What are your experiences of hammock camping? 🌴 Thanks so much for watching and for all of your support. Hit the like button if you enjoyed the video and subscribe if you’re new, it really helps me create better videos going forward. Take care everyone and stay safe, Simon x
Hi Simon - nice first try, but do make sure the hammock has an underquilt to attach underneath, otherwise even with thick sleeping bag your back may chill at night. This seems to be the mistake newbies make then abandon hammock camping forever after a terrible night which is a great shame 👍🏻
Yeah man, takes practice getting the lay right! Had the best night sleep camping in and a hammock but also the worst! 😂 look forward to seeing how you get on over night 👍🏼
Definitely look at setting up your ridgeline. Quick deploy lines are such handy thing to have. You only really need to learn the Truckers Hitch for the ridgeline and you're good to go. Try to hang between trees about 10/16ft apart for a good hang. Keep it taught.
@@SimonOutdoors most I've seen only pass through the loop once upon tightening but I suggest going through twice, second pass under the first, this is a friction hitch and it will hold itself whilst you tie off. I absolutely love hammock camping and I hope you do too.
@@SimonOutdoors ah, the "fist" knot is the Prusik knot, one used on the ridgeline to pull your tarp tight. The Truckers Hitch is the one used to tie your ridgeline to the tree.
Great alternative vídeo there Simon. Good on you for giving hammocking a bash. I’ve never set up or slept in a hammock EVER. I never say never though. I agree with other commenter though about going for some trees a bit further apart mate. Thanks for sharing and ATB - Ben 👍
Great video mate. I tend to put up the tarp first just over head height. Then set up the hammock around head height. You may want to look at underblankets for sleeping on colder nights. I got a book called The Ultimate Hang. All about hammock camping. Highly recommended.
Looks great but I think you will be more comfortable if you can find trees that are a bit farther apart. It’s not always super easy but if you can get them at just the perfect distance, you will be so comfortable you won’t ever want to tent camp again lol.
Nice bit of woodland there Simon and good attempt at the hammock, look too uncomfortable for me being a side sleeper, can’t beat a bit of decathlon, ps nice to see the shorts/leggings combo ditched.
@@SimonOutdoors Ive lay in them before yeah and put them up with paracord and knots but havent tried tree huggers or daisy chains, they look a lot easier though. I havent got one myself yet but looking on getting a DD hammock setup. I know a lot of people have them but I really liked the one I tried. Wasnt to sleep in just tried it but you're right, they are so comfy! I already have a few tarps so at least ive got those 😂 Im all good thanks mate hope you are too 👍🏻👍🏻
Come on then, which do you prefer mukka 😂 hammock and tarps can go in the bin for me 😂 give me a mountain and a tent any day 🤙 great video dude, have a good week. ATB Dave ✌️
I know mate, love a good view. Unfortunately there aren't too many around here so I'm trying something new! Will always be a tent for me ;) once you sleep with a tent you never forget
Wild camping is not only for the well known areas. During lockdown I've explored my local area, Guernsey. I've found many excellent spots for a wild camp, in areas that I'd written off! I wild camp, when staying away from home & to reset my sleep pattern. Better than anything from the doctors.
Not bad for a first attempt. Personally I only Hammock camp due to back trouble and I normally get a fantastic sleep. As some have said the trees are to close together and you should get some shock cord and tie to the tops of the yellow hoops then to the tree to open the bug net up. Loads of channels out the but I'd suggest "Isle of Wight Bushcraft" Shane's got loads of Hammock Videos and is my go to just incase :-)
cool video, i used a hammock a lot in SE Asia, but never in the UK. The first time i did overnight i got a little "sea sick" but soon grew to love it Steak, there might have been a lot of wild garlic in the woods, which is a great seasoning - enjoy Simon
Love hammock camping. No need to worry about finding a flat, even pitch, just head for a forest and job done! Perfect for populated areas like Sussex! Shocking tarp setup though Simon 🤣🤣 Looks like your trees are too close together and you didn't get enough tension on the ridge line. There's some great YT videos on knots for tarp setups that make it really easy when you've got it sussed. Happy hammocking 😁
Great video, Simon. I recently bought a hammock and had a play with it in Epping Forest. Quite like it and definitely intrigued, but the set up seems such a faff compared with a tent, esp if you’re cold and wet and/or it’s late at night. That said, I’ve also had the endless “looking for a pitch” late night trudge through the forest, so maybe it’s a swings and roundabouts.
I'm with you on the faff front Dave, the hammock wasn't too bad but the tarp above! I'm sure it will become easier with practice, will persevere. Been there too on the late night search for a spot. Thanks for watching mate, have a good week. Si
I've been wild camping on Guernsey this weekend, including last night. But I had planned an escape to Deapest Darkest Dorset next week, but this has been abandoned. I'm concerned about a virus flairup, meaning I have to Isolate & get tested on my return.
It’s well worth it. Everyone who I’ve let spend a night in one of my set ups has converted to hammocks from tents afterwards. There’s a fair bit more to learn about them to get it right but its worth the effort. I genuinely sleep better in my hammock than I do in my bed at home. Did the West Highland Way by hammock a few years ago and it was heaven after long days of walking. 👍
The best budget set up would be a DD Hammocks Frontline hammock along with the DD underquilt and tarp not smaller than 3m x 3m. I’d also recommend getting their free huggers and whoopie slings for easier set up and not stretching during the night. They are a good company who are UK based. My first set up was one of theirs from 2012 and it’s still going strong and used by my girls. I can’t remember exactly wha time of year it happens although if you join the bushcraft uk forum they do a group buy each year from DD for a 20% discount. It would be worth joining the forum and checking the group buy section.
Hammock camping is the way forward. It is expensive if you want to do it right but it is unbelievably good. Just make sure you go the route of an underquilt and don’t use a sleeping pad or you’ll not experience the level of comfort or warmth which can set them apart from tents. Warbonnet XLC or Ridgerunner and Wooki or lynx underquilt. Buy once, cry once. 👍
I've hammock camped at least 15 times and I still can't get the set up the same every time... I have a love hate relationship with it, I love the feeling of being off the ground but they take ages to set up especially with underblankets etc. I love waking up and looking out of a hammock, but I'm hanging my one up for good after it's next outing...
Haven't tried hammock/tarp as I'm generally camping up on hills. Gotta be a great option for the woods though. The hillbilly music towards the end made me smile - don't forget your banjo next time🤣😂.
Also as you're tall... get a longer hammock than a DD frontline or similar. The one you have here doesn't look long enough for a comfy sleep... but it might do. Good luck 👍
Thanks mate, enjoying your vids 👍🏻 I’ve recently bought the Abisko as I’ve been looking at the Akto for a while and it seems to have all of the benefits and more! Your review helped 👍🏻
A hammock is perfect for soggy ground conditions like you experienced on your trip. However, as you are so tall, you need a wider hang between trees to get the most comfortable angle for actual sleeping. If you want to explore hammocking in a bit more detail, would recommend you get a copy of ‘The Ultimate Hang’ v2 by Derek Hansen - probably the defacto bible on the subject. It is a fun book for absolute beginners through to the more experienced, and includes loads of useful info and tips and tricks (and 200+ illustrations)...
Great to see you trying new things mate 👍 Not done hammock camping yet but it's on the list 😂 I have the same little cup from decathlon aswell can't go wrong for £3 haha atb karl
It's a great thing to try out mate, good for the grey matter! Thanks for your shout out yesterday, much appreciated. It's one of the first and best things I've bought! Have a good week Karl, Si
Nice one Simon. I’m not convinced about hammock camping myself, I spent many an uncomfortable night in them when I was in the Army, I always felt cold with the wind ripping through underneath me. I suppose the more modern setups will be a vast improvement though. Speaking of football, I follow the mighty CFC....... (The one and only Chesterfield FC 😂)
Nice one mate, I din't know you were ex army. A lot of folk seem to shout about it on here! Good point re the cold, I think they have developed them a lot but it's all new for me. Chesterfield! We were once great rivals (Brighton) in the championship I believe. Always think of it when I drive through on my way to the PD. I remember hearing more recently about your points deduction :(
@@SimonOutdoors we used to use homemade hammocks and stretch them across the inside of Hercules aircraft on long flights. (They didn't give us seats lol)
What are your experiences of hammock camping? 🌴
Thanks so much for watching and for all of your support. Hit the like button if you enjoyed the video and subscribe if you’re new, it really helps me create better videos going forward. Take care everyone and stay safe, Simon x
Hi Simon - nice first try, but do make sure the hammock has an underquilt to attach underneath, otherwise even with thick sleeping bag your back may chill at night. This seems to be the mistake newbies make then abandon hammock camping forever after a terrible night which is a great shame 👍🏻
Not tried it (yet) but I would like too
@@DayTripperAdventures great tip many thanks. Will certainly give this a try. Have a good week mate, Si
My friend
Very beautiful camping
👍👍👍💜🌳💞💥💕💝💖💚
thanks mate
I think next time try using 2 trees a little further apart 🤔
Great shout, thanks Richard mate
@@SimonOutdoors good luck perfecting your setup, looking forward to the next videos. All the best 👍
@@richiewynne58 thanks mate, have a good week. Si
Cracking video Simon.
Loved the sizzle of them steaks.👌👌👌
Cracking spot for a hammock camp.
ATB Dan. 👍👍👍👍
Thanks mate! Was a top stop and some good grub, Si
Yeah man, takes practice getting the lay right! Had the best night sleep camping in and a hammock but also the worst! 😂 look forward to seeing how you get on over night 👍🏼
Thanks mate, which one do you use? Si
Nice one mate. I use my hammock often and love it.
Top stuff mate, so comfortable :) heading your way soon I reckon
@@SimonOutdoors Hope you enjoy it mate. I don't live that far from Brecon. Are you going there?
@@welshwarrior5263 yeah will be Brecon somewhere, would like to head further north at some point but Brecon it the closest to me!
@@SimonOutdoors A beautiful part of the world. Enjoy.
@@welshwarrior5263 thanks mate
Definitely look at setting up your ridgeline. Quick deploy lines are such handy thing to have. You only really need to learn the Truckers Hitch for the ridgeline and you're good to go. Try to hang between trees about 10/16ft apart for a good hang. Keep it taught.
I checked out the truckers last night mate. Looks pretty straight forward. Thanks for the help Robert, appreciate it 👍🏻
@@SimonOutdoors most I've seen only pass through the loop once upon tightening but I suggest going through twice, second pass under the first, this is a friction hitch and it will hold itself whilst you tie off. I absolutely love hammock camping and I hope you do too.
@@darkrav3n_81 great stuff, I heard it being called a fist knot also. I love all camping mate so I can’t wait to get started!
@@SimonOutdoors ah, the "fist" knot is the Prusik knot, one used on the ridgeline to pull your tarp tight. The Truckers Hitch is the one used to tie your ridgeline to the tree.
@@darkrav3n_81 got it 👍🏻
Great alternative vídeo there Simon. Good on you for giving hammocking a bash. I’ve never set up or slept in a hammock EVER. I never say never though. I agree with other commenter though about going for some trees a bit further apart mate. Thanks for sharing and ATB - Ben 👍
Thank Ben, it was catastrophic to say the least! Hope you’re well mate 👍🏻
Great video mate.
I tend to put up the tarp first just over head height. Then set up the hammock around head height.
You may want to look at underblankets for sleeping on colder nights.
I got a book called The Ultimate Hang. All about hammock camping.
Highly recommended.
Nice one many thanks mate, top tips 👍🏻
Mate... have you watched any of Haze Outdoors's videos. Lots of bush craft and what looks like a great seasoning too.
Nice one Shane, I have yeah. He's a wild one but some great tips on there. Thanks for watching mate, Si
Nice 1 Simon - look forward to you sleeping in it
I am planning a hammock night soon with the dog so could be fun!
Atb my friend 👍🏽
Have a good one mate, thanks for watching. Do you take her in the tent?
@@SimonOutdoors check out one of my vids and see 😉
Hi Simon a valiant first effort for sure 👏👏👏
Many thanks mate, I hope you're well
@@SimonOutdoors sensational as always mate 🍻
@@BulldogBadger 👍🏻 🍺
Looks great but I think you will be more comfortable if you can find trees that are a bit farther apart. It’s not always super easy but if you can get them at just the perfect distance, you will be so comfortable you won’t ever want to tent camp again lol.
Thanks Brian, totally agree! lol
Nice bit of woodland there Simon and good attempt at the hammock, look too uncomfortable for me being a side sleeper, can’t beat a bit of decathlon, ps nice to see the shorts/leggings combo ditched.
Ha only on your advice mate! Was on the cards, got there eventually.. I'm a side sleeper too but I'm gonna make it work! Take care mate, Si
nice mate
Thanks boss, Si
Cool video Si... great to try new things, look forward to seeing more hammock camps 😬🏕👍🏻
Cheers Chris, I hope you're well. Have you given one a go? Atb, Si
@@SimonOutdoors Ive lay in them before yeah and put them up with paracord and knots but havent tried tree huggers or daisy chains, they look a lot easier though. I havent got one myself yet but looking on getting a DD hammock setup. I know a lot of people have them but I really liked the one I tried. Wasnt to sleep in just tried it but you're right, they are so comfy! I already have a few tarps so at least ive got those 😂
Im all good thanks mate hope you are too 👍🏻👍🏻
@@theheightoflife Nice one mate, looks like you're all over it. This tarp was my first from DD and the quality looks excellent. Have a good week, Si
@@SimonOutdoors Yeah I do love the DD gear does seem like very good quality. Thanks! You have a good week also 😊👍🏻
ATB... Chris
Come on then, which do you prefer mukka 😂 hammock and tarps can go in the bin for me 😂 give me a mountain and a tent any day 🤙 great video dude, have a good week. ATB Dave ✌️
I know mate, love a good view. Unfortunately there aren't too many around here so I'm trying something new! Will always be a tent for me ;) once you sleep with a tent you never forget
Wild camping is not only for the well known areas. During lockdown I've explored my local area, Guernsey.
I've found many excellent spots for a wild camp, in areas that I'd written off!
I wild camp, when staying away from home & to reset my sleep pattern. Better than anything from the doctors.
Couldn't agree more, thanks for watching and commenting Diane. Take care, Simon
Not bad for a first attempt. Personally I only Hammock camp due to back trouble and I normally get a fantastic sleep. As some have said the trees are to close together and you should get some shock cord and tie to the tops of the yellow hoops then to the tree to open the bug net up. Loads of channels out the but I'd suggest "Isle of Wight Bushcraft" Shane's got loads of Hammock Videos and is my go to just incase :-)
Many thanks Derek, I will check out Shane's videos. Good to know that you sleep well, I'm looking forward to sleeping out in one. Take care, Si
cool video, i used a hammock a lot in SE Asia, but never in the UK. The first time i did overnight i got a little "sea sick" but soon grew to love it Steak, there might have been a lot of wild garlic in the woods, which is a great seasoning - enjoy Simon
I've yet to come across some mate although I'm not the most observant! Thanks for watching buddy, have a good week ahead, Si
@@SimonOutdoors you will smell it before you see it
@@verykeen2please will stay alert for it mate
good show fella again . one day a will try it . looks great .
Thanks Jason, was a botched job but still very happy to be out :) I hope you're well mate. Si
Love hammock camping. No need to worry about finding a flat, even pitch, just head for a forest and job done! Perfect for populated areas like Sussex!
Shocking tarp setup though Simon 🤣🤣 Looks like your trees are too close together and you didn't get enough tension on the ridge line. There's some great YT videos on knots for tarp setups that make it really easy when you've got it sussed.
Happy hammocking 😁
Mate it was so shocking 😂 thanks so much for watching, I def need some video advice! Take care, Si
Great video, Simon. I recently bought a hammock and had a play with it in Epping Forest. Quite like it and definitely intrigued, but the set up seems such a faff compared with a tent, esp if you’re cold and wet and/or it’s late at night. That said, I’ve also had the endless “looking for a pitch” late night trudge through the forest, so maybe it’s a swings and roundabouts.
I'm with you on the faff front Dave, the hammock wasn't too bad but the tarp above! I'm sure it will become easier with practice, will persevere. Been there too on the late night search for a spot. Thanks for watching mate, have a good week. Si
welcome to the fold pmsl
lols! overdue, can't string up a tarp for toffee!
@@SimonOutdoors there are many easy ways mate lol
Great video Simon ain't Hammock Camps awesome atb The Mooster👍😎
Sure are mate, thanks for watching mate. Continuing to enjoy your memes! Si
@@SimonOutdoors lol glad you like buddy👍👍
Nice one Simon, loved the video Pal !!
Cheers Martin, much appreciated. Have a good week ahead mate. Si
I've been wild camping on Guernsey this weekend, including last night. But I had planned an escape to Deapest Darkest Dorset next week, but this has been abandoned.
I'm concerned about a virus flairup, meaning I have to Isolate & get tested on my return.
Great that you got out this weekend Diane. A shame about Dorset. Hopefully you can get out there soon. Thanks for commenting and watching, Si
Haven’t tried hammock camping yet but it’s something I really want to try, it looks great!
It’s well worth it. Everyone who I’ve let spend a night in one of my set ups has converted to hammocks from tents afterwards. There’s a fair bit more to learn about them to get it right but its worth the effort. I genuinely sleep better in my hammock than I do in my bed at home. Did the West Highland Way by hammock a few years ago and it was heaven after long days of walking. 👍
@@stormcamper2101 what budget hammock would you recommend for a beginner, must have some kind of insect net plz 😂🙈
The best budget set up would be a DD Hammocks Frontline hammock along with the DD underquilt and tarp not smaller than 3m x 3m. I’d also recommend getting their free huggers and whoopie slings for easier set up and not stretching during the night. They are a good company who are UK based. My first set up was one of theirs from 2012 and it’s still going strong and used by my girls. I can’t remember exactly wha time of year it happens although if you join the bushcraft uk forum they do a group buy each year from DD for a 20% discount. It would be worth joining the forum and checking the group buy section.
@@stormcamper2101 That's great, thanks mate. I can see it being very comfortable! Thanks, Si
@@DrunkOnWanderlust :)
Tamo Junto irmão.
Att: Weliton Marks - Canal Desbravatube
👍🏻
Hi Simon,
I love hammock camping, I’d recommend watching MCQ Bushcraft he has some great videos on ridgelines and useful knots👍🏻
Hammock camping is the way forward. It is expensive if you want to do it right but it is unbelievably good. Just make sure you go the route of an underquilt and don’t use a sleeping pad or you’ll not experience the level of comfort or warmth which can set them apart from tents. Warbonnet XLC or Ridgerunner and Wooki or lynx underquilt. Buy once, cry once. 👍
Haha, so it's expensive then! Thanks mate, will def check out the underquilt. Cheers, Si
Interesting video mate, never thought about hammock camping before I'll look into it... Looks like more faff than a tent though!! 👍
Thanks Colin, it was a real faff putting up but probably due to me being amateur! Have a good week mate, Si
I've hammock camped at least 15 times and I still can't get the set up the same every time... I have a love hate relationship with it, I love the feeling of being off the ground but they take ages to set up especially with underblankets etc. I love waking up and looking out of a hammock, but I'm hanging my one up for good after it's next outing...
Sad times Lee! It sounds like you won't miss it too much though. Thanks for watching bud, Si
Haven't tried hammock/tarp as I'm generally camping up on hills. Gotta be a great option for the woods though. The hillbilly music towards the end made me smile - don't forget your banjo next time🤣😂.
Haha thanks mate, I was searching for ages for something cheesy! I can't claim it was me playing! Have a good week, thanks for watching again, Si
Also as you're tall... get a longer hammock than a DD frontline or similar. The one you have here doesn't look long enough for a comfy sleep... but it might do. Good luck 👍
Will have another look mate but I think you're probably right, good to see you back in London again Lee :) Si
@@SimonOutdoors Love London
I can pitch a tent in about 5 minutes, a hammock in about ten, so if any manufacturer wants to combine speed with comfort, how about a tammock?
haha, nice one Don. Like that! Thanks for watching mate, Si
Good effort! I love my hammocks. I’ve just subbed so will watch a few of your vids. I think you’ve already seen a couple of mine. Keep in touch. Al
Thanks mate, enjoying your vids 👍🏻 I’ve recently bought the Abisko as I’ve been looking at the Akto for a while and it seems to have all of the benefits and more! Your review helped 👍🏻
A hammock is perfect for soggy ground conditions like you experienced on your trip.
However, as you are so tall, you need a wider hang between trees to get the most comfortable angle for actual sleeping.
If you want to explore hammocking in a bit more detail, would recommend you get a copy of ‘The Ultimate Hang’ v2 by Derek Hansen - probably the defacto bible on the subject. It is a fun book for absolute beginners through to the more experienced, and includes loads of useful info and tips and tricks (and 200+ illustrations)...
That's brilliant thanks mate, I will check out the book. Have a good week, Si
Great to see you trying new things mate 👍 Not done hammock camping yet but it's on the list 😂 I have the same little cup from decathlon aswell can't go wrong for £3 haha atb karl
It's a great thing to try out mate, good for the grey matter! Thanks for your shout out yesterday, much appreciated. It's one of the first and best things I've bought! Have a good week Karl, Si
Nice one Simon. I’m not convinced about hammock camping myself, I spent many an uncomfortable night in them when I was in the Army, I always felt cold with the wind ripping through underneath me. I suppose the more modern setups will be a vast improvement though.
Speaking of football, I follow the mighty CFC....... (The one and only Chesterfield FC 😂)
Nice one mate, I din't know you were ex army. A lot of folk seem to shout about it on here! Good point re the cold, I think they have developed them a lot but it's all new for me.
Chesterfield! We were once great rivals (Brighton) in the championship I believe. Always think of it when I drive through on my way to the PD. I remember hearing more recently about your points deduction :(
@@SimonOutdoors we used to use homemade hammocks and stretch them across the inside of Hercules aircraft on long flights. (They didn't give us seats lol)
@@QuakerJones268 bloody hell no wonder!
Can you give the brand and model of your hammock please?
Hi, thanks for watching. I have added the link in the description below the video :) Take care, Si
2nd wot Richard said trees further apart and ur be a1
nice one fella, def noted that one for next time! Take care pal, Si
You look a little down and depressed in this video my friend. Chin up.
Thanks mate, last week was a bit tough. Glad to get out, all good now :) 👍🏻