This has had catastrophic effect in some cases where ridge lines have snapped under the load. Derek, I’ve got your book coming and I’m posting from my Grand trunk, currently hanging indoors from masonry mounted, adjustable wall anchors from Dutchware. I have a cheap shorter hammock that is 8.85′ by 4.60′ from Foxelli and I have a hard time getting a good diagonal lay in it. Been using them for years but I’d like to be better. So you’re saying that an 8×10 will be adequate only if pitched on the corners? Put your pad inside your sleeping bag. (Enjoyed your book, btw). Yet many people I speak with think hammocks are “uncomfortable,” or it will hurt their back,” or  “they’re great for summer lounging only,” or “it’s too easy to fall out.” A lot of these misconceptions come from the modern rope hammocks with their spreader bars and large woven nets. It seems I lay the way Warbonnet recommends, my head would be closer and a little more center(still off to the side though) to the head end of the hammock while my feet would me much closer to the middle of the hammock and very much off to the side. Thank you for sharing it, now I have a different view on hammocks. Still, Tom Hennessy has a video where he pretty much pulls it tight (though maybe not as tight as me). Use a ridge line for the tarp across the suspension. I have been using a hammock since I was in scouts back in the late ’80s. Most camping hammocks are based on the original, authentic Brazilian or Mayan styles of South America with their deep sag, tight weave, and gathered ends. You should always use webbing around a tree for multiple reasons, including protecting the tree bark. Would a body heat reflective emergency blanket work to lay on? 6. So is 30 degrees the best angle “before” entering hammock even if the suspension lines drop to as much as 45 degrees after? This is one of the best hammock camping tips to remember when you’re first getting it set up. . The under quilt moves to wrap around you in that same diagonal position. The 550 lbs load limit does not afford much latitude for dynamic strain or if the hammock is pitched too tight. Thanks KY! That is why independent forums exist-unbiased comparison of different systems. If not using webbing, what do you suggest for cordage? I’ve been learning all I can to make better Hammock for myself. Hammock camping is perfect for adventurous outdoor-lovers, and it’s beginner-friendly! A lot of folks who want a full season set up will start off with a 20°F/-7°C quilt system. I also use a Kelty 12×12 as hanging shelter w/ door flaps to block strong winds. One solution is to connect the tarp directly to the suspension instead of tying it up separately. Before. Not only is this one of the best hammock camping tips, this should be followed on nearly every camping trip. I use both 1 & 2 person hammocks, so it needs to support a lot of weight, up to 300lbs. The way the forces change with the hangle is incredible! A lot of people having questions about what gear is needed for hammock camping. My Grand Trunk Ultralight gets perfect at about 20 degrees. But to your question, one simple way to measure is to use the thumb-finger method. Togetherness-One of the big reasons that people want to sleep together when they are camping is to have that sense of togetherness. These forces can exceed 550 lbs pretty easily. After the ridge line length is covered, anywhere from a few inches or a foot in either side (depending in your preference) the next consideration is side coverage. I want to be able to look at the sky from the hammock, but when ready for sleep, be able to finish erecting one end of the tarp over my head without getting out the hammock. It’s not a major problem and it gets complicated due to the type of suspension systems folks use, so there isn’t a universal answer. Absolutely! When flying bugs (mosquitos, moths, midges, biting flies, etc.) enormous amount of force on the suspension lines, https://theultimatehang.com/2012/07/hammock-camping-101/, Maverick Gear Hammock Review | The Ultimate Hang, https://theultimatehang.com/2013/09/simply-light-designs-streamliner-sl-hammock-review/, Extreme Hammocking in British Columbia | Harmony Hammocks, Episode 18 – Best of Both Worlds – HYOH Podcast, https://theultimatehang.com/2012/06/tips-for-pitch-perfect-hammock-camping/, madoroming » Blog Archive » ハンモックを買った -Exped Travel Hammock Plus-, http://datingwithnature.com/how-to-make-a-whoopie-sling/. Would the Costco down comforter compress too much beneath me therefore offering very little insulation? I was hoping a sleeping bag (or quilt) plus sleeping pad would be enough, but many of the not-exactly-cheap underquilts you tested were only just suited for exactly that kind of temperatures, so how could a sleeping pad suffice? The net should be able to span the entire hammock to provide complete protection. Insulate underneath. sorry. For hot summer nights, you may only need a thin blanket to regulate your temperature. Nearly half of surveyed campers say the reason they became interested in camping is because they love being in the outdoors — and there is no better way to truly experience everything the outdoors has to offer than from the comfort of a hammock. Thanks. The hammock itself will sag as weight is added to the hammock but typically the suspension lines, even with a structural ridgeline, will also drop down below the original 30 degrees from horizontal after weight is added to the hammock (person enters the hammock). String your hammock with room to sag. My Hammock Manufacturer List indicates which retailers sell hammock bug netting. I have an ENO Doublenest. After reading this article I tried hanging my hammock with sag about a million times and can’t seem to get comfortable. It not only helps keep the bug netting off the occupant, but also prevents the netting from getting ripped apart (particularly if the netting has been cut asymmetrically). Pitching the hammock at 30° ensures you get a deep sag (tip #2). If how you hang is working, then you’re doing it right! if you are inside, a plastic toy your kids placed underneath you while you slept, and if you are outside, a hard poky root or a rock you did not remove before entering the hammock). But anyway, does anyone else like to hang like that. Thanks for the suggestion! Hammock camping offers quick and easy portability, so you can set up and pack up camp whenever the mood strikes you. This is plenty of coverage for a 10 ft (3 m) Brazilian hammock. I Absolutely love my hammock set up I use It almost everyday. I had cold spots waking me up several times. A 10×10 ft (3×3 m) tarp will have a diagonal ridge line length of 14 ft (4.2 m), which is plenty of coverage for any hammock. Polyester and polypropylene are also low-stretch, so you won’t sag during the night (avoid nylon straps, which stretch). Push until you are sitting in an upright position. I use the “cowboy finger gun technique” the index finger is the barrel, the thumb stuck up in the air is the hammer…… when the barrel is held level, the angle from the end of the barrel (finger) to the tip of the raised hammer (thumb) will be very close to 30 degrees…. Plenty of tutorials on making and using everything “hammock”. I use suspension straps with a cinch buckle, and I have a gathered end hammock. Second, if you connect your tarp directly to the Hennessy Hammock, you can avoid the “limp tarp” effect that happens when you pitch it too tight. Would a 10×10 be excessive? In this video I go over my complete setup. Hey Derek, new to hammocking here so please pardon my dumb question: What would be the knot to apply on the webbing strap or just half hitches would do? Try to incorporate some ventilation into your setup, and avoid setting up near bodies of cold water It has been the choice of epic expeditions exploring the full length of the Nile, Amazon and Congo Rivers, up to the Arctic and down into the deepest caves on Earth. Guard against flying bugs. To get a comfortable night’s sleep when you’re camping, it’s a good idea to invest in the best camping hammock you can find.. Let’s take a look at what you should look for in a hammock and 10 of the best hammocks available. While polyester and polypropylene stretch less than nylon, they still stretch, and if you have a long hang (>=15 ft) the stretch will be more pronounced. In the real world, it is nearly impossible to hang the hammock perfectly taut as all suspension line will have some stretch, especially when the line is under extreme tensile forces. Hi derek, I am new to Hammock camping and am in the market for one now. Note: If it is raining, it's a good idea to set up a tarp first! Thanks, The last piece of hammock camping gear we’ll talk about setting up is your hammock bug net. In this article, we’re going to cover everything you need to know about hammock camping. Strapping around tree – I’m using polypropylene Guide to hammock camping for beginners. I’ll be buying your book shortly for sure, as I’d love to delve deeper into the world of hammocks. A lot of beginners are frustrated with this issue, but fear not, as you can always invest in a bug net to keep these annoying guests away. Sheathed Spectra line is also commonly used for hammock suspension. Since a lot of stuff seems to flow from this hang angle, I’d like to get there on a regular basis. Some camping hammocks have sewn-in netting, but you can purchase after-market netting too. Have to spread it out after I lay on it. Back to underquilts: they’re not cheap. A 9×9 tarp on a diagonal is closer to 13 feet, which is more reasonable. What you’re attempting to do is get a diagonal lay, which improves the flat lay and the ergonomics on your back while eliminating spine and shoulder squeeze. With minimal gear, you can set up camp in seconds and sleep comfortably over any terrain. Laying the bag open and sitting in the middle before you get in helps. Each person will have their preference, but anywhere from 6 in (15 cm) to 1 ft (30 cm) over each end of the hammock will provide enough coverage. An under quilt will cover all or most of you, depending on the length of the quilt. Unlike a tent, you can set up your hammock in just the right spot to enjoy sweeping views of a hillside, sunset, or waterfall. I usually put a small item in my hammock to tighten up the line without weighing it down too much. As I mentioned above, the only major problem that many people have with hammock camping is that they get colder than when sleeping in a tent. I’m partial to the amsteel whoopie slings. I recommend only going the belly-flop route on grass or blankets. Right now I have no equiment at all, not even a sleeping pad. Or can I just have some netting draped on top? Hammock camping is the ultimate lightweight adventure. Why would you want to get out of a perfectly comfortable, well hung hammock? Thanks Derek. Is an 8×10 tarp adequate even for a hammock that measures 10 ft long? Now I own four ENO double nest hammocks and routinely take my son and his friends to teach them how to use a hammock instead of a tent. It is just that I didnt know so much about them before. What do you recommend I do when hanging it? Obviously no one is currently doing that now. I’ve had no problems with it, although I’m sure some might have. I need a good tip for achieving the 30-degree angle on the suspension lines. Angle your hammock suspension (rope) at around 30°. Sounds like you’re good to go! Hi. First thing, I would go grab my book. So you have my book? Next, check out my hang calculator. One to 1.5 in (2.5 to 3.8 cm) polyester or polypropylene webbing straps help disperse the weight and reduce damage to trees or other objects. The BSA SINGLE PERSON HAMMOCK WITH STRAPS ($25, scoutshop.org) offers a basic setup that is large enough for most people and versatile enough for backpacking. I’ve seen a lot of posts on how to properly enter a hammock but none that explain proper exit. It always seems to dip quite a bit anyways. Do you lay diagonal? If you weave a few strands of paracord together, the strength will double, triple, or quadruple. So, because a hennessy hammock has an internal ridgeline for the bug net, and then the hammock curves beneath that, should you still tie it up at the 30* ? What is wrong with using paracord ? Grand trunk sells Trunk Straps that work well. They are less fussy. Once you have the basics right, hammock camping is easy as well as safe and fun. Paracord also comes in handy for a lot of other uses, such as guy lines, throw lines, or other camp duties. I put a pad in hammock, it slides around, I put sleeping bag in hammock, it bunches up in the middle. KY. Should the lines be 30 degrees from horizontal before or after entering the hammock? Instead of pitching a square or rectangular tarp from the corners, you can always pitch it as a square A-frame on the 10 ft (3 m) side. The ridgeline keeps the net above you, but the sides are still a problem for most 360° nets. If I tighten the suspension to snug the ridgeline once I lay in the hammock the ridgeline almost lays on me! QQ: I’ve got a Dream Hammock with a Hammock Gear hex tarp. I’m trying to accomplish the most comfortable summer night’s sleep with possible temps down to 60. We called them our hanging hooches. Thus far I’ve obtained everything I need except an underquilt – and I’m trying very hard to get good things at low prices as this is all a test for me now. It seems I can’t get it right. The nice thing about the Hennessy, or other models with structural ridge lines, is that you can pitch it tight and the hammock lay isn’t compromised. Your email address will not be published. Suspension – Amsteel whoopie sling It’s the Holy Grail of hammock suspension. The super-duper method (not recommended if you have surpassed your personal prime). If a level hang works you don’t need to modify. Have you tried the Serac Hammock? The ridge line on this asym pitch is almost 13 ft (4 m)! The laws of physics still apply to a hammock with a structural ridge line, so you increase the tension force as you lower the hang angle. Derek: Quick question about hang angle. Probably the easiest (for me; personal preference) is to unzip the bag down to the foot box and leave it open, using the bag like a quilt by tucking my feet in and using around my shoulders. […] a lot of time educating folks who think hammocks are uncomfortable thanks to their impression of laying like a banana. XL Camping Hammocks, Onewind Tree Hammocks with Ridgeline, Tarp Rainflys, Underquilts and gears, get your adventure lightweight and effortless, always make home where you are Free shipping for all orders (10-25 days), Expedited shipping for products price above 60$ (3-8 working days) I want to start spending some time outdoors. I Rock Climb, Hike, and Camp quite a bit during the summer, being that i live in Sacramento everything is just a few hours away. Also note that an empty hammock tends to sag with a catenary curve that if measured, will be different (more obtuse) than if the hammock is pulled taut and is measured with straight line angles. This helps keep things from moving around, and helps the bag from bunching a little. Due to the absence of poles and the reduced amount of material used, they tend to be significantly lighter than a tent. The calculator and thumb-finger methods are starting points but don’t take into account fabric type and stretch with all the components, all of which affect the final angle, which is what we are estimating. In this example, we focus on basics, but in my book I describe these more complex scenarios to reduce or eliminate water seeping. These extend around the entire hammock to offer 360-degree protection. Running out of ideas to fix this any recommendations? 3. Your lay angle won’t be as dramatic, but that’s okay. All hammocks will sag once weight is applied, but this is what you see as the force is being applied. I have been hammock camping for several years and I am thoroughly enjoying it. Hanging the foot end higher is a technique for any hammock. Active Roots is the best hammock for backpackers, as the whole set up only weighs 0.9kgs and includes a stuff sack for portable use. Read More: Pitching options for a 10×10 tarp. While getting a sleeping bag rated for colder temperatures is often enough to do the trick, an underquilt is really necessary if you want to make your hammock camping setup usable for all four seasons. To be accurate, do you have any tips, suggestions on how to get to 30%. Since I’m a big fan of outdoor activities, I agree that hammocks are best for outdoor adventures, not only because of their lightweight features, but because other hammocks are also fitted for a king’s comfort. I prefer 3/4 quilts, which covers from my shoulders to my lower legs, depending on the brand. 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