HAMMOCK CAMPING AT SWAMP BASE

During a Swamp Base Trek, participants get to spend the night in hammocks on Rougarou Island. It is a great way to try out hammock camping without having to invest in an expensive system of your own. 

Many Swamp Base participants discover that they love hammock camping, and can't wait to swing from the trees on more adventures after their trek. A correctly hung hammock and proper sleeping position are key to a positive hammock experience.

How to hang the hammock correctly?

Step One: Choose two trees roughly 15 feet apart to hang your hammock between. Make sure the trees are healthy and strong. Scan the area for widow makers (trees or limbs that are dead, sick, or damaged) that may fall into your sleeping area.

Step Two: Using a bowline, taut line, or hammock knot, to secure your hammock to the trees. Our Swamp Base preaux staff prefer a taut line because it holds well under tension and is adjustable! Tie your hammock so that you can get in and out easily, but not drag the ground.

Step Three: Secure your rainfly in the same way as your hammock. Note that Swamp Base’s

hammocks are asymmetrical. Make sure that the corners of your rainfly and hammock lineup. The waterproof seam of the rainfly faces down toward your ridgeline.

Step Four: Secure the ends of your rainfly with tent stakes. Make sure the angle of your fly is steep enough to keep out water, but not so steep that it blocks airflow and keeps you too hot. 

Once your hammock is pitched, you can always make adjustments. Sometimes ridgelines need to be tightened or rainfly angles need to be tweaked. If you aren’t comfortable, ask your trek guide for help! They can help give tips and adjust the hammock to your needs.

When you are ready to swing off to sleep, make sure your alignment in the hammock is good. Swamp Base hammocks are asymmetrical. So, you will want to sleep at a diagonal to ensure you have a flat surface. If you sleep inline with the ridgeline, your back will look like a banana and not be very comfortable. 

There you have it! Just follow these Preaux Tips to help you have a great time hammock camping at Swamp Base. Sleep tight, don’t let the Rougarou bite.