When I first heard about hammocks for camping I thought it was going to be another 'fad' for campers and hikers but it's become a serious option. For certain conditions I will stick to using my four season tent but for the right conditions a hammock is a great shelter for camping.
Some of the benefits of using a hammock for camping are -
A hammock is generally lighter and easier to carry than a tent. Weight and space are always a prime consideration of hikers and backpackers. There's no need to carry tent poles either!
A hammock can be pitched very quickly. If the weather turns you can literally set it up in minutes as a shelter.
There's no need to search for a level site or to clear away rocks and other debris to hang a hammock. If you're camping with a tent this is always an issue. A rock or stick on the ground can tear or damage a tent. Not only that, have you ever tried sleeping with a rock sticking in your back!
Sleeping outdoors in a hammock in warm weather is great as there is plenty of ventilation. Air can circulate and flow freely to keep you warm.
Hammocks are generally cheaper to buy than tents. If you are into backpacking and just want a cheap shelter to carry for overnight stays they are a great option.
So what about the downsides of hammocks for camping?
Well, I have yet to find a really effective way to keep warm in a hammock. In a tent you can sleep on a piece of insulating foam or other protection but I don't find this works in a hammock.
Sleeping in a hammock is something of a skill which needs to be acquired! The solution is a way of laying across it diagonally. It takes some getting used to and it's not for everyone.
You need trees or something to fix a hammock to. In certain areas this is pretty much impossible! If you hike above the tree line you may have to climb lower at night to find a place to camp for the night.
On balance I believe hammocks for camping are great so long as you aren't sleeping outdoors in very harsh weather.
Some of the benefits of using a hammock for camping are -
A hammock is generally lighter and easier to carry than a tent. Weight and space are always a prime consideration of hikers and backpackers. There's no need to carry tent poles either!
A hammock can be pitched very quickly. If the weather turns you can literally set it up in minutes as a shelter.
There's no need to search for a level site or to clear away rocks and other debris to hang a hammock. If you're camping with a tent this is always an issue. A rock or stick on the ground can tear or damage a tent. Not only that, have you ever tried sleeping with a rock sticking in your back!
Sleeping outdoors in a hammock in warm weather is great as there is plenty of ventilation. Air can circulate and flow freely to keep you warm.
Hammocks are generally cheaper to buy than tents. If you are into backpacking and just want a cheap shelter to carry for overnight stays they are a great option.
So what about the downsides of hammocks for camping?
Well, I have yet to find a really effective way to keep warm in a hammock. In a tent you can sleep on a piece of insulating foam or other protection but I don't find this works in a hammock.
Sleeping in a hammock is something of a skill which needs to be acquired! The solution is a way of laying across it diagonally. It takes some getting used to and it's not for everyone.
You need trees or something to fix a hammock to. In certain areas this is pretty much impossible! If you hike above the tree line you may have to climb lower at night to find a place to camp for the night.
On balance I believe hammocks for camping are great so long as you aren't sleeping outdoors in very harsh weather.
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