| DD SHOP | GALLERY | ABOUT | TIPS | CONTACT | CHECKOUT |
|
Facebook
|
Choosing your campsite: 1. Winter/ Cold Climates 2. Summer 3. Jungle 1. Winter/ Cold Climates When searching for your campsite, remember that with a hammocks you are free from the constraints of those with tents - no need for level ground, no worries about rocks or roots, no concern for drainage, etc. One of the most important factors in the suitability of a hammock site is how exposed it is to the wind. Search for sites with natural windblocks like dense vegetation, boulders or cliffs. Camping on the leeward side (as opposed to the windward side) of ridges and hills can make a substantial difference. Also think about which side the sun rises if wind is not an issue. Additionally, sleeping at the top of a hill or ridge will expose you to the wind, but sleeping at the bottom will also put you in a cold zone. As warm air rises, cold air sinks to the lowest elevation, creating a "cold sink" as temperatures drop during the night. Search for sites midway up ridges and hills. If a stream is running along the valley floor, the temperature could be up to 4°C / 10° F colder than the temperature of a site with only forty feet or so of elevation gain! Lochs/ lakes can have the same effect, so look for sites that are slightly away from water, especially running water such as streams and rivers. Hammock orientation also plays a role. If the wind is coming from the West, orient the hammock North-South and pitch the fly/ tarp close to the ground on the windward side. This will add another layer of windblock to your hammock. Avoid setting up in areas prone to heavy dew, such as open grassy meadows on cold windless nights where all objects above the ground, including the hammock, will collect excessive condensation. (see 'Winter Camping' above left for advice on staying warm) 2. Summer (alot of the advice below is just the opposite of winter camping) When searching for your campsite, remember that with a hammocks you are free from the constraints of those with tents - no need for level ground, no worries about rocks or roots, no concern for drainage, etc. One of the most important factors in the suitability of a hammock site is how exposed it is to the wind. Search for sites with natural windblocks like dense vegetation, boulders or cliffs. Depending on how warm it is (or if there are many midges flies etc) you may want to be exposed to the wind, camping on the windward side (as opposed to the leeward side) of ridges and hills can make a substantial difference (see below for advantages of an exposed site). Also think about which side the sun rises if wind is not an issue. Orientating your feet into the wind and angling your fly/ tarp to deflect the wind onto your hammock will keep you cool. A site exposed to the wind will have far fewer insects than a sheltered site. A site situated near a water source will be cooler - the temperature can be up to 4°C / 10° F lower beside streams, lakes, lochs etc. 3. Jungle/ Tropical Camping & General Advice: See our Jungle Hammock page for more details |
