My Top 3 Hammock & Tarp Setups: Best Setups for Hammock Camping

LINKS BELOW:
Hammock camping is by far my favorite way to sleep well in the woods. Let's take a look at my top 3 hammock and tarp setups that have worked well for me over time. We will show how to set up a hammock and discuss how to set up a whoopie sling. We will also discuss how to set up a ridgeline and then my 3 favorite hammock camping setups. I will demonstrate using the Hammock Gear Zippered Bug Net Hammock and the DD Superlight Tarp. These are what I believe are the best tarp shelters to use over your hammock.
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#blackhatbushcraft #bushcraft #bushcraftsurvival

[@blackhatbushcraft]

THANK YOU for your time and interest! Please SUBSCRIBE and click the BELL BUTTON to stay notified of all upcoming videos. Please see links below for the GEAR and CLOTHING I use in the field. Take care and God bless!

[@teenermeener971]

What's the name of the hammock you use?

[@dannyh9010]

Hey Matt, some friendly long time hammocker tips: 1. good tree stewardship recommends straps of at least 1” wide to protect smaller trees tree bark. Mule tape will damage trees. 2. If you just larkshead your Whoopie slings to you continuous loops, you can eliminate the caribineers altogether. 3. If you fold the edge of your hammock toward the middle, you will have a flat seat to sit on, instead of the bucket effect. The hammock ridge line is the only way to hang. Perfect sag every time! Tarp tip: I often modify my A frame fly. I like to come in one tie out on the bottom edges to make each side a trapezoid shape, and stake it out. I then just fold under and tie the corners together under the tarp using a bowline on one end and a trucker’s hitch to tie the 2 corners “together”. Great for warm nights when you want a little more breeze, and gives a bit more view, too. Plenty of privacy as the bottom is just as low as the A frame. Sort of a diamond Configuration with the bottom corners missing. Plus, I think it looks cool. Then again, Hang your own hang. 😃. Hey, I want to send you something I think you would like. How should I do that?

[@blackhatbushcraft]

Great tips and informtion Danny! I appreciate you sharing those. I will have to try some of these tips. I am always glad to learn new things and better ways to do things. Are you on FB by chance?

[@dannyh9010]

@@blackhatbushcraft I am not on Facebook.

[@davidherbert415]

Any chance u can put up a video and show us how you set up. Would be much appreciated. Danny H.

[@blackhatbushcraft]

@@dannyh9010 You can email me blackhatbushcraft@gmail. We can connect from there :)

[@blackhatbushcraft]

@@davidherbert415 I would definitely watch!

[@deoeers]

I like the use of the sticks. Never thought of that.

[@toddgibson9861]

Likes/dislikes: I love a flying diamond in this heat....if I have the room. Don't always have the room down in the river swamps. But like an A frame configuration in stormy weather. I used an A frame with a stick in the middle loop last month in rainy weather on the river as to get better rain protection but also allow for more air flow. Enjoyed the show...!!

[@blackhatbushcraft]

I really enjoy seeing your pics that you share! You are getting some awesome adventure time in. Please keep sharing brother!

[@TheBanjo53]

Thank you for being a family friendly channel.

[@blackhatbushcraft]

Absolutely my friend! It always will be. I know I have some younger members in my audience and I want it to always be a positive place for them as well as the rest of us. Thank you for your time and support!

[@paulc7783]

Thank you Matt for the time and effort you take in making these videos. I am learning every week and really appreciate it!

[@blackhatbushcraft]

Thank you so much for your kind words Paul and for Taking the time to tune in and comment!

[@Hootyhoo-jq9vq]

I really appreciate your videos. Having a lot of knowledge and being humble about makes your content very nice.

[@shovelhead8]

Thank you for showing us your different set-ups, Matt. Stay safe and stay cool.

[@blackhatbushcraft]

Thank you so much brother! I appreciate your time, interest and kind words!

[@Laochri]

I came up with my own way to attach my whoopies to the strap. I borrowed from Rock Climbing/Slacklineing techniques. It's called a Line-Locker, and is used to connect 2 pieces of webbing without knots. If interested I do feature it on my channel.

[@sdr22630]

Excellent vid. It’s always great to see different configurations but even better when it is explained what they are used for. I really like the simple things that turn out to be super useful. Like that figure 8 toggle wrap-up and unwind. Cool 😎.

[@blackhatbushcraft]

Thank you so much! I am glad you enjoyed this and found it helpful. I truly appreciate your time and interest!

[@marykinser]

Thank You. It means so much too me that you really take your time to Fully explain things. I will spread the word too. ❤

[@jatsajatsa]

Excellent video. Thank you. Concise, no macho nonsense, and practical. If you’re new to hammock camping then you can’t go wrong with this.

[@dwaynerobertson383]

Love your videos, Matt. Always very descriptive and simple to follow. Excellent presentation, every time. Thanks again so much for sharing your knowledge!! PEACE!

[@blackhatbushcraft]

Thank you so much Dwayne! I really appreciate your kind words and support sir!

[@Leonbartolome]

The third one is great. And the structural rope for the tent it will change my life

[@PedalPlanet]

Awesome just what was looking for thanks! Happy Hammocking

[@EMADKHAN479]

These were some nice configurations. Thank you for all your help.

[@taterjones5544]

Great video. I love the fact that you dont BS around and present everything at a good pace. Thanks for the tips. Keep up the good work.

[@blackhatbushcraft]

Thank you so much for your kind words!

[@withoutexcuseministries2179]

Great video. Thank you for sharing. New to the tarp and hammock camping setup and this was very helpful.

[@a.toddmoore7262]

Matt, awesome info and demo as usual. I love your cinematography and clear instruction. God bless you and your family Sir!

[@blackhatbushcraft]

Thank you so much for your kind words brother! God bless you and yours as well!

[@SomethingCorporation]

Great Video and very informative. Thank you for sharing!

[@brngrofdeth]

Excellent work. Thank you.

[@ronnieburdette925]

Hi Matt, you give some of the best presentations on how to set up camp & tying knots & etc. I really appreciate your videos, I’ve learned a lot from you, especially how to tie different knots like the Bowling Loop - the Truckers Hitch - & the Marlin Spike Hitch

[@blackhatbushcraft]

Thank you so much my friend! Most appreciated!

[@numonik99]

Excellent explanation and hammock education! Thanks

[@elidae2018]

Really liked the cord system because it's simple and it's kind of ready to use it, so you don't have to waste time doing all the knots, especially if you're tired from a long hike or don't have much daylight and have to set up camp quickly. Also, really like the simplicity of the how to explanations. Subscribing. Thanks

[@82ogo]

I really enjoy this video. Thanks.

[@michaelzimmerman8959]

3 tarp configurations out of one setup. Pretty awesome, thank you.

[@blackhatbushcraft]

Thank you so much for tuning in and sharing a kind comment Michael!

[@sprokthered]

Great video ! Very detailed - excellent. Thank you

[@doctorbea]

This is great! Thanks for sharing your experience!

[@blackhatbushcraft]

Thank you so much for your kind words!

[@IntheBlood67]

Outstanding!

[@blackdogbite]

EXCELLENT VIDEO! If I had to take one video to explain hammock setups to a newbie...THIS would be it. You are well-spoken, clear and concise. I also agree with almost everything you do as a default setup. I learned something. I use webbing with Beetle Clips for hanging. The adjustment is great. But, the atraps are relatively heavy. This is thr best explanation of whoopie slings I have seen and I am sold. I sleep outside in a hammock all year long here in Vermont. I will be keeping my stationary home setup with webbing but i will be getting whoopie slings for trips. I do EXACTLY what you do with the ridgeline. Only difference is i use tiny carabiners from Nite Ize for clipping the tarp to the Prussik loops. I totally agree with the square A-frame tarp setup. You can easily rig in "porch mode" if you have a great view, if you need sunshade if if you want to capture the breeze for ventilation in summer . When the rain starts or the wind picks up, it's easy to re-rig with the exact same guy lines and just pull either or one tarp edge much closer to the ground for a better protection. I have been using a 10 ft x 13 ft tarp.... And the 13 ft dimension runs perpendicular to the Ridgeline. So if I have the Ridgeline up at 6 or 7 ft, I can get the bottom edges pretty close to the ground when the dimension is 6'-6* from the ridge. I also use thr MSR stakes with the loops. Perfect solution. That leaves me with a bit of an issue though, because my 11 ft hammock runs about 10''-6" ft from point to point when suspended. So I end up with part of my hammock exposed at one end. I have used a tiny tarp to cover the ends as a separate rig out. I've also used plastic garbage bags at the end to get the protection that I need from rain. What I really need is a 13x13 tarp but they are pretty hard to find because the normal dimension of a fabric roll is 5 ft so that lends itself to almost all of the tarps being 10 ft wide. Also with the A-frame configuration, you can change the guy out points and allow the ends to come together as doors to basically completely seal up the tarp into a tent mode. As a final note, while I usually use the taut line hitch for guying out, I find the figure-9 clips by Nite Ize to be really good for the guy outs to ground. When you pull the bottom edge of the tarp pretty close to the ground, the taut line hitch is less than ideal because there is so little linear room to make adjustments. The figure 9 clips allow the edge of the tarp to be pulled down almost exactly to the ground if needed, they're extremely fast to utilize and don't require the double or triple loop-arounds that the taut line hitch requires. It makes it very easy in the middle of the night to re-rig the tarp for changing weather conditions. Again, excellent video Thank you.

[@MichaelBirdy]

New to this, but now I wish I had watched this video earlier. Matt, your experience is showing... thank you for sharing so clearly! Adjusting my setup to include some of your great ideas.

[@michaeljones5395]

Great tips! I really like the Mule Tape and Whoopie Sling to hammock ridge line configuration.Quick and simple setup. Great video as always!

[@blackhatbushcraft]

It has served me well Michael. If you have a stretch of 1 inch webbing, that works great in place of the mule tape as well. Thank you so much for your time and kind words.

[@joshl90]

Great video!! A very well thought out setup

[@christopherbennett4559]

Great video. 100% correct to the point and field tested. 👍👍👍

[@michaelzimmerman8959]

Thanks, nice configurations, nice video.

[@willisblevins4190]

Good tips and video thanks

[@mikedcochran3284]

Such great information thanks so much

[@NoName-um4dt]

What a great video. Thank you for teaching me how to set all of this up for the first time.

[@blackhatbushcraft]

I am very glad you enjoyed this one Charles! Thank you.

[@marvinywong]

I really enjoyed this video. Learned a lot too. Thank you.

[@jim355749]

Thank you. Very helpful. Well done video

[@rhaef]

Great video. Really informative and very well presented. Thanks for sharing 👍

[@sonnyboywannabe]

If you can't find a Y stick for your porch mode, a clove hitch to a straight post is a great connection option.

[@blackhatbushcraft]

Good advice!

[@mrwes100]

Great video Master Matt! I run the exact hammock/tarp setup. Like you said tried and true. Love that porch mode. 👊

[@blackhatbushcraft]

Thank you so much brother! I hope you guys had a great campout and I appreciate your time, interest and kind words!

[@rayapryasz4715]

Mule tape/whoopie sling combo is my new hanging method. Just tried it out yesterday and it’s an extremely easy setup. Thanks for sharing!

[@halmond9375]

Just make sure that you will put sticks or something between the tree and the mule tape, because that thing is too narrow and will damage the tree. I know there is already state parks in US that have banned hammock camping because of the damage done for trees. Unless you are camping only on your own land. Then you are free to make as much damage as you want of course.

[@SonofChurchill]

Great setups, going to have a go next time. Thanks BHB 👍

[@Heinzflips]

Thanks for the detailed explanation! I'm new to hammock camping and this video helped me out a lot! All in all great video.

[@Saxonpod]

Really useful info, thanks 🏕

[@beachmaster1614]

Yepp thanks for your presentation, good informations as always by you...👍

[@blackhatbushcraft]

Thank you so much for the kind words my friend!

[@johnframe5478]

Awesome job brother

[@denniskuenze659]

Great review. You kept it simple!

[@garywheeler2055]

Well made video. Thanks for imparting your knowledge. 🍻

[@stowellsoutdoor2673]

God bless you Matt, and thanks again for the great information!

[@blackhatbushcraft]

Thank you so much Nick! I appreciate you taking the time to tune in brother! God bless you and yours as well my friend.

[@mathewhenderson5757]

Solid video. Great content for the community. Excellent period of instruction

[@blackhatbushcraft]

Thank you Mathew!

[@robertogomez3698]

Hi Matt, I really enjoyed these two most recent videos, very informative and inspiring. Thanks for your work and for sharing both your knowledge and wisdom. Rich Blessings from South Texas.

[@blackhatbushcraft]

Thank you so much for your kind words Roberto! I really appreciate your time and interest my friend. God bless you and yours!

[@TheRealJackOfTrades]

Thanks. Always informative

[@blackhatbushcraft]

Thank you so much my friend!

[@cliff9057]

Thanks for sharing. Really enjoyed it !

[@blackhatbushcraft]

Thank you Cliff! I appreciate your time and interest!

[@THENEWWRANGLER]

I started out using whoopie slings too but I have now moved to a becket hitch system less working parts less hardware for a lighter weight set up, super good knot holds well and easy to adjust also,

[@richardgummere84]

Thanks for the tips. Very timely as I'll be doing an overnighter and trying out my new hammock next weekend.

[@blackhatbushcraft]

Awesome Richard! I hope you had a good trip and that the hammock served you well! I appreciate your time, interest and kind words!

[@True-crime-junkie]

fantastic info, thanks for providing it in a straight forward to the point way. this is helpful for a guy like me who sets up plenty of tents and some tarps but just starting with the Hammock.

[@blackhatbushcraft]

That is awesome to hear! I am glad this was helpful and I appreciate you taking the time to tune in and share a kind word. Take care and be safe!

[@cmcmillan7987]

Thanks for content. Enjoyed. Caroline UK 👍

[@TwoTracksOutdoors]

Great video covering some alternative hammock/tarp hanging setups. I particularly liked the third version, the wind shed wedge, giving both great visibility, along with good rain protection. Well done, causing me to subscribe to your channel. Will now ck your other videos out. Thx.

[@ronnieburdette925]

Hi Matt, you give the best presentations on how to set up camp & tying knots & etc, you make it so simple, thank you for your videos. I have learned a lot from you Matt, how to tie the Bowling Loop - the Truckers Hitch - & the Marlin Spike Hitch. I also appreciate how you always give thanks to God before you eat your meal. 🙏👌

[@blackhatbushcraft]

I truly appreciate your kind words Ronnie! That means a lot to me and hearing comments like yours is what it's all about for me. Thank you for the support and kind words my friend! God bless you and yours!

[@Stevej2013]

Thank you Sir. Very informative as always.

[@blackhatbushcraft]

Thank you so much Steve! I appreciate your kind words!

[@donnienewman9141]

That last tarp layout was very nice. I've never seen that one before. Thank you so much!!

[@blackhatbushcraft]

I am glad you enjoyed this one! I appreciate your time, interest and kind words!

[@richardrocha702]

very well done... have just received all the gear used herein...very informational vid

[@swordofhonor2]

excellent video

[@quinntheeskimooutdoors6234]

Great demo of different options for the hammock tarps. Thanks and take care.

[@blackhatbushcraft]

Thank you for your interest and taking the time to tune in my friend!

[@Oldsparkey]

My two favorites are either the Becket Hitch ( No need for a piece of wood ) attached directly to the continuous loop on the hammock. 2 ND by using a Marlin Spike Hitch and a whoopee sling. Hammock camping sure has gotten better and lighter from the old WW 2 Jungle Hammock days.

[@riverrat82]

Great video thanks

[@marcomcdowell8861]

Let's pump up his subscription numbers! People need to watch him!

[@blackhatbushcraft]

Thank you so much Marco!

[@adventuresoftheindian5203]

Ordered through your link. Thank you for the post!

[@blackhatbushcraft]

Thank you so much for your support! I really appreciate you tuning in as well my friend. I hope it serves you well indeed.

[@DDFFFFDDFDFD]

Excellent tutorial, thanks! 👍🏼

[@blackhatbushcraft]

Thank you so much for your time, interest and kind words!

[@tylerlongwell90]

love the videos brother im new to hammock camping and these videos are awesome and informative. I went with a whole warbonnet system which hasn't come in yet but im excited to give it a try.

[@tonysmith5924]

Super cool! Thanks a lot!👍👍👍🙏🙏🙏🔥🔥🔥

[@blackhatbushcraft]

Thank you so much Tony!

[@eristicfreethinker2098]

Loved your video. Lots of good info for folks new to hammock camping with tarps or who started with lots of hardware (me 🤫) I use knots, soft shackles and toggles for everything. Beckett hitch for hammock to strap connection (no whoopee slings), truckers hitch for tarp ridge line. Soft shackles on the hammock tree straps allow quick attachment to trees and allows repositioning even if there is a branch preventing sliding the straps up or down which is the case when you run the free end of the straps through a fixed loop. Toggles for the ridge line connection to the trees and tarp to ridge line. Toggles are so handy but I don’t carry premade toggles, sticks are everywhere. Also prussics on the hammock ridge line allow you to keep ridge line organizers in one place so they don’t slide to the lowest point (usually in your face).

[@Newbroken]

Thank you for great video. Looks like very good quality all over!

[@blackhatbushcraft]

Thank you so much for your kind words!

[@_6079SMITH]

Aww man this is amazing. I'm thinking about getting into hammock and tarp camping rather than use my tent. My mate already has a hammock and tarp and he loves it. This video has been brilliant and has provided an abundance of great tips. Thanks so much man. Subscribed. Peace and love from Bonnie Scotland 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿⛺️

[@jamesreed6558]

Great information 👍

[@blackhatbushcraft]

Thank you so much for your kind words James!

[@Gunn4u]

Hanking your mule tape around the toggle ... brilliant ,don’t know why I didn’t think of it . Thankyou

[@blackhatbushcraft]

It just struck me one day to do that. I don't know if I have ever seen anyone else do that. Thank you for tuning in and I appreciate your time and interest!

[@denakelley4363]

Thanks for showing in detail the way you do the hang with the mule tape and the whoopie slings. I've watched a lot of videos where people were using those but they never showed how it went together. All I was familiar with was the kind of hammock straps that have the adjustable loops sewn in.

[@blackhatbushcraft]

I am glad this was helpful Dena! I appreciate your time and interest to tune in and comment!

[@kevinmorton4879]

Another great video,like the third set up,will try that on my next camp,keep up the good work and look forward to your next one.god bless.

[@blackhatbushcraft]

Thank you so much Kevin! I hope you get a chance to try that one soon and I hope it will serve you well. God bless you and yours as well!

[@ScoOutDoors]

Brilliant idea’s thank you 💪🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿👍🔥🥩

[@blackhatbushcraft]

I really appreciate that Paul and thank you for tuning in!

[@72151]

Nice presentation A+

[@michaelkilpatrick3076]

Great video Matt!! God bless

[@blackhatbushcraft]

Thank you my brother! God bless!

[@MrBigfishs]

I never give it thought on so many ways to use a tarp good job.

[@blackhatbushcraft]

Thank you so much!

[@titanpreparedness]

Hey great tip man. We really appreciate it

[@blackhatbushcraft]

Thank you so much for your time, interest and kind words!

[@ewengillies9826]

Good tips and configurations. Your 3rd option works well for me and I find it helps funnel any breezes to keep you cool. Thanks for sharing Matt as beginners will benefit from these tips of yours. Bushyboy Oz.

[@blackhatbushcraft]

Thank you so much for your time, interest and kind words!

[@CptJohnHays]

I came across your channel just flicking around on comparison camping and the hammock sparked my interest. I purchased the cheaper Scout DD hammock as I didn't want to waste money if I didn't take to it. Well I put it up and once I laid in it, I was hooked. Looking at getting the DD setup with the mossie net soon as buying it as an accessory is a little too pricey . Great channel, keep up the good work. You helped me into hammock camping and you weren't even aware of it eh 😁

[@bushcraftdan6969]

Matt Really enjoyed the video great content as usual. Congratulations on 200 uploads really love how Humble you are and just a Genuinely nice person. wish i could find more time too get outdoors and enjoy Nature seems lifes always just soooo busy at least i get to enjoy a little through your videos between excursions,wish you much success brother looking forward to the next 200 videos.

[@blackhatbushcraft]

Thank you so much for those kind words Dan! I am glad you enjoy these videos and I, like you, wish I had more time to be out there. I hope you will find more opportunities very soon brother. Take care!

[@CharlyImsel]

Nice!

[@bamadanbushcraft5369]

I am with you on #3, use it quite often.

[@blackhatbushcraft]

Thank you!

[@robertb.napier7120]

Matt I enjoy your videos, great job as always.

[@blackhatbushcraft]

Thank you so much Robert! I really appreciate your time, interest and support!

[@drdave169]

Thank you for the options for the hammock/tarp setup. I like the last option the best. I always have rainwater pool on the tarp for your second option. Of course the A frame is very good. When you use a light weight tarp, how do you manage any falling branches so they do not come through and bayonet you while you are sleeping? When there is wind or rain, things always fall from the trees. Great videos, please keep them coming.

[@toddgibson9861]

great video...!!

[@blackhatbushcraft]

Thank you so much Todd! I appreciate you tuning in brother!

[@yellowdog762jb]

Very helpful. Another good reason to use a hammock in the south: fireants. And in Central Texas we have a lot of scorpions.

[@blackhatbushcraft]

YES indeed :) I hate fire ants and they are fierce down here!

[@TACHILL]

Excellent setups my friend. I dont have much options heew for hammock..

[@markadkins9290]

Excellent

[@blackhatbushcraft]

Thank you so much Mark!

[@Stoney_AKA_James]

Another good video and presentation Matt! I have followed your channel for awhile and can see that you are a good instructor (I have been a Fed LEO instructor/train-the-trainer since 1995). I too really enjoy hangin' in my (Blackbird XLC) hammock!!

[@blackhatbushcraft]

Thank you so much for the kind words brother and no doubt a compliment from someone who does what you do! I agree, there is nothing quite like laying in a comfortable hammock in the woods. good for the soul to rest in nature:) Take care my friend and be safe!

[@jeffbell9771]

Wow this is a good place for an add

[@OregonMikeH]

Thank You, Matt, for such an excellent video on this subject of great interest to me. I'm aboard with Notifications on and wil be checking out your links. warm regards from Oregon. .. Mike.