I know what you might be thinking, camping…in a hammock?
We totally get it. Usually, when you think of a hammock, you think of peaceful relaxing, but using it to camp through the night? Now that sounds like a step too far…Or so you might think
A hammock can be an excellent alternative to the usual tent camping. Whether you are a beginner to camping looking for a budget-friendly way to camp, or a seasoned camper looking for something fresh and new to the life that you are used to.
So, why not join the thousands of people who go hammock camping every year.
Why should you get a hammock?
A hammock brings you a range of benefits. It is a versatile piece of equipment that can be carried and easily set up wherever you are, so long as there are two trees at the right distance. The bonus is that the trees provide you with ample shade to keep you nice and cool in the hotter seasons. Great for catching some z’s, especially if you have brought a little pillow and a small blanket with you.
Hammocks are the perfect way for you to be connected with nature and get away from the stress of everyday life. You can see the trees, the sky, see the birds passing you by or even feel the wind on your skin.
That means that you can get ultimate relaxation and a great view at the same time. Something that you might not get to experience fully if you were to opt for other methods of camping such as with a tent.
are hammocks a good choice for camping?
The great benefit of camping with a hammock is that they don’t weigh much and are small enough that they won’t take up much space in your car. It leaves you with enough space to take a few more treats with you if you want to have a relaxing lunch just before you fall asleep.
So they can be a great option if you want to camp out but your car is unable to take you to the destination. Simply carry your hammock with you and set it up with ease.
Not to mention the best part. Hammocks can be incredibly comfortable, sometimes more so than a sleeping bag. Also, due to the elevation, you do not need to worry about creepy crawlies. Although there is the chance that things may fall on you from the trees.
Although it must be noted that by opting to sleep in a hammock, you will now be exposed to the elements. So if it will be raining or snowing, it may not be the most ideal condition to relax in unless you like getting soaked and catching colds.
Which I doubt anyone would….
Is it safe to sleep in a hammock?
Safety can be one of those things that may put some people off of buying hammocks. It is often thought that falling from a hammock, or the trees not being strong enough to hold your weight can be a huge safety hazard.
This will be an important consideration when selecting the right trees to hang your hammock on, but not something that you should stress over and deter you from doing. Hammocks are safety tested and are made to be strong enough to support the weight of most individuals.
Hammock camping even at night?
If you have picked a safe location you should be fine
… unless you are not the type of person that gets easily rattled at night. If you feel like you would need an extra layer of protection, there are hammocks that you can buy with a cover that can protect you if you are looking for extra peace of mind.
If sleeping at night is not your thing, don’t worry, a hammock might still be a good choice for you since they are excellent for taking naps during the daytime or late afternoons.
Where do you leave your shoes when hammock camping?
If you are worried about bringing in the dirt from the floor into your hammock, it is probably not advisable for you to take your shoes with you. It is likely not going to be very comfortable anyway.
So the next best thing would be for you to leave your shoes on the ground…I know the next question you have might be “but what happens if spiders go into my shoes???”
Okay, we won’t lie, there is a possibility of that happening but you can put your shoes into a bag or plug your shoes with your socks to help prevent that from happening. The best practice would be to always check your shoes regardless of stones or anything else that might have gotten in before you start to wear them.
What happens if there are no trees?
There is no harm in preparing. The best thing for you to do is to always keep your hammock in the car and if you feel like you are treading into a territory that might be somewhere where you would like to hang your hammock up, just take it with you and see.
If there aren’t any trees, that’s okay. It’s light enough that you won’t feel like you are lugging anything around. Obviously, it wouldn’t make any sense for you to carry a hammock with you if you are going to the beach or the city.
The best places to take a hammock with you are if you are going to a forest or a park where you know that there are going to be trees.
Are hammocks only for the spring or summer?
No, you can get special hammocks that come with insulated padding that allows you to sleep easily in the winter, warm and dry. They are essentially a combination of a hammock and a sleeping bag. Some will even come with a top cover giving you ultimate protection against the harsh winter elements.
Ready to go hammock camping?
Now that you know all that there is to know about hammock camping, you can start your journey into the alternate lifestyle today. If you are looking for more alternatives to the usual camping life, follow our blog for more information. Check out our Pinterest account for more cool pictures.