A Guide to Hammock Camping in Cold Weather

Posted by: Hello Kammok • Sunday, January 02 2022

Don’t let your hammock collect dust all winter. Here are five tips for staying warm and elevated all winter long:

1. Get out of the wind.

One of the biggest favors you can do for yourself when hammock camping in cold weather is to find a campsite with natural wind protection. For example: Instead of camping on the edge of a tree line, walk twenty paces in or so to allow denser foliage to act as a natural wind barrier. The addition of a rainfly hung snug over the top of your hammock can also work wonders on extra gusty evenings, plus a proper rainfly will trap in some of your body heat as it rises to escape. If you’re looking for a complete setup, the Mantis all-in-one hammock tent offers a hammock body, bug net, and rainfly in a convenient, packable stuff sack.

2. Pack an Underquilt

Sleeping bags are a must when camping in cold weather, but the pro move for hammock camping is to attach an underquilt beneath your hammock. Since insulated materials need loft to work properly, using a sleeping bag in your hammock makes for less effective insulation because your body is compressing the underside of the bag. Instead, opt for an underquilt that hangs snug to your hammock with maximum loft and effectiveness. Depending on where you camp and the temps you usually experience, we offer three trail quilts with varying temperature ratings.

3. Consider a Sleeping Pad

We designed our Insulated Pongo Pad to fit perfectly in your camping hammock and shield you from the bitter cold. Our sleeping pad does double duty, acting both as an insulator and the deliverer of ultimate hammock comfort. Cloud nine, here we come! The Insulated Pongo Pad works great in any season, but you’ll definitely never want to leave home without it when the weather turns south.

4. Add Warmth With a Top Quilt

Now that you have a wind-free spot, a cozy underquilt, and the comfiest sleeping pad in the woods, it’s time to lie down for a toasty snooze under the stars. But what about your top quilt? Both our Mountain and Field Blankets make great basecamp options, each offering snaps along the edge that allow complete integration with your Roo hammock. For packing light and heading into the backcountry, our lighter and more packable trail quilts offer a huge advantage. However, depending on the weather, your underquilt might be cozy enough of a cocoon that all you need are your base layers to stay warm.

5. Final Tips

Here’s a sneaky tip that lots of cold weather campers know well: Boil water over your stove before bed, fill up a Nalgene, and slip it in your hammock to warm the top quilt and underquilt. If you have an extra sock or two, slip them over your water bottle and leave it at your feet. This way you stay warm, but the bottle doesn’t burn your skin. If you’re not wearing your jacket to sleep, keep it at your feet as well so it’s warm when you’re ready to wear it in the morning.

Lastly, test your setup before setting off in extreme conditions and know your limits. Everyone has different sleep preferences, so there’s no one-size-fits-all solution when it comes to hammock camping in cold weather. The better you know your gear and your sleeping preferences, the more you’ll be prepared when those ultra-cold temps hit. And of course, if you ever feel uncertain with extreme temperatures in the forecast, be safe and maybe plan for a night indoors.

Back to The Outpost

Once you’ve picked out which Kammok hammock style works best for you and your favorite color (we think that’s the hardest part), it’s time to learn how to hang and care for it. We’ve compiled a guide for all your hammock care needs that can be applied to any Kammok hammock type (Roo Single, Roo Double, Roo Jr., Roo Double XL, and Roo Single UL) How to Set Up Your Hammock Applies to all Kammok hammock types excluding the Roo Single UL. Find two points to hang your hammock between. Each hammock size calls for a slightly wider or narrower set up, however the standard to look out for is 12-15 feet. Grab your hammock straps. Wrap the widest part of the strap around the tree or post. Pull the strap through the end with the single loop. Ensure to loop your straps around the tree about 6 ft high. Unbuckle the rolled up top from your Roo hammock and pull out the fabric. Clip the hammock carabiner through one of the Python strap loops and repeat this step on the other side. Tip: Clip the strap bag onto hammock carabiner for safe keeping. For a safety check, press into the center of the hammock to test before sitting down. Adjust your hammock as needed to rest at a 30 degree angle and try out the other ways of hanging below. How to Hang In Your Hammock Applies to all camping hammock types. Who said hammocks are only for laying down? There’re so many ways to hang in your favorite Kammok hammock depending on where you are and who you’re with. Here are a few of our favorite ways to hang. The Chair - Perfect for talking in a group, watching the sunset or hanging around a campfire. An easy way to sit upright and relax with legs hanging over the hammock or cross legged. The Lounge - Our favorite way to nap, relax and look up at the sky on a starry night. Lay diagonally, spreading the hammock fabric for space and comfort. This one is great for cuddling with your adventure dog (or human). The Perch- A good way to hang while reading a book or hanging with a buddy in a Roo Double or Double XL. Scoot to one end of your hammock and sit upright while keeping your legs straight. How to Pack Your Hammock Applies to all camping hammock types. When you’re done using your hammock for the day, it’s important to pack it after each use to protect the fabric from long-term exposure to the elements. To do this, unclip one side of the hammock and pack it into the stuff sack, one side at a time. Then, unclip the second side of the hammock. We recommend keeping the carabiners on the top. Roll the stuff sack twice and and buckle the sides. Roll up each Python strap and place them back into the stuff sack. How to Wash Your Hammock Applies to all Kammok hammock types excluding the Roo Single UL. Hand wash Roo Single UL only. If your hammock is soiled or stained from all your epic adventures, we recommend hand washing when possible. However, avoid washing your hammock frequently since this will deteriorate the DWR coating and lessen durability of the fabric over time. If using a washing machine is necessary, make sure to use one without a center agitator as this can tear up the fabric. Remove the carabiners and slings prior to washing. Place the hammock fabric in the washing machine. Fill the Grangers Down Wash + Repel cap to the recommended level. A gentle powder detergent will work as well. Do not use fabric softener, bleach, or stain removal products. Wash the hammock fabric by itself on a gentle, cold-water setting. Hang dry in a warm and non-humid environment until the fabric is no longer damp. Once the fabric is completely dried out, attach the slings and carabiners to the ends. You can use an unopened pen to help thread the sling back through the hammock fabric. Your hammock is clean and ready for more time outside. These tips and guidelines will help you make the most of your Kammok hammock. Make sure to check out our Help Center FAQ for all of your product use and care questions.

National Camp At Home Day, tent set up in a living room

Wrapping Up National Camp at Home Day

Another National Camp at Home Day has come and gone, and we can’t say thanks enough to everyone who participated. You wowed us yet again with your creativity. From indoor campfires and starry skies to an actual outdoor igloo, you guys absolutely crushed it. We geeked out over your clever hammock spots and perfectly roasted mallows, but with over 500 campsites globally, more than anything we were in awe of the sense of community that continues to develop around this event. This year, as we focused more on preparedness, we invited a few of our friends to share a bit about hitting the trail, sustainable camping, adventuring with kids, and a whole lot more. Check out our previous blog posts if you haven’t already, and get ready for the camping season! It’s spring here in Texas, with wild flowers blooming and bright green leaves budding from formerly barren trees, and the Kammok team is ready to hit the trail. We hope you’ll do the same. Take the confidence of having just pitched your tent in your backyard or living room, and go check off a new national or state park! This day started as a way to cope with the quarantine blues, but with your help, we hope to build this into a community event for campers who are always learning and preparing for the next big adventure. If you haven’t already, join the conversation on our National Camp at Home Day Facebook group. We created this space for people to learn and get inspired from one another, and as a way to help each other get ready for whatever campsite is calling you next. Share your favorite gear, camping recipes, parks, or whatever gets you excited to be outside with the people you love. Until next year, campers! We’ll see you on the trail.

This year on National Camp at Home Day, we encourage everyone to start practicing these Leave No Trace principles.

Seven Principles of Leave No Trace

If you spend time outside, whether you’re hiking, camping, climbing, or mountain biking, chances are you frequent public lands. Luckily, through national parks and forests, state parks, and local trails, adventurers have the ability to explore everything from alpine habitats to deep canyons and everything in between. More and more people are getting outside and visiting parks at record levels, which is why it’s important for all of us to become good stewards of the ecosystems entrusted into our care. The following Leave No Trace principles are key to maintaining pristine wildlife in our parks, and they basically all boil down to one unifying point: Leave it like you found it. 1. Plan Ahead and Prepare This isn’t just a good idea to make the most of your camping trip—it’s also an essential aspect of Leave No Trace. When visiting national parks, become familiar with the “Plan Your Visit” tab on a park’s page. Each park is different, with special concerns and regulations that you should be aware of. Planning ahead also means reducing your footprint by visiting parks in smaller groups when possible and avoiding times of high use. Do your part today by becoming familiar with parks you frequent often or plan to in the near future. Here’s an example of a regulations page from one of our personal favorites: Arches National Park. 2. Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces The National Park Service has spent many years developing trail systems and campsites for our enjoyment. However, the purpose is not simply to give us access to wild places. By sticking to designated trails, visitors make less impact on the park and prevent degradation from erosion. The same principles can be applied to campsites as well. When you pack up in the morning, your campsite should essentially be unchanged. The best way to ensure this is by utilizing campsites already designated by the parks. In the backcountry, stick to marked campsites or other durable surfaces like rock, gravel, sand, dry grasses, or snow. You can also protect riparian areas by camping 75 steps away from lakes and streams. If you’re curious, you can also check out these two articles from the NPS about the history and current management principles of trail making. 3. Dispose of Waste Properly We’ve all seen the signs: Pack it in, pack it out. Comma splice or not, these words should be at the forefront of every visitor’s mind when exploring public lands. Even with the glaring signs at every trailhead, you’re almost certain to find trash from someone who came before you. We could write an entire article on this single principle, but here are a few basic tips to keep in mind. When packing food for your trip, dispose of any unnecessary trash ahead of time: Think produce stickers and packages within packages. For example, if you’re bringing cereal on the trip, consider recycling the box ahead of time and only bringing the bag. Meal prepping ahead of time can also be a great way to lighten your load and reduce the amount of waste in camp. In the backcountry, utilize freezer baggies to group meals and act as a waste receptacle to be disposed of properly when back at park headquarters. And remember, pack it out means pack it all out, including orange peels and pet waste. Utilize toilet facilities when possible—park maps do a great job of pointing you in the direction of a bathroom. When making overnight trips away from facilities, packing a bathroom kit is essential. A simple kit includes toilet paper, wet wipes, hand sanitizer, and a small spade. You should also bring a separate baggie for the disposal of paper products. For solid waste, dig your cathole 6-8 inches deep and 75 steps away from water, campsites, and trails. Cover and disguise the cathole with the removed dirt when finished. Lastly, to wash dishes or yourself, carry water 75 steps away from any water source and use only small amounts of biodegradable soap if necessary. Scatter any strained dishwater. Consider using body wipes for personal hygiene. These are easy to dispose of and can be purchased from most outdoor retailers. 4. Leave What You Find This one is pretty simple. Imagine you’re a kid and your parents have dragged you into yet another antique store. “Don’t touch anything!” A pine tree certainly isn’t as fragile as fine China, but that doesn’t mean we should be carving our initials into one. Leave rocks, plants, and other natural items where they are—these aren’t souvenirs for you to bring home. The whole purpose of this principle, and every principle for that matter, is to leave parks in their natural state for other visitors to enjoy. Not to mention we want to preserve these ecosystems so that plants and wildlife can continue to thrive. 5. Minimize Campfire Impacts We’ve all seen in the news how damaging fire can be, which is why this principle is extremely important. Follow fire regulations at any given park, and simply don’t build a fire when and where it isn’t allowed. This goes back to planning ahead as well: If you think you’re going to find yourself in a situation where you need added warmth, pack the appropriate insulation. Bring along a small stove as well for any meals in the backcountry. Where fires are permitted, use park fire rings, portable fire pans, or mound fires. Always keep fires small and only use down and dead wood that can easily be broken by hand. When you’re done with the fire, let the coals burn to ash, put the fire out completely, and then scatter the ashes. Your goal is to remove any indication that a fire has ever been made. 6. Respect Wildlife Animals in parks are truly wild and should be treated as such. It seems like every year there’s a new video of someone approaching a bison in Yellowstone to get a closer look—a situation that never ends well. Beyond your own safety, respecting wildlife means helping them stay wild. That means never feeding animals, either purposefully or accidentally by leaving food lying around. Feeding wild animals can alter natural behaviors in ways that are damaging to the ecosystem. Store food items securely, dispose of trash properly, and use bear boxes where offered. All of these measures will help prevent wildlife from taking a liking to your trail snacks. 7. Be Considerate of Other Visitors Finally, be nice to everyone in the park. Just as you should leave parks in pristine shape for future visitors, you should also respect the ones who happen to be there at the same time as you. Yield to other hikers on the trail, step on the downhill side of the trail when encountering pack animals, and consider the fact that not everyone loves loud music. Public parks are for everyone. By following these simple guidelines, you’ll allow others and yourself to enjoy the outdoors in a way that benefits both you and the landscapes you visit. One final note on the Leave No Trace principles—our eighth rule if you will. Leave it better than you found it. This isn’t our attempt to implore you to beautify the landscape by planting flowers (please don’t do that). Instead, we encourage you to bring an extra trash bag along when hiking and camping. Even in pristine national parks, you’re bound to find litter left behind by visitors. You may feel like you’re not even making a dent in some of your park cleanup efforts, but every piece of trash picked up helps. If we’re going to be good stewards of the land we get to enjoy, we might as well go above and beyond the call of handling our own mess. You may even be surprised to find how addicting it can be to pick up other people’s empty beer cans. This year on National Camp at Home Day, we encourage everyone to start practicing these Leave No Trace principles. Go for a hike on your favorite local trail and pack out the litter you find along the way. When cooking your camp meal, take into account how much waste you’re creating and come up with a plan for packing it out in a backcountry setting. If you have kids around the campfire, teach them the importance of the seven Leave No Trace principles so they’re ready to hit the trail with you. We can all make a positive impact by thoroughly learning these principles and implementing them when the time comes.

This is #timeoutside with Briana Cohen

Meet Briana Cohen, an active rider in our monthly Taco Tri community events and a winner of the Greg Siple Award that helps young adults get in the saddle and out on the road by providing the skills and the gear needed for a lifetime of bicycle travel adventure. As a recipient of the award, Briana organized an outreach project, Fearless Tandem, an introductory workshop to bicycle travel for the students at the Texas School for the Blind and Visually Impaired. When Briana asked our team if we would get involved with her Adventure Cycling project, we couldn't have been more thrilled to raise our hands up. Briana has been an outstanding community leader, a positive spirit, and an absolute joy to bike alongside. We sat down with Briana after organizing this massive project to get her take on what #timeoutside means to her, what the students walked away with from this experience, and tips to get yourself started into the world of Adventure Cycling. There are many forms of cycling and it goes by many names. What exactly is Bicycle Traveling or Adventure Cycling? “Bicycle travel is traveling by bike as a form of adventure and exploration. The adventure begins when you start pedaling, and you are able to openly experience the land and environment in an intimate way. The bike is a mechanism to get you where you want to go - whether to a local or state park, scenic view, quaint town, or to remote places that are not easily accessible. The bike gets you there and there are no limits to where you can go. Bike travel is not much different from cycling, since you are still experiencing the joys and exercise of riding, but there are added layers of exploration, freedom, self-discovery, and fun depending on your adventure.” Biking has been a large part of your life. You started biking as a young kiddo for fun and now it's your form of transportation to commute to work and venture on self-contained rides in the Pacific Northwest. How has that molded your experience for the outdoors and what does time outside mean to you? “I value the outdoors because there’s space for everyone and endless natural beauty. When I spend time outside, I enjoy the fresh air and feel at ease, whether I’m on my own or with lovely people. Biking allows me to reach farther distances than I can’t otherwise, while still being outside.” “So many favorite moments outdoors on the bike. The first time I rode with the Lend Your Legs ride with Texas School for the Blind: it was my birthday and I rode alongside a girl who is blind on the back of a tandem who was completely overjoyed as we went down a hill. She threw her hands up and shouted as if she were going down a roller coaster. She could not see where she was going, but she could experience the thrill. The burst of excitement she felt from biking has always stuck with me.” Why did you apply for the Greg Siple Award? “What led me to apply goes back to last summer when I did a workshop with VieCycle to learn about basic bike maintenance and the art of bike touring. One woman who led the class said anyone can do a bike tour and the bike you already have is good enough; so after the class I went on my first bike camping trip. I did not have any gear for camping and before that weekend, I never imagined I could ride 75 miles in a single day. I borrowed a tent and panniers the night before from someone on Team Snacks and set out for Palmetto State Park. I learned a lot about myself and abilities, and gained newfound freedom knowing I can ride anywhere, anytime.” “The trip was awesome and transformed my perspective; I applied for the award because I wanted more people to have that moment of discovery. I thought back to the blind rider going downhill on the tandem, and immediately knew what my project would be. My reasons for applying to The Greg Siple Award were to 1) feed my love of biking and traveling, 2) inspire others to ride, and 3) spread bike access and awareness.” The Fearless Tandem workshop and community ride was a great success! What did the students learn from the workshop? “Students learned about tandem bikes basics, cycling resources, parks and trail conservation, and the principles of Leave No Trace. They shared their favorite memories spending time outside and also heard stories from a blind athlete and partner who discussed linking up with sighted guides to explore, stay in shape, and race tandems with Paracycling. They got to take home hammocks, reusable water bottles, t-shirts, wooden camping spoons, Adventure Cycling memberships, stylish socks, and other giveaways.” “Students walked away with the tools and confidence to go on their next adventure, which was the group bike ride later that day. The workshop served to inspire them; the gear to equip them; and the ride to have fun with the community. The Lend Your Legs ride has the students pair with cyclists on tandem bicycles to ride. Over 70 people joined for the ride! It was so cool to have such a large group come together and you could tell that bike travel is accessible to anyone. Someone even sent me a direct message on Instagram saying he and his partner had a tandem bike we could use - and they brought it so another student could ride. I love when the community supports each other like that.” During the community ride, we stopped at a park to take a break and raffle gear. A student won a Field Blanket. Now that the event is over, any plans for doing something similar or more community events to get more people to spend time outside? “Always! I’m aiming to continue the momentum of the Fearless Tandem project to provide sustainable cycling resources, access, and awareness. I’ve also been instructing some city cycling classes for beginners so they feel more comfortable and confident riding in Austin. After receiving this award, I switched my job to a role in which I lead group rides with a team for anyone to join.” Do you have any suggestions to get riding or involved in the adventure cycling community? Anything else you’d like to share? “Bikes are a revolutionary tool, not just as a means to get places or for recreation, but to open people up to the outdoors and an upbeat community. The best thing I can recommend is to get out there and ride! You don’t need a fancy bike or gear and there are lots of great trails in and around Austin to check out. If you want to do some bike travel throughout the US, check out Adventure Cycling Association, which runs the Greg Siple Award and has maps featuring rural and low-traffic bicycle routes.” “Applications for The Greg Siple Award 2020 will open on November 1st, 2019! Anyone between the ages of 18 to 30 can apply. I definitely would recommend for anyone who is interested in bike travel to apply! Feel free to reach out to me with any questions! My project page can be found here.” If you asked our team what #timeoutside means to them, you’ll receive a slurry of answers. It comes in many shapes and sizes, different experiences, emotions and memories. It molds how we interact with the world and community around us. Briana radiates our Kammok values of community, love, and adventure. We’re proud to support her and everyone in our community who inspire others to spend time outside. Photos provided by the talented Ali Mae.