7 Hammock Camping Tips to Keep You Safe

Imagine sleeping in a hammock while gazing up at the stars. Doesn't that sound like perfect bliss? 

There's really no better way to enhance your camping game than with a camping hammock! However, hammocks are misunderstood by a good deal of people. Some myths surrounding hammocks have always been untrue, while others have just been nullified thanks to recent advancements in technology.

What is Hammock Camping?

Hammock camping is a type of camping in which the camper sleeps in a suspended hammock—instead of a traditional ground tent. Hammocks can be lighter than tents, though this is not always the case due to the lack of poles and the reduced amount of material utilized. 

Camping hammocks, also known as hammock tents or backpacking hammocks, are all-in-one shelters that comprise a hammock, mosquito netting, a rain sheet, and a suspension mechanism to hang everything between two trees. 

The advantages of hammock camping are numerous, and they may persuade you to abandon your tent. 

Is Hammock Camping Legal?

Yes, it is legal to camp in a hammock. However, some campgrounds, such as RV parks and state parks, have regulations against campers hanging items from trees. It is important you research your campsite while planning your trip, so as to avoid taking a hammock there if it is not allowed. You can simply google "places to hammock near me" to find a suitable spot for hammock camping!

Most often, this restriction is to prevent campers from endangering the trees. This article will cover tips on how to enjoy hammock camping in a way that doesn't hurt trees. When these guidelines are followed, hammock camping is a lawful and enjoyable method to commune with nature.

Is it hammock camping safe?

Yes, hammock camping is quite safe if your hammock is properly and securely put up. A hammock, when properly hung, is even safer than a standard camping tent. Because you're above ground, you'll be able to avoid ground wetness, creepy crawlies, and even rains. Plus, it's much easier for a snake to slither into a sleeping bag or tent (which is on the ground) than it is to slither into a hammock. 

Hammocks are also very good for your backbone and posture. Once you've followed the right guidelines for setting up, you'll be OK.

How to Set Up a Hammock 

Most hammocks should be able to be set up using the instructions below. However, wherever your hammock's setup instructions differ from our suggestions, follow them. Finally, whatever feels right as you crawl in should be enough. 

Step 1: Allow a 30-degree strap angle between the strap and the horizontal plane. It's tempting to pull the hammock taut to create a flatter sleeping platform, but this causes stress in the sides, which might feel confining. 

Step 2: Hang your hammock at the height of no more than a few inches above the ground. Getting in and out of the hammock is relatively straightforward when the lowest point is at that height (approximately 18 inches and with you within it), and falling out of it is unlikely to result in injury.

Step 3: Sleeping at a slight inclination isn't precisely a setup tip, but it does alleviate the discomfort of having your back bow. After you crawl in, simply slant your body 10-15 degrees away from the centerline to lie more horizontally.

How To Hammock Camp Comfortably: 7 Tips

1. Allow A Good Sag When Hanging Your Hammock 

A lot of folks try to make their hammocks as tight as possible between anchor points. This can create a cocooning effect, causing your shoulders to tighten and your back to arch painfully. Instead, make a happy face with your hammock by hanging it with a good sag. If you really want to nerd out, a 30-degree angle from horizontal is a decent place to start. This is the most important point to remember when it comes to making your hammock more comfortable. A deep sag lowers the hammock's center of gravity, making it more stable and difficult to fall out of.

2. Apply Tree Saving Straps 

The fact that you have to hang your hammock from trees is one of the reasons why hammock camping is prohibited in some locations. Tree bark can be sliced through by thin hammock straps, exposing the tree to fungal growths and other problems. In other words, it is detrimental to the trees. While you're out to enjoy yourself on your trip, you need to know how to hammock camp in a way that is safe for trees.

Hammock tree straps are the only method to achieve this without harming the trees. These straps are also known as tree-saver straps since they protect the tree's bark and cambium layer. 

Also, never connect more than one hammock to a tree to reduce tree stress. No one gets wounded when sleeping in a hammock among healthy trees.

3. Lay Diagonally Across The Hammock And Elevate The Foot End A Bit

You can lie diagonally over the hammock once you've gotten a good sag. As your head and feet drop and your body rests naturally flat against the fabric, you'll be surprised at how lovely this feels. Hammocks were created to function in this manner.

Your body may naturally slide to the center of your hammock in some situations, which might be uncomfortable. 

Also, to avoid any slippage, try hanging the hammock's foot side 8 to 10 inches higher. This keeps your torso from sagging into the middle.

4. Hammock Tents Should Never Be Hanged From Dead Trees. 

Simply said, dead trees are not stable enough to sustain your weight. 

They could shatter or fall, causing serious injury to you and damage to the surrounding region. Make it a point to only hang your hammock from strong, thick, and healthy trees. 

Check for dead branches to ensure if a tree is dead. You can also look for any fallen objects. You don't want to be hit in the head with an acorn or, even worse, a dead branch while sleeping.

5. Hang Your Hammock Away From A Water Source By At Least 200 Feet.

Set your hammock camp at least 200 feet from any water source for your safety and the safety of special plant habitats near water. 

The riparian zone or riparian region is the area between land and a river or stream. 

Riparian vegetation, or plant habitats along river margins and banks, is critical for maintaining soil stability and minimizing land erosion. 

It's fine to hang out on the shore, but if you're going to remain in the area for a while, respect the local flora and fauna.

6.Watch Out For Hidden Dangers Like Wild Animals

Dead and too-thin trees are risky because they can't hold your weight. Trees should be living and thick enough that you can't completely encircle them with both hands. 

Between the trees, there should be very little grass or ground cover. Keep your eyes peeled for roots and lichen that could cause you to trip or slip. 

Always keep an eye out for hidden dangers like wasp nests and poisonous plants. If you encounter any dangers, you may want to look for a new location.

7. Make Use Of Hammock Camping Accessories

Moths, mosquitoes, and other little creatures can wreak an otherwise beautiful sleep on your hammock during summer camping. So, if you want to avoid all those pesky bugs buzzing around your ears, fluttering about your face, and biting you all night, choose a hammock with a mosquito net. 

And for the winter, the best accessory for your hammock will be winter hammock tarps. These tarps keep warm air in and protect against freezing temperatures and cold wind, making them ideal for cold weather. Here is a guide for you to choose a camping tarp.

With the right accessories on your hammock, you can sleep comfortably under the stars, protected from creatures and cold.

More Hammock Camping Tips

8. Hide your food

You'll want to put your food somewhere out of reach so that animals can't get to it. So Consider storing your food in your car if you have one handy. Or hoist it on a tree using a rope. Make sure it's not on the tree you are camping on. 

9. Take a portable power supply along

The importance of a generator for a hassle-free weekend in the woods cannot be overstated, especially when you want to enjoy everyday comforts. You want a that will charge your phone and light sources, power up your sound system so you can have the best soundtrack without making a lot of noise. The acevolt campower 2000 will serve you. It has 2500 charge cycles and quick charge features to get your devices powered up in no time.

Benefits of Hammock Tents

Hammocks have a good deal of advantages. Look at some of them, and you just might be swapping your tent for a new hammock. These are the benefits of hammocks:

1. Hammocks are easy to set up. 

Hammocks can be set up quickly and easily in almost anyplace two trees are present. And in the absence of trees, a hammock can be hung on a hammock stand.

2. They provide good support.

Hammocks are so relaxing because they support your body in the ideal sleeping position, and their gentle rocking motion engages our vestibular system, which controls balance in the brain, helping us to relax and encouraging deep sleep.

3. They are lightweight and easy to pack.

One of the biggest benefits of camping with a hammock is that you can pack a lot less, which is especially useful if you're hiking. Because you don't need to bring a tent or a large air mattress, hammock camping is more lightweight. What do you need for a hammock besides an insect net, rainfly, and suspension straps, and the hammock itself, which all fold up neatly? Hammocks are also less expensive than tents, so that's another bonus.

Conclusion 

Hammocks are a great way to enjoy the great outdoors and without the confinement of tent walls while you sleep. But don't just take our word for it. You can try it for yourself. Just picture yourself gently rocking as you lay on a hammock while your Acevolt Campower takes care of your lighting needs (powering your music player, charging your phone, and keeping your drinks chilled in the fridge). Now that's a great way to enjoy a camping trip!