Do you have any idea to change your camping method? You know that there are several types of camping. Tent camping, Rv or van camping, backpacking, kayak/canoe camping, etc. Tent camping is the most popular camping method among campers. So, why don’t we try hammock camping to have a different experience? Hammock camping is more comfortable, more enjoyable, and easy to set up. Here are the most essential hammock camping tips that help you during your camping.
- Choose the best hammock for camping
- Try the hammock before you camp
- The perfect weather condition for hammock camping
- Choose the right spot
- Keep your camping kit lightweight
- Bring a tent
- Do not hang your hammock from dead trees
- Bring the right clothing
- Hang the hammock away from water sources
- Hang your hammock correctly
- Use a bug net
- Use a good sag
- Lay diagonally across the hammock
- Use a sleeping pad or under quilt
- Remove your hammock when you leave
These tips and tricks help you to continue a great hammock camping holiday without any issues. Try to consider these tips and have an amazing experience.
Choose the best hammock for camping
Taking a hammock for your camping trip is a different kind of experience. You know there are so many types of hammock brands produced for the market by different companies. Some of them can be cheap or expensive. But, the most important factor is to choose the best hammock for your use.
When choosing a hammock you should consider the following factors in order to have a comfortable camping experience.
- Size
- Weight
- Accessories
- Material and fabrics
- Suspension systems
Size:
The size of the hammock should be approximately 10-11 feet long and 5 feet wide. The size of the hammock becomes more essential if you are tall. For a child a hammock with 8.5 feet by 4 feet wide.
Weight:
Before purchasing make sure that the hammock is light enough to take with you. A hammock should weigh under 3 lbs. If the hammock weighs more than 3 lbs, then it is better to take the tent with you.
Accessories:
There are plenty of things that you should take with your hammock to make your trip easier.
- Suspension system – This is the part that keeps your hammock above the ground
- Rainfly – This is a trap that is draped over your hammock to keep you dry in case it rains
- Bug Net – This helps you to protect yourself from mosquitoes, falling leaves, and other debris
- Underquilt – This prevents your body heat from escaping through the bottom of the hammock
Material and fabrics:
Usually, for a hammock, lightweight fabric is used. There are two types of hammock materials.
- Nylon
- Polyester
Nylon – This is extremely durable and abrasion-resistant. This material is highly used in backpacking as it is effective and durable
Polyester – This material is very common in backpacking and sports gear. It is comfortable for your body too. However, it can be both affordable and lightweight.
Suspension systems:
How do you hang your hammock? There are three systems to hang your hammock.
- Rope
- Tree straps
- Webbing
Rope – This is the oldest suspension system that is used to hang the hammock. This system makes damage to the trees. As the rope is thin, it grips the tree and destroys the bark.
Tree Straps – This is the safest and the easiest suspension system to use because you do need to tie any knots. As they are thick, they will not hurt the trees too.
Webbing – Webbing is a thick polyester strap that you wrap around the trees using rather complicated knots. The straps are thick. So, it will not hurt the trees.
If you try to consider these factors before you purchase a hammock, you can have a perfect and comfortable sleep throughout your camping.
Try the hammock before you camp
Hammock camping tips help you to have the best camping experience in your life. So, you should prepare yourselves prior to the camping. If you can try the hammock before you camp, it will be more effective during your camping.
You can set up the hammock in your backyard or at a nearby park. Then check whether it is the right size or comfortable enough to sleep in. Also, by checking the hammock, you will be more confident to set up the hammock at your campsite. You will be able to choose the right trees, tie the suspension straps perfectly, and can climb into the hammock conveniently.
If you feel the hammock was uncomfortable you can exchange it for a different size or model.
The perfect weather condition for hammock camping
Fall is the best season for hammock camping. During this time, the weather is more stable and the surrounding gives you calm scenery. If you are an outdoor enthusiast, who appreciates any weather conditions, you can camp at any time.
However, for camping beginners, it is better to choose warm weather conditions for hammock camping. As the cold weather conditions are tough to handle in a hammock, it is better to camp under warm weather conditions.
First, adjust to the warm weather conditions for hammock camping. Then, you can adapt to the cold weather condition slightly.
Choose the right spot
This is one of the most needed hammock camping tips. Actually, you can not hang your hammock anywhere. If you choose the right spot for hammock camping, you can have a different camping experience and as well as can camp safely. Hammock camping is limited to areas with rocks, trees, and other sturdy structures that help you to tie the hammock steadily.
To pitch a hammock, you need strong trees that are not too close together or too far apart. However, finding the right spot to hang a hammock is challenging. So, You need to find a campsite that is for hammock camping. There are so many hammock sites in the National Parks in the USA.
Keep your camping kit lightweight
When you are camping, you will need so many things to take with you. Usually, hammocks are lighter than tents. It is very compact and easy to transport. Though the hammock is lightweight, it only can afford one person. But, for several people, several hammocks will be needed. So, especially, when you are planning for hammock camping, try to keep other gears lightweight. Also, if you are going for solo hammock camping, keeping your camping kit lightweight, helps you more.
Bring a tent
If you are going hammock camping for the first time, do not forget to take a tent with you. Sometimes, you will find sleeping on a hammock is uncomfortable. Most of us can bear the situation if we are camping for one day. But, when you camp for several days, you do not have any other option if you did not bring a tent. It is better to prepare with a backup plan than to be forced to suffer.
Do not hang your hammock from dead trees
You know after dying, no one is stable or strong. When you choose trees to pitch your hammock, try to choose strong and sturdy trees. If you find any dead trees, try to avoid them because they can not afford your weight. The dead trees can break or fall if you try to pitch the hammock. Maybe it can cause harm or damage to the area. If you are unsure about the trees, you can check around the tree for dead branches.
Things that you must consider before pitching a hammock:
- Choose trees that are more than 6” (15cm) wide
- Select trees that are about 10 to 15 feet apart
- Avoid trees that have poison ivy, poison oak, or other poisonous plants
- Don’t pitch a hammock under overhanging dead branches
Bring the right clothing
This is an essential tip that makes you feel great outside. You should wear the right clothing for the right weather condition.
Spring:
During the spring season, you may have both sunny and rainy days. So, you should pack your clothes in layers. You can pack a few long sleeve shirts, a sweater, and pair of leggings or sweat pants to stay warm.
Summer:
During this time, you have to focus on lightweight and moisturizing materials. Try to avoid wearing shorts to protect your skin from the sun.
Fall:
During this time you should wear layers because the temperature will fall overnight. You can use wool or synthetic material as the first layer because it is lightweight. Then, you can wear a thick and heavy layer.
Winter:
You have to use plenty of insulating layers to keep you warm and protected all day. When packing, focus on fabrics like wool, and synthetic materials, that will keep your body heat. You can use fleece or wool hats to keep your head and ears warm.
Hang the hammock away from water sources
Set your hammock at least 200 feet away from any water source. This is a must if you consider your safety. There are plenty of plant habitats near water. These plants help to prevent river banks from soil erosion and help to keep the soil stable. So, if you are planning to set your hammock in these areas, protect and respect the nearby flora and fauna.
Hang your hammock correctly
If you need a comfortable sleep learn how to hang your hammock correctly. It is not easy to study the process. But, you must be sure to let your hammock hang a little loose. This is the most significant tip that help you during your first hammock camping.
You must angle the hammock about 30 degrees to make it perfect. Hang your hammock about your waist height because it is easy to get in and out safely.
Use a bug net
The hammock is not the same as a tent. The hammock is fully opened and you should buy some gears to keep you protected. At night, you will suffer from bug problems. So, to avoid these issues, you can invest in a bug net. This is a good option when you go hammock camping. Some hammocks come with a bug net. A full-length bug net can completely surround your hammock and create a room-like atmosphere to read, rest, and relax.
Use a good sag
You can try to hang your hammock by using a good sag. You can be more comfortable if you hang the hammock at 30 degrees angle from the horizontal. A deep sag lowers the center of gravity and makes the hammock more stable and harder to fall out of.
Lay diagonally across the hammock
After using a sag you can lay diagonally across the fabric. You will be amazed when you find how comfortable the method is. Many beginners attempt to lay straight. It creates a banana-shaped lay. It makes you inconvenient. Laying diagonally helps to make you comfortable and prevents the sides of the hammock from bunching up during the night.
Use a sleeping pad or under quilt
This is one of the most significant hammock camping tips if you decide to go camping in the winter season. You can use the sleeping pad or the under quilt to prevent your body from having direct contact with the cold air surrounding you. This makes you feel more warmth and comfort.
Remove your hammock when you leave
If you leave your campsite for a hike or swim; remember to remove your hammock. This will prevent animals and little children from getting tangled in your hammock. Also, leaving the hammock strung, will allow you to accumulate dirt and leaves inside the hammock.
These hammock camping tips and tricks help you to feel at ease and make your camping journey flow.
What are the other hammock camping tips?
- Use momentum to anchor your straps
- You can hang a tarp to stay dry
- You can try a knee pillow
- Use a drip line
- Bring extra carabiners
- Research your camping ground
- Be aware of hidden dangers and wildlife
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