I Hate Hammock Camping (Another Disaster)

[@StephenJReid]

QUESTION! If you love hammock camping, why?

[@AScotsmanOutdoors]

I absolutely love it... and for a few reasons. I've had my best sleep(s) ever in one, even during winter. With the under-blanket setup right there's no need for a mat and the DD Frontline holds the warm air in with the midge net too. You can wake up with instantly epic views and no need to open any doors. I think if you really give that setup a proper synch and have it set how you'd like then you'll love it. Honestly, try it in winter with a fire going nearby and you'll (hopefully) get the attraction. Another excellent watch and I look forward to more.

[@LemironStarling]

I love hammock camping for about 2yrs now however side note I do use a tent at times too. I’m glad you have given it another try. However I love hammock camping mostly because of off the ground. For wet areas or places, I have hammock camped on cliff sides with rocks and that’s ideal. Also having the right hammock setup(for me) makes a big difference, however hammocking right doesn’t come cheap. I personally use Kammok gear and my overall set up with the pro trap with storm doors, 20f under quilt and top quilt, big net, ridge line, gear sling, and 15’ straps was well over $1,100 USD. There are some great tents plus pads less than that my setup so it’s an investment but there are other great brands with built in under quilt and big nets just take your time finding the right setup for your camping needs/adventure.

[@TheOpenboater]

I use the hammock on most of my canoe camping trips as the places I go usually have good tree cover near the water. Lough Erne is a particular favourite as there's lots of good spots on the islands. But the canoe is ideal for it as its not a light weight alternative to tent camping. But its way more comfy, and if you lift a flap of the tarp its a really good place to sit during the day. With the tarp deployed right, you can still get a dry hang but wake up in the morning with 360 degree vision which is just fantastic. I woke up one morning to watch a family of pheasants run right under my underquilt. My mate had a pine marten walk right past his during the night. So you feel more immersed in nature than being cut off from it in a tent. I tried that hammock you have but didn't think it was big enough although I'm 6ft 4". So I went for the DD XL and it is way better. It has so much more room, and 4 pockets to stow your gear when inside, and the bug net is supported by hooped poles which means it can be used on the ground as a bivvy as well. I think you are doing hammocking an injustice as you aren't doing enough due dilligence prior to going out. You can't just sling it between two trees and expect it to be right first time. Getting the angle of hang right will go a long way to making it more comfortable. By this I mean picking two trees that are closer together so that the hammock isn't stretched so flat. Go out to your nearest woods some evening and just play about with the setup, and practice with the tarp too. Shug Emery does some good videos on hammock set ups. kzbin.info?search_query=shugemery. He also discusses under quilts and how to deploy them which makes all the difference in colder weather. I bought a hammock stand from Ikea so I can play with it in the back garden. That way you can muck about with angles, play with the under quilt and get the suspension right before you go into the woods. It also means you've got a comfy place to hang out in the garden on sunny days. Keep at it, you will get there in the end.

[@StephenJReid]

@@TheOpenboater this wasn’t my first time hanging it though, probably about the 4th. I’ll give it another try another time, probably with a much bigger hammock.

[@adpsimpson]

Hey Stephen, don't know if you'll see this a year on, but I hammock around NI most weekends, and love it. With practice, setup can be 5 minutes, and teardown even less. For stealthy spots, it's unbeatable. Half way up the escarpment above Glynn, or in a bog, or overhanging the edge of the Bann, it's much easier to find somewhere to pitch than a tent. Also, once it's up, you have your seat, shelter, space to cook, all protected from the weather. And, to boot, I sleep _so_ much better than in a tent, especially in the rain! I've a couple of videos on KZbin, including a classic stealth camp where a tent simply wouldn't be an option: kzbin.info/www/bejne/n5Wlc5h-i9GAh9U

[@jakejefferson7571]

With hammock camping it's all about set up! If you nail that your night will be bliss, i both tent and hammock but given the choice it would be hammock everytime. I use a DD 4x3 tarp and hennessy hammock which ive had for over 6/7 year, is double layered and has a sheath to put a foam/self inflating mattress between to keep wind/cold off your bum/back so i dont bother with underblankets. Keep at mate, keep playing around with a set up that work's for you. On a side note, my full setup cost me less than £200 ive been using it for years, i find it so much more efficient than tent camping but its preference i suppose.

[@Playerdue]

I have limited experience in camping, but a couple of years ago my office organized a camping day in the mountains near Sofia (Bulgaria) and I bought at the last moment an hammock and a sleeping bag from Decathlon. I was positively surprised by the experience! I slept like a baby and in the morning I was quite dry, while the colleagues with a tent woke up cold and damp. But when I sleep I sleep like a rock and I don't move so much, so maybe it depends on the sleeping types! Great videos as always Steve, every time I watch one of your new videos I want to get out camping and start vlogging! 😂

[@StephenJReid]

Sounds like you’re one of those people gifted with the ability to sleep well! It’s honestly a gift. I’ve struggled with sleep my entire life. Stupid brain too active.

[@tegnestiften463]

I love hammock camping since I get much better sleep. I have several tents, but even the slightest uneven ground makes my sleep really poor. (and even ground is hard to come by where I want to camp). I started with a pretty basic hammock, and while I really liked it the sleep wasnt much better than a tent since I could not lie flat. The experience was good enough that I decided to upgrade to the Amok Draumr 5.0...and that thing is perfect. It would seem to solve a lot of issues for you too since it has storage compartments so your stuff dont get lost as easily. It can still happen, but at least tons better than in a regular hammock. And then the lie flat part is just amazing! Finally, its easy to set up once you understand the system (its really simple), and the tarp they sell is also really easy to adjust. The only drawback for someone new is figuring out how to get in and out of it which can be annoying...but in the end its worth it for the great nights sleep it provides.

[@StephenJReid]

I’d love to try that Amok system sometime, looks incredible! I once slept in a huge tree tent platform, most comfortable night I’ve spent in a forest.

[@ASuperBambi]

I sleep so well in my hammock setup. Dutchware chameleon with asymmetric top cover, their winter bonded tarp with spreader poles and a JRB zip under quilt and quilt protector (actually helps block some wind not just the dirt) . Cheap mountain warehouse down quilt for on top. Been warm and cozy in -6 degrees and 40+ mph winds.

[@LMay64]

As you noticed, I love seeing the stars and sunrise.. seriously though, try Superior Gear with the sewn in underquilt. I also have a nice gear bag that hangs from my tarp ridge line. It has pockets for my phone, water & light.

[@StephenJReid]

Sewn in underquilt sounds like a great idea!

[@cirkuscederstrom]

I wanted to love hammock camping as well. I have tried 4-5 but always wake up with back pain. If do get another system it would be an async shaped hammock. Until then I sleep in my camper van or just on a air mattress on ground below a tarp.

[@StephenJReid]

Weirdly it hasn’t given me back pain despite having occasional back issues

[@C0NN0R186]

Ngl Stephen but this is one of sharpest video qualities I have seen on KZbin

[@StephenJReid]

Thanks Connor! Used my bestest cameras for this

[@lamangacolin]

You are some Freddie Mercury. Dinner looked awesome.

[@StephenJReid]

I wanted to break free from that hammock! Dinner was rather tasty.

[@lamangacolin]

@@StephenJReid You will be Under Pressure next time to cook a better meal than that. Is was a meal for 2 but you said "I Want It All". Don't you agree N Ireland people have the best humour?

[@StephenJReid]

😂😂

[@deekelley891]

Try the Amok hammock system that several KZbinrs swear by. Keeps you in more of a flat position (rather than the banana), maybe that would help. It also makes a kind of recliner for sitting. I have a hammock, but still haven’t used it…

[@StephenJReid]

Now how can I get them to send me one for free? 😂 costs a fortune

[@thomassauka]

I love my DD Travel hammock, I’ve also got an underblanket, I haven’t used it all that much only 3 times but I love being in the trees, I feel closer to nature, I feel really comfortable as well but I wouldn’t say I ever sleep like a log at the best of times

[@StephenJReid]

Yeah I’m torn because it’s such a nice feeling just swinging in the tres

[@geoffreystephen6840]

Dear Louise, I'm alive, Best Regards. Cracked me up! Love it!

[@AjaySingh-228]

Nice Sir...Happy Sunday⛪

[@StephenJReid]

Thanks Ajay 🙂

[@AjaySingh-228]

@@StephenJReid You are welcome sir

[@oklahomablenderfeeld5663]

You should try a Hennessy hammock. They are built with an asymmetrical design that helps you lay diagonally. I have no clue how well this works as mine ib still coming in the mail. However ive heard it works really good

[@MarksShrimpTanks]

Ive tried to make Hammock camping work so many times, doesn't help I have a really bad back 😂

[@StephenJReid]

Ouch! I’ve on off back issues but oddly hammock doesn’t seem to trigger them

[@BurtonOutdoors]

As I mentioned before, you need to get rid of the DD hammock it's just too short and not wide enough for a proper diagonal lay... also practice with your under blanket, it's your friend in all sorts of weather if you do it properly. Keep going...it took me a while to dial in the perfect hang.

[@StephenJReid]

If I try again it’ll be with a bigger hammock

[@BurtonOutdoors]

@@StephenJReid Good man 👍

[@markrmonteith]

Beautiful footage Stephen

[@StephenJReid]

Tha ks

[@glassrobot]

12:17 Though for sure you where going to end up at the log cabin with your little lantern 😂

[@StephenJReid]

There’s a log cabin up there? 🤔

[@glassrobot]

@@StephenJReid There is I'm not exactly sure where you where as it's been a while since I've been in Annalong forest but it's roughly at this location ///resorting.spaceship.worry . It's tucked in at the edge of the forest.

[@StephenJReid]

Ahhhh I do know that! Came across it and actually another one a few months ago when I was exploring in there. Not sure I’d quite call it a cabin, more of a shack 😂 do you know who built it?

[@Hightower600]

I've the DD Frontline XL and fit perfect inside, I notice you didn't use the fibreglass poles (To save weight?). I agree that by the time you add the weight and bulk of the under blanket, sleeping bag etc the weight fairly adds up but there is something about being right in nature that a tent cannot give you. I've sadly only used mine a few times in the Mourne's and once on Ram's Island. Trying to learn how to properly tie knots etc is the biggest challenge for me as well as configuring the tarp into the best shape to suit the conditions. If I got into hammock camping more seriously I'd look at the Amok Draumr as it gives much more comfort to the taller user abit at a much higher price.

[@StephenJReid]

I had the poles in, the standard frontline just has two straight short poles. Not the round ones on the XL. Yeah it’s like a new jigsaw every time as no setup is the same.

[@asmith7876]

You REALLY need to have someone show you how to use a hammock, buy the right one (as in WAY larger than that one), and how to set up the tarp. I wouldn't trade a hammock for anything, except maybe that tent from Harry Potter...I've camped for days in torrential spring rain, sat back in my hammock under my tarp, cooked on a fire, practiced playing my recorder, you can't do that in a tent!

[@EspenJohan]

Sleeping in a Hammock looks comfortable. Think I'll have to try it sometime. Another great video, and the food looks really good. Would be amazing to test it my hikes.

[@StephenJReid]

Thanks!

[@mr.miniaturesmodels8465]

I started camping in hammocks- too wet and too many bugs in Florida not to. I then thought- what if you find yourself in an area without any trees? So I got a tent as back up.

[@StephenJReid]

I think it makes more sense for climates like that, but it’s easier here to find a good spot for a tent than a hammock

[@Simon_J_Hodge_Outdoors]

Think I’ll stick with the tent. Love the drone footage

[@StephenJReid]

Yeah think it might be better choice for our climate.

[@theslowwalkhome7314]

Another brilliant brilliant video!

[@StephenJReid]

Thanks!

[@kuzinit2374]

You need to learn to sleep at an angle in a hammock to stay more level, if you sleep squarely, you wake up feeling like a banana

[@StephenJReid]

Tried that, but I think this hammock is maybe too small for it to work, was more uncomfortable than the way I was lying. I was actually fine with my position this time once I settled into it properly. It was the other stuff that was more annoying this time.

[@lolobeans]

@StephenJReid A longer hammock will definitely help with a flat lay! Have a look at the Warbonnet Blackbird for example (it has a "shelf" as well, in which you can store things). Good luck, it's worth it once you figure it out! (and yes your underquilt needed to be cinched up closer to the hammock to prevent drafts). Lovely video (especially the wander in the dark lol), thank you!

[@dansmith1100]

A tip for a shorter hammock is take a spare pillow for under your knees. Use the tie outs on the tarp to make flaps to act like a door either end and for added wind protection

[@mattsnowsill]

@@StephenJReid I have the Frontline XL and I'm 6'2 so only a bit taller. Definitely helps to allow lying at an angle. Good on you for persevering.

[@waltbrim5897]

Get a bigger hammock, 11 foot say, 3.35ish meters. That DD hammocks a taking a nap size hammock IMO. Superior Gear gets rave reviews here in the states, but there are others with the attached quilt. Dutchware Gear makes one too along with a whole bunch of other hammocks and outdoor equipment some stuff that'll solve you losing your stuff in the hammock. I sleep in a hammock just about every night and my body thanks me every morning.

[@boru62003]

That sounds like a wet one at 19:20 😆

[@StephenJReid]

🙈

[@pgs1796]

I look at hammock camping with that banana curve and my back says no thanks.

[@greyhikes5236]

Twice you have made me laugh today Steven! love the hammock, cant get the other half into it though, she will pick the tent every time! 😉 For me its just another part of camping, saying that you wont get me in a caravan! 😁

[@StephenJReid]

What do you love about the hammock?

[@greyhikes5236]

@@StephenJReid for me Stephen it's somthing I've used for a long time and I think that being in a tent gives you that sence of security that a hammock may not in our environment. I lived in a hammock for months in Central American and in areas of Africa and trust me the critters crawling on the ground would love to be in a tent with you. 😅 I use it all year round when I'm doing sort of bushcraft kind of camps and it still gives me that feeling of security. Setup is very important and possibly if you get it wrong would put you off using it again just my thoughts. 🤔👍

[@StephenJReid]

Did you love it the first time you tried it! I’m wondering if it’s something you have to get used to

[@greyhikes5236]

@@StephenJReid Absolutely Stephen, I can just about remember my first time in it, a nightmare! I usually sleep on my side which was difficult to master in the hammock. But after a while I got it. I slept in a hammock suspended in the back of a truck in Kenya for about 350km absolute quality. I don't have an outer quilt but I have a foil ground sheet on the inside. With my tarp I have a DD but I use bungees to stop the sagging. I think like everything once you have a good camp with it you will be sold on it 🤞

[@claytonarmstrong9673]

I’ve noticed your hammock seems quite small. I checked the Amazon link and it says it’s only 2.7m long. That is quite small for hammock camping… I have two hammocks and they are both 11 feet in length, which allows to properly lay diagonally and get flat

[@StephenJReid]

Supposed to be suitable for people up to 6’4”. But yeah think I’ll try a bigger one next time

[@JamesSmith-or2ut]

for lounging maybe, not for a decent sleep. Take a longer hammock. 11ft. and wider too. And..it needs a ridgeline. @@StephenJReid

[@claytonarmstrong9673]

@@StephenJReid yeah I noticed they claim it's good for that height, but I suspect thats really only for day lounging. I'm only 6 feet and I would not go shorter than 11 ft hammock for camping

[@domagojvilendecic9717]

this place at night is straight out of a horror game

[@jujujay]

Put don’t give up on real camping! One with nature on the ground etc dude! Trying new things always good ! A good ground mat - under sheet and sleeping bag with no stress will put manny to sleep!!! But a good diet always helps!

[@StephenJReid]

Keeping trying things!

[@adventurousdavee]

I couldn’t do it , would keep thinking something would be beneath me sniffing around and scare the life out of me . Bad enough sheep sniffing round the tent 😂

[@StephenJReid]

Haha. I did freak out at one point when I felt something rub underneath the hammock. Was the undersling 😂

[@adventurousdavee]

@@StephenJReid panic moment 😂😂

[@AdrienJCrozet]

I think you've convinced me to keep my 3 man tent, and not join the world of hammock camping! lol. The videos are looking great though! Also, I saw you in the Oldtown cp, possibly the night you made this? I took some of my French family up to the big rock to have lunch in a cloud.. Was going to say hi but you looked busy!

[@StephenJReid]

Haha thanks, think my next camping video will be in a tent! I’m

[@StephenJReid]

Yeah could have been, was at that carpark a couple of times recently

[@tobygawthorp8010]

When you went for that dark wander, how did you keep track of your camp location? *Edit, Just seen the answer!

[@StephenJReid]

There were a few landmarks I used on the way back. Most of it was on an obvious trail, just the last 200meters I had to point in the right direction and hope I'd spot the light I left on. Worst case scenario, I have offline maps on my phone.

[@mcm4point2o]

How does this type of kit not factor into the longer 200mi+ ultras?? Seen too many people taking legit dirt naps.. I'd put a hammy in my 125mi drop bag any day.

[@StephenJReid]

Not entirely sure what that means. Haven’t done any ultras. You mean stow a hammock at an aid station so they can nap in a tree instead of on the ground?

[@squidwurf]

'Domed' 😂

[@StephenJReid]

On the noggin

[@snoop2477]

Stephen, why don't you just bite the bullet and invest in (if you haven't already) a really thick, luxurious sleeping pad. By the time you pack an underquilt, quilt, hammock, bug net and tarp, you may as well pack a tent. Heaven knows you'll probably gain two hours back on set up time alone. How anyone can be comfortable hanging in a u-shape???

[@StephenJReid]

That’s a point I make in this video, there’s no weight advantage with hammock camping. But I can tell how it I sorted my issues that it could potentially be a brilliant way to camp in the woods. I probably won’t try it again for a while and I think if I do, it will be with a different system. Convinced this is a bit short for me. I’m happy with my tent system, feel I’ve got that dialled in now. But always like to try new things.

[@snoop2477]

@@StephenJReid Good man.

[@chrismcelvar5654]

Time for an AMOK, mate.

[@StephenJReid]

Few people suggesting this. Very expensive system though not far off £500 for the system

[@neslo1927]

Get a better hammock and get some Dutch Ware Bling for your tarp

[@StephenJReid]

Think I’ll try a bigger one next time, but a lot of people really rate this one

[@doughobbs7706]

still convinced that hammock camping is THE faff'iest way to camp, more so than bivvy'ing!

[@pixelpeter3883]

Maybe you should give hammock camping a try in more favorable weather Stephen, and not when 3 hrs of heavy rain are forecasted. I know: you live in Northern Ireland, and the weather can be very changeable up there, but for trying something really new like this, shouldn't you start off without making it difficult for yourself?

[@StephenJReid]

I like to give things a proper test 😛 For me it boils down to the question: would this experience have been over all better in a tent and so far yes.

[@pixelpeter3883]

@@StephenJReid Guess that's a good way of measuring ;-)

[@danerekmcdermott9728]

Ur living my best life for me lol. I'm a avid horror movie fan and sleeping in the woods tent or hammock is literally a no no lol. I love the woods and forest but I'd want my own little cabin, at 49 i suffer from disabilities so my body would never hold up. Aw to be in my teens and 20s again .

[@SwissCHeessee]

#epic #survive ☯

[@sarahwatts7152]

I put a sleeping pad underneath me while doing hammock camping, it saves you from having a cold butt

[@TheSssarasss]

meat and water

[@Traceishere]

....anything tastes nice when your starving,,,, ha

[@KJM_Writes]

Very Blair Witch 😅

[@StephenJReid]

🤡

[@paulkennedy5021]

You are going to sicken yourself of this mate. Obviously something isn’t right. Lol your bum shouldn’t have been cold this weather😂. Shugemery is a great channel for hammock howto. (His family was from here!)

[@StephenJReid]

Weather changed though, I was roasting to start with. So far tents are still winning for me. But willing to keep testing different hammocks setups. I’ll check that channel.