5 big mistakes people make hammock camping

We all start somewhere and we all make mistakes for sure. I'm no exception to this rule. Hammock camping is one of those things that can take a while to get really dialed in since they don't come with instructions. Watch as I go over how to hang a hammock and how to properly lay in a hammock.
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[@Oldsparkey]

Tim , Even in the Semi tropics like Florida during the wee hours of a summers morning I get the cold butt syndrome. I go to bed without anything under me. Then in the early morning hours roll over and slide a partially inflated , self inflating , Threm-a-rest mattress under me. If you are going to use a hammock for camping get a good one designed for camping. The best I found is a double bottom one which will stop the mosquitoes from biting your back as you sleep. If you are new to hammock camping or thinking about it then do yourself a BIG favor. Spend a couple bucks and get Derek Hansen's book. THE ULTIMATE HANG , an illustrated guide to Hammock Camping. I have been camping in hammocks for over 60 years and I learned things by reading his book plus it is a fun read.

[@TikkerLoS]

ultimate hang 2 is out, and 3x the book!

[@Caliekat15]

Thank you so much for posting. I have been looking for answer's specific to Florida and most people swear the mosquito's cannot bite through the fabric. How do you keep cool in June - August? Is there a specific one you recommended for south Florida? I'll be under a roof but the bugs worry me. It's not really camping it's for when an animal gets sick and I need to be in the barn/close by in case things go badly. We have horrible mosquito problems that are known carriers for Dengue fever and encephalitis. I'd like to avoid meningitis again 🤦 any advice would be greatly appreciated

[@TonyTooTuff]

@@Caliekat15 as a new hammock camper in Florida, I didn’t even think about skeeters biting your backside. Thanks for the heads up!

[@elishavincenzo1833]

instablaster.

[@Caveman_Conor]

How are the other Super Troopers doing?

[@theloudamerican2193]

Leeroy BrotatoChip Jenkins , holy fuck! right!

[@killthebuddha5034]

Totally beat me to it!

[@spartan8390]

Beat me to it.

[@gdoldays9964]

"WHO WANTS A MUSTACHE RIDE?!" 😆

[@abb0tt]

Car ram-rod

[@iMatthewWilliams]

The first time I went backpacking I bought a cheap hammock from walmart. Went in northern PA in mid November without a pad or underquilt. I was so uninformed.. Spent the night fighting the cold while mulitple packs of coyotes (on either side of me) yip-howled very loudly, getting closer as the night went on... Only got 1 hour of sleep and decided to hike out the next morning. I had a blast and don't regret anything.

[@natemevec9692]

Matt Williams Sounds a lot like my first trip where I didn't know that bladders can take on the flavor of scented soaps and didn't have any water 😂 Miserable in the moment but a total blast in hind sight!

[@MrHerks]

I was recently in The Delaware Water Gap and set up my hammock (same one you have) for the first time, It was 87 degrees out and I couldn't believe how chilly the bottom of the hammock was, It was super refreshing at the time cause I was hiking all day, but I can see it being wicked cold at night. Glad the coyotes didn't eat you haha.

[@marymichaels5434]

@@MrHerks to

[@TonyTooTuff]

Thanks for all the sleepless nights, trials and errors you experienced so we don’t have to just figure it out for ourselves. It’s appreciated.

[@RealJPMcGrath]

Happy I watched this BEFORE hammock camping for the first time lol. Saved me like 5 years of learning from miserable experiences!

[@lanceflanagan]

For under insulation, I use a reflective pad that's designed for windscreens in the summer, works perfect.

[@KarlaWithAKTime]

Good tips. I would add not to stack hammocks on the same trees to the list. I've been hammock camping for three years and I totally banana lay - so comfortable for me! Love the hammocking philosophy of HANG YOUR OWN HANG (meaning - do what is best and comfortable for you with your set up)

[@TimWatsonOutdoors]

Yup sometimes the banana works for people. You're probably the second person I've come across who prefers it.

[@KarlaWithAKTime]

Are you on hammockforums.net?

[@TimWatsonOutdoors]

Occasionally. Not a super active member. I meant specifically through youtube comments you'd be the second I've met. :)

[@KarlaWithAKTime]

Oh, I completely understood what you meant.

[@dylancontento2267]

Thanks Officer Ramathorn!

[@steves3760]

Lol. I didn't think of that. Good information in his video though. And quick.

[@jonmacdonald5345]

D C Team ram rod!

[@liammcintyre8970]

Dude YES. This was in the back of my mind the whole video but it didn’t fully click till I read your comment lol.

[@MG-gc8nn]

First thing i thought of when i started watching 😂😂😂😂

[@AdventureTimeOutdoors]

Great tips Tim. I have used a drip line in some heavy rain and it worked really well. When I first started out I had a grand trunk skeeter beater hammock and it did come with those cheap ropes. They do beat up the trees but they are also more work to set up. A good set of straps are better for the trees, faster to set up and are just plain easy. Happy fathers day my friend

[@Shipfixer]

I just bought my first hammock and a 16' Kelty Noah tarp. I'm going to use them for motorcycle camping in Alaska where I live. Your advice is priceless to me. I never knew you were supposed to sleep diagonally in the hammock. I went outside and strung it up right away to try it. What a difference! Kind thanks. Instant LIKE and SUBSCRIBE! Greetings from Alaska.

[@jongrall]

Great tips, Tim! Another mistake I made early on as a hammock camper was not bringing a ground sheet to stand on under my hammock (even a small one), and finding it difficult to get in and out of my hammock cleanly without bringing debris in with me or getting my feet/socks wet/muddy/dirty.

[@TimWatsonOutdoors]

that's a good one!

[@kevshelley]

Great idea for a quick, concise video. Thanks Tim, well done.

[@jules1sd]

I love that you include taking care of the trees.

[@BrosephRussell]

Thanks brother I will have to remember these when I start hammock camping

[@buddhagem]

Great tips! Planning my first hammock trip for next week. Very helpful. Thank you!

[@HuckOutdoors]

Great tips Tim! Had my first time overnight in a full hammock setup on my last trip. It was a success!

[@TimWatsonOutdoors]

Nice!! great night's sleep makes hiking the next day soooo much easier.

[@southernappalachianrecon]

Great tips man! I just started hammock camping so this video was helpful 👍

[@massachusettsprepper]

Some very good tips indeed Tim. Thanks for sharing brother.

[@WyeExplorer]

Good tip on the drip line Tim. I see people use a break (ring or something) then a carabiners but not a drip line. Take care over there. Mark

[@TimWatsonOutdoors]

A ring or break will work for most.

[@DragonRoams]

Great items to cover. The ridge line tension was a mistake I made early on.

[@JaaaaaaaC]

Can you look off camera just to the left and say in a low gravelly voice "mother of God"? Can you do me that kindness? If you have a state troopers hat and a pair of aviators put those on.

[@rivercreekfarms5063]

😂 perfect!

[@thegrassisbluer09]

Chugging maple preferred

[@jagervolant7871]

💀

[@MuskratJim]

Awesome tips, Thank you! I have a Hennessy Expedition hammock with the Hexagon Fly. The one tip I didn't know about was testing the ridge-line tension. SUBBED YOU for it!

[@KentuckyWoodsman]

Great info Tim! Thanks for sharing my friend!

[@live4wild968]

Great tips, thanks Tim

[@thomahammer9581]

Great info! Thanks for sharing your knowledge to us beginners!

[@petermckenney200]

Thanks man good advice my first 50 mile thru hike 27 Sept and first hammock tarp shelter too. I will put this advice to use .

[@jswright2005]

Nice, clear tips! I’ll make sure to send lots of my friends I’m trying to convert your way! I start feeling obnoxious after about 10 minutes of yammering on while we’re camping. My goal is to let people borrow a hammock, experience the quality night’s sleep in it, and then I like to send them off on their own to get the deep-dive info so that I’m not sucking the fun out by badgering them with “helpful/friendly” suggestions lol.

[@quinntheeskimooutdoors6234]

Thanks for the tips, take care.

[@KdawgCrazyOutdoors]

Great tips. Simple and to the point. Love the t-shirt too.

[@guns4funcajanajustin]

Great tips Tim!

[@joshbee4562]

Good info. I'm getting back on the A.T. in a few months and thought to leave the (3.2 lb) tent at home this trip. Now looking forward to hammock shopping and giving it a go. Happy trails, folks. Eric B. in Charleston, SC

[@NativeTearz]

Great advice...and video Thank you!! Love the shirt!!

[@CityOfNashville]

Great video, to the point and good for beginners (like myself)

[@LostOnLandAgain]

Very good tips!

[@TimRobson30]

Great video there I enjoyed it even though I have been using hammocks for years. I have a good tip for people wanting a flat lay, get the Amok Draumr 3.0 I have one and it’s the best

[@pipebomber04]

This was very helpful thank you mr timwat singh

[@sosteve9113]

great tips Tim

[@asudebate3009]

Great video. The thing i love most about it is that you get straight to the point and the point of the video. Can't say how refreshing that is.

[@TimWatsonOutdoors]

thanks. Took me a while to get to where I didn't ramble. :)

[@garybrian2527]

Thanks Tim, helpful stuff!

[@wgrant72]

Good job!

[@mrwes100]

Great tips!

[@RavenBlaze]

Thanks for the pointers!

[@texashikeaholicsadventures5651]

Thanks for the tips!! We recently purchased hammocks....well Craig already had one and I just purchased the Darien. We haven't had a chance to try them out yet, but we are excited to give them a try!! Thanks again for sharing!!

[@TimWatsonOutdoors]

Ooooh, excited to see what you think about the Darien

[@texashikeaholicsadventures5651]

I will definitely let you know. I may be reaching out for advice as well. We have never hammock camped before. I hear that I should be prepared to not like my first night in the hammock....We shall find out....hopefully soon. Thanks again!!

[@jeffshepherd71]

Great vid as always Tim. Keep em coming

[@mikek6293]

Great tips. I have been considering a hammock for some time. I guess it’s time to make it happen.

[@thejollygreenjiant]

For anybody Hammock camping in the Alpine, I've been using the klymit Hammock V pad for a few weeks now and it keeps me toasty and comfortable through the whole night

[@BackpackingWithJason]

Love that shirt. My second favorite Star Wars movie. Great tips on Hammock camping. Enjoyed it. 😃😃👍👍

[@morsmb1]

This was amazing! Thank you so much

[@sandrasalinas9787]

Hammock expert.. I never thought they existed lol 😂 Thanks.. I love hammocks.. I’m from El Salvador and we love them

[@wild5093]

Great job Tim. Very well thought out hammock how-to. I met a guy on the AT trying to hang with his hammock tight as he could get it and complained about how uncomfortable it was. I gave him a few tips, especially the 30 degree hang tip, but he just looked at me like weird. Something tells me he was too stubborn to try it.

[@PREPFORIT]

Great advice Tim ! Drip line's are a must even tents. I have not done a Lot of hammock camping. But now I know / Not Banana and not Flat ! Thanks !

[@MatanuskaHIGH]

PREPFORIT how would you use a drip line on a tent?

[@Opochtli]

Great video, subscribed!

[@weesebowski8651]

I tried my hammock for the first time last night and....I can agree I had to get a small but light blanket to cover under me because it was really cool! The other issue I had was the line was too long I had to re adjust the hammock and it helped with laying better. My knees weren’t hurting like the few minutes before, and the tension was still fairly loose but I had a better more comfortable experience star gazing! Thanks for the helpful tips!!!

[@tiortedrootsky]

Great to hear advise from people who actually been using the stuff they are talking about.

[@adamnickel]

I liked your performance in super troopers!!!!

[@thebackpackblazer3973]

Great advice

[@torktastic521]

Great stuff! I'd add to the end tip, make sure you are laying, not just sitting when you check the ridgeline. Mule tape+becket hitch=drip line win, it's one of my favorite parts of using that type of suspension. Keep em coming man!

[@polocarbi093]

great advise man!

[@tag1462]

Good vid, good tips especially for the newbies. Here's what I have learned from years of experience: Location is everything. Pick a good spot. Learn how to pitch a tarp. A Frames are go to but do have a few drawbacks. Folks tend to pitch them to high. Don't do that. Stake the trailing edge down close to the ground. That's your weather block. The other end can be tied off vertical for shade and or trap the heat from a campfire. And if needed pulled down wrapped around. Now as far as sleeping in a hammock... found the fetal position works best. I toss and turn but in the end found out curling right up in the middle settles me.

[@adventureswithfrodo2721]

Good video. Thanks.

[@charliemayes7777]

Good points. Thanks dude!

[@Forestwalker111]

I was glad to hear you say that straight lay doesn’t work for you, I can lay straight or diagonal and be sound as a pound. It’s all in the setup. If you know how to adjust your hammock right you can be comfortable either way. I can for sure. Great tips and love the point about tree straps, good on ya brother! Be well Tim Craig

[@KevinsAdventures]

Awesome video Tim, all things I've been learning while hammock camping. You were right, so much better than ground sleeping... when trees are available. Nice shirt buddy ;)

[@TimWatsonOutdoors]

Thanks Kevin!

[@BackpackerBrothers]

All great tips! Also, love the shirt! Empire rules.

[@beaulieuonnp593]

great advice

[@Vonzolicious]

No banana hammock while camping. Got it. Wait....

[@TimWatsonOutdoors]

😅

[@triple_gem_shining]

got eem

[@joshbee4562]

But only on the summer solstice, right? (Or whenever no one's looking.)

[@natemevec9692]

Been hammock camping for a year now and I didn't think to check ridgeline tension after gear had been added! Super minor, had many comfortable nights without noticing it but with water, battery, lantern, headlamp, top quilt and underquilt, it's about 5-7 pounds added to it. Not a bad idea to start doing the check after I load the gear in!

[@georgehibberd93]

Great vid. Cheers, dude!

[@MrSIXGUNZ]

Five tips I've never heard!!!! Thanks sooooo much for sharing. I just subscribed to your channel and look forward to seeing all your videos!!! Blessings 😇 🇺🇸

[@TimWatsonOutdoors]

Thanks and welcome!

[@ronphillips6336]

Great video, 2 points I've seen. Never hang higher than your willing to fall, and remove stones and debris below. Someone else may mention in other comments. Again great info.

[@shronkandthe7adventures965]

Thank you Pablo

[@Dan.Chaytor]

Nice Tim thanks. Really enjoying your series One tip for 30 degree hang angle is to use thumb and forefinger pistol style holding forefinger horizontal. You’re using thumb and little finger in a few videos now which could confuse some people. Thanks.

[@Grandfeller_]

You look like Officer Thorny and Ryan Gosling’s impossible love child lol Excellent video 🤙

[@jamiemurphy3633]

Thanks for the info thanks

[@73FORGE]

Just did some hammock camping in the Sierras, let’s just say it dipped into the 30’s and my reflectics we’re sliding everywhere! Cold butt? Yessir, I may need some Velcro

[@samuelbetts9352]

I went hammocking for 6 weeks uninformed and didn't sleep for the entire time as I was so cold! Also (even with driplines) I got soaked when it rained, I had the ropes for a DD hammock and the water went inside the rope!

[@norsefalconer]

I'm new to hammock camping, so thanks for sharing the info. I know this a slightly older vid, so I hope you resolved the volume on following posts. This one is very quiet.

[@CalvinsCorner72]

Oh yeah we love a “flat lay” Tim. 😺 I love these tips they are very important things that people do not think of for sure. Tree straps was what I thought about first. I have to do the flat hammock because when I get in it sags.... believe me! Lol

[@TimWatsonOutdoors]

ha!

[@SurvivalTheory]

Cool shirt!

[@SalineScott]

Great tips. I remember the first time I forgot to make a drip line.

[@TimWatsonOutdoors]

Did you ever forgot again? :D

[@SalineScott]

Tim Watson I sure did not.

[@gibrigg]

Great tips! I admit I was recently a got-to-get-it-as-tight-possible guy... So you were laughing at me...lol . Another good idea is to check above for dead limbs. Also using a tarp keeps the tree detritus off you during the night... Trees in eastern hardwood forests drop stuff which can be distracting while trying to sleep.

[@TimWatsonOutdoors]

:) If you check out the video in the cards I think my buddy Dan sets up his hammock like that as a joke.

[@sinfonianbarelytone9191]

All good points. Not a tutorial, but that's not what you were going for. Good tips.

[@nando68two]

Great advice Tim. I'm a ground sleeper but I've seen them all. I think you might want to warn people about wearing shoes or having sharp objects in their pockets while using a hammock. I've seen someone fall out the bottom of his hammock when something sharp just bursted it open under him. Hahaha, it was hilarious for us, not for him. I smell an "Another 5 Mistakes" video brewing. Great job, keep them coming!

[@TimWatsonOutdoors]

Excellent point!

[@karstoutdoors1606]

Have you looked at the Outdoor Vitals Aerie 20 deg & 30 deg and the Roost 40 deg bags. They have the ability to be used as a rectangular sleeping bag, a hammock under quilt, and as a hammock "pod" system. I'd appreciate your thoughts on them.

[@ttommydillon]

Karst Outdoors I have the OV Aerie 20 degree bag and I have used it as an under quilt and a pod. Both ways work fantastic. Just my 2 cents worth !

[@TimWatsonOutdoors]

I haven't looked at those systems. Being a tall guy I'm not sure how the pod system would work.

[@ShinyKnife]

Man If i keep watching all these videos I’m going to have a room full of lost hobbies lol. My kayak is setting in my living room slash hobby room

[@TimWatsonOutdoors]

lol I need to give some gear away I think.

[@LGSkywalker82]

Tim Watson oh yeah? Lol Been a while Tim. Hope all is well!

[@joshbee4562]

Put your kayak in the hammock to get it off the floor.

[@bluestar.8938]

Thank you : )

[@febrostyle7930]

Hi tim! Is a sleeping bag enough to not use an underquilt?

[@spijkerpoes]

A 'consistent hang' for the Spijkerpoes is about every weekend!

[@Jake-bt7ig]

On the subject of the diagonal making for a flatter lay... I don’t really pack in to wilderness when I camp with my hammock so bringing a comforter, bedsheet, pillow and body pillow along. I put the comforter and sheet over the hammock, push it in a bit, put the pillow and body pillow in and lye down. Then I flip the extra comforter in to create a sort of cocoon for myself. The reason I mentioned the diagonal is for those who don’t sleep well lying on their back. That setup lets me lye on my side or really in any position as long as I have the right sag and the right diagonal. I’ve never gotten too cold that way either.

[@AugustHawk]

Shirt!! By the way, have you done a video on multiple hammockers tying off on a shared tree (due to a shortage of good trees). Was curious and looking for any tips regarding this. Thanks

[@TimWatsonOutdoors]

No but that would be a good video idea. I'll add it to the list. Look into the Dutch beetle buckle with spreader bar and Dream Hammock now has a side by side option for the Raven that could work for your needs. Not a cheap option but worth looking at.

[@cottontalesfromthetrail5474]

Tim, if your ridgeline is too tight, what is the correction that I need to make? Thanks!

[@jeffreydyanzio5709]

Killer shirt man!

[@jm4nier20]

Sweet rain fly! Where'd you score that?

[@DevonDave118]

Wish I watched this first, I smashed my back up lying in it wrongly lol fell asleep on the wrong angle, I did not have a pad in it, just a Gortex sleeping bag cover so I woke up freezing on my back and but, took 6 weeks to get better ha . you got to love KZbin and Videos like this, problem sorted now

[@77goanywhere]

Other things: Mosquito net. Either a hammock with a built in net or one that can go around the entire hammock. Even in cold weather bugs can be a real pain. And it will also keep vermin out. Believe it or not, it also keeps you a little warmer. Tarp cover. Especially in wet or snowy weather. A tarp that is at least 6" longer each end than the hammock. I use a DD 3m x 3m tarp, which can be used as a tent if you encounter no trees for your hammock. I use both a self-inflating mat and a down underquilt in cold weather. The mat helps to make the hammock flatter, and gives even more insulation underneath. Also it can serve as a mattress if you encounter no trees for hanging the hammock. Ground sheet. Important to make your entry and exit dryer in wet or dewy weather.

[@mathewlewis6799]

You use the dd self inflating mat?

[@77goanywhere]

@@mathewlewis6799 No I use a Thermorest.

[@LGSkywalker82]

Sorry for the stupid question Tim, but I have the Thermarest Slacker Hammock House hammock system and it has a ridge line for the rainfly but the ridge line has nothing to do with the hammock hang system. Why does it need slack? And another stupid question, but how can I tell if it’s got the 30* hang angle? I’ve only used it once so far because my accounting degree, work, and family keep me too busy to get out camping, but that one time was a rough night of sleep! I’m a side/belly sleeper and it took forever to fall asleep even with how tired I was. Suggestions?

[@kristenplaysoutside4181]

I think Dutchware sells a gadget that hangs on your ridgeline to help find the correct angle.

[@LGSkywalker82]

Kristen PlaysOutside thank you!!

[@flashmanv3260]

Time Great video. Only point I don't agree on is if you have a ridgline on your hammock the 30 deg does not really make a difference. The ridgleine holds the hammock hang/slack at that 30 deg even if you have your straps too low putting a lot of tension on your ridgeline. The ridgline distance if fixed regardless. I guess if you have a lightweight ridgeline and it stretches the angle would change. Might be putting more wear and tear on your ridgeline overtime I guess could be a downside, but the hang angle does not change. Well, one note the 30 deg does count if you put too much dip and the ridgeline is just hanging not taunt. But you can have that ridgeline as tight as a guitar string and you will still have the same hang/slack in the hammock. The ridgeline is keeping that measurement from head to toe of the hammock the same regardless.

[@TimWatsonOutdoors]

Made me go back and look at what I said. :) You're right about the hang angle being the same every time. For me it also doesn't feel as comfortable if I don't at least attempt to get 30ish.

[@darktoranaga]

About the tree straps, i just bought a long piece of strap from the hardware store, costs next to nothing, and used it. Works perfectly, the weight is not significant, and it really is all you need.

[@frankieren8791]

I've watched many videos on ridgelines and still can't figure it out. I think I have it correct til I get in. How taut should it be when all gear and you are in? I know this is a silly question, but I am really trying to learn. Thank you for your videos.

[@TimWatsonOutdoors]

Not a silly question. Lying in it you should be able to "bend" the ridgeline between your thumb and finger. Realistically though don't fuss too much if it's tight and you're using an amsteel ridgeline. Those things can hold a ton (not literally) of pressure.

[@frankieren8791]

Thank you. I have stressed over this. Will continue to enjoy your videos. 😁

[@melissafisher7731]

Regarding the tension of the quilt. I find myself sagging, and my bottom almost touching the ground if I don't have the hammock tight. However I do feel like I could flip out. Any suggestions on how to get looser tension without dragging on the ground My tree straps are about 5' off the ground

[@jamesthornton3339]

Move the tree straps higher on the tree, that will put you higher off the ground