Camping in a hammock!

Camping in a hammock can be really lovely. Preferably a starry summer night, directly under the stars. But, it can also be both cold and uncomfortable if you have chosen the wrong products or set up the hammock incorrectly. Here are some tips on what to think about and of course how to set up your hammock.

Why camp with a hammock?

The name hammock probably makes many people think of a hot day in the summer cottage garden. A mat strung between two trees that is almost impossible to lie on without falling off the other side. In recent years, however, camping with a hammock has become very popular and therefore the hammock has also gone from an old rag rug to a high-tech masterpiece.

But what are the real benefits of a hammock? Here we give some examples

The pack size. Usually, a hammock with the associated tarp takes up less space than a tent. Yes, of course there are extremely light and flexible tents these days, such as Big Agnes, for example. but the smallest and lightest hammock is smaller and lighter than the smallest and lightest tent

Rain and debris. If you set up a tent in rain and debris, there is a very high risk that the tent will get wet and could potentially endanger both comfort and safety. If you set up a hammock in the rain, you set up the tarp (rain cover) first, and can then set up the hammock under the tarp where it is dry. Water that collects underneath can quickly become a problem in a tent but is not a problem when you hang in the hammock a bit above the ground.

Versatile! Of course, there are versatile tents also with inner, outer and various accessories, but not like with a hammock. You can simply put puzzles with a hammock system. If you are camping on a hot summer day, you choose a mosquito net around, on a cold autumn day an under blanket. Different tarps also provide different types of protection and different hammocks have different conditions. With a hammock, you can simply meet the conditions more precisely than you can with a tent

Uneven ground can be a bane when camping. Even such sharp twigs, cones and stones. As long as there are two trees, you always have the best conditions for a hammock. The main advantage of forests is that there are many trees…

Apart from these practical benefits, many people also seem to find that rocking to sleep in a hammock is just an unbeatable coziness factor. Some, however, may think it doesn't feel good at all to be a human pinata. But if you are one of them, you probably stopped reading a long time ago.

Which hammock should you choose?

Choosing a hammock can be a bit complicated, but like so much else, it is determined by how it will be used.Are you going out hiking and require a minimal pack size and extremely low weight, or do you want a sturdy hammock that can withstand higher weight and last for many years or even hammock camping in the winter when it's 10 degrees cold? Maybe you want a hammock that you assemble quickly and easily, maybe a modular system that you can rebuild according to different conditions.

For those looking for an ultra-light system, there are hammocks made of very thin material that is still extremely durable. An alternative could be the ENO JungleNest, which weighs in at a low 535 grams, mosquito net included. An ultra-light tarp for that, such as ProFly Sil, which with a low weight of 510 grams still provides very good rain and wind protection.

The Eno Junglenest weighs only 535 grams

- Suitable for those who want to walk a long way

- Minimal pack size and low weight

- Add an ultralight tarp, the Eno Profly Sil Lichen

Hennessy Hammocks are a very substantial alternative that is extremely durable and suits taller and larger people. A good example is the Hennessy Safari Deluxe, which comes with an integrated mosquito net and tarp fully assembled. With the snakeskin accessory, Hennessy hammocks are extremely easy to set up, which with a little practice can be done in under a minute, which is extra good if it's raining.

Hennssy Safari Deluxe Zip Green. A little more weight but incredibly solid

-Suits you who are a little taller

- For those who want a hammock that will last a lifetime

- Complete with a Snakeskin that facilitates packing and unpacking

If camping with a hammock in the winter is appealing, you want to use an underquilt (a sleeping blanket hanging under the hammock) because the insulating material of the sleeping bag is compressed by the body weight and no longer protects against the cold. Sleeping in a hammock during the winter without a blanket is definitely a challenge.

The Eno Vulcan Underquilt insulates against the cold from below

- Essential equipment for hammock camping during the cooler part of the year

- Down weighs less and provides more warmth

You set up a ridgeline hammock with an integrated mosquito net quickly and easily, while a hammock without a net is more modular. An example of an affordable option for a ridgeline hammock is the Elements Ridgeline hammock, while an example of a good modular hammock is a Cocoon Ultralight Hammock.

The Elements Ridgeline Hammock naturally stretches the integrated mosquito net

- Very affordable hammock

- Can be set up quickly and easily

Don't forget the hammock accessories!

We really like smart accessories that make life a little easier here at The General Prepper. A snakeskin is a fantastic accessory that you thread over both hammocks, mosquito nets and tarps, which brings the whole party together into an easy-to-pack solution that is even easier to set up. Just pull the snakeskin aside and the entire hammock system unfolds.

An underbelly keeps the equipment in order. Don't want your extra equipment lying directly on the ground? Then you just attach a mini-hammock under the hammock you are lying in. In this way, the equipment is easy to get hold of when you are lying in the hammock and the equipment is protected from weather and debris.

A tree hugger makes it easier to set up the hammock and also protects the tree's bark from damage. A good system has predefined loops and makes setting up the hammock incredibly easy.

If you still find it difficult to choose a hammock, don't worry, you don't have to choose. With a hammock tent, you can get the best of both worlds. A hammock tent can be strung up between two tents as well as set up on the ground. Perfect for hiking around the tree line up in the mountains. An excellent and affordable alternative is the Element hammock tent.