My Hammock Experience

A couple of years ago, I went on a multi-day river trip who used hammocks, and who couldn't believe I hadn't tried one. The following year, I did another river trip with a different friend who used a hammock, and sung their praise. Although I was skeptical, especially since decades of kayaking had taken their toll on my lower back, I headed out on a short kayak camping trip with a hammock in my boat instead of a tent, and with an acceptance of the fact that I was probably going to have a miserable night's sleep. Much to my surprise, I had one of the better night’s sleep that I’ve ever had camping, and learned some valuable lessons about hammocks (and tents) in the process. Here's what I can share with you:

The Benefits of a Tent

There are a number of benefits to tent camping. Some of the most notable benefits are that they come in wide variety of sizes to accommodate solo campers, or entire families/groups, and they offer more versatile space to stretch out and store gear. This roominess is also a real benefit if you're stuck at camp, and dealing with rain or bugs. The tent becomes a refuge—a place where you and others can relax comfortably – maybe even play a game of cards.

Tents are also versatile. You can pitch them pretty much anywhere as long as the ground is reasonably flat. This makes them a solid choice for all kinds of terrain, from mountain tops to beaches, and river banks.

The Benefits of a Hammock

Before doing a real hammock camping trip, I would have struggled to identify any significant benefits of the hammock. But I quickly learned that there were many. Being elevated off the ground has a number of benefits. For one, you don't need to worry about waking up in a pool of water, as you do with a tent. They’re also incredibly easy to get in and out of. This means no more crawling around on your hands and knees. You simply sit down into the hammock, and when it's time to get out, you swing your legs out and stand up. Hammocks are also more convenient when kayak camping, because the hammock packs into a number of very small bags, which fit inside a kayak very well.

When it comes to sleep quality, I was pleasantly surprised. I have some lower back issues, and I wasn’t sure how a hammock would feel over the course of a full night out. It turns out that they can be very comfortable! Fortunately, I did some research before my first night out in a hammock, and learned that using a sleeping pad and/or underquilt goes a long way to keeping you warm on cooler nights, as it provides insulation underneath your body, where your sleeping bag doesn't help.

Hammock vs Tent: A Quick Breakdown

• Comfort: Both can be comfortable if set up correctly. With a tent, you’ll want to find the flattest possible ground, making sure your head is higher than your feet if a perfectly flat surface isn't available. With a hammock, the key is tension—make sure it’s not too loose, and use a sleeping pad in the hammock for comfort and insulation. If it's a particularly cold trip, consider an underquilt.
• Sleep Quality: When set up properly, both a tent and hammock can provide a great nights sleep, if you have the appropriate accessories. For a tent, this means not skimping on the sleeping pad you use. I highly recommend a sleeping pad that inflates to 3-4″, and a camp pillow, if getting a good night sleep is a priority for you. For a hammock, this means using a sleeping pad or underquilt to insulate you from below, and having an integrated bug net if needed. This is why I was using the ENO JungleNest Hammock.
• Setup: Tents require flat ground, while hammocks need two trees spaced just right. Both are easy enough to set up once you get the hang of it, but if it’s raining, setting up a tarp first can make the process a lot easier for both options.
• Weather and Bugs: A tent offers more space to escape bugs and bad weather. But with the right bug net and tarp setup, a hammock can be just as effective, though less comfortable for lounging in during long rainy spells.

When to Choose a Hammock vs Tent

For me, the decision now comes down to the trip itself. If I know the area well and am confident that there will be plenty of trees to hang a hammock, I’ll likely bring a hammock—it's cozy, it's easy to set up, and it's nice to avoid the hands-and-knees scramble of tent camping.

On the other hand, if I'm not confident that there will be appropriate trees for hanging the hammock, or if I’m heading into a bug-heavy area where the weather could trap me in camp, I will bring a tent so that I have more space and protection to hang out.

Whichever you choose, it’s all about enjoying the great outdoors and making the most of your camping experience. That being said, trying new things adds a layer of adventure to your trips, and so if you haven't already done so, give hammock camping a shot—you might just discover your new favorite way to sleep under the stars.

Stay tuned for more gear reviews, tips, and Backcountry adventures!

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Hammock Camping

The premise was simple yet thrilling: a one-night stand-up paddle camping trip combined with motorized exploration. This unique blend allowed me to test the versatility of the Isle Switch Pro, which seamlessly transitions from kayak to SUP, and now includes a motor adapter, enhancing its utility for anglers and adventurers alike.

Fishing for Dinner

The trip unfolded along a river whose temperament had changed dramatically due to recent rains and dam releases. Despite the challenging conditions—swift currents and fluctuating water levels—I set out determined to find the perfect fishing spot. My goal? To hook a walleye for dinner, a task made trickier by the swollen river and its confused fish.

Bixby Electric Motor

Navigating with the Bixby motor proved invaluable, especially given my recent shoulder injury. This unforeseen setback had sidelined me from traditional paddling, making the motorized option not just convenient but essential for accessing remote areas safely. The motor's assistance didn't diminish the adventure; rather, it provided a newfound freedom to explore deeper and farther than before. I brought a Aqua Bound paddle but enjoyed not paddling at times.

ENO Hammock Camping

Hammock camping on the paddle board was a revelation in itself. Unlike traditional kayaks or canoes, the Isle Switch Pro offered surprising capacity and stability, accommodating all my gear in a single dry bag. This streamlined approach simplified camp setup and gear management—a boon in adverse weather conditions or during sudden downpours.

As dusk settled, I found solace in the familiar challenge of fishing from a standing position. The Isle Switch Pro's stability made casting effortless, despite my initial reservations. Each catch—whether a small bass or a surprising pike—added to the thrill of the experience, reminding me of the joys of exploration and discovery in nature's embrace.

The night brought its own challenges, including a swarm of mosquitoes that tested my resolve to hammock camping — a recent addition to my camping repertoire. Yet, as morning dawned with clear skies and a gentle breeze, I couldn't help but feel invigorated by the night's trials and triumphs.

Reflecting on this journey, I am reminded of the importance of adaptability in outdoor pursuits. The integration of technology, like the Bixby motor, doesn't diminish the purity of the experience but enhances it, especially when faced with physical limitations or challenging conditions.

Ultimately, this adventure reinforced my belief that exploration knows no bounds. Whether you're a seasoned paddler or a novice adventurer, I encourage you to embrace new challenges and innovations in your outdoor pursuits. Each journey offers lessons and insights that enrich our connection to nature and deepen our appreciation for the great outdoors.

Join me in celebrating the spirit of exploration and the joy of paddling as we continue to push boundaries and discover new horizons together. Stay tuned for more adventures, gear reviews, and tips from the world of paddlesports!

Until next time, keep paddling!

Special Thanks

to Ontario Creates for supporting my YouTube channels and blog articles.

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I'd like to take a moment to thank our Sponsor of this article, the ACA, please remember to wear your lifejacket when enjoying the water. They have a fantastic online course for anyone thinking about getting into paddle sports. Check out the link for the free course!

Setting off on Lake Opeongo

The day started with a sense of anticipation. I am taking the Melker Rödlöga sea kayak on this adventure. As I paddled away from the shore, the weight of everyday responsibilities fell away. Lake Opeongo, the largest lake in Algonquin Park, stretched out before me. It’s not often you see sea kayaks here since the park is renowned for its canoe tripping routes, but Opeongo’s size justifies the use of a sea kayak. This massive lake, about 10 miles long, offers a unique challenge and a chance to cover some serious distance.

The First Leg: Calm Waters and Clear Skies

The initial paddle was serene. The spring weather was kind, with no strong winds to battle against, which was a blessing given the potential for big waves on this lake. The water was calm, and the sky started to clear up, transforming the mood of the trip. It’s incredible how a bit of sunshine can lift your spirits, even after a drizzly start.

For those new to paddling, you might have noticed the unique paddle I’m using in the video. This is a Greenland paddle, a tool I’ve grown to appreciate for long-distance paddling. It’s easier on the body over extended periods, distributing the workload more evenly compared to a traditional kayak paddle. My GearLab Outdoors IPIK paddle is as light as a feather, thanks to its carbon fiber construction—a worthy investment for long days on the water.

A Quest for Wildlife

My primary mission for this trip was to find and observe moose. Spring is the ideal time for this, as the foliage hasn’t fully emerged, making wildlife easier to spot. I aimed to reach the north arm of Lake Opeongo, where a vast marshland is known to harbor a dense population of moose. The journey to this wildlife hotspot was filled with anticipation. As I paddled closer, the landscape transformed into a marshy haven, perfect for moose spotting.

Camping Under the Stars

After a long day of paddling, I found a secluded campsite. This trip was also a first for me in another way: hammock camping. Inspired by friends who swear by it, I decided to trade my tent for an ENO camping hammock and tarp. It was a bit of a gamble, considering the potential for rain and wildlife encounters, but it turned out to be a peaceful and surprisingly comfortable night.The ZenBivy sleep system kept me cozy.

Dinner was a humble affair with a long-shelf-life backpacker’s meal. While it wasn’t gourmet, it was a reminder of the simple joys of backcountry camping—savoring a meal after a day of hard work, with the sounds of nature all around.

Exploring Hailstorm Creek

Hailstorm Creek is a hidden gem within Algonquin, often overlooked, but teeming with life. As I paddled through its serene waters, I marveled at the beauty of the marshland. The call of loons and the sight of waterfowl were constant companions, adding to the magic of the place.

The Long Paddle Back

Despite not spotting any moose this time, the journey was far from disappointing. The tranquility of the marsh, the challenge of navigating through tight, reedy passages, and the sheer joy of being surrounded by nature made it all worthwhile. As I began the long paddle back, the sun broke through the clouds, promising a pleasant journey home.

Reflecting on the Adventure

Every paddling trip offers something unique, and this adventure on Lake Opeongo was no exception. While I didn’t find the moose I was looking for, the experience was rich with the sights and sounds of spring in Algonquin Park. From the solitude of the massive lake to the intimate beauty of Hailstorm Creek, this trip was a reminder of why I love paddling.

For those who haven’t yet ventured into the backcountry with a paddle, I encourage you to give it a try. There’s a whole world out there waiting to be explored, and each trip, whether it’s filled with wildlife sightings or simply the quiet moments of reflection on the water, is a journey worth taking.

Until next time, keep exploring, keep paddling, and stay tuned for more adventures.

Special Thanks

to Ontario Creates for supporting my YouTube channels and blog articles.

The post Sea Kayaking on Lake Opeongo in Algonquin Park appeared first on Hazeadventure.

Our hammock tent camping experience all started because Nick and I wanted to sleep outside. However, we also wanted to hike to our camping spot. Before heading off on our trip, we were thinking how we could make the journey as light and easy as possible, which is where the ENO DoubleNest Hammock comes in.

ENO DoubleNest Hammock Set Up 

One of the coolest features of the DoubleNest Hammock is the Ember Underlayer. The Ember Underlayer essentially acts as a sleeping bag, wrapping underneath the hammock to keep you warm. I personally didn’t even know that hammocks came with features like this. However, the underlayer kept us warm throughout the entire night. We even just opted for a double-down sleeping blanket as opposed to full-on sleeping bags. And still found we were plenty warm!

Over the top of the hammock we had the compatible ProFly tarp which meant we didn’t have to worry about rain or morning dew. And we also had a bug net. As it was early March in Tennessee, the bug net wasn’t necessary. But it was nice to have just in case. 

Hammock Tent Camping Installation

Setting up the hammock and tent for camping only takes a couple of minutes. And to do so, you literally just loop the straps around a tree, hook your hammock up, clip on the undergarments and the tarp, and you’re good to go!

I really liked that the straps that ENO provides have various different loopholes. The loopholes meant the setup was extremely simple and effective, giving you more time to actually adventure. 

Weight of the ENO DoubleNest Hammock and Tent

Another great benefit to sleeping in a hammock is how lightweight the whole setup is. Nick hurt his ankle not long before our trip, so I thought all opportunities to go camping for my birthday had gone out the window. Traditional camping setups can come with considerable weight, so I didn’t think we’d be able to manage. However, thankfully, the DoubleNest Hammock came in and saved the day.

The whole DoubleNest set up with the hammock and tent for camping we had came in at under 10 lbs. So, if you’re backpacking, overnighting out of a kayak, or if you’re just looking for a lightweight, easy to use set up, then I highly recommend checking out the ENO DoubleNest hammock camping system. 

Overall Experience with the ENO DoubleNest Hammock

All in all, I really enjoyed my first time sleeping out of a hammock. And the ENO DoubleNest Hammock ultimately provided us with a comfortable and warm night’s sleep out in nature—an ideal way to spend my birthday.

For two people, I found the size of the hammock was great. However, you will end up cuddling for the majority of the night with your significant other—unsurprisingly, Nick had no objections to that. I’m even tempted to use this hammock set up the next time I take my kids out as it really was easy to set up, light to carry, and comfortable to sleep in. 

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