Hammock Camping 101 | 5 different tarp setups for your hammock

Hammock camping is awesome and I love it. But there is a bit of a learning curve in order to have a good experience with hammock camping. It also takes a bit more work at camp to get your shelter setup than a tent. However, I feel like the sleep I get out of a hammock is worth the extra time I spend on setting up my hammock. Plus, I'm one of those guys who likes to fiddle around with my hammock once I'm at camp. I'm always looking for ways to improve my camping experience. If this sounds like you then hammock camping may be right for you.
This video describes five different tarp setups I use when hammock camping as well as the hardware I use to secure my tarp to the tree and the ground.
1. Not Deployed: There are times when I keep my tarp in the snake skin and don't deploy it. It's like cowboy camping in a hammock. I'll do this if the weather looks clear that night and I have a good view of the stars then I'll let the tarp in its snake skin.
2. Pitch Low: I use this option when I am expecting really bad weather and heavy rain. I like to keep the tarp just above my hammock ridgeline and pitch the sides down low to give me the greatest protection from wind, rain and hail during a storm.
3. Pitch High: This is the option I typically use when I'm not expecting bad weather. It gives me the greatest flexibility for accessing my hammock and moving around as well as providing coverage when there is light rain.
4. Flip One Side: Regardless if it is pitched high or low, I like to flip one side of my tarp to the other side, if it's not raining. This gives me full access to my hammock and completely open views while I am lounging around the campsite.
5. Porch Mode: This is probably my favorite setup. It requires two trekking poles but provides a porch setup over your hammock. This gives the best views around your campsite while having the tarp deployed. I like it especially if there is a light rain that I can lounge in my hammock and have dinner or just relax while still being open to the campsite.
I use hardware instead of tying knots. They are only a few grams and make securing my tarp to the tree and the ground very easy and quick.
- Dutch Stingerz: I use this device to secure my tarp to the tree. I have one for each side of my tarp, attached to d-ring of my tarp. It has zing-it rope attached to the Stingerz which I use to loop around the tree and tighten the tarp.
- Dutch Fleaz: I use this device to secure my tarp to the ground. I carry 4 stakes with zing-it rope wrapped around them. I also have shock cord attached to each corner of my tarp. I secure the Dutch Fleaz on each corner onto the shock cord. I can then place my stake where ever I need to on the ground and use that zing-it rope to secure to the Dutch Fleaz. Again, this makes is very easy and quick to secure my tarp to the ground.
I hope you find this video helpful. Please feel free to reach out with any questions. Thanks for watching!
#backpacker
#backpacking
#hammockcamping
#hammock
#backpackinggear
#hammocks
#tarpshelter
#tarps

[@tauchersmiddy]

I'm a big Hammock fan. Your videos, especially about Hammocks, are really good. Factually well explained, good and bad explained and evaluated equally. Even though I've been doing this for some time, I've learned new things. Greetings from Germany. Looking forward to more videos. You have a subscription.

[@crimsonblaze_backpacker]

Hello Germany!! I can now tell my wife that I have gone international. I'm glad you have found the videos helpful. Just trying to give back to this awesome community of hammock backpackers and the videos that helped me learn when I first got started 10 years ago.

[@tauchersmiddy]

@@crimsonblaze_backpacker Then best wishes to your wife👍.