Know Before You Go: How to Have the Best Hammock Camping Experience

Most people love the idea of camping and backpacking until confronted with the realities of sleeping outdoors. Camping used to be synonymous with sleeping in a tent, with little between you and the cold, hard, probably wet, and almost certainly rock- and root-filled ground than a flimsy sleeping mat or unwieldy air mattress. Fortunately, Hammock Camping is elevating the conventional camping experience, getting you off the ground and into a more comfortable outdoor sleeping space. Keep reading for Hammock Camping Tips that will help you maximize your time in the great outdoors.

Park Regulations

Don't get caught by anti-hammock policies that will leave you on the ground. Unfortunately, hammocks can have a negative impact on trees, so not all parks allow their use. Research your destinations rules before setting out and stringing up. While some parks may ban Hammock Camping altogether, others simply require extra padding between trees bark and hammock straps or hammock straps that are a particular width to reduce stress on a trees bark. Try not to string up on trees that are showing signs of excessive wear and be aware of whether trees are the right size to support a hammock without sustaining damage.

Weather-Proofing

A hammock is great for keeping you off the ground, but there are necessary add-ons beyond your hammock and its straps to keep you protected from the elements. Some hammocks come with built-in bug netting to keep mosquitoes, flies, and other creepy crawlies at bay, while other nets are totally separate cage-like structures that attach to the same anchor points as your hammock.

Even if there isn't rain in the forecast, a waterproof tarp is something you rather set up and not need than be caught without. Look for tarps with multiple guy lines and full coverage as you don't want your head or feet getting wet because the tarp wasn't long enough. Look for tarps with door flaps on either end so you're protected no matter which way the wind is blowing. A second tarp for the ground below the hammock is good for keeping other gear off the wet ground.

If the temperature is likely to drop while you're hanging out, having an over- or underquilt for insulation is crucial for both comfort and safety. Depending on the kind of quilt you choose, it will attach either below or above the hammock. Different levels of insulation are available for different seasons, from the crisp nights of the fall to the chilled nights of winter.

Camping With Hammocks is a great way to have a more comfortable outdoor experience. With proper preparation, you may find that yourself ditching your tent altogether.