Have you ever arrived at a campsite, quickly unpacked your gear as the sun was starting to set, hurriedly pitched your tent, got your table and chairs set up, started rustling up some dinner for the family (finally!) and with a cold drink in hand looked over to a nearby camp to see someone fast asleep in their hammock?
A slight tinge of envy, perhaps? That was how I felt many camping moons ago until I got my own hammock, and it changed my world for the better. Hammocks are a wonderful addition to your camping inventory and are small enough to squeeze into your vehicle or even your hiking pack.
Here are 5 surefire reasons why you must pack a hammock on your next camping or hiking adventure:
1. Hammocks are versatile and easy to set up
Hammocks are so much simpler than setting up a tent, so you can ditch those pegs and poles from your kit! Usually a couple of good-sized trees will suffice and hopefully, they will be growing near your campsite. Or you’ll make sure you select a location that has two trees with perfect hammock hanging distance between them. If you are desert travellers, a hammock between two bullbars has been known to work just as well.
Doesn’t this look cruisy? All you need to set up a hammock is a pair of sturdy trees
2. They’re comfortable and super-functional
Hammocks will last several years of regular use with the correct care. Plus, if you find it comfortable to sleep in your hammock for longer periods of time, then you may just find yourself ditching your tent altogether. Well, when the weather permits. Plus, you won’t have to deal with any rocks or sticks poking into your back that you may otherwise encounter sleeping in a tent – now, that’s simple camping!
Likewise, gram-counting hikers can enjoy sleeping in a hammock, as they now come in minuscule, lightweight packages – without a compromise on strength or functionality.
Look at this little ripper! The Sea to Summit Ultralight Hammock is almost the same size as a large stone fruit!
3. Hammocks have a low impact on the environment
When you lie in your hammock, you won’t be squashing any endangered plants or insects, because – obviously – you’re hanging above the ground. If you’re concerned about the effect of your weight on the trees, you can now set up your hammock with the aid of tree protectors to distribute the load so that the health of the trees is protected.
Adding tree protectors to your hammock set up will help distribute your weight, and prevent damage to the tree.
4. You can keep your gear close by
It’s rare nowadays for the average adventurer to go off the grid without some sort of tech device – a phone, tablet, or PLB which are usually things you want to have on hand at all times.
Instead of cuddling up to your phone at night, you can pop it in the Sea to Summit Gear Sling and hook it up under your sleeping quarters so you can have easy access to all your essentials without having to get up.
A hammock gear sling means you’ll never topple over sideways while grabbing your phone again!
5. You can use them even when the mozzies are out, or the weather forecast doesn’t look so good
With a range of technical accessories available, you don’t have to let a light drizzle or insects stop you from enjoying a night out under the stars. Gone are the days of swatting as you sleep – with the addition of a Hammock Bug Net you can snooze in peace without flies, mozzies or gnats disturbing your slumber. And, if the weather’s looking a little rainy – you can set up a Hammock Tarp for protection against the wind and rain.
Put your feet up and relax with a good book while you enjoy some peace and quiet in a hammock.
Hammocks are a scenic way to enjoy some peace and meditation, while you rest in comfort. When you’re lying back with a good book – you’ll discover why kicking back in a hammock is the way to go for some fresh air and relaxation in the great outdoors – or even in your own backyard.
Will you be jumping on the hammock bandwagon anytime soon? What do you think of the technical take on this humble sleeping system?
This post was updated in April 2017.