The Ultimate Hang: An Illustrated Guide To Hammock Camping Paperback – October 27, 2011

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!!

I have been trying to decide whether or not I am going to change from being a "tent backpacker" to a "hammock backpacker". I was not feeling very confident about my decision, especially since I had just purchased a brand new Kelty lightweight tent! But, after reading Derek Hansen's "The Ultimate Hang", I ordered a new Hennessy hammock!
Needless to say, I really enjoyed the ease of reading this book. It only took me a few hours to complete, and the illustrations were pretty cute, but also very informative.
I would strongly recommend this book to anyone who is "on the fence" about whether or not to switch from being uncomfortable on the hard, rocky ground, or willing to be able to get a good's night sleep while out in the woods, or even in the yard!

A great little book full of useful information for beginning and experienced hammockers, for those looking for a better sleeping alternative when camping, and for those looking to be more immersed with their surroundings - while still being nicely protected from the elements. This book has all the information you need to be a proficient hammock camper. It's enjoyable to read, simple, and informal, but takes the subject matter seriously and effectively explains what is needed. Read it in one seating or take it with you for a quick reference. It's a fun read that is helpful and will ultimately benefit your camping experience and enjoyment of nature.

The perfect guide to getting into hammocking for camping and backpacking.

I'd tried hammock camping a few years ago but it did not work well for me. But hammocking has progresses a lot way, and Hansen's books is the perfect introduction. It will show you not only all the basics, but give clear illustrations to help clarify a lot of the mystery. What are "whoopie slings" anyway? How do you keep warm in that thing? What do you do when you are hiking and there are no trees?

Hansen answers all that clearly and with nice illustrations. If you are not fully comfortable on the hard, cold ground, learn more about how to sleep comfortable in a hammock with this great introductory guide.

I read this while back but wanted a digital copy for my phone so I took the plunge...good easy reading for those who likes to hammock camp. it contains more information than I like to know about hammock camping and as result, I started experimenting on my own with different DIY gears and other commercially available hammock gears. In other words, I could have just kept my 11x5 DIY hammock and be happy with it but as soon as I picked up this book and started reading, I couldn't help myself but to try what Derek Hansen was talking about in his book. I watched his videos online, subscribed, and tried all the little things that would give me the "perfect hang"....finally, after experimenting with 6 different hammocks, 4 bug-nets, 4 different tarp/ rainfly and countless different suspension options, I"VE GOT MY "PERFECT HANG" and I love it. I'm somewhat of an expert now, making my own whoopie sling suspensions, soft shackle carabiners, hammocks and rain-cover (hate to say "tarp" because I always picture old army ground tarp for some reason and these don't go on the ground! lol), everyone around me asks me for my opinion and advise on what to get. thanks Derek for kick starting my hobby into a full blown love-affair!