Hey Hall of Fame family,
I hope you all are braving the summer heat! I am getting ready for a fishing and camping trip this upcoming weekend and in this week's blog post, I wanted to highlight one item I never go camping without: my hammock. I own two, actually, and often bring both camping with me (in case someone is feeling left out). I have a Field and Stream two person hammock that's blue, and an Equip two person travel hammock that's green. Both were fairly priced, and I've gotten my fair share of night's rest in each of them. I upgraded the tree straps on the Equip one, as the stock ones were very small. I highly recommend getting a two person hammock, even if you are only planning on one person using it. They are so much more spacious! Personally, I even believe a hammock can completely take the place of a tent, if done right.
It all started in June of 2017. Paul and I were in the Boundary Water Canoe Area with our friend Matt and some others. Matt and his dad brought hammocks to sleep in for the week, while everyone else brought a tent. Instantly, I was jealous and knew a hammock was the way. Firstly, hammocks are extremely lightweight, lighter than most tents. Yes, they don't offer the same storage and even security as a tent, but most have a storage pouch for essential items. Hammocks are open air, which is amazing when the weather is nice. It is so refreshing to wake up to brisk morning air, truly one of life's simpler pleasures. If it's raining, a tarp can be pitched above your hammock to keep you dry. Paul knows a thing or two about hammocking through severe thunderstorms! Hammocks only take a few minutes to set up and take down, and only require two trees or posts. If there is a slight breeze, falling asleep, rocking gently back in forth in a hammock is so easy. My back also feels looser and stretched out after I've slept in a hammock.
When I go camping, it's typically with Paul or other family members who are familiar with the outdoors (AKA people who know what they're doing). Therefore, I typically only need to worry about myself and my own gear. If you are camping with children or people with a little less experience, a tent may be a better option. I often pack light while camping, so I keep my bag with clothing either attached to the tree or in a covered place nearby the hammock (if that's available). I own a small single person tent that I will often bring with me also, just as a dry place to put my belongings. I highly suggest looking at weather forecasts before a long stint in a hammock, as it can get unforgivingly cold some nights! I've braved winter nights in late November and early spring nights in March, waking up shivering on both nights. Layers and extra blankets are essential for winter nights in a hammock!
These are the reasons I love hammocking. My dog Daisy even likes to join me in the hammock! Thanks for reading, I hope there are some new memories to be made in a hammock in your near future!
Tight lines,
Erik Hoffman, Hall of Fame Outdoor Co