If this has been thoroughly covered in another thread (or several others) I'd be glad to mooch off that one and get my info there, but I did a search and couldn't really find what I was looking for.

I trip in the summer and am interested in switching from tent sleeping to hammock sleeping.

This might sound stupid, but...what all do I need to buy?

Obviously a hammock. These seem pretty straight forward on gear sites.

Some sort of rain protection as well...do they make special hammock rain flys, or do I just need to be crafty enough to rig a normal rain fly over me? Camping in storm season, I'll need to be prepared for sideways rain.

Then, I have a sleeping bag that's rated for the proper temp I'll typically be camping in...is it enough to just be in that alone in the hammock, or would I want to bring some sort of liner or blanket for some extra warmth underneath me?

And what about straps & other equipment necessary to rig it to the trees? I assume there's something more sophisticated than a nylon rope...I don't trust my knots at all so I'm hoping so.

Anything else? Do they sell all this stuff as a package or is it all piece meal?

Thanks for any advice!

This should answer all your questions

There is a hammock camping specialty forum here that you could check out.

Rain flies you can make do with a regular tarp but you'll want to rig it like a diamond. Kelty Noah's tarps or similar would be preferred over a square tarp. You'll probably want bug netting as well either integrated into the hammock or as an add-on cocoon unless you're going to be using it outside of bug season.

For summer use you may be able to get away without an underquilt, especially if you put a partially inflated pad or foam pad underneath you in the hammock. It will also prevent mosquitos from biting you thru the hammock material.

There exist specialty straps & rigging that you wrap around your trees and then you can use climbing rated caribiners to attach to the straps. Some use buckles in lieu of the caribiners.

If you YouTube, check out Shug's channel. He has videos covering pretty much all aspects of hammock camping.

Since you're just starting off I suggest you don't invest a lot of money right away, you can make do with relatively inexpensive hammocks until you're sure hammocking is the way to go for you.

hammockforums.net also has a lot of information and regular postings from the vendors if you have questions about a certain brand.

Been considering a try myself, just not committed. Have researched and built a list. The gear is much more cottage industry oriented, a link to some cottage suppliers, but that's general with a few hammock specific.
mirth offered very good advice, the avocation has a money-pit tendency, as bad as canoeing.

butthead

Before you plunge into the hammock world see if you can rent one and try it for a few nights. Hammock use is not for everyone. I used one for several trips, properly set up, and just didn't like it. FYI even in the summer in the BW I would purchase an under quilt of some sort.

Getting into hammocking is a bit like going down the rabbit hole...and while I wouldn't say it's revolutionized my experience in the BWCA/Q, it has certainly made it much, much, much more enjoyable. I actually sleep now.

Anywho, you can also check out Shug on youtube. A quick search will bring up his page. He's got a ton of great info. If there's one thing I found (and still find) a little intimidating about hammocking, it's the complexity -- there's more going on (and more to get wrong) than with a tent, and I'm still getting the hang of it. Pardon the (overused) pun.

You can use your sleeping bag in the hammock but it's hard to crawl into one when hanging. Just unzip it almost all the way but leave a foot box and then use the whole bag on top of you. An underquilt or just a pad under you is necessary. The bugs will get you through the fabric if nothing is there. Shug has a 7 part video series aimed at newbies to hammocks on YouTube.

You don't need to spend a fortune.

I use a $40 Byer of Maine hammock and paracord, and use some other old cloth material around the tree instead of fancy straps so I don't hurt the tree. Tie about a foot long piece of paracord on each side of the ropes for a drip line in case it rains, this stops the water from dripping down your lines and into your hammock.

I pitch it under a Nemo, which has mesh netting, but a tarp would work also. Mesh is optional but nice to have. If no netting, spray the hammock and your bag with permethrin, and if you want, take a head net. Once you're past peak bug season in spring/early summer, bugs shouldn't be a big problem. As said above, if your hanging in summer, just use your sleeping pad in the hammock, along with your bag, that's all you'll need.

I know my set up is cheap, but it works, and way, way for comfortable than sleeping on the ground.

Hammocks and associated gear take up very little room in your pack, you might want to give yourself both options, hammock and in the tent, on your next trip so you can try the hammock but still have the tent if needed.

My advice:

Borrow a quality setup and try it out before you buy. There is a real difference between a quality setup and casual hammock.

I did that and found that hammock camping is not for me. I much prefer tenting but I can see how some might prefer the hammock. I'm very glad I didn't spend the money on the hammock.

Our group has taken the cheap set ups. . . Grand Trunk sleeve hammocks and a tarp, up to full camping setups with underquilts (Hennessy, Chrysalis, Clarke, etc). You can buy a Henssey Expedition hammock which has the bug netting and tarp for $135 on Amazon. Only thing you need is insulation. A self inflating pad would work. We use sleeping bags unziped almost all the way down as blankets. You can't buy a decent tent for $135.

That said, if you like it, then add a nice down underquilt. It will cost you $250 to $300 but will make hammocking far more comfortable.

Finally, there are different types of hammocks. Henessy and Blackbird, Clark are all the type you sleep on an angle on your back. We have switched over to Chrysalis Hammocks which are bar end hammocks. They allow you sleep flat, even on your stomach. Best part of the Chrysalis is that they have a double sleeve bottom which allows you to just slide in your favorite camping pad and you are done! $200 for the total set up.

Getting started is cheap. Getting comfortable is considerably more expensive.

The learning curve is steep but, extremely worth the effort.

The best approach to learning to hammock camp is to find someone you know who is already hammocking and let them brag about their set-up. If you don't know a hammocker approach the next one you see and let them brag about their set-up. Everyone who finally fine-tunes their hammock set-up will be excited to share their adventure.

First and foremost do you sleep on your back or stomach? (rhetoric) I slept uneasy on my first experience sleeping in a Hennessy Expedition hammock but that was because I was trying to turn over on my stomach during sleep. Side sleeping is OK on those quality hammocks from what I've gathered. Eventually, I quit tossing and turning and sleeping was sound. Getting all wrapped up in the sleeping bag was another matter. ;-) It was so cool to wake up, pull snakeskins over the hammock, untie staps. Done!

Reasonably priced decent quality hammock equipment can be found at DD Hammocks. They're out of Great Britain by you literary get your order in 2 or 3 days. Good Customer service as well.

mjmkjun: "It was so cool to wake up, pull snakeskins over the hammock, untie staps. Done!"

Yes, and I like how everything is done at waist level. No more crawling on the ground.

Here's a video from Shug about starting out with a cheap rig.

Hammock, suspension straps, underquilt, bug net, tarp. Then unzip your sleeping bag and use like a top quilt, put your feet in the foot box area in the sleeping bag. I agree you should try out before. I spent my first night in a hammock in the BWCA, and regretted it. The next night I found out what I was doing wrong and then I got it dialed in. I love a hammock for sleeping now.

Rabbit hole indeed, but Alice learned a lot on her trip. There are so many variations in gear and styles. I started with gathered end cheapo gear using tie down straps to hook to trees. I have upgraded to Warbonnet blackbirds and recently purchased the ridgerunner (a spreader bar system) . Napping in the basement has been very pleasant this winter. And some pad or underquilt is not an option least you learn about the cold butt syndrome.

My input is the learning curve. Getting the right angle (height on the trees where the straps are placed) and tension will make a major difference in sleeping comfort. While there are not rocks and roots underneath, you can still sleep on a hill with improper angle. Setting up the tarp so you have headroom to get in and out and still get coverage is also an issue. An improper tarp setup can be a wind tunnel at night. There are other subtle things hangers learn to improve comfort.

Best advice, try it out before you spend very much. Most of us hangers are more than willing to share. Your profile does not tell me where you are, but if you can make the spring wing in Rockford I am sure you will get the chance to see several systems and pick some well rested brains.

Shug

People sure like to make sleeping in a hammock complicated. Buy a cheap hammock and give it a try. You'll learn something from it and at worst have a hammock to lay around in even if you don't sleep in it. There are tons of hammocks for sale from $20 to $50 that will do the job.

HangEmHigh: "People sure like to make sleeping in a hammock complicated. Buy a cheap hammock and give it a try. You'll learn something from it and at worst have a hammock to lay around in even if you don't sleep in it. There are tons of hammocks for sale from $20 to $50 that will do the job."

Trying to sleep well in a hammock not specifically designed for that purpose will be difficult. There are big differences in the shape and design of inexpensive lounging hammocks and more expensive camping hammocks. The best resources for those looking to learn about and try hammock camping are Hammock Forums and Shug's videos.

The biggest downside of a good hammock setup is , being way too comfortable to get up early and fish! The biggest up side is waking up in a cacoon, not stiff, and being able to look around at one of the most beautiful places in the world. Not stuck in a bubble on a crappy air mattress. Like everyone else , got all my knowledge from Shug/ Hammock Forums.

unshavenman: "

HangEmHigh: "People sure like to make sleeping in a hammock complicated. Buy a cheap hammock and give it a try. You'll learn something from it and at worst have a hammock to lay around in even if you don't sleep in it. There are tons of hammocks for sale from $20 to $50 that will do the job."

Trying to sleep well in a hammock not specifically designed for that purpose will be difficult. There are big differences in the shape and design of inexpensive lounging hammocks and more expensive camping hammocks. The best resources for those looking to learn about and try hammock camping are Hammock Forums and Shug's videos."

+1
There's a big difference in comfort when spending the night in a hammock that's designed for that vs. your basic "tie it to the tree and lay in it" hammock. The good ones will have a built in "foot box" to enable you to lay on a diagonal for the flattest lay. Big difference than trying to sleep like a banana in a day hammock.

I think people who try very cheap hammocks to see if they will like it or not invariably have a bad experience and never get to experience the awesome sleep a well designed hammock can give you.

Other good resources mentioned but you certainly should check out dutchwaregear.com - Dutch knows hammocks.

sns: "Other good resources mentioned but you certainly should check out dutchwaregear.com - Dutch knows hammocks."

im surprised at this. LOL
i came from a dutch family. haha i have to google to get my answers.

I haven't attempted it but should I ever I always thought I would go with something like this Hammock

Whatever system and price point you decide on, please do not just tie ropes to the trees. Use a proper strap that is at least an inch wide (preferably 2"). They are widely available, and neither expensive, nor complicated. Find something made of poly rather than nylon, too. Nylon stretches, and you don't want to find yourself lower than you started. The only way I want to wake up on the ground is if I started the night there in a tent.

I was just at arguably one of the best hammock sites in the BWCA a couple of weeks ago, and saw that the trees had been decimated in part by people using ropes and/or paracord to hang hammocks. There were numerous other egregious violations and crimes against nature committed there, but the rope marks on the trees is the one relevant to this thread. Seriously...carelessness or lack of knowledge/understanding gives hammocking a bad name and will get it shut down for all of us. It's easy enough (and frankly, easier) to do it the right way.

Othello: "Whatever system and price point you decide on, please do not just tie ropes to the trees. Use a proper strap that is at least an inch wide (preferably 2"). They are widely available, and neither expensive, nor complicated. Find something made of poly rather than nylon, too. Nylon stretches, and you don't want to find yourself lower than you started. The only way I want to wake up on the ground is if I started the night there in a tent.


I was just at arguably one of the best hammock sites in the BWCA a couple of weeks ago, and saw that the trees had been decimated in part by people using ropes and/or paracord to hang hammocks. There were numerous other egregious violations and crimes against nature committed there, but the rope marks on the trees is the one relevant to this thread. Seriously...carelessness or lack of knowledge/understanding gives hammocking a bad name and will get it shut down for all of us. It's easy enough (and frankly, easier) to do it the right way."

With the straps it is basically effortless

Dream Hammocks in Ohio. Small company. Nice folks. Great hammocks! I have the 'Sparrow' in 58" width. Perfect for my 5'7" height. Asym cut/right lay. When I'm laying in the hammock I can see the scenery around me. I get a flat lay which is important as I change positions in sleep. In my Hennessy Expedition, it's more like a cocoon.
People who tie ropes around trees and destroy the bark will inevitably cause bans on hammock hanging. What do they care about trees? It's all about them.
"Stupid is as stupid does." Forest Gump