How to hang legit camping hammock? Whether you are going to relax in your hammock or sleep out in the woods, you will need to learn how to set it up. Most hammocks have straightforward setup instructions, nevertheless, there are a few important factors to consider when picking the best location to hang it.
Hammocks are a low-impact shelter since they require no ground preparation and little or no staking. When combined with a suspension system that is suitable for trees, your hammock provides one of the most ecologically sustainable ways to unwind outside.
These three stages are followed by those who truly know how to hammock camp (or hang a hammock for the day):
- Pick the right place to set your hammock up: Leave No Trace basics include setting up away from water sources and using an established site without vegetation to damage. Check beneath and around the hammock for anything that might cause you to harm if you fall out.
- Pick the right trees and use the wide straps: This is a tree that does not lean and has no dead branches (no deadwood), which means it is safe (no rotting wood) and strong (thick trunk).
- Choose the right strap angle and the height to hang your hammock: Your objective is to keep the bottom of your hammock 18 inches off the ground and have a 45-degree angle between the earth and the strap.
Pick The Right Trees And The Straps To Support Your Hammock
Depending on the length and style of your hammock, you will need a certain distance between trees. However, after a few tests, you will figure out what distance is ideal. You also have to take into account other factors not related to tree spacing:
Do not hang your hammock from the trees that have dead branches or are unhealthy. If a tree you select (or one of its limbs) were to fall, you might harm yourself and wreak havoc on the environment. Also seek sturdy trees: at least six inches in diameter.
Always use the tree saver straps: Any sharp object (such as a knife, ice pick, or metal nail) can dig in and cause damage to underlying layers that are essential to the tree’s survival. Use these wide nylon/polyester webbing straps to prevent bark abrasion since ropes or cords might scratch the bark.
Never attach more than one hammock to the tree. Spread out the hammocks, with each one using a different tree. You will lessen stress on particular trees and spread the impact of your group.
Despite the fact that stacked hammock photos may appear appealing, it is a setup that puts trees under considerable strain and has the potential to result in a painful fall for upper hammocks.
Where You Can Set Up Your Hammock
Whether you are day hammocking or spending the night, the fundamentals of excellent backcountry management remain the same. The following four golden rules should be adhered to at all times:
Check with the local land managers to be sure that the area allows hammocks. It is not always possible to attach one in certain locations. As the hammocks grow, and more of us use them responsibly, parks will be less inclined to outlaw them.
Set up your hammock at least 200-feet from the water source. Tempting as it may be to display a photograph of your hammock hanging over a lovely lake or spanning a stream, shorelines and riparian areas are delicate—and frequently destroyed—by those who do not comply with this regulation.
When you find a potential pair of the hammocking trees, examine them properly. Examine the site for vulnerable plant life and animal habitat, as well as hazards such as insect nests and poisonous flora. Also, seek out sites that have already been established but with little or no vegetation would be trampled.
Never set up the hammock across the pathway that people or animals might use. It might be hazardous for both. Even if you do not notice a well-worn trail, look around the surroundings to determine whether it is a feasible route down to a stream or lake. It is also good practice to take down your hammock before leaving for the day to ensure that no wild animals or little children get caught while you are gone.
How To Hang Your Hammock At The Best Angle And Height
For the most part, these instructions should work for most hammocks. However, follow your hammock’s setup directions to ensure you comply with all of them. Whatever feels right when you crawl in should be fine—no need to bring a protractor and tape measure along.
Try to have a 45 angle between the ground and strap: It is easy to tighten the hammock as tight as possible to make a flatter sleeping surface, but this causes tension in the sides, which might be unpleasant.
Hang your hammock so it is not more than 18” off the ground: When you are in the hammock, the lowest point will be at that height (with you inside it), and getting in and out will not be difficult. It is unlikely to result in a significant injury if you fall out of it.
Sleep at a slight angle: This is a minor adjustment that can make all the difference in how your back feels after getting up. After you crawl in, simply turn yourself 10-15 degrees away from the centerline to lay in a more horizontal posture.
Using The Hammock Hang Calculator
All you have to do is plug in a few of your recognized (or intended) variables and the calculator will take care of the rest. It even starts out with several default settings that are ideal for using with your Trek Light Hammock – namely, the Ridgeline Length is set to 100 inches and the Sit Height is set to 19 inches.
If you choose the Ridgeline Length and Sit Height that best suits your needs, simply enter the distance between your points – and if you are interested (or curious) about how much force is being applied – and you are ready to go! The Hammock Hang Calculator will tell you how high to set your suspension points (ropes, straps, eyebolts, etc.) to ensure a proper hang every time.
Thank you, Derek, for providing such a wonderful tool for hammock enthusiasts. Keep in mind that all of these figures are estimates and hanging your hammock does not have to be an exact science; it is all about what feels good to you.
