hammock star map

10 Tips for Hammock Camping Under the Star Map

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Camping under the stars has become incredibly popular. There’s nothing more exciting than sleeping under the stars in a beautiful forest or conversation area. Whether you’re a camping enthusiast, hiker, or backpacking, a hammock can be a wonderful tool to rest your body on while enjoying the charm of the infinity of that star map in the the night sky. This is your chance to get back to nature and sleep with the stars as you watch the Milky Way above.

While traditional camping might involve a tent, hammocks are often a lot more versatile and are incredibly fun too. So, what tips do you need to know about hammock camping under the stars?

Buy the Best for Your Needs

Hammocks come in a variety of sizes and are made from many materials too. Some hammocks will be more suited to camping outdoors, rather than lazing around for the afternoon. Buying the best hammock means buying the right one for your specific requirements or needs. It’s essential to look at the quality of the hammock, how it was made, and what materials were used to create it. Durability is just as important as the safety features of the hammock, and don’t forget to factor in costs because they play a vital role too.

camping under the stars
Camping hammock under the stars map

Find the Right Position for Your Hammock

You’ve got your star map at the ready; it’s getting dark outside and you’re looking up to the night sky but the views are blocked. It’s not ideal but that’s a real possibility if your hammock isn’t positioned correctly. You want to see and enjoy the stars of the Milky Way and the galaxy beyond so think before you set up the hammock.

Always Use Strong Tree Straps to Take Your Weight

It doesn’t matter if you’re the size of a sparrow, hammocks can break if they’re not secured properly to a tree. Lots of campers use a rope to attach their hammocks but it’s not always the best solution. Tree straps are designed for hammocks; they go around the tree and attach to the hammock, offering more support and security for you. If they don’t come with your hammock, you could purchase them separately as they make a great investment. Also, they prevent damage done to the tree by ropes.

While you probably haven’t given much thought about tree straps, they’ll come in use if the rope gives way during a cold, dark night. Let’s face it, no-one wants to try and reattach their hammock with only the night sky offering them some light. Straps may avoid this problem.

Hang Loose

Your hammock should be firmly secured to the tree so that there’s no chance the straps will come loose; however, some give’s needed. There needs to be give around the center or the middle of the hammock so that it’s comfortable to lie in and get in and out of. Hanging slightly lower to the ground could be useful when it comes to reaching for bottles of water or a snack. It might be easier to reach; but at the same time, you don’t want to be a foot off the ground.

Sunset Hammock
Get ready for a night in a hammock under the stars

Get Ready Before Night Hits

Camping with the stars can be fun and very exciting, especially for those who’ve never experienced it before. It’s the chance to see the Milky Way in all its glory and see the night sky as intended, uninterrupted with no light pollution to spoil it. Unfortunately, having the night sky as your only light source can be a bad idea while setting up the hammock. It’s dark and you don’t know if you’re setting it up correctly. It’s a hassle and one which isn’t necessary. Instead, set up camp in full light and relax and enjoy the night sky later.

Always Test and Have a Backup Ready

While hammocks are fairly reliable, there may come a time when a spare is needed and it’s vital to have one. Unfortunately, far too many campers don’t have a spare hammock or accessories with them and it can often lead them to an uncomfortable night’s rest. So, it’s always best to have a backup available. Also, it’s essential to test your hammock out – before night hits. You don’t want to stumble around in the dark fixing the spare hammock.

You want to enjoy the night sky and watch the inner workings of the stars of the Milky Way; you don’t want to have to mess around finding or fixing the hammock. That’s why testing the hammock is a necessity; you can determine if everything is right or if some tweaking is required.

Use a Tarp for Additional Shelter Overhead

It might rain during the night and you don’t want to be fumbling around to get into a shelter. Instead, have a tarp set up over the hammock so that if it does rain, you’ll be protected. Also, it might protect you from the sun in the mornings.

Add a Sleeping Pad

Anyone who has ever camped will know the cool air can set in during the night. What’s more, since you’re swaying in a hammock, a cold breeze could keep you awake during the night and it’s not pleasant. Remember, a warm night can quickly turn into a cold one so it’s best to consider using a sleeping pad. This sits in the base of your hammock and offers some additional warmth during those cold dark nights. Sleeping pads enable you to watch the stars in the comfort of your hammock and stay fairly warm too. A blanket and sleeping bag may also help you remain warm during the night too.

camping in the moon under the star map
Camping in the moon under the star map

Find a Comfortable Sleeping Position

You’re camped at a beautiful location and want to enjoy the night sky in peace, but, what about when you rest? If you want to enjoy your time camping out underneath the stars, you have to find the most comfortable sleeping position. It’s not as strange as it sounds because everyone has a favored sleeping position. You have to find the one that’ll allow you to rest comfortably during the night. Sometimes, sleeping diagonally in the hammock might suit you but it’s your choice.

Have A Bug Net At the Ready

It doesn’t matter which part of the country you’re camped out at, there will be bugs and they can cause you a few problems. There’s nothing worse than lying under the night sky in the pitch dark with bugs crawling all over you. It’s nasty and will ruin the experience for you too. Instead, bring a bug net and use it every night to prevent this from becoming an issue.

Love the Outdoors

Under the stars camping can be wonderful. For some, it’ll be a completely new experience and will love it. Hammocks are fun and allow you to appreciate nature in all its glory. You can set up camp in a beautiful spot away from the hustle and bustle of busy city life and can relax and enjoy the peaceful surroundings and the shining star map on the wide sky.. Hopefully, these top ten tips will help you get more from your time under the stars and make your hammocks more comfortable.

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