Camping Tent Alternatives

If you enjoy camping, hiking, or backpacking, and are looking for a tent to cover your needs, consider a great alternative – the hammock! These camping shelters are lightweight, economical, comfortable, and easy to set up. Camping hammocks can be used al alternatives to traditional tents or as supplemental camping gear.

Lightweight and Economical
Fabric camping hammocks usually weigh about half the amount of the lightest tents available. This is especially helpful when backpacking. Hammocks also cost about half of tents weighing twice as much, and may have lower shipping costs when purchased online.

Comfortable and Easy to Set Up
Hammocks are particularly useful for moderate to warm weather camping, hiking, and backpacking. When properly set up, they provide a comfortable, gently rocking sleeping shelter. Campers can assume flat sleeping positions by lying at a slight angle, or comfortable on their sides.

Camping hammocks are easy to set up. Unlike a tent’s requirements of level ground, hammocks simply require two sturdy trees or points to be anchored to. Hammocks also can provide storage space. By attaching the rain fly, items may be kept dry by placing them underneath the hammock. This works well unless the weather is very windy.

Buying a Camping Hammock
You can purchase camping hammocks at local sporting goods stores or online. Check sites specializing in sporting goods, camping supplies, and hiking and backpacking equipment.

Hammocks are rated by the amount of weight they will hold. Be sure to check this feature on items you are considering, and select a camping hammock according to your body weight.

Sleeping Pad
Pads made for use under sleeping bags work will in camping hammocks. You may want to purchase a pad for your camping and hiking trips if you do not already own one.

Hammock Set-Up
Simple set-up instructions should come with your camping hammock. Sometimes these are printed directly on the hammock’s storage bag. To begin setting up, select two trees or other sturdy anchors that are appropriately distanced apart according to the tie cords’ length.

Knot the cords per the written instructions, making sure to tie them as tightly as possible. If the cords are tied too loosely, the hammock may sag too much with your body weight. It is also important to tie the anchoring cords level with each other on both trees.

Tie the hammock’s side elastic strings to stakes, rocks, or other stabilizing objects on the ground to eliminate excess swaying. You may also attach the hammock’s rain fly if the weather looks inclement.

Finally, climb into the camping hammock and test the fit. If the hammock is not tied tightly enough, and there is too much sagging, retie the anchoring cords to correct.