Outdoors & Nature Insider

Hanging Out at Disney's Fort Wilderness Credit: Kevin Mims

Hammocks for camping? You are breaking all the rules! 

No, we aren't talking about that woven cotton hammock that you use to catch a few winks in your backyard. Camping hammocks are a little more technical in design and use lightweight, but ultra-strong nylon fabric. Many have a fine mesh insect netting on the top, allowing for a bug-free night under the stars.

Hammocks are an ideal shelter for summertime camping in Florida, and on most of my short weekend hiking trips, I pack my Hennessy Hammock. It's super light, weighing in at a little under two pounds.  We all know the summer months in Florida can get a little hot and humid, so camping in a hammock off the ground lets you get a good breeze underneath, and you'll stay noticeably cooler. That's a good thing after a long day on the trail!

If you've spent any time camping with just a thin foam pad, camping in a hammock is such a relief.  No more sore bones the next morning, no stiff back, and no bugs! Don't worry about flipping the hammock, either - they are designed to where you lay somewhat diagonal along the length, making it very stable.  For rainy nights, a rainfly over the top keeps you dry - I've been in some pretty bad storms (wind and rain)
and never have gotten wet.

It takes a little bit of getting used to, but once people make the switch, they usually favor the hammock over a tent, especially in the summer. You can hammock camp in the winter as well, just remember to use a sleeping pad and a sleeping bag rated a little lower than the temperatures you'll be in. I've camped in freezing temperatures using a regular camping pad and a good 20-degree sleeping bag, and have been toasty!

So, when gearing up for your next Florida camping trip, consider a hammock. Here are some links to good sites to research.  Have fun "hanging around"!

• Hammock Forums
• Hammock Camping on WhiteBlaze.net
• Hennessy Hammocks
• Speer Hammocks
• Eagles Nest Outfitters