The Ultimate Hang: An Illustrated Guide To Hammock Camping [Paperback]

Derek J Hansen (Author, Illustrator)

Book Description

Publication Date: October 27, 2011

Hammock camping--one of the most comfortable ways to enjoy a long-distance thru-hike, a weekend backpacking trip, or just an overnight in the woods. With more than 200 illustrations to guide you, this book helps you get off the ground to discover the freedom, comfort, and convenience of hammock camping. Learn how to set up and use a hammock to stay dry, warm, and bug free in a Leave No Trace-friendly way. This book covers hammock camping basics such as how to get a perfect hang and how to stay dry, warm, and bug free. Plus, it illustrates techniques and tips to get the most out of a hammock shelter, whether you have purchased an all-in-one kit or you’ve assembled your own customized system.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Derek Hansen is a lightweight backpacker, Scoutmaster, and "hammock enthusiast" who enjoyed his first hammock hang at age 14 at a Boy Scout high adventure base. When he’s not out testing outdoor gear, he enjoys reading and spending time with his family.

Product Details

• Paperback: 130 pages
• Publisher: CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform (October 27, 2011)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1466263687
• ISBN-13: 978-1466263680
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 6 x 0.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (95 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #24,502 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #26 in Books > Sports & Outdoors > Hiking & Camping > Camping

More About the Author

Derek Hansen grew up near the foothills of the Rocky Mountains and gained a love for the outdoors thanks to active Scouting parents. Derek is a lightweight backpacker, Scoutmaster, and "hammock enthusiast" who enjoyed his first hammock hang at age 14 at a Boy Scout high adventure base.

When he's not out testing outdoor gear, he enjoys reading and spending time with his family.

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Modern hammock hanging explained November 4, 2011

By G...Hawk

Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase

Looking forward to handing this book to friends and strangers who ask questions about "that very cool flying tent" when van camping. Or recommending to backpackers when on the trail and they ask about my rig.

As the subtitle states "an illustrated guide" that clearly shows the basics, and more, for those interested in understanding the pleasures of hammock hanging.
Fun and easy.
As a hanger, I smiled at the instructive and sometimes amusing illustrations.

Extensive list of suppliers and links to videos in back of book.

9 of 10 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Essential Reading for Hammock Hangers July 1, 2012

By Escape

Format:Kindle Edition|Amazon Verified Purchase

The Ultimate Hang by Derek Hansen is the best book I found when I got interested in exploring this increasingly popular method of camping. I found that it contained all the essential information I needed to makes sense of all the aspects associated with buying and using a hammock that many veteran tent campers may not be familiar with. The book is a short and enjoyable read that really gave me a clear understanding of the selection and use of a camping hammock. Here are a few of the things this book covered.

The Basics- The book starts off with the authors first hammock experience and some terminology related to hammock camping. The pros/cons of hammocks and tents are discussed which helps decide if it is something that will work for you. Basic Gear, Tree Selection, Anchor Points, Suspension Lines, Weather and Bug Protection, Staying Warm, and Getting Comfortable are addressed briefly. These points also serve as a bit of an outline for the rest of the book where these points will be covered again in more detail. There are also a couple of great illustrations with bullet points showing the right and wrong way to hang.

Sight Selection- The next section deals with some aspects, not all of which are specific to hammock camping, but serves as great general advise. Lighting safety, Bear/Animals, Widowmakers, Choosing trees, Wind, and the principles of "Leave No Trace" camping are discussed.

Mechanics of Hanging- The book helped me a lot here. I had watched numerous videos and read a lot of different things on the internet on just how to hang the hammock. Different knots, methods, and accessories used had me confused. This section finally helped make sense of things like Various Straps, Whoopie Slings, Carabiners, S-Biners, Cinch Buckles, Descender Rings, Dutch Clips, Elephant Trunks, Tri Glides, and many other things I didn't know much about. It also taught me the different knots and lashings I would be using.

Staying Warm/Dry/Bug Free- Different tarp designs like A-sym, Diamond, Hex Cut, etc are discussed with pros/cons. Sleeping Pads, Under Quilts, Pull Over Bags and Pods, Net designs are discussed as well as numerous personal tips, and great illustrations.

Comfort/Utility/Sleeping Tips- The last section of the book gave me great insight on different ways to utilize my hammock as different camp furniture while not sleeping. It gave me a few ideas on how just how versatile the hammock could be. Sleeping tips, quick set up methods, packing and carrying techniques were also highlighted. The book concludes with great Appendices containing information about manufacturers, gear list, and some handy quick reference illustrations.

Bottom line- This book is a "must have" for any new or experienced hammock owner. You could just look at the pictures in this book alone and learn more about hammock camping than from most other sources. I read the Kindle version. But I will most certainly order a hard copy to keep with my hammock. It's better than any instruction manual out there. Essential Reading for hammock campers!!

9 of 10 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Great read for new and experienced hammock campers December 28, 2011

By jbrianb

Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase

I've gradually gotten more and more interested in hammock camping. Gave this book to a friend, who more or less got me into it. He loves it. Gave one to my brother along with a hammock. He's gone from reluctant to enthusiastic. I was so envious of the gifts I gave them that I bought the book on my e-reader. I can't say enough good about it.

Here's a quick overview:
Wonder what whoopie slings are or how to use them? Do you clip your hammock to your straps using carabiners and wonder why others use toggle handles and complicated knot tying methods? This book breaks all of this down and more. Learn about Dutch clips and buckles; learn some basic knots that will serve you well. Learn some basic things to look for when selecting a spot to hang your hammock. Learn the pros and cons of structural ridgelines, of non-structural ridgelines, of tarp tying and more. And learn it all in a way that urges you to practice leave-no-trace camping ethics and that focuses in large part on safety.

If you're an old pro, catch up on some of the latest technology out there that has been applied to hammock camping. See what opportunities and materials are out there that could help you lighten your load or sleep more comfortably.

Additionally, I was impressed to learn that the author provided his own illustrations. They're cartoonish, but simple to understand and they contribute a visual element to the book that might otherwise be hard to follow.

I'd call it the premier book (at last that I've read) on hammock camping. I'd also recommend that if you're trying to share the joys of hammock camping with a friend, this book and an inexpensive Grand Trunk Ultralight hammock (under $15) would make a great gift.