Camping is great, there’s no doubt about it. Whether you’re a fair-weather camper or a rough camper, there are now so many ways for you to camp comfortably.
At Preppers Shop, we’re obviously huge advocates for all kinds of camping, such as the below:
- Traditional tent
- Camper van
- Bivvy bag
- Car camping
- Glamping
- Tarp camping
- Hammock camping
However, this blog is going to cover everything you need to start hammock camping. So, have a read of our beginner’s guide for everything you need to know for your first hammock camping trip.
What is Hammock Camping?
Hammock camping is a really simple way to wild camp that allows you to pick anywhere with adequate trees and spend the night. All you need to do is secure your hammock to two sturdy trees and you’re pretty much set for the night. You can lie down, sleep, sit up and even sit with others and use the hammock like a sofa. They’re versatile and great for relaxed camping in any location.
Hammock camping is pretty similar to tent camping; however, hammock supplies are usually a lot lighter than tent equipment, which means you can hike for longer without your back breaking under the weight of a super full backpack.
Tent supplies tend to be bulky and not that easy to condense, so if you want a lightweight camping experience, above the ground; hammock camping is your best bet. You can read more about that here.
Hammock Camping Misconceptions
Cold
A lot of people look at the hammock material and assume you’re going to freeze your toes off. But really, a hammock is no colder than a tent and there are lots of ways to insulate your hammock to stay warm in the night. You can purchase an insulated hammock or get an underblanket/under quilt. Both are the same and they are basically a separately fitted blanket that is secured underneath your hammock to prevent heat loss beneath you.
The under blanket maintains a pocket of warm air underneath you at all times so you can stay toasty and warm wherever you are. We stock a great range of hammocks, including DD hammocks in a variety of colours. The DD hammock under blankets also comes in a variety of colours and is ready to fit any DD hammock to keep you cosy all night.
Not suitable for rain
While you may choose to avoid hammock camping in the rain, you can definitely still do it. All you’ll need is a tarp to cover you. Like the hammock, you can set up your tarp to drape over you while you sleep, providing an almost tent-like experience while suspended in the air. Your waterproof tarp will keep you dry all night and even provide some ambience as you hear the rain patter against your cover.
Similarly, if you’re camping in the heat and you’re worried about bugs biting you, you can install a bug net over your hammock to keep out any little nasties that may sneak in for a cuddle and a kiss in the night.
Uncomfortable
From first-hand experience, a hammock can be incredibly comfortable. Of course, if you’re buying a cheap item made from low-quality materials, then you probably won’t have the best sleep. But the truth is, sleeping in a hammock is great.
Imagine gently swinging to sleep in a cosy hammock that has engulfed you in its big warm hugging sides. You’ll never experience anything as comfortable as being swaddled like a baby… unless you hammock camp. The sides are often long enough for you to pull around and shield your face slightly too, sealing you in your camping cocoon.
And if you’re sick of sticks and lumps in your back from tent camping on the floor, in a hammock you’re literally sleeping on air.
Difficult to set up
Hammocks are actually really quick to set up once you’ve got the hang of things. Some hammocks will only use ropes and knots, while others have loop systems and tree straps that make it that little bit simpler. All you need to do is ensure your ropes are high enough to support you once in the hammock, pull it all tight and you’re pretty much done. You can find a video on how to set up your hammock here.
For guidance on how to set up your tarp, you can view the DD Hammocks guide here.
Why Hammock Camp?
- Minimal environmental impact
- You can literally sleep under the stars and watch a sunset anywhere
- Camp anywhere – even over water. Hammocks don’t need flat, sturdy ground
- Stay elevated from insects and other floor-dwelling bugs
- Hammock setups can be customised however you like, once you get confident with the setup
- You can suspend your hammock between vehicles and other solid fixtures
- Super comfy
- Less hassle than setting up a tent
- Reduce the weight of your pack
What Do I Need to Hammock Camp?
Hammocks usually come in their own protective sack, easily condensed down to a much smaller parcel that is easy to pack and carry. The same goes for your under blanket and tarp if you have one (we think you should). But if you need to compress it down further, you can buy a compression sack.
- Tree straps
- Hammock and underblanket
- Carabiners
- Bug net
- Tarp
- Sleeping bag
- Extra blanket if you want
- Head torch
- Pillow
- Ridgeline to install a tarp
- Compression sack
Aside from the hammock essentials, you’ll also need to bring your regular camping gear, such as any cooking or washing supplies you regularly use, camping clothing, hiking boots, etc.
As we’ve already mentioned, hammock camping is a really lightweight way to camp and avoids carrying around too much heavy gear. You can easily secure your hammock sacks to your regular backpack or pack them into your backpack and set up almost anywhere you like.
Hammock Camping Tips
Getting in
The easiest way to get into the hammock is to sit in to it. Basically, plant your bum inside the hammock lengthways and then lean back so you’re in a sitting position. Once you’re comfortable, continue leaning back and take your feet off the ground so that the edge of the hammock sits under your legs. After that, all you need to do is swing your legs inside the hammock and you’re ready.
Location
When choosing where to hammock camp you want to find a place that is quite dense with trees so that you have a lot of cover. You’ll need some sturdy trees a good distance apart to secure your hammock. Avoid using saplings or dead trees as these will not be strong enough to support a hammock while you sleep. The ideal tree would be thick enough that you can’t wrap your arms entirely around its trunk.
Setup
For a good setup, you’ll need around 10-16 feet of space between the trees, and you’ll want the hammock to hang a foot and a half from the ground, give or take. As a general rule of thumb, you don’t want to hang your hammock any higher than you’re willing to fall.
Also, keep an eye on dead branches above you, you don’t want one falling on you in the night.
Suspension
Tree straps are your best option for hanging your hammock. Tree straps also help protect the tree bark from damage and will provide ample suspension for a comfortable sleep. Usually, you will need to make sure your suspension is at a 30-degree angle from ground level to the anchor (which would be the tree strap). This prevents tension which could leave the hammock taught and result in you flipping out.
Ideally, you need a deep sag and a lower centre of gravity to make it easy to get in and out and give you a comfy place to sleep.
Sleep
It may seem logical to set up your hammock tightly, but this will only result in an uncomfortable sleep. You want some give and sag to create a comfy little pocket to sleep in. But for actual sleeping, the diagonal position is the best method as it spreads out your body weight and avoids any pressure points.
So, there you have it, you should have everything you need to get going on your first hammock camping trip. We cannot recommend our range of hammocks more if you’re looking for a super minimal wild camping experience that is sure to be fun, comfortable and easy going.
Of course, don’t forget your loo roll, cooking supplies and chargers for any devices, but other than that our guide should see you happily through your first hammock trip. If you do need any further advice or help though, just get in touch!