Hammock or Tarp / Which goes first?

After hiking all day. And you finally reach this epic campsite. And you ready to set up camp. Do you set up the tarp first? Or the hammock. That is a question I get a lot. And my answer is always it depends. It depends on what condition you may be facing.
In this episode. I am going to share with you what I believe are the three most efficient ways that will provide maximum comfort. When it comes to setting up your little piece of heaven. Hanging between two trees.

[@Bandanko]

depends on whether it is raining or not... that is the only deciding factor

[@AdventureswiththeMarine]

Very wise! Thank you Bandanko for watching. Much appreciated.

[@backpackingadventures4813]

Great video and great tips Marine! My tarp is always on the outside of my pack. Mainly in case of rain so I can set it up to make a dry lunch spot and for when I get to camp. Raining is the only time I set up my tarp first. Most times it is the absolute last thing I set up.

[@AdventureswiththeMarine]

I try to sleep with the tarp in the snake skin. But our weatherman is like a politician. There never right. Thank you Dan for watching.

[@joanfos4890]

Since I started KZbin, I have stayed with your videos. Always sound advice and humor which is an excellent combination 😊

[@AdventureswiththeMarine]

Thank you Joanfos so much. That means a lot to me.

[@Paul-go8nw]

I have always set up my tarp first, and sit underthe tarp with a small unfolding chair, admiring the views ,whether raining or not. I set up my hammock, depending on which one i take, late before settling down for shut eye, to prevent any ticks or flying insects entering my sleep system. Neverless, great tips and clear useful information on pros and cons. It's nice to watch the marine , whom is passionate and has a vast experience and knowledge in especially hammocks camping. I suppose, i should start changing my habits. 😊

[@AdventureswiththeMarine]

For me. It can be some times hard to teach an old dog. New tricks. thank you Paul for sharing and watching. Much appreciated!

[@saxoncrow2500]

First comment - Yay, Tarp always seems the most sensible thing to erect first, whatever the weather. Now which configuration? That's the tricky one haha. Great vid Marine :)

[@AdventureswiththeMarine]

I love the configurations when it comes to setting up the tarp. Creativity! Thank you Saxoncrow for sharing. I really do appreciate it.

[@saxoncrow2500]

@@AdventureswiththeMarine I've just come back from my very first hammock camp. Good grief why has it taken so long to get into hammocking?! The most comfortable night ever! In case you're wondering I had the one wind tarp set to tent configuration.

[@Cetok01]

Sensible tips and nice products. I'd normally just set the tarp up higher for more headroom (and view), but that's just me.

[@AdventureswiththeMarine]

The higher the better. That is why I like wide tarps. Plus, more room for the Ground Dwellers for when it is raining. Thank you Cetok01 for watching. I really do appreciate it.

[@mat-ventures]

Thanks and merci for the tips, Ron!

[@AdventureswiththeMarine]

Any time! Looking forward to seeing you at the Wisconsin Frozen Butt Hang. Thank you Mat for watching.

[@RoseBrown-e3w]

Great tips as always. If it looks like rain, I put up my tarp first but high enough to stand up. If no rain than my hammock is first. Rose

[@AdventureswiththeMarine]

Thank you Rose for sharing that. Good stuff!

[@Johndozer]

I set up the tarp and hammock at the same time, to get them centered with each other. Then the back wall is pinned to the ground, the front is tossed over back there as well to give me access to finish setting up my sleep system. You know, 6:05 would look a lot different if you had an "over/under" ridgeline. 😁

[@AdventureswiththeMarine]

I love using my Stingerz. But I have been using those Line-locs on the ends lately. Thank you John for sharing that and watching. I really do appreciate it.

[@joemikeska2657]

Nice runthru. I typically do your third option even with clear skies, unless it’s already raining of course. Snakeskins are a great accessory.

[@AdventureswiththeMarine]

Thank you Joemikeska for watching. Much appreciated!

[@vickaiser]

Great video. I hope lots of people see it.

[@AdventureswiththeMarine]

I hope so too! Thank you Vickaiser so much. I really appreciate it.

[@HillOrStream]

Good flow, a lot of effort went into making this video.

[@AdventureswiththeMarine]

Thank you HillOrStream for noticing. Most people have no idea. I appreciate that!

[@AirstripBum]

The video's over! Aw man!!! :D I always set up my hammock first when it's not raining. When there's a threat of rain, I get that tarp up quick, fast and in a hurry and then the hammock. Small tarp and slippers on the ground for when I get up in the night.

[@AdventureswiththeMarine]

I love the Crocs when waking up in the middle of the night, to water the tree. Thank you AirstripBum for sharing that. Good stuff!

[@AirstripBum]

@@AdventureswiththeMarine I was thinking of Crocs but they don't look too comfortable. People say they are though. I may try them.

[@scottwhittaker1681]

Another great video Marine! Really liked seeing Henry included, as always. Best wishes as always!

[@AdventureswiththeMarine]

Glad you enjoyed it! I am trying to put Henry in at the end on every episode. Thank you Scott for watching. i really do appreciate it.

[@hmk946]

Thanks. I’ve really been struggling with my hammock. So many ways to set these things up.

[@AdventureswiththeMarine]

For me. I like the many ways. I love to be creative when at camp. Thank you Hmk for watching. I really appreciate it.

[@rodoutdoors]

Nice tips. I just used the hammock a couple of nights ago. I didn't bother pitching the tarp since there wasn't rain. I'll pitch it first if there's wind or rain.

[@AdventureswiththeMarine]

I love to sleep with the tarp in the snake skin and watch the stars. But there has been times when I woke up to rain. And quickly deploy that tarp. Thank you Rodoutdoors for watching. I very much appreciate it.

[@elliotwilliams7421]

Another great video......personally im tarp first everytime and if the weather is ok i just pin out one side, fold the tarp over and clip the corners together if its a bit windy. Im in Scotland and the rain comes can come out of nowhere quickly. Ill not always set the hammock up until later, i carry a wee chair so if its raining younhave more space to cook and what not

[@AdventureswiththeMarine]

Thank you Elliotwilliams for sharing that. Good stuff!

[@michaelvancini4616]

Another great video. Loved the real time set up in the rain. Still waiting for the underquilt,and underquilt protector set up keep em coming Marine

[@AdventureswiththeMarine]

Just got back from a trip. The weatherman said no chance of rain. Two of the people that where with me did not use an under quilt protector. A thunderstorm moved in on Thursday evening. With a few minutes of very high winds. When we took the hammock down yesterday morning. My under quilt was nice and dry. The other two. Nice and damp. Thank you Michael for watching. I really do appreciate it.

[@michaelvancini4616]

No worries Marine. Patience is a vertue keep em coming

[@Vince26010]

Thanks for your vids. Live long and prosper Marine.

[@AdventureswiththeMarine]

Thank you Vincentleroy for watching. May the force be with you!

[@snaponjohn100]

Great job, Marine!! Camera work made it very clear. And of course, fantastic information!! God bless you. John

[@AdventureswiththeMarine]

Thank you John so much. That means a lot to me!

[@ryanlawrence8305]

I think my next hammock setup will be a superior hammock!

[@AdventureswiththeMarine]

They are so nice. I know that they are a little pricey. But really a great investment. thank you Ryan for watching. I really appreciate it.

[@sheilahenry7279]

My first one (other than just day play). I’m fixing to bite that bullet & hoping alpaca poncho instead of top quilt will be enough.

[@elliotwilliams7421]

​@AdventureswiththeMarine don't mean to be personal but how tall are you? Just for comparison

[@markadkins9290]

Great stuff!

[@AdventureswiththeMarine]

Glad you think so! Thank you Markadkins for watching. I really appreciate it.

[@rollingthunder7254]

Keep on rockin it Marine! Another Gem and informative as always! Big Salute to you and Runner!

[@AdventureswiththeMarine]

Thank you Rollingthunder for watching. Runner and I really appreciate it.

[@manuelmetallica]

👍

[@AdventureswiththeMarine]

Thank you Manuelmetallica very much!

[@dennismacdonald2003]

Tyvm doing some fall hammocks in Northern BC

[@AdventureswiththeMarine]

I bet this time is beautiful in Northern BC. I just got back from the BWCA. ( which should of been peak with the fall colors. Unfortunately we are a week or so behind. Came back yesterday just as the color are staring to pop.

[@dennismacdonald2003]

@@AdventureswiththeMarine aww really inspired by u never 5ried hammock camping n I 57. TYVM

[@BosomBuddyCreations]

Another great video to help newbies! And a Henry showing! I always put my tarp a bit higher so I dont have to bend over under it. I use a quick adjustable knot or hardware so If I need to lower it down in cold rainy wind I can easily lower it. I used to sleep out with no tarp over me too. But sometimes so much debris falls on you, small branches, ants, bird poop, some unidentified liquids, that I started using a tarp almost all the time now and do my star gazing from a camping chair. Sometimes too I will do a porch mode and put it up so high on one side using tarp poles so the tarp is on one angle (did that make sense?) and I can actually do a bit of star gazing but still protected from bat pee (?) under the tarp

[@AdventureswiththeMarine]

I just got back from a trip where the acorns where drop from the trees like rain. I had to use the bug net to protect me. Henry says Hi!

[@CSwivel]

That dad joke 😂

[@AdventureswiththeMarine]

Did you hear about the guy who walked into a bar and said ouch! thank you SubZero-pi4jr for watching. i really appreciate it.

[@Stod1988]

3:39 i was expecting the ''Come on, man!'' here.

[@AdventureswiththeMarine]

It was so hard to hold it back for another day. Thank you Stod1988 for watching. I always appreciate it.

[@robpelton]

Exactly my thoughts! Well done. Shall we hit the winter woods this year?

[@AdventureswiththeMarine]

I am planning some trips in the BWCA in January and February. It would be great to have you along. Lets start planning soon. Thank you Rob so much for watching. Much appreciated.

[@kennethwilson8633]

That was great…now can you tell me which came first the chicken or the egg??? Have fun stay safe.

[@thesuperioraffection4502]

Chicken.

[@AdventureswiththeMarine]

I would say the Chicken. But I cooked it up yesterday on the grill. Thank you Kenneth for watching. I always appreciate it.

[@briandanielson4612]

I stopped using Stingerz - the Lash It would always bind up in the wing, and I wouldn't be able to undo it. Several times, I had to just cut the ridgeline and move one. I even tried using a toggle to get a better grip on the cordage. Any suggestions? Great video, BTW. And thanks for your service to our great country!

[@AdventureswiththeMarine]

When you wrap the Lash it around the wing. Do not pull it too tight around the wing. I have to remind myself every time I use the. Otherwise, they are tough to pop off. I have another option that is coming out on Tuesday. I may replace the Stingerz with this new option. If you watch it on Tuesday. Please let me know what you think. Thank you Brian so much for watching. I really appreciate it.

[@marcovanson]

Thanks again for the nice video. I have a question about something else: how to crawl into your sleeping bag when laying in your hammock? Any tips for this? I'am always struggling to get in!

[@asmith7876]

Stand up, step into your sleeping bag, pull it up over your head, sit back and into your hammock.

[@AdventureswiththeMarine]

Good question! I did a episode where that issue was covered last month. It is called: 'Hammock/staying warm/on a budget". Please check it out. Thank you Marcovanson for watching. i really appreciate it.

[@DarrenYee]

Thank you Marine for the great video! I have a question, What are the pros and cons to using the same suspension for the hammock and the tarp. Instead of a dedicated ridgeline for the tarp? I usually setup my hammock and then attach the tarp to the hammock suspension, is that wrong? Thank You

[@AdventureswiththeMarine]

Great question! First. There is no wrong way. ( in most cases ) But there are a lot of better ways. The pro is: Fast to set up. ( if you keep the tarp connected to the hammock suspension When setting up and taking down. Where both are stored in the stuff sack together )The cons are: 1. If you sore them together. When the tarp is wet. Then the hammock will be wet. 2.The tarp is way too low. Hard to get in and out of. No view from the hammock. Not really useable to sit under to get out of the rain. ( for cooking or kicking back ) 3.And when you move. The tarp moves. You really want the tarp secure. Would you mind if I use your question and name in a video that would explain this better?

[@DarrenYee]

@BackpackingWithaHammock Sure that would be great, thank you

[@silverchimes81]

Query; what’s the ideal sized tarp for hammocking? I’ve got a couple of hikers tarps but they’re maybe a touch too small or maybe the shape is wrong. TIA

[@AdventureswiththeMarine]

If you are in an area that rains a lot. To me the perfect tarp is 12 ft ( 366 cm )x 10 ft ( 3 meters ) A tarp for the hammock should never be under 11 ft ( 335 cm ) in length. What's nice with the larger tarp is when your comfortably under it while it is raining. You will have room for yours friends too. thank you Silverchimes for watching. I really appreciate it

[@silverchimes81]

@@AdventureswiththeMarine thank you so much for the reply and for the cm’s, Aussie here so always appreciate your use of metric. Looks like I’ll need a couple of new tarps the current ones as suspected are a little too small and rain can be unpredictable. Or maybe a big one; was looking at the Dutch two person tarp just shipping to Oz sucks and as the pack mule always looking to keep the weight down 😉. It’s usually just me and my youngest, the other two are glampers 😂 the slackers. Thanks for the amazing content, is super helpful.

[@PeterWolfVT]

Unless it's raining, hammock first! Nothing like hanging in the hammock after a long hike, takes a load off my feet, I love sitting/reclining for about 10 to15 minutes before I do anything else. I have been setting up my tarp just above head height so I don't have to bend over still plenty of cover, if there is a hard rain I can lower it.

[@AdventureswiththeMarine]

Or taking a nap Thank you Peter for sharing that. Good stuff!

[@juvat6888]

Tarp first for me. Diapers are the bookends of life.

[@AdventureswiththeMarine]

I love that about Diapers. I will have to use that line. Thank you Juvat6888 for sharing that. Good stuff!

[@nickhikesinthewoods6150]

Do you carry the tarp if there's no rain in the forecast going out tomorrow but there's no rain in the forecast it's like do I really want to carry the tarp lol

[@scottwhittaker1681]

Believe the weatherman and eventually you WILL get burned.

[@nickhikesinthewoods6150]

@@scottwhittaker1681 haha true

[@AdventureswiththeMarine]

I just got back from a trip in the BWCA. Where there was absolutely no chance of rain. Our weatherman are like politicians. The video will be out in 10 days. Watch what could of happen to you if you don't bring a tarp. Thank you Nickhikesinthewoods for watching. I really appreciate it.

[@MrCripsy]

Ask yourself “Is it raining and do I want my hammock to get wet?” 🙄

[@AdventureswiththeMarine]

Nothing like having a clean hammock! Thank you MrCripsy for watching. I really appreciate it.

[@RavenBlaze]

A comment for the algorithm

[@AdventureswiththeMarine]

Thank you RavenBlaze for watching and the comment. I really do appreciate it.

[@peterappleton5213]

Put ya overhead cover up first

[@AdventureswiththeMarine]

For me. The first thing to go up is my hat. thank you Peter for watching. I really do appreciate it.