Where to Store Your Gear and Boots When Hammock Camping

The allure of hammock camping lies in its simplicity and closeness to nature, but even the most minimalist camper has some gear to contend with. Figuring out where to store your gear and boots when hammock camping can seem like a puzzle at first. Rest assured, with the right strategies, you can keep your equipment safe, organized, and within reach, without compromising the joy of swinging softly between two trees.

Just as you wouldn’t want to wake up with a rain-soaked sleeping bag or find your boots inhabited by a curious creature, it’s important to give some thought to gear storage before you drift off to sleep. This article will cover a range of practical and effective ways to store your gear and boots while hammock camping, ensuring that you can focus more on the stars above and less on the gear around you. Let’s dive into these tips.

Understanding Your Storage Needs

When planning how to store your gear and boots during a hammock camping trip, the first step is to understand your storage needs. This will largely depend on the amount and type of gear you plan to bring along, as well as the specific conditions and challenges of the environment you’ll be camping in.

Every piece of camping gear has its own storage requirements. Some items might need to be readily accessible, like a flashlight or a water bottle, while others may only be used at specific times, such as cooking equipment or a change of clothes. It’s important to take stock of all your gear beforehand and think about when and how often you’ll need to use each item.

Also consider the potential threats in your camping environment. Are there small animals that might be attracted to your food or other items? Will your gear need to be protected from rain or morning dew? Are there sandy or dirty conditions that could damage your equipment if not properly stored? These considerations will inform your choice of storage solutions and help you protect your gear effectively.

By understanding your storage needs in advance, you can ensure that all your gear has its place, making your camping experience more enjoyable and less stressful. You’ll know where everything is when you need it, and you can rest easy knowing your gear is safe and protected from the elements or curious wildlife.

Storage Solutions for Hammock Camping

Proper storage solutions are integral to a successful hammock camping trip. Not only do they help you keep track of your gear, but they also ensure that your items are protected from the elements and wildlife. By combining these storage solutions, you can create a personalized system that accommodates all your gear and suits your specific camping style. It’s all about finding a balance between accessibility, protection, and organization.

Here are some popular storage options to consider:

Gear Hammock

A gear hammock is essentially a smaller hammock that can be hung directly below your sleeping hammock. This handy storage solution offers a broad and easy-to-reach space for storing a variety of gear items, from boots to backpacks. Moreover, your gear will be kept off the ground, which can be particularly advantageous in wet or sandy conditions. Just remember to check the weight limit of your gear hammock to avoid any mishaps.

We really love this Joey Gear Sling by Kammock.

Utilizing the Ridgeline

Another effective storage solution for hammock campers is using a tarp or ridgeline. Tarps offer an additional layer of protection from the elements, especially rain or morning dew. By extending the tarp beyond the ends of the hammock, you can create a dry area underneath for gear storage.

A hammock’s ridgeline, the line that runs above the hammock where the tarp is usually attached, can also serve as an excellent spot for hanging lightweight items like clothing or a headlamp. Simply attach a few lightweight carabiners or clips to your ridgeline, and you’ve got an overhead storage space that’s easily accessible from your hammock.

If you can’t attach stuff to your ridgeline, a great alternative would be a storage strap like this one.

Leverage Stuff Sacks

Stuff sacks and compression bags are ideal for organizing your gear into compact, manageable packages. These bags can be especially helpful for storing clothing, as they compress bulky items into a smaller size. Once your gear is packed, the bags can be hung from your hammock’s ridgeline or suspension straps, or even placed in a gear hammock.

Tie It To a Tree

Another simple yet effective method of storing your gear while hammock camping is tying it to a tree. Using a length of paracord or a small bungee cord, you can create a secure line from the tree trunk to hang your items. A sturdy knot, like a bowline or a clove hitch, will ensure that your line stays put throughout the night.

To hang your items, you can use carabiners or S-hooks for easy attachment and removal. Depending on the items, you might also want to use stuff sacks or dry bags for added protection from rain or dew.

When tying your gear to a tree, choose a location that’s within your reach but high enough to deter any ground-dwelling critters. Also, be mindful not to harm the tree in the process. Always use wide, tree-friendly straps and never tie your gear to a tree that looks sickly or unstable. This method provides an easy, efficient, and eco-friendly way to store your gear off the ground while you enjoy a comfortable night’s rest in your hammock.

Specialty Gear Lofts and Pockets

Some hammocks come with built-in storage features like gear lofts or pockets. Gear lofts are typically suspended from the ridgeline and offer a handy place for storing lightweight items that you want to keep within reach, such as a book or a headlamp. Similarly, pockets can provide convenient spots for storing small items like smartphones, glasses, or a water bottle.

Another alternative would be using a shelter system like this ENO Nomad. It’s basically a hammock tent, so you can just store you gear underneath you in your tent.

Storing Boots While Hammock Camping

When it comes to hammock camping, figuring out where to store your boots can be a real head-scratcher. But don’t fret, there are multiple ways to keep your boots safe, dry, and out of the way.

Protection from the Weather

To keep your boots protected from the elements, particularly rain or morning dew, a reliable option is to hang them from the hammock suspension system, either directly on the straps or using a carabiner. If possible, turn the boots upside down to prevent water from collecting inside them. You can also just simply tie the boots together then hang them over the ridgeline outside your hammock.

Another option is to place the boots under your rain tarp. If you set up the tarp correctly, it will provide a dry space not only for you but also for your boots. However, be aware that critters might still reach them on the ground. If you are concerned about this, consider stowing your boots inside a waterproof bag or a boot bag before setting them underneath the tarp.

Avoiding Wildlife

In many camping environments, especially in forested areas, small animals can be attracted to the scent of food or sweat on your boots. To avoid an unexpected early morning surprise, it’s best to keep your boots off the ground and out of reach. Hanging your boots from the hammock straps or ridgeline is a great way to keep them elevated. If you’re using a gear hammock for storage, you could place your boots there too.

Regardless of the method you choose, be sure to shake out your boots before putting them on the next morning. This is a good habit to develop, even if you’ve taken steps to secure your boots, as it will ensure there are no unwelcome guests inside.

Additional Tips for Storing Gear and Boots

There are a few more tips worth mentioning that can streamline your gear and boot storage while hammock camping:

1. Keep Things Organized: Keep your gear organized by allocating a specific spot for each item. This will make it easier to locate your items in the dark or when you’re in a hurry.
2. Use Reflective Gear or Markers: It’s easy to misplace gear or trip over it in the dark. To avoid this, consider using gear with reflective elements or attaching glow-in-the-dark or reflective markers to your gear.
3. Prevent Food Smells: To deter wildlife from investigating your gear or boots, keep any food or food-related items stored in a bear-resistant canister or bag and hung from a tree at a safe distance from your hammock.
4. Keep Gear Dry: Condensation can be a problem, especially during cooler nights. To keep your gear dry, you could use a small camp towel to wipe down any items that collect moisture.

What To Do With Pack While Hammock Camping

Storing your pack securely while hammock camping involves a blend of convenience and protection from elements and wildlife. Options range from hanging the pack from the hammock’s ridgeline to placing it under a tarp or inside a separate gear sling. The key is to ensure it’s easily accessible, dry, and safe from critters.

When it comes to hammock camping, one frequently asked question is, “What should I do with my pack?” The answer often depends on various factors like weather conditions, wildlife activity, and the type of gear you have. One popular method is to hang the pack from the hammock’s ridgeline, assuming the ridgeline can support the weight. This keeps the pack off the ground and within arm’s reach. However, make sure your pack is not too heavy, as excessive weight on the ridgeline can impact the structural integrity of your hammock setup.

Another alternative is to utilize a separate gear sling or a mini-hammock designed specifically for gear storage. These can be hung alongside or beneath your hammock and offer a secure, elevated space for your pack. This keeps your gear dry and elevates it off the ground, reducing the risk of critters getting into your belongings. However, it’s crucial to ensure that the trees you’re using can sustain the extra weight.

If the weather is an issue, storing your pack under a rain fly or tarp is a good idea. Some experienced hammock campers even use an extra-large tarp that can cover both the hammock and a designated gear area. Make sure your pack is also covered with its own rain cover for an extra layer of protection.

In regions where wildlife activity is high, especially areas frequented by bears, it’s vital to store food and scented items in a bear-resistant container or bag, which should be hung at least 10 feet off the ground and 4 feet away from the tree trunk. This is crucial for not only protecting your supplies but also for minimizing the impact on local fauna.

In conclusion, when it comes to storing your pack while hammock camping, a combination of accessibility, protection from elements, and wildlife precautions should dictate your approach. The ultimate aim is to strike a balance between convenience and security, keeping your camping experience both enjoyable and safe.

Conclusion

Hammock camping is a unique and enjoyable way to experience the great outdoors, but it does present its own set of challenges when it comes to gear and boot storage. However, with a little planning and creativity, you can easily devise a system that works for your individual needs. Whether you’re hanging your gear from a ridgeline, stowing it in a gear hammock, or protecting it under a tarp, there are plenty of solutions to keep your gear safe, dry, and ready for the next day’s adventure.

Frequently Asked Questions