Building a network, on the other hand, is not always as happy as the network itself.
In fact, while most of us know the ins and outs of installing a hammock pole in trees, trying to hang your hammock when you’re not in the woods is a challenge.
The good news is that we are here to help you. Whether you’re looking to create a place to nap in your backyard or want to go camping with a tree-free hammock, there’s a solution for your needs.
In this article, we will introduce 6 treeless methods for networks. So you’ll know how to hang a tree-free hammock on all your next adventures.
Table of Contents
1. Make A Stick Tripod
You will need experience with this method; you will make a net for yourself.
Locate sticks that are 3 to 4 inches in diameter and about 8 feet long. Create two tripods that are tall enough to hang the hammock on the ground and sturdy enough to hold yourself in it, and secure it all with rope, tying a wooden knot and then a tripod lock.
Place a pole between the tripods with the ends resting on each pod. This is the pole that you will hang your hammock on.
Test the configuration before joining the network. Grab one end of the top pole and see if you can support your body weight with your legs off the ground. If you can, you can catch it in its web.
2. Tying Between Two Poles
You can also use old or spare poles to make a tripod, as seen above. However, since tent poles are made from stronger materials than wood, you may not need a full tripod setup, depending on how strong your poles are.
You can simply use a single post on each side as long as you install heavy duty J-hooks on each one. This must be done at home, before the trip. Be sure to drill holes in the tent pole with a steel drill.
Once in place, dig a hole and secure the stake in a sandbag or similar to ensure it is anchored in the hole. Fill in the area around the hole.
Now you can test your configuration. Put your luggage in the hammock to make sure it stays stable. If so, take your bags and sit in the hammock. If there are no problems, your network is safe to use.
3. Attaching to Your Car or Truck
Your car roof rack or any other part of your car that won’t bend or get damaged will work well as a hammock anchor.
If you take two vehicles with you on the trip, you can even hang your hammock between them.
One of the easiest ways to anchor your hammock to your car is to use the door. To see how:
- Get a 1-by-2-inch piece of wood about four inches long
- make a hole
- Thread a 1-inch piece of tubular fabric through the hole, with a knot secured at one end.
- Attach the hammock to the leash ring with a carabiner
- Place the wood over the car door and close the door.
- The rest of the fabric and mesh will remain on the outside of the door and will hang nicely. You can see this method and many others in the following video.
4. Rocks
Another option for treeless hammock camping is rocks.
The good news is that attaching the net to the rocks is relatively easy.
To do this, find rocks 10 to 18 feet away and make sure they are big enough to support your weight. This usually involves looking for rocks that are at least 6-8 feet tall.
You have a few options for setting up your hammock on the rocks.
- You can create strong anchor points by tying very long pieces of web or strips of trees around the rocks.
- You can also use climbing tools (such as cams and nuts) to anchor yourself in the rock.
- However, if you plan to use climbing gear for your set up, educate yourself on how to do it correctly to avoid injury.
5. Hammock Stands
A network booth is one of the most cost-effective ways to make the entire world a network-friendly zone.
Net supports are usually two long support rails that run parallel to the ground.
Both ends of the rails fold down and stop at a suitable height to hang the hammock. There may be hooks, rings, pulleys, or other devices at each end to secure the net.
There are many different types of network mounts out there. So when looking for the right network mount for your outdoor adventure, keep a few things in mind:
- Configuration – Your network support shouldn’t require any special skills or tools to configure.
- Portability: You should look for a lightweight model. This easily packs up and transports with your camping gear.
- Strength and Durability: Your ideal support should comfortably support your weight and not bend when getting in and out.
- Rainfly Feature – If your hammock stand doesn’t already come with a Rainfly, you should find one with a top rail so you can put down a tarp on rainy days to stay dry.
6. Building A Hammock Structure
You may want to consider building a permanent structure for a hammock campsite in your backyard.
This can be as simple as a homemade cabin or as elaborate as a complete waterproof sleeping area.
A network structure can be built in several ways. You can adjust your layout according to your budget and available space.
The idea behind most of these netting structures is essentially similar to making netting anchors out of posts.
However, creating a comprehensive framework allows you to take your project to the next level.
7. Check For Fencing, Posts, And Poles
In general, any sturdy accessory will do to suspend the hammock. Fences, posts, and stakes around the field will suffice.
However, you can’t just set up your network and be done with it. Camp administrators may not like this, so always ask permission before deciding to use camping accessories to tie down your hammock.
And always remember to leave your camp exactly as you found it, so you don’t do anything that will leave a mark. If you can’t hang your hammock without changing an accessory, it’s best to avoid it altogether.
More Tips For Hammock Camping
Finding a suitable place to hang your hammock isn’t the only thing you need to do to make your camping trip more comfortable. You always have to be prepared for any nature and circumstance.
Here are some tips to make your online journey as safe and comfortable as possible:
- Have a plan B; bring a small individual tent or tarp to sleep on if you can’t find a way to suspend the hammock
- Test your network; sit carefully for a few minutes before committing to lie down on it
- Consider a tarp; Putting a tarp over your hammock will help protect it from the elements – see the best camping tarps for hammocks
- Consider mosquito nets
- Play around with your settings for maximum warmth; consider a sleeping bag instead of a duvet or a mat instead of a quilt
- Camp near a windbreak to stay warm and comfortable
FAQs On How To Hang A Hammock Without a Tree
How to hang a hammock with posts?
Hanging a net from the poles requires two 8-foot long poles at least 12 feet apart, quick-setting concrete, and grommets/hooks. Fix the two posts with cement and allow to dry for a minimum of 48 hours. Screw the eye/hook into the posts at a height of approximately 5 feet from the ground. Finally, using the carabiners provided with the net, secure it in place.
How much space is required to hang a hammock?
Indoors may have limited space, but outdoors can give you much more room to work. In an ideal scenario, the nets can be hung when the fixing points are approximately 12 feet apart. The net should be 18 inches off the ground with 6 feet of clearance above it, and should ideally be at least 2 feet on each side for smooth swinging.
How to hang a hammock with rope and what knot to use?
Using rope to secure hammocks is one of the most traditional methods, and tying the perfect knot is a skill you must perfect to hang your hammock. As for which rope to use, consider investing in synthetic nylon or polypropylene ropes. Learning the falconer’s knot would be your best bet. Other knots that can be useful are the lace knot, the half knot, and the taut string.
Where to hang a hammock?
A hammock is quite versatile in terms of where it can be hung. While using two trees as anchors is the more conventional option, it’s not the only option, and you should consider overhead branches or hazards if you plan to use a tree. Other options include net supports, poles, net frames, vehicles, and many more. Regardless of which one you choose, attention to safety must come first.