DD Travel Hammock aka The Joy of Hammock Camping

     As a budding Bushcrafter/Wilderness Girl on a budget, I've been slow to accumulate my own gear, and incredibly grateful to friends who have been willing to loan me theirs, or even better, give me their starter gear when they upgraded. 

Hennessy Expedition Hammock

    It was in this manner that I was able to experience hammock camping for the first time. I was sceptical at first, but once I tried it, there was no turning back. It felt wonderful  to be off the ground and take the pressure off my joints.  I'm loathe to admit it, but I do have a touch of arthritis that just does not appreciate waking up on the cool, damp ground, no matter how comfortable I make my bed. I would wake up stiff and sore each morning.  Not so in the hammock.  But since I was starting to get less than subtle hints that perhaps my friend would appreciate being able to sleep in his own hammock, it was time to start researching and find one that would work best for me. It's amazing how helpful technology can be to a wilderness experience. 

   My first internet destination was Hennessy, since I had been using the Expedition version of this brand.  I loved the surprisingly roomy interior of this model, but I was less than pleased with the enter/exit process.  There are no zippers, but rather, a self-closing slit in one end of the bottom, where you crawl in and out.  Entering involves shifting your sleeping bag and pad out of the way, then back in place once you are in. The exit process involves a similar annoyance, and feels rather like being birthed from a hippo. Or at least what I would imagine it to be like.  Only less messy. 


      Hennessy also has a zip version of the Expedition, and I considered it for purchase.  But, being a person that enjoys experiencing new things, I decided to explore my options.  An internet search for camping hammocks turned up several sites, but I kept being drawn back to DD Hammocks, a UK based company.  They have several different models, but there were two clear choices for me: the Travel or the Frontline.  Both hammocks feature fine mesh mosquito netting with zippers on each side for easy entrance/exit and the ability to tie it up when it's not needed. They are almost 9 ft long, and weigh around 2 lbs.  The difference lies in the material.  The Frontline features a soft, breathable, polyester bottom; ideal for warm weather camping.  The Travel features a waterproof bottom (adding a few ounces to the weight) so it can be used directly on the ground as a bivy.  A double base layer on both hammocks provides space for a foam pad for comfort and insulation. 

Pure Bliss

     I decided to go with the Travel version for it's versatility.  After purchasing it from my favourite Canadian gear provider, TrueNorth Bushcraft , I was anxious to test it out.  In fact, I had it in my back yard as soon as it was delivered. I must admit, I was a little confused by the set-up at first, since it doesn't come with instructions.  But some online research, combined with experimentation and input from an experienced hammock camper, provided some great results and I was soon enjoying the comfort of my labour.  That was all well and good, but I knew the real test was yet to come.  The buggy extended camp mentioned in the previous posts. 

    I confess to having help with set-up.  When I arrived at camp it was quite late in the evening, and for the sake of expediting the process so I wouldn't get eaten alive, again I was grateful to have an experienced hammock camper's assistance.  When it was time to settle in for the night, I was amazed with how easy it was to get in and out.  Simply unzip, sit, swing your legs around, and zip up.  Preferably with some speed to decrease the amount of tiny vampires which enter with you.  The width felt lacking when compared with the Hennessy, however there was plenty of length, and the raised mosquito netting made it feel quite roomy.  And with 2 pockets sewn in the base, and loops in the mesh, I had no trouble finding a place for glasses, headlamp, etc.  After spending the night in it, the biggest thing I noticed was that the foam pad stayed firmly in place between the two layers, which made shifting positions during the night much easier.  And the waterproof double layer was impossible for the mosquitoes to bite through, even if I did have a leg off the mat.  The only negative I found was that the netting seemed to cave in on me over the night, but that was fixed by simply adding tension to the cord that held it up. 

DD Travel Hammock

    After spending a few nights in my DD, and making minor adjustments, I felt I was ready to make a fair assessment.  With comparison in mind,  I traded hammocks to make sure the Hennessy experience was fresh in my mind as well.  I groaned at the usual entrance ordeal.  I complained at the effort to adjust the foam pad.  And I grumbled at the effort to get in my sleeping bag.  But once settled, I had to admit that the width of the Hennessy did leave room to luxuriously stretch out.  As long as I stayed on the mat. While the soft polyester felt much nicer against my skin than the waterproof base in mine,  it left me vulnerable to attack from outside forces.  Mosquitoes found the weak spot and attack en mass as I slept. And since I kept sliding down and the pad kept shifting during the night, they had quite a feast. 

DD Travel Hammock and Hennessy Expedition

 I was happy to trade back.  As comfortable as I had always found the Hennessy before, by comparison, the DD Hammock is definitely the right choice for me.  But it's not for everyone, and the Hennessy definitely has it's advantages.  The quality of the stitching is noticeably higher in the Hennessy, and that could make a huge difference in longevity.  The breathable polyester material was much more comfortable (the DD feels a little clammy on a humid night). And the diamond shape base makes it much more comfortable for diagonal sleeping and a true hammock camping experience.  By comparison the DD felt more like a bed, rigid and straight, but everything...including myself...stayed where it was supposed to. In the end, it's all up to personal preference.  My friend still loves his Hennessy.  I prefer the DD.  We're both comfortable, and that's the main thing.

  If you've never tried hammock camping, I highly suggest you give it a go. Unless you suffer severely from motion sickness (you will rock for a few moments after getting in or shifting position), you'll likely find it to be the most comfortable sleep you've ever had in the woods.  Normally I long for the comfort of my own bed after an extended camp.  But after the first night of sleeping in my own bed, I woke up confused, wondering why my hammock was feeling so uncomfortable.  That, my friends, is the best endorsement I can give to hammock camping.

    I'll be heading out for an overnight this weekend with some close friends.  It's in a campground, so I seriously considered taking my tent.  My big, bulky tent, that takes half an hour to set up and then I still have to set up the bed which may or may not be comfortable, depending on the terrain.  Or I can take the hammock, be set up in 15 minutes, and know that I will sleep comfortably through the night.  Hmmm...yeah.  Tough decision.  ;o)


BG

Peace

     The first week back from an extended camp always requires some acclimatization.  Life just seems somehow...simpler...out there, in spite of all the modern conveniences at home.  This past week was no exception.  In addition to the standard adjustments and the chaos of being back to work after a week away, were the tragic losses that two families I love dearly have faced.  It has been a week that has made me crave the peace of the wilderness yet again.  And so, an extra post.  To remind myself of what is out there waiting for my return.  To focus on the peace and tranquility of the forest and find it again in myself. And to remember the enjoyable parts of camp, not just the annoyance of the mosquitoes.

     With that in mind, here a few photos, and a poem I wrote when I first rediscovered the peace that is held within the woods.  I hope you find peace in it as well.

Peace.
Stillness.
Sanctuary.
Silence,
but for the rustle of the leaves under her feet
and the call of an occasional bird.
A forgotten love revisited. 
Her mind joins the wilderness in its quiet. 
Only here does it rest. 
All of life's struggles fade.
Away from the noise, the chaos, the stress.
A flock of geese flies low overhead. 
She pauses, listening with amazement
as she hears the beat of every wing. 
How could she have forgotten the beauty,
the absolute bliss,
of time spent with nature?
She smiles,
happy to be back where she belongs.
She bonds once more with the earth below her,
the trees around her, and the sky above her.
She is at peace.

BG

  

It's A Bug's Life

   I was thrilled to have the opportunity to spend 10 days at camp.  The thought of sleeping in my new DD Travel Hammock (watch for a full review in my next blog), fresh picked berries for breakfast, food and laughter shared around the campfire...it sounded like pure bliss.  And it was...but for one thing.  Only one thing could make me actually consider trading those things for a stuffy house. Not the dirt, nor the heat and humidity.  No, those things I could live with.  But the hum of the mosquitoes?  It's enough to drive even the most seasoned of wilderness venturer to the brink. 

   The camp is surrounded by marsh.  As the sun sinks below the western horizon, you can hear the hum of thousands of tiny little wings as they rise from the water and prepare to fly into the night.  It's a terrifying sound, really.  Advance warning that in moments, you will be invaded by a massive army, whose soul purpose seems to be driving you insane.  The bite is only a small part of the aggravation.  The buzzing, the feel of tiny wings near your hands, face and ears (and when it's latrine time, even more uncomfortable places)...that's what really gets to you.

   So what's an otherwise happy wilderness dweller to do? There is no way to completely avoid the pesky little creatures.  But there are ways to protect yourself enough to save your sanity.   Here are 10 tricks I find make a difference.

1) Get dirty:  The less appealing you smell to yourself, the less appealing you are to the bugs as well.  Camp hygiene is essential to health, but wash with water only, or use unscented soaps and deodorants if needed.  Remember to apply this policy before you leave on your trip as well, and use unscented laundry detergent for camp clothes.

2) Watch what you eat:  There is some debate on the validity of claims that diet affects mosquito attraction, but  it doesn't hurt to err on the side of caution.  Avoid foods high in potassium (like bananas) or salt that raise the lactic acid in your system,  and load up on the garlic; it's been said to repel them.  They are just tiny blood-sucking vampires, after all.

3) Wear neutral colours:  Mosquitoes zero in on targets that stand out from their surroundings.  Light colours blend in with the background, and make you harder to spot.  By extension, one might presume that camo would work well.  Not so much, as I learned this week.  They just find the dark spots.

4) Keep calm: When you get agitated and wave your arms, you produce more carbon dioxide...which attracts more mosquitoes....which makes you more agitated...which...well, you get the picture.  I'm pretty sure it's part of their battle plan. And they say bugs are not intelligent. 

5) Plan a place to get away:  Even a short break can make a huge difference.   Your hammock or tent are great for sleeping, but can sometimes feel too claustrophobic during the day.  Netting is definitely worth the weight to carry.  For a base camp, nothing beats a small dining tent to create a bug free space to wash up, sit for a while in peace, or sleep in.  On a hike, a roll of lightweight mesh can be set up in a similar fashion by hanging it between trees, or using standing dead wood for poles.  For those purists out there who may think of this as "cheating"...remember,  traditional camps made a century ago included netting to keep the bugs at bay. 

6) Wear less breathable fabrics.  While you will have to deal with the heat a little more, wool and nylon create a much stronger barrier against mosquito bites than cotton based fabrics.  A light nylon shirt will cover your arms without adding too much warmth, and light wool socks work well to protect your ankles in the evening.

7) Use repellent:  There are many commercial brands of repellant on the market containing  DEET in various strengths.  There are also several natural blends available, or you can make your own from essential oils such as lemongrass, citronella, lavender, pennyroyal and eucalyptus.  Neither are very effective when you are sweating a lot.  And keep in mind that all forms of bug repellent contain natural oils that deteriorate nylon materials used in modern camping equipment such as sleeping bags, tents, and hammocks.  And that shirt I just mentioned.

8) Stay in the smoke: I have asthma, so this one is difficult for me, but it is effective.  Mosquitoes find smoke in their face just as irritating as we do.  Use it to your advantage.  Only a few will brave the smoke of a smudge fire.  Add some punk wood or greenery to your campfire, or make a small smudge pot to place in your sleeping area.  Be sure to use caution, however, and ensure that no flammable materials are nearby, and that you are not so closed in as to become overwhelmed by the smoke.

9) Remove standing water: Mosquitoes are attracted to water for the purpose of breeding.  Check camp thoroughly after it rains and clear any areas of pooling.  Empty wash water as soon as you are finished with it, well away from camp in your grey water area.  And try to do your dishes during daylight hours.  Providing standing water and human blood creates a one-stop breeding centre. 

10) Do a perimeter check before turning in: Your sleeping area should be bug free.  Before going to sleep, shine your light around the interior of your tent/hammock/netting to ensure that no mosquitoes entered with you.  Hundreds of them can fly around outside and the sound is not pleasurable.  But it's the one inside your sleeping area that will keep you awake all night!

Insects are a part of life in the wilderness, and there is no perfect solution to avoid them.  But with a little pre-planning, and a positive attitude, we can limit the aggravation and focus on the aspects of camp that we do enjoy.  And remember...there is one good thing about all the mosquitoes at camp.  The ones at home just don't seem so bad by comparison!

"I can't think of anything that I could do without easier than the mosquito.  He seems to me a creature wholly devoid of virtues.  He is a glutton, a poisoner, a spreader of disease, a dispenser of disturbing music.  That last is the hardest to forgive.  If he would only be still I could overlook the other things.  I wonder if he will take his voice with him into the next world.  I should like to know, too, which place he is bound for.  I should like to know, so I could take the other road." - From The Tent Dwellers by Albert Bigelow Paine


BG