Summertime is camping time, and nothing’s better than spending the warm summer evenings by a campfire underneath the stars.
The Snugpak Tropical Hammock
Anyone who doesn’t want to spend the hot summer nights in a stuffy tent, I recommend that you spend it in a hammock. It really is something special. In a hammock, you’re that much closer to nature; there’s no tent wall between you and the fresh air and the sounds of nature. Sure, it does take a little getting used to in the beginning, but pretty soon you’re just enjoying the gentle swaying between the trees.
There’s already a large fan-base out there who choose to only sleep in hammocks, and not just in summer either. The advantages are obvious. A hammock weighs practically nothing, takes up hardly any space in your bag, and you can hang it up lots of places where it would be impossible to set up a tent. There are even options for hammock camping even in low temperatures, such as the Hammock Under Blanket from Snugpak, which protects the exposed underside from wind and cold. A tarp is also useful to shield you from rain and such, making your night in the hammock as comfortable as possible.
Personally I prefer hammock camping in warmer temperatures, so the Tropical Hammock was perfect for me. And the most important factor in warmer temperatures: the breathability of the material. The Tropical Hammock is made from lightweight but extremely strong parachute material and is highly breathable, making it perfect for mild summer nights or in warmer climates.
Weighing just 530g (including carabiners and guy ropes; 380g without carabiners) and having a pack size of 18 x 10cm, you won’t even notice you’re carrying it. Even the colour—olive—is inconspicuous, and blends in nicely with the natural surroundings, which I really like.
The hammock is very easy to set up. With the included carabiners and the Suspension Attachment System, even someone like me who hasn’t had so much experience with hammocks was able to get horizontal and kick my legs up in under two minutes.
With a length of 275cm, the Tropical Hammock has enough room even for us taller people. I also found the width of 135cm very generous. There’s enough material left to completely cover yourself, which is particularly useful if you don‘t want to be woken up at first light.
Like on some other hammocks too, the pocket that is sewn into the side that can be used to store things when you are in the hammock, doubles as a stuff sack. Also, the hammock comes in a nylon mesh bag which can also double as a laundry bag when you’re not using it for the hammock.
Conclusion: I’m seriously considering whether to switch completely to hammock camping. The view of the hanging branches and leaves while lying suspended between the trees is hard to give up. At the very least, I’ll definitely be taking the Tropical Hammock on my shorter summer trips—it weighs nothing anyway! Even if I don’t end up using it at night, it’s doubly perfect for that afternoon nap.
– Dimensions: 275 x 135cm
– Pack size: 18 x 10cm
– Weight: 530g (including carabiners and guy ropes)
– Colour: Olive
(Photos: Julia Zierer for Outdoor Aesthetics)
