Amid thousands of camping gear manufacturers in North America, Haven Tents stands tall above the rest. The Sandy, Utah-based hammock manufacturing company has redefined outdoor sleeping with its innovative lay-flat hammock tents, designed to prioritise comfort without sacrificing portability. Since launching its first Kickstarter campaign in 2019, the company has grown multifold and introduced a gaggle of hammock tents alongside other camping essentials.
Its product lineup, including the original Haven Tent, Haven XL, and the more durable Haven Safari, has garnered a loyal following among campers and backpackers, making them a standout in the outdoor gear market. The Haven Spectre, its latest innovation, was successfully funded on Kickstarter, raising $566,889 from 1,298 backers, far surpassing its $20,000 goal. Homecrux got in touch with Derek Tillotson, Founder of Haven Tents, to know more about the campaign and the company’s future plans.
Homecrux (HC): Please tell us a little about yourself and the origin story behind Haven Tents?
Derek Tillotson (DT): I’m Derek Tillotson, founder of Haven Tents and designer of the Haven Tent system. Our company is based in Utah, and we’ve spent the last five years on a mission to make sleep the highlight of camping. That started with a frustration we all know too well. Tossing and turning all night in a tent or waking up sore in a traditional hammock. I wanted to build something that combined the best of both worlds: flat comfort and the freedom to sleep suspended. What started with a sketch on my family’s ranch has quickly grown into a community of thousands of outdoor adventurers who prioritise rest as much as adventure.
HC: Haven Tents launched the Spectre through a Kickstarter campaign, despite being an established company. What strategic advantages do you see in using crowdfunding for a product like the Spectre, and how do you address concerns about putting project liability on consumers?
DT: Crowdfunding isn’t just about funding—it’s about building a movement. Even though Haven Tents is established, Kickstarter lets us rally our most engaged fans and give them early access and input. It’s a way to test ideas, build excitement, and generate momentum that’s hard to replicate through a traditional launch. We do our best to minimise risk by only launching products that are already in development and tested.
HC: What inspired the development of the Spectre, and how does it reflect Haven Tents’ mission?
DT: The Haven Spectre was born from listening to our community. People loved the lay-flat comfort of our original models but wanted something lighter for backpacking and thru-hiking. We took on that challenge without sacrificing the core of what we do. The Spectre reflects our mission by keeping comfort front and centre, but doing it in a way that finally makes sense for ultralight travel.
HC: What key innovations allowed the weight drop from the XL to the Spectre?
DT: It was all about rethinking the system from the ground up. We started with our bestselling model, the Haven XL, and looked at every component with a focus on weight savings. The 210T polyester hammock body was replaced with ultralight Monolite mesh, and we optimised everything else—from the zippers to the tree straps. The result? A 4.27 lb | 1.9 kg system that still delivers our signature lay-flat comfort, now built for the backcountry.
HC: How does the lay-flat design improve common hammock camping issues?
DT: No banana backs, no burrito effect. Our patented design creates a flat and open sleeping platform supported by an integrated air mattress. This recreates the at-home sleep experience. It’s something people don’t believe until they try it. And once they do, it’s hard to go back indoors! The most common feedback we hear? “Best night of sleep I’ve ever had camping.”
HC: Why add bivy mode? What challenges did it present?
DT: Versatility is huge for backpackers, especially when tree cover isn’t guaranteed. Haven Spectre, like our other hammock models, can be pitched right on the ground. Using trekking poles, or anything else that holds up the fly. You’re no longer suspended, but bivy mode makes the Spectre a true all-conditions system.
HC: How does the Spectre stand out in the ultralight market?
DT: Comfort. You can find plenty of 3-4 lb shelters, but sleep quality suffers. We are spoiled by our soft, comfortable beds at home. Spectre is for hikers who know the value of rest and recovery. It’s also incredibly user-friendly, with a faster setup than most tent systems and fewer compromises. It’s not just light—it’s livable.
HC: How do you balance Kickstarter discounts with long-term sustainability?
DT: Kickstarter gives us a way to reward early adopters while generating the cash flow needed to fund production. More importantly, early backers often become our most passionate advocates, sharing their experiences and spreading the word. So we see Kickstarter not just as a sales channel, but as an investment in our first wave of (well-rested) brand ambassadors.
HC: How do couples or groups use the Spectre?
DT: Spectre is designed for solo use, but hanging two side-by-side is actually one of the best experiences. It keeps you close but gives each person their own space and stability.
HC: A story of going above and beyond with customer service?
DT: We once had a customer hiking the CDT whose pack started leaking mid-trip. They had punctured it along the way and called us for help. We overnighted a replacement to the next town on their route. Even though we’re not there camping with you, we feel like we are!
HC: Looking ahead, what’s next for Haven Tents? Are there plans to expand the Spectre line, explore
new materials, or introduce other innovative outdoor sleep solutions, and how do you see
company evolve in the next five years?
DT: We’ve got some really exciting things on the horizon. New materials we want to try, new accessories to enhance your adventures. We want to keep building this community of people who care about sleep, nature, and adventure. We are even planning a Haven camping event for next summer. But more than anything, we want our sleep system to become an established option/solution for sleeping outside. Right now, the options are a ground tent or a hammock. Both are a far cry from your bed at home. We want the Haven Tent to become the choice for anyone wanting a good sleep outside.
We thank Derek Tillotson for taking the time out for this insightful engagement!
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