Hammock Camping – An Excellent Lightweight Shelter
The In’s & Out’s Of Hammock Camping
When starting to backpack, I hadn’t even thought camping and using a hammock as shelter was a viable option. My knowledge of hammocks stopped at traditional heavy and thick backyard loungers with wood and rope. Little did I know things went far beyond that in terms of design and utility in the backcountry. After learning about this amazing shelter, I have a difficult time switching to anything else. As great as hammocks are, they have drawbacks like anything else. For the right situation and trip, you can be hard pressed to find another option that is more useful. However, you do not want to be caught in a situation where it is your only option but not usable.
The Basics
First off, when using a hammock you will need somewhere to hang it from. Two points are needed that will be strong enough to support your weight for a sustained period of time while you rest. Straps are necessary to connect your hammock with the anchor points. Generally speaking, you shouldn’t hang a hammock more than a few feet from the ground in case something fails and you fall. Restricting the hanging height will help to limit any physical damage you may sustain in said fall. Hammocks are very versatile and can be used in many different places creatively.
Next is the hammock itself. There are many quality hammock companies producing great hammocks today. From lightweight to purpose built, there is hammock for every environment. Pickup a hammock with a bug net if you plan on being in an insect rich area. Lightweight models are great for minimalists and weight weenies. Choose which is right for you based on your purpose and environment.
The last point here is optional but you probably want some type of covering above you. Tarps are a popular option as shelter from rain, snow, hail and sunlight. Using a tarp that will cover more than the space your hammock takes up with give you room to move around and get out under cover. These tarps are made of many materials and strengths to suit any need. When using a tarp it is advisable to also use stakes to anchor your covering in a tight configuration for the best results.
Worthwhile Considerations
When hammock camping, you will probably want a sleeping pad or some kind of insulator from your body and the hammock itself. If you are in a sleeping bag, the insulation will be useless with all of your body pressing on top. You will feel cold spots on the lowest points and the material is not comfortable when your entire body weight is on it. There are special sleeping pads designed for hammocks and inflatable ones work great as well.
Pillows or extra clothing packed into stuff sacks are also advisable for head support. Your neck will be able to rest in a better spot with some support compared to all night without any. This also will give you something to orient your body with as you will likely be sleeping on your back.
A light or hanging headlamp above you in the hammock is great for seeing what you are doing when getting in and finding a good spot. This is also very useful anytime you need to get up in the middle of the night.
You can store your gear inside the hammock if it is big enough and keep your pack dry. If your tarp is large enough you can hang your pack from one of the support trees you are having from as well to keep it dry during rain or free from morning dew.
When Not To Bring A Hammock
You obviously don’t want to bring a hammock on a trip where there are no trees or rocks to hang from. Knowing this in advance requires research and doing some homework to understand the environment you are going into. Doing research is a due diligence requirement for any trip.
If you sleep on your stomach or side you probably won’t prefer using a hammock. It is difficult and not very comfortable to sleep having in positions other than on your back. If you don’t believe me then go out and try laying in a hammock on your belly or side and find out for yourself.
Do you get up a lot to use the restroom? If so, the hammock may not be for you. Getting in and out is not as easy as doing so in a tent and finding a good spot again can be hard. Every time you enter or exit and hammock, you are taking some risk. Practicing at home before leaving will reduce this but there is always a chance for injury.
What Not To Do When Hammock Camping
When you are using a hammock to camp with, do not store food in it with you. Hammocks already put you at a slight disadvantage if you need to make a quick move away from camp. Besides this, your food should be stored in another location anyway, about 100′ minimum from where you are sleeping. Do not setup a hammock where you cooked your food or close to an open fire. These seem like obvious things but people have done it before not understanding what exactly they are doing.
If Used Correctly, Hammocks Can Be Amazing Shelters
When properly using a hammock, it can change your entire experience. Lighting up your load, protecting you from ground water, insects or rain are just some of the many benefits. Choosing the right hammock for your use, knowing how to hang and cover the hammock are key factors to success. Be smart, do research and make informed decisions you can reduce risk with to enjoy hammock camping!
