7 Mistakes New HAMMOCK Campers Should Avoid Making

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This video shows hammock camping mistakes that beginner hammock campers should avoid.

[@Bob_PA]

Step 1) Look at your trees. If the tree has bark falling off of it, it's clearly dying and you should not attach your hammock to it as it could be rotten and fall on you.

[@JeremiahStringer]

Very good point, Bob :D

[@Gingererer]

This is exactly what I was going to recommend, with the addition that you should look for dead branches hanging over your hammock as well.

[@TheTrakker]

We call these things widowmakers.

[@toesockoutdoors3627]

Before setting up anything, look up for widowmakers hanging above

[@JeremiahStringer]

Always :)

[@TheRealJaded]

Funny how so many full grown men are constantly just living in fear

[@user-rx1lc6mp5n]

I need a video about widowmakers. I’m a city kid and I need more education.

[@jklinger031276]

First night I ever hammock camped on the AT, I used Paracord to suspend my hammock.... was on the ground in the morning because the cordage stretched overnight. Bought a set of straps as soon as we got back.

[@JeremiahStringer]

I had a buddy do the same thing. Straps for the win

[@andymytys]

Your friend’s ETSY shop currently just has the Polar Jammer product. What can you tell us about that hammock in the vid? What is it made of, what is the weight, length and width? Thanks!

[@All_Things_Out_Doors]

Hi Andrew! thanks for the inquiry! Jeremiah's hammock is made out of cloud71 fabric that comes in at .71oz per square yard. It does have a recommended limit of 200lbs. Jeremiah's hammock is 5.81 oz including the stuff sack. It is 12 ft long. I will be randomly adding some hammocks to the Esty at some point. Unfortunately I don't make products full time. Its more of a hobby. Family, backpacking, and a full time job take up most of my time. lol I usually make 11foot with stuff sack and continuous loops for $55. If interested I would follow the shop to keep an eye out for a hammock drop.

[@andymytys]

@@All_Things_Out_Doors do you know how wide the hammock is? A lot of UL hammocks are narrow and, as a result, pinch the shoulders. They’re fine for an hourlong nap, but not really for overnight use.

[@All_Things_Out_Doors]

@@andymytys ya sorry forgot to include that. It's a 59 inch wide fabric, and I try to make them as wide on the hem as possible. I do know what you mean. The first hammock I made was Xwide (@ 64in). I will say the 11ft I made myself out of cloud is extremely comfortable. I feel like it is because of the stretch.

[@atgirl]

@@andymytys what is the name of your etsy store? I'd LOVE one of those hammocks for my AT thru hike in 2028.

[@andymytys]

@@atgirl not my ETSY, but the link to what you want is in the video description.

[@CastawayHikes]

Hammock camping has a lot more fine-tuning, experimentation and practice involved than tent camping. It is totally worth the effort to get your hammock system dialed in, but it does take effort. I would say that it is even more important to spend a few nights in your backyard in a hammock system than a tent to accomplish this, and not doing so is a really common mistake that gives a lot of folks a bad taste in their mouths and turns them off from hammock camping

[@JeremiahStringer]

Totally worth dialing it in

[@Xc31]

Somewhat true, but once you get the hang of it and given you travel mostly in woodlands its far easier to setup than a tent as you can ignore groundtypes. I've hung my hammock in marshland and wetland trees where you wouldnt be able to pitch a tent for miles around and same goes for rocky terrain. Gotta be proficient with it though, as falling in a marsh while sleeping wrapped up in a sleepingbag, hammock and mosquito net will most likely not end well.

[@saxoncrow2500]

HI Jeremiah. Thanks for the vid. I'm off hammock camping for the first time this weekend. You mention using trekking poles to gauge distance. Can you tell me what length each pole should be please?

[@JeremiahStringer]

I do mine as long as they will go

[@susanp.collins7834]

Go to your hardware/curtain store and get yourself 2 hollow stainless steel curtain rods that are 1.5m long. (I say two because I have 2). Get 4 large ferrules from your hardware store. These are the rubber caps that fit on the ends of all sorts of things. Put one on each end of each curtain rod. They should fit perfectly. Then, you store your cordage INSIDE your curtain rod. Also oddities like Bic mini lighters, a small ferro rod - whatever will fit. The ferrules fit snugly. The curtain rods are very shiny and you may want to camo paint them. If you decide to get creative and wrap a little duct tape around them, wrap a little cling wrap around the curtain rod first and then wrap the duct tape over it. Quite tightly. Using your imagination there are limitless mods you can do to these things including using them as tent poles.

[@bucktalesoutdoors7566]

Gonna be Hammock camping for the first time this year , thanks for the tips Jeremiah!

[@JeremiahStringer]

Have fun!

[@ThatGay1]

Me too , In 2 weeks

[@zebgreen8989]

I've backpacked a little before but I'm working on my hammock setup now so this was very helpful! I also was wondering if you have ever backpacked at mammoth cave national Park? If so, how was it and do you have any recommendations?

[@JeremiahStringer]

I haven't backpacked there, but they have maps on their website. I think there's over 80 miles of bike/hike trails there

[@plywoodcarjohnson5412]

Can you bring a miniburner and some iron and heat it? I just like making knives and axes and if I heat a big piece of iron it appears to be a heater that you can put on a brick. If you have a tarp maybe you can trap some heat? It's just an idea. At least it wont give you carbonmonoxide poisoning. Just place the heated iron away from you if you fall down. Build some rockformation, put it inside. You can put hot water in cokebottles to heat you up as well. I don't know, just thinking out loud. Great upload thx!!!

[@JeremiahStringer]

I think that would be possible, but I'm not totally sure to be honest

[@dontall71]

Another mistake is not installing drip lines on either side of the hammock.

[@JeremiahStringer]

Very true. Great point

[@livinglikeahuman7918]

Learned this the hard way

[@roaming_bob8591]

Great suggestion with the trekking poles.

[@JeremiahStringer]

Thank you :D

[@toesockoutdoors3627]

Yep, that’s exactly how I measure the tree distances

[@striker7s708]

Hey Palz! Excellent work! It's elegant! Enthralling! Bye for now!

[@JeremiahStringer]

Thank you :D

[@OldNavajoTricks]

I stand at one tree and pace to the next with one word per step. Can I really set up here. If I can touch the second tree from the last step then I can set up off it.

[@JeremiahStringer]

That’s a good idea

[@brandontaylor3874]

2 questions Just started to use a hammock, tent was annoying me too much. So im a bit new Im actually having trouble getting comfortable? i dont like my legs bending upward like im a stork or something. Like a human banana. Is that just unavoidable, or should i adjust my hammock somehow? second. watched a couple of videos everyone seems to have a southeastern accent. (guess thats where the trees are lol) where are you from?

[@JeremiahStringer]

Try laying asymmetrical. Head on one side and feet on the other diagonally. You'll get a much better lay. I am from south central KY, right on the border of TN

[@susanp.collins7834]

​@@JeremiahStringerJeremiah, I think you could have worded that advice a little more fortuitously...😅.

[@JeremiahStringer]

@@susanp.collins7834what do you mean

[@bucky716]

mistake #8 -- not going to a nearby park to practice setting up numerous times before the first camping trip!

[@JeremiahStringer]

Important to do before heading out to the backcountry

[@saustindavis]

Ha, I did that last week because we're trying hammock camping for the first time this weekend! I got some funny looks... I think people thought I was homeless and setting up camp at the park!

[@BackpackingwithBuckley]

I like to keep my feet a little higher then my head. Most find it more comfy.

[@JeremiahStringer]

I do as well. That's a good one

[@davidschmude]

Most definitely. Most of us were raised as tent campers where the rule of thumb is the exact opposite. I didn’t believe the feet higher than the head suggestion. I mean we were taught that would give you a headache. Not so in a hammock. If your feet are too low you will slide down past your underquilt and you’ll end up with cold feet. I speak from experience.

[@DMSAdventures]

Man, having that across the street is awesome! Do you ever get an audience of neighbors!?

[@JeremiahStringer]

Lol unfortunately so

[@ThePatente]

30 years of Hammock camping ...:) I HATE underquilt. I Hate it, I hate it... ... Personnal preference...:) I highly prefer a good Therm-A-Rest, I slip it inside my sleeping bag, in winter, I have two Wool blanket to add with the Therm-A-Rest, bingo! :)

[@JeremiahStringer]

That's a great option too :D

[@ThePatente]

@@JeremiahStringer BUT!!!!!!!!!! No campers the same. My friend who camp with me CAN'T use my #?@$&%&@?#$% Therm-A-Rest. SHE CAN'T!!!! After 30 minutes in, she ALWAYS have the Therm-A-Rest right in her face... 🤣🤣🤣 I don't know, I don't understand how she does it... lol Excellent video my man.

[@JeremiahStringer]

@@ThePatente Thank you!

[@richardreed6249]

Jeremiah, I have a question. Have you ever used an air mattress between your underquilt and hammok. I have a Klymiy insulated pad that slides around, but though i could combine it with an underquilt to improve my insulation. Thought?

[@JeremiahStringer]

I haven't tried it, but I don't think it would work well. The pads job is to reflect heat back up. The underquilts job is to trap heat so without contact with your body it wouldn't have heat to trap. Maybe around the shoulder area. The pad wouldn't let the underquilt trap the heat directly below you. Give it a try though and let me know how it goes. I'm very curious. Being warm with the pad wasn't the problem for me. It was that the pad wasn't comfortable in the hammock and sometimes would slide

[@amyk2316]

I’ve done this, but I also like to use a double hammock so the underquilt covers where my insulated sleeping pad doesn’t. In particular, the sides since double hammocks are wider or when the sleeping pad slides I don’t need to worry about waking up cold.

[@matthewdukes3207]

Not using heavy enough cordage on your tarp (for high wind conditions) and snapping lines in the middle of the night...

[@JeremiahStringer]

That's a good one

[@CanoehoundAdventures]

Great Tips Jeremiah... ESPECIALLY #7...

[@JeremiahStringer]

Appreciate it!

[@myusernameblows]

Great vid, thanks for the heeymick advice!

[@JeremiahStringer]

Lol you're welcome

[@AdamChamness]

Mistake #0.5 - mistaking your bugnet for a hammock, and "stretching it out". I thought you were joking at first, but you stayed on there the whole video! lol

[@JeremiahStringer]

Lol that’s great material

[@edking6835]

It's important not to string your hammock no higher than you're willing to fall...

[@JeremiahStringer]

True that! I fell in mine last weekend. Head end dropped because my strap shredded

[@donaldstrader7241]

I know someone who in sitting down in a hammock flipped over and broke their collarbone. Ouch! So it is a consideration. The hammock had been hung high in a yard for someone with stiff knees, so was high for them when they got in. I think it may have been one of those attached to a stand. It made me think of the benefits of a Hennesy Hammock, but I don't know if you can use an underquilt with those and have not checked to see if their is some special method.

[@Rob--]

Check the trees for ants.

[@JeremiahStringer]

Good advice!

[@shawnr6117]

If that's a issue where you camp maybe take a tiny spray bottle of permethrin, just don't spray the whole tree

[@Rob--]

@@shawnr6117 I use cinnamon. But thanks for the idea.

[@BackpackingwithBuckley]

I loved the scene of you gingerly getting into that hammock! 🤣 Isn't the Cloud71 crazy stuff?

[@JeremiahStringer]

Lol gotta be careful. At the end there is a blooper of me falling XD I had to refilm it and next time I made sure I didn't

[@BackpackingwithBuckley]

@@JeremiahStringer oh, I saw the blooper too bud. 🤣

[@dakotabyer3191]

I bring extra rope just in case I can’t find trees close enough!

[@JeremiahStringer]

Good thinking!

[@stevensawyer2489]

Rain drip cord on hang line to keep under quilt dry when it rains.

[@JeremiahStringer]

That’s a good one

[@olivo-viejo]

Why are hammocks not sold with an underquilt attached?

[@JeremiahStringer]

Some hammocks are, but the main reason is because you want to use them in multiple weather situations. For example, I have a 0° Underquilt for winter time and a 40° Underquilt if it’s a shoulder season here in KY

[@olivo-viejo]

@@JeremiahStringer No underquilt in summer?

[@JeremiahStringer]

Depends on the temperatures honestly. Sometimes I do if it’s getting below 70 or so at night. I also have an Underquilt protector that I can use instead. It’ll keep the mosquitoes from biting you through the hammock material in the warmer temps. You can buy them at hammockgear.com

[@bojanpijunovic6143]

Hmm... One question: If you use underquilt, do you need sleeping bag or blanket or something?

[@ClickThwaaack]

Much like with the sleeping bag, this will depend on both the individual and the environment. If it is warm, a light blanket might be all that is needed, or nothing at all.

[@bojanpijunovic6143]

@@ClickThwaaack Thanks for answer buddy.

[@JeremiahStringer]

As long as it is rated properly for the weather and how you sleep it will keep your underside warm. For the topside of you, most people use a sleeping bag or a top quilt

[@bojanpijunovic6143]

@@JeremiahStringer is there any thing like a sleeping bag through which a hammock passes so that it serves both as an under quilt and as a top quilt and as a sleeping bag? Seems easier to carry one item instead of two. Of course budget variant will be more acceptable 😅 Btw i just started to build my sleeping system so that's why I'm so curious about it. Thanks for your time.

[@JeremiahStringer]

@@bojanpijunovic6143 There is a bag like that, but it's going to be dependent on the conditions you are in. Something like that will keep you warm in summer conditions, but winter you would need a separate quilt and underquilt. It would take a lot of energy from your body to produce enough heat to warm up the dead space with a one component sleep system like you described

[@dakotabyer3191]

I’ve been watching your videos for a while and you seem to interact with your audience more than a lot of other, so that leaves me wanting to ask you a question. I haven’t seen any others make this video that I’ve been wanting to see. A video on sleeping bags that are very budget friendly, light weight, can atleast go to 32 F and are extremely packable meaning they won’t take up a ton of room in a bag. I’ve been looking for a sleeping bag, but I don’t know what to get. I’d rather not spend a ton of money on one.

[@JeremiahStringer]

Thank you :) What you are asking about would be the holy grail of sleeping bags. Usually if it's budget friendly it's a little more bulky and heavier. I would check out the Nemo Disco 15 deg. It's a great bag that will keep you warm at 32 deg F. I'm not sure what your budget is, but if you can hold off and save some money to buy a good quality bag, that's what I would do.

[@shadwell749]

You remind me of Jake Busey

[@JeremiahStringer]

I’ll take that as a complement lol

[@marekbarycz4397]

Step one. Invest in rigeline. Step two invest in physics book. If You are in hammock gravity pulls You down not to sideway. You can fall out out hammock only intentionally. In sleep it is impossible.

[@JeremiahStringer]

Good stuff, Marek :D

[@Xc31]

I always have to wrestle myself out of my hammock. No way I could fall from it by accident, not even when sitting. Might depend on the make though.

[@kyridgejumper]

Number 1 look at the trees your hanging on and don’t hang on dead trees

[@JeremiahStringer]

Could be very dangerous hanging on dead ones for sure

[@RadioPaul1]

I did not know Jake Busey was into camping LOL

[@JeremiahStringer]

Lol if only

[@andueskitzoidneversolo2823]

quick question. if i am hanging in a tree between layers of feathers. can i call myself a baby bird?

[@JeremiahStringer]

Lol definitely

[@shawnr6117]

If you know anyone who hammock camps get their advice before you buy anything

[@JeremiahStringer]

Very wise

[@pansejra]

Hi, Jeremiah, I've come across your channel just recently, liked the contend and got subscribed. I've got a quick question, are you a Christian? No worries, I'm just wondering. I'll remain subscribed even if you were not a believer. :) Cheers!

[@JeremiahStringer]

I am a Christian. Our life group is meeting tonight :D

[@pansejra]

@@JeremiahStringer I knew you are! Jesus is looking out of your eyes, brother! :)

[@ModernGentleman]

HOOWATS goin on HOCKERS

[@JeremiahStringer]

XD

[@ModernGentleman]

@@JeremiahStringer my brother and I have watched your channel for a couple years and we have this long running kind of joke where we only say hockin instead of hiking. When we encounter other people on the trail we say that "hoowats goin on hockers"! 😄 youd be suprised how many people know the saying and know you in the hiking community.

[@JeremiahStringer]

Lol that's crazy you'd meet people that know it XD

[@Strokesurvivor50]

Etsy link only shows polar jammers

[@All_Things_Out_Doors]

Hi Mark! Unfortunately I don't make products full time. Its more of a hobby. Family, backpacking, and a full time job take up most of my time. lol I usually make 11foot with stuff sack and continuous loops for $55. If interested I would follow the shop to keep an eye out for a hammock drop. The Polar Jammers are a fund raiser to help feed family's for the holidays.

[@Strokesurvivor50]

What is that hammock made from and weight limit. Thank you for replying.

[@All_Things_Out_Doors]

@@Strokesurvivor50 no problem! It's cloud71. It is rated for a 200lb limit....my weight is 215 and I haven't had issues.

[@preyingjaws]

Looking at the bark on the tree you hitched to, looks like that tree's dead. Don't hang on dead trees. It is deadly to do so.

[@JeremiahStringer]

Good advice. That tree isn’t dead

[@TubaSolotheHiker]

Yes. Agreed. Hammocks.....so...many...mistakes.

[@JeremiahStringer]

Lol too many

[@martinhulott4515]

What's a hammick?

[@JeremiahStringer]

lol that’s hammock for southerners

[@mikejw58]

I made the mistake of thinking I could go tho sleep in a hammock. Now I got all this gear and can't use it

[@JeremiahStringer]

You can probably sell all that on FB lol

[@PacMan257]

Never, ever use rope around the tree's as a suspension.

[@jacobpoucher]

never ever?!

[@PacMan257]

@@jacobpoucher It damages the cambian layer of the tree and can kill it. If the tree is already dead that's not a problem but then again you shouldn't be hanging from dead trees either. :)

[@JeremiahStringer]

Very trye

[@rodgerthedodger1345]

🙄🙄🙄🙄

[@christianb8228]

@@PacMan257 another reason why tents are better

[@dr.detroit2877]

No, I will never hammock camp again. After being tied up like a cocoon for a spider's meal and having to cut myself out of it, I still have nightmares to this day of dying in a hammock.

[@JeremiahStringer]

I don't blame you

[@outdoorsythings2573]

Sounds like a good/ bad story there. I'm highly interested Had a situation like that with a bivy. Nothing worse then being a bear sandwich. Had Mr bear come sniffing, and I couldn't find the darn zippers to get out in a rush, ended up useing my knife and cutting my self out, wreaked a good bivy and scared the living poop out the bear, he ran off as I jump out of what was left my the bivy sack.. never never again will sleep in one.

[@edjarrett53]

I only watched the first three of your mistakes. And there were two mistakes in it. You were hanging from a dead tree. A big no-no. And you had the buckle on the wrong side of the tree.

[@JeremiahStringer]

Good stuff :D

[@edjarrett53]

@@JeremiahStringer I discovered after posting this that I was wrong about the buckles. He was doing it right and I was wrong. But hanging from a dead tree is still a big mistake. Especially one that has been dead long enough for the bark to be falling off.

[@shanebrowning8862]

Etsy links suck.

[@JeremiahStringer]

Sorry