Hammocking is a modern way of camping and whole new experience in a cozy backcountry bed that eliminates the need for big tents.
But camping is not easy! In fact, it is an adventure you need to prepare for well ahead. To have the best camping experience, you need to be adequately informed and have everything you need with you.
For a fantastic experience in nature, getting suggestions from friends is not enough. You will only learn by practicing and reading to get well prepared. This is how you can get started with it.
Here is the ultimate hammock camping checklist which will get you fully equipped for your next trip.
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Hammock Camping Checklist
Before setting out for the wilderness, pack everything you need with this camping checklist.
Your hammock camping checklist will be incomplete without your backpacking gear and the optional items that can depend on your preferences and camping habits.
1. Your Hammock
This is an essential part of your camping gear. You need a hammock that is comfortable and lightweight.
Look for a hammock model specifically designed for backpacking and camping.
Those hammocks are made portable and pack down smaller than the oversized and bulky variants commonly found on the beach, swimming pools and in your backyards.
There are many types of hammocks on the market today. The top three are listed in the table below:
PRO TIPS
If you are looking for more camping hammocks, check our review for The Best Camping Hammock For Any Season In 2020.
2. Support Straps or Suspension System
This is the second most important hammock camping gear. The support straps or suspension system are used to support the hammock when hooked between two anchor points. This can be two trees while backpacking or camping.
Many hammock models come with a built-in suspension system. A few others come with a suspension system designed to be attached and reattached after each use.
If support straps are not part of your hammock components, you need to buy them separately.
PRO TIPS
If you are feeling a little lost, then you definitely should read our Complete Guide to the Best Hammock Straps in 2020 for recommendations, and buying guides which contain important factors to consider when picking a support strap.
Hammock Camping Accessories
The following gear is not essential for hammock camping, but in reality, it can make a huge difference to your camping experience.
3. Mosquito Net
This is another piece of equipment you shouldn’t go camping without.
Hammock mosquito nets are designed to keep those annoying mosquitoes and insects away. The best mosquito nets are designed to confer 360-degree protection and cover your hammock 100%.
Don’t have extra bucks to spare for a bug net?
Don’t worry! Use a mosquito head net for the upper part of your body, and keep the rest of your body safely tucked into your sleeping bag.
PRO TIPS
Our guide on the Top 7 Hammock Mosquito Nets for Hiking and Camping in 2020 explains everything you have to know before purchasing a hammock mosquito net.
4. Hammock Underquilt
An underquilt is specially designed to fit a camping hammock.
It adds much-needed insulation allowing you to stay toasty warm, especially in freezing temperatures. With a hammock underquilt, you can comfortably go camping in the winter months.
There are many hammock underquilts on the market, but we have saved you from several hours of searching and have reviewed the Best Hammock Underquilts Money Can Buy in 2020.5. Hammock Top Quilt
Most campers use a traditional sleeping bag while in the wilderness. Even a slim-profile mummy bag will make you uncomfortable in a hammock.
A hammock top quilt is a better alternative. It is portable, lightweight, and can be used alone or in combination with a sleeping bag for additional warmth.
Our article on hammock top quilt contains 7 of the best top quilts on the market and shows you what to look out for when making a buying decision.
6. Sleeping Pad
If you are a car camper unconcerned with additional weights, you might be interested in adding a sleeping pad to your hammock checklist.
Sleeping pads that are designed explicitly for hammocks provide supreme comfort and significantly increase insulation. These sleeping pads are well molded to prevent slipping or sliding around when fitted into a hammock.
We recommend you to read our article on The Best Hammock Sleeping Pads to have a robust understanding of things to look out for when buying a sleeping pad.
7. Extra Carabiners
Hammocks typically come with carabiners, but it is a good idea to go with a few extra. Carabiners can be used to suspend hammocks, attach gear to your backpack or hammock.
The Best Carabiners for Hammock in 2020 is a great article to start reading if you are considering to buy carabiners for your next trip.
8. Extra Guylines and Stakes
When it comes to hammock camping and hiking, guylines are often considered an afterthought.
Yet, a guyline is critical to properly set up your hammock tarps and other shelter systems that do not come with a guyline.
In combination with a guyline, you can use camping stakes as well.
If you are camping in a windy terrain, you can use stakes to prevent your hammock from swaying.
9. Hammock Tarp
When it comes down to top-notch comfort, there is little or no reason not to invest in a hammock rainfly, except maybe a cost.
If you prefer a versatile rainfly that works on its own, and can also be used with a hammock, invest in a hammock tarp.
Useful Tips for Hammock Camping
1. How to Set Up Your Hammock
Our article Tips On How To Set Up A Hammock provides a detailed guide on how to properly set up your camping hammock.
Here, we will be showing you what the essential things you should pay attention to are when setting up your hammock and your camping accessories.
2. Hanging Your Hammock
Your camping experience will start by hanging your hammock correctly.
There are many types of hammock models, so, the setup might be a little different from one to the other.
But most hammocks can be hanged by following the following basic rules.
3. Find Anchor Points
The first problem you’ll have to face is finding two solid anchor points. Anchor points are usually trees when camping in the wilderness.
Your tree of choice must be sturdy, thick, and healthy enough to support your weight, or any additional weight if there is more than one person.
Your anchor points should be about 10 to 15 feet apart. This will help your hammock sag at a comfortable angle.
4. Attach to Straps
Once you have firmly attached the hammock support straps to the two trees, hang your hammock to the straps.
Some hammock brands come designed with straps, while others require straps to be attached separately.
This process involves clipping one carabiner on the hammock to one strap, and the other carabiner to the other hammock strap.
How to Sleep Properly in a Hammock
1. Lay Diagonally
To have a lovely rest in your hammock, sleep diagonally. This sleeping position is comfortable for the neck and back during the night.
2. Sit in the Middle of the Hammock
Sit down on your hammock first, then slide your leg and upper body into the hammock.
3. Use a Mattress
Hammocks are made from nylon parachute that is not very thick. This material is lightweight and portable.
When cold, place your bed block on the hammock before lying down to sleep.
The cushion and the sleeping bag will keep you warm and comfortable on cold nights.
4. Wrap Yourself Around With a Blanket to Stay Warm
Want to know How To Sleep Properly In A Hammock Like A Pro? Read our article, and find the best sleeping position for you.
How to go Hammock Camping in Cold Weather
1. Use a Sleeping Pad
A sleeping pad is designed to help you conserve body heat during chilly nights.
It will prevent heat from escaping through the bottom of your hammock.
2. Choose a Suitable Place
When winter camping, the wind will always beat against you. To prevent this, hang your hammock behind a natural windbreak.
3. Become Mummified
Your blankets will be useless in temperatures less than 40 degrees. So, become mummified in a warm sleeping bag.
Purchase a sleeping bag having a rating of 15°F or less. Close the hood around your head for protection against the elements.
4. Bring a Pillow Along
Bring a hammock pillow to serve as an extra layer between your head and the cold hammock nylon. It will help you feel comfortable and increase your body heat by isolating the gypsy.
Need more tips for camping in cold weather? We have 12 more for you in our Top 12 Tips for Hammock Camping in Cold article.
How to Set Up Your Rainfly and Tarp
Most tarps use a ridgeline that runs through the center, and they can be attached to the same tree used as your anchor points.
Ensure the ridgelines are high enough to provide space for you to be comfortable in your hammock, but low enough for the edges of the rainfly to confer total protection from unfriendly elements.
Hammock rainfly and tarps come with many guylines. Attach the guylines to the ground with a camping stake.
The stakes and guylines ensure the rainfly will pull tight. This provides protection as well as prevents water from pooling up on rainy days.
A tightly fitted rainfly is also less susceptible to battering by the wind.
How to Set Up a Mosquito Net
This is a great hammock camping gear. There are two ways how you can set up a mosquito net, depending on the type you purchase.
1. The Most Popular is to Set Up a Separate Mosquito Net
This type of net confers 360-degree protection.
They cover the entirety of the hammock and are often attached to the trees used as anchor points so your hammock can entirely fit into the net.
2. The Second Option is Having a Net Built Into Your Hammock
Hammock mosquito nets are attached over the hammock opening.
The mosquito provides top covering while your hammock covers the bottom.
How to Hang a Hammock on a Beach
Don’t have to go to the woods and look for the trees when hammock camping.
You can easily do it on the beach with a few tips on how to do that successfully.
1. Choose the Right Place
When camping on the beach, the right place is essential if you want to have a good experience.
Choose the site that will work best for you.
No matter if it’s the more secluded or open area, it’s important that your place meets these requirements:
2. Choose the Right Hammock for Beach Camping
There are various types of hammocks specifically designed for beach camping. So, find the right hammock structure that you are comfortable with, and that can work on a particular beach.
You can use portable hammock frames or stands, hammocks that can be supported with porch posts, or make your own post for the hammock.
Some Errors to Avoid While Hammock Camping
Conclusion
The hammock camping checklist depends on some factors such as weather, timings, and the number of people you are going with.
No matter the factors, this checklist is a guide that will help you get the best preparation possible. But we suggest you cross-check and review the camping essentials based on your requirements. Doing so will prevent camping problems and ensure you have a good time.
At the end of a stressful week, hammocking will soothe your body and mind. Camping in nature away from the city will give you an inexpressible joy.
So, if you haven’t done your checklists, do that now, and go well prepared for exploring the beauties of nature! Share your camping experience in the comment box below
Hi there, I am Orson Brown, a passionate explorer and the one behind Stop, Reset! Do you like hiking, climbing or camping, but don’t know how to get started? Follow our journey to prepare your trip best!
Hi. Love all the tips as I am new to this. I had a great experience at the lake in a wild area. I was very comfortable getting in and out. Slept all night. Came home with terrible bruises behind my legs slightly above the knee area and back of upper arm. What have I done wrong??