Just Hangin Around An Aerial View of Hammock Backpacking

Why Leave the Ground? Often more comfortable than tents. LNT-friendly by providing less impact. – No compressing soil. – No clearing vegetation. – Things are left the way you found them. Tarp can be setup independently if needed. Dual-purpose shelter and camp seat.

Its a Camp Chair!

Why Leave the Ground? Typically easier to setup and cleaner to take down. Great for uneven and rough terrain. Highly customizable to suit your needs or the needs of the environment.

Why Leave the Ground?

Problems Leaving the Ground Not really geared towards multiple users. Can require more tweaking to achieve the perfect setup. Can get cold quickly if youre not prepared.

Why Would I Stay on the Ground? Camping above tree line or in the desert. Sharing your shelter with someone else. Warmer without additional precautions. Desire a fully enclosed shelter.

Problems With Staying on the Ground Not LNT-friendly. Can be dirty to pack away. Typically more bulky. Need to find the perfect site to avoid rocks and sticks damaging tent floor, water runoff, etc. Can be hot and muggy.

Not Your Grandpas Hammock Modern backpacking hammocks are small and lightweight. More advanced materials and design than recreational hammocks.

Wont I Fall Out? Only if youre really talented. ;-)

Inside the Backpacking Hammock Typically made from light or ultralight silnylon. May have permanent or removable netting. Typically have storage areas or loops. May have a structural or non- structural ridgeline. May be single or double layer.

Inside the Backpacking Hammock Gathered end – Hennessy Sewn channel – Switchback Bridge – JRB Bear Bridge

Inside the Backpacking Hammock

Site Selection Pick trees apart that are 6-8 in diameter minimum. Dont pick the tallest trees. Look up for widowmakers. Try to pick a location that will naturally protect you from wind/rain. Optional – Pick site based on view – Pick site based on stealth

Suspension Methods Notes About Using Rope/Line – Can cut into tree if attached directly. – Knots degrade rope strength (up to 50%) and can be difficult to untie.

Suspension Methods Webbing straps – Safer for the tree by distributing load. – Eliminate/reduce the need for knots. Strap Options – Eno Slap Straps – Python straps – DIY

Suspension Attachment Methods Carabiners Descender rings Toggles Demo Time!

Get Your Sag On! Hang the suspension to create about a 30° angle for a proper sag. Too little sag will create too tight of a hammock. Too much sag will turn your hammock into a banana. Neither will be comfortable.

Get Your Sag On! Structural ridgeline will set the sag so its repeatable every time. An adjustable ridgeline can help while youre in the learning phase or provide the ability to change the sag down the road.

Tweaking The Setup Use tie-outs to provide a roomier feel. Use ridgeline for clothing, lighting, etc. Try positioning head/feet slightly higher if you struggle getting level. Adjust height above ground based on comfort.

Keepin It Warm Convection loss is your biggest enemy. Keeping the wind off your back will eliminate CBS and make your time much more enjoyable.

Insulation Options WeatherShield SuperShelter Underquilt/top quilt – Three-quarter – Full-length Sleeping bag Foam pads (open or closed-cell) Emergency blanket

Insulation Options Hammock sock Lightweight blankets Natural materials – Leaves – Pine straw – Other vegetation Demo Time!

Insulation Options

Dont Blame it on the Rain A quality tarp can greatly increase your comfort level. Multiple tarps to choose from may be helpful depending on your needs. Buy a tarp that provides flexibility beyond simply covering the hammock.

Tarp Designs

Assymetric Tarp

Hex Tarp

Winter Tarp

Setup Overview

Dude! Where Are My Trees? If you find yourself above tree line, in the desert, or w/o suitable trees you can still use your hammock. Hiking poles and other objects can support ends like a tree. Being prepared with a pad can make the journey back to ground more palatable.

Dude! Where Are My Trees?

My Setup

Where Do I Learn More? Search for shug hammock Read the The Ultimate Hang * and visit * All illustrations used by permission of Derek Hansen.

Questions?