Keep These 6 Things in Mind When Hammock Camping
Camping is one of those simple joys in life that brings a smile to your face and relaxes body and mind.
There’s nothing so invigorating as getting back in touch with nature. It can be a fulfilling and rewarding experience.
We are constantly looking for ways to improve our camping experience and the latest improvement is the development of hammock camping.
Hammock camping has always been around, but lately, it has really taken off.
Many people are jumping on the bandwagon, and for good reason.
Before you go out on your hammock adventure, you should keep these 6 things in mind when hammock camping.
Choose The Right Type of Hammock
When people picture hammock camping, many imagine themselves swaying lazily on a traditional rope hammock. No. Just no.
That type of hammock is great for an afternoon nap or for setting up by the pool or in your backyard.
Most hammock experts recommend getting a hammock that is 4′ longer than your body height so you can flat lay for sleeping. So if you’re 6″ tall, you’d want a hammock that’s 10″ long.
Why the extra length? The ends of a hammock hang at an angle so you can’t use the full length of fabric. So, the extra 4 feet of fabric gives you enough length to get a fairly “flat lay” for sleeping when you’re stretched out.
Longer hammocks also make it possible to stretch out diagonally in a hammock, which is perfect for side sleepers who prefer a flat surface.
If you try camping with the wrong type of hammock, you’re in for an extremely uncomfortable experience.
These hammocks don’t spread weight evenly. By creating a flatter surface area, the hammock looks more inviting, but if you’ve spent a minute on the one you were probably victim to a sudden swing that threw you to the ground.
Keep in mind hammocks not long enough you will sleep in a banana shape, which can lead to hyper-extended knees and lead to Knee pain.
This is why shorter length hammocks are best used for seats or lounging, rather than camping.
It is advised that you rather choose from the wide array of camping hammocks that are certain to give you a much more comfortable night’s sleep.
Bug Nets
Can you imagine the scene? You have set up your hammock, the sun is setting and you’re ready to get a bit of shut-eye.
You’re lying there, contemplating the beauty of nature, then you hear it.
The high-pitched buzzing of the dreaded mosquito. You feel your body go cold, you brought no protection.
None of us want to be subjected to a night of frustration due to those irritating creatures or wake up the next morning looking like you spent the night in a patch of poison ivy.
Thankfully, there is a simple solution to this problem, Everest Active Gear Duo Swing Hammock, our innovative hammock has an integrated bug net to keep out those pesky bugs!
There are separate bug nets that can be threaded over hammocks and then closed by using a Velcro or zip opening, but these can be cumbersome and awkward.
Having a bug net already integrated into the hammock makes for easy and effective protection against any pesky insects.
Straps or Cords
Many hammocks come with a rope or paracord as part of their suspension system.
These cords dig into the bark of the tree and cause unnecessary stress to the living organism you’re using to hold you up through the night.
A more conscientious choice would be a strap or webbing.
They don’t cause damage and distribute the weight more efficiently and are therefore more effective than your average run of the mill rope or paracord.
Safety
As with any type of outdoor activity, you are responsible for your own safety. Keep in mind to check your gear before you head out.
You don’t want to jump into your hammock then fall to the ground thanks to a tear you never saw beforehand.
Rule of thumb, don’t hang your hammock higher than you’re willing to fall.
Make sure that the ground underneath your hammock is clear from any injury causing objects such as rocks just in case you do fall.
Don’t suspend your hammock on a sapling since they bend easily and avoid dead trees since they will break under the pressure.
As a rule of thumb, if both your hands can fit around the trunk of the tree, it is too small and will not handle your weight.
Now look up, check the canopy for sections of dead branches nicknamed widow makers. These branches can come tumbling down at the slightest hint of wind or movement.
Be especially mind full of snow and ice in the winter since these add weight to these killer branches and can cause them to fall during the night.
Use An Underquilt
Having the right insulation for your hammock is important. There will be times when a sleeping bag might not be enough.
The weight of your body will compress the sleeping bag and reduce the insulating properties.
If you use an underquilt with your hammock, you will be able to stay warmer. An under quilt is a blanket filled with a down or synthetic material that is hung on the outside of the hammock.
The underquilt provides insulation from the bottom of the hammock that will not get compressed.
With your sleeping bag inside the hammock, you should be able to stay warm with any wind or cold air from underneath being blocked by the underquilt.
Raise Your Foot End HigherIn some cases, your body might have a tendency to naturally slide to the middle of your hammock. This position can become uncomfortable.
This sliding can be prevented by hanging the foot side of the hammock about 8 to 10 inches higher than the head end. This keeps the heavier torso from sliding to the middle.
Remember that longer, not wider, hammocks are usually more comfortable as they allow you to lie diagonally without the leg hyperextension.
Sleeping at an angle is the secret to being able to lay flat in a hammock, and achieve that great night’s sleep.
FAQs
Does hammock improve sleep?
According to a study conducted at the University of Geneva, Switzerland by, Dr. Schwartz, sleeping in hammocks can improve sleep. The soothing rocking motion of a hammock stimulates faster sleep for people and encourages a deep sleep than sleeping on a stationary bed.
Does a hammock treat back pain?
Hammocks can assuage back pain when adequately positioned. It forces a person to retain sleeping on it's back while keeping the legs and torso completely stretched out.
A hammock provides a basic stretch a body seriously needs, loosening tight muscles and aligning the spine.
Is a hammock good for kids?
Kids love hammocks. The same health benefit for adults applies to kids, but one must keep in mind the challenges that go along with it. It is essential to be mindful of the kid's age, size of the hammock, and height of the suspension.