NEMO Camping and Hiking

What size hammock is best for you? 

• Single: Lighter for backpacking but less spacious.
• Double: Two people can share or one person to spread out. 
• Length: Look for a hammock that is at least 2 feet longer than your height.
• Weight capacity: Check to make sure it suits your needs.

Consider accessories:

• Underquilts offer great insulation for hammock camping in cooler weather.
• Rain tarps, hung above the hammock, protect you from the elements.  
• Bug nets: Look for models with 360-degree protection and “no-see-um” netting. 

Should you consider a hammock tent? 

• Pros: Generally lighter and more compact than a traditional tent, doesn't require level ground and has less impact on ground vegetation.
• Cons: Won’t work without sturdy trees, colder and less rainproof than a traditional tent, and have minimal interior storage.  

Liner uses

• Backpacking: A mummy-shaped liner can add 5° to 15°F of warmth to your bag. It also helps your bag last longer by protecting it from dirt and body oils.

• Traveling: A rectangular liner separates you from unclean bedding. 

Liner materials

• Silk: Very light, compact and insulates in cold weather. Absorbent and breathable in warm weather. Price: moderate to expensive. 
• Cotton: Strong, durable, absorbent. Not the lightest or most compact. Price: economical. 
• Fleece and microfleece: Warmer, heavier, soft, moisture-wicking, quick-drying. Mid- and heavyweight varieties are bulky. Price: moderate. 
• Synthetics: Moisture-wicking, breathable, stretchy. Price: moderate. 
• Insulated: Adds enough warmth to greatly extend the temp range of a lightweight bag. Price: moderate to expensive. 

How will you use the chair? 

• If you plan to take it backpacking, consider its weight and packed size.  

• For car camping, picnicking or sitting in your backyard, pick a premium chair that's as big and plush as you'd like. 

Chairs for backpacking  

• Stools: These are the lightest and simplest option. They don't have a back rest.  

• Scoop: These resemble a sling and offer a good compromise between lightness and comfort.

• Legless: A clamshell-like mat that opens into a chair. Lightweight and packable.

Chairs for camping

• Classic: Has four legs, a straight back and a flat seat. Affordable, stable and typically high enough to sit and stand with ease. 

• Low: A chair with four short legs that’s good on uneven ground. 

• Suspended: A newer, pricier style that suspends the sitter from the chair frame. 

Features to consider 

• Price typically reflects frame quality and materials used, with lighter options often costing more.

• Pay attention to extras such as cup holders, footrests, head and lumbar pads.