Frequently Asked Questions

At minimum, you need a hammock, tree-friendly suspension, a tarp for weather protection, bottom insulation for cooler nights, and bug protection during bug season.

Many Hemlock Mountain Outdoors hammocks include the hammock body, continuous loops, and stuff sack. Suspension, tarp, and insulation may be selected separately depending on the product.

RedTail is the best all-around netted camping hammock for most users.

Coyote is larger and roomier, making it a strong choice for bigger users or anyone who wants extra comfort.

WestRim is a netless hammock, great for day hangs, lounging, indoor hanging, or bug-free trips.

Yes. A properly set up hammock can be extremely comfortable. The biggest trick is lying diagonally across the hammock instead of straight down the center. That creates a flatter lay and reduces pressure points.

Yes. Camping hammocks are designed for overnight use. For a good night outside, make sure you have proper suspension, rain protection, and bottom insulation when temperatures drop.

For most adults, an 11-foot hammock is the best all-around choice.

• 10-foot: compact setups, shorter users, and casual lounging
• 11-foot: best balance of comfort and versatility
• 12-foot: extra room, comfort, and space for taller users

If you camp in spring, summer, or early fall, bug protection is strongly recommended. A netted hammock keeps mosquitoes, ticks, gnats, and other tiny sky goblins from ruining your sleep.

Most hammocks include the hammock body, continuous loops, and a stuff sack. Some models also include a fixed ridgeline, organizer, peak pouch, or integrated bug net depending on the product.

Always check the product page for the exact included items.

A fixed ridgeline helps keep your hammock sag consistent every time you set it up. It also gives you a place to hang an organizer, headlamp, glasses, or other small gear.

The MultiMode bug net is designed to give you flexible bug protection. It can fully enclose the hammock, open from either side, partially deploy, or stow away when you do not need it.

Wide hammocks provide more fabric width, which can add shoulder room and make it easier to get a comfortable diagonal lay. They are a good choice for taller users, broader users, or anyone who prefers extra room.

Most gathered-end camping hammocks are best used by one person, even when the weight rating is high enough for more. Two people in one hammock usually creates crowding, pressure points, and poor sleep.

Yes. Hemlock Mountain Outdoors gear is made in Pennsylvania by a small cottage outdoor gear shop.

The RedTail is a strong all-around choice for most hammock campers. It is especially good for beginners, backpackers, and campers who want an integrated bug net with a clean setup.

The RedTail is commonly offered in 10-foot and 11-foot versions, with a standard width around 58 inches depending on fabric selection.

The RedTail is designed as a netted camping hammock and may include features such as a fixed ridgeline, MultiMode bug net, organizer storage, continuous loops, and stuff sack depending on the selected configuration.

The Coyote is built for campers who want more room. It is a good choice for larger users, taller users, side sleepers, and anyone who wants a roomier hammock experience.

The Coyote is larger and wider than the RedTail. It is designed for extra comfort and room, while the RedTail is a more compact all-around netted camping hammock.

If a double-layer option is available, it can help hold a sleeping pad in place and add fabric strength. Many hammock campers still prefer an underquilt for comfort, but a pad can work.

The WestRim is a netless hammock, making it a great choice for day hikes, lounging, indoor hanging, quick backyard use, or camping when bugs are not a concern.

The WestRim family may be offered in multiple lengths such as 9-foot, 10-foot, and 11-foot options, with standard and wide versions depending on the model and fabric.

No. The WestRim is a netless hammock. If you need integrated bug protection, look at a netted model such as the RedTail or Coyote.

Suspension is included only when selected or specifically listed on the product page. Check the product options before ordering.

Cinch buckle suspension is simple, strong, and beginner friendly.

Whoopie sling suspension is lightweight and highly adjustable, but takes a little more practice.

Continuous loops are strong loops attached to the gathered ends of the hammock. They provide the connection point between the hammock and your suspension system.

No. Paracord stretches too much and is not appropriate for hammock suspension. Use hammock-rated suspension and tree straps.

A common guideline is to hang the hammock so the suspension is near a 30-degree angle and the loaded hammock sits around chair height. Always make sure the area underneath is safe before getting in.

Proper tree straps help spread the load and are much better for trees than rope. Always use tree-friendly straps and follow local rules for hammock hanging.

For overnight camping, yes. A tarp protects you from rain, wind, morning dew, falling debris, and weather that changes its mind after sunset.

A good rule of thumb is to choose a tarp ridgeline at least 1 foot longer than your hammock body.

For example, an 11-foot hammock pairs well with an 11-foot ridgeline tarp.

Asym tarps are lighter and more minimalist. They are best for fair-weather or lightweight setups.

Rectangle tarps provide more coverage and more pitching options, especially in wind, rain, or changing weather.

Aervald is the Hemlock Mountain Outdoors tarp family, covering tarp options such as rectangle and asymmetrical tarp designs for hammock camping.

Seam sealing adds waterproof protection to stitched seams, especially ridge seams, to help prevent leaks during rain.

Yes. Some tarp options may be available unsealed, maker-sealed, or with a DIY seam sealing kit. Check the product page for current options.

If overnight temperatures drop below about 70°F, bottom insulation is strongly recommended. In a hammock, the air underneath you can pull heat away quickly.

This is commonly called cold butt syndrome. Your sleeping bag or clothing gets compressed underneath you, which reduces insulation. An underquilt hangs outside the hammock so it stays lofted and warm.

Yes, a sleeping pad can work, especially in a double-layer hammock. However, many hammock campers prefer underquilts because they wrap around the hammock and do not shift as much during the night.

UglyQuilt is the Hemlock Mountain Outdoors underquilt line. UglyQuilts use synthetic ClimaShield Apex insulation and are designed to add bottom warmth to hammock camping setups.

Choose a rating based on the lowest temperatures you realistically expect to camp in, plus your personal cold tolerance. When in doubt, choosing slightly warmer insulation gives you more comfort margin.

ClimaShield Apex is a continuous filament synthetic insulation used in outdoor gear. It is durable, moisture-resistant, and performs well for cottage-made quilts and underquilts.

The Squonk Sling is a versatile hammock chair that can be used as a hanging chair, bench-style seat, bushcraft tripod seat, or gear sling.

A ridgeline organizer hangs from your hammock ridgeline and keeps small gear within reach, such as a phone, headlamp, glasses, battery bank, or snacks.

EdgeZip and MidZip pouches are storage pouches designed to organize small gear, hammock accessories, and trail items.

A peak pouch stores gear near the gathered end of the hammock, keeping small items accessible without cluttering the sleeping area.

Many Hemlock Mountain Outdoors products are made to order or built in small batches. This allows for flexible options, but it also means lead times may vary.

Lead times depend on workload, material availability, and order volume. Made-to-order gear may take around 4 to 6 weeks, but current timing can vary.

Orders of $90 or more ship free to the contiguous United States. Merch items such as shirts, hats, mugs, and stickers may be excluded from the free shipping calculation.

Customers with accounts can check order status through the account portal.

If you checked out without an account, contact Hemlock Mountain Outdoors with your order number and the email used at checkout.

Custom color options depend on current fabric availability and the product being ordered. Contact Hemlock Mountain Outdoors before ordering if you have a specific request.

Rebuilt or refurbished gear may be available occasionally depending on inventory, returned items, prototypes, or shop projects.

Contact Hemlock Mountain Outdoors as soon as possible with your order number, a description of the issue, and photos if applicable.

Use mild detergent and cold water. Air dry only.

Do not use bleach, fabric softener, or high heat.

No. High heat can damage fabric, coatings, and stitching. Air drying is the safest option.

It is not recommended. Sunlight, moisture, dirt, and weather exposure can shorten the life of fabric, stitching, and suspension. Use it, enjoy it, then pack it away dry.

Store your hammock clean and dry. Avoid long-term storage when damp, as moisture can lead to mildew, odor, and fabric damage.