The Commandments of Hammocking

[angrysparrow]

Maybe something about "leave no trace" camping, not damaging trees, and in particular, not doing anything to cause any authority figure to disallow hammock use in their park/wilderness/whatever ... someone with more poetic energy can perhaps render something along that line in Commandment form. Me, I'm a pastafarian, we don't go for the stone tablets approach ... <g>

How about phrasing that as 'Thou shalt not spoil it for the rest of us'.

[Hooch]

How about something to the effect of "Thou shalt not make fun of anyone else's hammock setup"? Just because you don't like it, doesn't mean it won't work perfectly fine for someone else.

[Peter_pan]

Turk, et al,

As much as I agree with the priority need for bottom insulation, The first hammock commandment should be something like.


I am the highest style of camping, you shall not have lesser camping styles before me.


Pan

[gunn parker]

1. Thou shall practice and understand your hammock BEFORE going forth to the woods.
-Lest thy spend the first night in a hammock planted firmly upon the ground.

2. Thou shall require Bottom Insulation.
- Hammocks get cold on the bottom in all but the warmest weather.
Using a pad, pod, or underquilt will keep you warm in diverse weather
conditions. Each system has its own unique pros and cons and temp ratings.

3. Thy Hammock shall be protected from the storm.
- You need a tarp to stay dry. Smaller tarps save weight and are good for
light rain with little wind. Larger tarps are required for wind blown rain and
to protect underquilts or pods from getting wet. Under and over covers
provide additional protection and some warmth

4. Thy Hammock shall not fall to certain doom.
- You need to think about your suspension system. There are plenty of options. Knots, ropes, webbing, rings, buckles and other gadgets to provide you with many ways to secure your hammock quickly and safely every time.

5. Thou shall not covet thy neighbor's hammock.
- With so many different types of hammocks on the market, its hard to
know what to get. Comfort is very subjective. Your setup is very personal.
Try many different types if possible before making a purchase. Learn about
the different makes and models and decide what features you need or want.
Don't rule out making your own. It can be done easily and with little required skills.

6. Thou shalt not sabotage thine own hammock.
-Empty your pockets and belt of all sharp objects before entering the hammock.

7. Thou shalt take advantage of the versatility of hanging options a hammock provides.
-Don't settle for a plain flat camping spot when more unique opportunities are available. Make the most of your options by hanging across streams, between boulders, by scenic vistas, etc.

8. Thou shalt practice "leave no Trace" hanging.
-Do not cause damage to any tree or any wilderness area, Thou shalt not spoil it for everyone else.

[stoikurt]

Thou shalt make thy Hammock and Hammock System thy own.
It's your hammock and hammock system. Don't be afraid to make whatever modifications are necessary to make it more comfortable, easier to set up or take down, etc. If you've modified it and like it, great. Feel free to share any modifications you make with the community. If your ideas get picked apart, who cares, as long as you like what you have.

[Cuffs]

Thou wilt realize that hammocks are like tattoos, once you get over the fear and get your first one, immediately you want another on, too, because it is cool in a different way, and then you want a different one than that one, too.

Note: No, I don't have a tattoo, yet. Considering that I now own 3
hammocks, I'm afraid of what I'd do inside of a tattoo parlor.

Just know that tatts, like gear, are addictive! I read that is a book and didnt believe it until a few months after my first one... then two... now three, wanting a fourth...

[sk8rs_dad]

Thou shalt choose thy hang with a care for your safety
no dead trees, or under "widowmakers" or between speeding trucks, or ...

[gunn parker]

1. Thou shall practice and understand your hammock BEFORE going forth to the woods.
-Lest thy spend the first night in a hammock planted firmly upon the ground.

2. Thou shall require Bottom Insulation.
- Hammocks get cold on the bottom in all but the warmest weather.
Using a pad, pod, or underquilt will keep you warm in diverse weather
conditions. Each system has its own unique pros and cons and temp ratings.

3. Thy Hammock shall be protected from the storm.
- You need a tarp to stay dry. Smaller tarps save weight and are good for
light rain with little wind. Larger tarps are required for wind blown rain and
to protect underquilts or pods from getting wet. Under and over covers
provide additional protection and some warmth

4. Thy Hammock shall not fall to certain doom.
- You need to think about your suspension system. There are plenty of options. Knots, ropes, webbing, rings, buckles and other gadgets to provide you with many ways to secure your hammock quickly and safely every time.

5. Thou shall not covet thy neighbor's hammock.
- With so many different types of hammocks on the market, its hard to
know what to get. Comfort is very subjective. Your setup is very personal.
Try many different types if possible before making a purchase. Learn about
the different makes and models and decide what features you need or want.
Don't rule out making your own. It can be done easily and with little required skills.

6. Thou shalt not sabotage thine own hammock.
-Empty your pockets and belt of all sharp objects before entering the hammock.

7. Thou shalt take advantage of the versatility of hanging options a hammock provides.
-Don't settle for a plain flat camping spot when more unique opportunities are available. Make the most of your options by hanging across streams, between boulders, by scenic vistas, etc.

8. Thou shalt practice "leave no Trace" hanging.
-Do not cause damage to any tree or any wilderness area, Thou shalt not spoil it for everyone else.

9. Thou shalt make thy Hammock and Hammock System thy own.
-It's your hammock and hammock system. Don't be afraid to make whatever modifications are necessary to make it more comfortable, easier to set up or take down, etc.

10.Thou shalt choose thy hang with a care for your safety.
-No dead trees, or under "widowmakers" or between speeding trucks, or anywhere you may be harmed.

[turk]

That is looking pretty good!

[tanpuma]

Did anyone say: Enjoy your hammock,
remember to get out between the trees and hang awhile.
Even if for a short time at your local park.
Hang time. very important.