How to Choose A Camping Hammock for the Outdoors
- Tags: Camping Hammock
When camping, we are often undecided on what to bring and what can improve the stay and the comfort. Some people decide to go camping with an inexpensive sleeping bag, compass, and backpacking tent. And, others seek at all costs to improve their holidays with better products. But traveling is not only about moving but also an experience you should enjoy, so it is essential to know that the camping hammock can make all the difference with just the right hammock.
Almost nothing beats relaxing in a hammock and gently swaying in the breeze. These hanging beds offer a comfortable and portable option for lounging and sleeping. When selecting the best hammock for outdoor activities, consider a few key factors, such as style, size, weight, and suspension system.
Read on to get the best advice for choosing the hammock you need by reviewing the different selection criteria: the size, how you intend to use it, the different types of hammock, the quality, etc.
Some time back, hammocks were much lighter compared to tents. But that has changed with the arrival of innovative, durable and ultra-lightweight materials, and tents have become lighter and lighter without sacrificing their internal volume. However, depending on the model of tent you buy, a hammock could be more lightweight, especially considering its value for money.
This is the primary selection criterion; Generally, the longer and broader your camping hammock, the more comfortable it will be. When choosing the length of your gear, consider your height and be sure to leave a little extra room at each end. To have a good position and sleep flat, you have to lie down diagonally from the hammock and not lengthwise. So, beware of cheap hammocks whose width is sometimes insufficient, and let yourself be tempted by a double hammock, even for a single person. Single hammocks are better for people of small stature or teenagers. Indeed, there is an additional cost, but most of the time, it is worth it!
The standard length of a camping hammock is between 3 and 4 meters. However, an exception can be made for hammocks designed for children, which may be shorter but are not very common.
As for the load capacity, it depends on the type of hammock you buy. Single hammocks are designed for one person, and you may assemble them with the cover alone. Double hammocks, on the other hand, are designed for two people and are therefore equipped with one or two support bars, which provide security and stability. Their width dimension often exceeds 3 meters.
Natural fabrics, like cotton, are light, thin and easy to fold and carry in a suitcase. They are also breathable and help to reduce sweat and protect against moisture. However, natural fibers like cotton are fragile and susceptible to damage, especially if exposed to sun or rain for long periods.
Synthetic fabrics are lined, harder to pack and less breathable, but will last longer, even when unprotected. A good compromise is nylon, which, despite being a synthetic fabric, is lighter than polyester.
The choice of frame is not secondary and influences the weight and resistance of the hammock. In addition, a freestanding wooden frame cannot be left outside too often in the rain, and if you choose a hammock with metal elements, it is worth using a scratch-resistant rust coating. Also, note that the camping hammock must be light and must be able to be installed anywhere.
You can find different designs of hammocks on the market:
Brazilian (or Colombian) hammock: it is made in beautiful fabrics to match your garden or to choose according to your taste.
Mexican hammock: the classic "net" hammock, which is certainly not one of the most beautiful or the most decorative, has the undeniable advantage of being light and not letting heat build up when lying there for long periods. Super practical and comfortable for camping and traveling.
Hammock with bars or stand: This is an object that does not need to be attached to trees or other anchors. In this case, the hammock is supported by and fixed to a structure, and you may place it practically anywhere you have space!
Design hammock: A design hammock is, by nature, almost a small work of conceptual art. Today, several famous brands manufacture this type of hammock, a nearly decorative piece of furniture apart from its functional aspect. But, on the other hand, it is quite expensive and does not necessarily lend itself to use at the campsite or in a van. But, it naturally finds its place in a garden or on a terrace.
Some hammocks are equipped with a mosquito net to protect your sleep from flies, gnats, and mosquitoes. Once placed on the sheet, the mosquito net can be closed on us using a zipper or Velcro. If you want versatile, weatherproof gear, a mosquito net and rain tarp must.
Most jungle camping hammocks come with these multiple attachments. However, Jungle hammocks come at a steep price, so factor in the extra accessories cost if you buy them separately.
You can also decorate a camping hammock with several cushions to optimize comfort, or why not place a small camping table next to it to put your sunglasses, a book, or a laptop.
If you plan on hammock camping in the spring and fall, the best way to stay warm is to use duvets. First, you can hang an under quilt under your hammock to prevent the cold air from reaching you. Then, use a top quilt or sleeping bag to warm your top side.
Nowadays, many hammocks are available on the market, including a sleeping mattress as a hammock accessory. If you're on the hunt for a hammock sleeping bag, you'll find tons of options.
Although warmer clothes can help you stay warm while in a hammock, insulating the bottom of your hammock with a foam mattress, an inflatable mattress. There are hammock bottoms hooked to the ends of the hammock and slung under it, allowing you to wrap your back and the sides of the hammock well while isolating them.
Although they are as expensive as foam or inflatable mattresses, people like them because they are lightweight, compress well in a backpack and take up less space than other solutions.
The classic camping hammock is made of fabric and has ropes to attach it to two poles or trees. Before mounting, ensure you position the brackets at the correct distance, slightly less than the length of the fabric. The ropes must be tied tightly to prevent the pad from supporting the weight of your body and slipping. For added security, stronger hooks can also be used.
Classic camping hammocks are attached to two trees or two poles by ropes. If, on the contrary, you opt for something more modern, you can choose freestanding hammocks, which are heavier and bulkier but perfect for those who cannot use supports to attach the ropes.
Campers and hikers who know how to camp with a hammock or how to hang a hammock for the day always follow these steps:
Get an angle of about 30 degrees between the strap and the ground and the bottom of the hammock about 45 centimeters off the ground.
Try to get a 30-degree angle between the strap and the ground. It's tempting to pull your hammock until it is really hard and flatten it to achieve a flatter sleeping surface, but this can create tension on the sides of the hammock, making it a little too tight for comfort.
Although counterintuitive, sleeping off-center is considerably more comfortable than lying perfectly aligned in the center of the hammock. It is enough to tilt the head slightly to one side and the feet in the opposite direction. In addition, by spreading out the horizontal wings of the hammock, you create a firmer, flatter surface for you to sleep like a log on.
Generally, camping in a hammock exposes you to colder temperatures than camping in a tent. Although tent campers release heat through the ground, hammock campers can lose much of it to the surrounding environment. If there is wind at night, it can get chilly, even at 15°C. The solution is to invest in a sleeping pad with a high R-value.
So, when selecting the perfect hammock for your outdoor activities, keep in mind all the different factors that make a great product. Our advice? Choose one with a stylish design that is lightweight, easy to carry around with you on your travels, and has a reliable suspension system. Happy camping!
We answer a few essential questions below that most campers, and hikers ask when planning to go on their first camping trip with a hammock.
As the name suggests, a complete camping hammock kit includes everything you need. This usually consists of the hammock, a mosquito net, hanging accessories (loops, cable, carabiners, tree straps), a rain tarp, stakes, and some stuff sacks.
Although less personalized, these kits are more economical than buying each item separately and will save you time. But, of course, you will still need an extra camping mattress, sleeping bag and pillow.
The complete kit is a great way to get started if you're still new to hammocks. It will allow you to determine if hammock camping is suitable for you and, if so, which pieces of equipment you might want to replace later.
Sleeping in a hammock is proven to help you fall asleep faster. Indeed, the rocking of the hammock reduces the time of falling asleep and makes it possible to reach the deep sleep stage. very quickly. This allows for better recovery and an improvement in energy and the immune system. Sleeping in a hammock can even cure insomnia.
Camping hammocks differ significantly from their urban counterparts. Materials, weight, compaction capacity and weather resistance are all optimized for the harshest backcountry conditions. If you buy a more affordable hammock online, make sure it's suitable for camping.
Moreover, hammocks are considered more comfortable than tents because they offer campers a flexible support surface, whereas the comfort of a tent depends on the ground on which it rests.