Setting up a hammock camping is a very easy, surprisingly comfortable and enjoyable alternative to that of a tent.
If you are new to camping and using a hammock, the idea of sleeping between two trees may seem a little exaggerated.
First of all, what types of equipment do you need?
Camping with a hammock requires a list of equipment utterly different from those of a tent. You do not want to stop when you put the net in the middle of the desert and expect it to hold.
Our detailed guide explains how to select the right camping equipment and accessories for a good hammock and how to set up a hammock properly.
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Hammock Camping Checklist
Make sure you pack everything you need with a handy set of camping hammocks.
Of course, the checklist of your camping network is not complete without the rest of the camping equipment, the backpack, and supplies.
These are some of the things to consider while setting up a hammock.
How High Do You Need to Tie Your Hammock Straps?
Place your net at a height that allows you to suspend the seat height at the lowest point. This will make it much easier to access and exit the network.
Remember that the more trees you skip, the higher the straps you will have to strap to the trees.
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The Distance Between the Trees (or Support System)
Perhaps the most important thing is the distance between the two trees or the supports from which the hammock will hang. We recommend a maximum range of 12 inches by 20 inches.
With the straps included, it will be long enough for a 13 – 16 inches extension, but you may need to use a small rope as a long distance extension. The appropriate bark protection of the hammock leaves no trace on the trees.
Usually, every hammock comes with ropes. You must have several tree strips in an outdoor equipment store. They are also known as "Tree-Huggers." They are very easy to install, and you can fix them in a short time.
Straps
Just wrap the strap around the trees and pass the end of the rope with one knot in the open ring of the other.
Place the hammock at the end of the knot while using the carabiner that is attached to the hammock.
Depending largely on the distance between the support systems, you may need to move this knot up or down to tighten the net.
Setting Up a Hammock
The configuration of your hammock starts with the correct suspension of the hammock. Although each model is configured slightly differently, most camping hammocks can be closed based on the same basic rules.
As a general rule, if you are on rough terrain, we recommend that you take certain precautions to keep the net hanging and between trees at the same relative height.
1. Find Anchor Points
One of the most important thing is to find two strong anchors. These are usually trees where you can tie your hammock to. Remember that trees must be resilient and must be thick enough and healthy to support all your weight.
Selected anchors or trees should be 10 to 15 feet apart. This gives the network enough space to adapt and orient itself to a comfortable angle.
2. Fix Anchor Points
The next step in creating the camping network is to fix these anchors. Here is the suspension system or support belts.
Place each ring around the tree trunk around eye level. This will allow the hammock to get closer to the support system.
Take the time to fix the anchor points. It is more likely that the terrain is hilly if you are camping. So make sure the hammock is hanging between the two trees at the same time.
3. Attach to Straps
Once the two support strips are firmly attached to the two shafts, connect the hammock to the support system.
Some models have a built-in support system in the mesh. Others must be attached separately.
Attaching the webbing to a separate net consists primarily of connecting one carabiner to the net to one band and the other carabiner to the other.
4. Adjust Your Sleep Position
There will be some experiences to find your favorite camping site on the net. A common mistake they see too often is the attempt to make the network flow.
Because you are used to sleeping flat, it makes sense to try to do it with your hammock.
But they are not designed to be used in this way. A net has a natural curve. Use this natural curve to your advantage for a most comfortable night's sleep.
Making your hammock very profitable makes the sides of the network very close. You will divide your sides and feel very tight.
5. Configure Your Rainfly
The rest of your hammock equipment is relatively easy to understand how to configure.
Most rain-flies, for example, use a ridge that extends centrally and can be attached to the same trees that are used as anchors.
Place the ridgelines far above the ground enough to have enough space to be comfortable in the hammock, but low enough so that the edges of the rain provide complete protection from the elements.
The stakes and guylines keep the rainfly firm. This not only helps to strengthen the protection but also prevents the accumulation of water during the night.
6. Set Up Your Bug Net
The last piece of camping gear in the setting up of a hammock is to set up your bug net. There are two principal ways to set up a bug net, depending on the type you have.
Set up a bug net separately, this is the first and most common method. The net should be able to span the entire hammock to provide complete protection.
The other option is an integrated net in the hammock. These nets are attached above the hammock opening. The bug net provides coverage at the top, while the hammock offers coverage at the bottom.
Different Ways to Set Up / Configure a Hammock
1. Canopy Method
Align the asymmetrical fly with the shape of the grid. Hold the plastic "0" rings at each end of the hooks for stronger support. Leave the central support nodes setting untouched until the end.
Next, grab the lighter plastic hook, attached to each end of the lid, on the main rope. Straighten the blade height by connecting the lateral adjustment cables to nearby tree limbs or ground anchors at any angle, depending on conditions.
Finally, push each of the sliding joint tensioners along with the main support cables until the hood is centered and properly positioned.
In wet winds, place a weight or elasticity on the side corners of the roof to maintain tension.
You have successfully installed your hammock using the canopy method! If you have not checked the forecasts, do not worry, you can always add a curtain to your hammock, which can protect you from high winds and thunderstorms.
Rest and relax on your hammock.
2. Fly Tension Method
First, attach the handle separately from each tree to be able to install the net in wet weather without humidifying it. This means that when the weight increases on the net, the rain does not fall and therefore the crease tension drops.
Another suggestion way is to attach a rope to one end of the fly, take around the tree through the ring at the end to fly around the tree through the same ring along the bottom of the fly through the ring.
This cord does two things: keeps the noise steady, eliminates wrinkles on the fly and helps prevent wrinkling of the water.
Another good advice is to tie as much as possible to the rainfly side, either on the ground, or branches, and to hang a correct weight on each side of the rain wedge.
When the fly fills and stretches, instead of losing weight and becoming weaker, the weight automatically reduces the fly in stormy weather and retains the same tension as the rain when it was dry.
Safety Rules: Mistakes to Avoid When Setting Up a Hammock
Check and Recheck the Hammock
Purchasing a hammock from a reputable manufacturer does not mean that each part will work properly. For your safety, check the parts carefully before using them.
If you think a replacement is necessary, contact the manufacturer immediately. Learn how to choose the perfect hammock.
Choose the Right Place to Hang Your Hammock
All trees are not the same when it comes to connecting the hammock. Although you want to make sure the two trees are far apart, some are better than others.
The biggest danger you must avoid is to hang the hammock on dead trees. Although at first, it seems sturdy, it's almost impossible to know of their weight, and if your weight will cause it to break.
When setting up your hammock, be sure to look up and avoid trees with dry, tall branches. You never know when a mighty wind can pull make one snap and knock it against you.
You should also avoid shoots and only use trees that do not bend under your weight.
Consider Height
Hammocks are available in diverse styles and sizes.
For outdoor adventures, many prefer hammock because the installation only requires two resistant trees or other anchor points similar to poles.
Although you can see very well, do not place the hammock at a height that makes it difficult to climb. Make sure the straps are securely attached to the rod and that the carabiner is secure so that it does not detach while you sleep!
Make sure everything is assembled correctly, and the support is flat and level. The least thing you want is for the rope to collapse and bring it back to the ground with the flying metal tubes!
Final Words
The key to a fun camping experience in a hammock is to buy the right equipment and remember it during the trip.
Setting up a hammock is relatively easy and fun to do.
A hammock is designed for quick and easy setup so you can relax as quickly as possible.
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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!