Hammock Camping for Two

[Jeremy]

I go camping with my family. I will have a base tent for wife and younger kids. Would like to hammock camp with my oldest.

I originally was looking at the Clark Vertex Ultra, for two. However, trees can be hard to come by in South Texas so adding a third tree to the mix can be a bit troublesome. This also opens up the possibilities on what type of hammock I can get.

Now I have seen some threads on Dutchware having a spreader bar for two hammocks. I can't quite figure this out.

Any advice on side by side hammocks? Also what tarp setup is possible, just a larger tarp?

[Peppy]

The Dutch setup is two chameleons with the bar at the head end. Works well.

Just get a good wide tarp and you should be good.

[Jeremy]

Does it have to be two Chameleons? I was looking for a cheaper version for my son. However, both of us together is priority number 1.

[TominMN]

You can do side-by-side with practically any two GE hammocks. The Chameleon set-up where two hammocks share a net could be what Peppy is referring to. DH may be developing a similar system. If there is not a need to share space under the net, then there are plenty of choices.


Yup a large tarp. Porch mode makes for some more room.

[Jeremy]

Awesome. Thank you both for the great advice.

[Vanhalo]

All you need is the single spreader bar and compatible hardware from Dutch that accommodates the bar.

I tested out the BB and the XLC this summer using Myerstech Dynemma/Becket Hitch on the foot end and basic polyester tree straps w/ Dutch Beetle buckles on the head end.

[sidneyhornblower]

Now I have seen some threads on Dutchware having a spreader bar for two hammocks. I can't quite figure this out.

Any advice on side by side hammocks? Also what tarp setup is possible, just a larger tarp?

See Sintax77's video on the spreader bar system: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WiTheKp-E6c


Or see Dutch showing a similar setup using his double whoopie hook: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z63zHmE8MpA

[OCDave]

I go camping with my family. I will have a base tent for wife and younger kids. Would like to hammock camp with my oldest.

...

How old is your son? A bunk-bed style or over-under hang is a great way for younger kids to start hanging. With dad within easy reach from below they get the security without the confines of side by side hammocks. Over-under is also easier to protect with a single tarp.

Good Luck

[Jeremy]

How old is your son? A bunk-bed style or over-under hang is a great way for younger kids to start hanging. With dad within easy reach from below they get the security without the confines of side by side hammocks. Over-under is also easier to protect with a single tarp.

Good Luck

He is 9. I will only camp with him in the same tent for another year. Once in Boy Scouts he will be off on his own and I will solo away from the boys. Of course then I have a 6 year old that I will introduce to the hammock.

Over under sounds interesting. I am assuming I put them on the the top of me. Might be warmer for us both for the winter camps.

[OCDave]

He is 9. I will only camp with him in the same tent for another year. Once in Boy Scouts he will be off on his own and I will solo away from the boys. Of course then I have a 6 year old that I will introduce to the hammock.

Over under sounds interesting. I am assuming I put them on the the top of me. Might be warmer for us both for the winter camps.

Yes, He would hang 1-2 feet above you. If one of you lays right and the other left you can minimize the space between hammocks. He would still need his own under insulation but, should he need any adjustment or attention overnight, you'd be right there.

The only potential downs-side is a narrow tarp might leave the bottom hanger a bit exposed to side winds. An underquilt protector is a perfect accessory for this application.