Last summer, I discovered the simple pleasure of lounging in a hammock, staring up at the trees. The experience stuck with me, and I couldn’t shake the idea of turning that blissful relaxation into an entire camping trip. This year, I finally made it happen: hammock camping, complete with a bug net and rain cover. Spoiler alert—it was awesome and I may never go back to my tent!
Setting Up the Perfect Hammock Camp
I found a sweet spot between two sturdy trees, a little ways from my friends, and set up my hammock. I’ll admit, I had a few concerns—what if it got too cold? What if I felt too exposed? What if I woke up to woodland animals gnawing on my legs? But once I settled in, I knew I was in for a unique camping experience. The hammock was easy to get in and out of, and I quickly learned a nifty trick: hanging my boots from the hammock made them much easier to put on.
Lessons Learned: Stay Warm and Secure
One thing I didn’t anticipate was how cold it could get, even in the summer. My friends warned me, Amazon reviews warned me, YouTube warned me, but I still wasn’t prepared enough. I came with a sleeping bag, fleece liner, and two blankets, but I still found myself layering up with my coat on top. Hammock camping in the wilderness is not for the faint of heart—it’s cold!
Another lesson was the sliding. I kept slipping toward the low point of the hammock, a common issue, it seems. I’m determined to figure out a better setup next time, but for now, I’ll take the sliding in stride. I also tend to slide while camping on a cot so that could just be a “me issue.”
A Starry Night to Remember
One of the biggest perks of hammock camping is the view. Living in the city means stargazing is a rare treat, but out in the Olympic National Forest, the stars were stunning. I even saw two massive shooting stars in one night—an experience I’ll never forget. There’s something magical about lying under the open sky, feeling like you’re truly one with nature.
Tips for Hammock Camping Like a Pro
If you’re considering giving hammock camping a try, here are a few tips from my experience:
- Choose the Right Hammock: Look for one that can carry your weight comfortably. I found mine on Amazon, and both my new and old hammocks are rated for over 450 pounds. For overnight stays, make sure it has a bug net that zips up completely and a rain cover—these are essential for a good night’s sleep.
- Pack the Essentials: A little lantern is a game-changer for finding your way in the dark. I also brought a small pillow that doubles as a blanket, which added to the coziness. While my hammock had pockets for my phone and boots, I stored the rest of my gear in the car or at the campsite.
- Stay Warm: Layer up! Even in summer, the temperature can drop unexpectedly. Bring extra blankets, a good sleeping bag, and consider adding a fleece liner to your setup.
- Mind Your Surroundings: Be aware of who or what might be near your hammock. You don’t want to be startled by someone lifting your rain cover to check if it’s occupied!
Looking Forward to the Next Adventure
Despite a few challenges, hammock camping was an unforgettable experience, and I’m already planning to do it again. There’s something about being suspended between two trees, swaying gently as you fall asleep under the stars, that’s hard to beat. While I have yet to master minimalist camping, that’s a story for another time. For now, I’m content knowing that I’ve found my new favorite way to camp.
Happy camping!
-Ryan
