It is a no brainer that the hammock is an ideal piece of camping gear. The device protects you from the elements of weather, keeps you away from snakes, and offers warmth and comfort, hence a good night’s rest.
However, the platform serves your interests best based on the setup technique you use. But first, you need the right tools.
Hammock Equipment You Require
All hammocks rely on individual components to get the job done. The essentials include:
- The best hammock you can have (Obviously, it is essential.)
- Carabiners
- Straps
- Tarps or rain fly
- Rope or webbing
- Bug net
Each of the parts above serves a unique function. The cable or webbing, for instance, props the hammock on a tree. Tarps shield you from rainfall and snow. Carabiners, on the other side, are hook-like structures. They hold the platform in place.
From the look of things, each component makes the hammock complete. None can exist without the other. It, however, does not end there. You need bug nets to protect you from the disease-causing mosquitoes.
Other Aspects to Consider
A hammock serves your interests depending on your installation technique. You must, therefore, hoist the device according to manufacturer specifications. The guidelines include:
The Minimum Number of Straps to Use
Straps come in different shades. There are those made from plastic and cloth and others from nylon and polyester. It all depends on your preference. However, polyester straps are the most recommended.
They are not only durable but also eco-friendly. Recall, the polyester straps cause little to no harm on tree stumps. Belts made from polyester never get affected by the weather. High moisture content, for example, does not cause the rope to over-expand. Therefore, polyester straps are the most ideal for hammock use.
Hammock camping lovers also encourage you to use a minimum of three straps for propping. Many ropes prevent the platform from swaying beyond control when in use. They give the bed more than enough stability. The cords also give the hammock the edge to support more weight.
Distance from the Ground Surface
Why must you consider how high to hang a hammock? Experts recommend a distance of 18 inches between the ground and bed base. Such a height makes you sit or climb onto the device with ease.
The height also prevents the hammock from going too low when in use. Weight exerted on the platform causes down thrust. Anchoring the bed at such a height, therefore, ensures there is enough clearing between you and the forest floor.
It also protects you from the snakes, spiders, and scorpions – they hide under the rocks and leaf debris. You get protection from flood water too. Tying the cords on the tree stamps and at a minimum height of 48 inches helps you gain enough ground clearance.
Angle of Suspension
Suspension and gradient lines matter a lot. They determine which tangent the hammock will take. Gradient lines also guarantee you of excellent balance and comfort. A 30-degree gradient is, therefore, ideal. It provides the right amount of force; the kind of energy that reduces the amount of tension directed on to the anchor points.
Distance Between the Anchor Points
Never hang a 12-foot hammock between trees that are only 9 feet apart. Doing so reduces your comfort levels by a significant margin. It also leaves you susceptible to ground attacks. Recall, deadly vipers can reach you easily and so can debris washed away by flash floods.
The most recommended distance for the above platform is 15 feet. Such a width allows you to anchor the bed and still achieve the desired amount of tension. In a nutshell, use the length of the hammock as a guide.
You must, however, handle spaces that are longer than your hammock differently. Using some extra straps yields more stability. Chains also come in handy.
Amount of Tension Cast on Straps
Hammocking is exciting. Anyhow, you should not install the platform at your expense or that of the environment. So, it boils down to the amount of tension exerted on the anchors. It is essential that you tie the rope tightly, but not too tight that it will hurt the tree stamps. Substituting the conventional cable with polyester straps is a real deal saver.
Conclusion
Setting a hammock up is more of an acquired skill. It is a mastered technique that guarantees you of comfort and safety. Comfort and safety, however, is only achievable when you prop the platform at the right height.
But all that depends on the angle of suspension, anchor point distance the number of ropes you use, and the amount of tension exerted on the supports. From the look of things, it takes a little practice to master all these aspects. Practical illustrations are, therefore, vital to your success. They help you adhere to developer guidelines.
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