Fun Freetime: TreePod Canopy

TreePod Canopy, the latest - and largest - hanging habitat from the TreePod team is launching in just a couple weeks. It combines the luxury of a cabana and the convenience of a hammock most of us know and love. It gives new meaning to the phrase ‘hang out.’

A 7.5-foot base creates space for multiple people to comfortably sit or lay down while enjoying panoramic views from five windows. The UV-treated canvas helps keep its color while you enjoy it in the sun. Founder Ricardo Bottome has more than 30 years of experience in the outdoor and lifestyle business making popular slacklines to hiking boots and clothing. He has spent the last several years making TreePod treehouses and now canopies.

I had a chance to interview him to learn more.

Why was TreePod created? 
It has followed customer feedback from Day 1 - it started as a kids hanging treehouse with the goal of an easy setup and easy takedown. Having the ability to store it in the winter when not in use or take it down when the kids grow up makes for a safer treehouse. There's a bit of personal history here. When I was 12 years old, I climbed into an old treehouse and the rotten wood gave way and I fell to the ground. Once we launched our kids hanging treehouse, customers asked for an adult version. After a few months with that feedback simmering in my head and a visit to the Cooper Hewitt museum in New York where I saw the Magis Spun Chair, I had an "AHA moment" and quickly drew what became the Lounger and Cabana. Now in our 3rd generation, customers are asking for a larger TreePod and one that is more open. After some iterations and a few design changes, we are launching the Canopy, our largest and most open product to date.
 
Why is it so important to have a spot to relax outdoors?   
I've always been drawn to the outdoors. I think the outside air and exposure to the sun and wind are much healthier than spending long periods indoors.


What sets TreePod apart from hammocks or swings or other outdoor seating? 
I like to say it's a hammock on steroids. It provides the soothing swinging sensation of a hammock while also providing a flat surface to lay on and a shade. It does not get better than that!