Exploring the Wonderfuland

Magical World of

Hammock Backpacking

Cary Beuershausen, WFATrail Coordinator

North Florida Trailblazers

Why Leave the Ground?• Often more comfortable than tents.• Considerably more flexible than

tents.• LNT-friendly:

– No soil compression– No clearing of vegetation– Things are left the way you found

them

Why Leave the Ground?

• Typically easier to setup and cleaner to take down.

• Perfect for uneven and rough terrain.

• Highly customizable to suit your needs.

Why Leave the Ground?

Problems Leaving the Ground

• Not really geared towards multiple users.

• Can require more of a learning curve.

• More susceptible to cold weather if you’re not prepared.

Why Stay on the Ground?

Why Stay on the Ground?

• Camping above tree line or in the desert.

• Tents may be warmer without additional precautions.

• Desire a fully enclosed shelter.

Problems With Staying on the Ground

• Not really LNT-friendly.• Can be dirty to pack away.• Typically bulkier than hammock.• Need to find the “perfect” site to

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

• Can be hot and muggy.

Inside the Backpacking Hammock

• Typically made from light or ultralight nylon.

• May be single or double layer. • May have permanent, removable, or

no bug netting.• Typically have storage areas or loops.• May have a structural or non-

structural ridgeline.

Site Selection

• Pick trees 12-15’ apart that are 6-8” in diameter minimum.

• Don’t pick the tallest trees.• Try to pick a location that will naturally

protect you from wind/rain.• Optional

– Pick site based on view– Pick site based on stealth

Site Selection

• Look up for widowmakers.• Test your trees before you hang from

them!

Site Selection

Site Selection

Get Creative!

Get Creative!

Get Creative!

Get Creative!

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/Atlas Straps– Python straps– DIY (polypro, seatbelts, tie-downs)

Suspension Attachment Methods

• Carabiners• Descender rings• Tri-glides• Dutch clips• Whoopies

It’s OK to Sag

• Hang the suspension to create about a 30° angle.

• Too little sag will create too tight of a hammock.

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

• Neither will be comfortable.

It’s OK to Sag

• A 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 personal comfort.

Keepin’ It Toasty

• Convection loss is your biggest enemy.

• Keeping the wind off your back will eliminate CBS and make your time much more enjoyable.

Combating Cold Butt Syndrome

• Hot Weather• The clothes you’re wearing

• Warm Weather• WeatherShield

• Cold Weather• SuperShelter• Underquilt

Take It From the Top

• Sleeping bag• Lightweight blankets• Top quilt

Alternative Insulation Options

• Foam pads• Emergency blankets• Natural materials

– Leaves– Pine straw– Other vegetation or even clothing

Don’t Blame it on the Rain

• A quality tarp can greatly increase your comfort level.

• Choose a tarp that provides flexibility beyond simply covering the hammock.

• Multiple tarps allow optimal choice based on needs/conditions.

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?

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• Read “Hammock Camping” by Ed Speer

* All illustrations used by permission of Derek Hansen.

Questions?