Hammock Safety Guidelines
Hammocks are generally safe if used properly, but there are some important guidelines that must be followed to ensure safety, as safety should be our priority. Just like any outdoor activity, hammock camping or general hammock use requires common sense, environmental awareness, and proper gear.
We will explain in detail what we mean by that shortly, but before we get there, it is important to remember that hammocks are meant to be fun & comfortable, and to get the best out of them, you need to know how to use them properly. If you have never used a hammock before, it will take some time to adjust and find that “sweet spot.” Following our safety guidelines will make that process easier and safer.
Where to Hang Your Hammock?
Whether you are planning to use your hammock on your camping or backpacking trip, in your backyard, or in the house, finding two solid & sturdy hanging points in a safe & shaded area, about 12’ to 15’ is a great starting point.
The most common hammock hanging points are trees. Make sure the trees you pick are healthy all the way to the top and have trunks of at least 6” in diameter, or thick enough that if you were to wrap your hands around them, your fingers would not touch. There are different types of trees with various strengths that may not match their size, so always use common sense and carefully inspect and even give them a gentle shake to check their sturdiness. Make sure to examine the trees and the location during daylight hours, as using a flashlight at night to inspect a tree can be very deceiving.
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When choosing the trees, there are other important things to consider, both for safety and environmental reasons. Inspect not only the trees that you will be using to hang the hammock, but also surrounding trees that have branches extending over where your hammock will be hung, as dead branches can easily snap and fall from the slightest wind (they all eventually do).
If you need to switch your straps from one tree to another, always clean the straps (brush them off with your hands at least) to ensure you don’t accidentally transfer potential tree diseases from one tree to another.
DO NOT hang your hammock on a tree with a bird nest or any signs that it is favored or used by any wildlife, such as dug holes in the roots, ant or bee nests, etc.
DO NOT hang your hammock over or close to poisonous plants, rocks, bodies of water, fire, cliffs or anywhere else where stepping or falling into or equipment malfunction can potentially be dangerous.
DO NOT hang your hammocks on top of each other.
DO NOT hang your hammock higher than you are willing to fall. As a rule of thumb, straps should be about 5’-6’ above the ground and the hammock center should be about chair height which will go down closer to the ground as you sit or lay in it. Make sure that it doesn't go too much down as you don’t want your hammock touching the ground. There should be at least 1’-2’ distance between the hammock and the ground. Make necessary adjustments before settling down.
Gear Safety & Inspection
Having a good quality hammock and accessories is crucial for your safety and the longevity of your gear. Camponion hammocks and accessories are made of high-quality and durable materials that will last for years and are backed by Camponion Lifetime Warranty. However, even the best materials are not immune to UV rays or regular wear and tear, and over time, your hammock and accessories will lose their original strength.
Always follow the recommended gear safety & inspection guidelines to maximize the lifespan of your gear for as long as safely possible.
Over time, sunlight will damage your gear, including your hammock straps, mosquito net and rain tarp. When choosing a location to hang your hammock, always consider setting it up in a shaded area to protect your gear from the sun as much as possible. When not in use, safely pack your gear and put it away until you use it next time. Putting away or hanging a Camponion hammock hardly takes time, and it will significantly lengthen your gear lifespan.
Check your gear before each use. Ideally, check your gear when packing for a trip, so if you need a backup plan, you can take care of it before leaving. Check for any visible tears or holes on every part of the gear, especially the hammock and the straps. Some small tears or holes on the hammock can be fixed at home with a sewing needle and thread or with a DIY hammock repair kit, but if they are beyond repair, replace your hammock and don’t risk it.
Camponion hammocks are made of ripstop nylon, so minor cuts and holes should not easily get bigger without direct pressure. Still, they need to be fixed or replaced before the next use because even the smallest cut compromises the safety of your hammock. If you notice sun rot on the hammock straps or the hammock itself, that means they need to be replaced right away.
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We encourage recycling old and damaged gear instead of just throwing them away. To incentivize this environmentally friendly motive, we will give you a 20% discount on your replacement gear if you send us your old and damaged gear for recycling. Contact us if you have questions about our Recycle Program.
Take good care of your gear. Avoid dropping and dragging it on the ground or stepping on it. Watch for tree branches, bushes, pet paws/nails, or sharp objects. Don’t wear shoes when lying down in the hammock. Avoid exposure to sunlight. Pack your gear when not in use, and make sure that it is dry before packing. Camponion gear is fast-drying, and the carry bags are big enough for hassle-free packing. If your gear is still wet when packing, let it dry as soon as you get home before you store it away, as mildew or other types of fungi can grow in the moisture and damage your gear. Your hammock can be hand or machine washed, if needed. Just make sure to remove the carabiners & straps before washing it.
Use caution and practice how to get on and get off the hammock. Hammocks are not hard to use, but if you are new to them, it may take some practice before you get comfortable on them. If you are planning to take your hammock on a camping or a backpacking trip for the first time, try practicing it several times in your backyard or at home if you have safe hanging points or support systems. Follow safety instructions and weight limits for each hammock and never exceed the weight limit.
Do not step into a hammock with feet first or stand in it. Avoid making sudden movements while in the hammock or when getting in or out of the hammock. Rely more on balancing your body on your legs instead of holding onto the hammock while getting in and out of it. Avoid swinging hard in the hammock, but gentle swinging or swaying is okay (and very pleasant).
Always unbuckle your hammock and mosquito net carry bag compression straps when the hammock is in use to avoid your feet getting caught in them or tripping over.
Never leave infants, babies, or small children alone in a hammock at any length of time as Camponion hammocks are not tested nor intended for sale or use as baby products. Serious injuries or suffocation can occur if the infant or the child has not yet developed the muscular strength to move or turn themselves around in a hammock.
Hammocks are great for kids and kids are usually very drawn to them. If you are letting your kids use a hammock, make sure you explain to them, and that they understand all the safety precautions, including how to balance themselves while getting in and out of the hammock. Kids are usually very hyper, and sudden movements can easily flip the hammock, even the ones that are designed not to be easily flipped. However, with responsible and proper adult supervision, guidance, and use (especially when they are watching you), hammocks can be one of the best outdoor experiences for children!
Hang your hammock at a safe distance from the fire, as Camponion hammocks are not fireproof and both the heat and the flying sparks from the fire can damage, burn and melt your hammock, which is made of plastic-based materials.
Overall, just use common sense, be smart & environmentally aware & HAVE FUN!
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