1. Just Hangin Around An Aerial View of Hammock Backpacking

2. Just A Little History Introduced to Europe by Columbus from present-day Bahamas. Part of the classic Mayan culture. Adopted by Royal Navy in 1597 for shipboard use. Used by both sides during the Vietnam War.

3. Why So Critical in the Past? Highly effective in preventing disease and fungal infection. Netting protects from infectious insect bites. Tarps and elevation protect from rain and runoff. Snakes and other creepy crawlies are left on the ground.

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

5. 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.

6. 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.

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

8. 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 getting poked by rocks and sticks or damage tent floor. Need to be dried out before packing. Can be hot and muggy.

9. Not Your Grandpas Hammock Modern backpacking hammocks are small and lightweight. Far removed in materials, not design, from recreational hammocks.

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

11. 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.

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

13. Inside the Backpacking Hammock

15. Site Selection Pick trees 12-15 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

16. Suspension Methods Standard rope – Can cut into tree if attached directly. – Knots degrade rope strength and can be difficult to untie.

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

18. Suspension Attachment Methods Carabiners Descender rings Toggles Demo Time!

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

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

21. 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.

22. Insulation Options WeatherShield SuperShelter Underquilt/top quilt – Three-quarter – Full-length Sleeping bag Foam pads Emergency blanket

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

24. Insulation Options

25. 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.

26. Tarp Designs

27. Assymetric Tarp

28. Hex Tarp

29. Winter Tarp

30. Setup Overview

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

32. Dude! Where Are My Trees?

34. My Setup

35. Its a Camp Chair!