How To Do Hammock Camping in Winter?

Winter hammock camping, yes, it’s possible! In this guide, we will tell you how to do hammock camping in winter for an exciting camping experience.

Camping in a hammock in the winter, I know it sounds crazy. Yet, with the right gear, proper preparation, and a well-set up camp. You’ll stay warm, dry and have fun. Today we’re going to show you exactly what you need to know to make your next winter hammock camping trip a success.

Here’s our ultimate guide to winter hammock camping.

Top 3 Best Hammock for Winter Camping

Why winter hammock camping in the first place?

Honestly, you might even ask yourself, why go camping in the winter?

Despite the cold temperatures and the risk of snow. Winter camping can be immensely rewarding. Not only will you probably have the entire campground to yourself. But in addition, you will enjoy the silence of winter in the forest. You will see that it is a really special feeling. Also, if you wake up to a fresh blanket of snow. Then you will be truly spoiled.

But why sacrifice the safety of your winter tent for a hammock?

The main advantage of hammock camping in the winter is that it keeps you away from the cold ground. This is especially beneficial on snowy or rainy nights. Although sleeping in a hammock can be a little colder at first, due to the air circulating under your body. Good insulation will quickly solve this problem.

Another benefit of choosing a hammock over a tent in the winter is weight. Indeed, the best camping hammocks are much lighter than most backpacking tents. Of course, this is not a major concern if you are car camping. But that’s a huge plus if you’re hiking several in the winter.

The ease of assembly and disassembly is another strong point. You can assemble your winter hammock in less than a minute. Thus, it allows you to quickly take shelter in harsh winter weather conditions. This without having to manipulate the poles of your tent.

Finally, if you bring the right hammock accessories. Camping in a hammock in the winter is just as warm, comfortable and dry as spending the night in the best 4-season tent.

Best Gear for Winter Hammock Camping

Before embarking on such an adventure. You absolutely need high-quality gear to go winter camping with a hammock.

Although sometimes you can get by with budget-grade gear in the spring, summer, and fall. Harsh winter conditions require the best possible equipment. Especially if you plan to camp in freezing temperatures and/or snow.

Here are the most important gear for winter hammock camping:

1. Winter hammock

In fact, most camping and backpacking hammocks work well for winter camping. The main thing is to choose a model that is compatible with winter camping gear, such as a raincoat and base layer.

ENO’s Eagles Nest (or ENO’s DoubleNest for two people) is a good budget option that is compatible with a variety of the brand’s winter accessories. Personally, I prefer Hennessy hammocks for winter camping, especially the Hennessy Explorer Deluxe Asym Zip and Hennessy Ultralite Backpacker Asym Zip.

2. Hammock straps

For winter hammock camping, you absolutely need straps that are easy to use. The sooner you can set up your hammock, the sooner you’ll be safe from the elements.

Hammock straps are also much easier to use with gloves or mittens than trying to hang a hammock with strings. Many camping hammocks, like those from Hennessy, come with built-in straps. While others like ENO require you to purchase straps separately. If you are confused which hammock straps to buy, we recommend you to buy MalloMe XL Hammock Straps as they are the best-rated hammock straps on Amazon right now. 

3. Winter sleeping bag

A top quality winter sleeping bag is essential for cold weather hammock camping. Be sure to choose a model that is at least 15°C cooler than the coldest temperatures you expect to encounter.

If you can use a mummy sleeping bag in your winter hammock, feel free. Because their lightness, their superior insulation, but also their tapered shape adapts particularly well to the narrow confines of a hammock.

4. RAIN fly for hammock

A raincoat is essential for the winter hammock to protect you from rain and snow. Look for a model designed specifically for your hammock. This will make your installation easier and you will have better coverage.

There are oversized models that can also protect your hammock from the wind. Otherwise you can take an extra tarp to hang above the rain cover. This will provide extra coverage when camping in the rain.

5. Under-blanket for hammock

An underblanket is essential for winter hammock camping. Especially in very cold weather. This hammock accessory adds an extra layer of insulation to your hammock, increasing warmth during the night.

Although there are many great options, the ENO Vulcan underlayment is one of my favorites. on the other hand the price stings a little, which may not suit you if you hammock in winter every 36th of the month.

6. Quilt for hammock

A quilt top (like a duvet) looks a lot like a normal sleeping bag. But it is specially designed to be used in a hammock. If you know that the temperatures you are going to encounter are going to be harsh.

Take a duvet and your winter sleeping bag with you. Thus, you will have a double dose of heat and insulation. Look for a model specifically designed for your hammock. In order to achieve the best possible fit and comfort.

7. Sleeping mat for hammock:

A hammock sleeping pad has two functions:

• increase comfort
• and insulation.

Although you can use your regular camping mattress. Many manufacturers now offer special hammock mattresses. Designed to better fit the shape of your hammock. An inflatable model is your best asset in terms of weight. But closed-cell foam models generally offer more warmth.

8. Winter clothes

Do not go camping in the winter, whether in a tent or in a hammock, without the appropriate clothing. Proper layering of winter clothing is of the utmost importance. Divide your winter clothes into three layers:

• The base layer (absorbent material),
• The intermediate layer (insulating material)
• The top layer (waterproof and windproof material).

Add to that list a quality pair of winter hiking boots. Moisture-wicking winter socks, a knit hat and winter gloves. The specific clothing options are almost endless and are available for all budgets. Just make sure the items you choose will keep you warm and dry in cold weather.

9. Other winter camping equipment

Use our guide to the best winter camping gear and our wild camping checklist to make sure you don’t forget any other essentials.

For example, a camping stove or backpacking stove is necessary to cook delicious camping meals on your winter hammock excursion. And, although you can’t use it inside a hammock like you can inside a tent. A portable winter heater can help you stay warm while preparing for camp. Even if you plan to sleep in a hammock.

How To Install A Hammock in Winter?

When it comes to hammocking in the winter, knowing how to properly set up camp is just as important as buying the right gear. Here’s how:

1. Choose the right place

Look for a campsite near two trees or other anchor points. In winter, a location with a natural wind barrier, such as next to a large rock or in dense forest, is essential. Avoid places where the cold accumulates at night. As in basins and other places lower than the rest of the surrounding terrain. Always check above your head to make sure there is no danger.

2. Set up your hammock:

First set up your hammock by tying it securely to two trees about 3 meters apart using your straps. Your hammock should sag about 45 centimeters off the ground with you in it to get the best hanging angle for comfortable sleeping. See our guide on How to hang a hammock without a tree?

Next, put your mattress and sleeping bag inside the hammock before setting up your umbrella or tarp.

3. Go inside

Don’t get into your hammock for the night until you have taken care of all your business. You won’t want to step out of its comforting warmth in the middle of the night.

Maintain your campfire, go to the bathroom and remove all wet clothes before entering. Hang your backpack and your wet things on the top line of your raincoat. Or a carabiner on the straps of your hammock (making sure they are well under the protective cover of the raincoat) to keep them dry during the night.

Hammock in Winter: Final Thoughts

Winter hammock camping is an unforgettable experience if you are well prepared.

Invest in the right hammock camping gear, make sure you have quality winter gear, and take care to choose a well-sheltered campsite for best results.

For beginners, I recommend bringing a tent just in case. Hammock camping in the winter isn’t for everyone, and you don’t want to be stuck in an awkward situation if you realize you’re one of those people.

Now I want to hear from you – what do you think of hammock winter camping? What do you think of winter camping in general? Let me know in the comments below!