Camping Hammocks

It has been scientifically proven that you get better sleep in a hammock. It gives you a feeling of rocking and getting nursed like a baby, just like mothers used to do for their bodies. (view source)

Hammock camping is the most comfortable, more enjoyable and, even easier to set up and take down and it’s a fact. One should at least experience hammock camping once in their lives. This is one thing, but there are always two faces to a coin.

That is the basic idea of tying your hammock between two trees is not a good trick. The strings harm the tree’s trunk and leave scars on it. Also, setting your sleeping area under a tree is not a good idea as the trees are home to large biodiversity of insects and even reptiles sometimes.

What you should we do? The first step would be getting yourself to know about hammock camping, and while you are at it you might also want to know how to get rid of spiders maybe.

Since strings hurt the trees, it is clear we should move to use stands for our hammocks. Well, one more thing added to your shopping list for camping and it might cost you a fortune. So we DIY it. What if your tent broke at the last minute, you should not waste your money on a new one, instead, build one for yourself.

Here Are Some Valid Reasons To DIY Stands For Hammock:

• These are easy to use, and you can hook/unhook your hammock whenever you please.
• You do need to be an expert in tieing knots with ropes.
• You can move your tent anywhere you want. You can set your camp anywhere you want.
• Once you are back from the trip, you can have this stand and the hammock on your balcony or in the backyard of your house.
• Any type of camping hammock can be installed on these stands.

8 Ways To DIY Hammock Stands

These DIY hacks help you save a lot of money, but it also required technique. Since these stands are going to hold your hammock and you as well, they are required to be strong and steady. You can easily follow these steps and build your stand or just give detailed instructions to a hardware service provider and get it made for you.

1. The “Dabberty” Hammock Stand

The biggest advantage of this stand is that it is very convenient to carry around. This stand looks like lines of woods laid down along with each other when folded.

Its shape is like a large V extended from a base. The base o the stand supports 2 diagonal wood posts, on which the hammock is tied.

This stand is the best suited for a campaign trip as it can be folded into compact space and unfolded whenever you want to. You will require your carpeting tools and strong and long wood pieces. Also, try to get your hands on very long nuts and bolts, and long drilling tools as well.

Here is a layout of what size and how much wood you will require for this stand. Carefully examine this image for reference, to get started.

Getting the woods ready is the first step here, cut the pieces and smoothen the ends of the woods with sandpaper or whatever tools you have to smoothen the sharp ends of the wood. This is important to prevent any accidents and injuries that could happen if you accidentally run into the stand.

The assembly of these woods is the next step. You can polish/paint the woods to prevent it from the damage of the weather. The method to assemble is the most critical part. How to assemble the woods is portrayed in the video link attached here. The image can also help in the assembly.

The last step is to test the stand by unfolding it and hanging the hammock on it. You can lay down on the hammock and test if your stand is built strong enough to handle your weight.

2. Smiling DIY Hammock Stand

As happy as it sounds, this looks like a giant smile with a hammock on it.

This stand is technique heavy and you would require one big circular piece of wood or two semi-circular pieces of wood. The detailed step by step guide to build it or get it to build is given here.

This stand seems very cool to be carried around.

3. Freestanding Stand

This stand is solid and is very easy to build and looks like just two PVC pipes holding a hammock. The only thing to take care of is this stand can only hold your hammock at a low height, a maximum of feet above the ground.

Materials required are-

• 10ft. of 1 ¼” diameter SCH-40 PVP Pipe
• 10ft. of 1” diameter SCH-40 PVP Pipe
• 50ft. Paracord
• 48” x 3/4” x 1/8” aluminum angle
• (2) 1/2” screws

Material Cost: approximately $20 only.

The tools required for this stand are-

• Permanent marker
• Pocket knife
• Lighter
• Power Drill with 3/8” drill bit
• Small, round file
• Screwdriver
• Hacksaw w/ blade

Till now, this sounds pretty simple, right? With such less material and easy tools, what kind of stand are we building. Here is the step by step easy guide on how to build and set up this stand.

4. 3-Person DIY stand

It is clear from the name of it that this stand is designed to hold 3 hammocks in one frame. Now you have the solution to having company while hammock camping. Imagine how fun that would be.

Building this stand takes you a maximum of 5 steps. Namely,

1. Find/collect requirements of the stand-

look for the following materials in the hardware store-

• three 1-inch-diameter
• 10-foot galvanized steel pipes with threaded ends
• six threaded 1-inch pipe caps
• six 3⁄8-inch-diameter
• 4-inch eyebolts
• with 11⁄2-inch eyes
• nuts and lock washers
• nine ratcheting tie-down straps 12 feet long
• three 18-inch ground stakes.

2. Prepare pipes– how to do the pipes is given in this link
3. Attach bottom straps
4. Mount more straps
5. Stake and nap
How to carry out all of these last 3 steps is also given in the above link. You can either get it to build beforehand or assemble it on the campsite. Here is the shaded version for the same.

5. Tripod hammock stand

This stand looks like a hammock hanging from a rod kept resting on two tripods. If you still cannot imagine the stand what looks like then here is the image.

Here is the list of requirements and steps to follow on how to build this pretty easy stand for your hammock.

6. Car Camping Hammock Stand

This stand is similar to the dabberty stand, but it does not require the wood for the base part. Also, you would require a rain tarp to lay on top of the hammock. Strong strings play an important part in setting up this hammock stand.

This short (less than 5 minutes) youtube video guide will help you in understanding how it should be set and how to build it.

7. Tensahedron DIY Hammock Stand

This stand is named after the shape it makes. This is one of the simplest looking stands for the hammock. This looks like 2 large V-shaped pipes standing against each other intersecting at the ends of the V’s open side. The intersection is the point where the hammock will be hanged upon.

Here is the youtube guide to this stand.

8. Pipe Stand (Easy Rectangular Frame)

This is the easiest to build and easiest to assemble. You will know when you see this very useful guide in form of an image-

It’s easy to set up and use makes it very convenient to carry around on any camping trip. For proper measurements use this guide as a reference.

Tips For Hanging The Hammock

FAQs

Conclusion

I hope these super-easy and super-cool practical ideas to DIY your hammock stands give you enough courage to for camping and be able to sleep in a hammock, without worrying about the stand falling, or hurting the trees. You will have to take care that you do not fall off the hammock.

Hammock camping stories can be funny sometimes. Feel free to share your camping stories or more DIY stand ideas in the comment section below. We would love to hear those.

Check out other camping guides on our website.

Until then happy camping!

For those you have experienced firsthand, how much fun hammock camping is, it must be very difficult to do any other type of camping. Isn’t it right?

Hammocks are very easy to carry around, they are quite cheap and most important of all it keeps your back off the ground.

Now, hammock camping has a big flaw and that is hammocks tend to get way colder than tents. This makes it unsuitable for Hammock Camping In Winter. Does it?

The answer is no. You can hammock camp in the winter and have a great and comfortable time by just knowing about everything that you have to bring with you to the camp and what are the ways to prevent the cold breeze from bothering you.

We aren’t talking about places with snow, where it isn’t a good idea to camp at all, but in places where the night gets chilly around 30-degree F. So, keeping that in mind, let us dive in.

What Is Hammock Camping And Why Is It Difficult In Winter?

So, let us first see what hammock camping is and what were the drawbacks associated with it when it came to winter camping.

Well, in hammock camping you sleep in a single piece of cloth that is suspended between two supports, favorably in the form of trees, that are at a distance of maybe around 10 feet from each other. It is a type of camping in the open with the environment.

If you are interested in knowing more about hammock camping, you can check our article Hammock Camping: A Complete Guide.

And if you want to know how a hammock camp differs from regular tents, we have an article for that Hammock Camping vs Tent Camping: Everything You Need To Know.

For dog lovers, we have an article on how to hammock camp with your dog Hammock Camping With A Dog: Embark On A New Journey.

As hammock camping is done wide in the open on a single piece of cloth, it is considered unsuitable for winter camping, because you are directly on the path of the wind that can carry away your body heat along with it. Also, lying in the open means no roof over your head to protect you from the falling mist or fog.

So, you need some additional accessories to go with your hammock for winter camping. We have a list of winter hammock camping gear in the upcoming section, so make sure to check it out.

Winter Hammock Camping Gear List

As mentioned above winter hammock camping is quite difficult and you cannot survive even a single day out there with just the hammock. So, here is a list of all the accessories that are available to you that can make your hammock camping a success.

1. Hammock:

First of all, it is the hammock itself. Winter hammocks need to be chosen wisely or it can have some dire consequences on you. You can’t go to winter camping with a rope hammock. That would be ridiculous right?

The best type of hammock for winter camping according to us is an expedition hammock. It is kind of like a tent but above the ground, so you don’t have to worry about the cold seeping into your back.

Before buying your hammock, you have to check the thickness of the hammock by yourself. Very thick material will provide you with the best insulation, but it may get difficult to carry it around. So, as per your luggage capacity, you can choose a hammock that can be carried by you and thick enough for your liking.

We have a list of the best hammocks with mosquito tents. You can check out Best Camping Hammock with Mosquito Net.

2. Straps:

Imagine you are out there to hammock camp and you have to spend a lot of time just setting up the hammock with ropes all the while shivering because of the cold. You want to avoid that at all costs. Don’t you?

So, for winter camping, look for hammock straps that can be easily fixed to the trees, your hammock can be set up quickly and you can jump right in.

Now, some hammocks already have built-in straps for your ease, but if there aren’t you can buy them separately. They are easily available in the market at a low cost.

3. Rainfly:

If there is snowfall, or even if there isn’t, it is always good to have a rainfly over you. The precipitation because of cold weather is very high and so if this falls on your hammock or your overquilt, it can carry away the heat that is collected beneath it.

There are different sizes of rainfly available, some people use the smaller ones just to serve as a roof while some use larger ones, that can cover your sides and prevent the incoming wind as well.

We tend to go for a large rainfly, but you have to keep in mind that the larger the rainfly, the more is the luggage.

4. Quilts:

Even for regular hammock camping, you need quilts. Underquilts are very necessary but over quilts are not quite. But when it comes to hammock camping in winter, both underquilt and overquilt had to be used.

Underquilts are attached beneath your hammock to provide extra protection to your backs. Normally, the breeze can take away all your body heat from your back. So, having an underquilt can insulate your back. Keep a gap between your back and underquilt so that some heat can get trapped there.

Overquilts are like sleeping bags for your hammock. They will provide you with cover when you lie down. Having both overquilt and underquilt can insulate your hammock completely from the surroundings.

5. Sleeping Bags And Pads:

Next up on your list should be a sleeping bag and sleeping pad. In winter, you cannot go camping without a sleeping bag, it is as simple as that. It provides you with insulation and comfort. Have a down-type sleeping bag for extra comfort.

Look for a sleeping bag with a low-temperature rating like 10-degree F or below. While choosing the sleeping bag, check if the size of the sleeping bag is fitting for you.

If you want a good sleeping bag, you can check out 9 Best Sleeping Bags For Hammock Camping: Take The Chill Off.

Now, a sleeping bag in winter is incomplete without a sleeping pad. Even with a sleeping bag and sleeping pads, you need to have a sleeping pad to ensure a comfortable sleep with an insulated back.

A sleeping pad helps to keep your posture and makes it comfortable for you to turn around in your sleep. We prefer having an inflatable sleeping pad because it is easy to carry around.

6. Other Winter Camping Gears:

Apart from all the gear that we have mentioned, a portable camping heater may be a good option for you to have in a winter camping hammock. It can provide you heat that you require the most.

Also, you can use a hot water bottle inside your sleeping bag if you don’t have a heater.

Carrying an extra blanket is also essential as the temperature may fall anytime and you may be stuck feeling cold. So, having an extra blanket may be your way out in those situations.

Tips For Winter Camping In Hammock

Now that you are familiar with what you have to bring to your camping spot, here are some tips and tricks that can help you out a lot out there in the cold.

1. Choose The Location Wisely:

Your choice of location can decide if your trip was comfortable or not. Most beginners in camping don’t know how to choose the correct location.

Your hammock has to be covered on the sides by a boulder or tree. This will block the blowing wind from reaching you.

In winter, this becomes very important. You also have to check for widow makers on the tree that you choose for support.

Also, make sure that you aren’t on any cold pool like in basins where the temperature is lower than the surroundings. Cliff’s faces are also a bad choice.

So, pick a place that blocks the wind and is the warmest in the area.

2. Wear Winter Clothing:

Always pack a lot of woolen clothes that can protect you from cold. People tend to pack a lot of hammock gear and don’t give importance to their clothing. That is a rookie mistake to make. Always try to pack warm socks, thick jackets, warm caps, and hand gloves as well.

Having multiple layers of clothing will mean that your body heat will stay with you and hence your core temperature will stay maintained.

3. Don’t Get In Quickly:

This trick is something that we found very handy while winter camping in a hammock. You should make all the necessary preparations before you go inside your hammock.

If you go out of a hammock too many times, all the heat that is collected finds a way to escape to the environment. Hence you have to start over collecting heat.

Also, once you get inside and your body becomes warm and relaxed, going out of the hammock may be difficult because of the ease at which your body is. So, have a hanging bag attached to your hammock with all the necessary things that you may need at a hand’s distance.

4. Have A Heat Source At All Times:

You can have all the insulation for your body, but when the temperature goes below 10-degree F, nothing can keep you warm other than a heat source.

So, you need to keep a heat-generating source with you. You can either use a campfire to provide you with heat or have a water bottle/ portable heater to keep yourself warm.

This is up to your preference as to which source of heat you use for keeping warm, but we prefer having hand warmers with us at all times and light a campfire nearby.

5. Keep Yourself Dry:

In winter, you may get wet because of many reasons like precipitation, snowfall, etc. But you have to make sure that you are dry at all times. Have a towel with you to wipe off the wetness before getting into your hammock.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Final Say

It is good to have all these accessories and tricks up your sleeve when going winter camping in a hammock. It is still wise to let others know beforehand about your camping plans so that in case of an emergency, you don’t have a backup plan prepared.

If you are a beginner and going for winter camping, we would still advise you to use a tent instead because it is easier, but then again you can only learn by experience, so best of luck to you. Investing in good camping gear and accessories always bear fruit and help you enjoy a cozy camping trip.

Do share your crazy winter camping stories with hammock and tell us if you get helped by our tips and tricks, through the comment section below.

Happy Camping!

Do you get worried about under whose care can you leave your dog before leaving for camp? Well, no more of such worries anymore because you can bring it with you to your camp and let it sleep on your hammock.

Hammock camping is a great experience for anyone to enjoy the whole day and sleep in the environment, but being a dog lover, you will most certainly enjoy more with your dog to play with. Just imagine you can play catch and go for hikes.

But one problem arises when it comes to accommodation of your dog at night and if it can adjust with you inside your hammock at night.

We are here to help you with Hammock Camping with A Dog and we will tell you everything you have to know before you take your dog camping. So, let’s jump right in.

Will Your Dog Like To Camp?

You may be inclined to the idea that dogs would love a camping trip, but actually, not all dogs love camping trips. Some dogs adapt to camping easily while others don’t.

Larger dogs often like camping more than smaller dogs, although it is easier to sleep in a hammock with smaller dogs. It all depends on the breed and experience of the dog.

It is best to have a practice camping night in your backyard with your dog before actually going camping. Some dogs tend to enjoy it and sleep comfortably cuddling with their owners while some tend to get scared.

You have to check for weather conditions before your camping trip because some dogs are suited to winter camping, especially the ones with thick furry cover while some are more suited for summer.

Things To Consider For Hammock Camping With A Dog

If you are going hammock camping with your dog, you probably have to keep in mind a few things, some that are very basic while some that you may not have thought about.

Dog- Friendly Location

First off, to start your camping journey, you have to find the perfect location for your camping. The campsite has to have the possibility of hammock camping and also allow dogs to camp.

You don’t want to pay a fine for bringing your dog along. Also, you have to check for the best hammock camping spot which is over level ground. This is because dogs have the habit of jumping around and you don’t want your dog to get injured at camp.

Trim The Nails

As a dog owner, you must be familiar with how sharp a dog’s nails can be. Now, a hammock is usually made of thin cloth which can get easily ripped by any sharp or pointy object.

So, if you don’t want your hammock to rip off and you along with your dog to fall off, you must trim the nails of your dog before you go camping.

Another alternative would be to have your dog wear booties. For the winter season, this is best because your dog’s feet would also stay warm this way.

Use An ID- Tag

You must be very familiar with your dog and think that you may be able to spot it among any group of dogs, but still, it is best to have an ID tag attached to its collar. This will help you to identify your dog and in case it gets lost, whoever finds it can return it to you.

Keep Them Close

Always when you are camping with your dog, try to keep them safe by having them near you at all times. You never know what kind of wild animals may be looming around, so by having your dog around you can ensure its safety.

Also, it is best to have a campfire lit around your hammock. This will serve the dual purpose of keeping you and your dog warm and also protecting both of you from any kind of danger.

Have A Backup Plan Ready

There may be some instances when you think your dog is ready to hammock camp, but on the night of camp, it can’t. At that moment, if you have a backup plan for your dog to sleep, you can enjoy a good night’s sleep.

Usually, only for someone taking their dog out to hammock camp for the first time, this is applicable, because, after one or two times, your dog will get used to hammock camping.

Planning to camp in winter with your dog, check out this detailed guide on Winter Camping With Dog

How To Sleep In A Hammock With Dog?

There are some ways to ponder about how you can lie in a hammock with your dog cuddling with you. You can follow the correct procedure we will provide you with.

1. Multiple Hammocks:

To begin with, you can try to have more than a single hammock. You can have one hammock for yourself and another for your dog. With two hammocks, you and your dog can have a hammock to yourselves and having more area means no need for adjusting.

There is a catch to it though, you may not find two spots for setting up hammocks next to each other. Also, if you are a cuddler, you may prefer to have your dog with you in the same hammock, in which case you can skip this step.

2. Get A Big Hammock And Practice:

If you want to cuddle with your dog at night, you need to get a hammock big enough to fit both of you and have some room for movement. The setting up of the hammock also has to be right, a bit saggy and at a decent height such that your dog doesn’t have any problems in getting into it.

After you buy your hammock, you must practice in your backyard quite a bit before you head for camping. Dogs may need some time to adjust to sleeping in a hammock and that’s why practice is very essential.

3. Get The Necessary Accessories:

There are quite a few necessary accessories that you have to bring along if you are hammock camping with your dog.

• Towels, specifically for your dog. If your dog is going to sleep with you then it has to be toweled off thoroughly. If its furs are wet, your night can’t be very pleasant, especially if it is cold.
  
• Get a small sleeping bag for your dog and you can have a pad and blanket along with it. We understand how important it is for owners that their dogs must be comfortable and a pad and blanket can do exactly that.
  
• Have a mosquito net so that your dog doesn’t have to get bug bites. It is also a bit difficult for a dog to get in and out of a hammock with a mosquito net, so you have to train it to do so in the right manner.
  
• Dogs like to sleep with a cover over their head, so a rain tarp is very important if your dog is with you on the hammock. It can make your dog feel safe at night.

You also need to have plenty of water if you are to go hammock camping with your dog, approximately 1 liter per day only for your dog. This will keep your dog hydrated and keep it fresh for some hiking trip you may like to go on.  

4. Leash It At All Times:

Your dog must have a leash on at all times and you can tie it to anything, from the hammock support to the hammock straplines. This will keep your dog safe and you will have the satisfaction that your dog won’t be going off to wander alone.

Leashes can also help in making sure that your dog doesn’t fall off the hammock while sleeping at night.

5. Get It Familiar:

Your dog will have to get familiar with the smell of the hammock and everything around if it has to enjoy a good night’s sleep. This can be done by using its favorite food or biscuit. After hanging the hammock, you can place some treats on the hammock and let it climb and eat it. This will make it feel familiar to the hammock’s smell.

Also, you have to figure out how exactly will both of you fit inside the hammock. If your dog is small in size, you can have its head near yours, but if it is medium of a large dog, make your dog familiar to sleeping by your feet.

If you want to know about all the sleeping positions in which you can sleep in a hammock, you can check out How To Lay In A Hammock: Find Your Best Position To Sleep In.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Conclusion

As you can see it is not at all difficult to camp in a hammock with your dog. The only thing is that you have to prepare nicely before the first time you take your dog with you. We prefer to have a separate hammock when we go camping with our dog because its comfort comes first for us, but you can have a different approach, and have your dog snuggle up next to you as well.

So, the next time you go camping, you don’t have to worry about anyone mishandling your dog in your absence and can enjoy a great trip and have fun with your dog.

Don’t forget to share your stories of hammock camping with your dog, and how you managed to sleep in the hammock through the comment section below.

Happy Camping!  

Are you also a fan of hammocks like us?

Even if you are not, we can tell you there is no better feeling in this world, than to lie down in a hammock, be it in a shady place in the afternoon or a safe place at night. You would love the feeling of slow motion of the hammock sideways giving you a cradle-like feeling making you fall asleep under the vast sky.

Now, there is a certain way in which you can set up a hammock, and based on that you have to choose a method for lying down for sleeping in it comfortably.

Here in this article, we will provide you with all the ways you can optimize your experience of sleeping in a hammock. So, let’s get into it.

Why Choose Hammocks?

Before we get to know how to lay in a hammock in the right manner, we must tell you why you should choose hammocks over other forms of camping.

To begin with, hammock camping is quite inexpensive and a very portable form of camping. For the majority of campers these days, a hammock is the best option and with most campsites in the US facilitating hammock camping, it has emerged as the front runner when it comes to camping options.

If you want to know more, you can look at Hammock Camping vs Tent Camping: Everything You Need To Know.

Hammocks have a lot of advantages but the most important of all is the effect it has on your health. Health matters more than everything in this world, and in that front, a hammock is very good for you. We will list all the health benefits of hammock camping below.

• Good for backs: Hammocks let your vertebrae get adjusted to your sleeping position, so there is no stiffness of your back. That is why even elderly people can go camping if they have a hammock with them.
  
• Induces deeper sleep: Sleeping in a hammock will provide you with a night of sleep like no other. Cradle like feeling helps in providing you this deep sleep and get very comfortable.
  
• Improves Brain activity: Because of getting a deeper sleep, your mind can be reset and start fresh in the morning, resulting in improved brain activity.

If you want to know anything related to a hammock, you can just read Hammock Camping: A Complete Guide.

How To Set Your Hammock?

For you to sleep comfortably in a hammock, first, you have to set your hammock correctly. For a hammock, it can be quite tricky how to correctly set a hammock and it is best to practice a few times in your garden before you go hammock camping in a site or the wild.

1. Looking For Location:

A hammock camp is all based on where you set it up. You have to search for two trees at a distance of about 10 feet and be sure to check if both the trees are strong enough to hold you. Also, it is best to look for a place that isn’t dirty or have stagnant water nearby.

For knowing about ways of hammock camping in the absence of trees, you can check out Hammock Camping Without Trees: 6 Secret Ways.

2. Strapping Of Trees And Suspension:

Trees should be strapped by strapping that do not harm the trees you chose. You can use carabiners to connect your hammock to the strappings at both ends. Make sure to see if the strappings are tight enough. Also, the hammock shouldn’t be too tight and have a curve so that you can use all the space available in your hammock.

3. Considering Height And Angle:

For the height, you just need to make sure that it is high enough that your back won’t touch the ground when you lie down and not so high that you struggle to get on your hammock.

For the angle at which you want your hammock, the straps should always be at a 30-degree angle. This is the optimum angle because it provides you with the optimal level of sag and tension that you need. If the angle is too steep, it makes your hammock banana-shaped and thus you will only have a little portion of the hammock to lie in.

4. Using Accessories:

Finally, you can use all the accessories you need and have brought along for your journey. This may include overhead harps, underquilts, and bug nets.

Hammock Hang Calculator

There is a thing called a hammock hang calculator that you can use. It lets you estimate how high to install the anchor points for your hammock and also estimates all the horizontal and gravitational forces applied to your hammock. For using a hammock calculator, you need to know a few things first:

• Distance between your two trees
• Length of your hammock, excluding the strings
• The preferred height you want the bottom of your hammock to be off the ground
• Weight of person getting on the hammock
• The angle at which you want your hammock

After you find out all these values, you can insert it in the hammock hang calculator, and it will provide you with a hang point, which is the height at which you should tie the rope your hammock to the tree. It also shows the length of the suspension, that is nothing but the length of the rope that you will use to connect your hammock to the anchor point.

It also gives the shear forces and gravitational forces that your hammock will experience, but this is not something you should be concerned with much.

So, you can use a hammock hang calculator for the perfect hanging of your hammock. You can even use the default values that come preset on the calculator. 

Ways Of Lying In A Hammock:

Now that we have told how to hang your hammock, we will get to the different ways of lying in the hammock, either by yourself or with someone else.

Firstly, you want to climb on your hammock for lying on it. For that, get a hold of the edges of your hammock and climb onto it. Let your backrest on the hammock, and then lift your leg onto it. 

Hammock For Relaxing

If you are looking to just relax in your hammock, you can put your had on one of the converging ends and place one leg or both legs down. You can use a pillow beneath your head as well. This position is best for reading books or enjoying a drink or two. This position is best for a single person. If you want to use it for two persons, both of you can lie in opposite directions and have a chat.

Hammock For Swinging

For more swing of your hammock, you can use a position in the perpendicular direction to the one in which you have hung the hammock. You can either wrap your legs or put your legs down by the side. You can use this position for using a laptop or writing as well. You can enjoy it with a partner in this position as well.

Hammock For Taking Naps

If you are looking to take a nap, or enjoy moments like the sunset with your partner, you can lie in a pivot, putting one head at one end and putting both your legs up inside the hammock on the other end. In this position, you can use the fabric of the hammock as a natural blanket as well.

If you don’t want to sleep in a curve, you can roll a blanket and place it beneath your back to keep it straight.

Hammock For Sleeping

The best position for lying in a hammock is diagonal. This will mean you will have a flat back and can extend your legs completely. For you to find the diagonal position, you need the hammock angle to be 30- degrees. 

Once you have found the diagonal position, place a pillow beneath your head for comfort. You can wrap yourself in a sleeping bag or cover yourself with a blanket.

The best feature of diagonally lying on a hammock is that you can roll over and sleep sideways or even on your stomach. These two positions are the most favored ones for sleeping and so the diagonal position is best for sleeping in a hammock.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Last Words

Now, the position that puts people to sleep varies from person to person and you will have to know it beforehand if you want to have a good night’s sleep in a hammock. Also, if you want to quickly fall asleep, you have to be completely relaxed and free of stress. 

Nevertheless, a hammock does a good job of making you sleepy and giving you a good camping experience, and compared to the other options available, a hammock is a go-to option. 

Me, when I am camping like to sleep on the stomach with one leg bent and the other straight. For that, I prefer to use the diagonal position in the hammock but for using throughout the day, I use the hammock in a swinging position mostly.

You will find your comfort position after practically experiencing hammocks once or twice. So, don’t forget to tell us how you like to sleep in a hammock and also share your camping adventures through the comment section below.

To you, we say, Happy Camping! 

What is the first thing that comes to your mind when you think of camping?

Yes. The question that comes to our mind is “Where am I going to sleep?â€.

The answer to this question is a tent. But the second question that should come to your mind is whether you will sleep comfortably in a tent or not.

The issue with a tent or any other form of camping on the ground is that the ground in a camping site is usually uneven. It is also difficult to sleep if rough stones or tree roots bother your back.

Hammocks are the solution to those problems. A hammock is the modern way of camping that takes your back off the ground and gives you a deep and cozy sleeping experience.

But before you go hammock camping, it is wise to know everything about hammocks first. So, today we are here with an article that will answer all your queries about hammock camping.

What Are Hammocks And What Is Its History?

The journey into the world of hammocks starts by answering these two questions. You can proceed to all the details of hammock once these questions are answered.

Hammock Camping

To put it simply, hammock camping is when a camper sleeps in a single piece of cloth, called a hammock, suspended on more than one support.

The supports, usually trees have to be around 10 feet apart and should be strong enough to hold your weight. There are a lot of small things you have to keep in mind while setting up a hammock. Based on the condition, climate, or weather, you will need different accessories to go with a hammock.

Hammock’s History

Have you ever wondered who was the first one who thought of a hammock?

Well, there was a group of people called the Maya who were the first to make hammocks out of plant fibers and tree barks.

They got popular 800 years after that though, through sailors of all people. A certain someone named Christopher Columbus realized the benefits of hammock camping during his journeys. He made people realize that hammocks were a cure for seasickness. Harsh weather can often result in the standard beds being unusable and thus they opted for hammocks instead.

For these last 100 years, hammocks have evolved and are been used mostly for leisurely activities like camps and hikes. 

Are Hammocks Right For You?

To make a decision about anything, the best thing to do is a pros and cons list. So, let’s make one for hammocks and see if hammock is right for you.

Advantages Of Hammock:

Hammocks have become a favorite among campers recently. There are many valid reasons for that happening. A hammock has a number of advantages.

1. Comfort:

It is a big plus when it comes to hammocks. They are very comfortable to sleep in.

Hammocks are good for your back and induce a deeper sleep. With the hectic schedule of the modern world, a hammock can get your mind off it and give you peace of mind.

2. Carrying:

Carrying luggage is the worst part of any vacation camping. Who wants to carry big luggage. With a hammock, you certainly won’t. They are light and can be easily packed.

 3. Durability:

 Hammocks are generally more durable than other forms of camping just because it is a single sewn cloth. If you buy one hammock, it can be good enough for quite a few backpacking trips.

Because everyone likes to buy a long-lasting product, hammocks are a good option.

4. Excitement:

If you are camping for the first time, you will thoroughly enjoy hammock camping. When you plan to go for a camping trip, all you are looking for is excitement, and what is more exciting than sleeping above the ground, hanging in the open.

If you are looking for a new experience and want thrill in your life, it is highly recommended you carry a hammock for sleeping.

5. Eco-friendly:

You want to camp but also worry about the environment? A hammock is an eco-friendly way of camping for you. It doesn’t affect the natural vegetation of the ground and since there is nothing to be dug into the ground, it doesn’t affect the soil.

Be careful because using ropes for tying a hammock can affect the supporting tree by damaging its bark but a pair of tree-straps prevent this problem completely.

Disadvantages Of Hammock:

There are two sides to every coin. The hammock has may advantages but it also has some disadvantages to go with it.

1. Options In The Market

It is good to have options available to you. But unfortunately for hammocks, there aren’t many. A hammock usually is of two types, one-person or two-person. You can get them in different colors and designs but other forms of camping, especially tents have more options for you to choose from.

Also, when it comes to lucrative designs, there aren’t many available for hammocks.

2. Number Of People

When it comes to hammocks, only you can sleep in one. So, if you are going camping as a group it might get difficult to find too many ideal tree positions to set up several hammocks.

You can overcome this by using hammock stands but generally, it is a drawback of hammock camping.

3. Danger Of Wild Animals

Do you like danger? Of course not, no one does. So, there is an issue with a hammock that as you are sleeping in the open, you run the risk of wild animals spotting you. Animals like bears are dangerous at night. 

There is no sure way to avoiding wild animals but you can try by lighting a fire near your hammock.

How Are Hammocks And Tents Different?

You cannot get to know if something is good or not unless it is compared with something of the same area. The main competition for a hammock is a tent. You can make a clear choice about hammocks after seeing it compared to tents.

For the details of hammocks vs tents, check out here.

Are Hammocks Healthy?

There is no scientific proof that hammocks are good for health but based on our as well as other user’s experiences, hammocks have a number of health benefits.

1. Induces Deeper Sleep:

Sleeping at an angle at a height, we have seen that hammocks can make you very comfortable and you can go deep into your sleep. With the wind blowing, the slow movement of the hammock can give you a cradle-like experience, and get the inner child in you fall asleep.

2. Improves Brain Activity:

The first point is the reason for this. In this hectic world, you need a give a rest to your brain to improve its activity. It is just like switching off your cell phone for a few hours and the cell phone will work better.

So similarly, sleeping in a hammock recharges your brain and makes you feel fresh in the morning.

3. Gives Back Relief:

It is meant for our back to sleep in a curve. Sleeping in beds makes your vertebrae stay in an upright alignment for a long time, resulting in stiffness. Hammock, don’t do that. Your vertebrae can adjust to your sleeping position and prevent your back from getting stiff.

4. Improve Your Bodily Functions:

Your bodily functions speed up when you sleep. This is a known fact. So, when your mind is at peace because of comfortable sleep, your bodily functions improve and you stay healthy.

Which Hammock To Choose?

Choosing a hammock can be quite a difficult task if you don’t know what are the options in front of you. There are different types of hammocks available and they come with different features.

 Types Of Hammock Available:

Hammocks are limited in the types and designs available in the market. But among the ones available, they are divided into a few types based on construction, usability, and features.

 1. Parachute Hammock:

The hammock you generally find in the market is a parachute hammock. It is made up of thin nylon fabric. It is relatively light in weight but it doesn’t provide you with any insulation for your back.

2. Rope Hammock:

If you plan to buy a hammock just for relaxing for a short while, this is the one for you. It is made in a fishnet-like design and is very comfortable. They are wider than other hammocks.

3. Expedition Hammock:

They are made of strong material and the wear and tear are non-existent. It can be used throughout the year in any season. The best feature of an expedition hammock is that it can be turned into a hanging tent.

4. Ultralight Hammock:

If you want to carry minimal luggage, you have to buy an ultralight hammock. They are incredibly small but the strength of these hammocks is on the lower side.

 Factors To Consider While Choosing Hammock:

Once you have known the types of hammock available, you need to know on what basis will you choose the hammock. Choosing a hammock can go a long way in determining how good your camping trip is. The things you need to consider before buying a hammock are:

1. Size:

  Hammocks usually come in two sizes: Single Hammock & Double Hammock

	Single Hammock	Double Hammock
Weight capacity	300-400 pounds	400-500 ponds
Width	4-5 foot	5-6 foot
Comfort	Not too much	Very comfortable for one
Carrying	Easy to carry	More difficult than a single hammock

2. Length: 

If you are a person of average height, it should not be an issue for you since the generally available one in the market will be perfect for you. But if you are extra tall, it is better to choose one that can accommodate you.

Generally, choose a hammock that is 2 feet longer than your height and you are good to go.

3. Fabrics:

 ‘Denier‘ is a specification that you can look into before choosing a hammock. The lighter the fabric, the lower is the denier number. 

Hammock makers use 70-denier fabrics to make robust models and 30-denier fabrics to use lightweight models.

Pick up your desired type, choose the size and length, and pick the material. Now you have the best hammock in your cart.

What Are Hammock Accessories? 

Camping in a hammock is fun, as long as you have the necessary accessories with you. For a smooth camping experience, do you want to know what you need? Let us see: 

Accessories Based On Conditions:

1. Hammock:

We have already seen what are the considerations you have to make for a good hammock. Since it is the main part of the hammock system, the best one for you has to be selected.

2. Suspensions:

Most hammocks come with a suspension system of their own but you should buy a pair of tree-straps separately. Make sure that the tree-straps should be at least 0.75 inches wide. This ensures that you are not harming the tree that is supporting your hammock.

3. Carabiners:

You will need a carabiner to attach your hammock to the tree strap. They are usually given with the hammock, but in case they aren’t given, you can easily get them from the market.

4. Overhead Tarp:

If you are sleeping in the open, there is a chance of getting wet because of rain or dew. That is why you need a tarp over your head. As with all tarps, the bigger the tarp is, the more protection it will provide. 

5. Underquilts:

When you sleep in a hammock, your back is over the ground, and the hammock is made of thin material, so it doesn’t provide any insulation. Thus, when the wind blows beneath you, it carries away your body heat and makes you feel chilly.

 That is why you need an underquilt. An underquilt is hung below the hammock to provide you with insulation from beneath. There has to be a gap between your hammock and the underquilt. The air in this gap will get warm because of your body heat and keep you warm all night.

6. Bug Net:

Planning to sleep in a hammock? But, sleeping in the open means that there is a chance of bugs like a mosquito biting you at night. It is a basic problem with hammock camping. That is why you need to nave a bug net around you. Some hammocks come with its mosquito net, while in other cases, you need to buy a bug net separately.

7. Sleeping Bag:

The last thing you need for a good night’s sleep in a hammock is a sleeping bag. It is not necessary like other accessories but it is advisable to carry one. The underquilt can insulate you from beneath but for the wind over you, you need a sleeping bag.

Wrapping yourself around with a sleeping bag can provide you with a feeling of your warmth that makes sure you sleep well.

Alternative To Trees:

There are some accessories that are needed in case you don’t have trees around your camping site. 

1. Portable Stands

 Did you know? There are substitutes for trees readily made and sold in the market. Yes, you can just go and buy one if you don’t want to depend on trees anymore. Even better, you can make one by yourself using the DIY solution for portable hammock stands. 

2. Cars Or Trucks

You are right, you can use the same car or truck you used to come to the campsite as a support to your hammock. You still need to worry about the other end but at least you got one end covered.

3. Poles Or Posts

You must probably know this already, a telephone pole, or a light post can be used as an alternative for trees. You still need to look at whether the pole is strong to hold you.

4. Non Tree Objects

So what, if you don’t have trees around you. There are so many other things you can use for tying your hammock. Consider a rock, or a boulder, or wooden planks, all of them can be a good substitute for trees.

5. Buildings

You can just tie your hammock to buildings, rain shelters, or pavilions. If you are camping in some state park, this is something you can look for definitely.

6. Hammock Structures

You have probably seen one in your city but didn’t realize what it was. Yes, hammock structures are made for setting multiple hammocks at a time and are found in universities, parks, etc.

Want to know more? You can check out 6 Secret Techniques of Hammock Camping Without Trees

How To Set Up A Hammock?

There are two ways to set up a hammock. One is with trees and one without trees. Both are almost similar with just a few differences.

Set Up With Trees:

You may have observed people setting up hammocks. But are they doing it right? You have to strictly follow four steps if you want to set your hammock right.

Step 1: Choosing The Location:

Before setting up the hammock, you need to look for an ideal location. Look for two trees at a distance of around 10 feet and see if the surrounding is fine. Check if the place doesn’t stink and there is no dirt around. Once you found a place, start with your set up.

Step 2: Suspension And Tree-Strapping:

Tie the tree straps to both the trees you chose. Ensure that they are tightly strapped. After strapping, use carabiners to connect your hammock to the straps. Check the suspension and adjust it if needed.

Step 3: Height And Angle:

The height at which a hammock is set up has to be kept in mind. You want to have a hammock where it is easy to climb on but your back doesn’t touch the ground. You can adjust the height by moving the straps.

Make sure that the string of your hammock makes an angle around 20-30 degrees with the ground.

Step 4: Setting Up Accessories:

The overhead tarp, the underquilt, and the bug net need to be set up in an orderly fashion. The tarp needs to be at an angle so that in case of rain, the water drains off. The underquilt needs to have a decent gap with your hammock and then you have to ensure that the bug net doesn’t have any holes in it.

Setup Without Trees:

Without trees, the setup is still similar but it is a quicker process with lesser number of steps.

Step 1: Suspension And Height:

The location isn’t necessary if you are camping without trees. So, the first step is checking the suspension. You can use ropes to tie your hammock to the tree alternative and then use a carabiner to hook the hammock to the rope. 

Adjusting the rope will adjust your height.

Step 2: Setting Up Accessories:

The second step is setting up of underquilt and tarp and bug net. It is the same as the one with trees.

Want Some Tips And Tricks For Hammock Camping?

It is good to follow the process but sometimes you need to improvise and here are some tips and tricks you need to keep in mind. For us, three ‘it’ has to be kept in mind while hammock camping.

1. Stick It

If your trees are a bit apart, you can use a stick to hold your string in between the trees. We advise you to look for trees at a small distance, but in case you could find such trees, this trick can come in handy for you.

2. Wind It

If you want a good hammock experience, please go somewhere where the wind speed is low. If the wind is fast-flowing, you will swing hard and feel cold, overall experience to forget.

3. Keep It

You don’t want to get out of your hammock once you get in. So try to carry a pouch that you can hang to you hammock so that necessary stuff like your wallet, phone, or a sandwich is there when you need them.

How Much For Hammocks And Which Are The Best?

For better quality, you will have to spend more, that is the rule of this world. So, same goes for hammocks. As for the options in the market, we can give you the best ones available based on our usage experience.

Cost Of A Hammock

First of all, you will have to spend around $250 for a decent and satisfying hammock camping trip. It is considerably less than any other form of camping. If you have a small budget and want a good camping experience within this budget, here is how you need to approach it:

Item	Tentative Cost
Hammock with mosquito net	$60
Tree-straps	$25
Tarp	$40
Underquilt	$60
Sleeping bag	$50
Carabiner	$10
Total	$245

Please remember that these are tentative costs and an approximate value of what they might cost. If you go for a better-quality product, the price will also go up.

But for this price range, you can have a satisfying camping trip.

Best Hammocks To Check Out

There is a lot of hammocks out there made by several different brands, but what you need is the best one suited to you. You can go through the choosing section and make out what type of hammock you want.

Once you have done that you can look for those features in the description given for the hammock. Some good options in the market available are:

• Sunyear Camping Hammock with Mosquito/Bug Net
• Grand Trunk Skeeter Beeter Pro Mosquito Hammock
• Everest Double Camping Hammock with Mosquito Net
• Hennessey Hammock
• Lost valley Camping Hammock

Where Can You Use a Hammock?

To know the answer to this question, you will have to look care around you first. You will realize that you can hammock anywhere but some places are better than others.

Hammock In Different Situations

 People say adaptation is the key to success. You can’t use a hammock in the same manner in different conditions. You have to adapt to the situation offered to you.

1. Beaches:

There is nothing more comfortable than camping in front of the ocean. Beaches are a fun place to spend your weekend. But generally, you will not find many trees on a beach, So you need to carry your own portable stand in that case.

2. Desert:

It is funny to think of hanging your hammock to a cactus. You can’t do that obviously. So, you need to carry a stand here as well. One more problem with the desert is the scorching heat of the sun. For that, buy sunblock, and don’t forget to put a tarp over your head.

3. Mountains:

There is a lot of trees in mountains, but you may find some places without trees as well. There you can tie your hammock to boulders and enjoy a good sleep at a cool temperature. 

Remember a sleeping bag for cold places is a must for mountains.

4. Jungles:

The jungle is an ideal place for hammock camping. It has an ocean of trees and sunlight won’t bother you as well. Even the temperature is most ideal. So, it is a dream destination for you.

Just keep one thing in mind, you need a good quality bug net with you.

Campsites For Setting Up Hammocks

Would you like to know exactly where you can get the best out of hammock camping? Here in the US, you can set up a hammock almost at every campsite. But still, there are naturally some places better than the other for hammock camping. Some places that you can visit are:

• Olympic National Park, Texas
• Yosemite National Park, California
• Big Bend National Park, Texas
• Havasupai Falls, Arizona
• Chopawamsic Backcountry Area, Virginia

All these sites have a good natural habitat and a great environment. You will thoroughly enjoy these truly magical places.

What’s Next?

So, What’s Next? If you have read everything in this article you are ready to go camping with a hammock.

But theory is one thing and practice is another. You can know everything about something and still not be good at it. So, it will be best if you try your hammock out a few times before setting out for the actual camp.

So then, pack up your camping gear, grab some clothes, and set out for a new adventure with your hammock.

And yes, light a fire to avoid bears.

Share with us your experiences by commenting and what you think about hammock camping.