Hammock camping
Hammock camping
There are few experiences in the wild that can compare to hammock camping. The comfort levels are unmatched, the feeling of gently swaying as a light breeze blows through camp, peeking out through the hammock out over the camp, and a nights rest matched only by the most elegant of beds at home.
I started hammock camping almost 15 years ago - at that time there wasn’t very many lightweight, or any weight hammocks available for the specific purpose of backpacking, with the exception of Hennessy hammocks. A lot has changed in the 15 years since I hung up my first Hennessy hammock between two trees in Northern Sweden. For one thing, I had to import the hammock directly from the USA, total cost was close to $500. Now there is a vast selection of hammocks available specifically for backpacking, and more models coming out every week.
In my opinion, and perhaps just about everybody else's opinion, hammocks provide by far the best night's sleep if properly prepared. Properly prepared, I mean at the right angles, tarp, bug net and underquilt. Hammocks are simply to be preferred in wooded areas on shorter hikes. Perhaps night outs, or weekend trips where trees are abundant. In these areas finding a nice area to pitch a tent can be rather difficult.
Here are some general guidelines to keep in mind when choosing to camp with hammock:
- Less is more - Hammocks start off as a simple idea. Two trees and a hammock. Tie it up and your done. However the reality is a lot different and hammocks can easily become a long, drawn out, and heavy process. Two trees, a hammock with all kinds of different do dads to tie it up in a tree, a separate bug net that needs to be mounted, a separate tarp that also needs to be tied up and mounted somehow, an underquilt to keep you warm from underneath, a top quilt to keep you warm on top… Not to mention single layer or double layer hammock, 30D sil-nylon or 70, a large square tarp, or simple hex tarp.
Again, less is more. Find a hammock that has as much features built into it as possible. Sewn in bug net - great, easy mounts - great. Single layer is better than double - less to stress about and lighter. Tarp included with hammock, one rope to mount. The best.
- A good underquilt - There are different ways to keep warm in a hammock, the most optimal is an underquilt, as it warms all around and doesn’t glide all over the place while you sleep.
- A tarp - With some hammocks everything is included. Such as Hennessy hammocks. These come complete with everything you need to have a great night out in the woods. Except for an under- and overquilt. However, most hammocks from smaller, nich companies such as Warbonnet outdoors, the tarp needs to be purchased separately.
- Top quilt - A sleeping bag will work in a hammock, but it is nowhere near the best option. A top quilt offers the warmth of a sleeping bag, but with less weight and hassle. Most top quilts can be easily opened and use as a blanket during the warmest months, and button down to sleeping bag style when the temperature starts to drop.
There are of course drawbacks to using hammocks, some of the I have already mentioned such as a hassle with all the different hanging options, tarp and material options. On top of this because of all the extra gear needed hammocks tend to be heavier than a tent counterpart. Also, with hammocks it’s easy to feel trapped - they are cocoon in style, and it’s nearly impossible to bring all your gear with you into your hammock. It’s much easier to just camp out and wait out bad weather in a Tent.
Backpackinglight.se:
I have tried to keep the hammock selection minimal here. With the best overall option such as the Hennessy hammocks, which are excellent, cheap, complete hammock camping solution. To, perhaps, in my opinion, the best hammocks on the market - Warbonnet outdoors. A little more complex, but certainly worth the extra hassle. We also offer several selection of tarps, quilts and underquilts for all your hammock camping needs.