Hammock Camping Basics: Ditch the Tent and Sleep Among the Trees

Experience the magic of sleeping above the ground! This beginner’s guide to hammock camping covers everything you need to know for your first cozy night under the stars.

I’ll never forget my first night hammock camping. We were hiking the 75km Silverleden — the “Silver Trail” — winding through the quiet forests of Sweden. My family set up our familiar three-person tent, but I had something new to try: the Kammok Mantis UL.

I’ll be honest — I was a little nervous about trading solid ground for a few straps between trees. Would I really sleep well? Could I actually relax?

It took a little getting used to — the gentle sway, the open air — but somewhere between the stars and the soft rocking, I fell asleep faster than I expected. By morning, I was the last one to wake, tucked into my little nest above the earth.

Since that trip, I’ve never looked back. Once you experience the comfort of hammock camping, the hard ground just doesn’t feel like home anymore.

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Why Choose Hammock Camping?

• Lightweight Freedom: Ditch the bulky tent. Hammocks pack down to the size of a water bottle, making them perfect for solo adventurers.

• Comfort Above the Ground: No more rocks, roots, or uneven sleeping surfaces. You’re literally floating on air.

• Eco-Friendly: Hammocks leave less impact on the environment than tents, protecting delicate ground ecosystems.

• Cozy: Sleeping in a hammock-tent is ultra cozy and you feel like you are being rocked to sleep (well, you basically are).

Choosing Your Hammock

When picking the perfect hammock, consider:

• Single vs. Double:

  • Single hammocks are lighter, great for pure solo trips.

  • Double hammocks offer extra space for sprawling or cozying up with a buddy.

👉 Wild & Cozy Pick: Kammok Roo Double Hammock — sturdy, lightweight, and it comes with a lifetime warranty.

Key Features to Look For:

• Durable, lightweight fabric (like ripstop nylon)

• Weight capacity (especially if you love a roomy feel)

• Easy setup with tree-safe straps

Optional bonus? Hammocks with integrated bug nets make life a lot sweeter when the mosquitoes come out.

How to Set Up Your Hammock

Tree Selection: Choose healthy trees at least 6 inches in diameter. Avoid young saplings or fragile trees.

Tree Straps: Use wide tree-friendly straps to protect bark and spread weight safely. (Never use thin rope — it can damage trees!)

The Perfect Hang:

• Hang your straps around 2-3 meters (5–6 feet) up the tree.

• Aim for a 30-degree angle from the strap to the hammock.

• Your hammock should hang like a subtle smile.

• Slide your air mattress in and test it out before you commit to the night.

Hammock Camping Gear Must-Haves

• A Reliable Hammock: Lightweight and durable.

• Tree Straps: Wide, strong, and adjustable.

• Bug Net: For sweet, bite-free dreams.

• Rain Tarp: Stay dry even when the skies open up.

• Underquilt or Sleeping Pad: Hammocks get chilly underneath — don’t skip insulation!

Wild & Cozy Favorite Hammock Camping Gear

• 🛏️ Kammok Roo Double Hammock – Lightweight, tough, dreamy to sleep in.

• 🛡️ ENO Guardian Bug Net – Essential for bug season.

• ☔ Wise Owl Outfitters Rain Tarp – Affordable and reliable rain protection.

• 🔥 OneTigris Shield Cradle Underquilt – Warm and cozy insulation option for chilly nights.

The Ultimate All-in-One Hammock Camping Setup

If you want a truly streamlined experience — where tent and hammock camping meet — look no further than the Sunda 2.0 from Kammok.

This incredible system works as both a freestanding tent and a suspended hammock shelter. It's perfect for campers who want flexibility depending on terrain or weather.

Why We Love the Sunda 2.0:

• Tent + Hammock Hybrid: Camp on the ground when needed, or float above it all when you can.

• Ultralight Materials: Packs small, carries light.

• Quick Setup: Switch between tent and hammock modes effortlessly.

• Adventure-Ready: Built to handle everything from dry desert nights to misty forest mornings.

👉 Wild & Cozy Pick: Check out the Sunda 2.0 here

We love the Sunda 2.0 because it takes the guesswork out of unpredictable terrain or camping in areas that are scarce of trees — hammock or ground, you're always ready.

Final Thoughts: Rise Above the Ordinary

Switching from a tent to a hammock transforms your camping experience — less weight, more comfort, and a new perspective from above the forest floor.

Just like my first night swaying gently in the Swedish forest on the Silverleden Trail, once you spend a night tucked between the trees, you’ll wonder why you ever chose the ground in the first place.

Coming Soon: Best Cozy Accessories to Make Your Hammock Camping Even Dreamier!

Got a few minutes? Check out some other posts from Wild & Cozy:

• Sustainable Camping Essentials – Grab These Green Gear Picks Before Summer!

• Camping Essentials: The Best Sleeping Bags & Tents for All Seasons (On Sale Now!)

• Bushcraft Basics: Essential Skills for Wilderness Survival

• 5 Compact & Lightweight Cooking Gadgets for Camping

• 10 Spring Hiking Essentials You Need for Your Next Adventure

• 5 Amazing Adventure-Ready Products You Can Grab on Amazon

Mantis UL - on Silverleden