I have been exposed to 3 types of hammocks.  One was the ones with a frame around the bottom and tight straps under the bottom to make a almost flat bottom. These look more like tents hanging in trees and are roomy, allow gear inside and possibly big enough for 2.  The Clark is a pea pod type with built in pockets on the bottom.  The pockets allow for gear storage and help keep you warm on those chilly nights.  The hammock I own is a Hennessey.  It allows you to lie at an angle to the trees it is hanging from and this lets your body lay flatter. I sleep on both sides and my back.  The fly that comes with the Hennessy will keep the hammock dry but I like to have an area to keep gear dry and get dressed and even cook under so I made a large tarp that I like better.  I have made 2 of these tarps one for a friend. I used a Campmore 10ft X10 Ft for one and a 9ft X 12ft for the other.  Both work well.
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Picto035C
To make the tarp take 2 pieces of web strap about 3 inches long each and sow each into a loop.  Then attach one to each side of the tarp in the center.  That’s it you’re done.  You will also need 3 ropes 1/8 diameter nylon or parachute cord about 30 to 50 ft long each. You will also need about 16 Clothespins. The ones with a spring in the middle.
Setup the tarp.
I look for 2 trees about 15 to18 ft  (5 paces) apart. Tie one end of one of the ropes as high in one of the trees as you can comfortably reach.  Run that rope through the loop that is sown to the outside of the tarp and on to the other tree. I pull this rope fairly tight and tie it high in the second tree.  Take rope 2 and tie it to one of the trees about eye level Run this rope through the tie eyelet in one of the corners then through the loop sown to the underside of the tarp and on through the far corner eyelet and on to the other tree.  Tie it tight at about eye level. Spread the tarp out and slide back and forth on the ropes until it is centered over where the hammock will be. Put about 3 Clothespins under the tarp on rope 2 up against the corner eyelets on both corners to hold the tarp out.  Run rope 3 through one of the unused corner eyelets and under the tarp through the sowed in loop and on out through the far corner eyelet.  Let the weather tell you where to tie rope 3 ends. If it’s a hot night tie them far out or chest level to a tree.  If it’s a rainy windy night tie them near the hammock. Again use about 3 Clothespins on each corner to keep the tarp stretched. I take 4 of the ¼ “ aluminum tent stakes and some times use them or a rock. I some times find a stick and prop one corner of the tarp up and sometimes I run a string form one of the side eyelets up or out into a tree providing better ventilation and view.
Setup hammock
Put the tree huggers around the tree so the ends are about neck height.  The ideal setup is to start with the center of the tree hugger on the hammock side of the tree at forehead level and spiral both ends around the tree ending about 3 to 5 inches apart on the hammock side of tree at neck height.  By changing how high up the tree you start you can adjust how near the ends end up most of the time.  You do not want the ends to be touching.  Another method (used in above and below picture) I frequently use is to run the hugger around the tree and put one end through the loop in the other end (a choker to a rigger) and pull it tight.  Then hang the hammock form the end that went through the other. The standard hammock knot is very difficult to use when tied to a single strap and I have come up with a alternate knot that works well.  I will cover that knot later. I usually tie the first end up with the hammock too close to the tree with a single half hitch so it will slip.  Then go to the other end and when I pull the rope tight the hammock will rise off the ground but will slip until it is at the correct position under the tarp.  Then I go back and retie the first knot correctly and I like it tight.  Usually I set on the hammock at this point to stretch it and then retie one end to get the hammock tight. I took the side shock cords and looped them through a “D” ring and back to the hammock “D” ring 6 times to get a stronger pull on the sides.  With a 6 ft cord on each of the “D” ring they can be tied out and down each about 5 ft from the center of the hammock.  At this point the hammock needs testing.  Get in roll around make sure it will hold you with your eyes shut.  This test will take form 15 to ???? minutes.

Sometimes when I an all set up for a hot night it turns rainy and windy.  If the wind blows the tarp can sail raising it up high enough that those horizontal rains can get you wet.  I have added a couple of pieces of string that can quickly be tied in place to hold the tarp near the hammock and so the wind can’t lift it. On the picture above and below you can see a string hanging down tied to the near end of the hammock (between the hammock and the snake skin). I wrap that string over the ridge rope (rope 2) and back under the hammock a couple of times pull it tight and tie it. I do this on both ends.  This keeps the tarp near the hammock even when the hammock sags.  

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PIC38
I also have about 4 ft of string on an eyelet near each end that I tie under the hammock to an eyelet on the other side.  This string is barely visible in the above picture. This keeps a updraft from lifting the tarp.

What not to do in cold weather.
My first trip was in May and I spent some very uncomfortable nights.  The first night I went to bed in a “0” degree bag wearing wool socks, long underwear, nylon pants, long sleeved shirt and thick fleece hooded sweatshirt, I woke up hot and sweating and shaking uncontrollably. My backside was very cold and the rest of me was too hot.  The next night I had my PFD under my shoulders and my partners PFD under my seat and legs. That was a lifesaver. Very difficult to get in a sleeping bag on top of 2 PFD’s in a hammock.  I did not take a closed cell pad on this trip because I had found it to be hard to get on top of in the hammock although it would have been easier than the 2 PFD’s.

What to do on cool nights.
Wrap the tarp under the hammock and use clothespins to hold it shut.  My friend and I were both cold one night on a recent trip and when we checked on the weather forecast the next night was going to be 10 degrees colder.  He came up with the hammock wrap idea, which we both used and slept very comfortably.

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PIC64

You can even run a string from one eyelet across under the hammock entrance through another eyelet and hang a weight on it to close the tarp under you after you get in. This does not make it a winter hammock but would allow use at 10 to 15 degrees cooler than the normal setup. This spoils the view out of the hammock.

On of the things I like about a hammock is the ability to see out while laying down.
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Pic31a
This is a view with my head on a pillow through the hammock screen.

Take a piece of yellow ribbon and tie it to the hammock support robe just outside the snake skin on the foot end.  Take another piece of yellow ribbon and tie it to the eyelet on the foot end of the tarp.  This will help when setting up nest time.

Taking it down so it’s ready to go back up.
The ropes that I suggested you use are longer than you will use in most setups and the way I suggested setting up will leave all of the extra rope hanging out on one side.  Coil these ropes up leaving a couple of extra feet of free cord.  Take down the hammock tying the huggers to the hammock support ropes.  Untie the side ropes and pull on the end away from the coiled rope until the coiled rope is pulled up near the center of the tarp and coil the rope that you just pulled out.  It will help keep this from tangling if you tie this to the corner eyelet.  Untie both ends of rope 2 starting at the end with the coiled rope and tie it to its corner eyelet.  A single half hitch is all that is needed to attach these.  When you have untied the second end of rope 2 pull enough of it through so all of the extra is on the free end side but the tarp is not lifted off the ground.  Coil the free rope and tie to its eyelet.  The tarp is hanging by its center form the first rope you put up.  Push as much of it into a stuff sack as is easy to reach. Then take down the remaining rope and coil the free end up to the loop that is on the top of the tarp.  Shove the rest in the bag with the rope being the last thing in.  When it is time to set it back up just take the rope out and hang the tarp still in the bag.  This will keep it off the ground and you wont trip over it or step on it.

Alternate hammock Knot
To be a good hammock knot the knot needs to be easy to tie, not slip and be easy to untie after the hammock has been hanging from it.  If the ends of the tree hugger are 3 inches or more apart I use the knot that is shown on the bag that the Hennessey comes in. The only time I use the alternate Knot is when tying to the loop in the end of a tree hugger.
Step1
Put the rope through the end of the hugger and make a half hitch but do not pull it tight.. Leave a 2 – 3 inch loop.
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Knot58

Step 2
Continue wrapping the end of the rope around rope coming from hammock.  Make 8 wraps. Keep the wraps close together.
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Knot60

Step 3
Bring the end of the rope back through the first large loop half hitch and tuck it back under its self making another half hitch and pull it somewhat tight. Don’t pull till the knot bends.

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Knot62

Step 4
Make another half hitch over the rope coming from the hammock and pull tight.
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Knot63

Step 5
Make one more half hitch pulling the center of the rope through making a bowknot for easy untying.

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Knot64

Pull it tight.
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Knot67

This knot has never slipped on me and has always been easy to untie even after being rained on and up for several days.

Magic,

From one hammock aficiondo to another, I applaud your effort in producing this excellent primer on the use of hammocks!  

As you know, I happen to favor the "pea pod" style of hammock... specifically the Clark.  An advantage - or disadvantage, depending upon how you look at it - to this style is that it tends to "hold you in place" through the night.  You don't roll around much.  Early on, I thought that was going to bug me.  After I started "sleeping like the dead" in there, I found that to be a nice positive feature.  On the other hand, I can understand some folks preferring the flatter sleeping surface that other models provide.

You are certainly right about those huge pockets, underneath, on the Clark.  I stuff them with my fleece top & other garments and warmth is not an issue.  

I think I also prefer entry into a hammock from "over the top" (Clark) versus from underneath (Hennessey), though I guess once you've learned the twist-in trick on that Hennessey style it's not much of an issue.

I DO like all the open air overhead space in the Clark Jungle Hammock versus what I've seen in the other models.  It's airy in there.

However, I wish my Clark had that snakeskin roll-up storage feature offered by the Hennessey for taking the hammock down.

Thanks for the detailed pics on that knot.  ANYBODY's knots are better than mine but THAT knot I might actually be able to repeat!

Great job, Magic!

Jimbo   8-)

Jimbo
I also like space above me for ventilation and being able to see out. That is why I prefer my tarp to the one that comes with the Hennessy.  I think I would prefer the top entry because of the ease of getting  the sleeping bag on top of pad and right side up with me in it. I would also like those under pockets for warmth.  The things I like about the Hennessey over the Clark is the flatter bed and being able to sleep on my side.  Actually I usually sleep half on my side.  In a hard bed I sleep either all the way up on my side or not on my side.  In my Hennessy I usually sleep with my shoulders at about 45° to the ground.
MagicPaddler

I use one of the stiff bottomed hammocks, Dryad Suspended Sleeping Shelter.  I like the ability to sleep in almost any position and to have some gear in the hammock with me.  Dryads have a stiff horizontal support (webbing) across the top which you can hang stuff from, and some room at either end for a small pack or two.  The rest of my gear is in a waterproof Sealine pack and within reach under the tent.  I also have made a tarp for mine as it is not too waterproof as built, and set the tarp up much as Magicpaddler does.  It has the same cold weather problems of being drafty and cold underneath as other hammocks.  In cold weather I go back to using a ground tent.  The main ropes used to suspend my shelter are left permanently on the tent when packed, so are handy and ready to go when the tent is unpacked.  For both the hammock tent and my ground tent, I carry an old rag towel which I use for a small carpet just outside the tent.  This gives me a clean place to step out on to put on my shoes or take them off when getting in/out of the tent.    :D

Excellent hammock primer, I enjoyed it even though I only use my Byer mosquito hammock if I can't pitch my solo tent under tarp?
I tie a similar version of your knot, but I don't thing mine has as many steps or maybe I don't recall until I'm actually doing it :-/
 IC will tell you that one of the first thing you need to do when getting in to a hammock, is to make sure your big (_*_) is ACTUALLY in it before sitting down :-[ :-[
IC/RANGER will attest to how important that is ;D

I only use the alternate knot when tying to a single end of the hugger.  If I am tying between the two ends of the of hugger I use the one on the Hennessey bag and web sight.

I.C. what is the manufacture of your hammock?  I do think that the flat floor in your hammock would be nice.  If I take anything in my hammock that I don’t tie to the line that holds up the netting is either on top or under me. I take my shoes and pants off after I get in.  The only place to put them is over the netting support line.  There is a small pocket attached to the support line but is barely large enough for a small light.

Solotripper you must not sleep as good as I do in a hammock compared to a tent.      

MP, great hammock primer. I've never used one, but can see the appeal to those that do. I had to laugh though, when I saw the wrap-style set-up. I think you should officially name that set-up the burrito! Nice in-the-field modification though, proving that necessity really is the mother of invention.

And yes, I did witness ST's hammock gymnastics. If only he would have planned to do that flip, then I'm sure he would've stuck the landing!  ;D

Ranger,
your right, if i had PLANNED that flip, i would of stuck the landing ;D
I bounced right up so that should count for a few STYLE points ;)

MP,
I don't sleep to bad in hammock, but I'm a tosser/turner.
I end up getting twisted around in sleeping bag and then I'm uncomfortable. Did spend 2 nights in bush in hammock, and I consider it a must take item on trips.
I like the tent/hammock thing IC uses. I looked into one but saw a lot of negatives about the quality when I did my research. IC said she had no problems with hers, so I'm still on the fence about it :-/
 I'm surprised some other mfg. hasn't come up with there own version of this item. Seems to combine best of both worlds.
 IF I was handy with sewing machine, I bet I could figure a way to use my old Timberline tent body and some strong aluminum poles and make a hybrid to hang under my dry-fly? A little roomier than a hammock but you could hang anywhere.
I bet we have some designers/engineers who could come up with a engineered drawing for such a project?
I also liked the "burrito wrap" picture ;)
Lets just hope the bears don't develop a taste for "MP Burrito" :D

Opps
When I was taking the pictures of the knots the first one did not turn out so I retook it.  I started the knot in the opposite way to take the second first picture. The knot can be started either way just put the raps on the same direction as the half hitch.
ST Sounds like the rest of camp enjoyed your hammock more than you did.
MagicPaddler

I TRY to entertain whenever possible ::)

A few things I have learned about (Hennesey) hammocks:

1.   It is nice to be up off of the ground, and when set properly they are extremely comfortable.  Setting one up is as simple or simpler than a tent.  Like a new tent, or a tent you have not used for a while, by the third night it is up in no time.

2.  Always have the "foot" of the end hammock just slightly higher than the "head" end.  If the "head" end is higher, a nylon sleeping bag and it's occupant will constantly slide downhill toward the foot end.

3.  The extra or oversize tarp Magicpaddler recommends is invaluable, both for use as general camp fly / rain fly, and for creating the "burrito" wrap for cooler nights.  The standard flys which come with the Hennesy hammocks work very well in the rain, but are not large enough to cover anything more than the the hammock itself.  

4.  The "Snakeskins" from Hennesey are a worthwhile investment.   They make the packing and set up a clean, simple operation.  The resulting "snake" also can be shoved anywhere in a pack.

After 10 nights in the hammock, (a couple as magicpaddlers pictured burrito) those are some tips.  I'll be useing mine again next trip.

Quentin

I like the idea of the hammock as a sleeping shelter but I just can't get past the visual of lightning hitting a tree my bed was tied to with a rope that just got wet in the rain.  Any thoughts?

C

Just VISUALIZE it as a ELECTRIC sleeping bag warmer :o ;)

ST Makes it hard to stick the landing.

cedarstripper wrote on Aug 20^th, 2007 at 10:15pm:

I like the idea of the hammock as a sleeping shelter but I just can't get past the visual of lightning hitting a tree my bed was tied to with a rope that just got wet in the rain.  Any thoughts? C

CS -

Beware tent sleeping, too!

At least ONE QJ'er has had some up-close-&-personal experience with a lightning event occurring while he was sleeping in his tent (I think).  I was hoping he would speak up here.  Maybe the mush that bolt made of his medulla oblongata has inhibited him.

In any case, as I recall, his equipment didn't fare much better than his brains and is STILL on display somewhere in northern Minnesota... what's left of it, anyway (I'm talking equipment, not brains).  Most of it got vaporized (I think I'm STILL talking equipment).

Root systems of trees are pretty good conductors of electricity.  Tent sleepers camped anywhere near trees shouldn't feel immune from the big ZAP (though I suppose they would be even MORE exposed & vulnerable camped out in the open somewhere).

I've had my own electrifying experience in the park but that was out on the water (& I swear I wasn't sleeping at the time).

All that being said, I can't say your notion hasn't crossed my mind a time or two while I have been strung out between trees in my Clark Jungle Hammock during a thunderstorm.  I've even thought about stringing up a kite to some other guy's hammock or tent in the hopes  that it might divert any atmospheric ill-intent elsewhere.

Wishing you "storm-free" camping,

Jimbo   8-)

An alternative to your pretty knot is to just wrap the rope through your webbing loop 2 or 3 times, rather than just passing the end through once - all the tension comes onto the wraps, and any simple knot like a half hitch backed up with a second slip-knotted half hitch or whatever
you like will hold just fine, and be easy to untie.

I do that all the time when I am hanging food packs or tarps or whatever - just hung my hunting camp up Saturday, hoisting the heavy pack up into a tree using 1/8" diam nylon cord - end of cord gets wrapped 3 or 4 times around the attachment point, then finished off with a couple of half-hitches.  Never have any trouble untying the knot because there is never any tension on the knot itself.

wrote on Aug 20^th, 2007 at 11:56pm:

ST Makes it hard to stick the landing.

I was trying for a double back flip with a twist ;), BUT either I'm way to old (the likely culprit) or the hammock wasn't high enough, (what I want to believe) adding a JOLT might of provided some must needed spin ;)

I've rationalized my fears of lightning hitting the trees my tent is hung from by thinking the ropes would sizzle and vaporize, dropping me on the ground  :-X but diverting the charge into thin air  :o .  I realize this is probably unscientific wishfull thinking  ;D.  I also try to hang from average or smaller trees, not the largest and tallest on the site.

MM
My huggers don’t have a big enough loop in the end to get the rope through more than once easily.  I have used your technique tying to tree limbs buy rapping around one then tying to another.
MagicPaddler

solotripper wrote on Aug 21^st, 2007 at 6:22pm:

wrote on Aug 20th, 2007 at 11:56pm: ST Makes it hard to stick the landing. I was trying for a double back flip with a twist ;), BUT either I'm way to old (the likely culprit) or the hammock wasn't high enough, (what I want to believe) adding a JOLT might of provided some must needed spin ;)

As a young trooper in the Army, I spent one night driving the Bn Cmdr all over the manuver area and had set up my hammock at about 0300. About 0600 some Jet Jockie dove in on the hill we were on. I was about 2' above the hammock when I woke up looking down and knew I wasn't going to get any points for the landing.

sweeper
I thought that was the standard alarm clock that came with military life.
Magicpaddler