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the hammock hut: a easy to make hammock rain-fly

by fidgety2 on March 24, 2009

Table of Contents

License: Attribution Non-commercial Share Alike (by-nc-sa) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

Intro: The hammock hut: a easy to make hammock rain-fly . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

step 1: step 1; gather your equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

step 2: setting everything up part 1, the hammock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

step 3: setting everything up part 2, rain fly and tent pole/rope . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

step 4: setting everthing up part 3; the tarp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

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http://www.instructables.com/id/hammock-camping-the-complete-guide-to-camping-usi/
License: Attribution Non-commercial Share Alike (by-nc-sa)

Intro: The hammock hut: a easy to make hammock rain-fly

hammocks are great alternatives to tents. but what do you do when it rains

answer. the hammock hut a easy portable cost effective hammock rain fly

it takes about 10-15 minutes to set up and can be made using easily available materials (the only exception being the hammock itself also this is my entry into the epilog
contest so please don't forget to vote!!

Image Notes
1. picture taken from the inside of the hammock hut

step 1: step 1; gather your equipment

for a successful hammock-based camping trip one must have some the following equipment but before I begin please remember that this Instructable is NOT about how
to pack for a camping/backpacking trip but about how to use a hammock instead of a tent while camping/backpacking. Now moving on here is what you need...

1. a hammock and not the kind you have in your back yard (unless you are like me) you should have an actual backpacking hammock Eno and Hennessy make really
nice ones which vary in price from $20 to $100+ they also sell very useful accessories which I will get to later I personally own a Eno single nest hammock which I
consider to be one of the best camping related purchases I have ever made it cost me $54.00 (not including tax) and was purchased at REI (Recreational Equipment
Incorporated)

2. A single large tarp this tarp must be as long as your hammock and also be able to touch the ground while draped over your hammock (see pictures) this tarp should be
(like all other tarps) water proof.

3. a SINGLE tent pole yes only one this tent pole will serve as a support for your tarp. also you can use a piece of rope or string.

4. environmentally friendly hammock straps such as the Eno slapstrap these straps are very wide so that they do not harm trees by damaging the bark also these straps
are very important since some national forests/parks will not allow you to hang a hammock without the proper equipment.
this is my green component

5. finally you need tent stakes to keep the tarp from blowing around in the wind the only advice I can offer in this area is the lighter the stakes the better (I used sticks).

http://www.instructables.com/id/hammock-camping-the-complete-guide-to-camping-usi/
 Image Notes
1. i know it's alot but i am doingthis in my backyard any way, this is the tent stake rope
2. climbing rope A.K.A. extenders for your hammock
3. webbing so that the tree doesn't get damaged
4. Hammock yes that is my hammock all rolled up and in the bag
5. tarp string for hanging up the tarp.
6. tarp pretty self explanatory

step 2: setting everything up part 1, the hammock

inorder to set up your hammock you must first find two trees of reasonable distance apart reasonable distance being 10 to 12 feet depending upon you hammock once
you have found a appropriate spot follow these steps.....

1. set up your webbing this is very easy especially if you have looped webbing like me all you have to do is follow the picture.

2. tie your extension ropes to the webbing depending upon what type of hammock you have the length of the ropes may have to vary from mine.

3. tie a loop knot (see picture) at the end of each extension rope and hook your hammock's caribeners into it if your hammock comes with them if not just tie your
hammock to the extension rope.

you are now done setting up the actual hammock proceed to the next step.

Image Notes Image Notes

1. these are your extenders DO NOT PUT THESE AROUND THE TREE THEY 1. (pretty straight foreward huh)
WILL KILL IT.
2. kind of hard to see but that is the webbing that protects the tree see other
pictures for more complete instructions on set up
3. my eno single nest hammock (very comfortable)
4. this is attatched to another loop of webbing that is attatched to another tree

step 3: setting everything up part 2, rain fly and tent pole/rope

OK after you have set up your hammock take your tent pole or rope and tie it between the two trees that your hammock is strung between (also make sure the tent
pole/rope is high enough for comfort) since I can't find my tent I am going to use rope in this instance. for a detailed picture of the tarp rope and tent pole please look
below...

http://www.instructables.com/id/hammock-camping-the-complete-guide-to-camping-usi/
 Image Notes
1. this yellow rope (or string) is also tied around the other adjacent tree to
complete the "tarp line" ps: don't tie this too tight or else you could damage the
tree

Image Notes
1. while i am not using a tent pole i do have a reccomendation 1. the longer the
better nobody wants to come up short especially when the nearest walmart ect.
is quite a distance away.

step 4: setting everthing up part 3; the tarp

the tarp as stated previously should be of appropriate length and width now all you want to do with the tarp is spread it equally (look at picture to see what I mean) over
the tent pole/tarp line and stake it down (easy enough for you?)

then your done enjoy!!! :)

Image Notes
1. on both the front and back the tarp should be even then just stake it down with the avaliable material such as sticks ect.

http://www.instructables.com/id/hammock-camping-the-complete-guide-to-camping-usi/
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backpack better repeet13 Backpacking by Hammock-Style
with a hammock schwieb Wilderness
by HAL 9000 Chair by
hpstoutharrow

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Comments
40 comments Add Comment

eddems says: Apr 18, 2010. 8:13 AM REPLY

I learned to use a hammock from a friend who spent time in Viet Nam. I learned (from him) to tie a garbage bag around the tree before tying the hammock
ropes. Just wrap the bag around the tree first, and then fold the the bag down over the ropes, to cover them, and catch the drips on the tree and deflect them
to the other side. Otherwise, rain will come down the tree and into your hammock. I used a poncho for a cover, and added garbage bags to extend that up to
the tree. I camped through many storms and stayed comfy that way.

TonkaDan says: Apr 25, 2010. 8:41 AM REPLY

Everybody always forgets about the rain coming down the trunk .. good advice! .. I use ratchet straps with hook ends and carabiners to suspend my
hammock. They're adjustable for any distance between trees and the hooks make it easy to attach a rainfly. Another way to deflect water is to use a
simple "S" hook and hang it from the same carabiner ... kind of like a drip loop on the exterior cables and wires that come you your house.

newscrash says: Apr 18, 2010. 8:57 PM REPLY

I honestly lived in one of these for a year back when I was homeless. It really kept me dry and warm, and that was in Oregon.

billybobjhonson says: Apr 6, 2010. 1:55 PM REPLY

where did you get the tent stake rope?

gmyers2112 says: Feb 26, 2010. 1:08 AM REPLY

pretty basic. pretty simple. Not sure the concern for the trees is warrented. Not sure what kind of trees you have where you camp, but our trees can handle
a little rope. I've seen trees that have grown around rope or cables or nailed on boards. In fact, it's pretty dang hard to kill a tree. Even fire doesn't always
do it. Outdoors is pretty sturdy.

Dockbob says: Sep 11, 2009. 7:04 PM REPLY

A South American native gave me this hint. When sleeping in a hammock, sleep diagonally. It will force support more in a straight line and your back will not
be as sore in the morning.

Fujo says: Jan 24, 2010. 6:40 AM REPLY

A south american native?? So brazilians and argentinians etc know more about sleeping in hammocks??

drums5150 says: May 20, 2009. 9:17 PM REPLY

I don't mean to sound snotty or anything, just a suggestion. maybe I've just got an old man's back, but you show the hammock hung very loosely. If you do
not string up your hammock tightly, you will probably have a sore back in the morning. I have an eno double nest and my girlfriend has a single nest and we
go camping with them all the time. for a comfortable sleep, taunt is best

Eromanga says: Jun 1, 2009. 5:35 PM REPLY

And level - so you don't end up drifting to one end.

drums5150 says: Jun 3, 2009. 9:28 PM REPLY

most definitely. Sometimes I do go a little angled on purpose to keep my head higher, bits only a slight diference, if at all.

http://www.instructables.com/id/hammock-camping-the-complete-guide-to-camping-usi/
 drop says: Jan 22, 2010. 3:01 AM REPLY
I'm a proponent of the 'hang it slack, lie at an angle' school.
I personally find it more comfortable. I'll camp out for stretches of up to 12 nights at a time, never had back problems sleep like a log with a gentle
sway.

Sometimes I like to sleep on my side or foetal instead of on my back and I cant seem to manage that unless there's some slack.

I have a thin rope ridge line set between the ends of the hammock so it always feels the same and hang the foot end a few inches higher to stop
me drifting to that end.

But whatever works for you, 'hang your own hammock' :)

www.hammockforums.net/forum/showthread.php

daywalker42 says: Jan 8, 2010. 12:22 PM REPLY

hey man, if you're into backpacking one thing I thought you might be interested in is a parachute hammock. I bought one from Academy where I work (a
sporting goods store) but Byer makes them. They cost $20, make a version that has an attached mosquito net, and pack to eleven ounces. I was quite
astounded about the weight, especially for the price, and mine has held up exceedingly well so far.

waynevanwijk says: May 1, 2009. 4:37 PM REPLY

I love the idea of hammock camping. I tried it once but the first night crawling insects left the tree, scampered down the hammock rope and made for a very
uncomfortable nights sleep. One burrowed into my ear and it took me about an hour the next day to get it out. Any instructables on 1. keeping bugs out of the
hammock and 2. getting them out of your ear.

QuestionConvenience says: Sep 27, 2009. 12:11 PM REPLY

get a $10 mosquito net and hammock under that OR splurge and get a hennessy hammock or something similar that has the mosquito netting built- in.
much cheaper than a quality tent, and solves most of the tent-camping problems. Winter camping becomes tricky though.

gHjM3W5T20YCS4e30 says: Sep 15, 2009. 10:37 PM REPLY

4 plastic lids punch hole in center slide on to the 4 extender ropes stick "fly guard" roll strips so any insect gets stuck

pineapplenewton says: Jun 7, 2009. 9:08 AM REPLY

1 bug net it will stop the callers and the fliers

Luki101 says: Jun 3, 2009. 5:04 PM REPLY

that just totally made me never even consider sleeping in a hammock outside. ever. i hate bugs with all of my life.

jtpoutdoor says: May 29, 2009. 7:37 PM REPLY

1- agent orange ? 2- warm (not hot!) oil gently poured in will kill the insect and float it out (so I am told by someone who once had to go to the doctor's
with that problem)

passerby06 says: Nov 12, 2009. 1:35 AM REPLY

1- AGENT ORANGE!!! Oh, wait, I get it. You're using hyperbole or exaggeration or whatever literary technique it is that you're using for comic relief
or whatever. Anyway, as a veteran of our little "Police Action" in S. E. Asia last century, I can assure you that Agent Orange would not be a good
choice. It's an herbicide, not an insecticide.

2- You're right: warm oil IS the method of choice for removing insects from your ear. It will drown the insect, just like water would (or Agent Orange,
for that matter) but, unlike water (or Agent Orange), it will not be absorbed by the dead insect, and allow it to more easily slip out of the ear canal.
Water, however, will first be absorbed - making the insect swell and be harder to remove - then begin dissolving parts of the body - making it break
apart as you try to - gently - remove it with tweezers or forceps. Lesson learned the hard way when my 9 yr. old son had a small beetle fly directly
into his ear while on a camping trip (we were camping, not the beetle) and frustrated all attempts to remove it by crawling deeper into his ear. After
trying to flush it out with water, then driving almost two hours to the nearest ER (with a seriously agitated, scared and vocal 9 yr. old), the Doc on
duty gave us the oil instead of water tip.

It's been said that experience is the best teacher. That's not true. Experience is the ONLY teacher. The best experience to learn from is frequently
someone else's experience. Hope ours helps some of you.

efmiller3 says: Jan 3, 2010. 10:38 PM REPLY

Another method is to point a flashlight into the ear. My mom once told me that my grandfather did that with her and the insect came out after a
few minutes. Wouldn't hurt to try it should you ever need to get a bug out of your ear.

glorybe says: Sep 17, 2009. 11:28 PM REPLY

Many years ago I spent a large number of days in a "jungle" hammock. They have a water proof top which extends over the sides in such a way that in a
severe blowing rain the flaps can be allowed to fall and cover the sides completely. The sides are good mosquito nets with long zippers so that you can get
in and out or lower the rain flaps in heavy rain. The reason for these shelters is that in Florida the earth stays way too hot all night long. I always pitched mine
so that the lowest point was at least six feet in the air. I stayed cool and bug free and had more comfort than people in expensive campers. As they were
camo colored I could camp without being noticed. The drawback is building a rope bridge to get in and out and God help you if you forget that the first step
might be twelve feet or more!
http://www.instructables.com/id/hammock-camping-the-complete-guide-to-camping-usi/
 barnes says: Sep 7, 2009. 8:16 AM REPLY
I'm never going to bother using a tent again when I'm camping solo.

redsuit09 says: Aug 13, 2009. 11:47 AM REPLY

shoot... i am just using wide rope to hopld up my hammock... good thing i only used it once so far... on my older hammock i had some webbing but i lost that
since then

pogoman12345 says: Jun 16, 2009. 10:06 AM REPLY

i have seen some hammocks that arelike a body bagand are very comfortable (and they keep the bugs out to)

pineapplenewton says: Jun 7, 2009. 9:11 AM REPLY

i slept in a hammock for the first time last night camping and my one comment is if you want to be comfortable make sure you have a bag and/or enough
layers to keep you warm. on the ground you can curl up into a ball if your cold but it can make a hammock uncomfortable.

jpedds says: May 18, 2009. 1:22 PM REPLY

I use a similar setup whenever I go camping and it works great. I made my hammock out of the sides of an old canvas tent and it works amazingly even if it
is a little heavy

spectral08 says: Apr 28, 2009. 6:32 AM REPLY

Great 'ible, but it's also worth mentioning the way the tarp is staked down. Make sure to keep it nice and tight; if you don't, I'd imagine you could collect a
rather large pool of water in it by morning. Other than that, nice work.

bongo matt says: Apr 24, 2009. 9:02 PM REPLY

Stick the mozzie net around the hammock, get a household one, off ebay or something and sew two edges together forming a tube, put your hammock
through it before the hammock is tied to the tree and you have a mozzie net to pull over the entire thing, then at either end once your in, get some elastic and
tie it in clove hitches at the ends to form a seal. no bites!

PresidentAnybody says: Apr 21, 2009. 12:03 AM REPLY

It would be cool to mod it with mosquito netting, sew it to the edges and let it drape down to the ground, I would definitely add it.

tevers94 says: Apr 16, 2009. 2:41 PM REPLY

how do you make that knot, its very confusing? jk

I_am_Canadian says: Mar 28, 2009. 8:29 AM REPLY

Nice idea! I have a idea thats been bumping about in my head for quite some time know... Its basically a tent but in hammock form, its strung up between
two trees, which would be great for wooded and wet conditions.

WereCheetah says: Apr 9, 2009. 11:13 AM REPLY

yeah a hammock tent, those are on the market my brother has one. A little expensive though. so if you need any ideas on making one look them up.

fidgety2 says: Mar 30, 2009. 4:34 AM REPLY

the tent pole has the same purpose as the "tarp rope" it holds the tarp up

wlai says: Mar 30, 2009. 1:05 AM REPLY

So I'm not getting how you'd use the tent pole? Is it to give it a stiff ridge to hang off of?

erosser says: Mar 27, 2009. 7:17 PM REPLY

Great idea! While I was thinking "diagonal" the whole time (a la dchall8's suggestion), you really take into consideration the environmental impact, which the
world needs more people doing these days. The biggest advantage of having a square tarp hung folded over the diagonal is that you shouldn't need strings:
use bungees on the corner grommets instead. Whereas the weave of most blue plastic tarps will sort of buckle on you if you just use bungees on the
grommets to attach the tarp to the tree, a light plastic or canvas tarp won't stretch that badly. Light plastic probably the best bet for backpackers... As far as
using sticks as stakes, I've found Al. tent stakes weigh practically nothing and are far more reliable. Again, just my two cents... Nice job on the Instructable! I
liked your many photo captions in particular. Keep on postin'!

http://www.instructables.com/id/hammock-camping-the-complete-guide-to-camping-usi/
 Fixerdad says: Mar 27, 2009. 6:21 PM REPLY
OK, in a heavy, prolonged rain, doesn't the water run down the ropes & into the hammock? I can see that the knots at the extenders would give it a low spot
on the rope to run off of, but it's water, and will do what it wants, ie. obey gravity and wet what is dry. Have always had the hammock thing floating around
back there some where, thanks for the reminder!

molittr says: Mar 27, 2009. 5:46 PM REPLY

To keep warmer, put a lightweight camping pad in your hammock. Great job!

dchall8 says: Mar 27, 2009. 11:22 AM REPLY

This is a great project for people afraid that the elements would spoil a hammock camping trip. I'm much more afraid of all the creepy things crawling on the
ground in Texas than I am the rain, and this project gets rid of the fear of rain. I lived in a hammock for a summer and have done a lot of reading on
hammock camping. I have some suggestions to consider. 1. Instead of using such a large tarp, use a square tarp that fits diagonally the length of your
hammock. I like a 14 foot distance between trees for my hammock. A 10-foot square tarp will be about 14 feet on the diagonal. Only one tiedown is needed
on each side. This will look like the Hennessy Hammock. 2. Attach your string to the blue webbed strap, not the tree directly. 3. I use gigantic nails instead of
tent poles. They are very heavy but they last forever. Backpackers might not like it but I only need two for a hammock tarp. 4. I tighten all four corners of the
tarp with bungee cord. The bungee does not have to be super tight. The advantage is that the tarp is always pulled taught. With rope the wind can loosen
rope tiedowns and allow the tarp to flap around. You can use rope and a short bungee if you only have short bungees. A friend has tested bungees in wind
up to 70 mph.

pineapplenewton says: Mar 27, 2009. 2:56 PM REPLY

i agree with all you points except the stakes. I recommend making them at each individual campsite out of sticks.

fidgety2 says: Mar 27, 2009. 11:39 AM REPLY

thankyou for such positive response i really appreciate it and will add it into the hammock hut 2.0's design ;)

http://www.instructables.com/id/hammock-camping-the-complete-guide-to-camping-usi/