The Outdoor Hammock Blog

When you are looking for an alternative to camping gear an outdoor hammock can be just the thing you need. These are lighter weight than a sleeping bag and less bulky; in most cases you can carry this in a backpack.

One interesting note about hammocks is the fact no one really knows where they came from or how they people discovered to use them. There was a case back during Columbus’ time when he mentioned that natives brought their hamacas to be traded and this may be how they got started.

The hammock is also comfortable because many, like the Hennessey Hammock have back support built into the swing. Campers who use them find that when they sleep in a camping hammock, they get a more rested sleep then when they sleep on the ground.

One reason why outdoor hammocks haven’t taken on for some people is they think it is a very different way of doing camping than what they are used to doing. Camping hammocks are also good for anyone who wants to get a good night sleep in most conditions. Just like sleeping bags though, a hammock may not be the best choice in adverse conditions.

As an example, if you are hiking in cold temperatures or very hot ones, a sleeping bag may be a better choice. Also, if you are traveling with a significant other or with your canine friend a sleeping bag will give you the chance to be near them where a hammock tent will not.

If you are used to sleeping with a tarp system a camping hammock system will not feel very different. Your sleeping platform is still suspended in midair and tied between two trees. What you find is there is no difference between these two systems except that with the hammock you have a more comfortable platform to sleep on.

There are several outdoor hammocks to choose from that are comfortable and easy to use. Here are few examples:

The Hennessey Hammock is lightweight and easy to carry. It comes with a built in mosquito net and detachable rain fly. One of the most comfortable ones and very popular, this outdoor hammock is versatile and comfortable.

The Lawson Blue Ridge camping hammocks are a great transition for the individual used to camping on the ground because it looks like a tent. These are built to be used in areas where you can’t take a tent and for people who are always on the move.

La Siesta Hammocks come from South America where they are used to using and constructing outdoor hammocks. True to their nature, there are several colors to choose from and you have a variety of styles. They boast that their hammock tents are the most comfortable.

Hammocking may not be right for everyone but if you haven’t tried an outdoor hammock, it’s a good idea to try it, experiment with it and see if you like it. If not, you can always give it away to someone who will love it.

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Everyone is excited about the new Hammock Camping Book written by Ed Speer, the maker of Speer Hammocks. This book is rich with detail and it is a quick read at only 200 pages. The book gives you all kinds of tips about how to camp better and get better use out of your experience.

Speer has made this a very easy to read book and has only seven chapters but they are jam packed with lots of information for what he calls, the outdoor enthusiast. Readers of the book agree that it has more information between the chapters and the appendices than they can every keep in their heads.

Whether you have a camping hammock or are partial to Lawson Hammock or La Siesta you will find something worthwhile inside this book.

This Hammock Camping Book covers the basics of hammock camping and includes topics like how to create a shelter that works for you in inclement weather, how to stay warm, how to stay out of trouble and how to keep “wild life” — including bears, snakes and spiders — out of your camping hammock. As you can see this is very useful information.

Speers really knows what he is talking about because he and his partner have been using and making hammock tents out of their home in North Carolina. They are in the Appalachian region and make sure that they get out and hike or camp all the time.

He has been hiking and camping since he was a little boy. Ed is also an exploration geologist and works part-time as a geological consultant so we know that he really knows what to do in all types of situations.

The style of the Hammock Camping book is very down to earth and easy to read. You can read excerpts on the Internet to get a flavor of the entire book. The book sells from between $18 and $20 depending on where you purchase it. This is great read for anyone who is into outdoor hammocks.

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Many people have asked whether making their own outdoor hammock is better than buying a commercial product. Although we can’t tell you the absolute answer on this because it really is a matter of personal style, we can tell you what we have found in our research.

There are several reasons why we would suggest to you to purchase an camping hammock rather than buying it. One of the biggest reasons is that to make your own and make it hold up, you will need good sewing skills. You will also need to understand how to pick the right fabrics and cords to come together to make your outdoor hammock.

Although you can use a sheet or something that you already know about, this will not be a hammock that you can readily use for camping over a long period of time. Some people think that because a camping hammock looks easy to make, that it is easy. However, you will find as you explore it that it takes a great effort to get it just right.

There are several outdoor hammocks on the market like Hennessey Camping Hammocks, Lawson Hammock Tents or La Siesta Outdoor Hammock that are inexpensive and well made. If you check these out you will find that the companies have been around for many years and they are doing well. You can read reviews on the Internet that will tell you about these brands and the different styles they offer.

Another area where it will be difficult to make your own hammock tent is when you consider the weight. Although you know your own weight you may not be familiar with the amount of strength your hammock has to handle your weight. This is very important because you won’t want to land up on the ground.

Temperatures are a consideration also. Some fabrics work better than others to shield you from the cold and from bugs. This is a feature that commercial brand hammocks already have in place. They usually come with a mosquito net and many have rain shields.

Making your own camping hammock may or may not save you money in the long run. When you consider that you can get a basic commercial hammock for around $50 you may be spending more trying to make your own, especially when you are trying to make them from scratch with no knowledge at all.

With most hammock tents you will also get instructions and a guide on how to take care of them, how to put them up and more. When you are making your own it may be difficult to figure out how all of that works and you may be using materials that are inferior to your needs.

Now that we have given you many pros and cons of making your own, you may still decide that you are ready to go it on your own. If that is what you are thinking then we have one other piece of advice: go to Speer Hammocks because they have a kit that you can use to make your won outdoor hammock.

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This video shows how to: close entrance from inside, lay diagonally for maximum comfort, use outdoor hammock as a chair and as a lounger.

Duration: 1:03
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Just a bit of humor: watch how bears enjoy swinging in outdoor hammock.

Duration: 1:01
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The following video presentation shows how to set up and pack back an outdoor hammock.

Duration: 5:00
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Tents are great for camping but today people are finding that an outdoor hammock is a lot more fun and you don’t have to sleep on the ground. Can you imagine what it would be like to stuff your hammock tent into your backpack and have it lighter than when you have a regular tent? How much more could you do?

First, do not be confused by word “hammock” that requires bulky hammock stand. No such thing. The point is that a camping hammock can be a great way for you to explore more of the outdoors than you might with a tent. Most people associate hammock tents with home because that is where most of them are used. However, outdoor hammocks are becoming very popular for camping because of how versatile and comfortable they are as opposed to a tent.

A camping hammock-tent can be a much easier way to travel because you can carry it in your backpack and it is lightweight. When you get to a place in the woods where you want to camp, all you have to do is find two trees that are close enough together to use the hammock tent, take it from your backpack, open it and attach it to the trees. And if you happened to camp in a place with no sturdy trees then with a help of a couple of sticks camping hammock can be converted to a hammock tent.

The ground isn’t a consideration with a camping hammock because you won’t be on the ground. You don’t have to worry about clearing out the rocks or finding a level place for your sleeping bag. Another nice thing about an outdoor hammock is you get a better sleep because you are off the ground. You can sway to your hearts content at night and in the morning wake up refreshed.

There are several different types of outdoor hammocks but many people say that one of the best is the Hennessy Hammock™ because it comes in a variety of light weights and it is easy to use. These camping hammocks have several features that make them a good purchase.

They have mosquito hammock net so you can take them just about anywhere. They have a detachable rain fly, support ropes and tree huggers that actually protect the bark on the trees. Stuff suck is handy to keep your valuables inside. Experts who use the Hennessy say these are all features that are important when you are looking for a camping hammock.

If you have already thought about using an outdoor hammock here are a few reasons to help you make a decision:

• They are not bulky like a tent and can be carried in your backpack without hassle.
• They provide you with cover that can actually be zipped all the way so you feel like you are in a cocoon in some models.
• Many outdoor tents like the Hennessy Hammock™ will give you a sleep that is as good as home.
• They are designed to support your back in a similar way as a mattress does, but they do this off the ground.

There are a variety of manufacturers for your outdoor hammock needs and some you might try besides Hennessy include Lawson Hammocks, Clark Jungle Hammocks or La Siesta. All of these have been tested by campers and found to be among the best.

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