Hammocks have to be the most comfortable thing I’ve added to my camping gear. They are a fantastic summertime option when it is hot outside. Hammocks are comfortable, can be put up anywhere you have 2 sturdy trees, and most importantly, incredibly light. I prefer hammock camping to tent camping every time as long as the weather cooperates.
Hammocks are great when it’s warm and sunny. There are plenty of people who say they can work in winter, but I am not one of them. I don’t typically camp in a hammock if the low is below 60. Rain can also be a damper on camping in a hammock. Rain flies do work, but when you mix rain with the wind sometimes it will find its way under the rain fly regardless. I typically camp in a tent when rain is in the forecast. It’s worth noting if you’re hiking during the warm season, bring a bug net!
The best part? Over summer, I’ll pack a hammock and a light sheet. No sleeping bag!
Times to camp in a hammock:
Warm weather (70F+) with no rain
Heavily wooded woods
Times it is OK to camp in a hammock:
Cooler weather (50F+ but Bring a great sleeping bag)
Light rain (bring a rain fly)
Never camp in a hammock:
Cold nights (below 40F)
Bad weather or heavy rain
Areas that aren’t wooded (If you’re taking a trip out west to the plains or the dessert)
We suggest the Eno:
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Absolutely the hammock of choice. Enos are lightweight, comfortable, and decently priced.
Pros: These are easy to find and have been tested by users around the world. They are very light and can easily be put up anywhere.
Cons: They are not super durable. These will wear out after a few years (depending on how often you use it) and you’ll have to just replace it.
We suggest getting the extended straps for those hard-to-reach trees, bug net, and rain fly with your hammock!
Make sure you get the right hammock for you. If you are smaller (maybe under 175lbs) you can get away with the single nest. If you’re larger like me, you should grab a double nest.
You will need a hammock and straps. I also suggest grabbing a rain fly and bug net! (I have it all and it works incredibly well together!)
