While hammock camping might sound weird at first, it is a straightforward and comfortable way of camping. Many people prefer this method over traditional tent camping due to its ease to carry, lightweight, and less expensive traits. But many campers are resultant to try it out.
If you ever wondered how to camp in a hammock, you’ve come to the right place. We have listed which products you must have and how to set up a hammock so that you don’t have to struggle. If you ever wanted to give hammock camping a try, read ahead!
What is Hammock Camping
Hammock camping refers to using a hammock as your camping resting place instead of the tent. You tie your hammock to trees and sleep there instead of the ground. The Latin American indigenous people have been using hammocks for sleeping for a long time. Hammock camping has become increasingly popular among backpackers due to its lightweight, small carry spaces, and comfort.
Choose Your Hammock
A hammock isn’t just the rope woven surface hung on two trees. There are many different types of hammocks, and each has its traits. The rope hammock, which is the most popular for backyard leisure, isn’t a good choice for camping. They become uncomfortable after a few minutes as they have a spreader bar that unevenly allocates weight and causes frequent flip-overs.
There are hammocks with better-positioned spreader bars called bridge hammocks. This hammock only spreads a part of the fabric, which helps to avoid flip-over accidents. There are also bed hammocks where you need to lie vertically, and there are also gathered end hammocks where each finishing needs to be tied to a tree. Choose the hammock according to your journey and comfort.
Essentials of Hammock Camping
You need several camping gears for hammock camping, such as a hammock, suspension system, rainfly, bug net, sleeping pad or under quilt, and ridgeline. You can either use the camping gear that you have or buy a completely new set.
- Sleeping Pad or Underquilt: You need a sleeping pad for comfortable sleep. It also helps to keep you warm in chilly weather. In hammock camping, only a sleeping bag isn’t enough as it lets the cold airflow through the hammock. You should try to look for pads that designed for hammock camping.
Under quilts are favored by experienced campers. As it is fitted on the outside, you can enlarge it, and it doesn’t feel stuffy like sleeping pads.
- Bug Nets: When you’re camping out in the open air, you will encounter mosquitoes and insects. While a tent gives protection in this regard, you need a bug net when you’re using a hammock. There are nets specifically designed to fit hammocks and give you complete protection from all sides.
- Rainfly: Even though a hammock is generally used in the summer, you might encounter rain while camping, so it’s best to be prepared. Rainfly is available in different materials, but just like bug nets, there are rainfly for hammocks. These items are made from a rigid, water-resistant material called silnylon, and it’s lighter than plastic tarps.
How to Set Up Your Hammock
- Choose Location: Some campsites don’t allow hammock camping because the trees might get damaged. So, choose a place where you are allowed to use a hammock. Once you reach the site, you need to find a minimum of 200 feet away from water sources and the camping ground.
- Choose Tree: This is very important as sturdy trees will give you better protection. You need a tree whose diameter is a minimum of 6 inches. Don’t forget to check for weak branches as they might fall on you during heavy wind. Be careful that the tree isn’t not home to birds or animals.
- Suspension Cord Set-up: Once you’ve found the perfect tree, connect your hammock suspension cords to the bark. It will take some time to find the perfect angle. Please don’t make your hammock too flat, as it will wrinkle and fold. Ideally, the strap angle needs to be 30 degrees to the tree.
- Correct the Height: The distance between the middle of the hammock and the ground needs to be almost 18 inches. This will also take some time to adjust but make sure to do it properly.
- Setting the Essentials: Before connecting the bug net, put on the underquilt or sleeping pad. You can also use a top quilt and pillow for comfort.
Cautions
There are camp etiquettes you must follow when hammock camping. Don’t attach your hammock to a protected tree. Never use a small tree or saplings as they will break. Would you mind not leaving out your food as it will attract animals? Dispose of every waste properly to keep the site clean.
Conclusion
I hope now you know how to camp in a hammock and the method is no longer scary for you. Just like every camping trip, you have to be adequately prepared and follow the site rules. A hammock offers comfortable resting while being cheaper than traditional camping.
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Last update 2022-10-17 at 11:53