Ten Reasons Why a Hennessy Hammock is Better Than A Tent

More people than ever before are heading out into nature. There’s just something about packing all of your food and shelter on your back and heading out into the wilderness. Whether your motivation is to get away from the stresses of daily life, enjoy a much needed mental break in the solitude of nature, or you want to explore places unknown, backpacking can do all of this for you — and so much more.
If you’re somewhat new to becoming one with nature and sleeping under the stars, or if your experience with hiking and camping looks something like walking the 50 feet from the car to the campsite — or better yet, getting out of the car and plugging in your pop-up camper, backpacking can seem like a big, exciting adventure. However, the success of your trip and more importantly, your personal safety, depends on making sure that you’ve planned appropriately and are fully prepared for the unexpected.
Read moreFor people who love to hike, or just love to get away and enjoy the outdoors, backpacking is something that many will choose to do at some point. It’s the perfect way to explore more remote areas and relax under the stars at night. There’s nothing worse than being on a beautiful hike, taking in all that nature has to offer, only having to turn around and head back just when the scenery is getting really good. Fortunately, with a little preparation and some quality gear like a hiking hammock from Hennessy Hammock, you can avoid some of the common mistakes that most first-time backpackers tend to make.
Read moreAt Hennessy Hammock, we’re always interested in hearing how people have put our camping hammock to the test. We’ve heard stories about taking them on jungle expeditions, dangerous treks through the desert, and even on a journey that took over two years to complete. Most of these adventures involved hot, humid conditions and torrential downpours — classic summer camping in many parts of the globe. Because our hammocks are built with bug-proof, yet breathable fabric, you might just assume that they’re only good for warm summer nights. On the contrary — our camping hammocks have been put to the test in some of the coldest conditions. Keep reading to learn more.
Designing the perfect hammock has been a lifelong quest for our founder, Tom Hennessy. Over the years, our hammocks have evolved as we tried to make them better, lighter, more bug-proof, and more comfortable. Although much of the testing involved taking them on adventures in warm climates, we were happy to hear how one camper used our hammock during a trip to the frigid far-northern area of Harstad, Norway.
If you’ve ever made a trip to Harstad, Norway, then you probably already know that it can get cold — bone-chillingly cold. It was there that Ben Reynolds of the Royal Marines’ Commandos decided to put our camping hammocks to the ultimate test. Would it provide enough shelter from the extreme temperature to sleep safely throughout the night?
During Ben’s test, he encountered everything from freezing rain and sleet to several inches of snow. To make matters worse, the temperature dropped to 0℉, which is plenty cold, but when you factor in the wind chill, it dropped the perceived temperature to -54℉. Fortunately, Ben has his Explorer Ultralite Asym including canopy with undercover and foam insulation to help weather the storm.
We were pleased to hear that Ben’s experiment concluded that the Hennessy camping hammock and insulation system is capable of supporting a person in extreme weather environments where temperatures are well below freezing. Yet another reason why a Hennessy is the only camping hammock you’ll ever need.
While investing in one of our insulation systems is a must if you’re going to be traveling to any cold-weather environments, our hammocks are designed with several other features to help keep you safe and dry in adverse conditions.
Sometimes you can get cold even when there’s a lack of precipitation — it’s called wind, and it can make you start shivering in a matter of minutes. Fortunately, our hammocks are designed with high-density fabrics that deflect wind to help you stay warm and cozy inside.
The fastest way to get uncomfortably and dangerously cold is to get wet. Even if you’re in a location that typically doesn’t get that cold, if rain seeps into your sleep space, you’re likely to wake up with a chill. That’s why we’ve created a polyurethane-coated or silicone-impregnated waterproof rainflies to keep you, and your hammock, dry.
We have several different rainflies available. Order an extra-large one to create enough dry space for multiple people. Rainflies can be tilted at any angle, rolled up, or even removed and used away from your hammock.
Many of our hammocks come with the option to add an extra layer of fabric to the bottom. This is helpful for keeping out insects when you’re in a particularly bug-infested place, but it also provides an extra layer of insulation. However, the best way to take advantage of a double-layer bottom is to use it for holding your insulating pad. Sure, you don’t have to put it between the two fabric layers, but doing so helps to ensure your insulation stays right where it’s needed the whole night long.
You don’t have to be camping in below-freezing temperatures to appreciate the comfort of a Hennessy hammock. Sometimes you just don’t know where the road will take you and that’s why it’s important to always be prepared. For less than the cost of many tents, you can upgrade to a camping hammock that’s been engineered to keep you safe and comfortable no matter where you end up.
Interested in learning more about our hammocks? Visit our website for tips and tricks on how to do everything from setting up the rainfly to using your hammock as a chair. We also have specifications on all of our hammocks and a detailed comparison chart so you can determine the one that’s right for you. Ready to plan your next adventure? Don’t be limited by your gear — shop Hennessy Hammocks and order your camping hammock today.
Read moreWhen it comes to camping equipment, it seems like there is an unlimited number of options to choose from, and some of it works just fine — if you’re car camping at a local park. However, if you’re about to embark on a true adventure far from home where you have to carry everything on your back and sleeping conditions are unknown, you’re wise to take trusted — and tested — survival gear that is engineered for anything you’re about to encounter.
The Hennessy survival hammock is one such piece of equipment you shouldn’t be without. Its usefulness and durability were tested once again during a cave diving expedition led by an international team of explorers in 2018. The mission was scheduled as a follow up to one that was done 34 years earlier, and the hope was to explore additional sections of the cave known as Cueva de la Peña Colorada in the Mexican state of Oaxaca. Armed with state-of-the-art dive gear and their Hennessy hammocks, the team set off to explore the unknown. Unfortunately, they had to cut their adventure short when sudden flooding in the cave cut them off from their camp, only allowing them to escape once the floodwaters had receded.
You don’t have to be part of a cave diving expedition to see the value of our survival hammocks — but it does go to show that even the bravest explorers trust Hennessy hammocks enough to include them in their gear. Whether you’re exploring a dense forest, high mountains, or deep caves, our hammocks will provide you with the comfort and safety you need, all while being incredibly light and easy to set up.
When you’re out in the wild, effective shelter is not only a must for getting the restful sleep you need to continue your journey, it can literally be a life-saver. Here are just a few of the important features you’ll appreciate in our hammocks.
The tightly-woven mesh that makes up our hammocks is incredibly durable. But more importantly, it helps keep you from getting eaten alive by pesky mosquitoes and other potentially-dangerous insects. If you’re traveling to an area that’s known for life-threatening disease-carrying pests, we suggest that you order one of our jungle models. Each one is designed with two layers of highly-durable, bug-proof fabric for double the protection.
Even if you’re going on the adventure of a lifetime, that doesn’t mean you have to be miserable doing it. You may be sleeping in tight quarters, but once inside your tent you’ll have plenty of room to spread out and get comfortable. Standard hammocks having you lying with your legs together and your arms pinned tightly to your side. However, Hennessy hammocks have a patented asymmetrical shape that makes it feel longer and wider. We’re sure you’ll never experience a better night’s sleep in the wild.
Few extreme adventures allow you to bring unlimited gear. On the contrary, you’re usually carrying everything on your back, making it important to eliminate any unnecessary ounces. If you’ve ever carried a tent with you, you know that many of them are quite heavy and just not a good option for a long-distance hike. If you want a shelter that packs tightly and won’t add much weight to your pack, a Hennessy survival hammock is the way to go. In fact, our hyperlight weighs in at just over a pound and a half!
Although many adventure-seekers do the majority of their excursions during the heat of the summer, depending on where you’re going, nights can get quite chilly. And, if you’re doing your quests all year round, you’ll likely need something to help you stay warm and comfortable at night. Luckily, we’ve thought of that too. We offer optional insulating pads that are designed to fit your hammock perfectly. You can attach it to the hammock under your sleeping bag, or you can put it between the layers of our double-bottomed hammocks.
Whether you’re exploring caves in Mexico or just doing a quick overnight trip a short distance from home, our hammock is the only sleeping gear you’ll ever need. Available in a wide range of sizes and materials, plus plenty of optional features, we encourage you to compare our products and then order the one that’s right for you.
Not sure of the best way to set up a hammock? Visit our website for an abundance of videos and reference material that will help ensure you enjoy every minute with your Hennessy hammock. You can start by referring to our “What to know before you go” page.
Life is too short to just sit at home. Order your new survival hammock from Hennessy Hammocks and start planning your adventure today!
Read moreHennessy Hammock isn’t your ordinary hammock. While it’s the perfect piece of gear for campers looking to get a good night’s sleep on the trail, it’s much more than that. Hennessy Hammock is the ultimate sleeping shelter, used by explorers, backpackers, soldiers, extreme adventure-seekers, and even people involved in disaster-relief efforts. It’s comfort and durability as well as several other key features make it the first choice for those who can’t afford to go with second-best. In today’s post, we’re going to talk about how a small team of people will set out to walk the full length of the Congo River with the help of their Deep Jungle Hennessy hammock. Check out this amazing story and learn more about why you should trust our lightweight hammocks for all of your adventures.
This year, a small group of explorers is scheduled to set out to complete something that’s never been done before — to walk the full length of the Congo River from Northeastern Zambia to the Atlantic Ocean. It’s a feat that, if accomplished, will take them on a journey that extends for more than 3,000 miles through dangerous and unforgiving terrain.
The Congo region of Africa is known to be one of the most dangerous places in the world, filled with violence and political instability, as well as a lack of infrastructure. For those traveling on foot with limited resources, it also means danger from extreme temperatures, threatening wildlife, and deadly diseases. The team that will be embarking on this amazing journey will need to rely on only the best gear, such as their Hennessy hammock, to see them through.
Throughout the 3,000+ miles of tough terrain, the team dedicated to “walking the Congo” will cross through swaps, savannahs, and jungles. They’ll experience sweltering heat and humidity, rain and wind, and no doubt, extreme exhaustion. Perhaps one of the only ways to make it through such an extreme challenge is to ensure you can get the rest you need, in a shelter that’s safe and secure.
Our intuitively-designed, lightweight hammocks are made of the highest-quality materials — for when only the best will do to ensure your comfort and safety. Each of our hammocks is made with durable, high-density fabric to keep mosquitoes and other bugs out while you’re safely inside. This is not only important for keeping out nuisance pests, but for keeping you safe from poisonous creatures and disease-carrying insects.
Not only are our hammocks bug-proof, but they’re wind- and rain-proof as well. Each one comes with a polyurethane-coated rain fly which can be adjusted to any angle or even removed to use elsewhere. There’s no doubt that when you’re dealing with extreme and unpredictable weather, you can always count on your Hennessy hammock to provide the protection you need.
Worried about getting chilly during the night? Because hammocks are suspended in the air, they provide cooling comfort in hot environments, but they can also get a little chilly if the temperature dips at night. That’s why we’ve also included an option to purchase a double-bottomed hammock. The double-layer is perfect for adding an insulated pad for added warmth. Once inside, your lightweight hammock will give you the best night’s sleep that you’ve ever experienced away from home. The secret is in our patented asymmetrical shape that allows you to lay on the diagonal, making your resting place feel longer and wider and exceptionally more comfortable.
Hennessy hammocks were designed with every attention to detail by a man who has had more than his fair share of adventures. It took many years and over 50 prototypes to create the ultimate, lightweight hammock we sell today. When you choose to purchase a Hennessy, you’ll be investing in the most premium gear, at a less-than premium price. You can find many other lesser-quality products on the market for much more. Whether you’re an extreme adventure-seeker or a backyard camper, there’s no better choice for your comfort and safety than Hennessy Hammock.
When people think of camping, they usually picture a camping spot on the side of a lake beneath a thick pine forest. You know — like in all of the movies? While a nice lakeside camping spot is without a doubt a nice place to hang your hammock, there are plenty more unique places that you can visit. Joshua Tree National Park is one of the most unique places in the country to camp. In fact, this “desert oasis” has somewhat of a cult following in the camping community.
Joshua Tree National Park is a unique desert environment where two major, yet different, desert ecosystems meet. What makes this national park so unique is that it has a high concentration of trees that can only be found in two parts of the world — a small portion of the Southwestern United States and Jerusalem. The Joshua Tree, for which the park is so aptly named for, is a slow-growing tree that is incredibly unique.
Sadly, you can’t hang a camping hammock from these protected trees, but that doesn’t mean you can’t sleep in your Hennessy Hammock ultralight backpacking hammock while visiting. Continue reading to learn more about this magnificent national park and how our durable hammocks can help you explore it.
If you have never camped in the desert, there is no better place to experience it the first time than in Joshua Tree National Park. Located where the Colorado and Mojave ecosystems collide, the vast desert of Joshua Tree National Park is littered with beautiful Joshua Trees and grand rock formations. The real catch, however, is the stargazing. Located over 100 miles east of Los Angeles, Joshua Tree National Park is not subjected to light pollution — meaning that millions of stars in the sky are visible where they might not be elsewhere.
So if you want to see stars like you have likely never seen before, we urge you to pack up your camping hammock and set your GPS for Joshua Tree National Park.
While one might think that there isn’t much to do in the desert, there is. Much like any other national park, you will find plenty of opportunities to backpack, bike, hike, climb, and ride horses. However, Joshua Tree National park does have plenty of things that you are unlikely to find at other national parks — solitude and isolation. While a large number of people visit the park each year, there is a large number of backcountry roads and trails that keep people spread out within the park.
So what are you waiting for? Visit Joshua Tree National Park, get lost (figuratively), and experience stargazing like you never have before from the comfort of your Hennessy Hammock.
At Joshua Tree National Park, there is no shortage of campground options. With over 500 campgrounds in the park, you are sure to find the spot that you are looking for. While campsites are open year-round, it is extremely difficult to get a campsite between September and May. That said, if you plan ahead and reserve a campground online up to six months in advance, you can rest assured that there will be a spot for you!
Being a desert, Joshua Tree National Park has a generally warm and dry climate. Because of this, camping is most popular during the spring and fall months while the average high is 85 degrees Fahrenheit. In the peak of summer, average highs can be over 100 degrees Fahrenheit, making hiking biking and other outdoor activities less comfortable.
Earlier in this blog post you may have noticed that we said the Joshua Trees are protected and therefore you are unable to hang a hammock from them. So why would you bring your hammock to Joshua Tree National Park?
While it might seem like there is no way to hang your camping hammock in the park, there are a few creative ways that you can do so. Below, we have listed a few of our favorites.
The use of camping hammocks is permitted within the campgrounds. While you might not be able to use a Joshua Tree due to their extremely shallow root system, you can use a hammock stand. Being that most of Joshua Tree National Park’s camping spots are accessible by car, you can simply pack up your backyard stand and bring it with you.
Joshua Trees might be unstable, but there still might be a place for you to hang your hammock for an afternoon nap. Throughout the park there are many rock formations that are formidable places to hang a hammock. Just be sure to test the strength of your anchor points before laying in the hammock.
Wait, ground set up with a camping hammock? Well, if you have a Hennessy Hammock ultralight backpacking hammock you can!
As the most versatile camping hammock in the world, our camping hammocks are designed to be set up anywhere — including the ground. To learn more about setting your Hennessy Hammock camping hammock on the ground, we urge you to check out our examples and tutorials!
As always, each adventure can be made better with the use of specially-tailored gear and accessories. For your trip to Joshua Tree national Park, it is no different. Below, we have made a list of some gear that we think might benefit you while on your trip to the desert.
While nobody ever wants to assume that the worst will happen, sometimes accidents are inevitable. Getting lost in the desert is not uncommon when people venture off of the trail. Unlike getting lost in a different environment, access to water might be hard to come by — and access to clean, drinkable water is even more difficult to find.
The Sawyer Mini Water Filtration System is a small, portable water filtration system that is rated at 0.1 micron absolute — meaning that it can take dirty water and make it incredibly clean and drinkable. Additionally, the filter will last for up to 100,000 gallons of filtration, meaning that you will likely never need to replace it. Learn more about this unique emergency tool today.
If you are planning on setting up your camping hammock on the ground, you’ll want to bring a few tent stakes with you when you visit the desert. The Vargo Titanium Tent Stake comes in a six-pack and is incredibly durable. Safely secure your camping hammock today by ordering your Vargo Titanium Tent Stakes.
If you are planning on visiting Joshua Tree national Park, there is no better way to do so than to camp under the stars in your Hennessy Hammock. As the most versatile camping hammock in the world, our hammocks are built to be set up in multiple ways — ensuring that you never spend a night uncomfortable.
So what are you waiting for? Get your Hennessy hammock today and book your camping spot in Joshua Tree National Park tomorrow. Shop now!
Read moreAdventure-seekers know that having the right gear can make all the difference. If you’re an avid outdoor enthusiast who likes to go backpacking or take extended overnight trips, you’ll want to make sure that the gear you choose will hold up to extreme weather conditions and take plenty of abuse. And luckily for you, there are plenty of choices on the market — but how do you know which to choose? There’s one group of people who put their trust in the premium waterproof hammocks from Hennessy to provide shelter for their party as they traveled in a first-ever expedition down the full length of the Nile. Check out this amazing story, and if our waterproof hammocks were good enough for them, chances are, you can put your trust in them as well.
In 2004, Gordan Brown led a team of explorers on a 3,250-mile kayak trip down the full length of the Nile. The complete adventure was filmed and sometime after their trip, the video they took was turned into a National Geographic Film titled “Mystery of the Nile, The First Descent on the World’s Deadliest River.” Starting at the river’s source in Ethiopia and ending where it empties the Mediterranean Sea, the complete trip took 114 days. Crossing the many miles of dangerous territory was surely a life-changing accomplishment — one that was made possible with the help of lightweight, bug-proof, Hennessy hammocks.
Designed by an avid outdoorsman who created over 50 prototypes before he perfected his hammock, Hennessy hammocks aren’t your average hammock. Even premium light-weight tents can’t compete. So, what is it about them that makes our waterproof hammocks so special? There are many reasons why outdoor enthusiasts love their Hennessy hammock. We’ll cover a few of the most popular reasons that likely also helped Gordon and his crew on their adventure of a lifetime.
Whether you’re spending almost four months in the hot and often humid environment of Africa, or you’re just heading out for a weekend camping trip an hour from home, campers of all kinds appreciate our durable, bug-proof material. Most places on earth are host to some kind of winged-insects and other creepy-crawlies. Make sure your nighttime shelter is safe and free of pests with our high-density fabric that will keep out every mosquito and even the smallest gnat.
Some lesser-quality hammocks and tents fall victim to rugged terrain and general wear and tear. Not Hennessy hammocks — they’re built to last, year after year. If you want to learn more about them and what our customers have put them through, check out our video testimonials. They’ll make a believer in you!
When you’re out in the wild, you have better things to do than to spend hours each day setting up and breaking down camp. That’s why we designed our waterproof hammocks with simplicity in mind. In just a few simple steps, you can have your hammock set up and ready to go. Visit our “how-to” page for details on how to set up your hammock and a short video from founder Tom Hennessy.
Sometimes a change in plans or a looming threat makes being able to take down your camp quickly just as important as being able to set it up in a short time. That’s why all of our hammocks feature Snake Skins — our version of an instant stuff sack that collapses and stores your hammock in as quickly as 30 seconds. What’s even better, unlike most tents, you can do it without even having your hammock touch the ground, keeping it clean and free of dirt and mud. Check out our page on Snake Skins to see how they work.
There’s nothing worse than waking up in a wet tent — except maybe having to pack up that tent and carry it (and the added water-weight) to your next destination. With your waterproof Hennessy hammock, you won’t have to worry about that. Each of our hammocks is equipped with a generous-sized polyurethane-coated rain fly that may be tilted to any angle, rolled up, or even removed and used separately. Our rain flies are made to keep you comfortable and dry, but if you need additional dry space to work or socialize in, simply upgrade to one of our Hex Double-wide rain flies.
Chances are you aren’t going to be planning a trip down the Nile anytime soon, but doesn’t it give you peace of mind knowing that you can buy the same quality gear used by Gordan Brown and his team? The best thing is, it won’t cost you an arm and a leg. For less than the cost of many tents, you can purchase a Hennessy tent and customize it with just the features you need. Visit our website to learn more about our waterproof hammocks and to compare models to find the right one for you.
Do you have questions about our hammocks or their many features? Visit our page with frequently asked questions or contact us and we’ll be happy to respond as quickly as possible. Summer adventure season is right around the corner. Be prepared for wherever life takes you — choose the last sleeping shelter you’ll ever need, choose a camping hammock from Hennessy!
Read moreAdventure comes in many forms. Some people enjoy driving a couple of hours from their house and setting up camp next to their vehicle. Others choose to plan a multi-day trip that involves backpacking into the wilderness and away from society. And then there are those like Ed Stafford. In April 2008, Ed set off to become the first man to ever walk the entire length of the Amazon — a mind-boggling 4,000-mile trip fraught with danger around every corner. In the end, not only did Ed complete his mission, he did so using a Hennessy hammock rather than a traditional tent. Keep reading to learn more about Ed’s adventures in the Amazon and why our survival hammocks are perfect for trekking through the deep jungle or anywhere your feet take you.
In 2008, Ed Stafford set out on an expedition to be the first man to walk the entire length of the Amazon river. When people think of the Amazon, it conjures ideas of vast miles of dense jungles, wild animals, and dangerous waters, but that’s only a few of the many life-threatening encounters Ed experienced during his journey. He walked in uncharted territory, surviving injury, attacks by indigenous people, and the extreme South American weather for an astonishing 860 days.
Let’s say you’re Ed Stafford and you’re about to embark on a life-changing journey down the Amazon. There are only a handful of items you can take with you, and each item you choose could make a life-or-death difference. So, why on such a momentous excursion would you choose to take a Hennessy hammock instead of a tent?
If you’ve ever been on a backpacking trip where you had to carry everything you were taking with you on your back, you know that every ounce counts. Even carrying your tent and food a few miles on an overnight trip can be exhausting, let alone on a several-thousand mile trip through the jungle. That’s why it’s important to make sure your sleeping quarters are made of ultra-light materials for the least amount of weight possible. Less weight means less risk of injury, and you can travel farther and use less energy to do it.
Hennessy offers many different sizes and styles of hammocks — from our hyperlite hammock weighing a mere 1 pound, 12 ounces to our deep jungle edition, weighing only 14 ounces more. Many standard tents weigh two to three times as much and aren’t equipped with all of the features that our survival hammocks have.
After an exhausting day of hiking, the last thing you want to do is have to spend an hour setting up camp. In fact, being able to put up your camp in a matter of minutes could literally save your life if you happen to be in an environment that becomes even more dangerous when the sun goes down. That’s why many adventure-seekers choose Hennessy hammocks for a fast and easy setup that will provide you with instant shelter when you need it.
We’ve spent many years improving upon the design of our hammocks and one thing we wanted to make sure of is its comfort. It’s patented asymmetrical shape makes the hammock feel longer, providing exceptional comfort when laying on a diagonal. We’ve also addressed one common complaint about hammocks — losing your balance while entering. Ours is the first hammock that does not cause you to lose your balance while entering. Our patented "never-tip" center balance design eliminates instability by allowing you to enter from the center instead of from the side.
When you’re going on a 2+ year hike through rugged terrain where you’ll be subjected to torrential downpours, blazing hot sun, mosquitos and more, you have to make sure that your gear can withstand the conditions. Our hammocks are made with high-density, tightly-woven fabrics that won’t rip, tear, or stretch, providing you with comfortable, consistent support, night after night.
Our suspension ropes are also of the highest quality. We’ve made them six times stronger than the rated weight limit. For greater rope span, we also have the option to upgrade to longer webbing straps. These wider straps attach to the end of the ropes and provide more span when you need it. The standard 42” webbing straps work for most situations, but we also have 72” and 96” options that wrap around trees up to 32 feet.
Compared to just doing some light camping in the local National Forest, if you’re camping in the Amazonian jungle, there are some life-saving features that our hammocks have that will certainly come in handy.
First, all of our hammocks are bug-proof. We can make this bold claim because of our tightly-woven fabric and patented design which keeps your hammock tightly closed whether you’re in it or not. Keep in mind that bugs in your backyard are annoying, but bugs in the South American jungle can be poisonous or carry life-threatening diseases, so keeping them out of your camping hammock is vital for your health. Want to make extra sure that you won’t be eaten alive by mosquitos at night? Choose one of our jungle models created with two layers of highly-durable, bug-proof fabric.
Water can be a good thing when you’re thirsty or need to wash the sweat from your face, but you don’t want to be exposed to the elements when you’re sleeping at night. Each of our camping hammocks come with a polyurethane-coated waterproof rainfly that can be tilted at any angle or removed and used separately.
You don’t have to be planning a trip to the Amazon to appreciate the quality and features of our survival hammocks. Whether your idea of camping is heading to the local state park for an easy weekend getaway, or you’re more of an extreme adventure-seeker, your Hennessy hammock is the most important piece of gear you’ll never want to do without. Shop our website and order yours today.
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