Hammock camping

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Hammock camping is a form of camping in which a camper sleeps in a suspended hammock rather than a conventional tent on the ground. While hammocks have been around for several centuries, modern camping hammocks differ in many ways. They can be set up on the ground when supports are unavailable. In foul weather, a tarpaulin is suspended above the hammock to keep the rain off of the camper. Mosquito netting, sometimes integral to the camping hammock itself, is also used as climatic conditions warrant. Commercial tent hammocks presently cater to campers who are looking for comfort, lighter weight, and protection from ground dwelling insects, arachnids, or other ground risks. Suspension systems and other niche amenities have made hammock camping a popular choice among many outdoor enthusiasts worldwide.

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[edit] History

A Hennessy Hammock suspended between two trees, complete with tarp

The hammock was developed in Pre-Columbian Latin America and continues to be produced widely throughout the region, among the Urarina of the Peruvian Amazon, for several years in Ghana, [1] and presently throughout North America, Europe, and Australia. Though it is unknown who invented the hammock, many maintain that it was a device created out of tradition and need. The word hammock comes from hamaca, a Taino Indian word which means 'thrown fishing net'. On long fishing trips, the Taíno would sleep in their nets, safe from snakes and other dangerous creatures.

[edit] Appeal of hammock camping

The primary appeal of hammock camping for most users is comfort and better sleep, as compared to sleeping on a pad on the ground. Hammock camping enthusiasts argue that hammocks don't harm the environment in the way that conventional tents do. Most hammocks attach to trees via removable webbing straps, or "Tree-Huggers," which don't damage the bark and leave little or no marks afterward. Whereas it's easy to see a frequently-used campground because of the effect on the grass, scrub and topsoil, the presence of a hammock camping site is much harder to detect. This has found favor with hikers and campers who follow the principles of Leave No Trace camping. Hammock camping also opens up many more sites for campers - stony ground, slopes, and so on - as well as keeping them off the ground and away from small animals, reptiles and insects. Sleeping off the ground also keeps the camper out of any rainwater runoff that might seep in under a tent during a downpour. Lastly, the relatively light weight of hammocks makes them ideal for reducing backpack weight, thereby making it a good option for ultralight backpacking enthusiasts.

One of the benefits of hammock camping, however, can also be a significant drawback. A suspended hammock allows for a cooling air flow to surround the camper in hot weather but that also makes it harder to stay warm when temperatures plummet either during the evening or seasonally as a sleeping bag will be compressed under a camper's weight, reducing its ability to trap air and provide insulation. A number of solutions have been found for the "cold backside syndrome" (CBS), most notably to suspend a quilt under the hammock. Some hammocks have been designed with an extra layer of fabric, or a series of large pockets, on the bottom. Insulating material, such as foam, quilting, aluminum windscreen reflectors[2], clothes, or even dead leaves and brush from the campsite is stuffed between the bottom layers or inside the bottom pockets to create an insulating buffer between the camper and the cold outside air. While the above solutions, except for the found materials, add weight and bulk to the hammock, some approaches such as the Hennessey Super Shelter (HHSS) system which uses an ultralight open cell foam with a mylar space blanket make this increase in weight negligible. Another drawback is that a camping hammock require two trees close enough to hang it and strong enough to support the sleeper's weight. This can be a limitation depending on what environment a person is camping in and at higher elevations where trees are more sparse. In these situations hammock campers may bring along a light groundsheet and "go to ground" using their hammock as a ground tent.

[edit] Commercial tent hammocks

A hammock tent, minus the tarp and showing the mosquito netting

Although many hammock tents are homemade there are also a number of commercial ones on the market. Several manufacturers of camping hammocks include the prominent Hennessy and Warbonnet label, as well as Clark Jungle Hammocks, DD Hammocks, Eagle's Nest Outfitters (ENO), Grand Trunk, Hammock Bliss, and Speer. Commercial hammocks include many advanced features like rain flies, mosquito netting, underquilts, and more advanced hanging options and guywires. These hammocks can cost as little as $20 and as much as $500, depending on manufacturer, quality, and amenities.

[edit] Suspension systems, tarps, and amenities

One of the unique concepts of hammock camping is the new diversity of suspension systems and add-ons which campers use in making their hammock set-up unique and functional. The line on which the hammock's weight is held is often 'swapped out' for a variety of lighter weight lines commonly marketed as Amsteel, Dynaglide, or Zing-it. These reduce both weight and bulk. Many use similar lines formed into a constriction knot (colloquially referred to by the brand name "Whoopie Slings"[3]) for quick adjustment and setup. These may be connected to the webbing straps ("Tree Huggers") using a lightweight toggle or a carabiner, or more uniquely designed connectors such as Dutch Clips or Tri-Glides.

Some hammocks such as the Hennessey Hammock are designed with a dedicated tarp. Others like the Warbonnet Blackbird come without a tarp with the understanding the user will want to select the size and style of tarp which best fits their needs. There are many different ways in which hammock campers generally hang their tarp. With the Hennessey setup, the tarp is connected to the hammock's suspension line using a system of mitten hooks and plastic connectors. With most others the tarp is hung separately using either the hammocks integrated ridge line, or a separate ridge line placed under or even over the tarp. While the Hennessey uses an asymmetrical pattern which matches the shape of the hammock, the majority of hammock campers use a hex-shaped tarp, many of which have a caternary shape for strength against wind and reduction in size and weight. The diamond shape tarp is also used by several hammock campers. Additional amenities for these tarps include removable tarp doors (nylon pieces added to the main openings in cold or windy weather). Different designs of tarpline tensioners are sometimes used to keep tarplines tight. One other amenity which is being heralded as a key tarp innovation is the Dutchware "Tarp Flyz" ridgeline adjuster, which is a tiny titanium tensioning cleat that is permanently attached to the ridgeline for quick setup and tension adjustment.

Perhaps owing to hammock camping's increasing popularity, several hammock amenities are being marketed and used. Aftermarket zipper modifications (2QZQ), hammock and tarp storage bags (Hennessy "SnakeSkins" and MountainGoat's Mesh Tarp Storage Sleeve), accessories for hanging underquilts("Triangle Thingies"), internal storage bags (peak bags), lighting systems, and even specialized carabiners (Dutch Clip, Dutch Biner), are used to make hammock setups more personalized and functional.

[edit] References

  1. ^ Baden-Powell, Sir Robert (2005 (1917)). Young Knights of the Empire. Echo Library. ISBN 1846379040. 
  2. ^ Speer, Ed (2003). Hammock Camping: The Complete Guide to Greater Comfort,Convenience and Freedom. Speer Hammocks. ISBN 978-0971859449. 
  3. ^ Hansen, Derek J. (Oct. 2011), The Ultimate Hang (An Illustrated Guide To Hammock Camping) ISBN 1466263687

[edit] External links

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