SHT Blog

If you are still new to hammock camping, you might be wondering about how you can use hammock straps to mount your hammock. The truth of that matter is that there are various types of hammock straps and they function differently. However, the good news is that if you properly follow the instructions, hammock straps are easy to use.  

Hammock Strap Instructions

The instructions for mounting hammock straps are quite easy to follow. In a few steps, then you are done and can relax in your hammock.

• Wrap the straps around a tree
• You then put the end consisting of anchor points through the loop that is found on the opposite end
• Tighten the strap around the tree by pulling the end that has anchor points
• Snap the hammock carabiner when that into any of the anchor points when you are certain that the straps are firmly tight around the tree.

While these are the basic instructions for mounting hammock on trees, you must know that there are different types of hammock straps.  

Eco-friendly Straps

These straps are easy to use but the only challenge is that they are heavy and they consist of metal pieces against metal which makes noise. However, they can act as both a suspension line and anchor point since they are long.

1. Start with stitched loop an make sure it facing toward the hammock or just inwards
2. Tie the metal loop around the tree so it passes the stitched loop
3. Wrap the strap around the tree but in the opposite direction
4. Adjust the strap to the desired length for suspension
5. Attach the S hook to the metal loop and continuous loop at the end of the hammock
6. Go to the other side and repeat the process then you are done

Long Straps With Two Loops

The two loops found on these straps have three lines of stitches and they are easy to use. You can either use a loop alone or carabiner.

Method 1

1. The stitched loops should face inwards toward the hammock
2. Hold the loop and tightly wrap the strap around the tree until you have the desired length
3. Pass the suspension side into the loop that you are holding and pull it tightly
4. Attach the hook or carabiner to the suspension at the end of the hammock
5. Once you repeat the same process on the other end, you can relax in your hammock

Method 2

1. You must hold the loop with stitches toward the hammock
2. Wrap the strap around the tree only once then feed it through the loop and pull tight
3. Insert a toggle after tying a marlin-spike
4. Hang the end loops of the hammock around the marlin-spike
5. After repeating the same process, then you are done
6. Do this on each strap
7. It is imperative to first test the hammock by sitting before you lie inside

Using Short Straps With Two Loops

The straps can only wrap around the tree once and they are easy to create an anchor point. You then feed the loop through each other while at the same time tightly pulling them to make sure they face the hammock.

Hammock With Easily Adjustable Straps

You can use the straps with a carabiner but follow the simple steps below

1. Start by wrapping the strap around the tree
2. You must then attach the end comprising of all loops through the end without loops then pull it tight
3. Clip the carabiner to the end of loops on your hammock and the loop that is on the strap after doing this on both sides, you are done

Ensure Strap Safety

When you are setting your hammock straps, always make sure that you take safety measures first. Check all the straps are tight on all posts and you should also sit on the hammock first before laying inside it to ensure that it is balanced.

After every use of the hammock, you should inspect the straps to check if they are still in good condition. You should also inspect the stitching of the straps on the hammock to ensure that they are still in good condition to ensure your safety.

Hammock straps usually consist of three lines of stitches so if you notice that one line is off, you better replace your straps quickly. Hammock straps are not that expensive so you should not sacrifice your safety over something that you can easily afford.

Conclusion

Over and above, hammock straps are quite easy to use as long as you follow the instructions carefully. There are different types of hammock straps as well as methods of using them so you can choose the appropriate one that suits your needs.

One of the biggest fails of camping is if your tent can’t stand in bad weather. Some might say that this is part of camping. However, this is just an excuse for not staking a tent.

If your setup and stake a tent successfully, you will have a tent that will about outstand any type of weather. And, you will not have a problem with your tent getting damaged because of strong winds. With all these tips about how to stake a tent, you will be able to have a tent that will be standing strong. No matter what weather it might face.

Stake Corner Guidelines at an Angle

The best way to stake your tent is to insert the stakes at a 45degree angle. This is the only way to ensure that you are staking your tent correctly so that it can outstand any type of weather.

There are campers that think that when you stake the corners of the tent at a higher angle as 45 degrees, the tent will be more staked. However, this isn’t the truth. The higher the angle, the easier the stake will get lost during a storm. And, this can cause the tent to get damaged.

Purchasing High-quality Pen Stakes

Yes, when you are purchasing your tent, you are normally getting some stakes that are included with the tent. However, this is always the best stakes to use. This can cause the stake to be not solid enough and the tent can get damaged during bad weather.

This is why it is recommended that you are purchasing high-quality pen stakes extra. Making sure that this is weatherproof stakes that will keep a tent in place. No matter what type of weather you are experiencing. The higher quality stakes are normally more expensive, but this is worth buying at the end of the day.

Making Sure That You Are Pulling Your Tent Ropes Tightly

Using ropes can be a hazard as well. Especially at night when you are moving around the tent. However, to stake the tent correctly and securely, you should consider installing the tent ropes as well. And, you should make sure that you are pulling the ropes tightly to ensure that the ropes don’t get lose and that the tent is damaged.

There are even people that don’t make use of tent ropes because they are worried about getting injured with the tent ropes. But, during a storm, it is recommended that you are using the tent rope and secure your tent to the ground and pen stakes.

Using a Hammer to Get the Stakes Into the Ground

Using your boots to step the stakes into the ground isn’t recommended. Not only will you damage the pen stakes, but you will not secure it correctly. With the slightest wind, the stakes will get lose and your tent can damage.

It is recommended that you are using a tent hammer to get the pen stakes into the ground. As far down as possible. But you need to keep in mind that you need to remove the pen stakes again when your trip is over. So, don’t hammer it in too far. You won’t get it out again. Injury can also occur when you are hammering the stakes with your foot instead of using the right type of hammer.

The More Stakes You Use, the Better Stable Your Tent Will Be

Some are recommending to only use two stakes. While others are saying that one at each corner will be enough. This is the truth. The moment that you are using more stakes, the better secure your tent will be. So, four or even 8 stakes will be much better than only using two.

And, if you see that the weather is changing, you can even add more stakes for added protection. You can never have too many pen stakes inserted to the ground. Not during strong storms and wind.

With this guide, you will know exactly how to stake a tent. The moment that you are staking a tent correctly, you will be able to have a tent that is going to stand safe in storms and strong winds.

These are some of the things that you can do, and that is recommended by using the right type of stakes. And, to make sure that they are correctly inserted to the ground.

The last thing that you want is to have a tent that isn’t secure and that might be a high risk to people around you. This is why you should make sure that you are using the best stakes you can find. And, that you are grounding your tent correctly.

When you stake your tent, you will never have to worry about your tent getting damaged or flying away in strong winds again.

Camping during summer can be really fun. However, a tent can get hot during the day. Making it almost impossible to sleep comfortably at night.

The thing is that there are so many tips on how to stay cool while camping in a tent. Tips that you can do easily and that will ensure that you have a great camping experience and that you are sleeping as cool as possible. These are the tips that you should remember, on your next summer camping trip to stay cool.

Disassemble Your Tent During the Day

This isn’t really a practical tip, but if you are just sleeping in an one or two man tent, this is possible. You can dissemble your tent during the day, and set it up the moment that the sun is starting to set.

Most people don’t follow this tip, because who really wants to set up your tent every single night, and dissemble it in the morning. Packing everything in the tent, back in your vehicle. However, if this is really hot, and you don’t have another option, this can be a real lifesaver.

If Possible, Set Up Your Tent in the Shades

If you have the option, you can set up your tent in the shades. And, if you are really lucky, you can set up your tent between two trees. To ensure that you have shade throughout the day.

But, this isn’t always an option. Especially, if you are making a booking at a resort. Then, you should take the stand that they are giving you. However, when you are making the booking, you have the right to ask for shading. To make sure that you are getting at least one tree that will give you some coolness during the hottest part of the day.

Make Use of the Breeze Outside the Tent

Use nature to your advantage. If there is a small breeze outside the tent, you should open all the windows and zips that the tent has. Making sure that the breeze is going through the tent as well.

This will ensure that the tent is cool during the day. Even, at really hot temperatures. The breeze might not be strong, but it is cool air. And, with everything open in the tent, you can make sure that your tent is staying cool throughout the day. This is something to consider when you are purchasing your tent. The more windows it have that you can open during the day, the easier it will be to stay cool at high temperatures.

Removes Your Rain Fly if Weather Allows It

Most tents have a rain fly that you are installing over the tent. To ensure that your tent is waterproof when it rains. However, you can use the rain fly to keep your tent cool. By just removing the rain fly.

One thing that you should consider before you are doing this, is the weather. The last thing that you want is to get surprised by a rainstorm with your rain fly off the tent. Then, everything inside the tent will be soaking wet. If you are considering this option, you should just keep an eye on the weather and put up the rain fly if you see that it might rain during the day or night.

Using a Portable Fan

Not always practical, especially in extremely hot weather. However, a great way to ensure that the tent is staying cool during the day, or at night when you are sleeping.

A portable fan that is battery operated can make a huge difference in the tent. The cool breeze that you are getting from the fan will ensure that the air stays cool in the tent. Making it more comfortable at night. It is just important that you are making use of a battery fan and not an electrical fan.

Purchasing a Tent That Are Designed for the Summer Time

In the warm countries there are tents available that you can purchase that is designed with the hot weather in mind. A tent that is made with a material that is durable, but light enough to keep cool during the day. And, most of these tents have a lot of windows and zips that you can open for a breeze through the tent. Ensuring that the tent is staying as cool as possible. You can ask a professional to assist you with purchasing a tent, designed for hot temperatures.

Going camping can be fun. However, struggling to cope and to live in a hot tent isn’t fun at all. But, the moment that you remember these tips, you will be sure to have a tent that is cool during the day to ensure a good night rest. You can choose the option that will work for you and your needs best.