TEN Hammock Camping Tips

[@timd8470]

If you add a permanent ridge line to your hammock, you will always have exactly the same "sag" or hang, regardless of the distance between the trees. Then you only need to adjust up or down to reach your preferred hanging height, A ridge line also gives you a place to hang gear like flashlights, etc. - At 70 years of age, I started with a total investment of about $70 including a similar bug net and tarp. Its now year three and I'm not going back to tents!

[@DavidNorthFilms]

Thanks Tim, ya the people that love hammock camping really do love it. I was surprised I enjoyed hammock camping. I am not ready to give up the tent just yet as I camp with my kids so the tent is easier but as they get older we will all try hammock camping.

[@bugzaney9888]

How do you do that?

[@teenermeener971]

@@DavidNorthFilms where did you get the net from?

[@lemonbar77]

Oh man! I'm about to go hammock camping for the first time this weekend, and "Also bring your tent" is WONDERFUL advice that I just wouldn't have thought of!!!!! THANK YOU!

[@DavidNorthFilms]

Sorry for the late response. How was the hammock camp?

[@lemonbar77]

@@DavidNorthFilms a storm started literally the moment I put my car in park. Like a bad edit in a movie that no one would believe. Since I hadn't been able to set it up before, I was very happy I had my 1 person tent with me as well. Living in NYC, I still haven't been able to try it yet 😔

[@jtnachtlauf1961]

I live in a hilly area where everything goes up or down. The hills are mostly covered by oaks, beech and other leavy trees, many ticks and other bugs live here. The ground is also very stony, due to the volcanic origin of this landscape. Here's almost impossible to find a nice place for laying down onthe ground. The hammock was my go-to cca 13 years ago and I would never go back to sleeping on the ground. Have a clear path. Greetings from the Czech Republic.

[@DavidNorthFilms]

Thanks. Sound like you are really happy in a hammock. I didn't think I would like them but they have really grown on me.

[@seanenglish85]

If I may share one of my tips with you: to get my best hang angle, I stand back and extend both my index fingers and raise my thumbs into the "finger gun" position. Then with my arms extended, I turn my wrists in and touch my finger tips together. The bottom center of the hammock should be where my finger tips meet and the place where my tree straps wrap around the tree would be at the tips of my thumbs (about a 30° angle). I hope this helps! Good video, thanks for posting.

[@DavidNorthFilms]

Thanks, I will try that tip. I appreciate it.

[@johnrossetti5208]

Hammock camping for 15 years and love every minute of it. Your suggestions were spot on keep it cheep and hammock straps, Tree Huggers. If you find that this is for you there are a lot of cottage venders out there, look them up and have fun.

[@DavidNorthFilms]

Thanks John, I am planning my first winter hammock camping trip, I can't wait. When I decide to upgrade my gear I will definitely look for cottage venders, for sure. Thanks.

[@Raveler1]

This is exactly how I started out hammock camping, too - bought a cheap amazon set to try out, and really found it comfortable - then tweaked the setup until I had an idea of what I liked better. I've just upgraded my tarp and have a new hammock on the way - but it all started with finding out how much I enjoyed hanging to sleep! Great to see good advice, even from hammock newbies. :-)

[@DavidNorthFilms]

Thanks Lucus. I think people get caught up watching everyone and their expensive gear. I do like gear that lasts but just like you said, start off small then tweak it to you liking. Thanks for the comment.

[@juliancampbell2282]

He spent $30 for a hammock without a bugnet?🤔 [for the same amount u can get one with a bugnet]🤷‍♂️🤦

[@edwardlittlehawk1097]

Great tips. I'm in hopes of hammock camping as I can no longer get up and down in a tent...presently, I sleep in my car and have a privacy pod for dressing and "ladies room", so looking forward to actually hiking and camping in the wilder places instead. The Hammock will be my ticket to freedom. I love your video...good advice and glad you're passing on good and not so good ideas. Live long and Hang! Jan

[@Derchlands]

Nice to see you starting your journey. I started in a similar way, basic hammock on sale on Amazon. Now I own 3 hammocks, bunch of tarps and accessories and looking at my fourth. It can add up quick. If weight is not an issue, car camping vs backpacking, one thing that I was shocked how much of a difference it made was a ground sheet under. I tracked way less bits of stuff or dirt into my hammock with a small ground sheet under. The other thing was the hammocks with a Ridgeline and some of the options your storage becomes great. From Ridgeline organizer, peak and foot lofts, side pockets, hangtime hook. You get a lot of storage but more importantly organized storage. Sounds basic but makes it enjoyable.

[@DavidNorthFilms]

Thanks, you make some great points. I have tried the ground sheet as I like to keep the hammock as clean as possible and it really helps. I don't have a ridgeline organizer yet but it is on my list of gear to get soon. I always have little things that I need to store so the organizer would be very helpful. Thanks for the comment.

[@aubertlachance6076]

Personally I don't know if it's as good as a underquilt but I just put my sleeping pad in the hammock and it's still very comfortable and useful

[@artmercer7465]

For cooler weather, one might consider layering under the hammock based on comfort desired: 1. Layer nearest ground...Frog Tog Poncho. This protects your setup from things on the ground and serves as a wind break. 2. Emergency Blanket. Silver layer toward body. 3. Foil backed insulation (R21 Lowes) 4. Under Quilt. Four corners of layers you choose to use secured to under quilt. Use puffy or jacket on foot end of hammock to insulate feet and use booties. Try it at home.

[@DavidNorthFilms]

Thanks, I am heading winter hammock camping in a few weeks and I have a few of those things planned so it doesn't get too cold. Thanks for the advice.

[@patrickwatters5094]

I picked up a Hammock from rei last year. This is my year to check out hammock camping. Been searching the net for trips and tricks. Thanks for sharing your knowledge and ideas. I greatly appreciate the time you spent producing your user friendly video. Cheers Mate!!

[@DavidNorthFilms]

Thanks Patrick for the kind words. Good luck with the hammock camping.

[@viking2567]

I TOTALLY recommend Warbonnet Hammocks for a really good quality hammock, I personally have the El Dorado series from them and it is amazing so comfortable, with practical storage, and a built in bug net. Although a little pricey my order was almost $300 but I FIRMLY believe that it it worth EVERY penny. Lots of Love, Great Video!

[@DavidNorthFilms]

Thanks, I have heard that Warbonnet Hammocks are very good. I am at a point where I need to upgrade my system so I am considering them.

[@derbygod3451]

Structural Ridgeline is a game changer. Absolutely love mine with it

[@161038]

I love your humor and the hammock tips. Thanks

[@DavidNorthFilms]

Thanks Jesse, most people don't get my sense of humour! So I appreciate it.

[@sakelleys]

I like to have a structural Ridgeline on the hammock, it keeps the lay the same so the trees don't matter as much on their distance. and you are correct coffee taste better for my hammock!!

[@cassblonde9010]

I sleep in a hammock (cotton Brazilian) full time and am taking my first hammock cramping trip this fall. I have practiced tons with my gear set up and changed things a few times. I prefer a separate bug net because that's what I'm used to at home a d I find the attached bug net messes with being able to use the edge of the hammock as a head rest. For spacing trees I've found 5 full strides between trees works well.

[@DavidNorthFilms]

Thanks Cass, it sounds like you have a good setup. Good luck on your first trip in the fall. Let me know how it goes!

[@stellworkstudio4391]

I got that same underquilt and I LOVE it! I was so surprised at the difference it makes - it made sleeping with just an afghan or puffy quilt on top just perfect. Not sure why anyone would want to spend more for something fancier.

[@DavidNorthFilms]

That's funny that you have the same underquilt. I have been pretty happy with it. I too was surprised at how much a difference it makes in the hammock. I just got back from a trip and it worked really well once again.

[@joegraves8505]

Thanks so much for sharing your tips! I camped with a hammock for the first time this past Friday in North Georgia. I thought it was very comfortable despite it being so cold. I had ordered an under quilt but it didn’t make it here in time. I think it would have been a game changer.

[@DavidNorthFilms]

Hey Joe, ya the underquilt is a game changer. Mine is very cheap but does a great job. Good for you getting out and trying some hammock camping.

[@IndianHemlock]

Very well done video!! A lot of great tips !! Yeah there is no wrong way to hang if it works for you !! Thanks for sharing !!

[@DavidNorthFilms]

Thanks, I still get people telling me my hammock hang is wrong. I keep telling them, I don't care as long as I find it comfortable! Thanks for your comment.

[@EdwinDekker71]

Thanks for the video, I enjoyed it. When you point the larger part of a carabiner towards your hammock it'll shed water a little better. Also, look into driplines. Thanks and God bless

[@DavidNorthFilms]

Thanks for the advice Edwin. The carabiner idea makes a lot of sense, thanks. I do now use a drip line, I have a simple setup for that.

[@EdwinDekker71]

@@DavidNorthFilms great! 👍👍

[@graystone3048]

Love your videos, love your style and your attitude! I really like the idea that you “do your own thing” and give honest reviews based on that. That’s the way it should be done, you’ve got the right idea please keep them coming you have a new subscriber here!

[@DavidNorthFilms]

Wow, thank you very much for your kind comments. I appreciate it.

[@juliancampbell2282]

How come no one teaches about "supernatural" problems, mishaps, or dangers?🤔 [I unpack my gear because things vanish with NOBODY around] this is why many hikers/campers go missing without a trace and ALL their gear is left behind.🙄

[@markswisher1152]

Thanks, Concur with doing it my own way,

[@tomb7901]

Thanks for this video. It was enjoyable and I learned a lot.

[@DavidNorthFilms]

Thanks, I am still learning hammock camping myself but so far it's been good.

[@sabrinalyons3827]

I'm just not brave enough to try sleeping overnight in a hammock when I am camping. I do love your bring a tent idea that would work really well.

[@DavidNorthFilms]

Give it a try Sabrina, you are braver that you let on!

[@joegraves8505]

Those hammocks are strong! I’m 6’4” 300 lbs. Held up great!

[@suezaple4950]

great tips , I have not even tried a hammock , shall have to do that next time camping, Thank you for the tips

[@CharlesStevens-vi7ky]

I second the ridge line. Mine is simply 550 cord and a prussic knot. I also simply leave my bug-net in place, it cuts the wind a bit making the under-quilt a few degrees warmer.

[@andreforget7593]

Hammock camping for the win. nicely done.

[@DavidNorthFilms]

Thanks Andre!

[@Stavrakasgr4]

Honest talk. Thank you for the content.

[@DavidNorthFilms]

Thank you very much

[@dennisberg2474]

You talk about your hammock being tight, but I swear it's the looses I've ever seen one hung. Lol. I got a cheap $60 with comes with a built in rain tarp and fly on Amazon.

[@DavidNorthFilms]

Ha, thanks Dennis. That's funny about my hammock hang. I get people saying it's too tight, or too loose, I am convinced there is no right way! Congrats on your new hammock, sounds like a good setup. I like the idea of the built in fly and tarp. Good luck with it.

[@jakeoshea6804]

"Hammock Bullies" so true. I don't know why people care so much about someone else's camping setup. Well said. I tried hammock camping but I just didn't really enjoy it. Good video Dave with all the work you put into your videos you are going to need to change your lazy camper name!

[@DavidNorthFilms]

Ha, thanks Jake. I knew you would appreciate the hammock bullies...you are not one of them are you? Just kidding.

[@artmercer7465]

I love my hammock's warning . Hang it as high as you are willing to fall.

[@ChrisandCourt]

Great video Dave! I’ve been wanting to buy a hammock for our camping trips, definitely getting one now.

[@DavidNorthFilms]

Thanks guys. It took me awhile to try hammock camping and once I did I wasn't sure i was going to like it but it went pretty well.

[@GreybeardAdventures]

Love the drone footage with all the colours! I have yet to try a hammock tent, but hope to soon.

[@johnsarangel]

in addition to the usual tree strap, hammock and mosquito/bug net shown in this video, i added an underbelly gear sling under the hammock. i put my 55 liter capacity backpack and all its contents in the gear sling under the hammock. the hammock and gear sling did fit inside the mosquito/bug net so everything is self contained.

[@shanegrayhamcomms]

Perfect timing. My girlfriend and I are planning on camping in a few weeks. We watched your other video on your first hammock camping trip. These are some pretty good tips. You have a very good way of explaining things. We absolutely love your comment about the hammock bullies, so true! What is the make of the bug netting that you use? Thanks for the video.

[@DavidNorthFilms]

Thanks Shane, and good for you. The bug net was just a cheap bug net from Amazon. It is separate from the hammock and is a bit of a pain to setup but it works really well.

[@pacediver2594]

Some great ideas thanks

[@IntheBlood67]

Thanks fer the intell!

[@shanegrayhamcomms]

Oh and tree hugger. Too funny!

[@DavidNorthFilms]

Thanks Shane, I thought that may get me in trouble!

[@waltermaner5265]

Just beginning to learn about hammock camping. Did you practice in your backyard first

[@DavidNorthFilms]

Hi Walter, I didn't practice at home because our backyard doesn't have trees 😀 but I did practice at the in laws. To be honest the best practice I had was on my first trip. It took me a while to get the setup just right but it was good practice. Everyone time I go hammock camping now I am learning a new technique or two. I am no expert but I'm getting better. I haven't fallen out of the hammock at night so that's a plus!

[@BTNomad]

Thanks!

[@develentsai3215]

You can measure the length of your shoe and use that to measure the distance between the trees

[@foxjourney7929]

great info and tips... good for beginner like me....👍

[@DavidNorthFilms]

Thanks, we are all beginners at some point. I am no expert but I am surprised at how much I liked camping in a hammock.

[@4runna.hughes]

First Question for Hammock camping. how do you encounter if a bear or mountain lion is near you?

[@DavidNorthFilms]

Ha, great question. If I encountered a bear or mountain lion I would be in a lot of trouble, but I do have some things to help protect me. I have bear spray attached to the hammock and and knife. I also leave my canoe paddle right on a tree beside me. It would be the same issue if I was in a tent. The tent does make you feel more secure but really, it is no more safe in a tent than a hammock. I try to make sure I keep my food far away from my hammock and I hope for the best.

[@denniskuenze659]

Good tips. As the saying goes, “ Hang Your Own Hang “.

[@bjrnragnarhaugan332]

Like it a lot👍👍

[@outandabout_oz]

Excellent video, still learning the ropes of hammock camping. Summer not far away so will have plenty of chances. Thanks for the tips. Subscribed and keen to check your other videos 👍🏻🇦🇺

[@DavidNorthFilms]

Thanks, I am far from an expert but I was surprised at how much I liked hammock camping. Thanks for subscribing, I checked out your channel as well and subscribed. Cheers

[@denniskuenze659]

Great video. You covered all the bases including your butt…lol

[@DavidNorthFilms]

Ha, thanks Dennis

[@ninjaridaz4571]

Looks more like a 45° than 30°.

[@Doenerschlag]

This hammock is ridiculously small in relation to your body height. Your not even able to get the real diagonal position with this one.

[@dwtlax]

ENO?

[@DavidNorthFilms]

No it is not an ENO, this was the first hammock I purchased and it was from Amazon. Since then I have purchased another hammock, not from Amazon.

[@juliancampbell2282]

I NEVER listen to people🤭

[@slyfox6134]

1st. Get tree straps from superiorgear.com Take carabiners off your hammock and put it on the loop of the new tree straps. 2nd. Put a Ridgeline on your hammock. This will protect your hammock from stretching or ripping. It will also give you the same pitch hang every time. 3rd. As a new hamburger, I must have book is called the ultimate hang. $19.95 on Amazon. 4th. I noticed that the hammock that you have has a water bottle pouch on the side. There is a trick to using that using your hammock as a quilt or sheet. You can put the water bottle in the pocket pull the opposite side over the body sling the water bottle over top that and you've created your own little cocoon. And always have fun with all your toys.

[@DavidNorthFilms]

Thanks, wow you really know your gear. I actually just picked up the tree straps. I am surprised more companies do not sell those kinds of straps, they make a lot of sense. Thanks for all the advice.

[@slyfox6134]

@@DavidNorthFilms If you are truly committed to this. The best person to watch on KZbin would be SHUG. He's been hammock camping for decades. If you watch his old videos, you will see the heads of the camping industry in their beginnings. Also for your 550 cord and all the knots and tricks of using it would be corpus corner on KZbin. Teach us how to Hank chord tie knots simple knots nothing real fancy but great help.

[@DavidNorthFilms]

@@slyfox6134 Thanks, I really like Shug's channel. He is quite the character. Lots of great info there. Thanks.