordered a new hammock from Matt at Mountain Made Gear and am looking forward to using it this spring on a backpacking trip or two. I had an awesome time at HangCon and can't wait for next year.

[@shugemery]

Did yo make the Rogers Winter Hang? Yessir...time to dust off the banjo. Music for life. Matt was a cool guy. I'm ordering one of his bug nets.

[@SherpherdsPie]

@ I did go to the Rogers Winter Hang. Had a great time and met “The Maple King” himself. Ate some frogs legs and liver mush too, I highly recommend that Hang.

[@shugemery]

@@SherpherdsPie Good to hear that~~

[@putnamsailor]

Thanks so much for your kind shout out. Loved chatting with you and glad you enjoyed the halva. Come back to HangCon next year and we’ll get you more!😊

[@shugemery]

You were really sweet to do that. Until next time.....

[@cgriggsiv]

Glad you made it there and back again and thank you for showing us the video I'm glad that you had a fantastic time and showing us all the love on the hemetcon that you got a chance to get to The show everyone else in the world All securing my sector 7 sir areas have a good evening

[@shugemery]

Whoooooo Buddy)))))

[@blueskykat8293]

I was watching Juan at the fire, so I wasn't sitting at the raffle. I enjoyed listening to that jam session with you and Ketchup. I got a pic and short video of just you guys with the fire as the backdrop. Shortly after, the raffle let out, and you had the crowd gather. Both of you sounded great. Happy I got to enjoy it for a bit before the raffle ended. (Juan's wife)

[@shugemery]

The quiet vibe as everyone was at the raffle was nice. Bringing my mandolin next time. Thankee Juan's wife.

[@miconn69]

Hangcon was great and it was great meeting you! We won the two Yobogear Chair Stands and they are AWESOME! The vendors were very generous in donating for the raffle on Saturday. Hangcon was definitely worth going to and we will be back next year!

[@stitch3163]

Nice to meet you there @miconn69

[@shugemery]

What a lucky win! I shall be getting one someday. The venders really step up.

[@OldTroubadour]

From a fellow mandolin player, now a bass player. Thanks so much for keeping this going. Been watching for years and years. My fav episode was the cookpot comparison, where you joked about making a video about watching water boil. I tell my friends, but I am an old man watching a video of an old man watching water boil….so who is worse, and, I have watched it MANY times! Lol. I switched from tent to hammocks because of you, made my own hammock, made my own tarp because of you. This makes me think maybe I make this trip next year. Do more bass vids. Love to see where you are now in your bass journey. I am still playing mandolin in my bluegrass band but now I am the bass player for a country band. Crazy for an old guitar player with a masters degree in music! Lol

[@shugemery]

Thanks for the goodly words. Humbling. Nice to be back at the mandolin. But bass is just plain fun! I will do a bass video soon. Been working up several songs to try and get up to speed for video. "Peg" by Steely Dan more than likely. Which instrument do you prefer?

[@uptrail7169]

That's a long drive, but it sounds like you had a good time there. 😀👍

[@shugemery]

I used to drive long drives all the time gigging with my show before I retired. Not sure how I did it.

[@uptrail7169]

@shugemery I really enjoyed watching your old circus videos when you showed them a few years ago. I went to a couple of them years ago. It was awesome 👌 👏

[@shyamlynn243]

Most entertaining and informative 'all things hammocking ' award should go to this man. He's brought alot of joy to us and many others I'm sure of.

[@shugemery]

I'll request a trophy carved out of Toberlone ~~~Thankee for the kind thought.

[@shyamlynn243]

@@shugemery haha good choice Toberlones rock!

[@ekhaat]

Wow, sounds like it was a really great place to hang out.

[@shugemery]

Was more than pleasantly surprised!

[@hammerwrench1]

Nice to hear you playing the mandolin again.

[@shugemery]

Sometimes one has to step away from something to appreciate it and "see" it again. Thankee.

[@seanjespersen2199]

Great video. I miss going to festivals like that.

[@shugemery]

Takes some energy and time to attend festivals. I used to go to bluegrass fest but it has been a while.

[@dzdaydreamer92]

I want to go to this next year. This is a lot of great information.

[@shugemery]

It awaits. You really should. What a time!

[@dustinnoll1021]

Being part of a group of like minded individuals gives people a sense of community. I think that is a positive thing for people

[@shugemery]

Truly. It evens things out and folks are having fun.

[@MattSieber]

Happy to see the Mando back :)

[@shugemery]

I knew I would pick it up again but I think the break away from it was good. Exciting to have it back. Always considered myself a hack picker but enjoy the challenge of trying to get better.

[@SemtêxČØŴv2.0]

9:12 Wayne’s World moment, “it’s like so sad when people sell out man” Great to see you in fine fettle again Shug ✌️

[@shugemery]

I don't like pushing swag but kinda must once in a while nothing happens with it. Retirement fund moola~~

[@phasmata3813]

There is a growing hammocking event in Michigan every year called Michiligan that I highly recommend to anyone who would be interested in these events but either can't make a long drive from the north or feels like a smaller event would be more comfortable for them at first.

[@rodoutdoors]

Thanks for sharing. Sounds like a great community.

[@shugemery]

Truly was. Thankee.

[@johnsubic3599]

It was great to meet you at Hangcon!

[@shugemery]

Whooooo Buddy)))) what a good time.

[@DAxt-sc1hm]

Shug, I had planned on attending HangCon 2025 anyway, but seeing you were going to attend was icing on the cake!

[@shugemery]

Now I want cake!!!! Thankee for the kind words.

[@JeremyWalla]

Thanks for the info Shug. I plan to make it down next year. Just picked up a mandolin and scheduled my first lessons. Good to hear that again!! Whoooooooo Buddy!!!

[@shugemery]

You won't be sorry to attend. Enjoy the mandolin journey. Be patient. A lot of great lessons all over You Tube. Artists Works has great lessons and instructors. artistworks.com/mandolin-lessons And Homespun.....www.homespun.com/shop

[@JeremyWalla]

@shugemery thanks Shug I will check them out!

[@rockytopwrangler2069]

... Recognition is nice ,, Kinda confirms the effort in the work ..... A smile ,, a handshake or todays' fistbump ,, and a simple "thank you" ,, is plenty ... You never know the ninety-seventh from the First ... Thanks for the ending pickin' ... Stay Safe ...

[@shugemery]

This is true. Makes the videos feel valid.

[@cynvision]

Life made me miss it this year. I really missed 1AM talks around Floridahanger's fires. He puts up with me hanging around all flipping night. Was just out with the gang with Palmetto State Hangers this weekend at our Frozen Butt hang. And maybe I'll feel Hangcon is new and fresh after a year away.

[@shugemery]

I think a year away might be just the thing. It'll feel new again~~

[@leardi58]

Shug looks like you lost a lot of weight hope all is well with you and glad you had a great time you deserve that thanks for another great vid

[@shugemery]

Really...still trying to knock off the Christmas weight! Haaaa

[@darrylthehorntoadpiper]

Shug it was good to hear you play the mandolin again, I personally like it over the base.😳👍

[@shugemery]

Thankee. Both instruments have different roles. Mandolin is a lead and bass is groove. I want both!

[@GregoryBee]

I am wearing my Lollygag Life shirt today...whooo buddy!

[@shugemery]

Thankee for the support!!! Whooooo Buddy))))

[@hikerzeek8844]

When I have a shug video on if I’m not watching the screen and hear him say early I look at the screen real quick and me and shug both go early! lol

[@shugemery]

I even do that in conversations!

[@justinsparks5026]

The one year i didn’t go, you show up! Dang it man. Would’ve love to meet you

[@shugemery]

Always next year. Hope to return myself.

[@yobentley7274]

about a 5 hour drive for me. I'm going to research and plan to be there next year. Thanks for letting us all know brother.

[@shugemery]

Wow...you are close! You really should try to attend..if you love hammocks!

[@yobentley7274]

@@shugemery We do love hammocks. You were unlucky the event was scheduled during the coldest weather event for that area in 50 or more years. The fires did look amazing.

[@MerkWares]

well you have about made up my mind to try and attend the next one.

[@shugemery]

You are welcome! haaa. You really should though.

[@mro4056]

I do not identify much with idol swag, but if I was, it would be yours. You are conscious enough to remain humble. Love ya Broheim! Now get out there!

[@shugemery]

Thanks for noticing. I don't like to push it hard but once in a while I must...in hopefully a humble way...or nothing moves.

[@John-hp7tz]

Speaking of communities, I was pleasantly surprised to see you drove your Jeep Wrangler. I don't own one (yet) but seems like Wrangler owners are a close knit bunch.

[@shugemery]

I really don't hang out with Jeep folks as such. Just do the Jeep wave as we pass. Just like driving a Jeep! Thankee.

[@MikeycatOutdoors]

The drive was brutal. But, was Hangcon worth the 2000 mile trek and nagging teenagers? Was it worth meeting the vendors and winning a tier 3 prize? Was it worth meeting the lord of lollygag? In short, YES.

[@shugemery]

My Jeep was free of teens! Just me and podcasts or silence.

[@MikeycatOutdoors]

@shugemery lucky buck. 🤣

[@shugemery]

@@MikeycatOutdoors and bucky luck.

[@MikeycatOutdoors]

@@shugemery speaking of Buc-ee's... I got to visit my first two while passing through Georgia. 🦫

[@morte2195]

Not first, but........EARLY!

[@shugemery]

Tad EARLY~~~

[@Liquidforce4441]

Have not heard of Hangcon until now, like Justin below said I would have loved to meet you as well. Hope your doing well Shug

[@justinsparks5026]

@@Liquidforce4441 I’ve gone for the last 5 years, love it. You should should make the trip next year and check it out

[@shugemery]

Been on my radar for years but I was dodging big hangs. This is big but never really feels that way.

[@shugemery]

I concur~~~

[@yobentley7274]

I have that coffee mug in gray. My daily doser.

[@shugemery]

Thankee for that Yo. My wife even daily doses with one.

[@shugemery]

Wow! What a lucky win!!! They were very generous for sure. Yes...I will be getting one of those chairs for sure.

[@slick7209]

How dose one go to hangcon next year and what’s the cost

[@shugemery]

Here is the info......www.hangcon.com It cost $25 for the whole weekend and that includes breakfast and dinner.

[@jq2911]

​@@shugemery @slick7209 and you also get 5 raffle tickets with the adult entrance purchase. So, basically, it's $5 for the weekend with breakfast and Supper included. Floridahanger

[@outdoorwally8430]

I need 1 or 3 of those cups. Ill buy soon

[@shugemery]

Whooooo Buddy)))) a multi cupper. I love that my wife uses one in her mug armada!

[@Bezstopy]

May be some time in future I will be able to attend. :) How are you holding on, little slim these days, hopefully no shady. ;-) Happy camping.

[@shugemery]

Slim? Maybe just old man slim.... I am still trying to work off Christmas flab...

[@OldTroubadour]

⁠well, depends. I was a guitar player first, so I still love guitar, but mando is my best instrument for showing off a little and I have been enjoying Mando even more using it in other genres of music. But the bass has always appealed to me. I had hacked around some on electric and even played some upright at bluegrass jams, but I started taking bass serious about when you did, and now that I am playing bass in a band, I sometimes wonder if I missed my calling. I think I enjoy bass because you are a big part of the rhythm section, getting in lockstep with the drummer and providing the groove and pocket. This is also true of the mandolin, being part of the rhythm section. So, all said, I will always be a mandolin guy first, partly because there are not very many good ones around, but I am obsessed with the bass!

[@shugemery]

Way too go on being the groover in a band! Laying the groove is satisfying. Head bobbing. Went to see a couple of bands the other night and all my focus was on bass and drums and how locked in they were. And so calm in sound check. Nice to have the mando back but like you....I just love playing bass and the low tones.

[@OldTroubadour]

@ Well, you know what they say, Shug, you hear the music but you feel the bass! Have you tried a 5 string? Playing country I have two 5 strings. I have a 4 string fretless that I wish was a 5. You can really feel that low B string!

[@shugemery]

@@OldTroubadour I have not...yet. Someday~~~

[@HammockMountain]

You bring your mandolin next year and I’ll bring my guitar. Loved the video.

[@shugemery]

I aim to bring one along. Just off to the side playing was fun.

[@davidwm469]

We.. Your fans .. appreciate you .

[@shugemery]

Thanks and thankee~~~

[@tspurre]

You should definitely have that mabdulin with that Denmark when you come back🇩🇰😀🇩🇰

[@shugemery]

I may see if I can fit it in for the trip.....

[@shanerbass]

Your hang-con video was great! It would've been greater if the Maple King had been there, too

[@shugemery]

He was due to come and I was going to pick him up ...but things happened and it was not meant to be.

[@shyamlynn243]

Well I'm an introvert at heart, like hanging by myself plus the older I get the less i want to have some smelly loud mouth schnag creaking and a'cricking as they swings and sways in the trees next to me. So ya can stuff it , all ya all and up yer's Shug for showing us all the good tips and tricks as to the hammocking and tarping ways cuz who the heck asked ya anyways?1? Maybe that is what ya needed to hear more of sir. ;) Just clown'in around if ya catch me drift. ❤ Thanks fer a bein you!

[@shugemery]

Touché....well played~~

[@TerryC69]

Hi Shug! I swear, man, you could talk about scraping paint off an old barn and make it interesting. WoooBuddy!!! ))))

[@shugemery]

I am about to do a video of watching plants wither! haaaa. Thankee for the kind words.

[@TerryC69]

@@shugemery That sounds a whole lot like my attempts at gardening.

[@shugemery]

@ Haaaa good one.

[@mygoldfishdrown5178]

That hangcon video got 12000 views which means the video earned 7 million dollars

[@shugemery]

Some got 7 million but I ain't that someone.

[@hakfkdjwlzlvnfbrneam]

hang over? 🥁🥁💥

[@rockytopwrangler2069]

... Huh ,, I've been around a long time and never heard of a "Canadian Fire" ... Time for a little homework ... .. Have seen people light up entire trees before ,, but never knew they were Canadian ... Usually gave them a far different name ....

[@shugemery]

Long logs stacked pencil style. More folks can get around the fire.

[@joesneon]

Whoo Buddy !! 8 strings!!! I am all over the place with my stringed instruments. Guitar,dulcimer,violin,cigar box guitar, and thanks to you, mandolin!! I totally get it with the bass and mandolin,same thing with the violin and mandolin. Thanks Shug, I gotta go to bed early... EARLY!!!😄

[@shugemery]

Haaa...I get it. Just ordered an Eastman ER-M Electric mando. Will sell a bass to even things out. I do have a limit.

[@pestilentruth2164]

Have an acoustic Breedlove bass (with 23 frets, lol). Would love to jam with you some day, Shug.

[@shugemery]

Breedlove is always catching my eye. They make some cool looking mandolins too.

[@martintvingsholm]

Godt du har nydt din Hangcon i Florida ...og ja, når man som jeg ikke selv kunne deltage er det rart at høre om dine indtryk og de aftryk turen har givet dig. Og ja, måtte lige google hvad 4000 miles svarer til i km 😆 Alle hilser herfra Sean🙏👍🙌

[@shugemery]

Ser nu frem til HangCon EU på det nye sted. Flere leverandører herfra vil deltage efter at have hørt, hvor vidunderligt det var. Elsker din familie og indtil.....

[@martintvingsholm]

@@shugemery ...ser også frem til Hangcon og ja, du har ret kan læse mig til at mange flere af dine landsmænd kommer helt herover 🤗 Håber alt vel hos dig samt dine 🙏 Med kærlig hilsner Martin og familie 🙏

[@stevesummersell_K4WXX]

Wait, you drove through Mobile and Ole Cappy didn’t let me know? Heart broken! 💔😭 Next time, gumbo and BBQ’s on me 🍗 🍤 Woo Buddy!

[@shugemery]

Haaa....I was just trying to keep the Jeep on the road with that snow and ice storm. Now I am hungry!!! Thankee.

[@TOKAMAKK]

I'm an ultra introvert but if its good enough for shuggity it's good enough 4 me

[@shugemery]

Righto...now if you were an Ultra Uber Introvert there could be a dilemma.....

[@wruehl]

How was sector 7?

[@shugemery]

All secure it was and is~~

[@wruehl]

Great to see you again! ​@@shugemery

[@jrhaskins76]

Are you wearing a Baraboo Circus World T-shirt that’s my home town.

[@shugemery]

Yes...got it at Circus World this past Summer. They had my old Ringling photo in the elephant display!

[@OldTroubadour]

Couldn’t get this to post as a reply. Trying as a new comment.

[@shugemery]

Copy that.

[@ifell3]

New studio or have I been away 😅

[@shugemery]

No, it is my daughter old room upstairs. I play music in it a lot theses days.

[@res032xu]

Hi Shug, I Always Attempt To Beat You With The "Early" Echo and You Missed One in This Video, Just Sayin ... I Have Watched Your Videos For Years and Actually Don't Know The Orgin Behind it .

[@shugemery]

I leave a few earlies out to keep you on point and on your toes~~~!!!! Early explanation....12:08 in this video kzbin.info/www/bejne/qV6wc4qLZauEjJYsi=nWKfpYgnl9-mEijG

[@res032xu]

@@shugemery Thank You !

[@ReznaQay]

i thought you lived in the wooden shack

[@shugemery]

The bats asked me to vacate.......

[@madgoat902]

I thought this was where ya hung red hats ???

[@shugemery]

And grey hats. And blue hats.

[@madgoat902]

@@shugemery Glad I wear brown or black hats....

[@markscott4881]

But were there Pop Tarts?

[@sheilahenry7279]

😂😂😂I’m going next year & bring extra for you. I only eat Cherry, Strawberry & Blueberry. No fudge or any other.

[@shugemery]

I did not tote any since it was a Festival and not a backpacking trip.

[@shugemery]

I think they need to make a pineapple upside down cake pop tart~~

[@markscott4881]

@@shugemery Reeses Peanut Butter Cup would be my favorite. Why don’t Pop Tart listen to customers?

[@shugemery]

@@markscott4881 I think they gear too kids. Too bad...kids ain't gots no Pop Tart moola~~

[@SL-jj1ro]

Chad and Britney no thanks. Jack’s or better ok, old UGQ…ok. Ask them how much fill you get in your quilt. You will never know! Yet they will say they add 30% more than everyone else, 30% of nothing is nothing. Buyer beware!

[@shugemery]

Sounds like you had a poor experience.

[@ergot57]

Kinda like Sex. I can't say I've ever had any that was bad. I've heard others say as much, but personally I never had the bounty needed to make such brags or complaints. Was it worth it? Why Hell yeah!

[@ergot57]

The white face and costume gave you the wall of distance your humble nature needed for decades to help folks in your own way, but this is more the position of teacher than entertainer when it comes to the thank you for the helpful info. God bless my old teachers. Must have been hard on them. I always thanked them when I saw them.

[@ergot57]

yes Hams can be humble.

[@shugemery]

...with age comes humility.

[@jimharrow8104]

Far out.., You probably didn't even need to bring a hammock.. Good friends and good times, Who needs to sleep ? ...

[@shugemery]

Sleep was elusive. I never crawled in before 1AM. Then up early. EARLY!!!!