Camping in hammocks sounds like a venture for summer, especially if you’ve never done it before.
I’ve wanted to try it for a while, but never really got round to making it happen – so it was with a bit of trepidation that myself along with a few other Leaders and our Scout Troop thought we would give it a go at this year’s winter camp (yes, we are a bit nuts and no, we didn’t think to try it at summer camp first…)
Obviously, we didn’t know at the time of booking the hammocks with the campsite that the weather would turn out to be so wet and windy… but we were not to be dissuaded!
The Setup
Having never set up a hammock before, an instructor from the campsite showed us how it was to be done and we promptly embarked upon setting up the rest of them before it became dark – it was very straightforward and took about 10 minutes per hammock/tarp cover.
The hammock, itself, was attached using rope to a tree at either end, as was the tarp (about a meter above the hammock) – the tarp was also attached to the ground at the four corners using rope and pegs.
With the hammocks all ready, we left them to go and have supper before coming back to transfer our sleeping bags and other night essentials to them.
At this point the wind picked up and we had a few tarps blowing around in the wind, their pegs having come out… we quickly sorted this out and everyone retired for the night.
Impressions
My first impression was that it felt very peaceful – there’s nothing quite like sleeping out in the open, surrounded by nature and breathing in fresh air… even in a tent, you’re ‘inside’ and slightly separated from the natural elements.
The night was cold, wet and very windy, but I was snug as a bug in my sleeping bag and had the tarp protecting me from the weather.
I’m not sure if it is the natural way that the spine is supported in a hammock or the fact that I was at one with nature, but I have to say that, hands down, it was one of the best night’s sleep I’ve ever had!
Conclusion
I’ll definitely be using hammocks more in the future and would probably utilise this method of spending the night at camp over sleeping in a tent more often than not.
I would highly recommend anyone who hasn’t tried a hammock to give it a go… in fact I’m highly tempted to buy my own one and put it up in the garden (although, I’m sure my better half will have something to say about that…)
2 Months On And I’ve Decided To Add To This Post…
I finally got a hammock for the garden, having convinced my lovely wife that it was a worthwhile investment… and having been longing to try the experience again following camping in hammocks a few months ago.
As I mentioned before, it was an amazing and relaxing experience at camp and now with the world in lockdown – it would be an ideal way to spend time in the garden.
And wow! I can’t believe I hadn’t tried this up until recently – it literally transforms your relaxing time into an amazing relaxing time!
I got the Vivere Double Cotton Hammock with Space-Saving Steel Stand – it’s a hammcok with a self supporting stand, so there’s no problem if you don’t have any trees to suspend a regular hammock from.
It includes a double hammock, space-saving steel stand and carrying case.
The hammock bed is 63 x 94 inches with a total length of 130 inches and can accommodate two adults with a total maximum weight capacity of 450 pounds.
Set up was very quick – less than five minutes and the quality seems to be very good and durable.
I placed an inflatable camping mat into the hammock bed before getting in and that increased the comfort level even more – and is also useful if the temperature drops slightly to reduce the cold from underneath.
The camping mat that I used inflates with only 10-15 breaths.
The hammock bed can also be used by itself and hung from trees, using the loops at the end and rope – so when you do go off to camp, you can take it with you and there’s no need to invest in a separate one.
The Vivere Double Cotton Hammock with Space-Saving Steel Stand is definitely a worthwhile investment for passing those lazy days in the garden… It’s available from Amazon UK.
The camping mat is also available from Amazon UK.
I hoped you’ve enjoyed this post – if you have any questions or comments, then please post them below and I’ll get back to you as soon as possible.
Mohammad
Hi. I once spent the night in a hammock, and it was really nice and felt very fresh
Hi Zahra
I agree, it does feel very fresh… I love the feeling of being at one with nature.
Wow, great job Mohammad. I have got to try a hammock next time I go camping. Just wondering is it okay to put bedding (Like thin air mattresses. Don’t judge me, I like my comfort ?) in the hammock?
All the best.
James
Haha – yes James, I like my comfort too – you can put an thin air mattress in the hammock, but you wouldn’t need this for comfort as the natural way that the hammock supports you is the most comfortable way to sleep… however, an air mattress or even a ground mat could keep the cold out from below…
Hi Mohammad. I just want to congratulate you on creating such a great and informative page. I will definitely be trying hammocks next time I go camping with my kids. I was wondering if it is safe to use hammocks in riskier climates (Harsh winter conditions etc.)? And well done again on creating such a brilliant website.
Keep it going and good luck 🙂
Dave
Thanks for your comment Dave.
You can use hammocks in winter as long as you have the right equipment and clothing to go with it (good season 4 sleeping bag, a tarp covering to protect you from the elements…) – however, I would suggest trying it out in slightly less harsh conditions first and then move up from there…
Great post Mohammad! A really informative and enjoyable read. Look forward to more of your posts. It was quite windy when we slept in hammocks for the first time but it doesn’t swing about in the wind.
Hi Naznin, thanks for your comment. Yes, the tarp does a good job of protecting you from the elements.
Hi there Mohammad. I love camping and I didn’t even know that hammocks were a thing! I am a cub leader and often go camping with my kid. She loves camping! My husband on the other hand, hates it. I really don’t understand him! I will definitely try hammocks next camp. I was wondering if you’re allowed to put up a hammock anywhere you want to, or if you are only allowed to put them up in certain places. If so, could you recommend any campsites that i could use a hammock?
Regards
Harriet
Hi Harriet – I always thought tents were the best way to sleep at camp and, therefore, put off trying a hammock for years… But now, having tried it, I have to say it’s definitely the best way to sleep in the outdoors. Most campsites will allow you to put up a hammock anywhere in their woodland areas… We were at Thriftwood campsite when we used them and we actually rented them from the campsite for £2/night. Let me know how it goes when you try them out…
Happy camping
Mohammad
Great read, I’ve been thinking of a hammock and tarp for when touring on the bicycle. Would be lighter than a tent.
Thanks Adam.
Definitely lighter than a tent… as long as you’ve got trees in the area, you can literally hook them up anywhere.