If mother nature had the best son, that would probably have been summer. Pool time, hammock camping, long days, beach vacations, school holidays, and sweet fruits, summer seems like a natural happiness booster, right?
We are not as powerful as summer to cover such a large area, so today, we will have to stick to warm weather hammock camping. It is one of the best activities to do in summer.
Imagine it’s a late afternoon in summer, and you are lying on the comfy hammock by the beach, the sweet, mild ocean breeze swinging you like a little boat in the calm ocean. Can you imagine anything more relaxing and insanely beautiful at the same than that?
And now you are about to learn everything it requires to bring this imagination into a reality. Let’s dive in.
Table of contents
How Does Hammock Camping Work?
The hammock is like any other typical camping except for the sleeping part. The camper uses a hammock to sleep instead of any tent in a hammock camping. The best thing about a hammock is that it’s light compared to tents or other sleeping materials. Therefore, it’s easy to carry around.
The hammock was discovered in Latin America. Some people say it used to be a part of the traditional accessory. The word hammock has derived from “hamaca,” which means “thrown fish net .” In ancient times, fishers used hammocks to sleep safely from dangerous creatures.
Getting a hammock could be one of the best decisions if you are a solo traveler and bike backer. You could take it anywhere quickly and set it up for sleeping. Then, even if it gets dark on the way to your destination, all you would need to do, is find a strong pair of trees, tie up the hammock, and you are all set to have a fresh sleep.
Why Go for Hammock Camping?
Regarding traveling, especially budget, getting a nice hotel could be a big challenge. Well, tell me, why would travelers usually want a nice hotel? Yeah, they want a good night’s sleep after a tiresome journey. What if I tell you that’s still possible without any comfy hotel bed?
Are you talking about a hammock? 100% positive! A good quality hammock is your best bet for a relaxing, memorable sleeping experience. And here’s why:
Fall Asleep in No Time
Falling asleep faster is guaranteed in a hammock, especially when there’s a sweet breeze. A recent study by Current Biology found that 12 men found it much quicker to fall asleep than on a mattress. It works almost like a baby swing bed. So, you will get a sweet childhood nostalgia, as well.
The calm and soft sway of the hammock lets you fall asleep quicker, and the calming rocking motion positively impacts your brain waves. That’s what helps you to fall asleep faster.
A More Comfortable Sleep
When you are traveling, after a long day of riding, hiking, or walking, your body gets exhausted, and that’s when a good night’s sleep could be the best remedy. A quality hammock will offer you a comfortable and deep sleep. Then, start your journey with incredible morning energy and a fresh mind.
Provides Great Support on Your Back
Back pain is like an uninvited guest sometimes. It has become prevalent among older people and many young people. But did you know the most common reason behind this could be the mattress? Yes, an uncomfortable, uneven bed is the usual cause nowadays.
On the other hand, a hammock has no pressure point meaning it will provide excellent support for your back and let you have a comfy sleep without pain. Also, it can help relieve your back pain, and there’s no risk of serious injury.
No More Worries with Dust Mites & Bed Bugs
The mattress is like a Disney land for bugs, insects, and dust mites. They love being there. And a bed like that is not only unhygienic but also highly uncomfortable to sleep in. Besides, it’s expensive, hard to do maintenance, and not a good option to travel with.
When it comes to the hammock, no bugs have a place in it. Also, you won’t have to worry about the pets making it dirty. Pets don’t prefer to get on a hammock. The hammock is much easier to clean and take care of than the bed.
Efficient & Easy to Carry
When traveling, you are not planning to carry your bed on a trailer to where you go. Or do you? Just kidding. Of course, not. When efficiency and convenience are your top priority, the hammock is your way out. You can quickly put it in your backpack and carry it comfortably.
Hammock’s price is much lower than any other option for sleeping when camping. Trust me, and you won’t regret getting a hammock.
Hammock Camping vs. Tent Camping
Everything has its pros and cons, even yours, right? Hammock camping and tent camping both have advantages and disadvantages. In this section, we are about to reveal those. Let’s get started:
Tents are certainly the most common and popular option for camping outside. Many campers find it quite nostalgic. Some campers might find it much more secure than a hammock. Also, it’s more spacious.
On the other hand, hammocks are more comfortable to sleep in and lightweight, so it’s easy to carry and the best option to get a sound sleep. In addition, you can set it up easily anytime you want.
You will need two trees or something firm to hold onto the hammock firmly. However, if you get the proper accessories collection, the hammock can provide you with the same security as a tent.
The only downside of a hammock is that it’s not as spacious as a tent. However, you can find a two-person hammock in the market designed to provide enough space and comfort for two people. In addition, the hammock is more comfortable, efficient, and convenient than a tent.
The Beginners Guide for Warm Weather Hammock Camping
As a beginner, hammock camping might get a bit stressful. But trust me, when you have the proper guideline and a clear idea about what you are doing, it will go as smoothly as a sharp knife in the cheese. So let’s keep reading to find out, shall we?
Choosing the Perfect Hammock
Wearing the right shoe can take you further in life, and the right hammock will make your traveling easier. So, how do we find the perfect hammock? First of all, buy the one that is compatible with your purpose.
For instance, going for a backpack or camping hammock would be the right decision if you plan to sleep on it overnight. Those are specially designed for this purpose. Other hammocks might give you back pain and are uncomfortable for long sleeping.
Camping hammocks are much more comfortable and durable, as they are built using quality materials. It doesn’t matter whether you weigh 50kgs or 100kgs. They will hold you firmly like a trusted & reliable friend.
Setting-up the Hammock
You won’t require a team of experts to set up the hammock. All you need is firm enough for two trees close to each other (at least 5-10 meters). Please make sure they are strong enough to hold your weight. You don’t want to deal with severe back pain by falling off or killing an innocent tree.
Also, ensure no loosened or dried branches above might fall off by a sudden wind. Finally, attach the hammock’s straps to each of the trees near your head high and keep the hammock about your waist height. When you are on it, it’s supposed to sag about 18 inches high above the ground.
The best angle for hammock sets up is 30°, giving you a flat laying position. And that’s more comfortable than the banana-shaped position.
Keep the Right Accessories
Going on hammock camping without a rainfly or bug net would be horrible. Unless your grandfather is some rainmaker or weather forecaster, you never know when it might start to rain.
Especially in summer, it can be more unpredictable. Therefore, hammock camping in summer is like going to a war without wearing a helmet and a rainfly.
And bugs don’t care who you are and what you tell them. All they know or care about is biting you. As Groot knows, “I’m Groot.” So, I assume there’s no need to introduce the chief guest of the wildness, Mr. Mosquito. So, bring a bug net or enjoy being bitten by the adorable insects.
Safety as First Priority
You know they say, “safety first is safety always.” Sleeping on a hammock is such a pleasing experience. However, if you fail to follow the essential safety guides, it might turn back on you. And trust me, you won’t like that.
A bad back injury is just hanging on two threads. Therefore, before you set up the hammock, make sure you inspect the hammock from top to bottom carefully, especially the straps of the hammock, and you know why.
Don’t even dare to lay on that hammock if you notice a slight crack or fracture on the straps.
Before buying the hammock, you must ensure it’s strong enough to hold your weight. Then, in the specification section, you are supposed to find the max load-carrying capacity of the hammock. Or, you can ask the seller.
After inspecting the hammock and ensuring it’s okay, you will go to the following essential thing: checking the trees where you will set up the hammock.
I must mention it again, as many campers forget it when they find an astonishing view ahead. Ensure the trees are strong enough to hold the weight and no broken or weak branches are above. Before getting up on the hammock, ensure it’s been set up correctly to keep you firm.
Basic Ethics of the Wildness
This rule can save you from a thousand trouble out there in the wild, “never underestimate the mother nature.”
Follow wildness ethics like a good boy when camping, hiking, or hammocking. Here are some of the basic rules you must follow when doing hammock camping:
- You know they say, “know before you go.” So before deciding on your hammock camping spot, ensure no dangerous wild beasts exist. You never know when a feral cat will choose to welcome you into their home.
- Keep your first aid kit always with you. Sometimes even a minor injury can make you suffer or slow you down. And that’s when the equipment might turn out to be a lifesaver.
- Make sure you have taken all the necessary gear before starting the journey.
- Please get some basic training on wildlife safety before going on summer hammock camping, especially if it’s solo.
- Keep the backpack as light as possible. It will help you run faster if any wild beast decides to race with you.
- Ensure there are no poisonous plants, such as rosary peas or water hemlock, where you are camping.
FAQ
Hammock camping is a lot safer than other traditional camping methods. It keeps you safe above the ground, where no snakes or harmful bugs can reach you. Just make sure you follow the safety guidelines.
It’s comfortable and an everlasting experience—an easy way to escape the scorching summer heat. Hammocking camping in summer by the beach is something you must add to your bucket list.
Two-person can comfortably sleep on a double hammock. However, getting on a single-person hammock won’t be a good idea. So, make sure your hammock is built for 2-persons.
Final Verdict
Life has so many things to offer. While it’s pretty hard to decide what to pick, summer hammock camping is worth trying.
Whether by a vast lake in Russia, surrounded by the wildness in Africa, or on a soothing beach in the Maldives, warm weather hammock camping will bring the best.
Make sure you follow the safety protocols and are good to go. I hope your next summer camping may be one of your life’s best experiences. Good speed, friend. May the force be with you.