Camp sites for hammockers

[Ticklebelly]

Following a current interest in camping in a hammock, sparked by Phillip's reports, I have taken to noticing where and when I could sling a hammock on a particular track. Nearly all the places I have camped at recently were not hammock friendly, in particular, the new recreational facility at Wayralong Dam in SEQ.

So, I got the chance to talk to the recreational co-ordinator for Wayralong last night. After blowing a little sunshine his way, I asked if "they" had ever considered installing some facilities for hammock campers. The dazed look in reply indicated he did not know that hammock camping existed but that gave me the chance to make a couple of points e.g. low impact and minimal cost and leading edge thinking. This guy seemed to take me seriously and asked questions about what would be needed and how they (hammock hanging points) might be fitted into a camping area. Even asked it it would be useful to install some suitable eyebolts in the shelter at Wayralong. That was the question that convinced me he was engaging in the discussion and taking me seriously.

Upshot is that he took some notes and has promised to look into it further. I'll let people know if anything comes of it.

Does anyone out there know of any specifically installed/provided facilities for hammockers at camp grounds? I''m looking for ideas on exactly what would be useful in manmade hanging facilities.

Ticklebelly.

[HitchHiking]

Well done!

I have not seen any facilities in Australia for hammock campers.

The things that would be useful would be proper size poles round or square, no big problem. A bolt to clip the biners into would be nice but one could still just wrap thier suspension around the pole very easily. The proper distance apart of course. Area to tie out the tarp in different set up styles for the different conditions etc.

WOuld be great to see something like that start coming into play!

Please keep us informed Ticklebelly!

[ULWalkingPhil]

It would be great to see facilities for Hammock campers implemented in areas that don't have suitable trees. I'm all for it.

Luckily I don't camp where there are no trees. I can't imagine camping in such conditions. All my camping and hiking is in the bush, so to speak.

[sailfish]

Well done!

I have not seen any facilities in Australia for hammock campers.

The things that would be useful would be proper size poles round or square, no big problem. A bolt to clip the biners into would be nice but one could still just wrap thier suspension around the pole very easily. The proper distance apart of course. Area to tie out the tarp in different set up styles for the different conditions etc.

WOuld be great to see something like that start coming into play!

Please keep us informed Ticklebelly!

Agree you don't need an eye bolt but I think you do need something to stop the suspension sliding down an otherwise smooth metal pole.

Regards,
Ken

[ULWalkingPhil]

That happened to me the other day on a relatively smooth tree, Partly my fault, I didn't strap the tree hugger onto the tree as I should have, (lesson Learnt) Got into hammock, and down it went. Slid down with my weight in the hammock. Bit of a shock and sore bottom afterwards.

[phan_TOM]

I would be suprised to see any dedicated hammock type facilities in any Aussie camping areas at this stage, for a couple of reasons.

Firstly, its just so new over here compared with the US (or other countries?) and I don't know of many people who have been 'hammock camping' over here for very long. I've had hammocks for years and theres pretty much always been one at home or in the car for holidays but never a 'proper' camping version that replaces a tent. I only found out about it and got my Clark Jungle Hammock about a year ago...

The other main reason I can think of is the tying of ropes to trees in National Parks, I've been told to pull down a tarp before because it was apparently against the rules and I don't even think you are allowed any type of clothes line etc either. I don't know how easy it would be to get rules like that changed if at all?

But the same as you Philip, my camping is done in the bush where there are less people, lots of trees and somewhat looser conforming to the 'rules' even though I definitely practice Leave No Trace principles, and if I ever I go camping in the desert or above the treeline I'll take my tent (and suffer the discomfort!)

[Major Icehole]

It would be great to see facilities for Hammock campers implemented in areas that don't have suitable trees. I'm all for it.

Luckily I don't camp where there are no trees. I can't imagine camping in such conditions. All my camping and hiking is in the bush, so to speak.

I can't imagine limiting myself in this way. huh...


Ticklebelly, that is really awesome. I would suggest having a look at Hammockforums.net there is a metric tonne of great information about hanging there. Way to advocate! Seriously goodonya. Not a lot of people would go out of their way to accommodate someone else's hobby.

[sailfish]

I can see it now, high density hammock areas. Poles set out in triangles and hammocks slung every 60 deg around each pole. 2 poles = 1 hammock, 3 poles = 3 hammocks, 5 poles = 7 hammocks, 7 poles = 12 hammocks, see a cost benifit trend here? That's just the one level too...... LOL

Regards,
Ken

[mattmacman]

Hey guys im extremely excited to hear this, i usually walk on the bib and while the huts are great id love to experiment with a hammock setup, also they could put hammock facilities in between huts so you could go for a half a hut a day or hut and a half etc, im sure in summer this would have MASSIVE advantages, as for the cost.. NEGLIGIBLE compared to huts, and the fact that you wouldn't have to move nearly as much material. As for the suspension id like to see metal poles with multiple eyelets (some people need lower and/ or higher heights of attachement) for carabiners or knots etc as you could save weight by not taking tree huggers and this would intern enhance the already great LNT properties of hammocking whilst not having to look for dead branches above you, so every time it takes 30 seconds to setup! Would LOVE to hear some chatter of a similar sort in relation to WA tracks, who should i contact, im only fifteen so im not quite sure if they listen but may aswell try!

[Ticklebelly]

I have not seen any facilities in Australia for hammock campers.

Neither have I. My interest is new but I don't remember seeing anything like a dedicated hanging facilitiy.

The things that would be useful would be proper size poles round or square, no big problem. A bolt to clip the biners into would be nice but one could still just wrap thier suspension around the pole very easily. The proper distance apart of course. Area to tie out the tarp in different set up styles for the different conditions etc.

My info to the rec co-ordinator was that something along the lines of two treated timber poles 12 to 15 foot apart (I'm old, OK) leaning out at about 20 degrees with three eyebolts on each pole at 5, 6, and 7 foot above the ground would be all that is needed. He initially suggested 6 foot apart but my impression is that most hammocks are about the 10' length so the 12 to 15 foot bit would be a good distance. Thoughts?

Ticklebelly

[Ticklebelly]

All my camping and hiking is in the bush, so to speak.

All my hiking is in the bush too, but I have not seen too many NP tent sites, for example, that you could hang a hammock at (Horrible grammar that but live with it). What's your experience finding suitable hanging opportunities? Off track shoud be easier but I'm not sure its that easy to find suitable opportunities at NP camp sites. I'm also concerned about the ranger's attitudes to people slinging rope around trees in the pristine wilderness.

Ticklebelly

[Ticklebelly]

Firstly, its just so new over here

Pretty new concept to me too. And I have already said that the rec co-ord's reaction suggested he had never heard of it.

The other main reason I can think of is the tying of ropes to trees in National Parks, I've been told to pull down a tarp before because it was apparently against the rules and I don't even think you are allowed any type of clothes line etc either. I don't know how easy it would be to get rules like that changed if at all?

I'm familiar with the washing line and don't tie anything to tree rules in most NPs. I figure that alone would be the biggest issue for anyone wanting to hang a hammock. I also think a rule change is not realistic hence the argument that a couple of suitable poles at camp sites would be a good idea. Numbers? they only put a couple of diesel pumps at the servo as a function of need. What would be the cost to the departments for Grass, Trees, and Critters to install a couple of posts?

I definitely practice Leave No Trace principles

I figure the LNT aspects of camping in a hammock are the best argument for some dedicated facilities.

Ticklebelly

[ULWalkingPhil]

All my camping and hiking is in the bush, so to speak.

All my hiking is in the bush too, but I have not seen too many NP tent sites, for example, that you could hang a hammock at (Horrible grammar that but live with it). What's your experience finding suitable hanging opportunities? Off track shoud be easier but I'm not sure its that easy to find suitable opportunities at NP camp sites. I'm also concerned about the ranger's attitudes to people slinging rope around trees in the pristine wilderness.

Ticklebelly

So far no issues with finding suitable trees and no issues with any rangers. I've recently spent a week camping at the sunshine coast hinterland with hammock, rangers drive or walking past everyday, and not once did they mention anything about my hammock.

Most of my hammock camping is off track, where there is no one about. Up my way, theres really no dedicated national park camp grounds unless i drive 50 km away or fraser island, I've always told the rangers I use a hammock and so far none of them have shown any concern, I do explain the tree straps we use.

I have not had any major issues with finding trees to hang my hammock. A couple camp sites at the sunshine coast hinterland where a little further apart. All I done to get a good angle on my hammock was to wrap the tree straps up high on the tree, I used a dead branch laying on the ground to get the tree straps high on the tree.

[Macca81]

I can see it now, high density hammock areas. Poles set out in triangles and hammocks slung every 60 deg around each pole. 2 poles = 1 hammock, 3 poles = 3 hammocks, 5 poles = 7 hammocks, 7 poles = 12 hammocks, see a cost benifit trend here? That's just the one level too...... LOL

Regards,
Ken

Funny, i have actually seen a couple of photos of just that a couple of times... i think one night of had +15 hangers... it is the way of the future!

[ULWalkingPhil]

I have not seen any facilities in Australia for hammock campers.

Neither have I. My interest is new but I don't remember seeing anything like a dedicated hanging facilitiy.

The things that would be useful would be proper size poles round or square, no big problem. A bolt to clip the biners into would be nice but one could still just wrap thier suspension around the pole very easily. The proper distance apart of course. Area to tie out the tarp in different set up styles for the different conditions etc.

My info to the rec co-ordinator was that something along the lines of two treated timber poles 12 to 15 foot apart (I'm old, OK) leaning out at about 20 degrees with three eyebolts on each pole at 5, 6, and 7 foot above the ground would be all that is needed. He initially suggested 6 foot apart but my impression is that most hammocks are about the 10' length so the 12 to 15 foot bit would be a good distance. Thoughts?

Ticklebelly

In regards to distance between trees, I'm fairly new to Hammock camping myself, but so far my experience show that 12 foot is to close. I look for about 15 foot. I think it depends on the strap system used. I am using a 6 foot tree hugger with a 6 foot Whoopieslings tied onto one of those small rings near the hammock, used to stop water from getting into my hammock when it rains.

[mattmacman]

In any case longer would be better than shorter! Another feature of the hammocking facilities could be variable pole distances?

[ULWalkingPhil]

Bit of an update: Spent the best part of a month in my hammock, and never had any issues with finding trees for my hammock. Some where a bit wider than I would have liked so to get the right angle of my Woopieslings I had to use a longer branch to push the tree straps up high onto the tree. Simple task.

[bradleyclarke43]

Great thread here. I too am a recent convert to hammock camping and have not found a problem with rangers. I am looking to walk the great walk in the Sunshine Coast hinterland soon. Brad

[nq111]

I have wondered before if hammock camping would ever get to the point that Parks would erect spaced poles at campsites. Sometimes the issue is the campsite has been cleared of all good trees.

But with any forest areas, it is much easier to find a hammock campsite than a tent campsite.

Ticklebelly's idea for poles with eyebolts would be right - but I would want them further apart (15ft minimum). People who didn't use carabiners could just wrap slings around the pole with the eyebolts preventing the sling from sliding down the pole (the bolt would need to project out the back of the pole too).

[jacko1956]

I am not a fan of hammocks as I just don't feel comfortable in one but consider them an excellent option for those that are.
One 2012 AT hiker ("Loner") has posted over 100 short YouTube videos of his hike and he hammocked. Many of the videos show his camps (he mostly shunned huts) and one or two give some detail of his hammock. It certainly seemed to work very well. The main problem I saw with it was the odd occasion he couldn't hang he had no mat so was on the ground without padding.

[nq111]

I am not a fan of hammocks as I just don't feel comfortable in one but consider them an excellent option for those that are.

Yeah - seems some people and hammocks don't match.

Do note, however, most people will take a few days to a week of sleeping in a hammock to become comfortable with them. It took me about a week of crappy sleeps - i now sleep like a log. I think there is a subconscious fear of falling in the back of the mind at first plus the sleeping positions are all different. Takes a while for most to relearn sleeping style to have a great nights sleep.

A good indicator is if you find lying in the hammock really comfortable and relaxing but can't sleep in it - probably just need time to adapt. If you can't get comfortable just lying about in it they probably won't ever work for you.

[jacko1956]

My problem is more than I am a side sleeper and it just doesn't work.
Seems to me hammocks are ideal for back sleepers -especially because they are a higher percentage of snorers and it gets them further away

[Macca81]

People who didn't use carabiners could just wrap slings around the pole with the eyebolts preventing the sling from sliding down the pole (the bolt would need to project out the back of the pole too).

In my expirience, having something to prevent slippage is pointless. I regularly hang from poles holding up marquees and those sign post sized metal poles with just the sling wrapped around ahd have not had any slippage yet! even when one of my mates tried to cause slippage! (on that note, it is far harder to drop a hammock with someone in it than drop a tent with someone in it... a marked bonus if you sometimes camp with 'those' mates...)

[nq111]

In my expirience, having something to prevent slippage is pointless.

Fair enough. I can even set my hammock up with the straps around my metal verandah posts.

For me the slippage is an issue when setting up - before some tension is on the hammock. This is especially so if the tree is too round or the straps too short to get a double wrap around. The bolts I would think would make the setup quicker and more convenient.