Hammocking 101: A Guide to Hammock Set-Up

Scouting a location

You made it to the park – woohoo! It is now time to craft the perfect site set-up and you’ve brought all the essentials: a tent, some lawn chairs, a cooler and your brand new hammock. Now before you get too excited and inadvertently end up on your third attempt to set up your hammock: here are a few things to consider:

First and foremost, make sure the area you’re in allows for hammock usage. Some parks have regulations in place to protect their local wildlife and would prefer no straps or ropes wrapped around the trees. Once you’re sure you are allowed to hammock, scout out an appropriate area to hang your hammock. Campgrounds and parks are heavily trafficked areas, so be sure to avoid pathways that people or wildlife would use. The last thing you want is to disrupt someone’s ability to get around, or worse, have someone interrupt your relaxation time!

Stringing the hammock

Searching for two tie-down points? Keep an eye out for two sturdy, living trees that are about 10-15 feet apart. If you can’t find trees – no problem! The same rule applies for wind shelters and vehicles. Whatever you choose to tie-down your hammock, make sure that both points are weight bearing to your body weight. The trees, and your back, will thank you for it.

You’ve got your tie down points and your ropes all set; relaxation is in reach! If you want to have the optimal nap in your hammock, allow for the fabric to have a natural curve to it once it’s suspended. A straight line and sagging ropes should be avoided. To achieve this, try for a 30-degree angle between the hammock strap and the ground, and have the base of the hammock hang about 18” in. off the ground, which is about the height of your kneecap. Not only will your time in the hammock be more enjoyable, but entering and exiting will be a breeze too.

Protecting the trees

As cool as hammock stacking is for a photo op, did you know that this causes stress for the trees (not to mention whoever is lying at the bottom)? Strain on trees can be reduced in multiple ways: only hanging one hammock between a set of trees, using your hammock’s supplied ropes – or better yet: safety straps too, and NOT screwing or hammering anything into the tree can all help prolong the tree’s life and ensure that it will continue to thrive for years to come.

You’ve unlocked the art of hammocking, pat yourself on the back and reward yourself with a nap! And if you’re missing something: you can swing into savings with Coghlan’s and save 40% on in-stock hammocks. Find your new happy place for as low as $47.99.