Just Hangin’ Around

An Aerial View of Hammock Backpacking

Just A Little History

• Introduced to Europe by Columbus from present-day Bahamas.

• Part of the classic Mayan culture.• Adopted by Royal Navy in 1597 for

shipboard use.• Used by both sides during the Vietnam

War.

Why So Critical in the Past?

• Highly effective in preventing disease and fungal infection.

• Netting protects from infectious insect bites.

• Tarps and elevation protect from rain and runoff.

• Snakes and other creepy crawlies are left on the ground.

Why Leave the Ground?

• Often more comfortable than tents.• LNT-friendly by providing less impact.

– No compressing soil.– No clearing vegetation.

• Tarp can be setup independently if needed.

• Dual-purpose shelter and camp seat.

Why Leave the Ground?

• Typically easier to setup and cleaner to take down.

• Great for uneven and rough terrain.• Highly customizable to suit your needs

or the needs of the environment.

Problems Leaving the Ground

• Not really geared towards multiple users.

• Can require more tweaking to achieve the “perfect” setup.

• Can get cold quickly if you’re not prepared.

Why Would I Stay on the Ground?

• Camping above tree line.• Sharing your shelter with someone else.• Warmer without additional

precautions.• Desire a fully enclosed shelter.

Problems With Staying on the Ground

• Not LNT-friendly.• Can be dirty to pack away.• Typically more bulky.• Need to find the “perfect” site to avoid

getting poked by rocks and sticks or damage tent floor.

• Need to be dried out before packing.• Can be hot and muggy.

Not Your Grandpa’s Hammock

• Modern backpacking hammocks are small and lightweight.

• Far removed in materials, not design, from “recreational” hammocks.

Won’t I Fall Out?

• Only if you’re really talented. ;-)

Inside the Backpacking Hammock

• Typically made from light or ultralight silnylon.

• May have permanent or removable netting.

• Typically have storage areas or loops.• May have a structural or non-structural

ridgeline.• May be single or double layer.

Inside the Backpacking Hammock

• Gathered end– Hennessy

• Sewn channel– Switchback

• Bridge– JRB Bear Bridge

Inside the Backpacking Hammock

Inside the Backpacking Hammock

Site Selection

• Pick trees 12-15’ apart that are 6-8” in diameter minimum.

• Don’t pick the tallest trees.• Look up for widowmakers.• Try to pick a location that will naturally

protect you from wind/rain.• Optional

– Pick site based on view– Pick site based on stealth

Suspension Methods

• Standard rope– Can cut into tree if attached directly.– Knots degrade rope strength and can be

difficult to untie.

Suspension Methods

• Webbing straps– Safer for the tree by distributing load.– Eliminate the need for knots.

• Strap Options– Eno Slap Straps– Python straps– DIY

Suspension Attachment Methods

• Carabiners• Descender rings• Toggles

Demo Time!

Get Your Sag On!

• Hang the suspension to create about a 30° angle for a proper sag.

• Too much sag will create too tight of a hammock.

• Too little sag will turn your hammock into a banana.

• Neither will be comfortable.

Tweaking The Setup

• Use tie-outs to provide a roomier feel.• Use ridgeline for clothing, lighting, etc.• Try positioning head slightly higher if

you struggle getting head/feet level.• Adjust height above ground based on

comfort.

Keepin’ It Warm

• Convection loss is your biggest enemy.• Keeping the wind off your back will

eliminate CBS and make your time much more enjoyable.

Insulation Options

• WeatherShield• SuperShelter• Underquilt/top quilt

– Three-quarter– Full-length

• Sleeping bag• Foam pads• Emergency blanket

Insulation Options

• Hammock sock• Lightweight blankets• Natural materials

– Leaves– Pine straw– Other vegetation

Demo Time!

Insulation Options

Don’t Blame it on the Rain

• A quality tarp can greatly increase your comfort level.

• Multiple tarps to choose from may be helpful depending on your needs.

• Buy a tarp that provides flexibility beyond simply covering the hammock.

Tarp Designs

Assymetric Tarp

Hex Tarp

Winter Tarp

Setup Overview

Dude! Where Are My Trees?

• If you find yourself above tree line or w/o suitable trees you can still use your hammock.

• Hiking poles can support ends like a tree.

• Being prepared with a pad can make the journey back to ground more palatable.

Dude! Where Are My Trees?

Dude! Where Are My Trees?

My Setup

It’s a Camp Chair!