Just Hangin’ Around

An Aerial View of Hammock Backpacking

Why Leave the Ground?• Often more comfortable than tents.• LNT-friendly by providing less impact.

– No compressing soil.– No clearing vegetation.– Things are left the way you found

them.• Tarp can be setup independently if

needed.• Dual-purpose shelter and camp seat.

It’s a Camp Chair!

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.

Why Leave the Ground?

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 or in the desert.

• 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 rocks and sticks damaging tent floor, water runoff, etc.

• Can be hot and muggy.

Not Your Grandpa’s Hammock

• Modern backpacking hammocks are small and lightweight.

• More advanced materials and design than “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

• Notes About Using Rope/Line– Can cut into tree if attached directly.– Knots degrade rope strength (up to

50%) and can be difficult to untie.

Suspension Methods

• Webbing straps– Safer for the tree by distributing load.– Eliminate/reduce 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 little sag will create too tight of a hammock.

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

• Neither will be comfortable.

Get Your Sag On!

• Structural ridgeline will set the sag so it’s repeatable every time.

• An adjustable ridgeline can help while you’re in the learning phase or provide the ability to change the sag down the road.

Tweaking The Setup

• Use tie-outs to provide a roomier feel.

• Use ridgeline for clothing, lighting, etc.

• Try positioning head/feet slightly higher if you struggle getting 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 (open or closed-cell)• 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, in the desert, or w/o suitable trees you can still use your hammock.

• Hiking poles and other objects 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

Where Do I Learn More?

• http://www.hammockforums.net• http://www.youtube.com

Search for ‘shug hammock’• Read the “The Ultimate Hang”* and visit

http://www.theultimatehang.com

* All illustrations used by permission of Derek Hansen.

Questions?