Four Hammock Camping Myths Dispelled

[@davidschmude]

When I made the decision to invest in a hammock setup in 2019, I researched it heavily on the Web and on KZbin. I watched videos by Shug & Frozen. I thought I was well versed enough to make an informed purchase. But right before I was ready pull the trigger found out about a group hang not far from home. I went rather reluctantly as I’m not the most outgoing person. But I wasn’t around the campsite long before I was approached by one of the campers. Before it was said and done several of the participants drug out some of their extra “stuff” and put me up for the night. I didn’t go planning on staying so I was fed and had water filtered for me. Given that welcome I have always tried to “pay it forward”. If anyone is inquisitive about my hammock set up, I always try to help. That was four hammocks, two tarp, two underquilts, two top quilts and countless pieces of “bling” ago. If you’re interested in hammock camping, go for it. But do your research and make an informed purchase the first time. Don’t be afraid to ask a hammocker for advice. Happy camping !!

[@TheOlsonOutfit]

My first hammock purchase was rather intimidating because of all the jargon. 2 years of hammock camping later and I'm totally comfortable on any hammock webstore. I always try to explain the basics to those interested so they can make better decisions than I did.

[@DavyRayVideo]

My first in-person meeting with people from the hammock forum was a very pleasant revelation. Best group of good people I have ever encountered. Y'all are the best.

[@fairwind8222]

Group hang…. That sounds like a better place to check out different Riggs and options than camp show or stores. Info on forums? And as for not being outgoing, I’m with you . I go camping to get away from people!

[@dutch3323]

Group hangs are a great way to get to know different kinds of hammocks and what works for you! For anyone who's interested, here is a great resource: dutchwaregear.com/hammock-hang-events/

[@dutch3323]

@@DavyRayVideo This is so great to hear!

[@blcolon]

You’re such a great guy and I am proud to have supported your company as you have supported my hobby over the years.

[@dutch3323]

Hey! I can't thank you enough. Your support makes all the difference!

[@sundaymorninghikes6275]

All great points, Dutch! Worth mentioning is the UQ and TQ are insulation, not heaters. Just as a thermos would keep water cold or coffee hot, if one hops into a TQ cold, it's not going to work out well. But I'm really surprised to learn tents aren't bear proof! WHAT?!?!?!?

[@dutch3323]

Great point!

[@marambula]

Sometimes I wonder if i’ve done myself a disservice by making my own hammocks and have still not bought a chameleon. Then again I’ve made about a dozen quilts and a few under quilts and most of them are fabrics from your site so obviously i’m doing something right. My hammock materials are all from you too so all i’m missing out on is the chameleons awesome design and attachments available. I’ve made tarps too but now I just buy them from you so one day I might just have to go full chameleon. -May the Hike be with You.-

[@dutch3323]

Hey, Maramvula! Thanks for your support! Sounds like you've been having fun!

[@sandrajackson7929]

I am a 5'4" 57yo female. I bought a Warbonnet XLC 2 years ago. If I get it hung just right, I can actually STOMACH sleep in it. I once slept 11 straight hours in my XLC for the first time since I was a teenager! No problems side sleeping in it either. I prefer to use a blow up U shaped travel pillow with the curve of the U at my neck so I can turn left to right and still sleep comfortably. Also a blow up rectangle pillow between my knees to reduce lumbar pressure. (I do this at home as well). I bought the double layer expecting to use my sleep pad between, but that really does not work very well so I definitely recommend an under quilt. Once I invested in an under quilt, I camped on the TN river with a friend who was in a tent. The next morning, she reported that a SEVERE thunderstorm had moved thru overnight. I stayed off the ground, warm and dry and never woke up!

[@dutch3323]

Thanks for watching!

[@Beakermilk]

Winter Hammocking is the best time of year to be in a hammock. I backpacked using a tent since I was 12, I never slept one night without tossing and turning. 30 years of sleepless nights. In my hammock I wake up only if I need to pee. If you don’t like a hammock, you aren’t using it right.

[@cottontalesfromthetrail5474]

Dutch, I got the zipped underquilt and boy is that a game changer. Thanks!

[@TianarTruegard]

My first time sleeping in a hammock, I found I woke up without having to deal with a stiff back that I normally get sleeping on a pad in a tent. I'm not going to sleep in a regular tent again unless that's the only option. There is definitely a learning curve to sleeping in a hammock though.

[@dutch3323]

Great to hear! We definitely agree that nights in the trees are way better than nights on the ground!

[@dutch3323]

@@cottontalesfromthetrail5474 Way less fiddle factor can be a great thing! Glad you are enjoying it!

[@dutch3323]

@@TianarTruegard Agreed!

[@CHAINHUNTER]

This is great ! Dutchware’s staying alive !! Thanks errr buddy

[@dutch3323]

You bet!

[@bobbuhler3753]

Hi Dutch, that was a good, basic educational introduction to hammocking. You have some good information for the uninitiated and curious. Keep them coming. Thanks!

[@dutch3323]

Love helping people find their way to sway between the trees!

[@bushcraftbasics2036]

Thanks for making this.

[@dutch3323]

You are welcome!

[@dutch3323]

Thanks for watching!

[@jimswms]

Myth 2. Not gonna argue any of your points dutch. I don't disagree, but I can assure you there isn't a whole lot scarier than shining a headlamp into an adult black bears eyes staring at you just on the other side of your bugnet. I think he was just curious. Rather than a bite, he could've finished me off easy enough, instead, he got a taste and ran away. Game Warden said I was very lucky. I have no doubt that if I was in a tent, and he wanted in, there's nothing stopping him, but I will say that it was pretty easy to walk under my tarp and see some odd thing hanging between the trees. I had no food or anything that would've attracted him. I've camped in bear areas for years, and did a few more times on this trip, but I don't know how to get it out of my mind. I hope I can get to where I'm comfortable being so exposed again. A lot of things go clunk in the night in the woods. Something I always loved. BIG props to Warbonnet for replacing my ripped tarp after the incident FOC! Oddly, he drew blood, but zero damage to my Eldorado!!!

[@dutch3323]

Wow! Glad you walked away from that one!

[@Mat-kr1nf]

0:35 I sleep in a hammock (ENO double nest hammock) 365 nights week because I have a bad back. As well as laying diagonally, I use a plump pillow under my knees and thighs to raise them, probably not something you’d want to carry on a long trek, but if you don’t have far to go, give it a try- it’s amazingly effective!😁

[@dutch3323]

Hey, there! Yes, many people like having a pillow under their knees! Sometimes shorter hammocks don't give you that sweet spot like a camping hammock does. Great idea!

[@Mat-kr1nf]

@@dutch3323And there’s me thinking it was my own little discovery!😩😳🤣

[@joebazooka-w7k]

Great stuff

[@dutch3323]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@buddhagem]

Thanks for a great video!

[@dutch3323]

Thanks for watching!!

[@Kackzoger]

The closest hang is about 600 miles away 😢 I’m very surprised that there aren’t any in Utah……

[@dutch3323]

Sounds like an oportunity to start one!

[@rockytopwrangler2069]

... Be sure to check with your DNR and/or Forest service ..... It's gotten to be found that many areas , at least in Colo. don't allow Hammocks ,, excessive tree damage ...

[@dutch3323]

@@rockytopwrangler2069 Yes! Always check regulations. Our straps do not damage trees, but there are many who are not educated on how to hang with tree safety in mind. There have been hammock groups and individuals who have been actively cultivating positive relationships with park rangers and others, educating them on the LNT affects of hammock camping as well as how to properly hang, so trees are not damaged. Always our goal to educate and work with people, but also we need to respect the laws in place.

[@wolfgrube]

I like my Goretex Hammok sock. I go to -10° with 10kg. I don't want to carry that much. BUT I don't want have fear my hammock fall down at night. 😅

[@dutch3323]

Sounds great!

[@jake_710X]

Great video Dutch. Good work! Always a pleasure doing business with you and enjoy the vids.

[@dutch3323]

Our pleasure!

[@livefiretacticaltraining7674]

Thanks Dutch! When do you anticipate the release of the quilted Chameleon?

[@dutch3323]

We are working on the logistics! The best way to stay informed is to sign up for notifications here: dutchwaregear.com/product/quilted-chameleon-hammock/

[@deanh1627]

@@dutch3323Will they be the same as the Superior Gear Hammocks that innovated the concept years ago?

[@DragonRoams]

Great approach to these 4 points.

[@dutch3323]

Thanks!

[@FrozensAdventures]

Great video, well spoken!

[@dutch3323]

Glad you liked it!

[@6bluestrings]

Thanks Dutch. Well Done.

[@dutch3323]

Thank you!!!

[@richstone2627]

Thank you

[@dutch3323]

We love helping people learn the ropes!

[@MoosebearAdventures]

Useful video 😊 thank you

[@dutch3323]

Glad it was helpful!

[@johnphillips3526]

And, you need a tarp. I always see people hang with no tarp just daring it to rain.

[@TianarTruegard]

For me, the tarp helps me with the illusion that I'm in a tent and I feel more "safe" even though I know I'm in the middle of the woods. I always use a tarp, even when there's no rain in the forecast.

[@dutch3323]

They like living on the edge! 😁

[@dutch3323]

@@TianarTruegard Lots of people would agree!

[@dutch3323]

Tarp is certainly a must have. Hanging it inside of a tarp sleeve is nice for those nights it's not supposed to rain. But if it does rain you can get up and quick deploy it if needed.

[@marambula]

Truth! I call it the “oh shit dance”. It doesn’t take that many raindrops to the face to wake me up and then I pop up and run around staking out the tarp while singing “oh shit, oh shit, oh shit”. No matter how good the weather I’ll at least setup a ridgeline for the tarp.

[@AndyShepard]

Hahaha, Already Sweaty!

[@dutch3323]

🤣

[@globetruck17]

Love your equipment!

[@thefucrew9865]

Great information !!! Thank you !!! Question: Do you make a "Dutch Clip" that can be added to a "Daisy Chain" set of straps, to avoid having to pull it through the anchoring end loop of a tree strap ??? Thank you, in advance, for any reply.

[@dutch3323]

Our standard Titanium Dutch Clip works great for that.

[@thefucrew9865]

@@dutch3323, Thank you, so very much !!! Will be buying some as soon as I can !!!

[@dutch3323]

@@thefucrew9865 Thank you!

[@KENDENTON-r5d]

What's up with the green dot?

[@dutch3323]

Ha ha! It's a reflection.

[@KENDENTON-r5d]

@@dutch3323LOL It looked like someone might be trying to take you out...Great video btw.

[@49mellen]

Never fart in ur hammock.

[@fifteendollarbill]

Is it me, or does this guy kinda look and sound like jimmy kimmel?

[@dutch3323]

Well, thank you very much!

[@bobsyourmom]

Great information - thanks again!

[@dutch3323]

You are welcome!

[@mat-ventures]

Love the video and the 4 tips. Now here is a tip of my own: in the video, we see 1 sometimes 2 lens flares. You could avoid this in the future if you use a lens hood (for sun)

[@dutch3323]

Thanks for the input! That's great advice!

[@paulkhanna1]

I thought there was a sniper trying to take out Dutch!

[@jwgbmp40]

Two best nights of sleep I ever had were the first two inmy one wind hammock, in the northern Michigan deer woods!

[@dutch3323]

Thanks for watching!

[@iunderw2]

Hey Dutch I'm 6ft 2" 270lb and I use a Eno doublenest, do you think I should get a longer hammock?

[@dutch3323]

When considering hammock lengths, it's essential to strike the right balance to optimize comfort and functionality. Around the 11-foot mark tends to hit that sweet spot, offering ample space without unnecessary excess. Beyond this length, however, you start encountering diminishing returns, with a disproportionately larger central area and logistical challenges like needing a larger tarp. (There is an area in the center of your hammock that is not affected by gathered ends. After 11 feet long, that area gets bigger than a person and you just get more unused hammock.) Unless you're a dedicated car camper or using your hammock for full time indoor hanging , sticking with the 11-foot range is likely the most practical choice. I hope this helps you pick your ideal hammock for your adventures!

[@Kenbur]

good stuff Dutch thanks

[@dutch3323]

Thanks!!!