HAMMOCK BASICS: What You Need to Know When You Start

[@SouthernHike]

For anyone wondering, my first night in my hammock was perfect. I was sleeping so good JK had to come wake me up so I didn't sleep all day! Excellent video dude!

[@john_kelley]

😂😂 You were sleeping so hard! LOL

[@radio_voice_royce]

If you can't afford a topquilt/underquint to start then a partially inflated sleeping pad and a sleeping bag will work quite well for keeping you warm at night. Great video JK!

[@eprohoda]

Jhn-fantastic video-work,

[@john_kelley]

Thanks!

[@bewhiskeredjuarez6851]

"I don't want to watch Bluey I want to watch Star Wars!" 🤣😂🤣😂😂 That statement alone deserves a thumbs up. Thanks for the awesome video. 😁👍

[@john_kelley]

Seeing that it is now May 4th, Happy Star Wars Day!!!! May the 4th be with you! 😂

[@scuba5k]

I like the hidden dad jokes in bluey.

[@Oldsparkey]

You covered some of the better points about hammock camping , especially for comfort. The great thing about hammock camping is it is always changing. My latest addition is the Continuous Ridegeline with Dynemma and Nama Claws from LoopAlien , for the rain fly. Hanging my hammock I like to use the Marlin spike hitch with a tree strap and Whoopee slings. Here in the south you want a bug net all around the hammock a 360 degrees one. If not then one attached to the top of the hammock and a double bottom in the hammock. The double bottom material will stop the skeeters from using your backside as a buffet line. For insulation against the Cold Butt syndrome I do it differently. I use a self inflating Therm-a-rest full length mummy style air mattress. I let it inflate from 1/2 to 3/4 and that way it conforms to my body and the hammock eliminating any voids. My area is Florida and real cold weather is not normally a problem for me. The best thing for someone starting out is to get the " Ultimate Hang " By Derek Hansen and read it. I've hammock camped from the 60's and learned things from that book. As I said in the opening , Hammock camping is always changing with new things all the time.

[@john_kelley]

Great comment as always, Chuck! My favorite part of hammock camping is the ability to really dial it in for what works best for you. The Ultimate Hang is basically the hammock camping bible.

[@davidschmude]

If you're watching this video to garner knowledge to buy your first hammock I'd like to add a little caveat to the "zipper on one side vs. zipper on two sides" debate. Sure, you may only choose to enter and exit the hammock on one side or the other but having that zipper on the side you don't exit on is really nice for reaching out and making minor adjustments to your underquilt without having to exit the hammock. I have a Dream Hammock Darian, which has a zipper on one side only and I have a Dutchware Chameleon with a zipper on both sides. I do prefer the Chameleon simply because to the zipper configuration. Food for thought for those considering buying a hammock.

[@SouthernHike]

This is a solid comment. That night would have been a little more aggravating if I couldn't adjust from both sides easily.

[@Derchlands]

There are so many things like that if you cover them all it's a 2 hour video lol. One vs 2 zippers is usually a weight thing

[@john_kelley]

It's the only thing I don't like about my Darien. My next hammock will definitely have a zipper on either side.

[@livingsimplytosimplylive6817]

Never tried a hammock, I should give it a try.

[@john_kelley]

Thanks!

[@JeremiahStringer]

Great basics of hammock camping. Good video

[@SouthernHike]

JK told me your secrets!!!

[@john_kelley]

Thanks, man! I learned everything I know from you!

[@john_kelley]

😂

[@DoseofDirt]

Great video! Not sure if I should be more jealous of the hammock set up or that you got to hang out with Taylor... Probably both!

[@SouthernHike]

Dude JK is the one you need to backpack with! Had a great time!

[@john_kelley]

Taylor is the man!

[@DoseofDirt]

@@SouthernHike am I selfish if I want both? ... I guess the answer to that is yes. But my response would be that I guess I'm selfish. 🤣

[@DoseofDirt]

@@john_kelley Can't disagree! Hanging out with you to dudes in the woods would be a good time!

[@algodonrabo]

John, Thank you. Appreciate the informative way you presented this. Have a great day.

[@john_kelley]

Thanks, you too!

[@scuba5k]

Don’t lie, you know you like Bluey, the hidden dad jokes are funny.

[@john_kelley]

😂😂😂

[@KUEHLKUEST]

Nice setup there!! J & C

[@john_kelley]

Well thank you!

[@davidson_oldbull_sectionhiker]

Great video John. I have most of the boxes checked with my Hemlock Mountain Outdoors setup. I hope to check out Taylor's channel. Have a great weekend.

[@kyled9203]

Random question... how much weight do you carry in your backpack for a overnight trip? (Grams or lbs)

[@BackpackingwithBuckley]

Taylor!! What the heck???

[@thirdshiftstyle]

Another great video! Really did your style, you and many others have inspired me to start a brand new channel and documenting some of my time in the woods! Question - what are your thoughts on using a sleeping pad in your hammock instead of an underquilt?

[@Maddonkeys]

What is the total weight of his set up?

[@john_kelley]

I'm not sure. You can check with Taylor over at Southerhike. He could probably tell you. I would guess total in the 5-6lbs range.

[@wolfpack3530]

Would like to know we're you got your cell phone holder for your hammock at

[@logancowell5858]

Great video as per usual also lookin good John! Congrats on the weight loss

[@59chevt]

great job as usual.

[@john_kelley]

I appreciate that

[@TsugaCanadensis1979]

Great video!

[@john_kelley]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@19stoney64]

Excellent video. Thx

[@mkultrahikes]

@6:00 Dang right. 100%

[@mackjenkins7721]

Hello buddy how's it going. This was a good video about hammock system. I have been thinking about purchasing a hammock myself. I've always been a tent person because I was afraid about my weight would rip the hammock. I have been looking at the Dutch hammock with the bug net. I passed bye there Warehouse a lot but I haven't been able to stop by and check there hammocks out. I just hope they have something that is big boy friendly. Good video buddy thank you for sharing. I hope you and your family are doing well.

[@Derchlands]

I'm around 6'2 and 275 and I hammock, I've heard of people upto 400 lbs hammocking. They take big people great.

[@john_kelley]

What's up, Mack!!! Big boys can definitely hammock. There are different deniers of fabric that can handle different weights. If you decide to buy one, be sure to contact the hammock maker and discuss your needs. Most will be very helpful and make sure you purchase the right gear.

[@mackjenkins7721]

@@john_kelley Thank you John I Really do appreciate the information. I will definitely Discuss my weight , material , and what kind of hammock I need. I definitely would like to try Hammock. It looks like a lot of fun And fast to set up if you know what you're doing. Again thank you so much buddy I really appreciate it.

[@mackjenkins7721]

@@Derchlands thank you so much that is awesome to hear that you have a hammock. I am at 300 lb so this is awesome to hear that it's big boy friendly.

[@Derchlands]

@@mackjenkins7721 I technically have 5

[@Doc_Watson]

Good video. However, sometimes you don't have a choice in a hammock regarding orientation (North, South, East, West) but I do understand the need to know which way the wind is coming. I've found that camping in the mountains the wind can come from any direction and can change multiple times throughout the night. I should really consider a tarp with doors.

[@TheOlsonOutfit]

The doors certainly make a difference. Even the small ones on my Warbird Minifly help form a windbreak.

[@john_kelley]

You're right about that. If you can, always do your best to have the broad side of your tarp facing the wind, but sometimes that isn't an option. I love my tarps with doors.