A successful camping trip requires sufficient planning. From selecting your meals to picking a tent site, these decisions can make or break your trip.

A massive consideration for camping is your clothing. Packing camping attire differs from packing for other vacations because you spend most of your time outdoors. Functional and comfortable apparel helps you enjoy the outdoors to the fullest. Learn more about how to dress for camping with our guide.

Why Is It Important to Pack Carefully for a Camping Trip?

The best clothes for camping boost your enjoyment of outdoor adventures. Packing carefully helps with:

• Preparing for weather: Outdoor weather is unpredictable. Sunny skies can quickly turn into rainstorms, and warm temperatures can suddenly drop. Without protective layers or extra clothes, you might be uncomfortable or even feel sick. It’s crucial to look at the weather forecast and pack accordingly.
• Protecting against bugs: If you camp in an area with many bugs, you can minimize their effects with protective clothes. Mosquitos, ticks, and other bugs can quickly make your trip uncomfortable. Long-sleeved shirts and pants keep bugs from reaching your bare skin.
• Equipping for activities: Whether you hike, swim, kayak, or anything in between, various camping activities require different clothes. By planning ahead, you can pack the apparel for all of your plans.

Camping Clothing for Every Season

Your camping trip season has the biggest influence on what clothes to pack for camping. When you pick clothes according to the temperature and weather conditions, you can enjoy optimal comfort during your trip.

Summer Camping Attire

Summer is a popular travel season for many because of the warmer temperatures. Campers can enjoy the beautiful outdoors without needing to bundle up. However, summer temperatures can vary from day to day, making it vital to plan your clothing appropriately.

Here are some essential summer clothes to bring camping:

• Rain gear: Even if the forecast looks dry, it’s best to prepare for rainy weather. A sudden rainstorm could soak through your clothes and leave you extremely uncomfortable for the remainder of the trip. Pack a rain jacket or poncho in case rain strikes. You might also consider extra clothes in case some of them get wet. Options like waterproof pack covers keep your backpack or other possessions safe.
• UV Protection: If you plan to hike in an area that does not have a lot of shade, maybe the desert or scrubland areas, then opt for long sleeve shirts, even in summer. A good UV protective shirt will shield your skin from sunburn and UV damage.
• Moisture-wicking clothes: If you’re out in the sun all day, you might start to sweat. Breathable and moisture-wicking fabrics keep you cool during summertime activities. They also dry quickly, letting you reuse apparel if necessary. Choose tank tops and T-shirts with moisture-wicking abilities to optimize your comfort.
• Sun hats: Hats keep the sun out of your eyes while you swim, fish, hike, or complete other hiking activities. They also keep bugs away from your eyes and face. Whether you choose a wide-brimmed hat or a simple ball cap, it can significantly increase your comfort levels.
• Layers: During the day, you’ll likely experience high temperatures. But evening and night temperatures can drop once the sun descends. By packing extra long-sleeve layers, you prevent yourself from becoming too cold.
• Swimming gear: If you’re planning on any water-based activities, remember to pack the proper gear. You might need a swimsuit, water shoes, or similar items.

Winter Camping Attire

Winter packing looks different from summer packing. Low temperatures and snowy conditions require extra layers and warm accessories. These are a few necessities for your winter camping trip:

• Wool socks: Warm socks are critical for keeping your feet and toes warm. Wool is a thick and durable material that regulates the temperature in your feet, allowing for optimal comfort.
• Gloves and winter hat: It’s also important to remember your gloves and winter hat. These shield your ears and hands from extreme cold. If you’re expecting snowy or rainy conditions, waterproof materials are excellent.
• Layers: Like summer packing, layers are a necessary addition to your winter packing. Campers often rely on three layers — the base, middle, and outer layers. The base layer is the first long-sleeved layer, such as a warm thermal shirt. The middle layer could consist of a flannel shirt or fleece, while the outer layer is your winter coat or jacket.
• Waterproof boots: If you plan to hike or interact with water on your trip, waterproof boots are essential. They keep your feet from getting wet as you walk through puddles or other wet areas.

What Not to Wear When Camping

While some items are essential for a camping trip, others are better left behind. These items can decrease comfort and functionality on your journey:

• Flip-flops: Flip-flops are easy to slip on and off, but they’re often unhelpful while camping. They don’t shield your feet from the earth or weather conditions. It’s better to bring a sturdy pair of sneakers or biking shoes.
• Jeans or denim: Denim is heavy and doesn’t respond well to moisture, making it an ineffective choice for camping gear. Synthetic materials are usually better choices for your pants or jackets.
• Expensive or cherished clothing: In most cases, it’s best to leave your favorite or most expensive clothes off your camping clothes checklist. They could become dirty, or you face the risk of misplacing them.

General Tips for Packing Camping Clothes

Here are a few more tips for camping clothes:

• Pack separate outfits for morning and night: It’s usually best to have different clothes for day and night. Daytime clothes might become sweaty during the day, and having a fresh pair of clothes would make you more comfortable. Remember to bring layers for nighttime in case temperatures drop.
• Bring sunscreen: Whether you camp in the summer or winter, it’s important to protect yourself from UV rays. Using sunscreen and wearing protective clothes helps shield your skin. Sunscreen can reduce the chance of skin cancer and prevent irritation.
• Remember bug spray: Bug spray keeps away annoying or dangerous bugs during your camping activities. Pack enough for multiple applications each day. You can keep it in your backpack or tent for easy access.

Shop for Camping Gear With DutchWare Gear Today

The right packing techniques and clothes for camping improve your camping experience. No matter the time of year, extra packing preparation helps you stay comfortable during your trip.

If you need high-quality and durable camping gear, shop with DutchWare Gear today. We carry a wide range of hammocks, camping gear, tarps, and other outdoor gear. We are committed to limiting our environmental impact, and we use a minimalist approach in production.

Browse our camping apparel today for high-quality, moisture-wicking materials. Choose our waterproof materials to protect against wet conditions. Use our search and filter features to narrow options to the products you need.

Hammock Safety 101 — A Beginner’s Guide to Staying Safe and Sound in a Hammock

Recreational hammocks are fast becoming must-haves for camping and hiking trips. They’re comfortable to lounge in, lightweight and easy to carry, and quick to set up.

Whether you’re just starting out or consider yourself a veteran “hanger,” here’s everything you need to know about hammock safety.

Is Hammock Camping Safer Than Tent Camping?

Most people feel pretty safe camping with a roof over their heads, separating themselves from the elements and the animals. But picture this: You’re gently swinging between two trees, enjoying a slight breeze, looking over a stunning view as the sun sets for the day. This sort of experience is only accessible with a trusty hammock. And while many campers usually feel safe in a tent, hammock camping can be just as secure.

A hammock provides a comfortable place to sleep no matter where you set up your home base. There are countless types of top quilts, under quilts, and tarps you can use to keep yourself cozy and dry, no matter the weather conditions. Being raised off the ground avoids dozing off on rocks, tree roots, or damp soil. Plus, animals will have more difficulty reaching you when you’re a couple of feet off the ground. Regardless of your concerns with hammock camping, there’s sure to be a solution for a safe and sheltered experience.

Is Hammock Camping Safe From Animals?

While you should always try to find a campsite with lower levels of animal activity away from food or water sources, there’s always a possibility that raccoons, bears, coyotes, snakes, or squirrels could find their way into your things. Hammocks are often great since you’ll be off the ground between two trees. Pair this elevation with a capable bug net, and you’ll be on your way toward an enjoyable experience.

Being suspended helps prevent animals from wandering into your bed at night, allowing you to get a full night’s rest before the next day’s adventures. If you’re in a particularly active area and have durable tree straps, you can elevate your hammock higher than usual as long as you can comfortably get in and out.

7 Hammock Safety Tips

Are hammocks dangerous? How do I stay safe in a hammock? If you’re planning an outdoor trip and are asking yourself these questions, you’ve come to the right place. Follow these safety tips to ensure an enjoyable outing.

1. Have First Aid on Hand

Having first aid and medical supplies on hand will help you in case of any unexpected accidents. Look for a first aid kit explicitly made for camping. One with waterproof matches and a reflective blanket would be best.

2. Inspect Gear

Follow our hammock camping checklist to make sure your gear is in good shape. Before your trip, be sure to:

• Ensure all seams are in place in your hammock.
• Ensure your hammock does not have holes, UV fading, or weak areas.
• Check all quilts and blankets for rips, tears, and punctures.

3. Prepare for Subpar Weather

Before you head out for a hammock camping trip, make sure you have everything you need to stay safe in bad weather. Bring a raincoat, even if no rain is forecasted. You should also be sure to wear layers and bring some warmer clothes just in case you need them in the winter.

4. Have a Means of Communication

Make sure you have a means of communication on hand. You’ll want to be able to get in touch with first responders as fast as possible in the case of an emergency. Examples of communication devices are whistles, satelight communication devices, and cell phones.

Always tell at least one person close to you where you are going before your trip. Travel with another person if possible.

5. Survey the Location

Avoid hanging your hammock over water, rocks, briars, or other sharp or unsafe objects and areas. You’ll want to look for signs of animals, too.

As for the height at which you hang your hammock, most hammocks have tags with recommendations. In general, we suggest positioning your hammock at a sitting height no more than 3 feet above the ground and sagging at a 30-degree angle.

6. Pack Food and Water

Always make sure you have clean, healthy food and water when planning a trip with your hammock in tow. You should never drink water found in nature without adequately treating it first. You can do so by using purification tablets or by boiling the water.

7. Practice Wild Animal Safety

Cook as far away as possible from your camping area to keep wild animals away from your hammock. Lighting a campfire at night can also help scare animals away. As for supplies, a bear bag can help conceal food smells and keep your camping site safe.

How Can I Make My Hammock More Comfortable?

DutchWare offers DIY hammock insulation you can use as padding to make your hammock more comfortable. We also include a 100% satisfaction guarantee with every purchase to ensure you have the best outdoor experience possible.

Buy Comfortable, Durable Hammocks From DutchWare

DutchWare has all the supplies you need to stay safe and sound in a hammock. Browse our inventory for a selection of comfortable, long-lasting equipment, from hammocks and tarps to camping stoves and tents.

Feel free to contact us if you have questions about the gear you need to stay safe on your next trip.

Check Out These Hammock Beginner Articles

• 16 Different Types of Camping 
• Camping: Hammocks vs Tents
• Pros and Cons: Underquilt vs. Sleeping Pad
• How To Set Up A Camping Hammock – Guide

Overcoming Hammocking Claustrophobia

After a day adventuring in the great outdoors, you’ve been looking forward to slipping into your hammock. Setting it up was simpler than you thought. In fact, it looks incredibly inviting!

As you get yourself into place, a feeling of panic overwhelms you. This doesn’t seem natural at all. You want to be able to enjoy the sensation of being hugged by your hammock, but you’re overcome with what can only be claustrophobia.

Sound familiar? It’s not uncommon for some newcomers sleeping in a camping hammock to experience claustrophobia symptoms. The good news is that you can tackle hammocking claustrophobia successfully in a number of ways.

Understanding Typical Claustrophobia Symptoms

Though claustrophobia is frequently associated with being in crowded or closed-in locations like elevators, it can happen in any confined environment, including a hammock. Before you can overcome your claustrophobia, you’ll want to acknowledge all the physical and psychological reactions related to this condition.

The first indicators of claustrophobia could include sweating, a tight chest, dizziness and an upset stomach. After a few moments, your head may throb, causing confusion due to heightened blood pressure and rapid heartbeats.

After realizing you probably have claustrophobia symptoms, you should get out of your hammock. Allow yourself to calm down. Then, you can move on to some proven methods to reduce your claustrophobic fears and sensations so you can get a terrific sleep in your hammock.

How to Overcome Hammocking Claustrophobia

Want to make your claustrophobia a thing of the past? Be patient with yourself above all else. Claustrophobia isn’t just mind over matter. It’s a reflexive feeling that comes from your body and brain.

If you want to move past hammocking claustrophobia, implement a few strategies prior to getting into your hammock for the evening:

• Breathe deeply: Taking slow, deep breaths while standing or seated allows you to lower your heart rate and calm your nerves. During 10-15 minutes of deep breathing, meditate and keep your mind in the moment. Focus on being present and attuned to your surroundings. Your goal is to feel at peace by the time you’re finished.
• Practice positive self-talk: Before approaching your hammock again, remind yourself of all the benefits of sleeping in a hammock, such as being able to safely enjoy the outdoors. Hammocking keeps you off the ground and away from curious critters and many ground-based insects. Plus, it can be a soothing way to get those much-needed zzzs when you’re on the trail.
• Explore your hammock: Did you know that hammocks are actually very roomy? You might be surprised at how much space you have in your hammock, despite feeling as if the hammock is “cramped” during a claustrophobia episode. By looking at the hammock with fresh eyes, you can gain a better perspective on its true size.
• Sleep diagonally, not straight: When you climb back into your hammock, resist the temptation to lie straight like you would in a traditional bed. Rather, lie on the diagonal. You won’t sink as much, the hammock walls won’t feel as clingy and your back will thank you in the morning.
• Try a different hammock: Do you have a cramped-feeling hammock, or one that has a top closure fabric you don’t like? Consider upgrading to a larger hammock or a more open-air hammock-tent combination. Alternatively, you may want to slightly unzip the netting on the top to reduce the feeling of being cocooned.

Check out all of our tips for sleeping well in a hammock.

Resting Comfortably in a Hammock During Camping Journeys

Remember that you may need to go through these steps a couple of times to free yourself of claustrophobia. That’s to be expected. After some trial and error, you’ll get used to the hang of hammocking and leave your claustrophobia behind.

Want to try hammocking? DutchWare makes it simple and affordable to get all the durable, reliable hammock equipment and DIY camping gear you need. Contact us today to learn more.

Written & Reviewed by Dutch

6 Tips for Camping in Bear Country

There’s a lot to pack for a camping trip, from food and clothes to first aid kits and water bottles. If you are camping in a national park or campsite known for its bear sightings, expect your backpack to weigh a little more. Why? There are dangers you need to prepare for to make your adventure safer in bear country.

DutchWare wants you to be cautious while making memories. If you’re wondering how to keep animals away from a campsite, consider the following tips.

1. Research Camp Regulations

Before you begin loading your backpack, make sure you have read the regulations for the national park or camp you are visiting. Some camps provide advice or warnings depending on the time of year and the amount o bear activity.

2. Look for Used Campsites

Once you are at your local camp or national park, keep your eye out for used campsites to minimize dangers. If others have camped in that area, it’s usually safe to assume that you and your friends or family are safe to stay there for the night, too. Just ensure the campsite is far from a water source, and clean up any litter the previous campers left when you’re taking care of your own.

3. Find Campsites With Low Bear Activity

If you are looking for your private campsite, there are a few details you need to watch for. Once you have found an area that you like, check for signs of bear activity. For example, check for scratches on the trees and examine the surrounding grounds for scat and paw prints.

4. Set up Camp Away From Water Sources

All animals need to hydrate, so your campsite must be at least 200 feet from water sources. This practice limits the chances of contaminating the water and running into wildlife, such as a large bear.

5. Keep Your Campsite Clean

One handy tool you should bring on your camping trip is bear-proof containers. Bears are opportunistic eaters that rely on their sense of smell to find food. If you leave out leftovers from dinner, deodorant, or lotion, these items’ fragrances can lure a bear to your site. You’ll want to seal up any foods, hygiene products, or other temptations before going to bed so you don’t end up with a bear in your hammock.

It’s also wise to clean your dishes and shower away from your campsite so lingering odors don’t capture a bear’s attention.

6. Have Bear Spray and a Flashlight on Hand

No matter how careful you are, camping around animals may result in an unexpected encounter, so consider keeping bear spray and a flashlight in your hammock or tent at night. If you have cleaned your campsite, there is a reduced risk that a bear will find you. On the chance that one does, bear spray can stop aggressive bear behavior by affecting their breathing and sight, buying you time to leave.

A flashlight is useful for seeing in the dark, and it usually brings a camper comfort because they can quickly switch it on if they hear something. If a bear does appear, your flashlight also lets you see where to aim your spray.

DutchWare Has the Camping Gear You Need to Make Fun Memories

Camping is a great time when you plan for anything you might encounter. If you are looking for top-quality camping gear and hammocks, trust DutchWare to provide you with quality products that make your camping trip unforgettable. Browse through our website to find what you need, and contact DutchWare with any questions.

Check Out These Camping Articles

• Brushing Your Teeth While Camping 
• What Is Hammocking?
• Perfecting Your Car Camping Kitchen Setup

 

Tips for Eco-Friendly Camping

The more we cut down trees to construct new neighborhoods and buildings, the more sensitive our world becomes. Right now, preserved forests and wildlife need more care than ever before. One of the ways outdoor enthusiasts can help do their part is by practicing eco-friendly hammocking when on a camping trip. From using tree-friendly hammock straps to throwing trash away correctly, there are many steps you can take to leave no trace and keep the outdoor world pristine.

1. Use Tree-Friendly Straps

When you’re setting up your hammock, never screw or hammer into the trees. These actions damage the bark and create tears in the trunk that stop branches from receiving nutrients from the ground. Instead, leave no trace with hammock straps like our Spider Web Huggers, which protect trees from any damage your setup could cause. These camping hammock straps are made with durable webbing with a 1,500-pound breaking strength for exceptional security.

Ensure that the trees you choose are alive and have thick enough trunks to hold your hammock, as weak trees could cause harm to you and your companions. For huggers, wrap them around the tree tightly and connect them to your hammock. You’ll still be suspended in the air while keeping trees happy and healthy.

2. Find a Used Campsite

If you plan to eco-hammock at a national park or campground, the best campsite is one that previous campers have used. Many campers like to explore and find unique, hidden areas to call their own. However, to make the smallest environmental impact, consider setting up camp on a designated campsite. One benefit of used grounds is that there is less work for you to do.

Broken-in campsites are set on sturdy ground, well away from water sources. There’s a good chance that the site is free of fragile or poisonous plants too, though you should still scan the area for litter and poison ivy or poison oak. Since existing campsites are generally chosen by experienced nature lovers who have already accounted for these details, you likely won’t have to spend much time inspecting the area.

3. Leave Only Your Footprints Behind

One vital element of camping is cleaning up after yourself. When you’re about to go to bed or packing up to leave the campsite, leave no item behind. Plastic utensils and plates, soda cans, and food wrappers are common forms of litter left by campers. These items are harmful to the forests and dangerous for wildlife to ingest.

When you prepare for bed, ensure that you pack your items away securely. Seal leftover food in bear-proof containers, and zip up hygienic products in your backpack. These precautions protect you from attracting wildlife to your site.

4. Stop using disposable bags

Try making your own bags or investing in reusable ones. 

5. Use less food packaging

Buy fresh food that doesn’t come prepackaged and avoid things like aerosol cans and individually packaged items. You can also help the environment by purchasing boxes instead of bottles. 

6. Scale back on car use

Allotting a specific day a week to go car-less goes a long way toward helping the environment. Most big cities have bicycle sharing programs for individuals who aren’t owners. 

7. Say goodbye to water bottles

Each year, millions of barrels of oil are used to produce disposable water bottles. Try investing in a BPA-free water bottle — or any water bottle, for that matter — and carry it with you throughout the day. 

8. Quit using plastic straws

Scientists are scrambling to find solutions to the more than 9.1 billion tons of plastic our species has created. One realistic action we can all take today is to ditch plastic straws. Because of their size and shape, they’re impossible to recycle. 

Trust DutchWare for Camping Gear You Can Rely On

We all have a duty to our forests and national parks. When you and your loved ones decide to indulge in an outdoor escape, be sure to practice healthy habits during the trip.

If you’re looking for camping gear to make the most of your time in nature, DutchWare has reliable products that ship quickly for your convenience. From camping hammocks and tree straps to cooking gear and backpacks, we have you covered for every trip you take.

Have questions? Fill out a contact form on our website to get in touch! Learn more about our sustainable practices here.

5 Solutions for Hammock Camping Without Trees

There are plenty of reasons to be excited about getting started hammock camping. These days, many camping enthusiasts are forgoing traditional tents in favor of this lightweight and easy-setup option. There’s only one potential downside — can you hang a hammock without any trees?

Let’s say you get to your camping destination, and lo and behold, there’s not a tree in sight. Fortunately, hammock camping without trees is not a problem. Here are five creative ways to hang a hammock.

1. Tying Between Two Poles

Poles and other round supports are great places to hang your hammock. You can find a pole or post almost anywhere, such as telephone poles or fence posts. Be sure to carefully pick your pole, ensuring that it’s stable enough to support your weight. You may want to give it a good shake to make sure it’s sturdy. Some national and state parks even have hammock posts that are free to use.

2. Using Nearby Building Structures

One of the most convenient hammock ideas without trees is to rely on what is already around you. Most state and national parks have outdoor structures like pavilions, rain shelters and bathrooms. If you’re ready to set up camp and you can’t find any good trees, you can always try hanging your hammock from the side of a building in a pinch — but make sure you have permission first!

3. Attaching to Your Car or Truck

If the sun is setting and you still haven’t found a support for your hammock, you can use your vehicle. First, find an ideal place to attach your hammock to your car or truck. Finding a stable attachment point is crucial. Otherwise, you may end up damaging your car. Anchoring a hammock to the bed of a pickup truck is perfect. Attaching it to your side mirror — not so much.

If you have two vehicles, you can set up your hammock between them. Otherwise, you’ll need to find a pole or building as the second attachment point.

4. Investing in a Hammock Stand

When you have a hammock stand, suddenly, the whole world becomes a hammock-friendly zone. This handy bit of gear lets you hang anywhere, including tree-free camping locales like beaches or deserts.

There are many different types of hammock stands out there. So, when looking for the best hammock stand for your outdoor adventure, here are a few things to keep in mind:

• Setup: You shouldn’t need any special skills or tools to set up your hammock stand.
• Portability: You should be able to pack down and easily carry your stand along with your camping gear. Look for a lightweight model.
• Strength and durability: Your ideal stand should comfortably support your weight and not buckle when you get in and out.
• Rain fly capability: Even if your hammock stand doesn’t come with a rain fly, it should have a top rail so that you can attach a tarp on rainy days to stay dry.

5. Going to Ground With Trekking Poles

This method is perfect in a pinch when you need to pitch your hammock without trees spaced evenly apart or only have a vehicle and nothing to attach the other side of your hammock to. All you need is a pair of trekking poles, like sturdy tree branches or dowel rods, ground spikes and some cordage.

Here’s how it works:

• Collect two similarly sized sticks, or poles, roughly your height. Shorter sticks will work, but you’ll need to adjust their angle later on.
• Sharpen one end of each stick, so it digs into the ground well.
• Gather the sticks and tie them at the top on one side, so they are easily movable. Shape them into an upside-down “V” and drive the sharpened ends into the dirt.
• Loop your hammock over the cross-section where you tied the sticks together and run the strap around the sticks once to hold it in place.
• Take 10 feet of nylon line — 15 feet if your hammock needs to accommodate a heavier load — and make overhand knots, or loops, in every 10 inches of line.
• Drive your primary ground spike or nail into the ground near the hammock and tied sticks. You might need longer spikes if your hammock will be accommodating heavier weight.
• Fold your looped nylon line into two evenly sized sides. Use the first loop on one side and place it around the ground spike.
• Stretch the remainder of the line flat and pull it tight. The long, flat line should be tense and close to the ground so that the weight doesn’t pull the spikes from the dirt when you’re inside the hammock.
• Secure a second ground spike in the second loop and repeat the process for the third loop or as needed.
• Repeat the loop process on the other side of the nylon rope, using the same primary spike at the top. The finished shape will look like a “>” symbol, with the point being the main spike and each side being the looped nylon rope with additional ground spikes.
• Take the line attached to your trekking poles and hammock and retie it to the primary ground spike. Tie it with a loop you can easily cinch together.
• Once you’ve attached both lines to the spike, test your hammock and make adjustments as needed. You might need to move the tied sticks or adjust your tree line to keep your hammock off the ground.

You can also adapt this method, so you don’t have to do as much manual work — like sharpening sticks and hand-tying loops — by using dowel rods, wire cable and U-nut fasteners. The process is similar, but you thread the cable inside the dowel rod through drilled holes in the top and drill bolts into the bottom of each dowel rod so you can drive them into the ground.

Find Your Ultimate Hammock Camping Gear With DutchWare

Whether you’re looking for a lightweight, strong hammock stand or other supplies for your next great hammock camping adventure, DutchWare is a name you can trust. We’re an American manufacturer of some of the best hammock camping gear on the market. Browse our shop and get outfitted with everything you need for hammocking in the great outdoors.

Check Out These Related Hammock Articles

• Choosing a Hammock: The Beginners Guide
• Dutchwares’ Different Hammocks
• Bridge vs Gathered End Hammocks – Which Is Better?
• Double vs Two Person Hammock Camping Guide

The Best Way To Store Your Hammock

Do you plan to set up your hammock in your living room or dining room? Of course not! You’re going to put it outside in your backyard or use it during camping adventures. That means it’s going to be exposed to the elements and — you guessed it — moisture.

What do you do when your hammock gets wet or starts to smell a little funky? Read on to find out how to take care of the hammock that takes care of you.

Can You Leave Hammocks Outside?

We hang our hammocks at home, in the great outdoors, on our lawns, and patios. With that said, most hammocking experts suggest bringing your hammocks inside when you know it’s going to rain.

A sprinkle here and there isn’t going to harm a hammock. On the other hand, being left out for days under wet conditions can lead to the formation of mold. A moldy hammock not only will start to smell like mildew, but it could also pose a respiratory health risk if you’re sensitive to mold spores.

In addition to mold considerations, you’ll want to bring your hammock inside regularly to reduce fading due to intense sunlight.

Can Hammocks Get Wet? Will Water Ruin a Hammock?

Plenty of people who buy hammocks wonder if the hammocks will be okay after a rainstorm. The answer is “yes,” but you’ll want to keep a few considerations in mind.

A top to-do of proper hammock care is to always dry a wet hammock before you store it or sleep in it again. The best way to do this is to set it up again, even if that means setting it up in your climate-controlled garage or basement.

Within a few hours indoors or in non-humid conditions, most hammocks will dry out just fine. From that point, you can either jump in for a relaxing snooze or pack it away for your next adventure.

Can Hammocks Be Put in the Dryer?

You might be tempted to try drying a damp or soaking hammock in your dryer. That’s usually a bad idea unless you have an all-rope hammock.

Dryers can damage hammock fabrics and ruin your investment. Plus, your wet hammock will probably weigh a ton. In that case, it could end up hurting the dryer. At the end of the day, you could be looking at replacing both your hammock and your dryer!

All-rope hammocks without spreaders may be placed in a dryer at home. However, before you make any assumptions, check with the rope hammock manufacturer about their recommended hammock care practices.

Can the Mildew Smell Be Removed From a Hammock? Can You Wash a Hammock?

Despite your best efforts, your hammock got wet. Maybe you left it out for longer than intended, or perhaps you stowed it in a bag and forgot to air it out. Either way, it’s gotten a little smelly.

As long as you don’t see any major patches of dark mold, you should be able to successfully remove any mildew odors and minor mildewy areas by washing your hammock. Again, you can’t just toss the hammock into the washer unless it’s made of rope and the manufacturer says it’s okay. Instead, hand-wash your hammock with soap and water.

After thoroughly rinsing your hammock off, set it up again or lay it flat. Let it dry off and the mildew smell should be gone.

What If a Hammock Gets Moldy?

A small amount of mold on your hammock isn’t necessarily the end of the world. But if your hammock gets extensively moldy, you’re probably looking at a replacement.

You can certainly try to tackle mold on your hammock by washing and drying the fabric. It might work, but it might not. And if you can’t get rid of the mold, you’re better off starting over, because a moldy hammock isn’t a healthy sleeping environment.

If you do decide to scrub off your moldy hammock, wear a mask to avoid inhaling mold and mildew.

Getting All Your Hammock Care Questions Answered

The best way to enjoy your next hammock purchase for the long haul is to understand all the hammock care rules of the road.

If you ever have questions related to your DutchWare hammock or hammocking equipment, feel free to contact us. Our team of experts is ready to help you get the most mileage from your hammock!