Hammocking
When done correctly, hammock camping can result in a better night’s sleep, a lighter backpack, and a smaller impact on the environment. On the other hand, an improper hammock setup can cause an idyllic scene to come crashing down — often literally.
Hammock camping has certain advantages over tents. They can be cooler during the summer due to increased air-flow. They can be more supportive for your back, they don’t disturb the ground cover underneath, they’re lighter than a lot of tents and they can be set up quickly.
Due to an increased interest in hammock camping, Troop 279 has created the following hammock guidelines to help scouts embark in the wild world of hammock camping.
Equipment
There’s only a few needed pieces needed to enter into the fun world of hammock camping, including:
- A hammock – A simple single-person hammock can cost as little as $15, pack down to a 4″x4″ ball and weigh only 5 oz.
- Suspension System – 1″-2″ wide straps will securely anchor your hammock to the trees.
- Tarp and Bug Net – Sleeping under the stars is lovely, but mosquitoes and rain can quickly ruin your night.
- Sleep System
- Sleeping Bag & Pad – When night-time temperatures are over 60F, using a simple sleeping bag with a pad can be a low-cost way to start hammocking.
- Over & Under Quilts – When temperature drop below 60F, it’s time to consider a more appropriate sleep-system to keep you warm at night.
Knots for Hammocking
Although there are countless gadgets and tools to help hang your hammock, all one needs is to know is how to tie a few knots, including:
- Running Bowline
- Truckers Hitch
- Prusik Knot
- Two-half Hitch
- Tautline Hitch
- Simple Loop Knot or Figure-8 Loop Knot
- Becket Hitch or J-Bend Knot (if not using looped webbing & carabiners)
- Lark’s Head (for gathered-end hammocks)
- Triple Fisherman’s Bend (to make continual-loops)
| Tarp Knots | Hammock Setup |
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Hammock Safety
- Follow Manufacturer’s Instructions: Each hammock has specific guidelines for hanging distances between solid supports like trees. Always adhere to these instructions to ensure safe setup.
- Secure Hanging Locations: Only hang hammocks to secure and immovable objects like trees or solid posts. Avoid attaching hammocks to objects that might move, such as vehicle bumpers. When attaching to a tree, check for any elements of the tree that may fall on you, too, such as damaged or dangling branches and animal nests. Click here to learn more about hazardous trees.
- Check Ropes, Knots and Fastenings: Before entering a hammock, double-check all ropes, webbing, knots and fastenings. Ensuring there are no fraying or damage before use and that you have a secure setup is crucial for your safety. Replace with manufacturer-approved replacement ropes/webbing, if needed.
- No Hammock Stacking: Never stack (bunk) hammocks on top of each other. It compromises their stability and increases the risk of accidents.
- Height Considerations: Hang hammocks no higher than 1.5 to 3 feet above the ground to prevent severe falls and injuries.
- Hang Over Clear Ground: The ground under your hammock must be free of sticks, rocks, sharp objects — or anything else that could be dangerous. The ground below your hammock should be as smooth and even as possible and clear of debris.
- Stay Away from Water: Hammocks should not be hung over water bodies like rivers, lakes, or streams. Avoid accidents by staying clear of waterfront areas.
- No Swinging or Standing: Never swing, spin or stand in a hammock. Falls from hammocks can lead to serious injuries, so use them only for their intended purpose.
- Weight Limit: Don’t exceed the weight limit specified by the manufacturer. Overloading the hammock compromises its safety.
- One Person per Hammock: Even if you have a two-person hammock, only one scout is allowed in a hammock at a time.
- Be Prepared for Rain: Hammocks must have a rain-fly regardless of weather forecasted. Overnight moisture/dew can also ruin your sleep comfort and promote hypothermic conditions.
- Avoid CBS: When the forecasted overnight temperatures are 60F, scouts must use a temperature-appropriate under quilt. Learn more about “cold butt syndrome“.
- Animal-Proof Your Hammock: Just like a tent, never keep food and other “smellables” in your hammock.
Leave No Trace
When using live trees as anchors, be sure not to damage the outer bark with the hammock mounts. Consider the use of wider straps (1-2″ wide) to disperse the pressure on the bark. Rope and paracord should not be used to anchor your hammock to a live tree.
When looking for appropriately spaced trees to anchor your hammock, do not select trees that you’ll need to remove branches to hang your hammock.
Expert Tips
Whether you’re a veteran “hanger” or just starting out, here are some tips to make the most of your hammock.
Hang your hammock with a good sag. Too many people attempt to string up a hammock as tightly as possible between anchor points. This can cause a cocooning effect that can squeeze your shoulders and bow your back uncomfortably. Instead, try hanging your hammock with a good sag, as in a smiley face. If you really want to geek out, a good starting angle is 30-degrees from horizontal. This is the most important tip to make your hammock more comfortable. A deep sag also lowers the center of gravity, making the hammock more stable and harder to fall out of.
Lay diagonally across the hammock. Once you’ve got a good sag (see tip No. 1), you can lay diagonally across the fabric. You’ll be amazed at how comfortable this will feel as your head and feet drop down and your body reclines ergonomically flat across the fabric. This is how hammocks were designed to work.
Raise the foot end higher. In some cases, your body may naturally slide to the middle of your hammock, which can sometimes be uncomfortable. To prevent any sliding, try hanging the foot side of the hammock about 8 to 10 inches higher. This helps keep your heavier torso from sliding into the middle.
Try a knee pillow. Depending on the size of your hammock (and how tall you are), you may feel a tight ridge under your legs when lying diagonally. This can cause hyperextension on your knees. Ouch! To relieve this pressure, place some padding under your knees. Extra clothes or a small pillow would work great. (Remember: Longer, not wider, hammocks are generally more comfortable, allowing you to lie diagonally without leg hyperextension.)
Use a bug net. During summer nights (June-Aug) or anytime when overnight lows are above 70F, a bug is highly recommended. While some jungle hammocks come with sewn-on bug netting, simple recreational hammocks do not. No one enjoys bugs buzzing around your face, especially if those bugs bite. A full-length bug net can completely surround your hammock and create a roomy pod to read, rest and relax.
Use a sleeping pad (or under quilt). A lot of folks think all you need is a sleeping bag to stay warm in a hammock. After all, you’re off the ground, so you don’t need a pad for comfort. What that pad does help with, however, is warmth. You’ll compress the sleeping bag insulation under your body in a hammock just like you would on the ground, so you’ll feel cold in a hammock without some uncompressed insulation beneath you. To keep the sleeping pad from slipping out from under you, try putting it inside your sleeping bag.
Use a drip line on your suspension. On really rainy days, water can seep down your suspension and get your hammock wet. To prevent this, tie a drip line on your suspension, positioned under your tarp (you are using a tarp, right?). See illustration for more details.
Fold in the edge of the hammock for a more comfortable chair. Sitting in a hammock can feel like a deep bucket seat. This can be comfy, but if you want a chair that doesn’t cut the circulation off your knees and lets you sit up squarely, take the edge of the fabric and fold it toward the center of the hammock. Sit down on this doubled-over area for a nice, flat seat.
