Camping is a prevalent activity adored by many. It allows you to embrace your wild side, indulge in all that nature offers, and sleep under the stars.
When engaging in this activity, modern-day adventurers are switching tents for hammocks. Why? They're easier to assemble, promote deeper sleep, and come in various sizes and styles, meaning there is one to suit even the most discerning camper.
In this guide, we delve more into why hammocks are rocketing in popularity, detailing five reasons why they are ideal for camping.
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1. A Hassle-Free Option
Erecting a tent can prove a chore at the best of times. Hanging a hammock boasts a quick and easy set-up. There are no sleeping pads to inflate or tarp poles to scatter. Once you've sourced two sturdy trees, secure the hammock into place using the straps.
Better still, invest in a hammock with stand and place it on your chosen flat, solid surface.
In addition to boasting a speedy set-up, packing away your hammock is much quicker than disassembling a tent, allowing you more time to enjoy your adventure.
2. Embrace A Better Night’s Sleep
The rocking motion of a hammock is proven to incite a good night’s sleep. But not only that, this sleep is restorative non-REM sleep. The result? You wake up feeling highly refreshed and ready to embrace all your camping trip throws at you.
As well as the rocking motion, hammocks are renowned for their incredible comfort levels, some say better than a mattress! And certainly better than the hard, cold ground you may experience when in your tent.
Hammocks boast zero pressure points and mold to our bodies. This assists in diminishing aches and pains caused by hard surfaces or tough beds. When you sleep at a diagonal, the hammock will create the perfect cocoon around your body, allowing your muscles to relax fully. You may even return from your camping expedition feeling more refreshed than when you left.
To put this into perspective, millions of people across the globe, particularly in South and Central America sleep in hammocks every night.
3. A Lighter Option
Carrying a tent, especially if traveling long distances or hiking for several days, can prove challenging.
Hammocks weigh less and are much more compact to pack, meaning you have extra room in your rucksack for snacks. This makes hammocks ideal options for those who prefer to travel by foot and those who don't have access to a car.
Some contemporary hammocks boast in-built storage, which can hold essentials including earplugs and flashlights or extra layers. This may include an extra blanket for the evenings if camping in cooler climates or a mosquito net if exploring in the height of summer.
Packing a tarpaulin in with your hammock is another option, should you be hit by unexpected rain or snowfall.
4. A Versatile Option
With a tent, you need to find the perfect location to pitch. The ground needs to be flat, clear of debris, and dry. Rocky, muddy, and sloped terrains must be avoided at all costs. With a hammock, you can pitch where you please, providing a sturdy structure to hang your hammock from.
Even if just to rest achy muscles or enjoy an impressive view for ten minutes, hanging a hammock takes a matter of minutes, and unlike a tent, when residing in a hammock, you're privy to 360° views. There’s nothing quite like being cocooned by a hammock whilst embracing an ocean or forest vista. Being at one with nature is a great way to take some time out, whilst enjoying your own company.
5. Better for the Environment
With tents, you'll often leave holes in the ground or an area of flattened grass. When you suspend your sleeping structure, Mother Nature remains as she was when you found her, meaning it's easier to stick to the LNT etiquette.
Most hammocks come as standard with tree-friendly straps, which promise to lessen tree bark stress through an even weight distribution. For best results, always read the instructions for your hammock purchase as each brand will vary. Numerous video tutorials online detailing the steps required to correctly hang a hammock, which can make all the difference to how comfy it is.
The Bottom Line
If you're an avid camper, switching your trusted tent for a versatile hammock could make your camping trips even more enjoyable than they already are.
From ensuring a lighter load to embracing exquisite views and lessening set-up and pack-away times, hammocks are a popular investment for the modern-day camper. Then there is the environmental impact to consider, they leave less of a mark on the landscape, leaving others to find it as you did.
When set up correctly, hammocks are good for our back health and promote a great night’s sleep. What's not to love?
