The hammock is a popular hangout gear for outdoor recreational events. For backpacking nerd, the hammock has brought a whole new wonder of sleeping or napping under the open sky. Whether you go to traveling, camping or beach hiking, an outdoor backpacking hammock would surprisingly double or triple your amusement in the natural environment. However, you can even set up your hammock at your home for indoor relaxation.
Backpacking Hammock Size & Shape:
The hammock comes in different shapes and sizes. In this sense, you should choose the right one according to your demand. It will surely expend your outdoor pleasure and relaxation. On the other hand, if you can’t pick the right one for backpacking, you will lose your hard-earned money. So, take the right decision before purchasing a new hammock would save valuable time and money.
Single Hammock:
Most of the available single hammocks have a width between 4 to 5-foot range. Backpacker loves single hammock because of lightweight. It provides a more spacious lounging and sleeping experience for a single one. So, the single hammock is ideal for you, if you consider the weight and love to lay down alone. A single hammock weight capacity is from 250-400 pounds.
It’s very easy to carry the hammock and assemble anywhere you want. Because of lightweight, you can easily fold it and store it in the softball-size stuff sack. It provides enough space to lay down on the bed and sleeps comfortably. A single hammock is robust your backyard luxury and brings a whole new prospect to enjoy the natural beauty.
Double Hammock:
Most people love double hammock because of its spacious size. However, it will give you options to share your space with another person. A two-person hammock provides enough room which can easily fit and even sleep two people comfortably. Although a double hammock is a little heavier than a single hammock, it provides you the opportunity to enjoy outdoor travel with your lovely one together.
The extra width of the double hammock allows you to align your body to a comfortable flat position. The Double Hammock provides extra 15 square feet of material with only a 4 oz difference than the single. A double hammock weight capacity is up to 500 pounds. It’s the standard weight capacity for two persons. So don’t worry! while laying together in a double hammock.
Materials:
The traditional Rope Hammock is made from polyester or cotton ropes and attaches a spreader bar on the end. Polyester rope is more durable and weather-resistant. Either rope or fabric, Cotton is the most traditional material used for making a hammock. Rope hammock is breathable and perfect for a hot summer day’s backpacking travel.
Cotton is lightweight. The breathable soft material makes the hammock perfect for anyone. The cotton fabric is very comfortable and perfect for sleeping in the hammock. It’s more flexible than polyester. However, it takes less time to dry the cotton hammock.
Due to convenient features, nylon made hammock is widely used for backpacking and camping. It is lightweight and easy to fold. Nylon hammock is comparatively durable and weather-resistant than other materials. It’s a good idea to use nylon if you live in a humid climate.
Backpacking Hammock Accessories:
Hammock Straps:
Setting up a backpacking hammock with hanging strep takes only a few minutes. You can hang your single or double hammock by strap anywhere you want. Meanwhile, you don’t need to tie a single knot.
You should use a tree-friendly hammock strap so that your pleasure won’t damage the tree. The loop system makes it easy to adjust the height of the hammock so that your hanging becomes amazingly comfortable every time around the trees. The strap keeps hammock flat on the tree so it will not damage it.
The strap is made from polyester material that ensures strength and durability. It works great with all types of hammocks like a single, double, lightweight, portable, parachute, etc. Using a strap is easy and comfortable to set up a hammock in campsites. Move the carabiner to any of the loops to attain the perfect height and comfort level.
Carabiners:
A carabiner is a specialized type of metal loop with a spring-loaded gate used to quickly and reversibly connect components. They are historically made from both steel and aluminum.
You need the right carabiner to feel safe and secure while resting at the campsite. Therefore, you can nap anywhere you want as the carabiner keeps you safe while sleeping. It prevents the hammock from unwanted falling.
You should remember that only high-quality carabiner can ensure safety during comfortable hanging. Thus, it has become an inevitable tool to set up a hammock for ultimate safety.
Aluminum wire carabiner is widely used for good quality and versatile uses. These type of carabiner can be useful for other activities like fishing, camping, backpacking, and hiking. The carabiner is particularly useful when you set up the hammock with strap.
The steel carabiner is heavier than aluminum wire carabiner. But it’s a stronger and safer carabiner available at the market. You can hang on hammock safely and sleep without worry. However, you can use steel carabiner for other purposes without climbing.
Carrying Bag:
To hang in the open ground, all the camping hammocks come with a lightweight carrying bag. It will help you reduce the hassle of backpacking, camping, and hiking. It’s easy to fold the hammock and store in the stuff sack. Then you can go to the campsite and set up hammock instantly.
A carrying bag is made the process easy to transport the backpacking hammock anywhere you want to go. You can easily pack all the necessary equipment to the stuff sack. It reduces your effort and robust comfortable relaxation. Meanwhile, you can choose the carrying bag according to the dimension of the hammock.
Portable Hammock Stand:
Before selecting a stand for your hammock, consider the length of your hammock first then add 2 feet with it. For example, if your hammock is 13 feet long, then purchase a stand which is 15 feet long. However, most of the hammock stand measure is 15 feet long. Again, you must consider the amount of weight capacity a stand can hold before purchasing for your backpacking relaxation.
You can use a hammock stand both indoor and outdoor conditions. It’s usually made from powder-coated steel which is weather-resistant and ensures long-lasting comfort. However, you can take down the stand anywhere because of lightweight and convenient design.
How to Hang a Hammock:
Hanging a hammock may be a little confusing at the first time. But you can easily set up a hammock both indoor or outdoor conditions. Whether you hang the hammock between two trees or between posts, it’s important to pre-measure the spot you choose. So follow the instructions so that you don’t miss hanging pleasure anymore.
You can hang a hammock between a tree, a solid building wall, two vehicles, or between a concrete pillar and a tree.
Few Useful Tips and Tricks to hang a camping hammock:
- Most of the hammocks measure 13-feet, so your hanging trees or posts should be from 13 to 17 feet apart. You can always use a hammock stand if such a spot isn’t available.
- In trees, drill a hole into each tree 5 feet above to the ground. Screw a sturdy one or two-inch screw eye with a hook attached to the hole. For leverage, tighten the screw using a screwdriver.
- Trees are only one option to hang your hammock. You can still use rock and boulder to hang your hammock straps.
- In the concrete post, you can use the height as long as you like. The distance between the post should be a few feet more than the length of the hammock. It will hold your hammock above the ground.
- If you hang a hammock indoor, drill two holes into the wall beam and screw in the bolt and hook. Attach a rope or carabiner to link each hook with the eyes of the hammock.
In modern days backpacking, the hammock has become a common part to expand wilderness and comfort in the natural state. Without a relaxing bed in the open ground, you will surely miss the true amusement of camping. So, a backpacking hammock is your best companion while going to backyard travel. If you have more or any questions regarding hammock, comment below.
