If you are an outdoor enthusiast, you probably have been part of a conversation or a debate about camping hammocks vs. camping tents and which one is better. While there can be valid points made for both sides, mainly depending on the situation, place, or circumstances of your camping trip, I wanted to share my general opinion and experience with both hammocks and tents, and why I almost always choose hammocks for my camping and backpacking trips.
I have been into the outdoors since I was a kid, and as I got older and wiser, I started paying closer attention to my outdoor gear as I value comfort the most when I am in nature. As a typical camper, I, too, slept in tents every time I went on camping or backpacking trips. That was until I discovered hammocks about 10 years ago and I have never slept in a tent since then.
When people wonder why I prefer hammocks over tents, I usually give them many reasons, and I wanted to share some of those reasons with you. Here are my top 7 advantages why I prefer hammocks instead of tents.
Advantage #1: Hammocks are more flexible
Flexibility takes the #1 spot for me because hammocks never let me down when it comes to finding a nice campsite. With tents, you have to be more cautious as you have to try to find ground that is not rocky or on a hill, and sometimes compromising a great view. On the other hand, the flexibility of hammocks allows you to camp at scenic places that are out of site and away from crowds, which is common at campsites suitable for tent camping. With hammocks, I have been able to sleep and wake up on rocky, steep, sandy, and muddy grounds and be able to catch the most amazing views with unforgettable sunsets and sunrises. Hammocks can also be used as chairs when you are not sleeping or laying down, and are perfect for lounging around the campfire (at a safe distance of course).
Advantage #2: Hammocks are more comfortable
If you have never used a hammock, it may take some time to get used to it and find that sweet spot. Once you get comfortable and understand what feels good for your body, you will see a huge difference. Of course, hammocks are not for everyone, especially if you have some kind of injury that will worsen by applying additional pressure, but generally speaking, hammocks can be easier on your body than laying on the ground. Usually, when you are laying on the ground, you have 3 main pressure points: back, butt & shoulders. If you have injuries or weak areas in those parts of the body, laying on the ground may worsen the pain. The difference in laying in a hammock vs. on the ground is that the pressure applied from the hammock gets evenly distributed on your body instead of the 3 main pressure points. With time you will learn to move and redirect those pressure points depending on how your body feels. While only with practice you will be able to find your comfortable spots in the hammock, some of the things that will help you, for example, is that if you lay more diagonally rather than vertically, and have a pillow for your neck and even under your knees. Also, for colder temperatures, make sure you have a hammock underquilt to keep you warm!
Advantage #3: Hammocks are lighter and smaller
Weight and size are important if you are going on a backpacking trip, so choosing between a hammock and a tent is almost a no-brainer, as hammocks are lighter and smaller. However, not every hammock is the same, so if you want to get a hammock for backpacking, make sure to pay attention to its weight and how compact it can get. If the hammock pack comes with compression straps, that's even better because you can get it compressed into an even smaller size and be able to fit it in smaller corners or pockets of your backpack. If your mosquito net is separated from the hammock, then it makes storage even easier!
Advantage #4: Hammocks are safer
When you are in nature, you are a guest in a place that many creatures call home. So being safe and respectful to them should be a top priority. The slight elevation from the ground that hammocks provide keeps you safer and helps avoid ticks, ants, spiders, chiggers, snakes, and many other bugs or critters that live in the ground. Also, with a hammock, you can camp in lower-risk bear habitats, which can be harder with a tent.
Advantage #5: Hammocks are easier to set up
While tents can take some time to set up, hammocks usually take a minute or less. When I go on long backpacking trips, sometimes I even make a quick stop on the way to just rest on the hammock and eat a snack, or if I want to enjoy a great view a little longer, I can easily pull out the hammock and relax for a couple of minutes before continuing the trail. When it comes to unpredictable weather, hammocks are definitely easier and faster to set up. I remember a backpacking trip when it started pouring out of nowhere as we reaching our campsite, and as my friends were struggling to find a flat and dry (as dry as possible) ground to set up their tents, I quickly set up my tarp between two trees then started hanging my hammock. The rain or the wet ground did not affect me at all.
Advantage #6: Hammocks leave fewer traces
Most outdoor lovers go by the principle of "Leave No Trace", and if they don't, are they really outdoor lovers? True outdoor lovers will do their best to follow the "Leave No Trace" principles, and if you sleep off the ground instead of in a tent, you leave the ground as it was before. One important thing to note here is when looking for a hammock, make sure the hammock straps are tree safe, otherwise, you can easily damage the outer layer of the bark.
Advantage #7: Hammocks are more fun
Last but not least, we have to agree that hammocks are definitely more fun. The gentle swaying in the hammock makes you more relaxed and helps you fall asleep faster. Hammocks are fun both for adults, children, and pets, and if you have a big group, make sure you have more than 1 hammock as everybody will be fighting over it, or maybe that's just my experience with my friends :)
While every body is unique, and if one thing feels comfortable for one, doesn't mean it will be for another, but you will never know unless you try. Even if you think hammocks are not for you, get out of your comfort zone and give it a try, as you may love what you find there! And if not, you can always go back to your tent, but with more knowledge and most likely better appreciation for your tent, so either way, it's a win-win situation!
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