Intro
When you hear the word camping, you’d probably imagining an open sky, bonfire, trees, a waterbody and tents in the wild. Sounds fun and trust me you won’t be disappointed. The most popular portrayed camping trend is using tents for outdoor as well as indoor camping. When I started camping back in 2015, even I did not know about hammock camping. Camping in a hammock was relatively a new thing for a beginner. I now love hammock camping and sharing my experience with hammock camping and things to be considered before you set out for overnight trip with your camping hammock.
Location and Terrain
The first thing to check is the location and the terrain in which you are planning to camp. A place with little to no vegetation will leave you helpless when camping in a hammock. The terrain also plays an important role, a rocky region will have less vegetation while a beach will have lots of coconut trees to tie up your hammock. Search the location well in advance about the type of the terrain.
Weather
Is it going to be sunny or is it going to rain, checking on the weather forecast is a must for any camping trip? This will help you to decide what things to be carried for the camping. This will help to prioritize the camping equipment you would have to carry along.
Camping Equipment
With location and weather rain checked, it’s time for the equipment you would be carrying if camping in the wild.
Hammock
The hammock is available in various types and quality. But the one which is comfortable and is suitable or your body type. Having a net hammock in a tropical region is ok, but not in the Northern region as the weather is really cold over there, you will be left without any insulation in the cold. Choose the hammock based on your camping region and its weather pattern. And learn the most basic rope tying technique for ease and reliable hammock experience. Instead of lying flat on the hammock, try laying diagonal for better comfort.
Backpack or Duffel Bag
Choose a backpack or other bag which is comfortable to use and has enough luggage carrying space inside as well as outside. They should also have attachment points for various equipment, waterproof bags are a bonus.
Rain Gear
Weathers are really unpredictable, so it is advisable to carry a rain poncho, which can double up as a tent if required for the hammock.
Sleeping Bag
One of the most important camping equipment is a sleeping bag. It will keep you warm on the cold nights, keep you dry from morning mist, can be used as an insulator etc.
Water bottle or On the Go water purifier
Camping is a physically demanding activity. This increases water consumption, carrying a large amount of water is not advisable. Having an On-the-Go water purifier would solve this problem.
Food
Most important is ration. Having enough ration to survive a few days in the woods is always a good measure. Always carry high energy content food ration such as energy bars, sweets etc. things which are easy to carry and can be used for a longer time.
First Aid Kit
Always carry a first aid kit and always include medicines you’re not allergic to.
Miscellaneous
Things such as Torch, Lighter, Knife, Ropes and straps, a metal cup for cooking and boiling water, small stove (if camping for more than 2-3 days), a deodorant is a must (you can create a big fire by using the deodorant and can use it for your self-defense in case of animal attack), insect repellent cream, a hat, mosquito net (if possible).
You should always inform at least 2 people about your camping plans and discuss your time of return and if not return by the specified date they should come searching for you.
This is the most basic things required for camping.