How to Hammock Camp – From Basics to Pro Tips

How to to Hammock Camp for Backpacking and other Adventures

Topics Covered

   Hammock Camping Basic Components and Setup

Hammock Suspension Systems – Tree Straps, Whoopie Hooks , Daisy Chain Webbing , Cinch Buckles , Climbing Carabiners , Dutch Clips, Tree Strap Length Selection

Hammock Hang Angle – The Magic 30 Degree Angle , Structural Ridge Line Advantages

Hammock Tree Selection – Tree Distance vs Strap Height , Safe site selection

Tarps for Hammock Camping – Cuben Fiber / Dyneema , Nylon / Polyester tarps , Budget Hammock Camping Tarps , Continuous Ridgeline , Tarp Side Pull-Outs , Tarp Guy Line Hardware , Tarp Snakeskins ,

Camping Hammock Body – Hammock Length , Budget Hammocks , Ultralight Hammocks , Hammock Bugnets , Modular Hammock Camping Systems , Hammock Fabric Choices and Weight Ratings , Double Ended Stuff Sack , Knotty Mod Foot Box ,

Hammock Lay Direction – Feet Right vs Feet Left , Symetrical vs Asymetrical Hammocks ,

Hammock Insulation – Budget Insulation Options , Hammock Sleeping Pads , Underquilts , 3/4 Length Underquilt vs Full Length Underquilt, Down vs Synthetic , Symmetrical vs Asymmetrical Underquilts , Using a Sleeping Bag in a Hammock , Top Quilts , Open vs Sewn Foot Box

   Advanced Hammock Camping Tips and Tricks

Hammock Camping in Bad Weather – Hammock Camping in the Rain , Hammock Camping in Winter, Cold Weather, Snow, and Ice , Stacking Underquilts vs Dedicated Winter Underquilt , Boosting your Top Quilt Rating , Solid Top Cover , Hammock Sock for Winter Hammock Camping , Winter Hammock Camping Tarp , Tarp with Doors , Hammock Setup Tips for Blowing Rain and Snow , Underquilt Protector , Tarp Porch Mode for Cooking and Camp Chores

Unusual Hammock Camping Setups – Two Hammocks on One Tree , Two Hammocks Under One Tarp , Flat Lay Hammocks

My Favorite Cottage Vendors used to create my Ultralight Hammock Camping Setup, as seen in the video:  Dutchware Gear and Hammock Gear

 

MEGA Tarp for 2 Hammocks or Bad Weather – Dutchware Xenon

Setting up my Dutchware Xenon Two Person Tarp for Two Hammocks under One Tarp or Bad Weather Camping Conditions, such as wind snow and rain while hammock camping.

This is a 12 foot long, 11.5 foot wide tarp with an end pole mod to better accommodate a two hammock spreader bar setup and two doors at one end for wind protection, privacy at camp, etc.

I’m also using an optional internal pole mode to create even more space inside.  I’m using a single one in the middle, but it’s also possible to use two of them for even more space.  If you want to take it even further, you can have it made with optional side pull-outs as well.  I don’t really find this necessary with the internal pole mods that I’m using. I suppose you could go that route if you’re looking for a lighter alternative to the internal pole mod.

The double hammock spreader bar system I’m using is a Dutchware Beetle Buckle suspension with 32″ spreader bar pole, but I don’t see why you couldn’t use this tarp with any other DIY spreader bar solution you may already be using.

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Deep Winter Hammock Camping System

A look at my Cold Weather Winter Hammock Camping Setup for Backpacking Trips that have Potential for Sub-Zero Temperatures.

Deep Winter Hammock Camping System Components

Total Hammock System Weight: 1.75 lbs (793 grams)
Total Insulation System Weight: 3.25 lbs (1.47 kilos)
Shelter System Weight (tarp plus all lines & adjustment hardware): 8.75 oz

Deep Winter Hammock Camping System Grand Total Weight: 5.55 lbs (2.52 kilos)


Other Gear Seen

Mail Call – What is this thing? | HangTime Hook

In this episode of Sintax77’s Mail Call, I open a package containing an item that I can’t quite figure out at first…

At first glance, I could at least devise that it was some sort of hammock camping gear accessory.  Specifically what it was though, was confusing the heck out of me to be honest.

All that written on the envelope was a face book page, which cleared things up pretty quickly.   https://www.facebook.com/myhangtimehook/

Apparently it’s an early production run prototype for an accessory that allows you to easily hang your cellphone from your hammock ridgeline.  It also appears to be useful for mounting other items such as a light or USB charger as well, by using the various attachment points or the main clamp.

HangTime Hammock Ridgeline Cellphone Holder weight: 52 grams (1.83 oz)

Backpacking Gear for Hammock Camping – Which Items to Buy First?

A discussion on deciding which backpacking gear items to buy / upgrade first when first getting started with hammock camping.

A viewer, Chuck C., recently sent me the following question:

“I have been buying my gear spread out so the wife won’t kill me. Rank these in the order you would buy:

  • Cuben Fiber Tarp
  • Down Under Quilt
  • Down Top Quilt
  • Hammock
  • Backpack

In the video I try to answer this question as well as get some discussion going on the topic of hammock camping gear in general.  Which items would you upgrade or buy first?