Overnight Stays

Hammock & tree tent

Hammocks hung up in a birch wood

The hammock is a relatively new way to spend the night that has taken off in recent years. In the lowlands especially, where trees are plentiful, it is easy to find somewhere to hang your hammock.

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The hammock is a relatively new way to spend the night that has taken off in recent years. In the lowlands especially, where trees are plentiful, it is easy to find somewhere to hang your hammock. Sleeping in a hammock takes some getting used to, and you are more exposed to the weather than inside a tent. The advantage is that the simplest hammocks weigh little and are easier to carry than a tent.

You need: a hammock and suspension straps, a sleeping mat and a sleeping bag. You should also bring a tarp or tarpaulin, rope or guy lines, and tent pegs in case of rain.

It is fun to sleep with several hammocks stacked at height. But it can be a little tricky to climb into the top one.

Photo: Gina Wigestrand, Snuitide

How to sleep in a hammock

Tips and tricks for the hammock

  • Bring a mosquito net.
  • Always carry a tarpaulin or tarp in case of rain.
  • Use a roomy hammock, so you can lie at an angle.

Tips for hanging up a hammock

  • Choose suitable trees.
    • A spacing of 3–5 metres is good.
    • The trees should be as thick as your thigh.
  • Hang the hammock level.
    • Lie down in the hammock and check if you are unsure.
  • Use suspension cords that do not damage the tree.
    • Thick, flat straps are best, as they spread the weight over a larger area of the tree.
  • Check that you have enough ground clearance.
    • The hammock will sag a little during the night.
    • Have at least 50 centimetres of clearance when you lie down.

Tree tent

You can use the tree tent with just the mosquito netting.

Photo: Gina Wigestrand, Snuitide

The tree tent is an exciting combination of tent and hammock. This too is a relatively new way to spend the night, suited to those who feel most at home above the ground. Tree tents come in different versions for one to three people. Sleeping in a tree tent is much like spending the night in a hammock.

The tent is fairly expensive to buy, but can be borrowed or rented from the likes of BUA and Frilager. Setting up the tent requires three solid trees standing in a triangle. The tent is then jacked into place with ratchet straps. Compared with a hammock and ordinary tents, it is fairly heavy. Tree tents are therefore best suited to short walks or paddling trips.

There is nothing to fault about the view from the tent.

Photo: Gina Wigestrand, Snuitide

You need: a tree tent, a sleeping mat and a sleeping bag.

Tips and tricks for setting up a tree tent (speidersport).

Next steps

Learn more

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Gina Wigestrand, Snuitide (2021)