Backpacking hammocks are a great alternative to camping in a tent in the right conditions but there's a steep learning curve to gearing up and learning how to be comfortable across a wide range of temperatures. While you can educate yourself about all the different types of hammocks, top quilts, bottom quilts, tarps and suspension systems, knots, and titanium whats-its, it can be a very time-consuming process if you're not friends with a bunch of expert hammock gurus who can help you avoid buying gear that doesn't work the way you want it to. Ask me how I know….
If you want to avoid the frustration of teaching hammocking to yourself, you need the new and expanded second edition of the Ultimate Hang: Hammock Camping Illustrated by author and illustrator Derek Hansen. This book is phenomenal. Richly illustrated, it should be titled the Hammock Encyclopedia because it has a drawing illustrating every type of hammock, quilt, tarp, knot, and titanium suspension whats-it you can possibly use, with detailed information about the pros and cons of different option and how to use them. When I first opened this new edition, my jaw dropped. I couldn't believe the amount of detail Derek's packed into this edition, the hundred of illustrations, and the breadth of information provided. This book is a classic and an absolute treasure-trove of hammock know-how for beginners and experts.
I've known Derek for the past five years and he is one of the most modest but knowledgeable people I know on the topic of hammock camping and backpacking. A former Scoutmaster and Leave No Trace Master Educator, the Ultimate Hang explains how to enjoy hammock camping and backpacking in a way that minimizes your environmental footprint while preserving the wilderness for others to enjoy.
Derek has always had a passion for the DIY side of hammocking and this latest edition of the Ultimate Hang illustrates the basic stitches and hems that are used for building you own hammocks and hammock gear. He also includes plans for the following simple projects, which can save you a lot of money and get you hooked on making your own gear.
- Gathered-end Hammock
- Basic Jungle Hammock
- Asymmetric Jungle Hammock
- Mayan Hammock
- WW II Navy Hammock
- Poncho Liner Under Quilt
- Synthetic Under Quilt
- Down Under Quilt
- Top Quilt
- Weather Shield
- Gear Hammock
- Double-sided Stuff Sack
- Ridgeline Organizer
- Boot Gaiters
- Wristies and Gorilla Gloves
- Mittens and Mitten Covers
- 3-Person Hammock Stand
All this in a book that's large enough for a coffee table and will amaze your parents and house guests!
Buy the Ultimate Hang (2nd edition) by Derek Hansen:
For more by Derek Hansen, check out his posts on SectionHiker:
Disclosure: Derek Hansen provided the author with a free book for this review.
Written 2018.
Support SectionHiker.com, where we actually field test the products we review. If you make a purchase after clicking on the links above, a portion of the sale helps support this site at no additional cost to you.The post Everything You Always Wanted to Know About Hammocks* (*But Were Afraid to Ask) appeared first on Section Hikers Backpacking Blog.
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