Hammocks for hiking: how to choose a good night out

There is something very special about lying and swaying gently between two trees while the forest settles down around you. If you want the very best out of your next outdoor adventure, a hammock is one of the best places to start. Here is my guide to what to look for before you choose.

I mainly use my hammock for outdoor life at home in Denmark, where I can find a couple of good trees. On the Camino you sleep in albergues, but out in nature a hammock is a lovely, light alternative to the tent. You avoid lying on hard or wet ground, and the setup only takes a moment once you have found the rhythm.

Hammock or tent?

That is the first thing many people weigh up, and there is no single right answer. It depends on where and how you sleep.

In short: if you have trees and want to pack light, the hammock is hard to beat. If you are sleeping somewhere without fixed points, or want room to spread your gear out, the tent is still king.

Weight and packing

A lightweight hammock typically weighs between 300 and 700 grams without suspension. That is light compared with most tents, but remember that the total weight rises once you add straps, a bug net and a tarp.

If the hammock is going in your backpack on a longer trip, look for tightly packing materials and a well thought out suspension. A good setup takes up no more space than a rolled-up jumper, and then it is easy to bring wherever the trip takes you.

Bug net, tarp and warmth

Three things make the difference between a bad night and a fantastic night in the hammock.

Bug net. In summer and in damp areas a net is worth its weight in gold. There is nothing worse than lying awake listening to mosquitoes all night. Many hammocks have an integrated net, otherwise you can buy one separately.

Tarp. A tarp is a piece of waterproof fabric you stretch above the hammock. It keeps you dry when the rain comes and gives shelter from the wind. In a Danish summer I would always bring one.

Warmth. The cold comes from below, because air circulates under you and cools your sleeping bag. Use a sleeping mat in the bottom or a dedicated underquilt that hangs on the outside. With that in place you stay warm even on chilly nights.

How to hang it properly

A hammock should never be pulled completely taut. You get the best comfort when the strap forms a soft curve and you can lie slightly diagonally rather than straight down the middle. Your back straightens out, and you avoid folding up like a banana.

Use wide straps around the trees. They protect the bark and are easy to adjust, so you hit the right height and angle. Find two trees at a suitable distance, check that there are no dead branches above you, and you are ready for a good night.

My advice before you buy

Here is what I look for in a hammock for outdoor life.

• How much may it weigh, and how small does it pack?
• Do I want an integrated bug net, or would I rather have a separate one?
• How do I stay warm from below on chilly nights?
• Do I have a tarp for rain and wind?
• Is the suspension easy to adjust and gentle on the trees?

A good hammock opens up a whole new way of sleeping outside, and it takes up almost no space. If you are building up your kit, have a look at my other guides to outdoor gear and find the rest of what you need for your next trip.