Ten Reasons Why a Hennessy Hammock is Better Than A Tent

More people than ever before are heading out into nature. There’s just something about packing all of your food and shelter on your back and heading out into the wilderness. Whether your motivation is to get away from the stresses of daily life, enjoy a much needed mental break in the solitude of nature, or you want to explore places unknown, backpacking can do all of this for you — and so much more.
If you’re somewhat new to becoming one with nature and sleeping under the stars, or if your experience with hiking and camping looks something like walking the 50 feet from the car to the campsite — or better yet, getting out of the car and plugging in your pop-up camper, backpacking can seem like a big, exciting adventure. However, the success of your trip and more importantly, your personal safety, depends on making sure that you’ve planned appropriately and are fully prepared for the unexpected.
Read moreFor people who love to hike, or just love to get away and enjoy the outdoors, backpacking is something that many will choose to do at some point. It’s the perfect way to explore more remote areas and relax under the stars at night. There’s nothing worse than being on a beautiful hike, taking in all that nature has to offer, only having to turn around and head back just when the scenery is getting really good. Fortunately, with a little preparation and some quality gear like a hiking hammock from Hennessy Hammock, you can avoid some of the common mistakes that most first-time backpackers tend to make.
Read moreWhen people think of camping, they usually picture a camping spot on the side of a lake beneath a thick pine forest. You know — like in all of the movies? While a nice lakeside camping spot is without a doubt a nice place to hang your hammock, there are plenty more unique places that you can visit. Joshua Tree National Park is one of the most unique places in the country to camp. In fact, this “desert oasis” has somewhat of a cult following in the camping community.
Joshua Tree National Park is a unique desert environment where two major, yet different, desert ecosystems meet. What makes this national park so unique is that it has a high concentration of trees that can only be found in two parts of the world — a small portion of the Southwestern United States and Jerusalem. The Joshua Tree, for which the park is so aptly named for, is a slow-growing tree that is incredibly unique.
Sadly, you can’t hang a camping hammock from these protected trees, but that doesn’t mean you can’t sleep in your Hennessy Hammock ultralight backpacking hammock while visiting. Continue reading to learn more about this magnificent national park and how our durable hammocks can help you explore it.
If you have never camped in the desert, there is no better place to experience it the first time than in Joshua Tree National Park. Located where the Colorado and Mojave ecosystems collide, the vast desert of Joshua Tree National Park is littered with beautiful Joshua Trees and grand rock formations. The real catch, however, is the stargazing. Located over 100 miles east of Los Angeles, Joshua Tree National Park is not subjected to light pollution — meaning that millions of stars in the sky are visible where they might not be elsewhere.
So if you want to see stars like you have likely never seen before, we urge you to pack up your camping hammock and set your GPS for Joshua Tree National Park.
While one might think that there isn’t much to do in the desert, there is. Much like any other national park, you will find plenty of opportunities to backpack, bike, hike, climb, and ride horses. However, Joshua Tree National park does have plenty of things that you are unlikely to find at other national parks — solitude and isolation. While a large number of people visit the park each year, there is a large number of backcountry roads and trails that keep people spread out within the park.
So what are you waiting for? Visit Joshua Tree National Park, get lost (figuratively), and experience stargazing like you never have before from the comfort of your Hennessy Hammock.
At Joshua Tree National Park, there is no shortage of campground options. With over 500 campgrounds in the park, you are sure to find the spot that you are looking for. While campsites are open year-round, it is extremely difficult to get a campsite between September and May. That said, if you plan ahead and reserve a campground online up to six months in advance, you can rest assured that there will be a spot for you!
Being a desert, Joshua Tree National Park has a generally warm and dry climate. Because of this, camping is most popular during the spring and fall months while the average high is 85 degrees Fahrenheit. In the peak of summer, average highs can be over 100 degrees Fahrenheit, making hiking biking and other outdoor activities less comfortable.
Earlier in this blog post you may have noticed that we said the Joshua Trees are protected and therefore you are unable to hang a hammock from them. So why would you bring your hammock to Joshua Tree National Park?
While it might seem like there is no way to hang your camping hammock in the park, there are a few creative ways that you can do so. Below, we have listed a few of our favorites.
The use of camping hammocks is permitted within the campgrounds. While you might not be able to use a Joshua Tree due to their extremely shallow root system, you can use a hammock stand. Being that most of Joshua Tree National Park’s camping spots are accessible by car, you can simply pack up your backyard stand and bring it with you.
Joshua Trees might be unstable, but there still might be a place for you to hang your hammock for an afternoon nap. Throughout the park there are many rock formations that are formidable places to hang a hammock. Just be sure to test the strength of your anchor points before laying in the hammock.
Wait, ground set up with a camping hammock? Well, if you have a Hennessy Hammock ultralight backpacking hammock you can!
As the most versatile camping hammock in the world, our camping hammocks are designed to be set up anywhere — including the ground. To learn more about setting your Hennessy Hammock camping hammock on the ground, we urge you to check out our examples and tutorials!
As always, each adventure can be made better with the use of specially-tailored gear and accessories. For your trip to Joshua Tree national Park, it is no different. Below, we have made a list of some gear that we think might benefit you while on your trip to the desert.
While nobody ever wants to assume that the worst will happen, sometimes accidents are inevitable. Getting lost in the desert is not uncommon when people venture off of the trail. Unlike getting lost in a different environment, access to water might be hard to come by — and access to clean, drinkable water is even more difficult to find.
The Sawyer Mini Water Filtration System is a small, portable water filtration system that is rated at 0.1 micron absolute — meaning that it can take dirty water and make it incredibly clean and drinkable. Additionally, the filter will last for up to 100,000 gallons of filtration, meaning that you will likely never need to replace it. Learn more about this unique emergency tool today.
If you are planning on setting up your camping hammock on the ground, you’ll want to bring a few tent stakes with you when you visit the desert. The Vargo Titanium Tent Stake comes in a six-pack and is incredibly durable. Safely secure your camping hammock today by ordering your Vargo Titanium Tent Stakes.
If you are planning on visiting Joshua Tree national Park, there is no better way to do so than to camp under the stars in your Hennessy Hammock. As the most versatile camping hammock in the world, our hammocks are built to be set up in multiple ways — ensuring that you never spend a night uncomfortable.
So what are you waiting for? Get your Hennessy hammock today and book your camping spot in Joshua Tree National Park tomorrow. Shop now!
Read moreAre you interested in planning a backcountry trip that will leave you forgetting about civilization within a few short days? If so, there are few experiences more wild than planning a trip to Glacier National Park in Montana.
Glacier National Park is a beautiful spectacle of nature. The large, carved valleys that once held prehistoric glaciers and the untouched natural space leaves visitors with a glimpse to the past.
As outdoor enthusiasts, here at Hennessy Hammock, we see Glacier National Park as one of the last pure wildernesses in North America. Because of this, we also believe Glacier National Park to be one of the best places to set out on a long trip with your ultralight backpacking hammock.
In today’s blog post, we are going to discuss more information about Glacier National Park and how you can get the most out of it on your next camping hammock adventure.
Part of what makes Glacier National Park so wild is the fact that it is far away from any major population centers. Located in Northern Montana on the Canadian border, Glacier National Park is relatively hard to get to without flying. Unless you are a resident of Montana or Idaho, that is.
Featuring sharp, jagged peaks, glacial lakes, and thick forest, Glacier National Park is the backcountry adventurers’ dream. Unlike most places in the United States, a backcountry backpacking trip could result in not seeing other people for days at a time.
While people who visit Glacier National Park generally have a hankering for outdoor adventure that involves using streams and lakes to shower for days at a time, there is something for everyone at Glacier National Park. Whether you are spending time at the elegant Lake Mcdonald Lodge or outdoors in your camping hammock, activities like ranger-led tours, backcountry hiking, boating, fishing, skiing, and more are all close by.
Visit the St. Mary Valley, Goat Haunt, North Fork, and lake McDonald areas of the park for a quick day trip or for multiple nights. Whatever the experience is that you’re looking for, there is a place to find it in Glacier National Park. Heck, the chance to see mountain goats up close is reason enough to visit.
Most national parks do not have the accommodations that Glacier National Park has. With five hotels and lodges scattered throughout the park, people who are not keen to sleeping outdoors have an opportunity to sleep comfortably inside — not to mention that a night at the lodge is perfect for the exhausted adventurer coming back out of the woods from their hammock camping trip. In addition to lodges and hotels, Glacier National Park also has 13 car accessible campgrounds that are a perfect place to pitch your tent or hang your camping hammock.
While some people might want to sleep in a bed or a car-access campground, there are those who crave something more wild. Accessible by the over 700 miles of hiking trails found in the park, there are a number of backcountry campgrounds. Space is limited in the backcountry, however, and permits must be obtained in order to be able to use them. Learn more about backcountry permits for your next hammock camping trip.
The Continental Divide runs through the center of Glacier National Park, creating two unique climates. To the west, the Pacific Maritime climate features heavy precipitation and moderate temperatures. To the east, the Arctic Continental climate features dry winds and limited precipitation.
Winters in the park are quite cold and snowy — with major thoroughfares like Going-to-the-sun Road being closed for the winter and a good portion of spring. Summers, however, are quite warm during most days with temperatures becoming brisk at night.
Are you interested in planning a backcountry trip with your ultralight backpacking hammock? If so, there may not be a better place in the world to do so than at Glacier National Park. Featuring over 700 miles of trails, both developed and primitive, you can really “get lost” in total nature immersion.
When packing your gear, make sure that you have insulation, a rain cover, and bug netting for your camping hammock. While in most cases you will have predictable weather and bugs will be minimal, things can change at a moment's notice in the backcountry. Also be sure to have a plan, and communicate said plan to someone who is not going into the backcountry prior to departing.
Whether you are an experienced backcountry traveler or someone new to camping entirely, it is important to make sure you have the proper gear. Sure, it might be forecast to be sunny and warm for the entirety of the trip, but that is no reason to leave your rain fly and rain coat at home. Aside from the obvious items that you should bring with you, there are a few extra items that you could benefit from bringing. Learn more below.
When you are spending time in the backcountry — and especially if you’ll be covering large distances — it is important to pack with a priority on quality rather than quantity. With pots, pans, and cooking tools it is no different.
Rather than carrying a heavy set of pots and pans, carry the Evernew Ultralight Mug Pot. As a titanium container, it is light and can be used to cook, eat, and boil water — essentially everything that you’ll need while out on the trail. Learn more about this must-have backcountry tool today.
When it comes to camping hammocks, it is important to always have replacement parts — especially fly tensioners.
The Rianfly’s main purpose is to stay tight while covering you and your belongings. In doing so, it allows gravity to effortlessly shed the rain from the fly. If a tensioner breaks while in the backcountry, your camping hammock will no longer function to the best of its abilities. Keeping extra tensioners is a safe way to keep your camping hammock functioning optimally.
Are you interested in a lengthy backpacking trip? Because if you are, we believe that Glacier National Park might be the perfect place for you to visit.
When backpacking in Glacier national Park, be sure to bring the best gear with you — gear like a Hennessy Hammock ultralight backpacking hammock. So what are you waiting for? Check out the Hennessy Hammock store today to find your new favorite outdoor sleeping solution. Read moreWhen people think of national parks, the first two images that usually pop into their heads are the Grand Canyon in Arizona and Half Dome in Yosemite National Park. Half Dome, along with being a natural icon, is a world-class tourist destination that everyone should visit during their lifetime. That said, Half Dome is just one small part of the expansive Yosemite National Park.
While some people think of visiting a national park as taking a day trip to drive through it and stopping at scenic overviews for pictures along the way, the best way to truly experience the Yosemite Valley is to plan a camping trip. Featuring hundreds of miles of trails and countless historical locations, Yosemite National Park is a great place to spend a week or more camping — especially if hammock camping is something that you’re interested in.
At Hennessy Hammock, we have designed the most comfortable, durable, and functional portable camping hammock of all time. Designed to handle the jungles of Southeast Asia, the deserts of the Southwestern United States, the boreal forests of Northern Canada, and just about any other extreme location, a Hennessy Hammock camping hammock is built to handle whatever you throw at it.
Continue reading as we discuss hammock camping in Yosemite National Park, as well as how our ultralight backpacking hammocks can take you farther on your next adventure.
Yosemite National Park is one of the most accessible national parks in the country — but don't be confused — there are still plenty of wild things to do there. Featuring wild outdoor activities like rafting, horseback riding, backpacking, climbing, biking, and more, there is something for every outdoor enthusiast within the confines of the park. Heck, the park even has amenities like spas, luxury hotels, and private cabins for those who like the finer things in life. Learn more about the park today by visiting the National Park Service website.
When you are planning on visiting Yosemite National Park, be sure to first check the National parks Service website to see if there are any closures or restrictions. In doing so, you won’t have to travel all the way to the park before learning the trail that you were most excited for has been closed for maintenance.
Offering activities for the rugged outdoorsman and the city slicker, Yosemite National Park has a diverse variety of activities available. For some, the best activity might be a ranger-led interpretive program. For others, a two-week backpacking trip might seem like a better alternative. Luckily, both are options. Browse all of the activities offered at Yosemite National Park today.
Yosemite National Park is a very large park, meaning that different campsites are open at different times of the year. That said, unless there are mid-season closures or restrictions, they all are open within predetermined dates. Learn more about each campsite and when they are open by visiting the National Park Service site.
Yosemite National Park covers nearly 1,200 square miles in the Sierra Nevada mountains with elevations ranging from 2,000 feet above sea level to 13,000 feet in elevation. Because of this, there are a number of microclimates within the ecosystem. When planning a camping hammock trip, be sure to consider what time of year it is and the location within the park that you intend to visit. In doing so, you will be able to better prepare. Learn more about the average temperature and precipitation of each month.
If you have ever considered going on a backpacking trip, you have likely heard about the Pacific Crest Trail and the John Muir Trail. As two of the most iconic thru-hiking trails in the country, countless people flock each year to the Yosemite Valley to try and experience even small sections of the trails. That said, if you strike out trying to get a permit for either of those trails, there are still plenty of other trail systems in the valley that you would enjoy trekking with your ultralight backpacking hammock.
Depending on the time of year that you are visiting the park, the weather could be very warm or very cold — making it extremely important to do your research. In the summer, campers might be able to sleep in their camping hammocks under the stars — with no need for a rainfly. Other times, however, a camper might want to carry insulation for their camping hammock to avoid a cold, sleepless night in the rain or snow. Before packing up your ultralight camping hammock, be sure to check the weather forecast and pack accordingly.
The best part about camping with an ultralight backpacking hammock is that they are fully adaptable to meet any need that might arise. Are you going to be camping in a place without trees? Simply set up your camping hammock on the ground using a hiking pole like a bivouac bag. Are you going to be hiking long distances? Then opt for a lighter model or strip the weight by exchanging your rain fly. With a camping hammock, the opportunities and adaptations are limitless. Below, we have listed a few of our favorite camping accessories for our ultralight backpacking hammocks.
When you are planning on hiking upwards of 10 miles per day, every second counts — meaning that cooking breakfast and camping hammock tear down should be quick — getting you on the trail faster. The SnakeSkins are an instant stuff sack for your Hennessy Hammock camping hammock that allows you to take it down and pack it away in seconds.
With an average takedown time of 30 seconds, the SnakeSkins are the perfect stuff sack to get you on the trail faster. Learn more about SnakeSkins today.
If you are looking for a high-quality ultralight backpacking hammock for your trip to the Yosemite Valley, we urge you to check out our inventory of proven camping hammocks. Adventure awaits — let a Hennessy Hammock take you farther.
Read moreOlympic National Park is a beautiful protected space on the Olympic Peninsula in Washington. Since being designated a protected area in 1897, Olympic National Park has been visited by millions of people from all over the world.
What makes Olympic National Park so unique is its humid climate and beautiful trees — something that all hammock campers can appreciate. At Hennessy Hammock, we believe that portable camping hammocks like ours are an invaluable camping essential that can help you explore natural areas like Olympic National Park more efficiently. Continue learning as we discuss this beautiful national park and the countless opportunities it can provide when hammock camping.
Before you start to plan your trip to the most beautiful national park in the Pacific Northwest, be sure to visit the National Park Service website to see if there are any restrictions or closures that might interfere with your travel plans. In doing so, you can avoid any unforeseen issues that could potentially derail your adventure.
At Olympic National Park, there is no shortage of activities to participate in. You can backpack for days at a time or experience many day hikes from your car. You can kayak Lake Pateros or you can swim and cliff jump in The Narrows Swimming Hole. In short, there is an adventure worthy of embarking on out there for everyone to enjoy.
Entrance: $15–$200
Campgrounds: $15–$22
Wilderness Camping: $8 per night (not including $6 permit fee)
There are a number of different types of campsites in Olympic National Park. That said, campsites are available all year-round. Cost may vary between dispersed camping sites and backcountry camping sites.
As a camper, it is important to consider the climate prior to packing for your trip — and Olympic National Park has a climate that most are not used to. Being a high-elevation coastal park, Olympic National Park can see temperatures as low as 10 degrees Fahrenheit during the summer in high elevations — meaning that warm clothing and sleeping insulation should never be forgotten. Additionally, it rains hard and often in the park during the summer — meaning that you should prioritize the use of waterproof, water-resistant, and fast-drying clothes and equipment.
While Olympic National Park is a great place for anyone to camp, it is especially great for those who prefer to bring their ultralight camping hammock with them on their adventure. Hammock camping, at its core, is a way to camp comfortably in a functional hanging tent — keeping you warm and dry while also keeping you off of the cold, hard ground.
In the Pacific Northwest, keeping your camping spot and gear dry is incredibly important. The heavy moisture in the air can make the temperature feel cooler than it really is while keeping the ground soaked for a long time after rain falls. Because of this, a camping hammock becomes a great outdoor sleeping solution.
Hanging high off of the cold, hard ground, camping hammocks do not subject their user to laying in moisture. Additionally, camping hammocks have excellent rainfly systems that protect the user from rain and blowing wind. In short, an ultralight backpacking hammock like ours here at Hennessy Hammock, can comfortably protect you from all sides.
Aside from your durable Hennessy Hammock, there are a few other gear items that you might want to consider bringing along on your journey. Below, we have listed a few of our favorite camping accessories that will make your trip more enjoyable.
If you are going to be camping in a rainy environment, it makes sense to bring along the best rainfly possible. The Monsoon Rainfly is a modified shock corded asymmetrical fly that has detachable “blast panels” that create a fully-enclosed, watertight space.
Born to weather the tropical storms of Tahiti and the alpine rainforests of New Zealand, this heavy-duty camping hammock rainfly is sure to keep you and your gear dry — regardless of the weather conditions thrown at you. Learn more about the Hennessy Hammock Monsoon Fly today.
At Hennessy Hammock, we have worked for decades to design a camping hammock capable of four-season use. One of the ways that we learned to do so is to never skimp out on insulation. Hennessy Hammock insulation systems attach below the hammock, creating an insulated barrier beneath you while your hammock insulates the space above you.
With easy assembly and comfortable use, camping hammock insulation systems are a must-have accessory when visiting Olympic National Park. Learn more about our camping hammock insulation products today.
HH20 Automagic Water Collectors are an innovative water collection tool that helps collect water naturally from your camping hammock’s fly as you sleep. Simply attach the water collectors to the “O” rings on your rainy and let gravity collect the water safely in a jug below.
With the humid, stormy climate of Olympic National Park, a water collection tool is easy to use and invaluable. Learn more about the HH20 AutoMagic Water Collector & Rainfly Tensioner today.
Are you ready to order a camping hammock for your next national park adventure? If so, we urge you to check out our large inventory of tried and true camping hammocks. Our hammocks are built to last and to take you farther on your next adventure, so stay tuned to our blog series to learn more about our 10 favorite national parks for hammock camping.
Read moreIf you have ever seen a framed portrait of sharp mountains rising out of the prairie below, it is more than likely that you were looking at a picture of the Teton Mountains in Grand Teton National Park. If that picture also features a herd of bison or a sage grouse, it was most definitely Grand Teton National Park.
At Hennessy Hammock, we love images like the iconic photos of the Teton Range because they illustrate just how wild the world still is. And as explorers and adventurers ourselves, we have designed and manufactured functional camping hammocks that help other outdoor enthusiasts explore the places they love — places like Grand Teton National Park.
Join us as we talk more about Grand Teton National Park, the activities that the park provides, and how our ultralight backpacking hammocks can help you explore it.
Grand Teton National Park is located in Northwestern Wyoming, just south of Yellowstone National Park. Because it is so close to Yellowstone, it often does not get the recognition that it deserves as one of the most beautiful places in the United States. In reality, Grand Teton National Park might have just as much to offer as Yellowstone — well, without the geysers and hot springs, that is.
When you visit Grand Teton National Park, you’ll have a long list of activities and places to visit to choose from. Regardless of what you choose to do, you will be fully immersed in both nature and natural history.
Like Yellowstone National Park, Grand Teton National Park has no shortage of activities to participate in and places to go. Featuring guided ranger programs, scenic drives, backcountry camping, biking, climbing, and other adventure sports, you could spend days in the park participating in fun activities.
Another great thing about Grand Teton National Park is that you can visit it year-round and still have plenty of activities to choose from. In the summer, paddling, biking, climbing, and hiking is available on hundreds of miles of trails and river. In winter, snowshoeing and skiing allow you to explore the solitude of the snowy park. So when you plan your trip, plan ahead — because the sheer number of activities that you can participate in might overwhelm you.
Camping at Grand Teton National Park is one of the most sought-after activities. For some, they prefer to camp in a car-access campground where they can still wake up immersed in nature. Others, however, wish to make their camping trip a little more extreme. For car campers, there are six beautiful campgrounds to choose from scattered throughout the park. For those who prefer something a little bit more extreme like camping in the backcountry, you will need to get a permit.
Backcountry camping is incredibly exciting. You walk out into nature — isolating yourself — and time seems to run slower. While many people might see the appeal of backcountry camping, they usually think of having to carry their heavy tent, only to set it up and sleep uncomfortably on the ground in the middle of nowhere. But at Hennessy Hammock, we say that you don’t have to sleep uncomfortably in the backcountry ever again. Check out our ultralight backpacking hammocks today.
When planning your trip to Grand Teton National Park, you’ll want to consider what time of year that you will visit so that you have a general idea of how to pack. In the summer months, the average daily temperature is 77°F. During the spring, temperatures typically range from a low of 22°F to a high of 49°F.
While winter travel to the park is not as common as visitor travel in the spring and summer months, there are still plenty of people who do it. Keep in mind that you’ll want to pack warm though. During winter months, you can expect an average temperature of around 28°F.
Last, but not least, you’ll want to consider the elevation that you intend on camping at, as temperatures drop 4°F for every 1,000 feet in elevation gain.
If you plan on camping in the backcountry, we strongly suggest that you bring along an ultralight backpacking hammock from Hennessy Hammock. Not only are our camping hammocks comfortable — keeping you off of the cold, hard ground, but they are also extremely light. Traveling easier and sleeping better can help you adventure farther!
Within the park, there are a large number of backpacking routes that you can choose from — all of which vary in distance and elevation change. Because of this, you can tailor a trip to meet your needs and desires. Consider checking out the Teton Crest Trail to see what your hammock camping trip could be like.
Before you head out on your adventure, be sure to check out our online store to find great outdoor gear for your trip. From camping hammocks to replacement parts, accessories, outdoor cooking solutions, and more, you are sure to find something for your gear bag.
At Hennessy hammock, we manufacture all of our camping hammocks to protect you from the elements. We also do it with a calculated amount of materials so that you can save space in your pack while carrying less weight. That said, sometimes a larger, heavier rainfly can be helpful in the backcountry.
The Hex Rainfly is a large camping hammock cover that can protect you in all weather situations. That said, it can also be used in a number of other ways as a sun shield during the day or a community rain cover that you and your friends can use to hide from the storm. Find your favorite color rainfly today.
So what are you waiting for? Order your Hennessy Hammock camping hammock today so that you can start planning your trip to Grand Teton National Park tomorrow. Shop now.
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