Big news from our little workshop in the Pennsylvania woods!
Hemlock Mountain Outdoors is proud to announce that we've been awarded a $2,492 Pennsylvania Trout Tank grant through the Outdoor Business Alliance of Pennsylvania (OBA PA)!
For a small, independent outdoor gear manufacturer, this is more than just financial assistance. It's an opportunity to make meaningful improvements to how we build our gear, expand our Ready Made inventory, and keep growing without losing the hands-on craftsmanship that makes HMO what it is.
A Small Workshop with Big Plans
Since 2018, Hemlock Mountain Outdoors has been making handcrafted camping hammocks, tarps, and outdoor accessories right here in Pennsylvania.
From our RedTail hammocks to our Aervald tarps and other trail-ready accessories, each product reflects a commitment to practical design, quality materials, and attention to detail.
But running a small manufacturing business comes with challenges. When you're the person designing, measuring, cutting, sewing, and preparing the finished gear, every minute matters.
That's where this grant comes in.
Less Time Measuring. More Time Making.
The Trout Tank funding is helping HMO incorporate professional laser-cut fabric components into our manufacturing process.
Traditionally, preparing fabric for a hammock involves a lot of repetitive measuring, marking, and cutting. While those steps are necessary, they're also time-consuming, particularly when you're producing the same components over and over.
Laser cutting allows us to streamline that process with consistent, precisely cut components that are ready for assembly.
The result? Less time spent preparing materials and more time focused on the work that matters most: building high-quality outdoor gear.
And there's another major benefit.
More Ready Made Hammocks, Less Waiting
One of our biggest goals is expanding our selection of Ready Made, ready-to-ship hammocks.
Made-to-Order gear will always be an important part of Hemlock Mountain Outdoors. Giving customers the ability to choose their fabrics, colors, and configurations is something we're proud to offer.
But sometimes you just want to order a hammock and get out on the trail.
By reducing the time required to prepare fabric components, we can build Ready Made inventory more efficiently while continuing to offer the customization our customers enjoy.
As HMO owner and founder Kurt Zitzelman explains:
"Receiving this grant means a lot to a small business like mine. These funds are allowing me to build an inventory of Ready Made, ready-to-ship hammocks that would have taken much, much longer without laser cutting. I can now spend less time making the same measurements over and over, and more time focused on building high-quality hammocks and building for the future."
About the Pennsylvania Trout Tank Grant
The Pennsylvania Trout Tank is an inaugural grant program organized by the Outdoor Business Alliance of Pennsylvania, designed to support small businesses in the Commonwealth's outdoor recreation industry.
Inspired by the television show Shark Tank, the program invited outdoor businesses to apply for funding and selected finalists to present their proposals during a virtual pitch session.
Applicants represented 26 Pennsylvania counties, with grants ranging from $500 to $2,500 to support equipment, productivity improvements, product development, marketing, and business growth.
"Our inaugural PA Trout Tank grant recipients represent the breadth of Pennsylvania's outdoor industry and demonstrate the high demand for funding to support outdoor entrepreneurs," said Silas Chamberlin, executive director of the Outdoor Business Alliance of Pennsylvania. "Our grants will support new equipment and product development for manufacturers; investments in digital booking, membership and e-commerce platforms; enhanced marketing, and much more."
The Outdoor Business Alliance of Pennsylvania was established in 2025 to support outdoor business development, innovation, and growth throughout the state.
Nathan Reigner, Director of Outdoor Recreation for the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, also recognized the important contributions made by small outdoor businesses, from manufacturers and retailers to guides, outfitters, campgrounds, and content creators.
Funding for OBA PA is provided by the Richard King Mellon Foundation and the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania's Office of Outdoor Recreation. Funding for the Trout Tank grant program was provided by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
Building for the Future
This grant represents an important step forward for Hemlock Mountain Outdoors.
It doesn't mean we're moving away from handcrafted gear or turning into a mass-production operation. Quite the opposite.
By making the repetitive parts of manufacturing more efficient, we can put more energy into the craftsmanship, product improvements, and new ideas that have always driven HMO.
We're grateful to the Outdoor Business Alliance of Pennsylvania and everyone involved in making this opportunity possible.
And to everyone who has supported Hemlock Mountain Outdoors over the years, whether you've purchased a hammock, shared our products with a friend, stopped by our booth at an event, or simply followed along as we've grown, thank you.
There's a lot more trail ahead, and we're looking forward to what's next.
Handcrafted in Pennsylvania. Built for wherever the trail takes you.
Explore Hemlock Mountain Outdoors
About Hemlock Mountain Outdoors
Founded in 2018, Hemlock Mountain Outdoors is an independent Pennsylvania outdoor gear manufacturer specializing in handcrafted camping hammocks, tarps, suspension systems, and outdoor accessories. Based in Paupack, Pennsylvania, HMO creates practical, thoughtfully designed gear for hikers, campers, and outdoor enthusiasts.
Media Contact: Kurt Zitzelman, Owner / Founder
Email: support@hemlockmountainoutdoors.co
Website: https://hemlockmountainoutdoors.com