Are you in the hunt for the best hammock camping accessories? If yes, you have stumbled upon the right place. In this post, we are going to walk you through different hammock accessories that make a handy companion when camping.
Hammocks like any other camping gear have evolved to match the changing needs of campers across the globe. Today, hammocks for camping feature technological advances that enhance their durability, comfort and versatility. Additionally, the tons of hammocks available on the market today are available in different sizes and designs to match the needs of every user out there.
To make your hammock more comfortable and functional, there is a wide range of accessories you can get and further enhance your camping experience. We have done some research and put together some of the best hammock camping accessories that every camper should carry for their next camping trip.
These accessories are simple to use and reasonably affordable. Besides, they are designed to work with virtually any type of hammock and be usable in all environments. Let’s take a look.
1.Tarps
A tarp is a must-have accessory for hammock camping. A quality tarp will provide a shelter from wind and rain, and keep you dry when you it starts to pour. When getting a tarp for your hammock, you need to consider the size of the hammock and get the right size for it.
There are several varieties of hammock tarps available on the market today and what sets them apart is the shape and size. They include rectangular, hexagonal, diamond-shaped and asymmetrical tarps.
- Rectangular Tarps. The most common tarps for camping hammocks are rectangular in shape. These tarps resemble the actual tents and are designed to be hang over the ridgeline of the hammock. They come in different sizes and are ideal for use in all seasons.
- Diamond-Shaped Tarps. A diamond sharped tarp hangs in a diagonal manner on the hammock where it offers excellent protection from rainfall. These tarps are incredibly easy to set up and a great option for anyone looking for dependable coverage.
- Asymmetrical Tarps. Asymmetrical tarps are built for use with asymmetrical hammocks. They are rectangular in shape but narrower compared to the rectangular counterparts. The narrow design makes the ideal for sun protection but they are less effective when it comes to protection from the rain.
- Hexagonal Tarps. This is a six-sided tarp whose shape helps it withstand heavy rainfall and gusts of wind. If you want a tarp that is most effective at battling the elements, it is hard to go wrong with a hexagonal model.
2. Mosquito Net
Flies, mosquitos and other bugs will make your camping experience especially when you are hammock camping. Without the right protection, they will keep hovering around and the noises they make will make it hard for you to fall asleep.
If the hammock you are using doesn’t come with a built-in mosquito net, you will need to buy one separately. The net you get should have a 360-degree protection and be made using high-quality and durable material.
3. Storage System
The next hammock camping accessory you should have is a storage system. As you relax or sleep, you want to keep all your valuables safe and within reach. This means above the ground and away from critters.
For hammock camping, most campers prefer use underbelly slings as their storage system. The sling hangs under the hammock and gives you easy access to your items. If you have carried food and odorous items to your camping trip, ensure that you get a separate storage system for each.
4. Tree Straps and Clips
The next items to add in your list of the best hammock camping accessories are tree straps and clips. If you plan to hand the hammock between two trees, durable tree straps are paramount. When making a selection consider these important factors:
- A hammock tree strap needs to be sturdy enough to support your body weight and ensure safety and comfort. A tip is to get a set that is designed with a weight capacity that is double your weight.
- The tree strap you get should also be as durable as it is sturdy. During use, the straps will experience more abuse than the hammock. If the material used is cheap and of low quality, the strap will end up breaking after a few uses.
- The length of hammock tree straps varies from one product to the other. Finding a strap that is ultra-long will help you navigate most of the installation challenges that come with hammock camping.
Clips on the other hand are used in place of carabiners. They offer simpler set up than carabiners and are perfect for use in all weather conditions.
5. Under Quilt
When camping in the extremely cold conditions, having an under quilt will enhance your warmth and comfort. It attaches to the bottom on the hammock and keeps you warm by trapping heat. When installing an under quilt, ensure that there is no gap between the hammock and the quilt. An airspace left will work against insulation so the quilt won’t serve its purpose of insulation.
6. Cooler
Camping gets better when you are able to enjoy your favorite drink when its cold. While a cooler is not one of the must-have accessories, it will go a long way to elevate your hammock camping experience.
A soft cooler is a great way to keep beverages chilled on a hot day. Most of the soft coolers for camping that are available on the market today are waterproof, insulted and ultra-light for easy portability. They also come in compact forms so they won’t add any extra bulk on your camping gear.
7. Cup Holder
Next on our list of the best hammock camping accessories is a cup holder. Hammocks are by a large extent the personification of self-relaxation and there is no better way to relax that have a cup holder that keeps your favorite drink within reach.
A sling style cup holder will enhance your hammock experience and make it worthwhile. These cup holders are designed to clip on the hammock easily without adding any weight. Besides, most of them are multifunctional and can be clipped on the belt when you need something to hold the water bottle when out hiking.
8. Top Quilt
Another hammock accessory for adding comfort is a top quilt. Seasoned campers prefer top quilts over sleeping bags because the pressure the body puts on the sleeping bag often reduces the thermal insulation. Additionally, hammock’s top quilts are easier to get in and out.
9. Camping Pillow
When camping, having a restful night sleep is very important. With a quality sleep, you wake up rejuvenated and ready to tackle the activities of the day. One thing you need to enhance the quality of sleep you get is a camping pillow.
Camping pillows enhance the quality of sleep by providing ample neck and head support. With the right pillow, it will feel like you are sleeping on your bed at home, but with the added view of the stars in the sky.
Furthermore, camping pillows are built with portability in mind. They are lightweight, space saving and very easy to clean. They also come in different colors for you to find a product that blends with the hammock and other camping gear.
10. Insulated Blanket
Lastly on our list of the best hammock camping accessories is an insulated blanket. Getting an insulated blanket that is designed for outdoor use will prevent you from getting cold. When camping, the blanket can also be used for snuggling up by the campfire, a tarp or spread on the ground to avoid getting mud or dirt when you sit.
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FAQs
- Are hammock camping accessories necessary?
Absolutely. Hammock camping accessories are essential to making your camping trip fun and worthwhile. They enhance the functions of the hammock to take your camping experience to the next big level.
- How much should you spend on hammock camping accessories?
This depends on the accessory you are getting and your budget. The good thing is that most of the best hammock camping accessories are reasonably cheap so you don’t have to spend a lot of money on them. Besides, most hammocks are inexpensive and it wouldn’t make any sense getting an accessory at a higher cost that the actual product.
Final Thoughts
We do hope that this article has given you all the information you need about the best hammock camping accessories. Keep in mind that the season you will be camping at will play a big role in determining the accessories that you get. When preparing for the next camping trip, plan to add most if not all of the accessories we have listed above and watch your how they will revolutionize your entire experience.