Finding a lightweight, versatile shelter option is critical for success.
While hanging around in the backyard hammock is a great way to relax, some of us would rather have a cool experience at the expense of some personal comfort. A backpacking camping adventure is a great way to get out of your comfort zone and into remote places that few people have the pleasure of seeing firsthand. Breathtaking scenery, wildlife encounters, and calming solitude are the rewards for those who choose to embark on a backpacking trip. But be warned: it isn’t for everyone, and careful planning and preparation is an absolute must.
One of the biggest considerations is the type of shelter you plan on using. Tents are typically heavy and bulky, meaning you may have to sacrifice food, clothing or safety supplies in your payload. This is where an ultralight hammock coupled with the right accessories can make all the difference. Let’s take a closer look at what goes into the best backpacking hammock setup.
First thing’s first: you’ll want to start with a comfortable, water-resistant, lightweight hammock to build your setup around. Our TRUNKTECH hammocks are the perfect candidate. Made from next-generation ripstop nylon that’s ultra-soft and breathable while also being weatherproof to protect you from the elements, it’s one of the best camping hammocks on the market.
The next thing to consider for your hammock shelter is protection against rain. Yes, you may get luck and avoid the r-word on your next backpacking trip, but in our experience this is rare. At any rate, it’s better to have and not need than to need and not have! When the weather takes a turn for the worst, the Abrigo Rain Fly will keep you dry. Even if you do manage to avoid unwanted precipitation, having this packable, lightweight hammock canopy in place will help to trap warm air and keep you toasty through the night.
Another thing we’d rather not deal with when we’re out there getting back to the basics is mosquitos. Nobody wants to become a meal for the bugs, especially when trying to get a good night’s sleep. We’ve got several options for dealing with this particular nuisance. Or Mozzy 360 Hammock Bug Net Shelter creates a full enclosure around your hammock that reaches all the way down to the ground, making sleep comfortable and changing easy without exposing yourself to mosquitos. For those who prefer simplicity, we’ve also got the Skeeter Beeter XT, which is a camping hammock with mosquito net built right in, giving you one less thing to pack.
For the serious adventurer, check out our Air Bivy All Weather Shelter. Easily our best backpacking hammock system, it includes everything you need to stay light, dry and bug-free, including a Hex Fly rain shelter and built-in mosquito netting with an integrated gear loft. Round your rig out with our super-solid Trunk Straps for all your hammock suspension needs, and you’ll be ready for anything!
We hope you found this guide informative, and that it inspires you to go off the beaten path in search of a truly amazing experience. And when you get back, be sure to hit up our Instagram and tell us all about your adventures. We’d love to hear all about it!
Stay light, stay dry, and have fun!
