Hammocks FAQs - DD Hammocks

How To Setup Your DD Hammock Hammock F.A.Q. Tarp F.A.Q. Knots Modifications Advantages Of Camping With A DD Hammock Choosing A Campsite Winter Camping Jungle Hammock Camping Hammock Suspension Tarp Tutorial Underblanket Product Care

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Hammock Camping Basics: Getting started

The basics and frequently asked questions:

I want to try hammock camping, what do I need to get started;

You'll need a hammock and we also recommend a tarp (tarpaulin) tied above your hammock for rain protection.

Are DD Hammocks ready to use or do I need to buy rope etc?

All our hammocks come with webbing (rope) attached and can be set-up straight away, to get started you don't need anything else.

Are DD Hammocks easy to set-up / do I need to know how to tie fancy knots?

All our hammocks are very easy to set-up. The only knot you need to know is the knot you use for tying your shoes! If you take the webbing / rope alternate ways around the tree and then tie together using a simple bow / shoe lace knot that will support the hammock. Please always check the knots before using the hammock. There are other knots can be used which you can find more detail about on our 'Knots' page but even a lot of hammock 'experts' still use the knot mentioned above to tie up their hammock.

Do I need anything else?

You don't need anything other than your hammock and probably your tarp. But we do sell a number of accessories which a lot of people find very useful. For a hammock there are;
Hammock Sleeve: a simple but very effective waterproof sleeve which slides along the hammock making it even quicker to pack / set-up your hammock up. As they're waterproof you can throw it on the ground whilst tying the hammock webbing to the trees and it will keep the hammock dry. Full details and photos can be found on the 'DD Shop' page.
Karabiners: 2 strong and lightweight climbing strength karabiners which are used at the ends of the hammock to prevent water running all the way down the webbing into your hammock in heavy rain, set-up tips can be found on the 'Tips – modifications' page of the website. There are other options to stop water running down the webbing as mentioned on that page. Karabiners also allow you to unclip the hammock at one end to move it out of the way if you require the space under your tarp for doing something else during the day time etc.
Mini-karabiners: Handy for a wide range of uses.
Waterproof Stuff Sacks: Simple 7L stuff sacks for storing bits and pieces that are waterproof (they are not dry bags though and cannot be submerged in water) – useful for hanging food, toothpaste, other gear off the ground away from animals / possible flooding etc.

Are the hammocks waterproof?

None of our hammocks offer protection from heavy rain – we've looked into making a fully waterproof hammock in the past and for various reasons think this would not work well. Using a tarp above your hammock allows you to see whats going on around you from your hammock (which is one of the big advantages to hammock camping rather than being trapped inside an enclosed tent in our opinion) plus a tarp gives you dry space living / storage / cooking space around your hammock. Our Frontline, Camping and Scout Hammocks will offer a limited amount of protection in light rain if you cocoon yourself between the hammocks (we don't recommend doing this in the Travel Hammock as the base is waterproof for optional use on wet ground and hence not very breathable).

Which hammock for me?

Basic info is below, if you need more details or advice for specific use please email us.
Weight: Our Camping, Frontline and Travel Hammocks are all suitable for people up to 150kg
Height: Camping, Frontline and Travel Hammock are all comfy for people up to 6 ft 5" (or 196cm).
Our Scout Hammock is smaller and for people up to 100kg and 6ft tall.
I'd like a two layer hammock – all our hammocks have two base layers allowing you to insert insulation between the layers in cold weather or cocoon yourself between them.
I'd like a mosquito net – our Travel and Frontline Hammocks both come with attached mosquito nets with double sided zipped entry and can both be used upside down without mosquito net when if its not required.
I'd like the option to use if on wet ground as a basic bivi if there are not trees: our Travel Hammock has a waterproof base allowing you to do this
I'd like a jungle hammock, which one is the best to go for: you'll need a mosquito net and a hammock that breathes well in the jungle so the DD Frontline Hammock is the best choice as a jungle hammock.
I just want a simple and comfy hammock and don't need a mosquito net: depending on your height and weight (see above) the DD Camping or Scout Hammocks is the one for you. Which is your most comfy hammock: all of our hammocks are of a similar basic design and most people find them all very comfy but the material used in the Frontline Hammock is our most comfy material.