Hammock tent: its features and selection criteria
In the modern world, it is difficult to find a person who would not know what a hammock is. However, the development does not stand still, and the hammock has been transformed from an ordinary dacha attribute for summer holidays into a full-fledged tourist accommodation for a temporary overnight stay. This invention was called a hammock tent.
Characteristics
This tent is a piece of dense material with rope fasteners. These connections allow you to anchor the tent between trees. Many manufacturers provide mosquito netting against flies and mosquitoes, as well as fabric for shelter when it rains.
Such an invention is used for traveling light. On the market you can find many models of various sizes. But it is worth noting that such an acquisition will not provide you with a perfectly comfortable overnight stay. It has both positive and negative sides, which will be discussed below.
There are variations with the presence of crossbars, however, they are not in great demand, since the sticks add massiveness to the structure. The material from which such a hammock is made should not let water through. Many manufacturers use linen, cotton, or man-made fabric, as it is much stronger and lighter than natural fiber.If we compare the designs, then some tents can be made in a minimalist style, while others can be equipped with various pockets, seals and other components.
A hammock will be a good purchase for people who prefer hiking in the mountains or in the forest. This option will be useful if you are relaxing with your family, traveling by car or staying in one place for a long time.
Some travelers try to adapt to certain conditions. Almost all modern hammocks have an awning included. A tourist can pull it up in the form of a tent, and place a hammock under it. Get a very comfortable design: the suspended "bed" does not absorb the moisture of the earth, and the "roof" does not let the rain through. You can climb inside the hammock in an insulated sleeping bag, so you will not be afraid even of frost.
Hanging tents are recommended to be located away from the roadway, they should be mounted away from dead trees. The area must be protected from the wind.
Pros and cons
Before you go through the points below, keep in mind that everyone chooses what he likes. For some people, the disadvantages listed in this article are not disadvantages at all.
Among the advantages, the following points can be noted.
- Small size. This is a major plus for people traveling light.
- You do not have to choose a flat surface for a comfortable location. A hammock tent can be hung between two trees.
- Easy assembly.
- Sleeping in a hanging tent is much more comfortable than on solid ground.
- Ants and other insects will definitely not get inside.
- If the stop turned out to be unplanned, then you will not spend much time organizing an overnight stay.It is not necessary to clean the territory from branches and stones.
Flaws:
- such a tent will not accommodate more than two people;
- in bad weather, lying inside a hammock is not very comfortable;
- it is quite cold in winter - ground models are much warmer.
Please note that uneven terrain will not become an obstacle to a comfortable stay. Even if you cover yourself with a mosquito net, the area will still be clearly visible.
Popular Models
In today's market, you can find a huge number of hanging tents. They differ not only in quality, but also in technical characteristics. The standard model is considered to be a design equipped with ropes on both sides. Only fastening loops are available. This is the basic budget option.
Below we will consider the most common models that have a large number of positive reviews and have proven themselves in the market.
Camping hammocks
Representatives of this category are divided into winter, summer, complex and simple. Many models have pockets, insulation, mosquito nets and other improvements. The approximate cost in Russia ranges from 15 to 30 thousand rubles. Some hammocks are impressive in size and can resemble a full-fledged tent suspended in the air. The advantage is that the mosquito net is mounted with additional ropes, to which the rain protection can also be attached.
- Grand Trunk Skeeter Beeter Pro. This model is designed for summer trips, it has impressive dimensions. Mosquito net available. In such a hammock it is comfortable to sit both lying down and sitting. Cons: No rain protection included.
- Rebel Gears. One of the best solutions on the market.In the basic configuration there is a mosquito net with a zipper, a protective sheet, ties and slings, a cover, a couple of large additional pockets, a compressor bag.
- Eagles Nest Outfitters Blaze. This hammock will be the best escape from the winter cold, the model is treated with a special composition, the fabric of high strength does not let water through.
A clear disadvantage is the lack of a protective sheet, which makes this purchase relevant only for winter travel.
- Eagles Nest Outfitters Double Nest. Hiking two-seat version, characterized by a very durable design. Inside such a tent, two people can freely fit without leaning on each other.
Of the minuses: no pockets, insulation, mosquito nets. Can only be used in warm weather.
- Lawson Blue Ridge. It's not just a hammock tent, it's a mini house. The set includes a mosquito net with metal arched clamps. There is a fastener for a blanket. The bottom here is different from all of the above models, it does not sag under the weight of a person. The manufacturer provides rain protection. The cost is from 13 thousand rubles for the basic package.
cocoon hammock
These models look like a bean pod. Made of high-strength moisture-resistant fabric, there are several pockets of different sizes. The kit always comes with a mosquito net, insulation. A hammock can be used not only in summer, but also in winter.
- Jamber. Double tent made of durable polyester. The carbine is able to withstand weight up to 340 kg. Bottom diameter - 180 cm. Available in white, green, brown, orange and blue.
- Yoto Turquoise. The tent is made of cotton fabric. Bottom diameter - 110 cm. The product can withstand weight up to 250 kg. Height - 1.1 m.
- Hammock-cocoon "Ultraviolet" would be a great purchase for a comfortable stay. It is able to withstand up to 300 kg, the awning is made of canvas, the seams are reinforced with cotton slings.
With crossbar
These hammocks are designed to comfortably accommodate two people. Of the negative sides, it can be noted that there is a big risk of rolling over. The reason may be a change in position inside the hammock or a strong wind. If you do not want to buy a hanging hammock, then you can make it yourself from any durable fabric. Instead, you can also use a regular awning. You only need to install ropes for hanging between trees. And now consider the popular models of hammocks with a crossbar.
- Crua Hybrid. The manufacturer is the American company Crua Outdoors. The tent is designed for one person up to 183 cm tall, and can withstand weight up to 129 kg. An air mattress is provided inside.
- Flying Tent. Manufactured in Australia, the company has been successfully manufacturing since 2016. When assembled, the dimensions of the product are 40x34x4 cm.
- flytop. The complete product weighs only 4.2 kg. The model is designed for 2 people, made of nylon on top, Oxford - on the bottom. The frame is aluminum. The tent is made in China.
How to fix?
Installing a hammock, unlike a ground tent, is not difficult even for beginners. This will take you less than 10 minutes. First of all, you need to find strong trees located close to each other. A rope is attached to both trunks. This process will be discussed in detail below.
- Take the hammock out of the case. It is recommended to fasten with slings, and not with the ropes that come with the kit. The slings have their positive aspects: there are knots between the cord connections.When you anchor the tent, these knots will catch on the bark of the tree, so that the cords will not come down over time under the weight of the human body.
- A protective mattress is laid out on the open hanging tent, and the sleeping bag is placed on top of it.
The next steps depend on the product model. Some options include not only pockets, but also ties on the underside of the hammock. You can put a backpack here, and it will be protected from moisture. However, you will have to pay a lot for such an addition.
Many manufacturers offer rain protection as standard. It can be purchased separately if desired. But instead of such protection, an awning is also perfect. To do this, stretch the rope over the hammock, throw the awning over it so that the rope is in the center. Tie ties are attached to the ground or to the base of a tree.
For how to fix the Rebel Gears hammock tent, see the following video.
Criterias of choice
When choosing, experts recommend following the following rules:
- try to purchase models without a latch, as the probability of tipping over will be high;
- if the manufacturer provides details for installing a sleeping bag and a mattress, then this will be a big advantage;
- the ropes must be long enough;
- pay attention to the presence of pockets, because many models do not have them;
- having a mosquito net or rain protection would be a big advantage.