Forget the tent! Your ticket to freedom: Hammock camping for beginners

Close your eyes for a moment. Imagine waking up, and the first thing you see isn't a tent wall, but the gentle mist settling over the forest lake. You feel a light breeze, hear the rustling of leaves directly above you, and feel completely weightless.

No hard ground, no pressing roots in your back. Just you, two trees, and the starry sky. That's hammock camping – the ultimate feeling of freedom and oneness with nature.

Do you fancy experiencing this adventure yourself, but don't know where to start? Don't worry! With our beginner tips, your first night in a hammock will be unforgettable (in the best sense!).

1. The right equipment: Less is more (but the right things are essential!)

You don't need a huge setup to start, but you shouldn't do without these things:

• The hammock: A double hammock (like our Original) often offers more comfort for beginners, as you can lie more diagonally and thus flatter.

• The suspension system: Use tree-friendly straps ("Moon Straps"). They are easy to adjust and leave no marks on the bark.

• Weather & insect protection (depending on climate): Adapt your setup to the environment! A mosquito net is a must in humid weather or near lakes, while a lightweight tarp protects you from rain and morning dew. If the sky is clear and the air is dry, you can also leave these items out and enjoy the direct view of the stars.

• And don't forget insulation: Even in summer, the circulating air under the mat will draw body heat away from you (the notorious "cold butt syndrome"). Slide an insulated sleeping pad into the hammock or use an underquilt (an outer sleeping bag). It keeps the warmth where it belongs: with you.

2. The perfect spot: Where and how to set up your camp

Choosing the trees is crucial. Find a spot that not only looks beautiful but is also safe.

• The tree check: Look for healthy, strong trunks. Be sure to look up: Are there dead branches ("widowmakers") that could fall down in the wind? If so: Keep looking!

• The magic distance: Look for two trees that are about 3 to 5 meters apart.

• The 30-degree rule: Don't string your hammock like a guitar string! Your suspension lines should be at an angle of approx. 30° to the ground. If the empty hammock forms a deep, inviting smile, you've hit the "sweet spot."

• Knee height: Hang the mat so that when loaded, it floats at about knee height. This way you can easily get in and out without having to perform acrobatics.

3. The Pro Technique: Lying Diagonally

Hang your hammock, lie in it, done? Not quite. If you lie perfectly straight in the middle, you risk a curved back.

The real game changer: Use the width of your mat and lie diagonally to the center line. This is the only way the lying surface under you flattens out, your back stays straight, and even side sleepers will find their perfect position. Try it – this small angle makes the difference between "just lying there" and "sleeping weightlessly."

4. The Surroundings: Keeping a Tidy Floating Camp

So you don't stumble in the dark looking for your shoes at night, your camp needs a little structure:

• Shoe management: Don't put your shoes in the wet grass. Either hang them on your hammock's suspension or store them in a bag directly beneath you.

• The Ridgeline: String a cord over your hammock. Here you can hang your headlamp, glasses, or water bottle within easy reach.

• Leave No Trace: We love nature, so we leave it as we found it. Take all trash with you and respect the tranquility of the forest.

Pack your hammock and let's go!

Hammock camping is an invitation to see the world from a new perspective. It's uncomplicated, fun, and gives you that indescribable feeling of adventure. Pack your bags, find two perfect trees, and experience your first night under the stars. We promise you: You'll love it!

And now you: Where would you most like to set up your hammock? Write it in the comments – we're excited to hear about your dream spots!