Hammock camping seems to be the new rule for camping these days. It is way better than the conventional method of setting up a tent for a camping trip. Hammock camping has not just one but several advantages compared to the conventional method of Camping. A hammock is usually lighter than a tent. During Camping, it is normal to carry a ton of things to make it a successful trip. So why would one go for carrying all the heavy material for setting up a tent when there is the option of a Hammock?
Also, Hammock can be used as a swing as well, but a tent has no such functions.
Materials Required
All it requires is one or more cloth panels or well-knitted twine with ropes attached to its ends. Also, two anchor points are necessary, so the ropes could be used to set the hammock.
Tips
Setting up a hammock is not as easy as it seems. It is pertinent to take note of the following tips before opting for hammock camping:
- Choose The Right Hammock
The first thing to seek for in a hammock is comfort. It must be at least 2 feet more than the person’s height. Also, one must choose wisely between a one-person hammock and a two-person hammock. Usually, two-person hammocks feel comfier as they give you more room to move around.
The next thing to consider is its quality. A hammock must be of good quality to ensure that it does not make the person fall from it while sleeping. 70D Ripston nylon material is used in good quality hammocks.
Lastly, hammocks are expensive, so invest wisely.
- Bring A Tent For The First Outing
It is advised that a person must keep a tent as a backup plan if opted for hammock camping for the first time. Comfort is the primary need, and if the hammock doesn’t provide enough comfort for a good sleep, then there should be a backup.
Or, in case the camper fails to set up a hammock, then the backup tent will come to the rescue during the trip.
- Should Be Set Up At A Relevant Altitude
The Hammock shouldn’t be tied too high. It must be at a reasonable altitude where:
- The belongings of the camper are handy or accessible
- Even if the camper falls off, it doesn’t hurt too much.
Normally, the ideal height to set up a hammock is 3 feet from the ground. It is also easy to get in and out of a low-elevated hammock.
- Pick The Right Spot
One of the primary requirements to go for hammock camping is to choose the right spot/location to set up the hammock. The trees or pole used to set up the hammock must be pretty far apart from each other, so the hammock can be tied tightly.
Second, it should not be a danger zone. The trees must not be too thin that can bend or break easily. There should be no branches above the hammock that may fall onto the camper. The ideal spot chosen to set up the hammock must also be far from any beehives/ant mounds or a similar setting. A Hammock must not be placed near a pedestal table or sharp objects.
Also, the hammock must be set up at least 200m away from the source.
- Use Mesh To Keep The Insects Away
Most of the hammocks come with a mesh or a bug net. Check before purchasing the hammock, whether it has a mesh or a bug net. If the hammock does not have a bug net/mesh, then the camper can make one for themselves. The camper can also use binder clips to jimmy-rig a closed hammock.
A mesh or a bug net is necessary to keep the bugs, mosquitoes, moths, and other flies away during the night; otherwise, the camper can be exposed to numerous bacteria, viruses, infections, and so much more.
- Build A Shelter
A shelter must be built around the hammock to prevent any damage to be caused to the hammock or the camper. A durable shelter will prevent the camper from suffering from heavy wind and rain during the Camping.
- Use A Sleeping Pad And Knee Pillow
If it is the first time for the camper to sleep in a hammock, then it will be uncomfortable for sure. When the camper is lying diagonally in the hammock, it is obvious to feel a tight ridge in the legs, which can even cause hypertension to the camper. A pillow or extra padding under the legs would relieve the camper from feeling the ridge and provide comfort.
If the surroundings are cold, then the camper must carry a sleeping pad to maintain warmth along with comfort. An underquilt or sleeping pad must be carried by the camper in case of windier surroundings as well.
- Wear Layers
The camper must wear layers if the surroundings are cold. Wearing layers will prevent the camper from being attacked by bugs, mosquitoes. The camper may avoid carrying a quilt or sleeping pillow if the surroundings permit him to wear multiple layers. Multiple layers will do half the job of a sleeping pad, underquilt, and a bug net.
Conclusion
Hammock Camping does have multiple advantages over the conventional Camping, where the camper sets up a tent. However, there are some basic tips that a beginner and an expert both must take note of to ensure a successful camping experience. All the tips mentioned above must not be refrained from being implemented to live the camping trip to the full. After all, Camping is for fun, so it should not be destroyed by being careless in implementing these basic tips. So, happy Camping!