FAQ
Common questions
Do I really need an underquilt?
Yes, for camping below 60°F. In a hammock, cold air circulates beneath you and your sleeping bag compresses flat — losing the insulation it relies on. An underquilt hangs below the hammock and fills that gap. Without one, you'll be cold regardless of what's on top of you. Above 60°F at night, a light sleeping bag or top quilt alone is fine.
How far apart do trees need to be?
Aim for 12–15 feet between trunks for a comfortable hang angle. You can make 10–18 feet work with strap adjustments. Closer than 10 feet puts you too low; farther than 20 feet starts to stress attachment points. Trees should be at least 8 inches in diameter so you're not damaging saplings.
Is hammock camping lighter than tent camping?
A hammock-only summer setup is lighter than a tent. But a full three-season hammock system with tarp, underquilt, and top quilt is comparable to or heavier than a tent and sleeping bag combo. The weight advantage is real in warm weather when you can skip the underquilt.
Can I hammock camp above treeline?
No. Hammock camping requires trees 12–15 feet apart, which rules out alpine zones, desert camping, and most ocean-front sites. If your style takes you regularly above treeline, a tent is the right tool.
Do I need a bug net?
Depends on location and season. For shoulder-season camping or bug-light areas, no. For summer camping in the Southeast, Great Lakes, or anywhere with real mosquito pressure, yes. Many higher-end hammocks include integrated nets; others sell them separately.
How do I find good hammock campsites?
Hammockforums.net has trip reports organized by region — the best source for site-specific hammock intel. Most established forest campgrounds in the eastern US have good trees. Check the campground's hammock policy before arrival; some sites near sensitive ecosystems restrict hammock use.