December 14, 2020
Ah, the hammock. The greatest relaxation invention since the massage chair. While many of us assume that we have to put the hammock away the second a leaf falls, I’m here to tell you that this is far too early.
Not only can we use our outdoor hammocks year round, we can camp in them. That’s right. It’s like relaxing, but better. And what’s stopping us from taking it a level further? Why not camp in a hammock...in the winter??
THAT’S RIGHT. WINTER CAMPING. IN A HAMMOCK.
This is the mark of the ultimate adventurer. There is no better way to enjoy the winter scene you’re in than by sleeping in it without the suffocating walls of a tent.
Now, this might sound a little intimidating to you, especially if you’re a beginning camper (or, even if you’re a seasoned one). But rest assured, camping in a hammock is not only easy, it’s an exciting and fun challenge that I feel everyone should do at least once.
So, how do you camp in a hammock in cold weather? Well my camping companion, we’re going to go over all of that: how to stay warm in a hammock, the hammock gear you’ll need, and some pressing questions you might have! By the end of this, you’ll wonder why you don’t just spend all of your time outside in a hammock. Maybe you’ll start. Up to you.
Let’s get swinging, baby!
Yes, of course! ...But, you have to be prepared. Winter is a cold season, and you need the right gear to handle it without a supportive and insulated 4-season tent. (If that sounds more your speed, check out our blog on how to insulate your tent for winter camping!) Normal humans can’t camp comfortably in under 30-40 degree F temperatures without the proper winter camping gear, much less hammocking in the winter.
Staying warm in a hammock requires much more thought, preparation, and basic understanding of the winter hammock setup you’ll need. Luckily for you, I’ve got all of these things prepared in a handy-dandy step-by-step guide:
Here are 4 simple steps to follow to ensure you sleep warm and comfortably in your hammock camping setup. Make sure you follow these steps to get the most out of your winter camping experience!
If there’s any enemy to the hammock, it’s wind. Wind can turn your calm, relaxing cold weather camping experience into a hellish rocking nightmare that never ends. For this reason, you’ll want to…
Now that you’ve chosen your spot, it’s time to get the right hammock gear that gets you through the night feeling comfy and cozy. Here’s a list of the basic equipment you’ll need while hammocking:
Time to get to the coziest part of this blog! You’re going to need more than just gear to make you feel like you’re sleeping on a cloud. Luckily, there are warm blankets for winter camping (and even portable pillows) to take with you on your hammocking journey. Here are some great suggestions:
Our feet lose heat super quickly, and there are very few ways to keep them warm. One of the best ways to keep our feet (and hands) warm is with this super helpful trick. Here’s another method on how to stay warm while camping in a hammock:
Not in the winter. Unless you’re in a consistently hot climate, you’re going to need an actual sleeping pad or bag with insulated layers to protect you. You can’t just brave the elements with your regular sleeping bag from whatever summer camp your parents made you go to 12 years ago (as much as we wish you could).
No. That’s why you need the right gear to go hammocking in the winter! Don’t skip out on any of it, or you’re going to have a frozen back and maybe even catch a cold. If you have the right gear, though, winter camping in a hammock can be way more fun than camping in a tent!
You don’t need it, but it can help! Getting as many layers in your hammock as possible can be great for insulation, comfort, and protection. Just make sure you get a big enough hammock to support all of your layers, blankets, and pillows!
Once you know how to stay warm in a hammock, the sky’s the limit. So, now that you know what gear, clothes, and attitude you need, I say this to you:
GET OUT THERE AND GET ADVENTURING! Don’t let this season’s icy hands stop you from seeing the best nature that our nation’s winter has to offer!
Now go hang out (literally)!
Contributing Writer: Aurora Detor
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