Planning the Ultimate Hammock Camping Trip
North Carolina’s landscape provides a vast array of scenic settings that create the perfect backdrop for a hammock camping adventure. Whether you decide on a backcountry hammock camping trip or an easy, low-impact hammock session in your local park, sleeping under the stars and drinking in the beauty of nature make for an unforgettable North Carolina outdoor adventure.
Outdoor NC has partnered with Eagle Nest Outfitters (ENO) to provide a guide for planning the ultimate hammock camping trip.
What is Hammock Camping?
If you’ve never been hammock camping before, it’s a lot like regular camping, but instead of a tent for sleeping, you’re tucked in a hammock.
Those who enjoy backpacking often favor this style of camping because hammocks are lightweight, take up less space in a pack, have less of an environmental impact, and are much easier to set up than tents — saving you time and energy getting them set up. Additionally, you’ll be spared the discomfort of sleeping on sloped or rocky ground. Instead, all you need are a few trees to keep you comfortable.
Hammock Camping Tips for Your Next North Carolina Outdoor Adventure
Bring the Right gear
Like most other types of outdoor gear, hammocks come in all shapes, sizes, materials, and features.
First, you’ll want to decide if you need a one or two-person hammock. The benefit of a one-person hammock is that it takes up less room in your pack, but a two-person hammock gives you extra space and comfort (we recommend only one person per hammock.) Since you’re going to be out in the elements, choose a hammock that’s durable, breathable, and made of fast-drying fabric so you’re prepared in case you find yourself getting hit with unexpected rain. You’ll also want the right accessories for your trip. Two additional types of gear that are imperative to hammock camping are a bug net and rain tarp to help shield you from getting wet and keep you free from pesky bug bites.
Pick trees that are well spaced out
While this may seem like one of the more obvious hammock camping tips, it’s an important one to keep in mind. Your hammock will stretch farther than you might think, so pick trees that are spread apart from one another so you can tightly hang your hammock. To lessen your impact, only attach your hammock to large trees (no saplings or other small trees that move under weight) and use a wide diameter webbing to reduce scarring of the tree.
Also, remember that the tighter your hammock is, the less sag you’ll deal with, ultimately making your night sleep a much more comfortable experience.
Wear layers to sleep in
Similarly to sleeping in a tent, sleeping in layers helps keep your body warm throughout the night. Since you’re outside and exposed to the elements, you’ll want to have at least a base layer to keep you comfortable.
Tread Gently: How to Reduce Your Impact While Hammock Camping
As you settle in among the trees and enjoy your natural surroundings, there are steps you can take to protect these beautiful outdoor spaces. Here are a few things to remember before heading out on your outdoor getaway.
PLAN AHEAD AND PREPARE
Since nature can be unpredictable at times, planning and preparation can help give you some control.
Check the weather before you leave so you can plan accordingly, and make sure you have adequate gear. Consider bringing a rain cover to keep you dry, like ENO’s ProFly™ Rain Tarp, and extra layers to keep you warm, like ENO’s Vesta™ TopQuilt.
You’ll also want to make sure you have enough water and food, so look for supplies and food items that reduce packaging and waste or prepare food ahead of time and store in reusable containers. If you’re in an area that is inhabited by bears, bring a bear-resistant food container for overnight use to be safe.
Pack out your Trash
Even the smallest piece of trash, like the little plastic tie that comes with bread, can make an impact. Trash and litter, no matter the size, can take years to decompose and are unhealthy for wildlife. Come prepared to properly pack out your trash and waste to help protect our outdoor spaces.
KEEP WILDLIFE WILD
Whether you’re hammock camping in the backcountry or in your local state park, you’ll experience all kinds of native birds and animals in their natural habitats. As excited as you may be to be up close to these creatures, it’s important to leave them be. To keep wildlife safe, observe and take in the experience from a distance.
Leave it as you find it
Taking rocks, wildflowers, or leaves may seem like harmless mementos, but they can upset the sensitive ecosystems of the outdoors. Instead of taking a piece of nature home, take photos as remembrances of your trip and enjoy nature in the moment.
BE MINDFUL OF FIRE
Sitting around a warm fire can be the highlight of any hammock camping trip, but they can also cause significant damage to the environment if you’re not careful.
When collecting wood for your fire, check the area’s rules (if you’re in a campground) and make sure it allows wood collection. Find dead sticks or leaves to burn, and when you’re done, make sure that the fire is completely out and that ashes are cold.
HAMMOCK CAMPING ESSENTIALS BY ENO, A PROUD PARTNER OF OUTDOOR NC
You’re invited to join the outdoor nc movement
Join the movement to preserve and protect North Carolina’s beloved outdoor spaces and you’ll be entered to win a ENO double nest hammock and hanging straps! Together we can preserve our beloved outdoor spaces for generations to come. Click to learn more.
