DIY Hammock Setup

First Look:

The most common camping questions I'm asked usually have to do with my hammock. People want to know why I don't use a tent, if a hammock is comfortable overnight, if it's safe, warm, how I stay dry, or keep the bugs away... Pretty much anything you can imagine! In response,  I've decided to make a series here detailing all the components to my hammock camping setup.

At some point, I'll have to chronicle my progression from my very first hammock trip, where I literally stuck a tent on top of hammock trying to get shelter off the ground! But alas, that will be a story for another day. It's been quite the journey from that moment to the much more practical and efficient setup I have know.  Since that first trip when I began hammocking in the summer of 2015, I've learned and grown from all my experiences, and I even discovered the joy of making my own custom gear. 

This post and video are simply just an introduction to the components that I have made for myself and that I will believe are ideal for hammock camping in all weather. A few of these might seem a little different from what you are used to seeing on a hammock, so I will break down all the components in separate posts, talk about what they do and why they're important, and give tutorials on how to make them yourself. I've added a little glossary below to just get you used to some of the hammock "Lingo". This is just the starting point, and let me know if you have any questions or thoughts! 

--José ​​

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Hammock Glossary

• Hammock - The actual fabric that you lay in, which connects to the suspension on both ends.
• Suspension - A combination of the components that connect from your hammock to the trees.
• Bug Net -  Mesh fabric that surrounds the hammock to prevent pesky unwanted visitors
• Tree Strap - The part of the suspension which is a wider nylon strap used to protect the tree from damage.
• Marlon Spike Hitch - The knot used on the tree strap to secure a toggle, or carabiner, which the whoopie sling then connects to.

• Whoopie Sling - The funny named, adjustable, part of the suspension that connects the hammock to the tree straps, and is made from a hollow braided cord.
• Ridge Line - Essentially a whoopie sling that connects the two end points of the hammock so you can control the sag of the hammock. 
• Underquilt - A down blanket which avoids compression by being used on the outside of the hammock to keep you warm. 
• Double-Sided Stuff Sack - Stuff sack with both ends open, that stays attached to the suspension at all times.

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