TREES & SUSPENSION
Choose healthy, appropriately spaced trees and use tree-friendly straps. Inspect above and around the site before hanging.
A comfortable hammock camp is a system: suspension, hammock, tarp and insulation all work together. Small setup choices can make the difference between a great night and a miserable one.
Choose healthy, appropriately spaced trees and use tree-friendly straps. Inspect above and around the site before hanging.
A little sag is usually more comfortable than stringing a hammock tight. Adjust height and angle until you can lie comfortably.
Pitch the tarp for expected weather and remember that air moving beneath you can steal heat. Plan bottom insulation for the conditions.
Look for drainage, overhead hazards, wind exposure and a safe walking area around your hammock.
Practice porch mode, storm mode and simple adjustments so weather changes do not require relearning your shelter.
Use insulation appropriate for the forecast. Test your underquilt, pad or other setup before depending on it far from the vehicle.
Gear helps, but familiarity matters more. Practice this skill when conditions are easy so you aren't trying to learn it for the first time when conditions aren't.
Hanging from questionable trees.
Stringing the hammock too tight.
Ignoring bottom insulation.
Pitching the tarp too high for blowing rain.
Setting suspension where it can damage bark.
Trying a brand-new sleep system on a demanding trip.
Set up your full hammock system before sunset. Then repitch the tarp lower as though a storm were arriving and check whether your gear stays protected.
Learn the skill. Practice it safely. Then take it outside.
STAY WYLD.