Today, Eagles Nest Outfitters, Inc., (ENO), the leader in packable hammocks and outdoor relaxation gear, announces ongoing partnership with national not-for-profit organization and fellow 1% for the Planet member, Outdoor Afro, with a special edition hammock print designed by artist and Outdoor Afro volunteer leader, Leandra Taylor. A portion of the Kili Mapp Kili DoubleNest Print Hammock proceeds will go directly to Outdoor Afro supporting their mission to celebrate and inspire Black connections and leadership in nature.
The Outdoor Afro x ENO Kili Mapp Kili DoubleNest Print Hammock was inspired by Taylor’s participation in Outdoor Afro’s Mt. Kilimanjaro Expedition in Tanzania, Africa in 2018. The design weaves together the vibrant colors, patterns, and topography of Uhuru Peak and includes elements reflecting the stories and songs from their ascent of Africa’s highest mountain.
“Knowing that the art depicts an authentic experience of our volunteer leaders is really special, and there’s no other piece of gear with a more suitable canvas to share this story than an ENO hammock,” noted Chaya Harris, Outdoor Afro’s National Program Director. “We have already witnessed this hammock encouraging people to get outside and hammock more, or hammock for the first time with a product that was designed by a Black woman.”
“This partnership has been months in the making, and this specially designed hammock tells an uplifting story of discovery, connection, and transformation. We hope it will inspire more cultural dialogue and surface more Black and Brown narratives across the outdoor industry,” said Laura Wallenta, ENO’s Marketing Director. “Through fundraising and experiential programming, we want to provide more access and opportunities for Outdoor Afro leaders and members, and spark more interest in hammocking.”
The 2018 Mt. Kilimanjaro Expedition was Taylor’s first outdoor adventure and camping experience. Her story is just one example of how Outdoor Afro creates opportunities for leadership and reconnects Black people with nature.
“I want people to feel warmth and joy when they lay in this hammock; and I hope they are intrigued by the details, ask questions, and want to understand what this trip was really about,” said Taylor. “The decision to climb the tallest freestanding mountain in the world in Tanzania, Africa was intentional, and I hope that shines through this design.”
The Kili Mapp Kili DoubleNest Print Hammock is made with 70 denier nylon, weighs 19 ounces, and offers room for two with its 400-pound capacity. Designed for all ages, abilities, and experiences levels, it features heavy duty triple stitched seams and aluminum wiregate carabiners, and packs into an attached compression sack.
To learn more about the story behind the Kili Mapp Kili DoubleNest Print Hammock, watch the Outdoor Afro x ENO YouTube video. To purchase a limited edition Outdoor Afro x ENO Kili Mapp Kili DoubleNest Print Hammock, visit enonation.com, rei.com, or your local REI store.
About Outdoor Afro:
Outdoor Afro, started by Rue Mapp as a blog about her passion for nature in 2009, has since grown into a cutting-edge nationwide network with 100+ volunteer leaders in 56 cities guiding 1,000+ events each year and reconnecting over 47,000 Black people to nature through activities like hiking, biking, camping, fishing, birding, gardening, skiing, and more. Outdoor Afro looks for partnerships with organizations that share its values, with a focus on creating and inspiring Black connections to nature. To learn more, visit outdoorafro.com.
About ENO
Founded in 1999 and based in Asheville, NC, Eagles Nest Outfitters, Inc. (ENO) is the leader in creating high quality hammocks and portable relaxation gear that inspires people to explore, connect, and relax outside. ENO distributes its products online, at specialty outdoor retailers across the nation, and in over 13 countries. As a bluesign® System Partner, ENO is proud to be committed to the journey of building more sustainable and responsibly made products, and to partner with an exemplary network of nonprofit organizations to improve outdoor education, access, and conservation efforts as a 1% for the Planet member. For every hammock purchase, ENO plants two trees in an area of need through its partnership with Trees for the Future. For more information, visit enonation.com.
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