Is hammock camping safe?

What’s the ultimate form of relaxation in the wild? Allow me to portrait the scenario. You’re in the middle of the jungle, close to a water stream and there is nothing but the wildness to admire from your cozy hammock with a can of cold drinks in your hands. Can things get any better than that? I don’t know about you, but that’s the way I want to hang out in the wilderness laying on my hammock and soak in all the beauty nature has to offer. However, before drifting to my wild thoughts, like everyone I will be asking myself the same question “Is hammock camping safe?”

I know many of you have the same concern when the topic of hammock camping comes around. So, today I thought it is a great topic to take on as I believe everyone deserves to know how to have a safe camping adventure on their hammocks.

Is hammock camping safe really?

Buying the best hammock doesn’t necessarily means a safe hammock camping experience. Sometimes things can go wrong, or some unwanted situations can take place to make matters worse for you. But with some necessary cautions, you can make sure things go as smooth as possible without getting hurt or getting out of the bed. So, now if I have your attention, let me give you some quick tips to erase the enigma is hammock camping safe forever from your mind.

Inspect the gear:

I know it is pretty obvious to check the equipment out before taking it with you for the trip. But sometimes the most obvious things are the ones we miss out on and then later have to suffer for it. So, now the question is what to check out in the hammock? Simple, look at the stitchings to make sure it isn’t torn off from anywhere. Also, make sure if the carabiners are in good shape. It is rare for the things to get worn out from use but to be on the safe side, examine them. Furthermore, the suspension of the hammock is something you might like to inspect as well.

Perfect location to hang:

Having safe camping on hammock depends on the fact where you choose to hang the thing. For instance, if you put the thing up between two coconut trees, there is always the chance something dropping right on the head. Also, hanging it from a scary height is something you should avoid. The thing you need to do is to identify a safe zone to set the swinging bed so that you can have a relaxing time without worrying about accidents to happen.

Be ready for the weather:

For a sunny day, all you need is a hammock, and you’re good to go. But when you’ve been put to the challenge thanks to the weather, what you will do? Because in the wild, unwanted situation can occur at any time. Therefore, you need to be prepared to take on the challenge. So, take a tarp with you when going hammock camping as it would save you from the chilly winds as well as the pouring cloudburst in the middle of the night. If you don’t have one, get one or be ready to drench in the cold shower as it is on you.

Know your surroundings:

For any camping trip, knowing the surrounding is unquestionably the most important thing. You don’t wish to set up the hammock in a death trap right in the middle of some wildlife. Be sure to find some trail where usually people make camps. Never go too deep in the jungle as there is always the chance to be confronted by some wild animals. And it is not only about the predators, the unknown bugs and plats should also concern you as you don’t know what they are capable of doing. It is better to be stung by something you know rather than something crawl onto you that you’ve no idea of any sorts.

Layer the hammock:

The hammock might do the job in warm weather conditions. But when it is freezing out there, surviving the cold with only the hammock layers will be a foolish idea. So, make sure to take enough layers of clothing if you want to live another day to ask the question, is hammock camping safe or not? Now, there are certain things besides the clothing itself that can help with the cold. Like adding a sleeping bag or use some multipurpose liners inside the hammock. If you wish to learn more about how to stay warm in a hammock, then you might find my previous article quite the read.

Keeping in touch:

When you plan to go hammock camping on your own, it is essential to maintain an open communication line with someone from the outside to keep him or her posted about your whereabouts at all times. Now, it can be challenging to try to communicate with someone out from the wild as cell network won’t be that strong out there. That’s why it is crucial to keep some traditional communication devices like the whistle or even the smoke flares with you to get the attention of people if you’re in some danger. If you can get your hands on a satellite phone that can be great as they get signals in most places.

Conclusion

So, is hammock camping safe? I believe it is if you’re ready for all kind of scenarios. Whatever the situation might throw in your way, if you prepare yourself according to it, you can make a pleasant experience out of it from even the most terrifying of circumstances. But when you’re clueless about everything, even the slightest of difficulties can be life threating to you. That’s why I have come up with some tips that will help the noob hammock heads to get on the right track to have a safe and happy hammocking adventure.