The Ultimate Hang: Hammock Camping Illustrated

The Ultimate Hang by Derek Hansen is the best book I found when I got interested in exploring this increasingly popular method of camping. I found that it contained all the essential information I needed to makes sense of all the aspects associated with buying and using a hammock that many veteran tent campers may not be familiar with. The book is a short and enjoyable read that really gave me a clear understanding of the selection and use of a camping hammock. Here are a few of the things this book covered.The Basics- The book starts off with the authors first hammock experience and some terminology related to hammock camping. The pros/cons of hammocks and tents are discussed which helps decide if it is something that will work for you. Basic Gear, Tree Selection, Anchor Points, Suspension Lines, Weather and Bug Protection, Staying Warm, and Getting Comfortable are addressed briefly. These points also serve as a bit of an outline for the rest of the book where these points will be covered again in more detail. There are also a couple of great illustrations with bullet points showing the right and wrong way to hang.Sight Selection- The next section deals with some aspects, not all of which are specific to hammock camping, but serves as great general advise. Lighting safety, Bear/Animals, Widowmakers, Choosing trees, Wind, and the principles of "Leave No Trace" camping are discussed.Mechanics of Hanging- The book helped me a lot here. I had watched numerous videos and read a lot of different things on the internet on just how to hang the hammock. Different knots, methods, and accessories used had me confused. This section finally helped make sense of things like Various Straps, Whoopie Slings, Carabiners, S-Biners, Cinch Buckles, Descender Rings, Dutch Clips, Elephant Trunks, Tri Glides, and many other things I didn't know much about. It also taught me the different knots and lashings I would be using.Staying Warm/Dry/Bug Free- Different tarp designs like A-sym, Diamond, Hex Cut, etc are discussed with pros/cons. Sleeping Pads, Under Quilts, Pull Over Bags and Pods, Net designs are discussed as well as numerous personal tips, and great illustrations.Comfort/Utility/Sleeping Tips- The last section of the book gave me great insight on different ways to utilize my hammock as different camp furniture while not sleeping. It gave me a few ideas on how just how versatile the hammock could be. Sleeping tips, quick set up methods, packing and carrying techniques were also highlighted. The book concludes with great Appendices containing information about manufacturers, gear list, and some handy quick reference illustrations.Bottom line- This book is a "must have" for any new or experienced hammock owner. You could just look at the pictures in this book alone and learn more about hammock camping than from most other sources. I read the Kindle version. But I will most certainly order a hard copy to keep with my hammock. It's better than any instruction manual out there. Essential Reading for hammock campers!!

This is a great book for the experienced or novice hammock hanger!

This is a good book for someone thinking about getting into hammock camping. The only frustrating thing about this book is that he illustrations and explanations are not always on the same page. There is also new material and Hammock accessories out there since this was published. The author seems to be partial to a particular vendor.

I've spent a LOT of time trying to compile details about the best methods for hammock camping. I wish I would have bought the print version of this book sooner. It literally is like a hammock camping encyclopedia for first time and old hammock sages alike. I read a lot of reviews, and it seems people who had an issue with the book were attempting to read on a tiny Kindle screen. The print book does this issue justice, as it's about 12 in x 8 in x 1.5 in thick and the print/illustrations are easy to read and understand. Just but the print version already, so you can be tet understand knots/lashings, safety situations, and advanced scenarios throughout. This is a great resource, I wish I would have found it sooner!

Anyone wanting to get a jump start on the complexity of hammock camping should read this book. It's the most comprehensive book on the subject.

Love the book, very informative and well written.

I've gradually gotten more and more interested in hammock camping. Gave this book to a friend, who more or less got me into it. He loves it. Gave one to my brother along with a hammock. He's gone from reluctant to enthusiastic. I was so envious of the gifts I gave them that I bought the book on my e-reader. I can't say enough good about it.Here's a quick overview:Wonder what whoopie slings are or how to use them? Do you clip your hammock to your straps using carabiners and wonder why others use toggle handles and complicated knot tying methods? This book breaks all of this down and more. Learn about Dutch clips and buckles; learn some basic knots that will serve you well. Learn some basic things to look for when selecting a spot to hang your hammock. Learn the pros and cons of structural ridgelines, of non-structural ridgelines, of tarp tying and more. And learn it all in a way that urges you to practice leave-no-trace camping ethics and that focuses in large part on safety.If you're an old pro, catch up on some of the latest technology out there that has been applied to hammock camping. See what opportunities and materials are out there that could help you lighten your load or sleep more comfortably.Additionally, I was impressed to learn that the author provided his own illustrations. They're cartoonish, but simple to understand and they contribute a visual element to the book that might otherwise be hard to follow.I'd call it the premier book (at last that I've read) on hammock camping. I'd also recommend that if you're trying to share the joys of hammock camping with a friend, this book and an inexpensive Grand Trunk Ultralight hammock (under $15) would make a great gift.

Maravilhosa abordagem sobre montagens de redes e Tarps para acampamentos! Ótimas dicas de nós.

As a newby to hammocks, this is a very helpfull reference in finding the best ways to hang and enjoy the world of hammock camping.Covered lots of issues i would not have known how to fix without this book. Would recommend this to anyone cosidering purchasing a hammock

日本ではハンモックをメインにしたハイキングはまだマイナーで、なかなか踏み込んだノウハウを得る手段がなく、もちろん体系的にまとめられた書籍なんかもありません。こういったマイナーな分野はやはり洋書をあたるのが筋かと思いこの本を手に取りました。英語で書かれていますが文章は平易で理解しやすく、イラストも豊富なのでまったく苦になりません。ハンモックの選び方や設営に関するTipsをはじめタープの張り方のバリエーションやトラブルシューティング、さらにはMYOGのための型紙まで収録されており、まさしくバイブルと呼べる内容です。これを読み込めばハンモックハイキングのレベルが何段も上がることは確実です。Happy hammock hiking!

I have the 1st edition, the 2nd edition has more advice & DIY instructions on making under quilts etc. A top guide for people new to hammock camping, a good investment.

日本では情報が少ないハンモックキャンピングの教科書として楽しく読めました。2016年8月の時点でkindle版が50円と激安だったので即購入。イラストも多いがkindleでは見にくいし、表紙も気に入ってる良い本なので紙版も欲しいくらい。しかし、一度ハンモックを使った上で感覚的な事が理解できると思う。この本を読んでハンモックキャンピングするかしないか決めるというよりはハンモックキャンピングを始めてからのトラブルシューティングに活躍する本だと思います。例えば、僕はウーピースリングをサスペンションに使ってカラビナでツリーストラップとつなぐシステムを使っています。もし、カラビナを無くしてもはペグをトグルにしてつなぐシステムに変更できる事がわかりましたし、その時にトグルに負荷がかからない巻き方がイラストに書いてありました。とても参考になりました。著者YouTube チャンネルも面白いですよ。