How to Make Sure Your Hammock is Set up Safe and Secured
If you are an avid camper, bringing a hammock along on your trips is a must. These simple pieces of furniture can make all the difference when it comes to your adventures. However, if you have never owned a hammock, there is a lot to learn.
Even though hammocks are simple, it is very important that you learn how to set them up properly before trying to relax in one. In fact, if you forget to tighten something or skip an essential step, you could end up seriously hurting yourself.
This is where we come in. In this article, we will be discussing a few steps that you should follow when setting up your hammock safely and securely. There are various options for you to choose from when it comes to the method and equipment used. You should decide which process sounds easiest and the most manageable before setting off on your next camping trip. So let's get into it.
Choose the Right Hammock
As we have already mentioned, there are various options to choose from when it comes to the equipment that you can use. This includes the hammock itself. There are plenty of different hammock styles that can each be used in different situations.
Materials
First of all, you should decide which material you want. If you are going to be using your hammock for camping, finding a product that is easy to clean will be the way to go. On the other hand, if your hammock is going to be set up in your backyard, there are various high-quality cotton options for you to browse.
It is important to note that polyester hammocks are very durable and will last the longest. On the other hand, olefin hammocks are made to withstand the harsh elements of the outdoors.
Size
Aside from the material, you will also need to select a hammock that is the correct size. If you opt for a smaller product and try to squeeze your entire family onto the hammock, you could end up ripping the material or damaging the ties. You will need to think about who all is going to be using the hammock before deciding what size to purchase.
Find the Best Spot
Once you have purchased the perfect hammock, you will need to start thinking about where to set it up. Ideally, your campsite will have two strong trees that are close enough together. However, if there are no trees in the area that you can use to set up your hammock, you could always tie one end of the hammock to your car.
Distance
You will need at least 10 to 15 feet of space between the two trees. However, this number depends on the type and size of the hammock you have purchased. Also, the amount of tension in your hammock will be affected by how far apart the trees are.
Height
The ideal seat height between the ground and the bottom of your hammock is roughly 18 inches. This is the average height of a chair, making it easy to sit and get comfortable in your hammock.
To achieve this height, you should try to hang the hammock’s suspension at a 30-degree angle. However, it is important to remember that too much tension will make things uncomfortable.
What You'll Need
Once you have all of the above considerations in order, here is what you need to get started with hanging your hammock safely and securely based on the type of hammock you have.
Hanging a Hammock With Hardware
You can make use of hardware when hanging your hammock. This includes two screws, two chains, and two S-hooks and J-hooks. Start by inserting the screws into your trees of choice. Once finished, you can add the J-hooks to the tree-end of the chains and the S-hook to the hammock-end. The J-hooks should slot into the screws and the S-hooks into the hammock loops.
With this being said, it is important to note that the hardware will damage the trees. For this reason, many campers prefer using other, less harsh methods to set up their hammocks.
Hanging a Hammock With a Rope Knot
Using a rope knot is the more traditional method of hanging a hammock. However, you will need to master the art of tying knots before using this particular method. To hang a hammock this way, you will simply need two ropes for either end of the hammock.
Hanging a Hammock With Tree Straps
Using tree straps to hang your hammock is by far the easiest method. Also, unlike using hammock hardware, these straps do not cause any damage to the trees. You will be able to pick up tree straps from most camping stores. Simply attach the straps to either side of your hammock and hang them around the two trees that you will be using. The straps will be more than strong enough to hold your weight.
Final Thoughts
So how to make sure your hammock is set up safe and secured? Well, we have answered that above. There are plenty of factors to consider when using a hammock. For starters, you will need to decide which product will best suit you and your needs. There are various materials and sizes to choose from.
Once you have your hammock, you can begin looking for the perfect place to hang it up. If you cannot find two trees, you could always tie one end to your car. You will also need to consider how high off the ground your hammock will be. If the trees are too far apart, you can add cords and ropes to the ends of your hammock to cover this distance.
There are also various ways that you can set up your hammock. For starters, you could make use of hardware, which includes screws and chains. On the other hand, many experienced campers make rope knots. However, using tree straps is by far the easiest method.