The hardest time to hammock is during winter. This is because it is never easy to deal with the snow, the cold wind, and the freezing temperature in general. However, despite these challenges, you should know it is possible to comfortably hammock in the winter.
If you go winter camping, you should know that hammocking in the winter isn’t a big deal. All you need to do is observe the winter hammocking guide and you are good to go. If you are lost about hammocking in the winter, we got you covered. We are going to be giving you everything you need to know about hammocking in the winter.
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How to Hammock in the Winter?
One thing you should know when it comes to hammocking in the winter is the fact that there isn’t much difference in the methods between hammocking in winter and other seasons, the only major difference is the weather conditions.
Below is the step-by-step guide on how to hammock in the winter.
- Scout/Choose your Perfect Location
- Check the Weather Forecast
- Observe every Safety Precaution when You Hammock in the Winter
- Set Up your Hammock
- Test the Hammock to Know if Set Up Was Done Properly
- Get Things to Keep Yourself Warm
Discussing steps in details 👇👇👇
- Scout/Choose your Perfect Location
This is the first thing you should do if you want to hammock in the winter. You need to take your time to look for the perfect location to go hammock in the winter. While some locations might be pretty great during summer, they might not be so great during winter.
You need to choose a location that is easily accessible to people. You should also consider picking a location that isn’t too far off your rv or house. That way, if the weather is unbearable, you would easily have a place to seek shelter.
- Check the Weather Forecast
If there is one thing that is peculiar to winter, it is the irregularities of the weather. Today, you might have a relatively normal day, the next day, it might be snowing heavily. You need to check the weather forecast to know how the weather is for your scheduled day.
Once you notice the forecast predicting a relatively normal snowfall, you can go ahead and hammock. However, if it is predicting heavy snowfall, you should probably rethink the scheduled date.
- Observe every Safety Precaution when You Hammock in the Winter
One thing you should always consider when you want to hammock in the winter is the safety precautions. This is one very important thing you should not overlook. There are a lot of safety precautions you should put in place when you want to hammock in the winter.
The first and most important safety precaution is choosing a place that is easily accessible. You should also check the trees as branches often get weak during winter. You wouldn’t want a scenario whereby the branch falls off when you try to rest in your hammock. Getting necessary things to keep yourself warm. Getting a phone is among the safety precautions you must observe.
- Set Up your Hammock
Once you have done the first 3 steps listed above, the next thing you should do is set up your hammock. If you find a branch that is strong enough to accommodate your weight during winter, you can tie your hammock to the branch or tree. Use straps to protect the tree.
If you do not find a branch, you can use a hammock stand to set up your hammock. You can even convert your hammock to a tent if you intend to go hammock camping in the winter. Simply tie the ends of the hammock or straps to the tree, poles, or stands. Always remember to observe the 30-degree rule when tying your hammock.
- Test the Hammock to Know if Set Up Was Done Properly
Once you have set up your hammock for winter, the next thing you need to do is check if your hammock was properly set up. Checking the hammock is pretty easy. Simply sit gently on the hammock. Observe the straps, poles, and branches that they were tied to. If are no stretching or bending, it means the setup was properly done. You can go ahead and rest calmly in your hammock.
- Get Things to Keep Yourself Warm
It is impossible to hammock comfortably in the winter without getting things to keep yourself warm. You will need things such as hot water, thick clothes, a sleeping pad, and a host of other things if you want to hammock in the winter.
All these things are pretty important as they help you to reduce the effect of the cold or wind during the winter. They also help make you a lot more comfortable.
IMPORTANT: How To Stay Warm While Hammock Camping (Pro Tips)
How Can I Set Up Hammock in the Winter?
Setting up your hammock in the winter is pretty easy. Simply follow the steps below.
Step 1: Choose a Good or Strong Tree
When going to hammock in the winter, the first thing you must do is choose a very good or strong tree. During winter, a lot of trees are often dried up or affected by the cold.
You have to check the branches to know if they are strong enough. Attempt lifting yourself with the branches. Choose the tree if it can accommodate your weight.
Step 2: Measure and Mark Out a Spot on the Tree
Once you have selected the tree(s), you should take your time to measure and mark out the various spots on your tree.
By marking out the various spots, you will be able to know where to tie your hammock straps. Ensure the height isn’t more than 6 to 8 feet from the ground.
Step 3: Tie a Rope or Strap to the Tree
This is the next thing you should do the moment the mark out the spots n the tree where you want to tie your hammock. You should tie a rope at the marked-out spot on the tree.
You can use the rope as an anchor point for your hammock. If you do not want to make use of a rope, you can easily use a strap instead.
Step 4: Adjust the Angle of your Hammock
Once you have tied your hammock, you should take your time to make adjustments to the hammock. You should observe the angle 30-degree rule when making adjustments as it is one thing that helps to give you the balance you need.
Step 5: Use a Quilt or Sleeping Pads when Setting up Your Hammock
Since you are going to hammock in winter, it is only logical for you to get a sleeping pad or a quilt to keep yourself warm. There are different types of sleeping pads and each of them has unique characteristics.
You should get sleeping pads that are specifically designed for winter. You can also get a quilt for your hammock as things like this will generate the heat you need.
Step 6: Sit on the Hammock to Confirm the Firmness
This is the last thing you should do if you would like to go hammocking in the winter. You should sit in your hammock to know if the hammock was set up properly.
Once you sit and there are no risk signs, you can go ahead and lie down in the hammock. Remember to lie down diagonally as it helps to keep your balance.
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Why Is My Hammock Cold During Winter?
There are a few possible reasons why your hammock gets cold during the winter. Below is a list of possible reasons.
- Lack of Sleeping Pads
If you go hammock in the winter without sleeping pads, your hammock will feel cold when you rest inside the hammock. Sleeping pads help to keep your hammock warm and you will find them helpful when you hammock in the winter.
- Underquilt
Underquilt is a perfect alternative to sleeping pads. With an underquilt, there is an improved chance for your hammock to retain heat during the winter. Ensure your hammock has an underquilt when you go winter camping.
- Lack of Warm Clothes or Insulators
War clothes and insulators are very important things for hammocking in the winter. If you do not have these things with you, your hammock will be cold. Insulators help to keep the underneath of your hammock warm. The warm clothes, on the other hand, help to keep you warm. If you do not have any of them, you will feel cold in your hammock.
RELATED: How To Stay Warm While Hammock Camping (Pro Tips)
What Do I Need to Hammock in the Winter?
If you will like to hammock in the winter, there are a couple of things you need. These things serve as your winter hammock kit, and going without them might make your hammock experience something you will like to forget. Below are the things you need to hammock in the winter
- Hammock Straps
There are different types of hammock straps you can use if you want to hammock in the winter. However, you should choose the winter hammock strap. This type of strap is pretty firm and perfect for your stands.
- Winter Clothing
Winter clothing is a pretty important thing if you plan to hammock in the winter. These clothes would help keep you warm and reduce the effects of the wind or snow. There are different types of winter clothing you can get for yourself. They include gloves, wool socks, scarves, thermal-resistant boots, and a lot more.
- Hammock sleeping pad
This s another thing you should get whenever you want to hammock in the winter. Hammock sleeping pads are not just useful because they give you extra comfort, they are also useful because they can serve as a means of insulation for you. Hammock sleeping pads are pretty great tools to keep you warm in your hammock during the winter
- Hot food
You cannot downplay the importance of hot food during the winter. If you take hot food during winter, it will not just help to keep your stomach filled, it will also help to keep you warm. You should take meals such as hot tea, camping stew, instant rice, hot cider, canned beans, and packaged soup. All these will give you a fun time when you hammock in the winter.
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Conclusion
It can be an exhilarating experience to hammock in the winter, however, there are some steps you need to take. These steps, when taken, give you an experience that is one of a kind. You will get all the fun and thrill you need without being affected by the cold or snow.
There are some must-haves you need to take along with you when you go to hammock in the winter. These must-haves are part of what will keep you warm and comfortable throughout the time you hammock in the winter.