How to set up your hammock

DD Camping Hammock

Setting it up:
1) Find two living (solid) trees between 9ft and 18ft apart (ideally 12ft apart).
2) Position the hammock so it is in the centre between the trees and tie each end (for knots see knots page)
3) It should be tied reasonably tight (so its almost a straight line from tree to tree with no-one inside) and should rest just above sitting height. It will drop slightly once you enter it (If using for first time it may need to be re-tied to allow for minor stretching of rope).
4) We recommend you now test the knots by pulling hard on the ropes at each end.


Entering the hammock:
You have the option here to either lie out in the open on top of both layers, or enclose yourself inside it (like a cocoon). If you want to lie out in the open:
- Spread the hammock open in the centre, with one hand holding each side.
- Then with your back to the hammock slowly sit down into it pulling the hammock underneath you as you sit.
- Once you are sitting in it, lift your legs and swivel your body round.


If you want to be enclosed inside it:
- Standing at the centre of the hammock, find the side that has the opening between the two layers of nylon.
- Open the zip (along the full length of the hammock).
- Take the top layer and lift it with one hand, hold the bottom layer with your other hand.
- Then with your back to the hammock slowly sit down into it, pulling the bottom layer under you and the top layer over your head.
- Once you're sitting in it, lift your legs and swivel your body round (you should now be enclosed inside it), close the zip now to prevent insects entering.

DD Travel Hammock +
DD Frontline Hammock (same set-up)

Setting it up:
1) Find two living (solid) trees between 9ft and 15ft apart (Trees eight inches in diameter are ideal but anything up to 25" is fine).
2) Position the hammock so it is in the centre between the trees and tie each end (for knots see knots page). If using with the mosquito net ensure the hammock is the right way up with the netting at the top (not underneath).
3) It should be tied almost as tight as possible (leave a tiny amount of slack) and should rest just above sitting height. It will drop slightly once you enter it.
4) We recommend you now test the knots by pulling hard on the ropes at either end.

You have a choice to use this hammock with or without the mosquito net:

Without mosquito net: For the Frontline hammock please see 'Entering the hammock' instructions for DD Camping hammock. (Hammock should first be set-up as above with the only difference being the mosquito net underneath - in step 2). For the Travel hammock we recommend that you do not sleep between the layers as they are not fully breathable.

With mosquito net:
a) Once you have set the hammock up, take the two elastic ropes and tie them to the centre loops at either end of the mosquito net.
b) At each end, tie the other end of the elastic rope to the trees above the hammock rope (thus supporting the netting above the hammock).
c) IMPORTANT, It is very important to check that you have not tied the netting too high above the hammock that it will put excessive stress on the netting once your weight is in the hammock, allow a generous amount of slack, remembering the hammock will drop slightly with you inside.
d) - The hammock comes with poles, but you can also insert a stick between the side loops at each end, this spreads out the netting giving you more room inside the hammock. You can also attach a small torch (for reading) or a small bag etc to one of the loops on the underside of the netting.



Entering the Hammock
- Open the zip fully, so its at one end of the hammock.
- Take the mosquito net and lift it over your head.
- Open the hammock with one hand on either side of it.
- Then with your back to the hammock, pull the hammock underneath you as you slowly sit down into it.
- Once you are sitting in it, lift your legs and swivel your body round.
- Then close the zip.

Most people have their own preference for setting up their hammock - it will take a little time and experimenting for you to find yours. The majority of people find:
- Having the leg end of the hammock tied slightly higher more comfy.
- Having the hammock reasonably flat (rope tight) more comfy.
- Sleeping at a slight diagonal more comfy.

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The DD Travel Hammock can also be used on the ground (when wet or dry) as a basic bivi bag due to its waterproof base. Sticks or walking poles in the ground either end of the hammock can be used to support the mosquito net above you (by tying the elastic from the mosquito net loops to the stick / pole).