10 Tips for a Successful Hammock Camping Experience
Have You Tried Hammock Camping?
It's safe to say hammock camping has become all the rage within the past few years, and if you haven't given it a try, you certainly should! Nothing beats gently rocking yourself to sleep in a hammock after exploring the outdoors. Hammock camping is easy to enjoy once you get the hang of it, but there's a learning curve if you've never tried it. If you're considering taking your outdoor relaxation experience to a new level, here are some quick tips and tricks to help you get the most out of hammock camping on your next adventure.
10 Hammock Camping Tips:
- Clean Your Hammock
- Use a Suspension System
- Pick the Right Trees
- Set Up Away from Water
- Pack an Underquilt
- Pack a Rain Tarp
- Don't Forget a Bug Shelter
- Stay 3 Feet Off the Ground
- Don't Eat inside Your Hammock
- Pack a Double Hammock
1. Clean Your Hammock
Camping is all fun and games until the ants show up. Before and after every trip, unfold your hammock and check to see it's clean and dry. When you're setting up camp, the last thing you'll want is to have to take your hammock down to rinse off dirt or insects lingering from a previous trip. You might not immediately realize it, but dirt build-up and insects can gradually dimmish the fabric of your hammock. You can clean your hammock by rinsing it off in the backyard with a hose and even using a mild detergent on a low spin cycle in a washing machine (but please make sure you remove the carabiners before you do).
2. Use a Suspension System
ENO Atlas Hammock Suspension System - Bring a suspension system to protect trees from damage on your next trip. We recommend the ENO Atlas Suspension System because it's excellent and convenient. Consider one with wide straps as your best option when choosing a suspension system. Each strap is 9 inches long and supports up to 200 lbs. for a combined weight of 400 lbs. The suspension system's straps protect tree bark and only weigh 11 ounces, so it's easy to carry on the trail. Suspension straps also help cut down the time it takes to set up camp, so you spend less time stressing and more time relaxing as you swing in your hammock.
3. Pick the Right Trees
Before unpacking your hammock, make sure the space between your trees is at least 10 and 15 feet apart. If you didn't bring a measuring tape with you, one quick and practical way to measure distance is taking 10 to 15 steps between the trees. Choose sturdy trees more than 6 inches in diameter, and before you commit to setting up at any particular tree, make sure there aren't signs of decay, wildlife, or nests! Ensure the trees don't show any signs of disease or decay like abnormalities in the bark, dead branches, or leaf discoloration.
4. Set Up Away from Water
When deciding where you should set up your hammock, it's important to remember your campsite should be at least 200 feet away from the nearest water source. These water sources include lakes, streams, and springs.
5. Pack an Underquilt
ENO Ember Underquilt - Sadly, most hammocks don't provide the best insulation in colder weather. When you lie in one, it can often cause you to experience what's known as frozen butt syndrome, where your underside gets cold due to the lack of insulation inside the hammock. Some of the most practical accessories to fight frozen butt syndrome are the ENO Ember Underquilt and ENO Spark Quilt. The under quilt wraps two layers of insulation around you, while the top quilt's dual-layer construction eliminates cold spots to keep you perfectly warm and toasty throughout the night.
6. Pack a Rain Tarp
ENO ProFly Rain Tarp - Be prepared for a sudden rain shower with the ENO ProFly Rain Tarp. The tarp weighs less than 2 pounds and covers you and your hammock from the rain. Like a bug shelter, you can hang the rain tarp from your ridgeline to enjoy peace of mind while you sleep.
7. Don't Forget a Bug Shelter
ENO Guardian Bug Net - Sleeping under the stars can be great, especially if it's your first time, but mosquitoes can seriously disturb your slumber and ruin the experience. Unfortunately, most hammocks do not come with fly tarps or bug mesh. We're sure you wouldn't enjoy bugs buzzing around you when you're trying to get a good night's rest, and nothing is more irritating than waking up from a nap with mosquito bites on your arms, legs, and neck. Once you set up your ridgeline, it's time to attach your bug net. The ENO Guardian Bug Net is an obvious choice here, as it surrounds your hammock with a fine mesh to give you peace of mind while you sleep. A bug net is designed to protect you from the minor inconveniences of exploring the outdoors. Weighing only 16 ounces, the ENO Guardian Bug Net is a lightweight solution that folds into your pack and shields you from those pesky insects!
8. Stay 3 Feet Off the Ground
Setting up your hammock no more than 3 feet off the ground helps prevent serious injury if you fall out of your hammock while giving you a comfortable space between yourself and bugs on the ground.
9. Don't Eat Inside Your Hammock
This piece of advice ties into keeping your hammock clean. If you're craving a snack, eat it outside of your hammock! The food crumbs can attract insects and make it harder for you to clean the fabric if dirt sticks to the residue of a spilled sugary drink. For a good night's rest, you'll want to keep the inside of your hammock as clean as possible.
10. Pack a Double Hammock
ENO DoubleNest Hammock - If you enjoy the company of your dog on the trail or want extra room to get cozy at night, packing a double hammock is one of your best options! We recommend the ENO DoubleNest Hammock, available in dark green or orange. It's big enough for two and made from nylon taffeta material that is soft on the skin, super breathable, and fast-drying. This hammock supports up to 400-lbs, making it perfect for parents to cuddle up with their little ones at night.
Ready to Go Hammock Camping?
Hammock camping can be a fun break from your routine camping experience. If you’re looking for a hammock, rain tarp, bug net, or more camping equipment, check out ScoutShop.org—the official online retail store of the Scouting America!
