Activities: Hammock Camping

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BOOKING THE PROGRAMME

  • Suitable for Ages 12+
  • Groups should have this activity pre booked.
  • Also included is a tarp with para cord. The use of small sticks to guy this down is greatly encouraged, no need for metal pegs in the forest!
  • Rental is from 4pm in the evening until 12 noon the day after

Hammock camping

Overview

Advantages of camping with a Hammock

No matter what we say about Hammock Camping, you will never know how great it is until you try it! Below we have listed a few advantages which we hope will persuade you to give it a shot.

  • Hammocks – are smaller and lighter to carry than tents.
  • Hammocks – take less time to set up
  • Hammocks – have minimal impact on the environment so you can leave almost no trace of having been there
  • Hammocks – allow you to see whats going on around you while camping – wake up and watch the sunrise while still in bed! – stars at night, sunset, wildlife……
  • Hammocks – are far more comfy than sleeping on the ground
  • Hammocks – can be used as a seat when cooking etc. at camp
  • You will not tip over – all our hammocks are designed to be extremely stable. Even if you wanted to you would find it very hard to tip a DD Hammock
  • Hammocks – offer a very sociable way to camp with friends
  • No need to look for a level campsite (sleep above rocks, roots, even water)
  • Avoid slugs, spiders and other creepy crawlies
  • The ropes can be used as washing lines
  • Our hammocks can even double as an emergency stretcher or light sleeping bag

So what are you waiting for! Give it a try.

Setting it up:

  1. Find two living (solid) trees between 9ft and 15ft apart (Trees eight inches in diameter are ideal but anything up to 25″ is fine).
  2. Position the hammock so it is in the centre between the trees and tie each end (for knots see knots page). If using with the mosquito net ensure the hammock is the right way up with the netting at the top (not underneath).
  3. It should be tied almost as tight as possible (leave a tiny amount of slack) and should rest just above sitting height. It will drop slightly once you enter it.
  4. We recommend you now test the knots by pulling hard on the ropes at either end.

You have a choice to use this hammock with or without the mosquito net:

Without mosquito net:

For the Frontline hammock please see ‘Entering the hammock’ instructions for DD Camping hammock. (Hammock should first be set up as above with the only difference being the mosquito net underneath – in step 2). For the Travel hammock we recommend that you do not sleep between the layers as they are not fully breathable.

With mosquito net:

  1. a) Once you have set the hammock up, take the two elastic ropes and tie them to the centre loops at either end of the mosquito net.
  2. b) At each end, tie the other end of the elastic rope to the trees above the hammock rope (thus supporting the netting above the hammock).
  3. c) IMPORTANT, It is very important to check that you have not tied the netting too high above the hammock that it will put excessive stress on the netting once your weight is in the hammock, allow a generous amount of slack, remembering the hammock will drop slightly with you inside.
  4. d) – The hammock comes with poles, but you can also insert a stick between the side loops at each end, this spreads out the netting giving you more room inside the hammock. You can also attach a small torch (for reading) or a small bag etc to one of the loops on the underside of the netting.

Erecting the tarp

Once happy with the Hammock position, just tie off the paracord above the hammocks from tree to tree. Using bow knots just like your shoe laces. Throw the tarp over and peg down. Sticks around the forest can be used for this, no need for metal pegs! Be mindful of their position though, remember its dark and night and you don’t want to trip!

Entering the Hammock

  • Open the zip fully, so its at one end of the hammock.
  • Take the mosquito net and lift it over your head.
  • Open the hammock with one hand on either side of it.
  • Then with your back to the hammock, pull the hammock underneath you as you slowly sit down into it.
  • Once you are sitting in it, lift your legs and swivel your body round.
  • Then close the zip.

Most people have their own preference for setting up their hammock – it will take a little time and experimenting for you to find yours. The majority of people find:

  • Having the leg end of the hammock tied slightly higher more comfy.
  • Having the hammock reasonably flat (rope tight) more comfy.
  • Sleeping at a slight diagonal more comfy.

Knots

We recommend you use the Falconers Knot or the Mooring Hitch to tie your hammock up. There are however plenty of other knots that work just as well.

Please under no circumstances cut the Rope!

If it works it works – For those without a good knowledge of knots a simple yet effective option is to use the same knot you use to tie your shoes! Plenty of experienced tree dwellers do this. It works best if you first wrap the rope around the tree a couple of times, taking the two ends opposite ways around the tree. For a more secure finish loop one of the ends and tie to the free end, allowing quick release.

Always remember to test the knot before entering the hammock.