How To Choose A
Survival Hammock
For Your Bug Out Bag
For the lone prepper a hammock is without doubt one of the best choices for sleeping and shelter when it comes to bugging out.
Choosing one to suit your needs is a very straightforward process.
Considerations before buying a bug out hammock
- Weight:
Fortunately hammocks are very lightweight, so there's no real need to worry there.
Made from very light parachute material, nylon or polyester, they are essentially a big sheet tied up at each end!
Their weight only becomes an issue when you start adding spreader bars, hanging stropes, carabiners etc.
But also consider your body weight - if you get something too flimsy there could be a risk of over loading and tearing along a seam. - Safe Working Load
Be careful and don't go super light and risk it - all hammocks will give a maximum load.
But I have always found that this 'recommended' maximum weight can be easily exceeded, and by quite a lot!
But if your a bit on the heavy side, then always check the loading stated.
COMFORT
There are two main types of hammock, designed to give a variation of sleeping position.
Essentially they are all the same except where the hanging ends are.
The more common 'cocooned' effect, where the suspension point is gathered at both ends, or the 'lay flat' where a pair of spreader bars are used to stretch out the sides, giving a flatter bed area.
To obtain the lay flat bed hammock additional 'spreader bars' need to be carried - this will add weight and size to your pack.
The Lawson Blue Ridge hammock is an example of a good lay flat hammock.
BUGS N THINGS
Always try to choose a survival hammock that has an integral bug net. (also known as a mosi net).
This mesh barrier keeps all the creepy crawlies out, and will ensure a bite free night.
So definitely go for a fully sewn in bug net - I think its essential.
The fine mesh barrier will prevent any unpleasant bugs from taking up residence with you!
BUILD QUALITY
Never choose a cotton hammock - it will soak up moisture and they are inherently heavier than the man made fibres that are offered in a survival hammock.
Modern hammocks or made from nylon or polyester and normally 300D (denier) - this gives strength and light weight all in one.
Re-enforced corners and support points should be double stitched with additional webbing and looped ends for extra strength.
All zippers should be double sided for inside and outside closing, as well as paired so you can open from either end of the hammock.
WATERPROOF
It goes without saying really, that you want to be protected from moisture and the rain.
Although most hammock setups will include an over tarp designed to give a waterproof living area.
Your hammock body must be suitably waterproof. Not only against the rain but to prevent and morning dew seeping into the inside where you are sleeping.
Also consider that some hammocks have a fitted rain cover - moulded to go over the hammock and protect from rain without the need for a full rain tarp to be erected above.
This is great for quick setup and can help where concealment is an issue.
Typical Hammock & Tarp setup:
There are literally dozens of different tarp setups that all work perfectly well, and will protect your hammock from the rain.
With tarps coming in several sizes and various configurations of loops and eye holes, making positioning your rain tarp a straight forward procedure.
See a full range of Hammock & Tent Tarps here:
The Free Soldier Multi function Survival Hammock
For the purpose of this article I am using a hammock that has all the features you expect for a Survival Hammock For Your Bug Out Bag.
In my video review below I go through the main points of a good survival hammock and why you need to add one to your bug out bag.
Choosing A Good Survival Hammock For Your Bug Out Bag
Reviewing The Free Soldier Hammock
This Free Soldier hammock was a nice bit of kit to use to show the essentials of a hammock.
Nice and solid it proved to be well worth the money.
Currently shipped from China, so it will take a week or so to get to you.
But with a price tag of under £40 including delivery, I think its well worth the wait!
Happy Prepping Folks.
Steve
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