Camping is an excellent opportunity to spend time with family and friends in the great outdoors. If you are planning a camping trip, you will need plenty of equipment to make the journey as comfortable and convenient as possible. One essential piece of equipment is a hammock. Chairs are great for sitting around the fire, but if you want to lay back and relax while viewing the gorgeous scenery, a hammock is the better option.
If you have never used a hammock while camping, you should know the hammock safety tips. Knowing how to use a hammock safely will ensure your comfort and safety while relaxing during your camping trip.
Tip 1: Get a High-Quality Hammock and the Proper Equipment
You don’t want to buy a poor-quality hammock because it won’t last very long. Also, low-standard hammocks aren’t safe. There are plenty of companies making camping hammocks, and you want to choose a high-quality brand. The last thing you want is to purchase a cheap knockoff. If you try to buy an affordable version to save money, you will be buying a hammock with inferior construction and materials.
There are a few things you should look for when purchasing a camping hammock.
- Inspect the seams: You want to choose a hammock that has triple-stitched seams. This will ensure that the hammock is strong and durable, which is essential for your safety.
- Check the weight: Hammocks have a weight limit printed on the package. If the hammock you are considering won’t support your weight, you won’t be safely supported. It would help if you chose a hammock that is strong enough to hold you.
- Check the weight of the hammock: If you are going to be hiking to your campsite, you should consider the hammock’s weight. The last thing you want is to choose something heavy and bulky, adding weight to your pack. Hammocks by Teton Hammocks are made of lightweight materials, and they are still durable and strong.
- Check what is included in the package: Read the package to ensure the straps are included with the hammock. If you neglect to check if the straps are included, you won’t be able to use the hammock when you get to the campsite.
- Read the reviews: When buying any new products, you should always read the customer reviews, including hammocks. The reviews will give you the hammock’s high points and low points, allowing you to make an informed decision.
Tip 2: Recheck Everything Before You Pack
This is not just one of the most important hammock safety tips but also an essential camping tip. When you are packing for your camping trip, you should recheck your backpack to ensure you have everything you need. You should also set up your tent to make sure there are no holes or broken zippers. It is also a good idea to inspect your hammock and the straps. If one of the straps is frayed or seems to be weakening, it won’t be safe for use. When inspecting the hammocks, check for holes and signs of wear. If the hammock shows any signs of wear or is weathered, you should purchase a new hammock before leaving for your trip.
Tip 3: Choose The Right Place To Hang Your Hammock
There is more to hanging your hammock than choosing the most scenic location. You also need to look at the trees you plan to use. The trees should be a good distance apart, but this isn’t the only thing to consider.
- Stay away from dead trees: You must inspect the trees before hanging your hammock. If the tree is dead or is dying, hanging the hammock can be incredibly dangerous. Dead trees are not strong enough to hold your weight and can snap. This can cause you to fall to the ground, or worse, the tree could fall on top of you.
- Check the branches above: If you find a tree that looks healthy, check the branches above. You want to avoid trees with large, dead branches overhead, as they can fill if there is a strong gust of wind, causing severe injuries.
- Avoid saplings: You should never hang your hammock from a sapling. These trees aren’t strong enough to hold your weight, and you will sag to the ground when in the hammock. Also, you can do severe damage to the tree, and hanging a hammock can stunt their growth.
These are the essential hammock safety tips because a severe injury can ruin your camping trip if you don’t choose the right spot.
Tip 4: Take Height Into Consideration
When setting up your hammock, it would help if you also considered the height. Some people will try to hang their hammock as high as possible to better view the scenery and stay high off the ground. This is not a good idea. If your hammock is too high and difficult to climb into, the hammock will flip over, leaving you on the ground. Also, if you fall asleep and rollover, you will hit the ground hard if you are too high off the ground.
It is best to hang your hammock at a height that is easy to get into, which won’t cause you to be injured if you fall out. It is best to hang your hammock no higher than 18 inches from the ground. Any higher can put you at risk of a falling injury, and any lower could result in you sagging too far and hitting the ground.
Tip 5: Let Your Hammock Hang Loose
Many first-time campers believe that the hammock should be hung with very little slack to make it more comfortable; however, this is a mistake. It is best to hang your hammock with enough slack in the middle. This will make sitting and laying more comfortable. Also, if you add enough slack, you can easily reach your items below, such as your drink and phone, without needing to get in and out of the hammock. Also, if there is enough slack, you don’t have to reach for your items; it reduces the risk of falling out of the hammock onto the ground.
Tip 6: Check Your Surroundings
When choosing the perfect spot to hang your hammock, you should check your surroundings. There are a few areas that you should avoid.
- Paths and trails: You don’t want to hang your hammock across a path or a trail. If hikers or animals come by, you and your hammock will be in the way.
- The middle of the campsite: You don’t want to hang your hammock in the middle of the campsite because it can create a tripping hazard for your companions.
- Rocks: Try to find an area where there will be no rocks below your hammock. If you do fall out, it is better to fall on grass or dirt than on a large rock.
- Streams and other bodies of water: You should never hang your hammock over a stream or any body of water, even if it is the most scenic location. If you fall, you will get wet. If the body of water is deep enough, it can pose a drowning risk if you fall out while sleeping.
Tip 7: Don’t Bounce Or Jump On the Hammock
You never want to bounce on your hammock or jump into it. This can cause the hammock to fall, and you can go right through the hammock, resulting in a serious injury. The hammock could also flip over, and you will fall out. Also, it is possible to break the hammock or the straps while being too rowdy; you will need to invest in a new hammock for your next camping trip. Many companies offer a lifetime warranty with the condition that you will use the hammock properly. Jumping or bouncing on the hammock isn’t utilizing the hammock properly and could void your warranty.
When getting into your hammock, you want to sit first and then swing your legs in and always lay diagonally. You can swing your hammock side to side but only do it gently. If you insist on jumping or bouncing, buy a trampoline.
How Safe Are Teton Hammocks’ Products?
If you are looking for a high-quality, durable hammock, look into Teton Hammocks’ products. We are a privately held company based in Utah and have been selling camping products, including hammocks, since 2005. Our high-quality products have made us the go-to company for campers all around the world. Our hammocks are triple stitched and will give you the strength and durability you need. The hammocks come in different colors, including black, gray, purple, and green, and they come with carabiners. We also sell Rover Rope tree slings, and all of our hammock products are of excellent value.
When you buy your hammock from Teton Hammock company, it will last. If you choose a knockoff company, you will only get one or two uses out of your hammock. Teton Hammock offers a lifetime warranty on their products, which should give you peace of mind that you are getting a high-quality hammock. If, for some reason, your hammock fails, Teton Hammock will be whatever necessary to make things right. When you buy from us, it will be the last one you will need to purchase.
Final Thoughts
If you want to have a comfortable, injury-free camping trip, you must follow the hammock safety tips and carry hammock accessories.. The last thing you want is to cut your trip short due to a hammock injury that could have been easily prevented.
