Hammock Camping Gone Wrong: 5 Rookie Mistakes to Avoid
Hammock camping is often glorified on Instagram- trees swaying, stars above, and that perfect cocoon-like hang. But what you don’t see are the shivers, bites, and soggy mishaps that many first-timers endure. If you’re thinking of ditching the tent, read on. These are five common mistakes rookie hammock campers make—and exactly how to avoid them for a comfortable, bug-free, and dry night in the wild.
1. Skipping the Rainfly: Because Nature Doesn’t Text You First
You planned the trip around a "clear skies" forecast. Your weather app said 0% chance of rain. So you leave the rainfly behind to save weight. Big mistake. Sudden summer showers, overnight dew, and misty mornings can—and often do—catch hammock campers off guard.
Without a rainfly, you’re exposed. The moment water starts dripping through the trees, your sleeping bag, underquilt, and gear are toast. Worse, rain pooling in your hammock turns your night into a cold, wet disaster.
Avoid it:
Never assume good weather. Pack a durable waterproof rainfly tarp and know how to set it up in an A-frame or diamond configuration. It takes 5 extra minutes and can save your entire trip. Trust us: soggy socks are the first sign of regret.
2. Hanging It Too Tight or Too Slack: It’s a Hammock, Not a Trampoline or a Pouch
A hammock needs a little curve to cradle your body naturally. First-timers often yank their straps super tight, thinking that flatter = better. Others hang it too low or too slack, creating a cocoon that swallows them whole.
A bad hang means poor sleep, pressure on your knees and back, and sometimes even a flip out of your hammock at 2 a.m. (Yes, it happens. Yes, it’s hilarious. No, you don’t want it happening to you.)
Avoid it:
Aim for a 30-degree strap angle. Attach the straps at about head height and allow the center of the hammock to hang no lower than chair height. You should be able to sit in it without your butt hitting the ground.
Pro tip: Lay diagonally across the fabric for a flatter, comfier lay. It reduces pressure on your spine and gives you a better sleep posture.
3. No Bug Protection: Becoming an All-You-Can-Eat Buffet
This one hurts-literally. Mosquitoes, gnats, and no-see-ums are relentless in the wild. First-timers who skip the bug net often spend their nights swatting, itching, and regretting all their life choices.
Even if the bugs aren't swarming during the day, they come out in force at dusk- and they will find you.
Avoid it:
Always go for a hammock with an integrated mosquito net. It saves setup time, keeps bugs out while maintaining airflow, and ensures a bite-free sleep. Don’t forget to zip it up—even if you’re just getting water.
4. No Underquilt: When the Cold Creeps in From Below
Here’s something no one tells you until it’s too late: you’ll get colder from below than from the air above. Hammocks suspend you in midair, meaning cold wind and night air circulate freely underneath.
Using just a sleeping bag doesn’t help much- it compresses beneath your weight, reducing insulation. This leads to the dreaded “cold butt syndrome.”
Avoid it:
Use an underquilt- an insulated blanket that hangs underneath your hammock, trapping warm air and shielding you from wind chill. Even in summer, nights can get surprisingly cold, especially at elevation.
5. Poor Site Selection: Two Trees Doesn’t Mean It’s a Good Spot
Not all tree pairs are created equal. Picking the wrong spot can mean your hammock sags too low, you’re vulnerable to dead branches (aka widowmakers), or you’re sleeping next to a surprise wasp nest.
Too far apart? You’ll stress your straps. Too close? You’ll have zero space to stretch out. And don’t even get us started on hanging over roots, sharp rocks, or streams.
Avoid it:
Find healthy, live trees 6–8 inches in diameter and about 12–15 feet apart. Clear the area below for rocks, ants, and poison ivy. And always look up—if there are hanging branches, keep moving.
🌲 Bonus: Hammock straps are tree-friendly. Don’t use ropes that dig into the bark—protect the forest so we can keep camping in it.
🏕️ Ready for the Wild? Gear Up First.
Looking to go camping? Check out MilitaryKart’s full range of tactical outdoor gear. Whether you’re sleeping under the stars or prepping for unpredictable weather, their all-in-one Ultimate Hammock Camping Kit has everything you need—mosquito net, rainfly, underquilt, and all the essentials in one compact setup.