Have you ever went camping and found your hammock to be too freezing? I have! Even though I love sleeping on a hammock, at times, it may get too cold.
However, after experiencing the outdoors for a while, I have gathered some handy-dandy tips regarding how to stay warm in a hammock. Hammocking is quite new to some people, as tents are always the preferred option.
As a frequent solo camper, I have grown to love hammocks even more. So, here I will share some tips that will help you to remain warm even on the coldest of days.
Let me know your best experience of being on a hammock. I enjoy the great feeling of being swaddled by the wind.
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How to stay warm in a hammock? A Simple Guide
Layer your clothes
One of the basic things that you can do is to go crazy on layering. Don’t think about layering entirely with warm clothes. Instead, it is always better to choose lighter clothes to build up insulation. I prefer to have a light basic layer that helps my skin to breathe and sweat. However, rather than opting for cotton, I find it helpful to wear something of spandex or polyester.
The middle or insulating layer is the most important to keep your body warm. I don’t find woolen items too helpful. Instead, I gravitate towards fleece jackets.
When it comes to the outer layer, you can choose to wear your best warm clothes on freezing days. This layer might be even more necessary on days when it is raining.
Apart from your clothes, pay attention to your extremities and to your head. I always find wearing socks to be a helpful way of keeping my body warm. I prefer breathable socks, and I make sure to keep several pairs to avoid going to bed in wet socks.
Choose a Favourable Hammock Location
We have always seen pictures of hammocks placed between two trees. But, apart from those trees, you also need natural barriers near the hammock. These will help to obstruct freezing winds from blowing towards you.
Tying a hammock near a windbreaker tends to do the job well. So, the first step is often to check the direction of the wind. An easy way to do so is to put up a light fabric to find the direction and proceed to set up the hammock. I find wooded areas as an appropriate place to hang the hammock. If you are lucky, a natural shade will also protect you from sudden rainfall or snow.
Invest in a Good Underquilt or a Sleeping Pad
Well, this choice often leads to a debate, as both sleeping pads and underquilts are popular options. Essentially, under quilts go under the hammock to prevent water, wind, or the cold from getting to you. In comparison, the sleeping pads go under you to act as a barrier. Naturally, under quilts are expensive as they are made for the hammock. Many people prefer lightweight sleeping pads that are easy to acquire and are cheap.
I think that the best way to do it is to set yourself a budget. If you are someone who likes hammocking in cold weather, go for the under quilt if you have the budget. However, if you are keen on joining the sleeping pad users, make sure to get one that fits in the hammock.
Always check the weather ratings of all your products to make sure. Don’t shy away from asking for help, as freezing weather is never something you want to experience!
Apart from the underquilt, some people like to double it up with a top quilt. It is also easier to find, and it can help to insulate you on a cold day.
Get Yourself a Sleeping Bag
Did you think that sleeping bags are just meant for the floor? No, they aren’t! Some of my camping friends swear by using sleeping bags in their hammocks.
When the weather gets too cold, a quilt or blanket may not give enough warmth. The perfect sleeping bag helps to add the final warming layer in freezing conditions. Make sure to check the dimensions of the sleeping bag so that it fits in the hammock.
Use a tarp
Just as you may have used a tarp for a tent or a sleeping bag, get one for your hammock. The tarp nestles the entire hammock and provides you additional protection. Rather than simply protecting you from the cold, the tarp also keeps away water or snow. I prefer to keep the tarp low to make it most effective. here’s a video I found really useful if you are new to using tarp for hammock.
Other methods to keep yourself warm
If you are like me, DIY should be in your blood. There have been numerous times when I have forgotten one thing or the other. Hence, here are some pointers that will help you on cold days.
Conclusion
I hope that these tips will help you to fend for yourself on chilly days. It is always preferable to stay prepared rather than to experience the horrendous winds. Pay attention to the aspects I have discussed while shopping, and you will be good to go.
Even though many people gravitate towards getting all-weather options, I don’t prefer them for winter hammocking. It is always better to get things that are meant for the cold to keep yourself as warm as possible.
You are all set up to go on a hammocking trip, even in cold weather. So, go out, enjoy, and make sure to use the tips to keep yourself warm and snug!