Hammock camping – Best Review Pod

Best 5 Tarp For Hammock Camping- Don’t Buy the Wrong One

February 1, 2022 by BestReviewPod Leave a Comment

Hammock camping is fun when you do it the right way. After setting up your hammock you need to take care of the protection from different weather conditions. A hammock camp needs protection from 3 elements, Sun, Rain, and Wind. A tarp is the best overhead protection for any hammock camp. Here you can find out the Best tarp for hammock Camping.

An ideal tarp protects you from all extreme weather conditions and makes your camping experience enjoyable. But hammock tarps are available in different sizes, shapes, and different materials, so how do you select the best tarp for hammock camping?

I have been a camper for years, and I know how frustrating it can be to try and find the perfect tarp. While you might think that any tarp will do, this isn’t really the case.

There are a lot of things to consider when buying a tarp. The most important thing that you need to look at is the materials that it is made up of. Most tarps are made out of either nylon or polyester. These materials are cheaper than canvas and vinyl, but they aren’t ideal for hikers who travel a long distance and want to carry limited weight.

S.no.	Products	Material
1	Rain Fly EVOLUTION	Nylon
2	ENO Eagles Nest Outfitters HouseFly Rain Tarp	Silicone Nylon
3	KAMMOK Kuhli Ultralight Hammock Camping Tarp	Ripstop Nylon
4	Gold Armour Rainfly Tarp Hammock	Ripstop Polyester
5	Aqua Quest Defender Tarp	Nylon

Best Tarp for Hammock Camping

The tarp or rainfly is an extra layer of protection on top of the tent which saves you from the sun, water, and wind. When you’re camping with a hammock, it’s important to protect yourself from these elements. A tarp is essential for this purpose, but there are so many different types of tarps on the market that choosing one can be overwhelming. To help you make an informed decision about which tarp is best for your needs, we’ve put together an in-depth guide on how to choose a hammock tarp.

We have done extensive research and selected the 5 best tarps that are ideal for hammock camping.

1. Rain Fly EVOLUTION

Material : Nylon | Product Dimension : 12×10 feet | | Color : Gray | Brand : Rain Fly Evolution

Last updated on 2022-12-23 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

This tarp is made of polyester coated with TPU which makes it waterproof and lightweight. The 12×10 feet tarp weighs only 1.65 pounds (0.74 Kg) less than the weight of your water bottle. It is 10 feet wide and can cover a two-person hammock camp very well. The diamond shape tarp has 4 tie points(2 on each side) to secure the tarp to the ground.

The heavy-duty nylon tarp is double-stitched on the edges and reinforced on the four corners and on the ridgelines.

It comes with one 26 feet long rope to create a continuous ridgeline to hang the tarp and four 10 feet small-size guylines to attach the tarp to the stakes and secure them to the ground.

This wide tarp can be set at a comfortable height from the hammock and yet give full coverage. It gives enough room for a hammock camp and keeps you dry from the rain. Setting up the tarp is very easy and requires no level of expertise. This tarp is enough to cover a 12 feet long hammock from rain or sun.

Pros

It comes with a Tarp and Gear Sack for easy packing and keeping.
Easy to set up, fold and dry even for beginners.
It comes with all the necessary kits to set up the tarp.
Versatile in use.
Made of durable nylon fabric.
A Wide tarp is fit for all seasons.
It also gives UV rays protection.
A 5-in-1 Survival gear comes as a bonus.
21 different color options.

Cons

The guylines are very thin and entangle easily.
Not ideal for sidewise and heavy downpours.

Recommended For: This Rainfly evolution tarp is recommended for backpackers who prefer a wider space on top yet are light in weight.

2. ENO Eagles Nest Outfitters HouseFly Rain Tarp

Material : Silicone Nylon | Product Dimension : 10 feet x8 inch| | Color : Lichen | Brand : Eno

Last updated on 2022-12-23 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

ENO housefly tarp is made from silicone-impregnated nylon fabric which makes it durable and lightweight. It weighs only 1.7 pounds(0.77 kgs) and packs really small(the size of a water bottle).

The tarp comes with double stitched sims on the edges and is reinforced on the 4 corners and on the ridgeline. The sims are taped and make it waterproof. It is a house-type tarp with doors at both ends. You can choose to close the gates to retain heat or open them to let the breeze into the camp.

You need 8 stakes, 8 guylines, and one ridgeline chord to set up the tarp completely. You can keep the doors unfolded with the clips on. It allows enough room for changing clothes and privacy.

Pros

It keeps the camp dry and warm.
The roomy feature makes it spacious and retails heat.
Packs really small.
Durable material.

Cons

Does not include stakes for anchoring.
Expensive in the category of tarps.
Not enough space to cover 2 hammocks.

Recommended for: This tarp is ideal for campers who need a little room for better heat retention and protection in heavy rains.

3. KAMMOK Kuhli Ultralight Hammock Camping Tarp

Material : Ripstop Nylon | Product Dimension : 11 ft x7 ftx4 inch| | Color : Crater Gray | Brand : Kammok

Last updated on 2022-12-23 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

This Kammok tarp is hexagonal in shape and made from Ripstop nylon impregnated with silicone. Its edges and seams have double stitching and corners, anchor points, and ridgeline points are reinforced with Hypalon. The fabric is coated with Double Water repellent making it fully waterproof.

This ultralight tarp weighs only 0.625 Pounds(0.28 kgs) or 10 ounces making it the lightest in our list of best hammock camping tarps. It extends to 11 feet in length and 7 ft 4 inches in width. This tarp is easy to set up, with its 8 reflective guyline points you can easily spot it in dark.

Kuhli tarp is versatile and you can create different types of shelter spaces for your camp. It comes with 16 different connection points which you can use to make shelters according to your requirement. You can use it in hammock mode, picnic mode, storm mode, a-frame mode, Awning mode, and Asymmetrical mode.

It comes with a waterproof stuff sack for keeping the tarp and accessories in one place.

Pros

It offers large coverage of the camp area.
Ultralightweight tarp.
16 connection points make numerous shelter designs.
It’s small to pack.
A waterproof stuff sack.
You can use it even on treeless terrains.
Easy to set up.
A lifetime warranty against any manufacturing defects.

Cons

Comes with Only 4 stakes included.
Expensive Tarp.

Recommended for: This ultralightweight tarp is recommended for all hikers who don’t want to carry any extra weight with them.

4. Gold Armour Rainfly Tarp Hammock

Material : Ripstop Polyester | Product Dimension : 12 ft x10 ft| | Color : Camouflage | Brand : Gold Armour

Last updated on 2022-12-23 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Gold Armour tarp is made of ripstop polyester and the fabric is waterproof. If you are looking for a neutral color tarp or a camouflage tarp to go unnoticed in the wild then this is the best fit for you. This tarp is very easy to set up and it comes with 33 different tie-up points. You can create different shelters with this huge no of connection points. You can create shelter modes like picnic, tent, fully enclosed, hammock, A-mode, etc.

It comes with 4 aluminum stakes and six 10 feet guylines for easy setup. This tarp is 2.4 pounds(1.08 kg) and comes with a waterproof stuff sack. This tarp is big enough to give full and extended coverage to your hammock and it can cover two hammocks as well.

The polyester fabric makes it bulky and a little heavier but it is worth it.

It comes in 3 different sizes 10x10ft, 12x14ft, and 10×8 ft other than the 12x10ft. So you have plenty of variety in terms of sizes and colors to choose from.

Pros

Waterproof Nylon Tarp.
43 different color options to choose from.
4 Size options.
Big coverage of 2 hammocks.
It comes cheap.
It comes with a 5-year warranty.
A US Based company with great customer service.

Cons

The guylines or tie-up pints need more reinforcements.
It’s bulky not for lightweight hikers.
Cheap Plastic tie-up points.

Recommended For: This Gold Armour Tarpis recommended for campers who want more coverage and protection from wind, snow, or rain.

5. Aqua Quest Defender Tarp

Material : Nylon | Product Dimension : 12 ft x10 ft| | Color : Camouflage | Brand : Aqua Quest

Last updated on 2022-12-23 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

This a great trap from a reputed manufacturer who is known for making quality adventure gear. The Aqua Quest tarp is made from 70D nylon fabric with TPU and the fabric is coated with Double water repellent which makes it super leakproof. This waterproof tarp has a double layer of stitching at the edges, the seams are sealed with leak-proof heat tapes.

It weighs around 2.4 pounds or 1.08 kg which is not excellent for hikers who travel long distances but certainly, a great addition for campers and bushcraft who like to camp in hostile terrains.

This is the only square tarp of 10x10ft size on our list and it has very good coverage for any tent and hammock and gives sufficient protection from wind, storms, and sun. It comes with a camouflage color which has very limited visibility in the wild(stealth mode).

It has 19 tie-up pints which allow you to create many shelter combinations like camping mode, tent mode, hammock mode, picnic mode, etc.

It comes in 7 different color options and 5 different sizes 10x7ft, 13x10ft, 15x15ft, and 20×13 ft.

Pros

It is a strong nylon tarp.
Compact in design.
Versatile usage for different modes.
The fabric is made from a weapon-like durable fabric.
Waterproof.
Comes with a lifetime warranty.
It comes with a stuff sack for easy packing and unpacking.

Cons

It’s heavier for ultralight hikers.
Does not come with any stakes.
No inside tie-up points on the ridgeline.
Expensive.

Recommended for: This Aquaquest tarp is recommended for campers and bush crafters who set their hammocks or tents in the snow or rocky areas.

How do I choose a hammock tarp? A Buying Guide

A tarp is a necessity for hammock camping as you don’t have any protection above you while you sleep at night. Rains are hard to predict and they can ruin your hammock camping even in summer. So tarp is good protection for a night of worry-free sleep.

Camping requires serious planning, packing, and preparation. It is important to choose a tarp that will last all these years so that it can be used on future camping trips or other outdoor adventures. Consider how long you are going to use the tarp before buying one. Tarps are made of lightweight materials like ripstop nylon or polyester and will last longer than those made of cotton.

But buying a good tarp that suits your camping is important and here are some factors that need to be considered.

1. What do you need it for

The best question to ask yourself before buying any tarp is “what is the use?” This will tell you about your requirements and you can match if the tarp has those qualities expected from it.

You are a hiker and you need a tarp that is ultralightweight and not bulky.
You are a backpacker and require a tarp for protection and should be lightweight.
And You are a camper who needs a full protection large size tarp.

2. Style of the Tarp

Tarps can be broadly classified into 5 different types based on their shape and design.

Asymmetrical Tarps
Diamond/Square Tarps
Hexagonal Tarps
Rectangular Tarps
Winter/Four-Season Tarps

Asymmetrical Tarps:

Asymmetrical tarps are sown parallel and help lay diagonally. These tarps are sufficient for light rains but not for heavy blowing rain. They are faster to set up as they have only 2 setup points. These tarps are lightweight and small to pack making them ideal for ultralight hikers.

Square or Diamond Tarps:

Square tarps offer a fair bit of protection from rain to campers. They are laid in a diamond shape and usually come in a size of 9 ft x 9 ft. Square tarps are not ideal for sidewise downpours as the edges are difficult to keep intact.

They are easier to set up as they have only 2 guy lines to set. As they have less material you need to hang them lower close to your hammock to stay protected from rain. They are a little bulkier than asymmetrical tarps.

Hexagonal Tarps:

The most commonly used tarps are hexagonal in shape. They offer very good protection from rainstorms. They are packable but can be bulkier depending on the size of the tarp. Backpackers, campers, and hikers prefer the lighter version of hexagonal tarps but these are expensive.

Rectangular Tarps:

Rectangular tarps are plain and ordinary tarps but they provide full side protection. You have to pitch them lower to get full protection in your hammock camp. The straight edges are difficult to keep when there is a wind blowing or during blowing rains. These tarps have more material so they are heavier and bulkier.

Four-Season Tarps:

Winter tarps are called four-season tarps as they work in all seasons. These hexagonal tarps have doors at both needs which gives them a roomy look. The sides hang low eliminating the effects of heavy and side downpours. You get more room and also privacy in your camp to change clothes. The setup takes a little bit longer time and requires some expertise. The weight of the tarp depends on the fabric you choose. They can be heavier or bulkier, and expensive but they are worth it.

Click here for wash care instructions for the hammock

3. Materials

The material of the tarp plays a vital role in its weight, durability, bulkiness, and cost.

Polyester Tarps:

Polyester tarps are waterproof and known as poly tarps. They are ideal for someone who is a beginner and wants to try hammock camping, but doesn’t want to go too far(maybe set up in his backyard). They are available in every hardware store for under $10. These polyester tarps do not stretch but they cover well and provide full protection. But polyester tarps are heavier and bulkier and not recommended for backpackers, especially ultralight hikers.

Silicon Tarps:

The next fabric is Silicone impregnated with nylons called Silnylon. These tarps are lightweight and semi-waterproof. The downside of this material is that it becomes unbreathable when it rains too much.

You could use Silicone Polyester which is waterproof and doesn’t absorb water but it is heavier.

Dyneema:

The last fabric is Dyneema or Cuben fiber which is ultralightweight and almost half the weight of Silnylon. They are waterproof and do not absorb water so you don’t have to deal with extra weight after a good rain. The cost is ¾ times more than nylon. They don’t stretch so no shaggy tent. But Dyneema tarps are exposed to abrasion, so keeping a spare material is wise for unforeseen conditions. They are bulkier than silicone tarps but light in weight. Ideal tarp for ultralight hikers who can afford the cost.

4. Length of the Tarp

The length f the tarp is dependent on the size of the hammock. Ideally, the tarp should extend between 6-12 inches(15-30 cm) on both ends of the hammock. A 10-foot hammock, when laid at a 30° angle, stretches up to 8 feet or 2.4 meters and a 9 feet hammock stretches up to 9 feet or 2.7 meters, so an 11 feet tarp is sufficient for hammocks of these sizes.

5. Width of the Tarp

The Longer and wider the tarps are the better protection it offers. But longer and wider traps are heavier and bulkier because there is more material in them. For backpackers, 10 feet and 11 feet hammocks require 9 and 10 feet tarps respectively. For campers, 10 feet and 11 feet hammocks require 11 and 12 feet tarps respectively.

6. Color of the Tarp

For many people, colors do not matter but when you are in the wild colors do matter. Wild animals are curious and if you use a bright or light color it may not get unnoticed. If you are doing stealth camping go for a neutral color or a camouflage tarp. This makes your camp invisible and animals will not notice and pass by easily.

7. Tarp Ridgeline

The ridgeline is the cord used to hang the tarp above the hammock. It is basically of two types continuous loop and end-only ridgeline. The end-only ridgeline is attached to both ends of the tarp and can be tied around the trees. The continuous ridgeline is a single line that runs through the length of the tarp. The tarp can be hung above or below the ridgeline.

8. Tarp Sack

A tarp sack holds the tarp and makes it easier to deploy and pack after use. You can also use a snakeskin sack which lets you view the sky as it holds it together. Deploying the tarp doesn’t take time if it rains suddenly.

FAQs- Hammock Tarps

What is the best size tarp for a hammock?

The best size tarp for a hammock would depend on the length of the hammock. As a rule of thumb, a tarp should extend from 6-12 inches on both sides of the hammock. If you have a hammock of 10 feet long then you need a tarp of 10 feet(considering the effective length of the hammock to be 8.5 feet after hanging). Similarly, an 11 feet long hammock will be ok with an 11 feet long tarp(considering the effective length of the hammock to be 9.5 feet after hanging).

Usually, a good rule of thumb is to measure the area you need to cover and add about 10% for safety.

Do you need a tarp for hammock camping?

You may not need a tarp if you are camping in summer or dry season but to avoid any unexpected rains and thunderstorms a tarp is a necessary tool for hammock camping. If you are a hiker and don’t want to carry extra weight then go for an ultralight Dyneema Tarp. You can also choose a silicone nylon tarp which is lightweight.

Can I use a tarp as a hammock?

No, tarps are for covering the hammock and providing shelter against rainfall, snowfall, and any other extreme weather conditions. They are not meant to be used as a hammock. Any standard hammock can hold weight up to 400 lbs which tarps can not bear. It’s a really bad idea to use a tarp as a hammock.

How do you waterproof a hammock?

To waterproof a hammock you need a good size tarp. A tarp that covers the length of the hammock and has a width of 8-9 feet covers the hammock well. If you need more protection and privacy in your hammock then you can go for the four-season /winter tarp. Hexagonal tarps are generally preferred by campers and backpackers as they hang low and make the hammock waterproof from all sides.

Can I use a tarp as a rainfly?

Yes, a tarp is basically used as a rainfly during monsoon season or any unexpected rains by hammock campers. It gives all-around protection from rainstorms.

What is Tarp Ridgeline?

A ridgeline is a cord drawn between the two trees to hang the tarp above the hammock. The ridgeline can be of two types, continuous or end-only. In the continuous ridgeline, the tarp is set up above or under it. While in the end-only ridgeline the tarp is set right with it because the cords are set at both ends of the tarp.

How do you make a rain-fly hammock?

DIY BUDGET POLY TARP HAMMOCK COVER, HOW TO

Why Trust Us

We have been camping for years now and all products that we review are used and experienced. We test all the adventure gear and products out in our backyard and in the wild. This puts us at a competitive advantage where we can suggest the best gears that work in real-time situations.

Buying a tarp isn’t hard, but you have to make sure you get the right size and material. There are many types of tarps depending upon the shape and material of the tarp. We include the pros and cons of each tarp.

Click here for a Comparision between Hammock Sleeping Pads vs Underquilts

Conclusion

If you have a hammock at home, it’s time to discover the art of camping with it. Hammocks are very comfortable and fun to use, but they can bring some unexpected results if you don’t have sufficient protection in the wild. Using a tarp can give you that extra protection needed to avoid any unforeseen circumstances. If you like our guide on choosing the best hammock tarp please write it in the comments below.

How To Hammock Camp In The Rain?

January 12, 2022 by BestReviewPod Leave a Comment

Camping out in the wild in a hammock can be a fun and learning experience. Those who are looking for outdoor adventures prefer to camp in the wild and experience nature from very close. Tent camping is more secure and safe compared to hammock camping( you can read about how safe is hammock Camping here). Those who seek to explore new places prefer summers because it is a good time to set up camps and stay warm and dry. The summer season stretches from the last week of June to the end of September.

Rain and thunderstorms are surprises that can be encountered in summers. Hammock camping in summers becomes difficult when it starts to rain. With no roof over your camp, you are open in the wild. So how do you hammock camp in the rain?

Hammock camping in the rain has 4 important factors,

Setting up your Tarp Correctly
Hanging your Hammock
Using the Right Gear
Staying Dry in The Rain

Let’s learn how can you set up your hammock camp in the best possible manner.

Hammock Camping in The Rain

Here is a step-by-step guide on how to set up your hammock camp in the rain.

1. Setting Up your Tarp

The most important part of the hammock camp set up in the rain is the Tarp. Tarp is also referred to as the Rainfly. The first thing that needs to be set is the Tarp. After you find a set of trees to hang your hammock, the first thing you need to get out of your backpack is the tarp.

Create a ridgeline with the two trees and put your tarp over the ridgeline. The correct height of the tarp is to set it above eye level or just at your head level (approximately 6 feet from the ground).

Some Tips to Select a Tarp

Selecting a tarp is important as that is the only barrier between you and the rainwater. When there are thunderstorms and heavy rain your tarp must be intact and protect you from getting drenched.

Select a tarp that is longer and wider than your hammock. For example, if your hammock is 10 ft long then select a tarp that is at least 12 feet long. A 4×3 meter tarp is advised.
Buy nylon material tarps that are lightweight, and waterproof
Tarps often tend to leak from the seams so buy tarps with leak-proof taped seams
The important part of the tarp setup is its guy lines, Tent Stakes, and stake bags.
Reinforced stitching will hold the guy line secured.
Apart from the regular tarp, a four-side closed tarp and a canopy-style tarp are suitable for heavy downfalls or even rainstorms.

Once you have the right tarp gear with you setting this up is not difficult. After finishing the ridgeline use carabiners at both ends to attach your tarp to it.

Now, tie the edges of the tarp with guy line chords and secure them to the ground with tent stakes. Check the firmness of the tarp and it is all set.

? Always hang your tarp just above the hammock( 1 to 1.5 feet above it). When you hang on your hammock it will shag and you will get your headroom space. But if you set up 3-4 feet above your hammock if there is a gust of wind blowing along with rain or heavy rainfall then chances are water will come into your hammock.

?Adjust your tarp height to keep it closer to the hammock.

2. Hanging Your hammock

Once you have set up your tarp, now it’s time to hang your hammock. Use the trees to wrap your tree huggers or tree straps or chords to tie your hammock. If it is already raining while setting up then it becomes difficult to hang your hammock, But once you set up the tarp it becomes much easier. You can also keep your gear and backpack under the tarp.

When tying your hammock’s continuous loop to the tree straps make a knot with your extra hanging cord and this knot will act as a rainwater breaker and will stop rai water from getting into the hammock.

? While setting up the tarp keep all the hammock straps covered, otherwise the flowing rainwater will get into the hammock.

3. Using The Right Gear

Choosing the right gear is critical to the success of hammock camping especially when it is raining.

A Waterproof Tarp– The first and most important gear is the tarp, when you are in the wild with no roof overhead you need a shelter that is waterproof. The tarp will save you from rainwater and also from the cold wind blowing your way.

Underquilt– Rain brings cold and when it’s cold you need a quality underquilt and top quilt to protect your hammock. Use the underquilt to save your body heat from getting away and outside cold from getting in.

Sleeping pad or Top Quilt– Use a sleeping pad because rainy nights can be cold and can make sleeping in the hammock very uncomfortable.

Backpack Rain Cover– When it rains it is important to keep your gear and backpack from getting wet. Use a waterproof backpack cover to keep your pack dry.

4. Wearing The Right Clothes

When you sleep warm in the hammock you don’t need much except the bug net. But when you sleep on rainy days you need to bring extra clothing to beat rainwater and cold during the night. Always wear multiple layers of clothes to beat the cold. Wear a windcheater or raincoat to beat rainwater from getting into the clothes.

5. Choosing the Right Spot

Hammock camping doesn’t depend on the condition of the terrain, it only requires two trees at an ideal length. Choose the right spot that has natural shelter like a big wide tree, and bushes, behind large rocks.

They act as natural windbreakers and also protect the camp from the gust of wind blowing while it rains. Heavy rainfall or thunderstorms can destroy camps that are out in the wide open. Natural shelters will protect your camp from thunderstorms and possible hurricanes.

? Do not camp in low-ground areas or grounds that are at lower levels as compared to others. Overnight rains can fill up any holes or accumulate in certain places. Look for places that are on the high ground.

? While looking for a spot to set up your hammock camp, take care of these two things, one is to find the ideal set of trees with around 12-13 feet of distance from each other and at least 6 inches thick. The second is to look for trees with no dead branches hanging. Try to set up camp as far as possible from the branches.

6. Take Care of Your Gear

Overnight rains can be terrifying as they can sweep away your gear, backpack, and other stuff. If you do not protect your gears from getting drenched in rain chances are you have to suffer to survive. To avoid the circumstances keep your gears close to your hammock, there are multiple ways you can store your gears.

Hang your backpack or gear from tree branches with the rain cover in place
Hang your gear from the hammock at the continuous loop or ridgeline
Use a gear hammock to store your backpack and other stuff while camping

? Always buy an oversize tarp or rainfly, if you have a hammock 10 feet long, use a tarp that is at least 14-15 feet long. This way you will have sufficient space to keep your gear, backpack, and other stuff protected from the rainwater.

7. Keeping a Repair Kit

It is always better to be prepared for all situations. As it is said Hope for the best and prepare for the worst. Continuous and heavy rain can tear apart any existing holes or worn-out places in the tarp. So to avoid this keep a repair kit in the gear to fight any unfortunate event like this. This repair kit will consist of a sewing kit for patching, extra chords, straps, and paracords.

8. Keeping the Rainwater at Bay

When you tie your hammock between two trees there is a chance of rainwater flowing from the tree to your hammock through the ridgeline. To check this from happening use the extra cord to make a knot on the ridgeline and hang the rest part. This knot will act as a water breaker or drip line and any water coming through the line will drop to the ground.

How to Stay Dry in a Hammock during a rainstorm?

Staying dry and warm in the hammock during a rainstorm is critically important. There are a few ways to keep yourself dry in hammock camp while it rains outside.

Wear a rain jacket to repel any water from falling on you. A rain jacket keeps you dry and warm.
Using the proper gear like a hammock, an underquilt, a top quilt/sleeping pad, or a pillow will keep you dry and warm in the rain.
Use a backpack cover to keep your gear and stuff dry.
Use a wider tarp to cover your campsite and hammock completely, this will give maximum space to keep your stuff

Final Words

Hammock camping in the rain is feasible if you take the right steps while setting up your camp out in the wild. Setting up the tarp is very important in a rain hammock setup as it is responsible for keeping everything dry. Hammocking during rain requires less effort than in winter.

Is Hammock Camping safe? 16 Things You Ought To Know

January 5, 2022 by BestReviewPod Leave a Comment

Is Hammock Camping Safe?

Yes, hammock camping is very much safe, fun, and enjoyable. If you set up your hammock correctly and take a few precautionary measures then you are set perfectly for hammock camping.

But you need to follow some rules and guidelines while hammock camping to ensure your safety.

Ways to Make Your Hammock Camping Safe

So what are these guidelines and what you should do about them,

Look for a Natural Shelter- Natural shelters are blessings from nature, they protect you from rain, thunderstorms, heavy winds, and cold. So look for places that are covered by bushes, rocks, or large trees like Cedar Tree to set your hammock camp. These weather shelters cover your camp from extreme weather.
Campground Rules- Many camping grounds have specific rules which you should obey in order to have a comfortable and safe hammocking experience.
Movement in Hammock- Hammocks are limited space and you have to adjust your movement in order to get a good experience. Too much movement in the hammock can either turn the hammock upside down or the loop can break. Some campers have shared about their free fall from their hammock while sleeping due to this.
Don’t Setup Your Camp on Trails- Trails are routes or passages for wild animals in the jungle. So when you set up your hammock camp make sure it’s not a trail, otherwise you will have to encounter them in the middle of the night. So always set up your hammock camp in a safe area.
Don’t Store food or eatables near the camp- Wild animals have a great sense of smell. They can smell food from a very far place. If you store food very near to the hammock then chances are you have to encounter wild animals. So it is advised to keep food far from the camp, maybe on a tree.
Procuring The Right Gear- Buying the right gear and taking them for your hammock camping setup is a pretty important thing to do. You need a lightweight nylon hammock that is waterproof, adequately long, durable, and should be able to handle 300-400 pounds of weight. A tarp/rainfly especially for rain and cold camping setup. Tree straps/huggers should be used to hang the hammock, they are good for the tree bark, hold weight, have multiple loops to adjust hammock height, and are easy to set up.
The Right Sleeping Gear- Getting the right sleeping gear is important for getting a good night’s sleep inside the hammock. Temperature can drop even during summers that making sleeping in a hammock difficult. You need a good underquilt and a top quilt if you are camping in a cold area. A sleeping pad is enough if you are camping in the summer. As many campers say the success of cold hammock camping lies with an underquilt. So invest in a good underquilt and set it up correctly. After you hang the underquilt see there should be a gap between the hammock and the underquilt and this gap works as insulation and keep the hammock warm. Many campers who have died in hammocks are due to the temperature convection.
Preparing for Rain and Thunderstorms- Summers start in the US from mid of June to September and it is the perfect time for many campers to go hammock camping in the wild. But the summer season brings rain, especially in the afternoon and evening time. A wide tarp will be the savior in this case. Try to buy a wide tarp approximately 4×4 meters in size so that it covers the whole campsite fully including your hammock.
Camp Location- Don’t set your camp near a water source. The first problem is that water sources attract wild animals and another is that cold area flows from the pond or river nearby to your tent taking away the warmth.
Check Weather Forecast- It is advised to check the weather forecast before going hammock camping. You can be prepared for rain or thunderstorms even hurricanes coming your way.
Hanging Your Hammock- If you don’t know how to hang your hammock properly then practice in your backyard before you go out to the wild. Many campers have shared their bitter experience of falling from their hammocks mid-night because their knot gave away or the rope broke. The knot is very important and it connects the rope or strap with the hammock. Learn and practice the knots to avoid fallouts.
Use a Bug Net- If you are in the wild, using a bug net is a must. Remember you are camping on the grounds of mosquitoes, flies, insects, and bugs. So getting a bug net is wise and safe for hammock camping.
Set of Trees- Finding a good set of trees is not that difficult in the wild but if you are looking for a campsite in a barren or desert land then the chances are rare. You need a good set of trees at a suitable distance to hang your hammock. Avoid hanging on dead trees or trees that are too thin. Choose trees that are at least 6 inches in width.
Terrain- Hammock camping is not dependent on the terrain and it can be hung on any terrain. But avoid places that are too rocky and steep slopes.
Use a Pee Bottle- If you are 40 years or older and nature calls in the middle of the night, it is not wise to get up at a chilling temperature. Use a pee bottle to take care of business. This sounds gross but it does the job, It saves the warmth of your body and also saves you from any possible encounter with wild animals.
Our last trip to have a safe hammock camping experience is to avoid your tent hanging under dead branches on top. Sometimes dead or broken branches hang from tall trees and often go unnoticed by a camper. So look for any broken branches hanging from the trees and try to hang your hammock far from them.

Final Words

Hammock camping is safe if it is done the correct way. There is a learning curve for beginners but if you follow the guidelines then you will have an enjoyable hammocking experience.

How To Hang Your Hammock Between Two Trees safely & Securely? A Beginner’s Guide

December 25, 2021 by BestReviewPod Leave a Comment

Many beginners who are going to enjoy the wilderness on a hammock find it difficult to set up their hammock. Yes, there is a learning curve associated with setting the hammock camp in the right way. But with a little bit of learning and practice, you would be all set to make your hammock camping a success.

To get a good idea of how to hang your hammock one must try it in the backyard. It helps you get to familiarize the process of setting up your hammock and also lets you know what works and what does not.

How to Hang your Hammock between two trees

1. Finding the Perfect Set of Trees

Finding the right camp is the first step but it is also important to find a set of two trees at a perfect distance. While hammock camping does not depend upon the type and condition of the terrain if you are camping in winter you must look for natural shelters. These natural shelters will act as a wind barrier and protect you from the cold breezes.

There are some considerations you need to make in order to find the right set of trees for hanging your hammock.

If the distance between the trees is too much then you have to hang your hammock very high.
If the gap between the trees is small then you may not be able to set your hammock.
If your tarp is longer than your hammock then you need to consider that too.
If your hammock’s loop is too long you need to consider that too.

Then, what is the ideal distance between two trees for setting up the Hammock?

The ideal gap is 12-15 ft with a usual hammock length of 10 feet or about. If your hammock’s length or loop’s length is more then you have to counter those with a wider set of trees.

Another important thing to notice while selecting your trees is that the trees should be at least 6’’ (inches) thick. Don’t select trees that are too flexible.

But How do you measure the distance between two trees?

Of course, you will not be carrying any measuring tape to the wild, so how do you measure if the distance between the two trees is perfect for me or not?

Solution No-1: Count your paces

One brisk pace is approximately 2.5 feet long so count your paces to find out if they are a perfect choice. If the pace kNnncount is 5-6 then it is suitable for hanging your hammock.

Solution 2: Lay your Tarp or Hammock

Another solution is to lay your hammock or tarp between the trees and you can judge the distance between the two ends of the trees.

One more thing you need to consider while selecting your pair of trees is the size of your tarp or rainfly. If your tap is about 12 feet long then you should consider trees that are at least 20-24 feet distance from each other. This gives a clear area of 4-6 feet between each end of the tarp and the trees.

Now once you have found your trees it’s time to hang your hammock.

2. Hanging the hammock between two Trees

Hanging the hammock includes a few processes:

Hanging the suspension or loop-

The first step is to hang the suspension from the tree. One of the common doubts in the minds of beginners is how high should the suspension be. To hang your hammock at a suitable distance from the ground hang your suspension at your head level or at a height of 6 feet(approximately).

Wrap your suspension around the tree and make sure it is flat around the trunk of the tree.

Attach the Hammock-

Attach the hammock to the suspensions at both ends. Use the hammock continuous loop at both ends to attach it to the suspension through a becket hitch knot.

Some people like to use the marlinespike hitch knot to tie the hammock suspension onto the straps.

Now once they are attached just open up the hammock properly to finish the setup.

One little hack to secure your hammock from not touching the ground from your weight is to wrap it around the tree 3-to 4 times. It will support your weight better.

Apart from the suspensions, you can hang your hammock through tree straps or tree huggers. These tree straps have loops at different points to set your hammock at different heights. Wrap the tree straps around the tree take the loop end run it through the hole and tighten it nice and flat.

Some use ropes with carabiners to attach the hammock to the tree. This method is a bit tricky for beginners as it takes practice to set it right. You have to learn some knots and use carabiners. You can use any of the above methods to attach your hammock to the tree.

The next step is to check whether the hammock is hung right.

Use Hand Pistol Angle-

The best way to do this is to make a hand pistol with your thumb and index finger. The angle between the two fingers is approximately 30° and if the suspension angle touches the tip of both fingers then the hammock is hung about right. If not then try and adjust the end which is not right by loosening or tightening the suspension.

Distance from the Ground-

Another way is to check the ground clearance of the hammock after you sit on it. If it is between 1-1.5 feet high then it is hung correctly. The hammock should be at a height where you can seat on it. You can use the hammock as a chair to seat.

So, how do you figure out how to hang your hammock with all these measurements?

Check the Ridge Line-

How do check if the ridgeline is set correctly? Check the rigidity of the ridgeline it should not be too tight or too loose. Try to bend the ridgeline with your thumb and if you feel rigid at about 40-45° it is set right. If it crosses 90° adjust it by tightening or loosening any one or both ends.

3. Set Up the Tarp

A hammock setup is not complete unless you set up the tarp. It is the tarp that protects you from rainwater, snowfall, wind, heat, cold breezes, and falling off dead branches. So it is an important step.

A Tarp goes above the hammock so it should be set up first. Use the trees to set up the ridgeline and lay the tarp on top. In a cold area set it up as close to the hammock so that it accounts for a wind barrier.

You don’t need a tarp if it is clear weather but some people prefer to set up a trap for the purpose of feeling secure.

Do’s and Don’ts of Hanging Your Hammock

Setting up the hammock camping in the correct way is essential. Here are some do’s and don’ts associated with your hammock camping for beginners and they are as follows,

The first priority is to have a good night’s sleep. If you are sleeping cold then you need the correct gear and the correct setup of a Tarp, and underquilt to keep yourself warm. If you are sleeping warm then also you need to set up the hammock and tarp correctly so that if it rains you stay protected.
If you don’t set up your hammock at the right angle then the chances are you will end up sleeping very close to the ground till the time you wake up in the morning.
Hammock loops should be at a nice 30° angle otherwise you will have to compromise your sleep in a saggy hammock.
It is essential to have a drip line to stop water from getting into it while it’s raining. Use a backhand hitch knot to attach the hammock to the suspension or tie a paracord to the continuous loop to act as a water barrier.

How to hang your hammock leveled?

Leveling your hammock is important because you will end up sliding down and up at night. You will end up having an uncomfortable sleep at night. To avoid this there are some easy fixes that you can use to make this right,

The first one is to look at the ridgeline to see if your hammock is leveled.
Use a line level available in home depot or Amazon which can tell if it is leveled or not.
Use your phone app to see if the hammock is hung leveled.

But the ideal setup is to hang the foot’s end of the hammock a little higher. Why? Because the torso part of our body has more mass compared to the head gravity will pull it to the lower levels. So you will never be leveled in your hammock. It is advised to hang your feet a little higher so that gravity levels on both ends.

Where Do You Put Your Backpack When Hammock Camping?

December 17, 2021 by BestReviewPod Leave a Comment

Hammock camping is a unique experience and it lets you enjoy nature more closely. When you camp in a tent you get a personal space to put your backpack or gear inside but not in a hammock. So where do you put your backpack, boots, and other gear while hammock camping?

It is essential to secure your backpack and other gear from being dragged away by wild animals, getting wet in the rain, flooding, and insects crawling into them. But how do you do that?

Well here are 5 steps that we learned from our experience that works in different circumstances. Though each technique has its own advantages and disadvantages, they are worth trying.

5 Ways to Put Your Backpack and Gear

For a successful hammock camping trip, you require a few essential gear in your backpack. The hammock camping backpack generally consists of two types of gear sleeping gear and survival gear.

The sleeping gear takes the bulk of your space and it constitutes a Hammock, underquilt, top quilt, tarp, and a sleeping pad. The survival gears mostly carried by campers are an ax, lighter, chirp wood, water bottle, mug, plate, fork/spoon, etc.

Once you set up your hammock with the tarp on top and undercut at the bottom and sleeping pad or top quilt inside the hammock you are left with the rest of your backpack, your shoes, your water bottle, and some gear you may require at every step. Protecting your backpack, gear, and shoes is important.

Here are the 5 ways to put your backpack while you sleep in your hammock.

1. Put it On the Ground on top of a Cover

Most beginner campers like to put their backpack and other stuff near the hammock. They use a plastic cover to lay down on the ground mostly under their hammock with the backpack and shoes on the top. They keep it within the range of the tarp so that they are not wet if it rains.

Some use a small tarp of size 50 inches x 40 inches with pockets at each corner instead of a plastic cover. The pockets are there so that you can put some weight like rocks in them so they don’t get swept away by breezes.

Advantages:

Your backpack will be within your reach if you keep it under your hammock. If you require anything at the night you can easily access it. You can access your water bottle to drink water or use the flashlight for going to pee.
Your backpack and gear will be protected from snowfall or rain as they will be under the tarp.
The chances of wild animals dragging our shoes and backpack at night are less.

Disadvantages :

Though this is our favorite idea of putting your backpack at night, it still has some disadvantages.

There is a slight possibility of your backpacks and gear getting swept by the flood.

Tips & Tricks

Zip or close all of the pockets in your backpack to ensure insects and reptiles not crawling into them
Tie the shoelaces with each other and attach them to the backpack so no animal can drag them easily.
Use the socks to fill or cover the mouth of the boots so as not to allow moths, insects, and spiders to crawl into them.
Find two sticks of about 1 foot to 1.5 feet and pound them into the ground near your camp. Use them to hang your shoes/boots upside down.
Use a backpack rain cover to protect it from any damage.

2. Hang it on the Continous Loop of the hammock

The second tip is to hang your backpack from the continuous loop of your hammock. You can use a carabiner or a stick to hang the backpack at the bottom/top end of the hammock. Many campers are under the impression that a camping backpack is too heavy for a hammock to bear. But the truth is that most single hammocks can bear weights up to 400 lbs (pounds) or 181 kg, so you can easily hang your backpack from the loop of the hammock without any hassle.

You can also use the ridgeline of the tarp to hang the backpack. This way you can move it back and forth to take out things from the backpack.

Advantages:

The major advantage is that your backpack will stay getting flooded away.
If you use the ridgeline to hang you can access it at any point in time by just pulling the cord.

Disadvantages:

You have to get out of your hammock to access anything in the middle of the night.

Tips and Tricks

Use the backpack rain cover to secure it from rainwater or snowfall.

3. Hanging from the Tree

The next and most common way to store the backpack is to hang it from a tree. You can use a paracord, hammock straps, or rope to wrap around the tree. Then add a knot with a carabiner and hang your backpack onto the carabiner.

Advantages:

The major advantage of hanging your backpack with gear from a tree is that it is protected from getting wet from the bottom.

Disadvantages:

It has two major disadvantages the first one is that you have to deal with sticky SAP of trees like Pine). This tree SAP can create a permanent stain on the backpack.
Accessing stuff at night can be quite challenging due to the non-availability of light.

Tips and Tricks

Use a rain cover to protect your backpack if it starts raining.
Cover all the zips of your backpack to avoid insects, spiders, and reptiles getting into them.

4. Gear Hammock

Another way you can store your backpack safely is to use a gear hammock. Most newbies do not know about gear hammocks. A gear hammock is a small hammock that comes under the main one and can be used to store your gear and backpack. Attach this hammock with the continuous loop of the main hammock at both ends. It goes under the main hammock.

This gear hammock is mostly made up of nylon polyester with paracord polyester which is easily adjustable, durable, and can bear weight up to 200 lbs(91 kgs).

Advantages:

Your backpack and gear lie safely under your hammock above the ground and it is easily accessible.
Apart from being a backpacking hammock, it can also be used as a chair hammock.
Store your food and other gear outside your camp.
It can be utilized as a hammock for your dog or favorite pet.

Disadvantages:

Storing food near the camp can attract beasts so if you are keeping food in the hammock, try to hang it far from the camp.

Tips and Tricks

When you buy a gear hammock consider buying those with reflective cords or ropes, it will be visible even if it is pitch dark. It makes finding your stuff easier.

5. Use the Hammock Bug Net

The last option is to use the hammock bug net to store your backpack at the night. Use a large-size roomy hammock bug net like this Wise Owl Outfitter which will cover your hammock completely. At the bottom of this net, you can store some gear or your backpack.

Advantages:

Your backpack stays close to you underneath your hammock and above the ground.

Disadvantages:

It can not bear too much weight so you can store a very lightweight backpack not more than 50 lbs.

Tips and Tricks

Travel with the least gear possible this will lighten your backpack. Once you remove your sleeping gear you will be left with a handful of gear. It can be stored under the net without breaking the net.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q.1- How to hang boots on a backpack?

Answer- There are multiple ways to hang your boots on a backpack. The first one is to tie both boots with each other through the laces and hang them in the middle of the backpack through straps, loops, or shoe clips.

Q.2- How to store gear when hammock camping?

Answer- A hammock camping gear can be divided into two parts one is sleeping gear and other is survival gear. Once you set up the camp you are left with the survival gear. To store your gear which includes food, an ax, a lighter, a water bottle, cutlery, etc, you can use a gear hammock that comes separately with a hammock setup. This gear hammock is multipurpose in use and lies under the main hammock. It can take a weight of up to 200lbs which is more than sufficient for your gear and backpack.