Backpacking with a HAMMOCK made simple

A few months ago I was walking through a city park and I noticed a mother and young child trying to hang a hammock in the park. I stopped to help, and it reminded me of how daunting a task it was to learn the first time. Hopefully this takes some of the mystery out of backpacking or camping in a hammock for you, because it really is amazing.
00:00 Equipment
00:31 Site Selection
01:27 Setting Up Tree Straps
02:27 Hanging The Hammock
03:52 Lying Flat
04:21 Insulation
06:02 Set Up The Tarp

[@MattyOutdoors]

One of the best introductory hammock videos there is!

[@BACKPACKERish]

Thanks brother! I’m sure there’s a ton that I missed, but I think it covers enough for someone’s first night not to suck.

[@MattyOutdoors]

@@BACKPACKERish you pretty much nailed it

[@VinceFowler]

Agreed, @MattyOutdoors

[@VinceFowler]

Great "how to video". Honestly, I've never once considered a hammock until I watched this, Nate. Now that I'm home from our May Long adventure, I really regret not taking a closer look at your setup! Next time!

[@BACKPACKERish]

Next time we’re out you should take one for a spin….or nap or whatever. lol

[@iceman857]

Nice introductory video on hammocks - you covered the important bits to get a beginner hanging! There is a learning curve to hammocking, for sure, but if you can get the big things right, the rest comes with experience. I like how you used a slippery half hitch with a toggle on the tarp ridgeline to keep it from sliding (which can honestly be a problem if you use the wrong cordage with the line locs).

[@BACKPACKERish]

Thanks! I’m lazy with my line locs…and I camp in gusty places…so that toggle is a hard learned lesson late at night! Lol. I really appreciate the feedback, thank you.

[@RichardNeis-cj2ho]

What gear are you using?

[@BACKPACKERish]

The insulation is outdoor vitals and the rest is from hammock gear. I’m planning on doing some reviews on it all sometime soon-ish. I would recommend both companies though.

[@tonielein]

Any advice for a good lightweight tarp under 200$?

[@BACKPACKERish]

Actually, onewind has a couple good options. I just picked up a larger one with doors for this winter from them.

[@tonielein]

do you mind sending me the link for it? I need a square one as light as possible. Thank you. @@BACKPACKERish

[@BACKPACKERish]

@@tonielein Here's the one that I picked up for this winter...12', silnylon, under 2 lbs. www.onewindoutdoors.com/products/onewind-silnylon-tarp-ultralight-waterproof-12ft

[@kigo27]

Not everyone uses a structural ridgeline. It would be good to introduce and explain ridgelines.

[@BACKPACKERish]

That’s so true! I remember when I learned about the ridge line and it completely changed the experience. I missed it completely in this one.

[@kigo27]

Same. I hammock camped for a couple of years before I added a structural ridgeline. So handy to hold bugnets up, hang lights and organizers on, etc.

[@kigo27]

Could do intermediate hammock videos covering ridgelines, both structural and for rain flies/tarps. Types/shapes of rain flies. Bugnets, socks, organizers, snakeskins, lighting. . .

[@BACKPACKERish]

That’s a great idea! I’ve added it to my list!