Hammock Camping Tips & Hacks for Beginners

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Up until a couple of years ago, the typical camping trip involved erecting a tent and sleeping in it. However, in recent years hammocks have immensely gained popularity and for a good reason. They are lighter than a typical tent, thus making them easier to carry and they provide better protection against wild animals because they are elevated from the ground. If you too are preparing for a hammock camping trip, here a couple of tips to fully experience the benefits of a hammock.

One of the biggest upsides of hammocks is their construction, i.e. the lack of it. Consisting of a single piece of lightweight cloth, hammocks are easy to carry and they don’t take up a lot of space in the backpack when folded. Their lightness makes them ideal for longer treks and they are beloved by travelers who fly in their hiking destination.

Simple installation

Another trait of hammocks is a simplified process of installation in comparison to the tent. You don’t need any poles, stakes or excavation, as a hammock literally requires two tree trunks. They are installed by tying both ends of the hammock at a maximum height of 2 meters. Such elevation guarantees that you are safe against all predators prowling in the dark.

If there is one design flaw that camping layman immediately points out, it’s the argument that hammocks do little to protects campers from rain. They are simply wrong because hammock used for camping out in the wild is different than the linen hammocks buy for their backyard.

A camping hammock comes with a watertight zip that you pull when you go to bet so you are literally cocooned inside the hammock. Even during the heaviest of summer showers, the inside of the hammock will remain completely dry, as the material the hammock is made from will repel rainwater so you always wake up to a dry hammock.

Although most people think of a thick forest as the ideal spot for a hammock, it can actually in any place on Earth with two trees in it. Unlike a camping kitchen that requires the level ground to be set, a hammock can be tied to two threes of different elevations. This enables you to sleep safely and comfortably in some of the most inhospitable places imaginable. What is more, you needn’t clear away any stones or twigs below to set up a hammock, adding to the speed of the installation process.

We have listed some of the benefits of a hammock offers but to be able to use this piece of camping gear you need to be aware of its drawback. Unlike a tent, a hammock cannot house more than two people, as a typical hammock is intended for one camper. However, most models have extra room for one more person but you better be close with them because it’s going to be tight inside. 

The material hammocks are made is quite durable and they is no way it will tear up when newly-bought. Although it is lightweight as well, it is not a great insulator. Using a hammock in August or in dead of winter means that you won’t get much protection against extreme heat or cold.

Even if the material offered some sort of thermal insulation, it would be useless because you sleep surrounded by cold or hot air on all four sides. In a tent, at least the ground beneath you acts as an insulator. The easiest solution to the problem is either taking your clothes off in summer or sleeping with an extra sweater on in winter. Another solution is to let the campfire burn through the night in winter, although you should be careful not to start a wildfire. 

Don’t worry because it’s your first camping trip without a tent. Getting used to sleeping in a hammock is easy, which you will realize as soon as you set it up in no time. Just wear proper clothing and you should be fine.