If you are looking for an unforgettable adventure, try hammock camping.
Hammock camping is just as the name suggests. You switch your regular camping gear with a sturdy hammock accompanied by other accessories to negotiate the most rugged terrains and escalate the level of adventure. Many adventurous individuals prefer this type of camping because the adoption of such quality equipment as hammocks makes their camping journey more convenient and more accessible.
Hammocks by Teton Hammock Company are best for wild backpacking expeditions and adventures; they remain sturdy in unpredictable wind patterns and difficult terrains. Due to their quick and easy portability, you can set them up anywhere you would like. So, whether you want a view of the waterfall, sunset, or hillside, a hammock will not disappoint. Hammocks are adored by explorers who love challenging treks and wish to have vast experience in the outdoors.
If you want to give hammock camping a try, you have come to the right place. In this article, we have compiled a list of every hammock gear you would need for your upcoming hammocking trip. Continue reading to find out more.
Things to Consider Before Hammock Camping
Hammock camping has many similarities to tent camping. However, there a few things you need to consider before you go into the wild;
- Leave No Trace – This should be the one thing you need to keep in mind even before going hammock camping. It means being safe and ensuring the safety of the environment. Leaving no trace (LNT) could mean that you use special gear not to harm the trees or set up your hammock in a different campsite not close to water.
- Comfort – When it comes to comfort, hammocks with extra insulation are made with the finest water-resistant materials to provide the best comfort! Even beginners won’t have a problem sleeping on their hammock for the first time. They need to ensure that their hammocks are tightly tied across two well-spaced trees. The most suitable position to sleep on a hammock is to lay down diagonally.
- Safety – Sleeping above the ground using camping hammocks shouldn’t be risky if you buy the right hammock gear! Never invest in cheap, low-quality camping accessories because they can fail to perform their task in a difficult situation. Instead, invest in high-quality equipment that shall offer sustainable benefits in the harshest weather conditions. It will also prevent you from falling and will prevent injuries or damages.
Important Gear – Essentials For a Successful
Hammock Trip
Hammock
You can’t go hammock camping without a hammock, of course. As the star of the show, we cannot fail to mention it. There are many types of hammocks in the market to suit every individual. When buying a hammock, you need to consider its height, weight, and length. The size of the hammock matters because it will significantly affect your comfort while sleeping. Additionally, it would help if you did not buy a hammock that is meant for the backyard because it is not made out of durable, lasting materials.
The different hammock bodies in the market to choose from include;
- Netless– These are open-air hammocks without bug protection, such as nets or enclosures. They are versatile and comfortable.
- Netted– These hammocks have built-in nets that protect you from mosquitoes and other bugs. You can choose the coverage you want because they come in different varieties.
- Backwoods– These are lightweight and durable hammocks that are great for lounging and sleeping. Backwoods hammocks come in a variety of fabrics with their textures and weight. If you are a beginner, this is the hammock for you.
Suspension Straps
Suspension straps are the source of headaches for many hammock camping beginners. Pairing suitable straps with your hammock can be a complicated process for any first-timer. The best thing to do is buy a complete suspension system for your hammock. It has straps or tree huggers to help you attach your hammock to the trucks and a rope that helps keep your hammock in place. The system also has loops, clips, and hooks that help attach the rope to the tree straps.
Additional Gear That You May Need
Mosquito net
Every camper knows how mosquitos are a nuisance. Some hammocks have built-in nets while others don’t. It is essential to buy a bug net to avoid any disturbances in your sleep. If you know that you will camp in a mosquito or bug-prone area, invest in a bug net. You can purchase one of the following forms of bug protection;
- Bottom entry netting– It is a very easy-to-use bug net that cliches underneath the hammock.
- Top cover attachments and zippered bug nets– They are ventilated bug protection nets.
- Winter and summer socks– These come in layers hence provide bug protection and temperature regulation.
Tarps/ Rainfly
If you want a rain-free adventure while sleeping, consider getting a hammock tarp. Tarps are mounted above the hammock and secured between the trees to protect you from rain. Some tarps are not specifically designed for hammocks, but they are still applicable. The only thing to keep in mind is that these tarps have the right number of attachment points to ensure they are well secured to the hammock. With a tarp, you will protect yourself from the rain, wind, and even snow.
Stakes And Other Useful Items
You will need tarp stakes to secure your tarp. Stakes are weather resistant because they are made of aluminum, titanium, and carbon fiber. The only thing to keep in mind is that you buy enough tarps to go with each tarp tie-out. Other items you may need include;
- Carabiners– This tool helps you attach your stuff to your hammock and backpack. Campers can also use it for suspending the hammock.
- Paracord– These tools have a million uses in hammock camping. You can use them to suspend your hammock or tarps very fast.
Optional Gear
Underquilt
An underquilt will prevent your back from freezing in the cold. If you want to experience a warm and comfortable sleeping experience, it is vital to get an underquilt. This gear is optional, but it can be beneficial if you are camping in cold areas.
Under quilts are placed under the hammock and work by shielding the cold air from flowing on your back, keeping you snug and warm throughout the night. Using a regular sleeping pad can be a problem while hammock camping. An underquilt is the better option because it is mainly designed for a camping hammock.
Top Quilt
Now that you got your back covered, it is time to take care of your top side. A top quilt resembles an unzipped sleeping bag, and in fact, some people use sleeping bags to work as a top quilt. However, they can be too heavy on your hammock.
On the other hand, a top quilt is designed explicitly for hammock camping. It has unique features such as a draft collar and a foot box that keep out the cold air. When looking for a top quilt, it is essential to pick one perfect for the weather you’ll be camping in. For a summer trip, choose 40 or 50-degree quilts, and you can go as low as 0 degrees for winter quilts.
Sleeping Pad
When sleeping in a hammock, the lower side of a sleeping pad can lose its insulation due to compression. The better option is using an inflated or foam sleeping pad. Since sleeping pads cannot settle well in a hammock, it is essential to get an accessory sleeve to help the pad stay in place. Another trick is to cut a foam pad and cut it into a shape that fits well in the hammock. Other people choose to remove a small amount of air from an air pad to help stabilize it.
Other Backpacking Gear
Your hammock setup is the most critical part of hammock camping. However, it is not the only essential you need to consider. You will require other equipment for starting a fire, cooking, and keeping safe. It would be best if you looked for supplies that are lightweight and easily portable such as;
- A first aid kit in case of any injuries
- Extra rope
- A backpack that can fit all your stuff
- A suitable backpacking stove
- Portable filtration system or water bottle
- A utility tool
- Headlamp or flashlight
- A compass, map, or GPS navigator
- A plastic bag or trowel
- Camping food and ready to eat snacks
- Insect repellant
- Sunscreen
Hammock Camping Tips To Keep In Mind
As a beginner, it is essential to know some tips to make the hammock camping experience easier;
- Pick the right spot – Choose a place that has enough space to set up your hammock. Also, ensure that the trees used are strong enough to support your weight. If you are new to this, do not pick a place with a dangerous cliffside or dense forest.
- First, set up your hammock – When you find your spot, do not waste any time. You should first set up camp before the dark sets in, even if you are starving. After you are done, you can now spend the rest of the evening around your fire while eating.
- Know your environment – Make the time to research the environment in which you will camp before going. It is essential to know the terrain and if there are any animals around. What are the laws and regulations you will need to follow? Do you require any permits to camp? Ensure you know all the details about the surroundings before going.
Hammock camping is enjoyable. If you are a beginner, there is no need to worry about the uncertainties when you have the right hammock gear. However, it is very crucial to get prepared. To avoid any surprises, you can practice in your home if you have trees. This will give you enough preparation and will let you know if there is something you are missing.
Teton Hammocks – Providing You With High-Quality Accessories for Your Next Trip
Are you looking for durable accessories for your next hammock camping trip? Teton Hammocks works to design the best hammock gear available using the finest materials and fabrics. So, whether you want to go hammock camping in places with the highest altitude or the harshest weather, Teton Hammock will get you sorted with high-quality gear.
We rigorously test all our gear so that it is able to perform well in severe conditions and extremely challenging weather. The Teton Mountain Range of hammocks are made to withstand the harshest weather conditions. The weather at Mountain is very harsh because the snow and rain mostly fall horizontally. This made us reinforce our gear to survive extreme weather conditions, such as extra insulation and double and triple stitches. To learn more about our products, call (208) 313-3182 or email us at sales@tetonhammocks.com.