If you're non sure how to get started with hammock camping, then you lot've come to the right place. In this article, nosotros walk you through everything you need to know well-nigh hammock camping for beginners. Whether you're looking to completely ditch your tent or simply desire to familiarize yourself with another option, read on!

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Why Should Yous Hammock Military camp?

Permit's face it, you've spent most of your camping life in a tent on the ground. And so far, it's worked out pretty well. Then if it ain't broken, why fix it? Below, nosotros discuss hammock history, besides as some of its advantages and disadvantages when compared to traditional tent camping.

What is hammock camping?

Hammocks were starting time developed by the early inhabitants of Key and South America. Given the immense volume of tropical creatures that could kill y'all, hammocks provided folks with some actress defence force while asleep.

It was an elegantly unproblematic solution to a deadly problem; woven tree bawl or twine served as a sleeping surface, while a piece of rope on either terminate was secured to a tree. This created an elevated platform that put a welcome distance between the sleeper and the poisonous insects/hungry animals roaming the jungle floor.

It'due south believed that hammocks offset appeared in Europe in 1492, later Christopher Columbus brought some back to Kingdom of spain from his journey to the Bahamas. Over time, it became the preferred sleep system for sailors and soldiers alike.

Fast-forward to today and hammocks have become a global phenomenon. You can notice heavy canvas hammocks adorning abode gardens, classic rope hammocks strewn around embankment resorts, and ultralight hammocks slung forth the trail. Only why are they then popular?

Advantages Compared to Tents

When information technology comes to camping, tents have long been the default option. They offer protection from the elements and bugs, are lightweight, and offering spacious interiors. So why consider switching from a tent to a hammock? Here are a few advantages.

  • A SENSE OF WEIGHTLESSNESS

Whereas tents keep you on solid ground, the elevated nature of a hammock gives you lot a sense of weightlessness. Many campers detect this relaxing and even claim that inducing a slight stone from side to side can aid them migrate off.

  • NO Need FOR FLAT OR CLEARED GROUND

One of the major drawbacks of tent camping ground is the need for apartment, cleared ground. Nosotros've all had the experience of pitching a tent on an ever-so-slight incline. Adjacent thing you know, you wake up with your torso aptitude into a sloping corner.

Hammocks, on the other hand, tin can be pitched on any gradation, making them a smashing pick when travelling through more than rugged terrain.

  • DOUBLES AS A CAMP CHAIR

Instead of hauling a camp chair into the backcountry, you can just use your hammock as a comfy seat by sitting upward in information technology. In fact, depending on your detail hammock and tree setup, information technology can even work as a love-seat or couch.

  • FASTER SETUP

Veteran hammock campers are notorious for being able to fix their slumber organisation in only a couple of minutes. That'due south partially considering they don't need to spend any fourth dimension clearing an area to pitch their tent on. It'southward also because at that place are only ii straps involved in the setup, as opposed to several pale-out points and guylines. Even with the optional rain tarp, the hammock gear up-upwardly is nonetheless faster.

  • Pelting & WATER PROTECTION

There's nothing worse than tent camping on wet footing. Oh, wait—there is: Tent camping during a heavy rainfall. Heavy rains can lead to water penetration, usually by overflowing the bathtub floor. This means a lot of wet gear and a much heavier pack in the morning. Hammocks bypass this nuisance altogether—just make sure to properly set up your rain tarp.

  • Exit NO TRACE

Compared to tent camping ground, hammock camping leaves less of an impact on the surroundings. Inevitably, pitching your tent on the ground requires a certain corporeality of crushed plants. Not and then with hammocks.

Additionally, you'll notice that the suspension straps used with a hammock are quite wide. This helps distribute pressure and minimize impairment to the tree trunks.

  • STARRY NIGHT

On a clear night, you can enjoy an unobstructed view of the heavens above. Definitely non a common tent feature.

Tent and hammock on a campground

Disadvantages Compared to Tents

  • WEIGHT

While it's truthful that hammocks are generally a bit heavier than modern tents, this largely depends on which models y'all're comparing. Overall, hammocks counterbalance less for their price-betoken.

  • Chilly BOTTOMS

Tent campers lose precious body heat through the footing. Merely hammock campers lose even more of that trunk rut to the surrounding environment. This isn't such a big bargain—simply be certain to pack awarmer sleeping pad than you lot would while tent camping ground.

  • TREES

One nice thing virtually tents is that you tin pitch them in an open field. Hammocks, on the other paw, are restricted to wooded areas.

  • COMFORT

This comes downwardly to personal preference, merely in the interest of being thorough, it should be noted that some people simply tin can't become comfortable in a hammock.

  • LEARNING Curve

While only a temporary disadvantage, it can take fourth dimension to arrange to hammock camping. This includes everything from picking the correct copse, setting it up at the right height and angle, and falling comatose in information technology. Many beginner hammock campers experience cornball virtually the spacious interior that their tent provided.

WHAT DO YOU NEED FOR HAMMOCK Camping ground?

Before setting off into the woods with your neighbor'southward lawn hammock in tow, allow's discuss some of the things you lot'll really need on the trail.

Complete Camping Hammock Kit

Equally the name suggests, consummate camping hammock kits come with everything you need. This typically includes a hammock, bug net, pause accessories (loops, ridgeline, carabiners, tree straps), pelting tarp, stakes, and a few stuff sacks for storage.

Though less customizable, these kits offer better value than purchasing each particular separately. It also saves you time. Of course, yous'll still need to purchase your own sleeping pad, sleeping bag, andpillow.

If you're a true hammock novice, a complete kit is an splendid way to get started. Information technology allows yous to discover whether hammock camping is right for yous and, if and so, which pieces of gear you'll want to upgrade down the line.

Homemade Kit

This is the DIY method for hammock camping. Though more time-consuming, y'all can drill down on exactly which accessories you want for your setup. This is all-time suited for campers with at least some experience with backcountry hammocks.

  • HAMMOCK

In terms of gear, ahammock refers to both the hammock itself and some of its accessory parts. For case, many hammocks come equipped with their own suspension system and issues net.

  • SUSPENSION STRAPS

Suspension straps are used to connect the ends of your hammock to a tree. It's essentially a wide, durable strap with daisy-chain webbing. Though many hammocks come with their ain pause straps, you lot can always choose to upgrade.

Take note that you should never use bare rope. Non only will it have a lower tensile forcefulness, only you chance damaging trees.

  • Bug Cyberspace

If your hammock doesn't already include azippered bug net, information technology's strongly recommended that you become one. Not only will information technology protect you from obnoxious flies and mosquitoes, but you'll also avoid some potentially dangerous spider bites.

  • Pelting TARP

Though not necessary in fine atmospheric condition, apelting tarp is absolutely essential. This waterproof layer tin be pitched in an A-frame above your hammock using tarp clips. The tarp should be big enough that the base of operations exceeds the width of your hammock. This will forestall water from dripping on you during a storm.

  • SLEEPING BAG OR TOP QUILT

But like with tent camping, you'll need asleeping bag to stay warm at night. For hotter nights, you could opt for a uncomplicated, lightweight sleeping bag liner instead. On very cold evenings, consider combining both a handbag and liner.

Need more than inspo? Check out our favourite sleeping handbag picks for 2021 .

One common alternative to a sleeping purse is thesuperlative quilt. Quilts are similar to sleeping bags only with the hood and back portions removed. Surprisingly, this has little to no outcome on its R-value. This is considering the back and hood department of a sleeping handbag are compressed when in use. Thus, the insulating fabric can't actually create air pockets to keep y'all warm.

  • SLEEPING PAD OR UNDERQUILT?

Though yous won't be laying on bumpy terrain while hovering in a hammock, you'll all the same need some kind of sleeping pad orunderquilt. This serves two purposes. Commencement, it creates an insulating barrier, preventing precious torso heat from escaping through your dorsum. Second, theright sleeping pad can add some much-needed back up.

Here'southward apro tip: If yous choose to get with an inflatable sleeping pad, don't inflate it all the way. Assuasive your pad a bit of sag helps information technology amend conform to the shape of your hammock.

  • HIKING BACKPACK

Of grade, y'all'll demand a place to shop and comport all this gear! This is where a backpack comes in. Check out our huge selection ofhiking backpacks or get inspired past ourmeridian picks for 2021.

Shoe Chaussure

Bag Sac

Tent Tente

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HOW TO SET UP A HAMMOCK FOR Camping ground

Now that you've got your hammock, there's a few things you should know about setting it up. Here'southward a quick guide to get you started. Just follow these five elementary steps and you'll take your wilderness dwelling house upwards and ready in just minutes.

i. Choose the right trees

It all starts with finding the correct spot. Whether information technology's on a steep mountainside or by the side of a tranquil lake, yous're going to need trees! When looking for the perfect copse to suspend your rest-nest, pay attention to theirsize anddistance apart.

Ideally, the trees should be mature enough to withstand your weight in the hammock without leaning forward. In terms of distance, anywherebetween 10-15 feet apart is considered good. The length of your hammock and personal preference for sag volition determine the verbal corporeality. Additionally, the daisy chain on your intermission straps will provide you lot with some flexibility if the trees are somewhat further abroad or closer together.

2. Adjust the hammock angle and height

In that location are two measurements y'all demand to consider when pitching your hammock. These arepitch bending andheight. (Don't worry—this doesn't require any math skills.) But remember that the perfect hammock tiptop is roughlyeighteen inches from the ground. This is the seat height of an boilerplate chair.

Meanwhile, your interruption straps should exist secured at a elevation of about48 inches from the ground and have an bending ofxxx degrees. This angle provides the perfect amount of force because, well…physics.

Remember not to over tighten your suspension straps, equally this volition unnecessarily increase the pressure on both the copse and your straps.

3. Set upwardly a bug net

Equally previously mentioned, many hammocks come equipped with a zippered bug net that surrounds the top portion of your hammock. In the absence of an integrated bug net, consider purchasing an aftermarket one. Aftermarket bug nets are usually large enough to curtain high higher up your hammock and onto the ground.

4. Fix a rain tarp

Once your hammock and bug net are all set, set your pelting tarp. There are many ways to pitch a tarp, but here'south a simple method to configure an A-frame.

In a higher place your suspension straps, spike the tarp clips and extend a ridgeline taut between both trees. So, secure the clips to the outside of the tarp. Make sure y'all center the ridgeline higher up the midline of your hammock. Now, using the guylines, simply stake out each of the iv corners of the tarp.

5. Keep essentials and snacks nearby!

There'south goose egg worse than stumbling out of your hammock in the pitch darkness, unable to detect your headlamp or toilet kit or rain jacket. To avoid this, make it a addiction to always keep the gear you'll demand within arm's reach.

Before bed, accept some easy-to-achieve snacks ready, too. Make sure not to continue any food or other perfumed items nearby one time you really crouch downwards for the night. Tie everything up in a bear bag and hang it at least 100 anxiety away from the nearest campsite. Non only will this prevent an undesired carry encounter, yous'll also discourage rodents from rummaging through your pack!

Dog searching his owner in a hammock in the forest

HAMMOCK CAMPING TIPS: SETTING Up FOR SUCCESS FOR YOUR FIRST Endeavor

As we mentioned in a higher place, one of the disadvantages to hammock camping is the steeper learning curve. Thankfully, much of this tin can exist mitigated by post-obit a handful of simple tips.

Backyard before big adventure

And then yourhammock arrived in the mail and you lot're raring to become. Simply, earlier you lot practise, test it out in your lawn or a nearby park. You'll want to make sure you lot tin set it upwards with ease and troubleshoot any issues that may ascend in the procedure.

Bring backup gear

While we don't suggest bringing forth a whole other sleep organisation, it'due south useful to carry some of the primal components that can be easily lost or cleaved; an actress carabiner, for instance, or a tree strap. Additionally, you should carry a pocket-sized repair kit for whatsoever unexpected rips or tears you'll need to mend in the field.

If all else fails, you lot can always throw your tarp, sleeping pad, and sleeping purse on the footing and do some cowboy camping (conditions permitting, of grade).

Sleeping off-center

Though unintuitive, sleeping off-kilter is considerably more comfortable than sleeping perfectly aligned in the center of your hammock. Simply angle your head slightly to one side and bending your feet slightly to the other. Past extending the horizontal wings of the hammock, you're creating a tauter and flatter surface to lay on.

OTHER ALTERNATIVES TO Camping ground TENTS

Also tents and hammocks, you might be wondering if there are whatever other culling shelter systems. Below, we discuss two systems. The first is a minimalist backcountry option, while the 2nd is suited for relaxing frontcountry experiences.

Tarp Camping

A popular choice among ultralighters,tarp camping is a cracking style to relish the wilderness without packing much weight. Information technology but consists of pitching an A-frame tarp between two trees and setting up your sleep system on the ground beneath it.

Tree Tents

Something of a novelty,tree tents have fabricated their marker over the concluding few years. In a nutshell, a tree tent is a normal looking tent that is suspended above the ground like a hammock. Instead of two straps, however, tree tents usually employ three or more for better stability.

What makes tree tents then unique is that they can be set up above water or overlooking a breathtaking view. While they are a much heavier option than both hammocks and tents, they offering hammock campers a more spacious bedtime feel.

That said, betwixt its hefty weight, lengthy setup time, steep learning curve, and the need for several well-configured pines, tree tents are recommended strictly for frontcountry camping. To run into it in action, check outthis video.

First person view of someone reading in a hammock

FAQs for hammock camping ground

Practise y'all need a special hammock to hammock camp?

Camping hammocks differ considerably from their urban counterparts. The material, weight, packability, and weather-resistance are all optimized for rugged backcountry atmospheric condition. Even if you purchase the cheapest hammock online, make sure information technology's intended for camping.

Is hammock camping comfortable?

Overall, hammocks tend to be more comfortable than tents. Hammocks provide campers with a supportive and svelte surface to lay on, whereas tent camping ground is only as comfy as the footing beneath it. Whether it'south rocks, twigs, or uneven terrain, basis camping ground always comes with a scattering of bumps and bulges.

Is hammock camping safer than tent camping?

Both hammock and tent camping are as safe as you make them. When it comes to hammocks, you desire to make sure y'all have the appropriate gear for a item surroundings. Also, you lot want to be conscientious of where you choose to gear up up your hammock. Expressionless, weakened, or small copse are never a proficient idea and could pb to injury.

Is hammock camping colder than tent camping?

In full general, hammock camping is colder than tent camping ground. Though tent campers lose rut through the ground, hammock campers lose substantially more heat to the surrounding air. Windy nights can exist particularly cold, fifty-fifty in fifteen°C weather. The solution is to invest in a sleeping pad with a loftier R-value .

Is hammock camping lighter than tent camping for backpacking?

Though there was a time where hammocks were lighter than tents, that time has passed. With the advent of durable, ultralight materials, tents accept become increasingly lightweight without sacrificing internal book. However, depending on the model of tent yous buy, a hammock tin can still weigh less—peculiarly for the toll.

Where do yous store your backpack when hammock camping ground?

There are ii common places to store your haversack while hammock camping. The kickoff spot is literally right beside you on the basis. In the upshot of pelting, make sure your backpack is within the perimeter of your rain tarp. You should continue a pack cover over your purse and likewise lay it on a piece of plastic in instance the ground is already wet.

Keep in mind that vermin may want to inspect your pack during the night. Make sure y'all hang a bear pocketbook with all your food and other scented items at least 100 anxiety abroad. Unzip your pockets to allow any curious creatures to do a footling exploring—that way, they don't chew through your backpack.

Alternatively, you tin can attach your backpack to either the head or foot of your hammock. Keep a small carabiner handy and hang it directly from your hammock's pause strap. And don't worry about the weight. Many of these systems are designed to support several hundred pounds.

Determination

Well, at that place you lot have information technology—the complete beginner'southward guide to hammock camping. Even if y'all decide not to switch upwardly your shelter organisation, we promise we've piqued your interest enough to give it a shot.

For those of you who nevertheless recollect tent camping is the way to become, bank check out our favourite camping tents and favourite hiking tents of 2021 !