Looking for something different to try on your next camping trip? Hammock nesting or lounging is a great alternative to bedding down on a half inflated mattress on the floor when camping. The hammock is designed to be lightweight and easy to transport so is popular among adventurists, outdoor goers and people looking for an unconventional method to sleeping. So what are the common questions people ask when talking all the things hammock?
What is the correct way to lay in a hammock?
The stars are out, the marshmallows have been toasted and now it is time to bed down in your hammock. Step into your hammock, keeping one leg on the floor, giving yourself support and balance. Once safely in your hammock, position yourself diagonally from the centre. This will ensure your back is not bent up like a banana throughout the night. once settled like a pea in a pod, cross your legs and wish the moon goodnight.
How far should my hammock be off the ground?
The lowest point of your hammock should not be any lower than 2 foot off the ground at its lowest point when your either sat or laying in it. This can be easily achieved by hanging your hammock correctly and tying your hammock at a good height. A good height to tie your hammock would be around 6 feet off the ground or 1.8 metres.
How far apart should my hammock posts be?
The first point of call when deciding to hang a hammock is finding adequate trees or posts that are strong enough to take your weight and a particular distance apart from one another. The ideal distance between posts will depend on the size of your hammock. An easy way to work this out is to add anywhere between 2 to 5 feet onto the length of what your hammock is. The result of this will give you a good idea of the distance you will need between two posts that you decide to use. For example if your hammock is 9 foot long, a good distance between posts will be 11, 12 or even 14 feet apart.
What is the best knot to tie a hammock?
Of course there are many knots used to hang a hammock which are effective. However one of the most simple and easy to remember knots would be the Bowline Knot. This is known to be one of the oldest knots in human history and is still used widely across the globe today. It is easy to tie and just as easy to untie.
Is sleeping in a hammock good for you?
Sleeping in a hammock comes with many benefits regarding health. Being slightly suspended off the floor and swaying in a gentle breeze can be relaxing for the entire body and mind. The more relaxed and comfortable you become the deeper you sleep, providing much needed rest for your body. A study conducted at a university in Switzerland showed that when individuals slept in a hammock they became more relaxed and in some cases it had shown to cure insomnia.
Is it safe to sleep in a hammock ?
Providing that you have set your hammock up correctly it is perfectly safe to sleep in your hammock. A hammocks design prevents you from tossing and turning when sleeping in it throughout the night, cocooning you keeping you cosy as well as stopping you from falling out. Sleeping off the floor at a height will also protect you from any unwanted critters climbing over you that use the floor as their home.
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Awesome! One of my goals this year is to sleep in a hammock. When you climb into it do you lay on to your back before lifting the weight bearing leg in?
Hey Sadie, thanks for your comment! Awesome to hear your planning on trying out a hammock this year! It’s whatever feels most comfortable for you. However when I lay in my hammock, I first sit in it and then swivel round keeping one leg firmly on the floor before lifting it off when I can feel my weight is supported.