I can see the bug netting, but I use it for holding my glasses, head light / flash light, gloves and hat (so they're handy when it gets cold) and any other stuff that won't fit easily on my chair next to the hammock. As a bonus, if you make your ridgeline out of glow in the dark rope, you'll still be able to find your stuff in pitch darkness, more or less.
My ridgeline for my hammock tarp is double the length so I run it back through so it becomes a utility line for top quilt or a bug net ...it’s the excess ... just a suggestion I got the idea from “MCQ BUSHCRAFT “ ..
Those custom hammocks rigged for cold weather are beyond my finances, but I found a way that extends my single layer hammock into the cold seasons a ways with gear I have. I used my military poncho liner as an outer quilt tying off the cords to the ridgeline using either prussik knots or cow hitches these allow for adjustments which will be needed. I was very surprised how much insulation that thin poncho liner provided all around. My bottom was still kinda cold, but the biggest thing was how the poncho liner cut the wind and put me inside a burrito like pocket. While it wasn't 100% ideal, it worked with the items I typically carry which is important bc my hammock is my extra/option when suitable ground for a tarp camp is hard to find, and that happens a lot in the Cascade Range of Washington State.
You never look back once you start hanging ! 13-15 feet is the sweet spot... walk it out heel to tow.. I respectfully disagree with the hammock ridgeline... simple way to figure it out is feet end is always 6 inches higher.. and with practice you can easily FEEL the correct hang . Great video ! I wish I had been bulking up like you have during the last year ! 🇺🇸
Hammock tips #1 and #2 1. You must and shall put a soft ruck, bag o leaves or something soft under your knees. Fixes everything 👍 2. You must and shall run with an underquilt instead of any other insulator... Any temp less than 60f Anything you lay ON will compress and your spine will be cold. Extra... Have warm socks and neck/head gear... You'll be in love. I just wish there was someone standing beside me all night to keep the hammock swaying....
@@ManInTheWoods76 I hate having to lie down in a banana shape. If a tighter ridgeline means less sag, why not go for the tightest possible? I've never owned or slept in a hammock because I hate not being flat, but I see some options that could improve it. What if I packed it with stuff to make a flat surface...possible?
@@ManInTheWoods76 : : I can't really agree with either of those tips... 1. I'd say that's more of a matter of preference, required due to the way one sets up their hammock, required due to the size of one's hammock in relation to their body size, they haven't learned how to properly lay in a hammock, or some combination of one or more of those things. The sleep I get in a hammock rivals most beds I've slept in and I've never had to put anything under my knees. _Note : If that works for you and you want to keep doing it, by all means go ahead._ 2. Underquilts make life easier in a hammock but they aren't a necessity. Sleeping pads, although fiddly, will work just fine in a hammock and are a prefect option for those who don't want to purchase, or can't afford, an underquilt. Also, plenty of people get by just fine by rigging poncho liners or wool blankets to the bottom of their hammocks... I guess technically one could argue that those are rigged underquilts, but they are examples of gear that some may already have and are quite cheap in relation to an actual underquilt. You don't need an underquilt to stay warm in a hammock. _Note : If money is an issue, my recommendation would be to check out Hammock Gear's economy quilts. They are duck down rather than goose and use slightly heavier fabrics so they cost considerably less than premium quilts, yet they are damn near identical in performance, weight, and compressibility (My bet is that only gram weenies would be able to tell the difference between the two.) Another option is to go with a synthetic underquilt which will be heavier and bulkier than down, but can be a lot more water resistant/proof and will dry out a lot faster if it does end up wet._
@@thankmelater1254 : Laying flat in a hammock requires sleeping on the diagonal. Most people get in a hammock and lay parallel to the ridgeline and that's what gives them the banana-back. If you lie offset from the ridgeline (about 30-40º) you should be able to get a really flat lay. If that doesn't make sense, search for videos that talk about 'how to lay in a hammock' or 'hammock 101...' There are plenty of them on CZcams. _(In fact, I'll bet this channel has one.)_
Good tips! After you get the hammock right it's the only way to camp, is for me anyways. Add the rain fly, bugnet, hot tent, underquilt, etc., and it's 4 seasons!
When trees are too far apart I tie a pole a couple of feet away from the end of the hammock as an intermediate support to hold the suspension at the right height. As long as the rope or strap has no stretch it works like a charm. I make the pole high enough to support the ridge of my shelter tarp. The pole will sway if the distance is large. A couple of guys staked out keeps it stable. I’ve been improving my hang for twenty five years since I swore I’d never sleep on the ground again.
First time I used a hammock I fell out of it. The second time I used it I froze my bottom off. The Third time well let's just say I got into an argument with someone who said even though the trees are too far apart it was the quality of the hammock. So I am definitely looking forward to getting some real advice. I'm hoping that this class goes. I signed up for the one in May but it was canceled.
@@dentside78 Thank you for your advice but: 1. I did lay like that and still fell out in the middle of the knight. 2. Left it at home along with some other necessities like cookware, food. I was a mess that weekend. And 3 my main problem is that I cannot tell how far apart the trees are and I know nothing about how to find the sweet spot that everyone talks about. I have to say if I caught all three attempts on video It would be funny as heck.
For anyone wanting to learn about hammock camping, they should visit a hang event where dozens of hammock campers get together. So much to learn from those events.
Good information, and I totally agree with you. I never used a structural ridgeline until I purchased a warbonnet blackbird xlc, but after seeing it in action and using one myself a few times I understand the concept. I recommend anyone who asks me to add one to their hammock setup, plus it's a great place to hang my camp light for ease of access thru the night. Awesome channel sir!
This is a very good video...90% of the people I see in a hammock need to learn this...I will disagree tho on a couple things...When out camping you seldom find those perfect trees so if they are a little wide and your Ridgeline is a little tight it is still ok...You can still get a good diagonal lay without shoulder squeeze or calf ridge...Also if the trees are a little close and your Ridgeline is a little loose you are still ok because it allows you to use the width of your hammock and get more diagonal than normal and can still get nice and flat...Another tip... If your hammock is a little tight and you are experiencing a little calf ridge you can push your feet down on the ridge and it will collapse elimating the problem... Happy hanging...
Well all of that was good stuff... But let me suggest another video boss, for those of us like me new to this hammock life, I have no clue where to add this new ridge line, what's good to use for ridge line and at what point on the hammock do you tie this line and which knots is best? When you made your adjustments too show to tight and too loose that would have been awesome time to show how we add this ridge line. Thank you and have a blessed day
If you need to speed up your learning about hammock camping, head over to Shug Emery's CZcams channel. He has a full library that can help answer those questions. There is a lot, so take time to review many of the videos then you'll start to form an idea what methods and techniques work for you.
Best night of sleep in your life? This is no joke. I've been hammock camping many times over the years. We just went to Lost Park Campground in Colorado. Set up some hammocks for my 2 oldest boys and they love it! I don't think they'll be able to sleep in a tent anymore.
I am thinking of coming to the Modern Bushcraft class just to see what "Medicinal Pants" are like. Meeting you guys and getting hammock tips straight from Dutch would be bonuses. 🤣
Grumpy Grunt ha! Educated Grunt was my handle for a long time. Marine Corps Mustang. I add plant knowledge to my kit bag here and there. I'm good at lots of things, but I'm no natural in the field of edible/medicinal plants. Pine needles Dandilion and Stinging nettle pretty much constitute the limit of what I have tried. Big stretch between knowing and trying btw. I know about Cattails, but haven't used them. I know about cactus.... Dandilions have a bit too much diuretic effect on me. btw, and last, few items more essential in a small 1st aid kit than chewable pepto bismol tabs (or generic). 'nuf said - Semper Fi
@@treebeardtheent2200 Ooh-rah. 0331 over here. Good knowledge never hurts even if you never use it. I know most of the basic plants in my zone, but am more fungus oriented. I was mainly ribbing Dan for the "pants" vs. "plants" typo I saw on the page when I went to check the event. "Medicinal Pants" struck me funny. Take care and keep on learning, brother! S/F
Physical issues, like the neck spinal fusions I have, WILL create problems with hammock sleeping or even just lounging. I pretty much knew this was going to happen to me. I have serious problems using a cot for the same reason. I really need the back support that the ground provides. But there are compelling reasons to use a hammock. I'm in the Northwest US - The Cascade range is my stomping ground (didn't used to be, btw). Sometimes...a lot of sometimes, it's really wet, but there are lots of trees. A hammock is the way to go in these conditions IF a hammock is doable. Also, I'm not a big fan of carrying a tent. I have done tent, bivy and tarp. I rarely used my tent when I carried one. Among a variety of issues for me is that a tent is either too constricting, way too heavy, or way way too expensive...for something not used much. A hammock nicely fills a gap for a hiker who goes mostly with tarp/bivy. It's Not a replacement. Compromises need to made. I cannot get by using a hammock night in night out. I'm now recovering still from too many hammock nights almost two months ago. The first couple nights weren't too bad, but I never should have pushed a week plus. Using a closed cell pad inside the hammock helped a bit, but it is still awkward. Hammock worked best for short nights -- sleeping in and/or racking early is better on the ground for me. The big positive for the hammock is the ability to make camp in places not so doable on the ground. Mud, Snow, steep ground, rocky/rooty ground and even places with aggressive critters. In many types of forest, a hammock can be a positive game changer. I'm recovering now, but I think that a better fitness/back/core strength level would help. I'm glad that I wasn't doing my testing too deep in the bush. I pack pretty heavy by current hiker trend standards, but I plan to include my hammock in that load. I'm not a tourist and I'm not running marathons. I'm an American wilderness trekker.
Interesting. My Hennessey Hammocks had a preinstalled guy line, so the %age was not an issue. I had never seen a hammock with a guy line before. The hint-suggestion that I offer for hammock camping is to have more rainfly than you may think is “just OK”. Some hammocks offer flys that will be helpful if the on,y moisture is dew that falls straight down. That’s a rare to nonexistent night. Rain is almost always accompanied by wind, and blows in under inadequate rain flys. My experience is that a rainfly is better if it extends a couple of feet beyond BOTH ends of the hammock. It should extend far enough out sideways and slope down far enough that rain cannot blow into the hammock. The more downward slope, the less sideways extension is needed. Believe me, that when wind and rain are soaking your sleeping bag, it is not the time to wonder if a larger fly would have been a good idea. And, the lower your butt sags down in the hammock, the wider the rainfly needs to be. TIGHTEN UP those lines to the trees. Lay in the hammock a few minutes. TIGHTEN those lines again. If the manufacturer offers a cutesy catenary cut rainfly, run - don’t walk - away. Courtesy of Half Vast Flying
Using a ridgeline, you don’t have to fumble with your hammock suspension angle with the trees. The optimal angle is whatever is comfortable. You don’t need to be concerned with tension on your ridgeline. Buy strong cord for your ridgeline and if it breaks, it’s only a ridgeline. Very inexpensive to replace. You don’t have to go out buying some crazy silver string or crap like that. Simple paracord has been strong enough to hold myself at 170lbs. Don’t over complicate it for the other viewers.
Take a look at underquilts .. invest in winter quilt and save the money .. it would be easy to make a makeshift summer underquilt out of cord , woobie blanket and some line locks .. see how the expensive underquilts work and mimic ... hammock gear makes great top/underquilts ... put the money where it counts 💯
I rig up an under quilt with things I already own. I’m a cheap SOB. Poncho liner, Swagman Roll, lots of options. Maybe not best or easiest or lightest but holy crap that hammock rabbit hole can add up if you let it! Have fun!!
Love my DD Frontline, but unfortunately the only way to do a structural ridgline would be to cut the bug net. On the bright side, with my whoopie slings I can get a great hang in seconds.
@@joecola6487I can see how it might confuse some people. But honestly it simplified things for me in the beginning. Once you are spoiled by a great hang there is no going back. lol
@@joecola6487I can see how it might confuse some people. But honestly it simplified things for me in the beginning. Once you are spoiled by a great hang there is no going back. lol
It helps balance variation in angle and height between your two straps, so you get the same hang every time. Without one, you have to be a lot more precise, which can be a real PITA, and you don't usually feel the problem until you've been asleep a few hours. I made my own for a few bucks and it's 10x better now.
Sounds silly, but if you use something that glows in the dark, you'll be able to find your glasses / lantern / gloves / hat and whatever other stuff you hang off it in the middle of the night.
Slept in one twice. Kept ending up in a ball in the center. Am I doing something wrong? Cause I really do like the idea, just not comfortable like that.
Sam Bananas: Don't be a slave to fashion - bushcraft is all about function. A muddy, wet bedroll or tent isn't very functional in your pack, unless you like carrying water that you can't drink. Tenters sometimes ridicule me for taking so much time to set up, but if it's raining in the morning, they think twice about their choice to sleep on the ground, having to pack up a muddy tent, while I pack up everything under my tarp and then put my tarp into the mesh pocket on the back of my pack (which most people call the front, but I try to avoid walking backwards whenever I can).
When I first started using a hammock about 20 years ago, after having backpacked for many years I felt like an idiot...omg why hadn't I been using a hammock FOREVER??? You'll never go back. Set it up so you can sit in it under your tarp, i've cooked over an actual fire, room to stand up, walk around, can't do that in a tent.
I bought a hammock and was never 👎 able to put it up cuz when I bought it I didn’t realize somebody took the straps out of that sucker 📦 must have been a real pro cuz the tape was put right back like it never was open 😕👍👌✌️🇺🇸I want to know can any straps work?
Straps is the ONLY way to go .. you will always need to adjust from hang to hang .. so you will want to buy straps that have “Daisey” chained adjustments .. also buy straps that have at least triple stitched stitching ..
Really really likes the modern Bush craft class idea. There are far too many people who are stuck in old world mentalities. The battery on my GPS lasts for a month. However I am not a fan Of the hammock advice. Hammocks are incredibly finickey and everyone likes them different. There's no best way to sleep, there's just your way.
Most mistakes made with hammock camping are because the trees are to close together. It's easier to lay down in diagonally flattening out the hammock surface when the trees are further apart. Also with this pretty tight ridgeline you're showing, you are limiting that same process. I only have a fixed ridgeline when the hammock has a fixed mosquito net but I leave a lot of slack so I can still flatten the hammocks sleeping surface to have a good sleep or rest. Not to mention that fixed ridgeline being that tight can hurt you. I prefer bungee cord as ridgeline. Don't you think if a ridgeline was the answer to your problems all hammocks would include them? But they don't! I've been hammock camping everywhere in the world for over 20 years. None of your hammock tips so far does make any sense.
That ridge line makes an excellent support for bug netting, as well.
I can see the bug netting, but I use it for holding my glasses, head light / flash light, gloves and hat (so they're handy when it gets cold) and any other stuff that won't fit easily on my chair next to the hammock. As a bonus, if you make your ridgeline out of glow in the dark rope, you'll still be able to find your stuff in pitch darkness, more or less.
My ridgeline for my hammock tarp is double the length so I run it back through so it becomes a utility line for top quilt or a bug net ...it’s the excess ... just a suggestion I got the idea from “MCQ BUSHCRAFT “ ..
Those custom hammocks rigged for cold weather are beyond my finances, but I found a way that extends my single layer hammock into the cold seasons a ways with gear I have.
I used my military poncho liner as an outer quilt tying off the cords to the ridgeline using either prussik knots or cow hitches these allow for adjustments which will be needed. I was very surprised how much insulation that thin poncho liner provided all around. My bottom was still kinda cold, but the biggest thing was how the poncho liner cut the wind and put me inside a burrito like pocket. While it wasn't 100% ideal, it worked with the items I typically carry which is important bc my hammock is my extra/option when suitable ground for a tarp camp is hard to find, and that happens a lot in the Cascade Range of Washington State.
I was thinking with you.
You never look back once you start hanging !
13-15 feet is the sweet spot... walk it out heel to tow..
I respectfully disagree with the hammock ridgeline... simple way to figure it out is feet end is always 6 inches higher.. and with practice you can easily FEEL the correct hang .
Great video ! I wish I had been bulking up like you have during the last year !
🇺🇸
Hammock tips #1 and #2
1. You must and shall put a soft ruck, bag o leaves or something soft under your knees. Fixes everything 👍
2. You must and shall run with an underquilt instead of any other insulator... Any temp less than 60f Anything you lay ON will compress and your spine will be cold.
Extra... Have warm socks and neck/head gear... You'll be in love.
I just wish there was someone standing beside me all night to keep the hammock swaying....
@@ManInTheWoods76 I hate having to lie down in a banana shape. If a tighter ridgeline means less sag, why not go for the tightest possible? I've never owned or slept in a hammock because I hate not being flat, but I see some options that could improve it. What if I packed it with stuff to make a flat surface...possible?
@@ManInTheWoods76 : : I can't really agree with either of those tips...
1. I'd say that's more of a matter of preference, required due to the way one sets up their hammock, required due to the size of one's hammock in relation to their body size, they haven't learned how to properly lay in a hammock, or some combination of one or more of those things. The sleep I get in a hammock rivals most beds I've slept in and I've never had to put anything under my knees.
_Note : If that works for you and you want to keep doing it, by all means go ahead._
2. Underquilts make life easier in a hammock but they aren't a necessity. Sleeping pads, although fiddly, will work just fine in a hammock and are a prefect option for those who don't want to purchase, or can't afford, an underquilt. Also, plenty of people get by just fine by rigging poncho liners or wool blankets to the bottom of their hammocks... I guess technically one could argue that those are rigged underquilts, but they are examples of gear that some may already have and are quite cheap in relation to an actual underquilt. You don't need an underquilt to stay warm in a hammock.
_Note : If money is an issue, my recommendation would be to check out Hammock Gear's economy quilts. They are duck down rather than goose and use slightly heavier fabrics so they cost considerably less than premium quilts, yet they are damn near identical in performance, weight, and compressibility (My bet is that only gram weenies would be able to tell the difference between the two.) Another option is to go with a synthetic underquilt which will be heavier and bulkier than down, but can be a lot more water resistant/proof and will dry out a lot faster if it does end up wet._
@@thankmelater1254 : Laying flat in a hammock requires sleeping on the diagonal. Most people get in a hammock and lay parallel to the ridgeline and that's what gives them the banana-back. If you lie offset from the ridgeline (about 30-40º) you should be able to get a really flat lay.
If that doesn't make sense, search for videos that talk about 'how to lay in a hammock' or 'hammock 101...' There are plenty of them on CZcams. _(In fact, I'll bet this channel has one.)_
@@thankmelater1254 you don’t lay straight like a banana.. you lie at an angle .. that’s why you need the right sag/tension ..
Oh! To live in the good old U S of A……. Just to get on one of your courses 😂😂 stay safe, kind regards from Clive in deepest Dorset England 🇬🇧🇺🇸
Good tips! After you get the hammock right it's the only way to camp, is for me anyways. Add the rain fly, bugnet, hot tent, underquilt, etc., and it's 4 seasons!
When trees are too far apart I tie a pole a couple of feet away from the end of the hammock as an intermediate support to hold the suspension at the right height. As long as the rope or strap has no stretch it works like a charm. I make the pole high enough to support the ridge of my shelter tarp. The pole will sway if the distance is large. A couple of guys staked out keeps it stable. I’ve been improving my hang for twenty five years since I swore I’d never sleep on the ground again.
First time I used a hammock I fell out of it. The second time I used it I froze my bottom off. The Third time well let's just say I got into an argument with someone who said even though the trees are too far apart it was the quality of the hammock. So I am definitely looking forward to getting some real advice. I'm hoping that this class goes. I signed up for the one in May but it was canceled.
@@dentside78 Thank you for your advice but: 1. I did lay like that and still fell out in the middle of the knight. 2. Left it at home along with some other necessities like cookware, food. I was a mess that weekend. And 3 my main problem is that I cannot tell how far apart the trees are and I know nothing about how to find the sweet spot that everyone talks about. I have to say if I caught all three attempts on video It would be funny as heck.
highly recommend a hammock mat or a hammock quilt when camping in cool weather
Quilt definitely. I don't know how anyone could sleep in a hammock without one.
I’m going hammock camping tomorrow for a week and this will definitely help.
Dan, you’re a such a good teacher! I tune in just for that. WHAT A GIFT. Thanks for sharing. From Kentucky
You can use trees that are farther apart... You just need to set your straps higher up the tree. 😏😁
Dutchware is some amazing gear. I love my chameleon.
Dutch and his team are innovators and very good at finding answers to questions that haven't been asked yet!
Make a 90° angle with your thumb and index finger (thumb pointing up and index level) and your hammock lone is set at the correct angle for tension.
For anyone wanting to learn about hammock camping, they should visit a hang event where dozens of hammock campers get together. So much to learn from those events.
Never heard of that. I make a Google and see what I can find.
Good information, and I totally agree with you. I never used a structural ridgeline until I purchased a warbonnet blackbird xlc, but after seeing it in action and using one myself a few times I understand the concept. I recommend anyone who asks me to add one to their hammock setup, plus it's a great place to hang my camp light for ease of access thru the night. Awesome channel sir!
This is a very good video...90% of the people I see in a hammock need to learn this...I will disagree tho on a couple things...When out camping you seldom find those perfect trees so if they are a little wide and your Ridgeline is a little tight it is still ok...You can still get a good diagonal lay without shoulder squeeze or calf ridge...Also if the trees are a little close and your Ridgeline is a little loose you are still ok because it allows you to use the width of your hammock and get more diagonal than normal and can still get nice and flat...Another tip... If your hammock is a little tight and you are experiencing a little calf ridge you can push your feet down on the ridge and it will collapse elimating the problem... Happy hanging...
Gunna try hammock camping this fall thx for tips.
Wish I could be there, love hammock camping
Once I bought a warbonnet black bird hammock with a ridgeline it all came together for the most comfortable hang ever.
Thank you.
☘️🌝🌲
Thank you for all your tips on bushcraft and survival your very helpful
Best tip yet
Man, I wish you guys were closer so I could do the class!
You didn’t show how to run the structural line?
Great info just ordered on of Dave Canterbury new hammocks.
Thank you for this upload. It was extremely helpful to all new hammock hangers. Your course sounds like a blast. God bless you. John
Very useful tip. Awesome 👍
I just bought a hammock! Love the timing! By the way my neighbors ask if you could turn down the intro song a tad. SITW.
Good information on Hammock hanging
Good tip , thanks for sharing , God bless !
Well all of that was good stuff... But let me suggest another video boss, for those of us like me new to this hammock life, I have no clue where to add this new ridge line, what's good to use for ridge line and at what point on the hammock do you tie this line and which knots is best? When you made your adjustments too show to tight and too loose that would have been awesome time to show how we add this ridge line. Thank you and have a blessed day
If you need to speed up your learning about hammock camping, head over to Shug Emery's CZcams channel. He has a full library that can help answer those questions. There is a lot, so take time to review many of the videos then you'll start to form an idea what methods and techniques work for you.
Best night of sleep in your life? This is no joke. I've been hammock camping many times over the years. We just went to Lost Park Campground in Colorado. Set up some hammocks for my 2 oldest boys and they love it! I don't think they'll be able to sleep in a tent anymore.
Really nice video! Thanks for sharing
Nice! All I ever do is hammock camp so this is perfect
great hammock kit.......
Great tips! My ridge line usually ends up too tight.
Can you show us how to add a ridgeline to a hammock that doesn't have one?
Q&A? More axe videos please
I am thinking of coming to the Modern Bushcraft class just to see what "Medicinal Pants" are like. Meeting you guys and getting hammock tips straight from Dutch would be bonuses. 🤣
Grumpy Grunt ha! Educated Grunt was my handle for a long time. Marine Corps Mustang.
I add plant knowledge to my kit bag here and there. I'm good at lots of things, but I'm no natural in the field of edible/medicinal plants.
Pine needles
Dandilion and
Stinging nettle pretty much constitute the limit of what I have tried.
Big stretch between knowing and trying btw. I know about Cattails, but haven't used them. I know about cactus....
Dandilions have a bit too much diuretic effect on me.
btw, and last, few items more essential in a small 1st aid kit than chewable pepto bismol tabs (or generic).
'nuf said
- Semper Fi
@@treebeardtheent2200 Ooh-rah. 0331 over here. Good knowledge never hurts even if you never use it. I know most of the basic plants in my zone, but am more fungus oriented. I was mainly ribbing Dan for the "pants" vs. "plants" typo I saw on the page when I went to check the event. "Medicinal Pants" struck me funny.
Take care and keep on learning, brother! S/F
@@GrumpyGrunt I see so many typos in comments that I totally missed that. Maybe it needs to be all Caps, idk.
Grumpy Grunt sounds like a
Fun guy 🍄
Physical issues, like the neck spinal fusions I have, WILL create problems with hammock sleeping or even just lounging.
I pretty much knew this was going to happen to me. I have serious problems using a cot for the same reason. I really need the back support that the ground provides.
But there are compelling reasons to use a hammock. I'm in the Northwest US - The Cascade range is my stomping ground (didn't used to be, btw).
Sometimes...a lot of sometimes, it's really wet, but there are lots of trees.
A hammock is the way to go in these conditions IF a hammock is doable. Also, I'm not a big fan of carrying a tent. I have done tent, bivy and tarp. I rarely used my tent when I carried one. Among a variety of issues for me is that a tent is either too constricting, way too heavy, or way way too expensive...for something not used much. A hammock nicely fills a gap for a hiker who goes mostly with tarp/bivy. It's Not a replacement.
Compromises need to made. I cannot get by using a hammock night in night out. I'm now recovering still from too many hammock nights almost two months ago. The first couple nights weren't too bad, but I never should have pushed a week plus.
Using a closed cell pad inside the hammock helped a bit, but it is still awkward. Hammock worked best for short nights -- sleeping in and/or racking early is better on the ground for me.
The big positive for the hammock is the ability to make camp in places not so doable on the ground. Mud, Snow, steep ground, rocky/rooty ground and even places with aggressive critters. In many types of forest, a hammock can be a positive game changer.
I'm recovering now, but I think that a better fitness/back/core strength level would help. I'm glad that I wasn't doing my testing too deep in the bush.
I pack pretty heavy by current hiker trend standards, but I plan to include my hammock in that load. I'm not a tourist and I'm not running marathons. I'm an American wilderness trekker.
Never hammock camped yet...
Got one, just never used it
I need more tips!!
Check out Shug Emery's CZcams channel shugemery.
Go in the woods and find a couple trees. That's my two cents worth.
Also check out the Ultimate Hang. Very useful calculator!
Practice . Forget the calculators . It takes practice .
Great tips, Dan. Thank you for sharing them with us. Stay safe and stay cool
Sounds like a class
Thanks Dan great tip
nice tip, gotta try this.
Thanks again for sharing your thoughts and experience! I have to say, your vids are easy to follow, fun to watch, and very informative! Keep it up!!!
Remember to include the link you mentioned! :)
Love the videos! Keep em coming!
Interesting. My Hennessey Hammocks had a preinstalled guy line, so the %age was not an issue. I had never seen a hammock with a guy line before. The hint-suggestion that I offer for hammock camping is to have more rainfly than you may think is “just OK”.
Some hammocks offer flys that will be helpful if the on,y moisture is dew that falls straight down. That’s a rare to nonexistent night. Rain is almost always accompanied by wind, and blows in under inadequate rain flys. My experience is that a rainfly is better if it extends a couple of feet beyond BOTH ends of the hammock. It should extend far enough out sideways and slope down far enough that rain cannot blow into the hammock. The more downward slope, the less sideways extension is needed. Believe me, that when wind and rain are soaking your sleeping bag, it is not the time to wonder if a larger fly would have been a good idea. And, the lower your butt sags down in the hammock, the wider the rainfly needs to be. TIGHTEN UP those lines to the trees. Lay in the hammock a few minutes. TIGHTEN those lines again.
If the manufacturer offers a cutesy catenary cut rainfly, run - don’t walk - away.
Courtesy of Half Vast Flying
Using a ridgeline, you don’t have to fumble with your hammock suspension angle with the trees. The optimal angle is whatever is comfortable. You don’t need to be concerned with tension on your ridgeline. Buy strong cord for your ridgeline and if it breaks, it’s only a ridgeline. Very inexpensive to replace. You don’t have to go out buying some crazy silver string or crap like that. Simple paracord has been strong enough to hold myself at 170lbs. Don’t over complicate it for the other viewers.
Need to try hammocking
I made a bed rack for my truck and put arms on the passenger side to hang my hammock.
My first hammock camp spot had trees way too far apart. Had to climb up the tree to wrap the straps. Way too far apart
:50 perfect "hangle"
Or just order the chameleon that already comes with the ridgeline and options for the bug net or winter cover 😯
Could you show how to attach a structural ridge line to a hammock that doesn't come with one?
Is the tight ridgeline together with the calf ridge I cant get rid of? Larger ridgeline.....
i love the hammock but i get cold butt syndrome even in the summer. have had 7 back surgeries so it really sucks. any suggestions?
No law against using an under quilt in summer!
I use a real inexpensive thermarest and it works great to provide insulation and body warmth underneath you
Take a look at underquilts .. invest in winter quilt and save the money .. it would be easy to make a makeshift summer underquilt out of cord , woobie blanket and some line locks .. see how the expensive underquilts work and mimic ... hammock gear makes great top/underquilts ... put the money where it counts 💯
I rig up an under quilt with things I already own. I’m a cheap SOB. Poncho liner, Swagman Roll, lots of options. Maybe not best or easiest or lightest but holy crap that hammock rabbit hole can add up if you let it! Have fun!!
Love my DD Frontline, but unfortunately the only way to do a structural ridgline would be to cut the bug net. On the bright side, with my whoopie slings I can get a great hang in seconds.
If anyone is beginning .. do not use whoopie slings or any hardware ... it over complicates the learning curve
@@joecola6487I can see how it might confuse some people. But honestly it simplified things for me in the beginning. Once you are spoiled by a great hang there is no going back. lol
@@joecola6487I can see how it might confuse some people. But honestly it simplified things for me in the beginning. Once you are spoiled by a great hang there is no going back. lol
love your stuff normally, but this made NO since! how do you set it up? wouldnt different cordage change the effect? so much info left out..
Im confused why you need a structral ridge line.
It helps balance variation in angle and height between your two straps, so you get the same hang every time. Without one, you have to be a lot more precise, which can be a real PITA, and you don't usually feel the problem until you've been asleep a few hours. I made my own for a few bucks and it's 10x better now.
tip#1 watch Shug's channel (shugemery)
tip#2 practice what you have learned and find what works best for you, enjoy
Is that a Dutchware Chameleon?
That was the best explanation of how to setup the ridgeline I have ever seen. Thanks so much...I have really struggled with that setup.
If adding a structural ridgeline, what type of cordage do you recommend?
Use something that doesn't stretch, like Amsteel.
Sounds silly, but if you use something that glows in the dark, you'll be able to find your glasses / lantern / gloves / hat and whatever other stuff you hang off it in the middle of the night.
83% = Divide the length by 6 and multiple by 5 and you'll be close enough.
Do you tie the Ridgeline at the end of the hammock, ot closer to the tree? Just curious. Last time I slept in a hammock it killed my back.
I think you've listened to us and remixed the audio from your intro. Still prefer the old white one though.
Slept in one twice. Kept ending up in a ball in the center. Am I doing something wrong? Cause I really do like the idea, just not comfortable like that.
Would "bank line" make a good ridgeline or would it be too small & potentially cut into the hammock & its ropes?
The problem with bank line is that it stretches and changes the hang.
I've been wanting to use a hammock for a while, but it doesn't seem like it goes well with the bushcraft style.
Ground dwelling is yesterday’s news .. don’t knock it until you try it ...
@@joecola6487 Yeah, you only live once, right? Maybe I'll give it a try this fall.
Sam Bananas: Don't be a slave to fashion - bushcraft is all about function. A muddy, wet bedroll or tent isn't very functional in your pack, unless you like carrying water that you can't drink. Tenters sometimes ridicule me for taking so much time to set up, but if it's raining in the morning, they think twice about their choice to sleep on the ground, having to pack up a muddy tent, while I pack up everything under my tarp and then put my tarp into the mesh pocket on the back of my pack (which most people call the front, but I try to avoid walking backwards whenever I can).
When I first started using a hammock about 20 years ago, after having backpacked for many years I felt like an idiot...omg why hadn't I been using a hammock FOREVER??? You'll never go back. Set it up so you can sit in it under your tarp, i've cooked over an actual fire, room to stand up, walk around, can't do that in a tent.
@@asmith7876 Interesting
I bought a hammock and was never 👎 able to put it up cuz when I bought it I didn’t realize somebody took the straps out of that sucker 📦 must have been a real pro cuz the tape was put right back like it never was open 😕👍👌✌️🇺🇸I want to know can any straps work?
Most outdoor stores sell hammock straps. They are easily interchangable with any hammock.
Cheap ENO straps work fine. Any REI sells them as do some ACE hardware stores.
Straps is the ONLY way to go .. you will always need to adjust from hang to hang .. so you will want to buy straps that have “Daisey” chained adjustments .. also buy straps that have at least triple stitched stitching ..
I didn’t see the link below anyone ?
First like and comment 4th view awesome
What hammock is this?
MadrebebelAhamacacanta
get an under quilt number one tip
i like how you started the video pretending you didnt just hit record
Really really likes the modern Bush craft class idea. There are far too many people who are stuck in old world mentalities. The battery on my GPS lasts for a month. However I am not a fan Of the hammock advice. Hammocks are incredibly finickey and everyone likes them different. There's no best way to sleep, there's just your way.
Most mistakes made with hammock camping are because the trees are to close together. It's easier to lay down in diagonally flattening out the hammock surface when the trees are further apart. Also with this pretty tight ridgeline you're showing, you are limiting that same process. I only have a fixed ridgeline when the hammock has a fixed mosquito net but I leave a lot of slack so I can still flatten the hammocks sleeping surface to have a good sleep or rest. Not to mention that fixed ridgeline being that tight can hurt you. I prefer bungee cord as ridgeline. Don't you think if a ridgeline was the answer to your problems all hammocks would include them? But they don't! I've been hammock camping everywhere in the world for over 20 years. None of your hammock tips so far does make any sense.
Wrong setup🤦♂️🤦♂️
horrible
can straight people use these also?