If you're reading this post, you're probably wondering what the benefits of hammock camping are. Chances are, you are a tent camper looking at alternatives.
Are you someone who wants to attempt an overnight hiking trip and want to lighten the load?
Are you someone can't be bothered carrying tons of gear for sleeping?
No matter your reasons, we are here to help show why hammock camping is a cheap, fun and comfortable alternative to traditional tent camping.
Size
We'll begin our look into the world of hammock camping by analyzing the size, and the sheer amount of space you'll save. Tents (can) require a lot of gear to use. You have the tent, sleeping pad or air mattress, sleeping bag (at the bare minimum) and likely something to pound those corner stakes in with.
Although this may not sound like a lot, when you consider that you can eliminate the sleeping pad altogether, reduce the size of your "lodging" from a full tent to a hammock, and reduce the amount of gear and space to get a good nights rest, you'll see hammock camping requirements are dramatically reduced in comparison.
Our FE Active Trestles Hammock folds small. In fact, it's just 11 x 7" when packed - about the size of a football. Weighing just 3.2 lbs, your back will thank you if you plan on lugging your bedding for any sort of distance. Hammocks are becoming increasingly popular for those trekking multi-day trails with both size and weight being the biggest influencers in this trend.
You're likely wondering however, what if it rains? Don't worry, FE Active has you covered. Pick yourself up a Galapagos Extra Large Rainfly. Despite covering a massive 12 x 9' space, they pack down to just 9.5 x 7". This will give you the additional protection from the rain and sun without taking up valuable space in your pack. Win-win.
Sleep Quality
Perhaps the biggest question people ask when transitioning from tent to hammock camping is "are they even comfortable"? Well, the answer is YES!
If fact, we'd argue you actually sleep better in a hammock than in a tent, but you'll have to see for yourself.
With a hammock, there are no pressure points. You won't find yourself rolling off your sleeping pad onto the ground. You won't loose air from your mattress overnight and wake up learning you've slept on a rock. With hammock camping, that never happens.
You may not believe it, but a good night's sleep actually requires you to have "bad posture". Unlike a bed or mattress where you back is straight, you'll find you actually sleep much better if your hammock has some sag. To learn more about this, read our article about our Top 5 Tips for Hammock Camping.
Versatility
Hammocks may be the ultimate portable bed. Whether you're trekking overnight, or simply hanging out at camp, a hammock can go anywhere you do...although it may not like the desert or the plains...
You see, providing you have access to 2 decent trees, a hammock can be set up anywhere. You don't need a flat piece of land to sleep or lounge comfortably.
But do you know what's really great about hammocks? They are much more than a bed. They are a way to relax, a place to sit by yourself or with others. They can be set up inside for the kids, or they can be set up below deck on your next plundering adventure (assuming you are a pirate onboard a pirate ship that is). With so many options, hammocks are wonderful addition to any campers collection.
Price
The final piece of the hammock camping puzzle comes down to an important factor - price. Depending on where you go, what features you're looking for, and how much room you need, you may find yourself paying a small fortune for a tent.
Although tents like the FE Active Escondido and Grindavik offer complete rain protection, ample innovative features and an amazing price point, they still can't compete against the FE Active Trestles Hammock when it comes to how much you'll pay.
At a fraction of the price you can enjoy all the benefits listed above while keeping more money in your wallet.
With these points in mind, you may want to consider adding a new hammock to the mix. Although we can't say which style and design best suits you, just remember, the Trestles offers an industry leading removable mesh - allowing you to enjoy the hammock deep in the woods, or casually around camp.
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