Perfect Tips on Hammock Camping in The Rain

When we travel, we want to connect with nature and for that hammock is the most natural option. Hammock camping is the best type of camping. It’s the closest to earth type of camping which creates literally no harm to nature. But hammock has a small disadvantage.

Hammock works perfectly in warm weather but when it comes to rain or cold it becomes a problem. Hammock needs special care for rain, it is a little bit tough for the weather. But hammock in the rain is not impossible.

With using the best out of different gears and hammocks, you can easily make a camping option during the rain. With the proper use of hammock tarp and a few tips, we will discuss in this article, you will have a safe trip in the rainy season.

Hammock Camping Tips in The Rain

Camping with a hammock in the rain can be the toughest job without using proper shading of tarps and other materials. Here is how you can get a perfect shelter with hammock.

How Can Hammock help in the Rain?

The hammock is the traditional bedding used in native America for a long time. In recent, the idea was picked by the traveler for an easier option. The hammock is a bed that tied with two poles. In nature, hammock makes no fuss, it’s an easy option which gives us full freedom and peace.

Not a long time ago hammock was just bedding or a swing option in a beach. But hammock camping took it to another level. Nowadays hammock is a better option for backpacking or traveling. It’s the alternative of a tent.

But with all the advantage comes a few disadvantages. One of them is a hammock in the rain. But hammock in rain possible with perfect hammock tarps. We have to know what hammock tarps are for using it perfectly in rain.

Using proper hammock tent with shed may solve this issue a bit. But most of the rainproof hammock tent comes with a price. So, consider this before buying one.

Using Hammock Tarps to Avoid Rain

Using tarps begin as canvas sheets covered in the tarp that sailors pulled over cargo when they didn’t want to get wet. Its like using a tent vestibule, on hammock for staying safe in different weather.

Nowadays it’s more effective. Almost every hammock has a variety of hammock tarps option. It comes with various design, size, and style. You have to choose the tarps according to your choice and need.

Hammock needs to be tied down with guy lines tightly, that will give the hammock maximum coverage. Rain hammock tarps and snow hammock tarps are different, try to understand the necessity.

Understanding the Tarp Size and Styles for Getting Proper Protection from the Rain.

Perfect Tarps Size for Rain Protection

Tarp size should be larger than the hammock, like 8-12 inch larger and it should cover the end of the tarp. Otherwise, rain will soak in by night and a wet hammock isn’t a sleeping friendly option. Backpacking hammock isn’t that long so a standard size tarp will cover it.

Choosing a larger tarp will be a big mistake in backpacking and traveling, it’s a good option when you have a large storage system with you.

The larger tarp will give you good service in cover but the smaller tarp is easy to carry around and it gives good service. If you are traveling alone or you are just a group of two small tarps is a good option.

What Tarp Styles to Choose for Camping in the Rain

Tarp has these few classic rectangular, asymmetrical, hexagonal, centenary or diamond (square) shapes. And every basic shape changes according to style. With style, they have a different kind of setup and anchor point.

Rectangular

When we think about a tarp the first imagination comes in our mind that’s rectangular. It’s the basic and most common tarps. A rectangular tarp is just two squares on two sides.

Rectangular tarps have four anchor points, four points tied into hammock’s ridgeline. When four points get tied to the anchors on the ground it looks like a tent. Hammock goes under that. But hammock takes too much space which can be a burden in the wild.

Asymmetrical

Asymmetrical tarps look like a narrow, slanted rectangle. They are diagonal and used with asymmetrical hammock.

But it works best for the symmetrical hammock. Asymmetrical tarps aren’t a popular choice for rain. They work best for shade and casual situations.

Hexagon

Hexagon tents have six anchor points and sometimes it’s called hex-cut tarps. If the tarp is set perfectly then it becomes completely smooth.

Rain rolls off the tarp. Hexagon tarp looks exactly like a regular rectangular tarp with just a wrinkle that pulled inside. Because of that inside, there’s no flapping sound. Hexagon is a better choice but it’s a little bit expensive than rectangular.

Catenary Tarp

Catenary tarps are just the better version of hexagon and rectangular. It’s specially curved for less weight and it reduces material usage. The catenary trap is more efficient because of its material and it works better without a ridgeline.

Catenary trap gives more coverage and because of its material, it doesn’t make any sound of sagging and flapping. This is one of the best choices for the hammock but it also is expensive. But if you are camping in areas regardless of what time and weather is, it is a good option.

Diamond(square)

They kind of look like rectangular but instead of your ridgeline running down the midline of the tarp, it runs down the diagonally. It has two anchor point so it’s easy to set up but they are expensive too. Diamond angle has good rain coverage.

Proper Material for Hammock Tarps for Rain

This is another important factor for rain protection. There are only a few materials that hammock tarps are made of.

Polyethylene

If you buy your tarp from a normal hardware store, the material it’s made of most of the time is polythene. It’s extremely cheap and under $10 you will find your dream tarps.

The main disadvantage here is sound and it’s heavy. If you are backpacker a tarp made of polyethylene will be a big drawback. When the wind blows it makes a sound, you don’t want to hear that sound in the wild. Polyethylene is not easy to carry around, it’s heavy. For wagon camping, this material might be suitable.

Another simple factor is aesthetic. When we look back at our travel picture, we don’t want to see a wrinkly blue tarp, it doesn’t look good. Plus, it’s not a nature-friendly option.

Silnylon

Silnylon is the combination of silicon and nylon. Nylon threads are coated in silicon. It’s lightweight and relatively durable. Most importantly for a tarp, it’s waterproof.

Silnylon is the best choice for backpacking it gives durability and it’s cut down weight. Nowadays silnylon tarp is more popular than any other option.

Cuben Fiber

Cuben fiber made in solid sheets from polyethylene which is actually Ultra High Molecular Weight Polyethylene. This is the reason it’s extremely light and waterproof.

Cuben fiber tarp is very hard to rip. Cuben fiber cost 4 times more than any other tarps. The cuben fiber in kind of a brand name.

These are a few modern materials used for making hammock tarps. Choose according to your budget and durability. If you think you are going to backpack once then polyethylene is a good choice.

But for a longtime backpacker silnylon and cuben fiber is a good option. Cuben fiber and silnylon is an expensive choice. So, before investing that much money on tarp a backpacker should know his/her need.

How to Use A Hammock Tarp During the Rain in Camping

In rainy season camping, you can’t waste times pitching a tarp, otherwise, you will be wet which will make the hammock wet. At first try, the procedure can be a little bit complicated so try to do it firstly at home or in the store. Practicing it a few times will make it easier for you.

Hang the Ridgeline

The ridgeline is the first thing you need to do. The tarp ridgeline should be lower on the trees, then we have to create V with the guy lines. It provides room for your hammock suspension.

Set the guy lines

The tarp should be draped over the ridgeline and it will secure the whole hammock. Guy lines should stake to the ground or secured to nearby supports like trees.

Use Drip Lines

For stopping rainwater from dripping all over the hammock you should tie the rope that hangs down from the suspension lines. Because of this, the water will be dripping to the rope instead of the hammock.

How to Lock in The Heat During Camping for Optimal Comfort

If you feel the cold in the time of rain, you won’t be able to enjoy properly. Being comfy during the camp is the first choice for many tent campers. They probably use the rainproof cabin tent for their family.

But, if you are camping with just hammock you should take some different tactics. Here are a few steps for preventing that.

Stay Bone dry

Firstly, don’t overdress inside the hammock, it can make you sweat. But before going inside the cozy hammock, a person should dry their body.

If the cloth is wet change into a set of fresh cloth.

Raise Your Sleeping Bag

The sleeping pad underneath your sleeping bag is a way to raise the sleeping bag. It locks in the heat inside the bag and keeps backside well underneath the sleeping bag.

Foil Blankets

It’s optional but can be very comforting material in the time of rain. A foil blanket reflects body heat back into you.

Top Quilts and Under quilts

Another optional choice but it’s a mandatory need when the temperature drops because of rain.

The colder it gets, the more you will need top quilts and under quilts to stay warm.

Last Few Words

In rainy weather, a raincoat will help your cloth from getting wet. Experience will help you fight efficiently with the rain. So, you should dress with the best for survival in the rain.

At first backpacking or traveling in rain can be a little bit complicated but with time it will be the most amazing thing done in life.

In rainy seasons nature becomes more beautiful and more green than usual. Enjoying a few days in nature when the raindrops from the sky is a feeling can’t be written. Make a list of equipment you need for the hammock in the rain and enjoy the time of your life.