Avid lady hammocker here - thanks Miranda for bringing positive light onto hammock packing! As some commenters have said below, and you pointed out, more distance between trees can only be of benefit (along with choosing straight trees). Additionally, you can get a flatter hang by using a longer hammock and laying diagonally in it. I even sleep on my side or stomach in my 12' hammock. Top and under quilts are your friends, and use your sit pad for extra insulation if you have any cold spots! Finally...one of my favorite hammocking tips - hang low enough so you can make breakfast from the hammock. Nothing better.

As a NH resident who primarily hammock camps I enjoyed this. I switched to hammock from tent mostly because I sleep so much better. I’m a big dude(about 270 pounds) and even with a pad tent sleeping killed my back. Using trees spaced further apart to really stretch the hammock gets rid of the “banana” effect. Also, rule one of hammock camping? Only string it as high off the ground as you’re willing to fall 😂

Hammock camping in New Hampshire? New Hamping! One tip: a hammock and its suspension tend to take up more length than one might imagine. Setting it up between trees that are further apart makes for less of the banana effect. Also the rain fly will fit better with more distance between the trees. Nice bug net! Another thing: underquilts work wonders. I have a down one from ENO, it is absolutely toasty and you feel like you're laying in a giant human-shaped pot cozy. Nice to see you slept really well in the end. Picking trees that are far enough apart is really a key detail.

Thank you for pronouncing Appalachian correctly. From another former Virginian

Maranda, congratulations on not giving up on the hammock. One thing I notice about "YOUR" generation is the hesitancy to get instruction from those who sorta know the ropes. I was glad to hear you say a few times that your issues were because of lack of experience. For example, there is absolutely no reason for "banana" sleeping. You just have to turn diagonal - head and shoulders on one side (pretty close to the edge) and feet to the other side. For particulars ... Site: You want trees about 12 to 15 feet apart - with no tree off to the side between them that would interfere with your tarp. Usually, the desired "sag" of the hammock puts the ends about 8-9 feet apart so the longer distance is for the tarp - which is usually 11 ft long. Safety: I didn't see you look up to check for "widow makers" - loose branches up high ready to come falling down. Also, a least push a little on the tree to see how solid it feels. I'm sure you saw some large-diameter trees on their sides as you were hiking. Don't just trust "6 inches or larger". Setup - tarp: You corrected that and remember, there is no rule that says the tarp ridgeline has to be level. If you tilt it a little, you'll have more control of where the runoff will go if it rains. One advantage with the hammock tarp is that, if it is raining, you can put the tarp up first, then set up the hammock under the tarp (where it's dry). Same with taking it down. pack everything away, while dry under the tarp, then take the tarp down last. Note that your tent friends have to put their tent up in the rain before they can put the rainfly on. You can also raise one corner or middle of the tarp with a hiking pole or stick for ease of entry (watch where the water runoff will go). Isn't nice not to crawl around on your hands and knees. Setup - Hammock: There is no hard rule but most like their hammock to hang at a 30 degree (or 60 degree depending on which side you measure) angle off the tree. If you stick your thumb straight up and your index finger straight out (like a pretend gun) and hold that up to your hammock suspension as it comes off the tree - if the line touches the tip of your thumb and tip of your index finger - that's about right. Remember, that's a starting point. Some like it a little tighter, some like it a little looser. Once you find the setup that gives you just the right amount of sag, you can tie a cord to one end of your hammock and cut it at a length to tie at the other end. Then the next time you set up your hammock, that cord will let you know when the ends are your ideal distance apart. If you use a cord that's strong enough (not paracord - it's too stretchy), you can hang things on it - like a flashlight or that stuff sack with your personal items. Sleeping: As mentioned, it's the diagonal lie that flattens you out. Many like the foot end of the hammock to be about 6 to 8 inches higher than their head. That reduces the tendency to "slide toward the middle". Also, the hammock itself supports your head. For me, the pillow creates too much of a tilt. Many put the pillow under one knee. It sometimes removes something called "calf ridge" - a tight line that pushes against your leg. It's all correctable with the right setup (for you). Many people find the first night ... odd. Their muscles need to relearn how to relax. My guess is, by morning you were closer to a puddle of skin and bones on a cloud of down than you were when you first climbed in. When you can afford it, if you know you won't have to go-to-ground, you can invest in an underquilt (UQ). it's like the bottom half of a sleeping bag and it hangs tightly under your hammock - because most of the heat loss is by air currents (convection) under the hammock. Other setup: You may eventually invest in a hammock with a built-in bug net. That will eliminate one part of your setup. Also, there is no problem hanging your pack from the hammock suspension. Your own body weight has so much "influence" that the pack will hardly make a difference. Try it at home. You can also hang up your hiking shoes and just use some flip-flops to slip on if you have to pee at night. You'll want to check them with a flashlight before you slide your feet in them. You saw your shoe visitor. If you are serious about hammock camping, invest in a book called "The Ultimate Hang". For you, the first edition would be better than the second edition. 1) it's less expensive because you can buy it used. 2) it's smaller/lighter so you could take it with you for a while when you hike. 3) The second edition has more material, but not necessarily pertaining specifically to the camping environment. And, as you surmised the next day, go to a local park, find two trees about 12 - 15 feet apart, and set up, and take down your hammock a few times. If you attach one end to the suspension, then walk towards your other suspension/tree, feeding the hammock out of its bag (someday switch to a double-ended stuff sack) as you go, you can set it up without ever letting the hammock touch the ground. Reverse when putting it away. Disconnect one end and as you walk toward the other end, stuff the hammock in its bag as you go. Eventually, you make use a bigger stuff sack. It's just easier.

As a fellow Virginian, your pronunciation of Appalachian was 100% accurate. Don’t let anyone tell you otherwise. :)

P S. Miranda should keep “Stumbles” as her nickname. It just makes her more endearing. Plus, it makes me look normal when I go camping which I’m called “Calamity” lol 😂

Lie diagonally in a hammock to lie flat. I started hammock camping two years ago, when I was 70. I have never considered going back to a tent. I sleep more soundly than at home.

Also greatly appreciated that Miranda knew the difference between knowledge and experience. Also the trial and error of setup showing that we all start off somewhere.

Always sleep diagonally in a hammock. That will let you sleep as flat as possible. This is hammock camping 101

Hi friends! So many people have commented saying you're supposed to lie at an angle - and while this was great before I put my sleeping pad in the hammock, I struggled so much to do this with my sleeping pad! Next time I'll get an under quilt and give this a go. Any hammock+sleeping pad campers out there with some tips? Let me know! - Miranda

I bought the ENO setup recently because my friends wanted to go camping - at that point in my life I was very over tent camping, but I love my friends, so I figured I'd give the hammock a try. I slept SO well that I could actually enjoy camping again. I'm a notoriously light sleeper, but with the comfy hammock setup I slept through raccoons visiting the camp and foxes screaming in the night. Good job sticking with it, Miranda!

Miranda, from a long time hammock camper (and native PNW woodsman) you did an OK job and good on you for giving it a second shot. I would say part of your struggles setting up (and the complication of doing so) is that you treated it like a tent and tried to mimic all the stuff you’d do in a tent. Bug nets are nice to keep the bugs away obviously but the add to the complexity of setup immensely (for most net options) and add bulk/weight to the setup. I know a lot of people also like them because they are used to having “a space” in a tent... but if you aren’t being eaten by bugs I would omit it. A simple solution is a sea to summit ultra mesh head net, and you wear that inside your sleeping bag. Alternately REI carries the “slime line” or SL version of the ENO bugnet which is packs smaller, is lighter, and much simpler to setup. It’s basically a simple mesh sleeve that goes over the hammock. Also I never use a pillow in a hammock. If you have the right lay (which is something you have to practice to get consistent at doing), you wouldn’t need it. As others have commented a diagonal lay is key. Similar to the pillow is a sleeping pad. I won’t say I never use them, but it’s very situation dependent. Either underquilt (which if you take the time to prep before can be very easy/quick to throw on) OR pad. Not both. I’ve got down below freezing with only 1 or the other. I find comfort is higher with the underquilt but if I do use a pad, having a good wide one helps. The lad can lay straight (which it will want to do) and you can lay diagonally on the pad. Prepping items before hand also applies to the rain fly (which is also a bit like the bug net in terms of situation dependent). This is another item people feel like the HAVE to have for setting up that “space”, but adds to setup time/complexity. I typically have a bivy bag over my sleeping bag, and if I am pretty sure it won’t rain... I don’t even set it up. If you choose a good spot with tree cover and have the bivy just in case, you’ll be fine. I’ve worked up to sprinkling and just covered my face with the bivy haha. As to prepping the fly, using prussik loops on each guy line (or I think the pro fly has tensioners) and learning simple knots to tie everything quickly and tension easily is the game changer. Knowledge weighs nothing and only costs time. Obviously you don’t want to wake up to rain/snow without one, so you have to be careful with this one. Last is the hang. Finding the right spacing of trees and sag of the hammock is another “you have to practice” thing that once you get comfortable makes the rest easy. As an aside, I spent time making the “perfect hang” at home, and then utilized a small piece of cordage to tie from end to end of the hammock creating a “structural ridge line”. Then when I go to setup each time after... all I do is pull till that ridge line is taught, and it will be the same every time. This has made setup worlds faster ever since. If you implemented half of these things I could see setup taking you no longer than 10 min for yourself. I can do it in about 5 and be confident I will sleep well.

Watching this episode from my tent...bedroom camped last night with my mini me to test out our new gear.

That was pretty good for a "first time" hammock camp. Everyday above ground, is a good day! :) Hammocks are a bit fiddly -- but so are most shelter & sleep systems. Spend time in the backyard dialing in the hammock setup, and the setup at camp will get a lot quicker. One more point for the backyard setup -- once I get the bug net on, I leave it in place for the season. So that is one less thing to worry about with the setup at camp. The eno hammock is too short to sleep on a diagonal for anyone who is not "fun size" -- my kids are about to outgrow these hammocks. 11ft is a good hammock length for most people. I am 5'6" and I can get by with a 126" hammock. I use a "structural ridge line" that helps to even out the hang from setup to setup. Start with a ridgeline about 83% the length of the hammock. Use zingit or dyneema or some other non-stretchy cord for the structural ridgeline. The structural ridgeline ensures that the hammock has the same amount of sag every time you setup. This will give you the same hang & lay everytime you setup. If you have a structural ridgeline, there are "ridgeline organizers" you can add to keep your pocket stuff organized The first set of trees were too close together. I am glad you figured that out and picked some trees a bit further apart. I need about 12ft between trees as a minimum distance. You get really good at judging this distance if you hammock often. If not, you can practice with trekking poles in your hands in the backyard. Add some "drip lines" to the hammock suspension -- this helps to keep water from sliding down the suspension lines and soaking the hammock in a rain storm. If you are setting up in the rain, practice a "fly first" setup. This is how I always setup out of habit -- but it is nice to be able to create a little dry space when you get to camp. Underquilts are ABSOLUTELY the way to go. With a sleeping pad, a double layer hammock will allow the pad to sit between the two layers of hammock fabric. That helps a LOT in keeping the pad under you. You can also try a 3/4 length pad, and tuck your feet into some warm socks & a jacket. The shorter pad is easier to manage in the hammock. There are some pads (e.g. Klymit Hammock Sleeping Pad) that include "wings" that will wrap around your shoulders in the hammock -- that can be helpful in keeping your whole self warm.

Just a thought I had re: testing stuff out before going out and using it for realzies … that is sound advice for most people in most circumstances. One thing that is probably good about Miranda (or really any similar channel/person/creator) *not* doing too much of that-always, however, being safe-is that the camera can capture mistakes or "sub-optimal" setup issues, or problems that crop up, and then viewers can hear and see how Miranda solves them, which might be beneficial for viewers. Maybe there is a middle ground possible with that, where Miranda doesn't have to suffer through "teething" issues while only a couple of hours away from needing to be able to sleep or whatever, but that there is still a way to capture some of the headaches or difficulties that can arise from new-to-me equipment or procedures. Anyway, just something that occurred to me when she mentioned the idea of making sure to test out the setup at home before needing to rely on it in the wild.

A ridgeline being added is the most important thing you can do for your comfort. An Eno double nest hammock with a ridgeline tied between the two caribiners at a specific distance that can be calculated easily, you lay at an angle to the ridgeline and use the extra fabric to stretch out and you can lay rather flat. I have actually been able to turn over on my stomach and lay prone face down like a floating body. someone made a cool hammock math calculator if you Google enough you’ll find it

I'm so glad you slept well! There are probably other comments about this, but there are much better hammock setups for comfort and ease of setup. The ENO hammocks are OK for lounging, but they are pretty short and narrow and aren't great for camping. A longer and wider hammock will allow you to get a good diagonal flat lay. In addition, an underquilt and top quilt will just make the whole process of getting in your hammock and getting comfortable a LOT easier. Instead of having to make sure the sleeping pad is in place where you want it, and trying to work your way into your sleeping bag, you just lay into your hammock and cover up with the top quilt. But having said all of that, I'm glad you slept well and had a good experience.

Always fun to see “everything” including burps and stumbles. Shows how real this whole experience is and also how fun and beautiful hiking can be. Really some great pointers

Your sense of humor and cheerfulness is just wonderful. You had me hooked within the first 30 seconds.

Nice adaptations! One of the things I love most about hammocking is having a connection to nature by being able to see it from under the fly. I enjoy tarps for the same reason. It makes me feel very connected. Also, when camping in Texas, it was great to be off the ground when rattlers and copperheads were active. : )

APA-LATCH-IN......OMG, so funny. We love you Miranda! So every year my buddy and I go for a week long vacation and car camp. While in Menards (A home improvement store) I saw a box of Glidesmans hammocks for $20. so on impulse, I bought a couple for my buddy and me. We took off on our trip, set up our large eight man tent and the rest of camp. Then we set up our hammocks for fun. They did not have tree straps instead hung by stretchy cordage. My buddy and I knew nothing about hammocks, never seen a video, noting. just playing around during the day I adjusted that hammock a hundred times, it sagged, ended up touching the ground and I wasn't comfortable to sleep in it. Relaxing during the day, fine, but sleeping, no way. So we slept in the tent and chilled in hammocks during the day, reading a book, etc. But I swore I could never sleep in one. This year I got a hair up me bum and watched some videos, buying some tree straps off of amazon. We packed up for our normal week long trip. arrived, took at least an hour to set up the large 8 man tent, staking, adjusting, re staking, etc. Finally get it up and all our stuff in the tent and unpacked. Then we set up our hammocks with the new tree straps and new found knowledge. we were both done with our hammock set up in 10 minutes each. 50 minutes faster than setting up that tent together! Then I climb in, lay asymmetrical and am comfortable for the first time. But we didn't try to sleep in them that night, we spent it in the tent. We were camped on a slight incline on a hill and in the night me and my buddy kept sliding down and would wake up and have to reposition. That was a misrable night. The next night we decided to try the hammocks. We were worried about CBS, so we put down foam pads in the hammock followed by our bags. I had a zero degree bag and the low temp was only 40 degrees. Well that night I was sweating and kicked off part of the bag and then was fine. it was one of the best nights sleep I have ever had. on a 7 day, 8 night trip we spent 1 night in the tent and the rest in hammocks. I never tossed or turned once. The tent became a storage shed only. We rigged a tarp up over our hammocks on the 5th day as rain was suppose to come that night. It was such a great time! We decided from now on we are ditching the tent, period. When I got home from that trip and went to bed in my bed I couldn't get comfortable. I sleep on a waterbed and have all my life. (I'm 41) It has always been the most comfortable bed ever. Then I get back from the camping trip and get in my bed that night and my back felt arched, pressure points all over my body and I tossed and turned all night. I slept like crap. I missed my hammock! My buddy and I expressed desire to go backpacking and now that we have ditched the giant tent we feel like we can do it. So I have been watching your videos Miranda and others and learned alot. We go on our first backpacking trip next month. 3 day trip, 4.5 miles in and 4.5 back out. We bought new hammocks with a intergraded bug net and I put grommets in mine and added a ridgeline. It also came with a rain fly so no heavy tarp needed. Tested in my back yard and all seams well. Also picked up the Klymit Insulated Hammock V with an R rating of 4.4. So will pair that with my 0 bag and and foam pad on the bottom. We are planning on night time temps reaching a low of 20 degrees so this will be a new test! Miranda, I am really glad you tried hammock camping after watching videos and learning, it sure helped me! I am in love with hammocks and not sure I will ever go back to a tent. I enjoy your video and have learned a lot from them, thank you!

Pro-tip. Get a double person hammock, sleep sideways (diagonal). No banana back. Totally worth the extra couple oz. If cold put down a heat barrier between your bag and the hammock. Don't trust the crap carbiners that come with em, buy a couple cheap climbing rated ones. Some adjustable hammock straps are mandatory. Multi-loop climbing sling things work even better, I bring 3, so I can extend one to get more options for hanging.

I'm really happy you made adjustments for a better sleep. When I first started this video, I was so concerned you didn't research enough 😂 but yay! You did it! You know the great slumber!!!!

I have been Hammock Camping for over 10 years now so here are a few tips for how Miranda or anyone watching this could improve on her set up: 1. You are gonna want to sleep diagonally so that you lay flat and are not a "Banana". 2. You can always check your angle with a quick 'finger gun' on the suspension line (after you have sat in it), roughly 30 degrees. 3. An underquilt will be more comfortable than using a pad, but I understand budget restrictions exist. 4. Her set up was more complicated than any I have ever used if you're willing to spend the money it is really easy to get one with a built in net.

Once I had my first successful sleep in a hammock, I never turned back to tents again! Yes, it can take a bit more time and effort sometimes. Finding goods trees, good area to put the tarp, storing bag, etc. But then you just feel so much more connected. It's like you say 'good morning' with all the tree and the wild. And you get good covering area to do a bunch of stuff. I like the feeling of not knowing precisely if it's gonna work perfectly in a day or not. You just have to find a way to mount it, and every time it's going to be a bit different. You'll need to ingrain with nature. You'll get a pro with time 😎 hugs from Portugal!

I love the fun testing and explaining videos so much it’s very exciting to see you on your journey in life!

I think your overall mentality of "wow this sucked. Let's be better next time" is why you're so awesome at this camping thing.

Glad to see you discovered what you did wrong and corrected it so you had a much more enjoyable nights sleep.

The videography in some of those panning scenic shots were really beautiful. Props to your video team (or teammate if it was one person).

Glad you had a good night in the hammock! Takes some effort but is really comfortable once you get it right.

Welcome to the wonderful world of hammock camping! I’ve enjoyed it for years. A few tricks I’ve learned along the way 1) Hammocks and the straps stretch so the tighter you get them the more comfortable you’ll be by morning. 2) Having some light cord that you can tie between the trees and under your rain fly will give you something to hang your pack and shoes and keep everything off the ground. After that it is really preference based stuff. Have fun experimenting! (Oh yeah, good video too!)

The top secrets for a great Hammock camp; Underquilt, Snake-Skins, amsteel slip suspension.

This is great! I love seeing the mistakes you made setting up your hammock. I'm going hammock camping for the first time this weekend and now I have a much better understanding of setting up! Thank you!!

I love to sleep in my hammock it is the best sleep I’ve ever had! You are suspended from the ground and you only have to worry about the wind causing a chill to your back. My recommendation is to buy a underquilt to help keep you warm and avoid that chill. Keep on hammock camping!

My first backpacking trip in Yosemite was a hammock camp! I fell in love immediately and have been doing it whenever possible

I was recently gifted a hammock setup by a friend who'd never used hers. This reminded me to dig it out and give it a try! Good job facing your fears, Miranda. Keep on trying new things!

The Hennessey Hammock's with the built in bug net and with the rain fly with the optional "snakeskins" are pretty excellent, very fast to put up and take down, no fiddling with bug netting or anything, and they pack down fairly well with the snakeskins.

Did my first hammock camp this summer up in Temagami, Northern Ontario, and LOVED it. First night was a pain because I hadn't set it up right, and it also stormed like crazy so couldn't make and meaningful adjustments without getting soaked - turns out I had the thing stretched way too tight - but by the second night I had it up right and it was absolutely blissful. Highly suggest an under-quilt, though it does take up quite a bit more in the pack - very much worth it if you have the room. I also found having a ridge line inside the bug net is also a good hack to hang your small stuff off during the night. Thanks for another great video - Happy camping!

Thank you for an awesome video! I through hiked the AT in 2015 with a clarke Jungle hammock, and I am now an ambassador of hammock camping! Thank you for being open to the attempt and sharing your experience!

For those who have hammock hiking a quick couple of questions 1. Is there other options that wrap around tree that is more gentle to tree? 2. At each end of the hammock how do you prevent rain drops from crawling along the line down into your hammock 3. How do you normally change clothes? Seems a little more tricky in the hammock with it swinging back and forth 4. Do you normally pack the fly screen part separately from the hammock or do you have it together? 5. What do you do when you are in area with no trees? Thanks again and appreciate your insights

I think that no matter what gear you try, just keep a good attitude like Miranda and hopefully everything will work out! 👍😁❤

Neat adventure. Thanks for taking us along

Happy 50th episode!! Love your honesty about hammock camping!

Hi Miranda! Could you please review hiking pants? How to pick good basic ones to have that would cover all seasons/weather conditions would be amazing. Apologies if you've done it somewhere recently I've been on a Miranda binge and haven't seen any. Much love from Guam. If you ever come to Guam for hiking I'd love to hike with you! There is a national historical park here. Also excited to do hammock camping!

I personally love hammock camping! I have a bad back and I can actually sleep well in one. Great video!

Hammock camper here… some things that changed the game for me, structural ridge line, under-quilt, gear hammock under main hammock, and ridge line organization. Plus for any taller folks out there 11’ hammocks are the way to go!

I'm glad you enjoyed yourself! I love sleeping in my hammock. I miss it when I ground camp. I kinda love being able to scootch around and have my feet be a bit higher to give them a bit of relief from hiking all day! I use a carabineer on the strap that's around the tree trunk to hang my pack off the ground. Love your videos!!

Eno’s are way too small for me to sleep comfortably. I use an 11’ Dutch half zip which has been perfect for me. Combined with a good tarp and decent underquilt, it has provided me with years worth of excellent shelter in the woods with great sleep.

15:15 yup noticed your trees were too close. I don't particularly care for hammocks but sure is alot easy getting out of them, then a tent or least for me. I don't get off the ground so easy anymore. My knees are shot. And im a big guy. I went out last weekend. Kinda under the weather this week. Double click on the like button.

Another fun video! Thanks, Miranda and The Gang! I've got all the stuff--now, I've got the motivation, too! :)

I love the pouch on your backpack strap. Very practical

If you got a new trail name it would probably be "Belcher", so I'm not sure you'd want a new one.

"I did my research. I read a bunch." But did you watch Shug's videos?!

Ha! I knew that the trees were to close together 💟 Well done ✅✅✅ I myself have done a lot of hammock camping but for this summer I'm buying the Haven tent hammock. It's a lay flat hammock. Thank you for the video I enjoyed it 👍👍

OMG You are a gassy riot! Would love to see more of your meal prep and cooking. I am 71 and avid camper, in a teardrop. Everything done outside but warm comfy bed. Give it a try on forest land!

I prefer hammock camping because I hate putting away a tent in the morning when there’s condensation on it / underneath it 😅 or setting up a tent on damp ground. But I can’t store a lot of big things like I could with a tent. Pros and cons for each setup!

Miranda don't let them tell you your saying Appalachian wrong. Hearing people say it without the "tch" is how you know they are tourists.

I cant overstate how much I love your videos. Great information and funny!

Miranda hello from the east coast so glad you're here!!!

I've watched a lot of these, "I tried out hammock camping" things and the thing that always confuses me is why don't you take someone that camps in a hammock? They all seem to just kind of try it. I like that Miranda did adjust things, but some of those mistakes you wouldn't make because someone would tell you not to do that. Just like a tent. Don't set up where the rain might flow, check for sticks. Hammocks have those kinds of things too but they're different. I also wish she would have tried an underquilt. I see people sleeping on sleeping pads in hammocks and just wonder how uncomfortable that must make it. But people do it so I guess it can't be too bad! Either way I really like that she got to experience hammock camping! Great video!

Love your videos, so quirky and awesome. But… It is really funny that your producers made fun of your for correctly pronouncing the locale. West coast ignorance at its finest. Also, just a tip, you would enjoy hammock camping more if you sleep at a 30 degree angle and not “like a banana”, you will not be as bent, enclosed or have your feet as high. I recommend Shug Emery’s YT for concise and entertaining advice on the subject. Wish I could go on an adventure with the hilarious Miranda in the Wild! Keep on keepin’ on Stumbles, wink.

I’m so glad she adjusted before actually using it! I was like nooooo those trees are way too close together! Key to hammocking is getting a good hang between trees!

I have almost this same exact setup (that I got from REI!) And have only been able to use it a handful of times but I've loved it every time! I was SO happy to see you try this!! Thanks for getting out of your comfort zone for this fabulous video! 🥰

Western North Carolina here... yes... it’s “app-uh-latch-uh” =]

Never camped in a hammock but slept in one. You are supposed to lay in it sideways that way it is flat. That’s 20 year old info.

Miranda is the GOAT. Thank you for the quality vids REI and Miranda.

Great video! Hammock camping takes a bit of time to get the “hang of” but when you do it is a pretty great way to enjoy the outdoors.

Pro tip: Lay diagonally in a banana hammock for the best spine comfort and stability

Yes. Yes it is pronounced Apa-latch-yuhn.

Thanks for sharing your experience with us. I have two boys - both were born in CT and are on the AT may times (we lived 1.5mi from the Herrick Trail - an AT feeder trail). Now we live just outside Portland, OR and my boys are no College Students and experienced backpackers (and Eagle Scouts). The older is definitely a Tent Camper where my younger son is a committed Hammock Camper. When they can, one or both of them can be found backpacking on a mountain somewhere. Let me know if you want to try our backpacking in the Pacific NW.

Wow, always wanted and will do Hammock camping. Your editor is fabulous.

you're gonna get SO many expert comments

Banana hammock: "a thing people hand fruit from." It seems Miranda has never been to a European beach...and consequentially been exposed to images you can't un-see...[shutters].

Awesome trip, thanks for sharing Miranda!

Welcome to my neighborhood! It was so fun to see you in the Whites! I started with the exact same set up and the pad is definitely not optimal. Once you switch to an underquilt and get a flat lie you may want to convert Vince to a hammock van. Such a comfy cozy night’s sleep. Loved watching you work through some of the newbie foibles. Huzzah to breaking preconceived notions!

That seems like an overly complex setup…get an integrated or zip on bug net. An underquilt is much more comfy… lay at an angle, etc… Once dialled in you will sleep like a log… I get up and all aches and pains are gone… I use tents sparingly…

I call it pirate or Navy camping. It's how they used to sleep on ships before they had bunk beds.

your genuine YOUness is contagious. Just sharing happiness. Thank you.

Picking trees the correct distance apart is probably the most important thing. Most people think they only need enough space to lay flat but you really need substantially more than you think. Glad Miranda finally figured that out!

Look forward to them every sunday wish they were longer

i use a piece of tyvek under my setup for boots and pack, i find it very convenient and adds very little weight. also hiking poles propping up one side of the rain fly make the hammock a nice place to sit with a view, even if it rains.

hi Miranda🌷 Love watching all the smiles, & stumbles is funny!, I can relate! Although awkward @ 1st, use the trekking poles, extra set of limbs especially on descents & once ur so tired, the extra stability can’t b beat! Also I set up my foldable mat, for thermal reasons but makes it much flatter! so u used ur air mattress instead of an under quilt ? Best of luck w/ur journeys! 😊🐾

Hi Miranda, I’m 68 and unfortunately not backpacking anymore. Bad knees! Back in 1974 a friend and I went on a month long backpacking trip in the High Sierras. Except for a few nights we slept in our hammocks. Rigged up a rain tarp over our hammocks for thunderstorms. Our hammocks were nothing like yours but they worked. Fun watching you camping and hammocking.

Hey Miranda, Hi from Shropshire where we're so chuffed that you tried some hammock camping & even more so that it's converted you too. There's some awesome reading out there though one of the best known books is Derek Hansen's "The Ultimate Hang". He has a UKposts channel, a website & there's a bunch of great information to play with. Of course he always suggests trying things for yourself too so you can make up your own mind, which is great. I tried a sleeping pad with my first hangs but have moved away from that now to a basic underquilt & top quilt setup instead. You can also use an unzipped sleeping bag as a top quilt, since the "footbox" is naturally formed by the bag's shape anyway. Handy for new hangers on a budget. I took this setup onto a military training area over the summer as I'm a Cadet Instructor & it was both comfortable & as warm as can be. Got my angles right, a smaller tarp (had to be camo) but had a great night's kip, muh to the dismay of my Cadets :))) I hope you'll try more hammocking on the wooded trails as once you've got the bug, it never leaves you & as you discovered, the adjustments to make "meh" turn into "yay" are minor. Happy hanging, Dave :))

A Ridgeline does wonders for repeatable quick setup and perfect hang angle.

This was really fun, you are adorable!! Just a little PSA here: I don't know why most people insist on sleeping on hammocks horizontally. I mean you guys had come as far as create sleeping pads for that use, NO, Please stop! On a hammock one sleeps DIAGONALLY with your head as up as you can, that way you don't get the banana feeling and your feet don't lose blood, also sleeping diagonally you can turn through the night and sleep on your side. Take it from somebody who lives in a place where houses have hammocks instead of beds. (Oh! Also, if a plant it's fuzzy or bleeds whitish juice if you break it, DON'T TOUCH IT, you'll regret it! hahaha)

Stumbles!!!!! Hilarious 😂 she looked soo excited to get a new nickname

I have the same Eno set up as this (that I don't use too) and I have to say that you nailed it!!!

I went hammock camping last weekend. After I got over the sound of something walking in the trees I slept well. I am all for it and I have an RV! The simplicity of it was fantastic... well until I didn't have a bathroom 🤣🤣🤣

What a twist!!!! Great video! You are so entertaining :)

Great info for us considering giving this a go. Thanks!

i remember hammock camping the first time and have only used my tent once after that, so comfortable

I have an Eno hammock system, and I have used it on a two-night backpacking trip and was very comfortable. I'm 6' 5" so that's saying something. I just need to get out and backpack more often! Thanks for the video!

Great video...(transplanted, fellow Virginian.) I've been Hammock camping for over 50yrs... but as you overlooked, I've until recently just learned... you need to assume a slight diagonal angle in you approach to laying in it... WITH YOUR HEAD SLIGHTLY TO ONE EDGE & YOUR BODY CROSSWAYS WITH YOUR FEET ENDING UP, ON THE FAR SIDE. THE REAL BENEFIT - YOU END UP MORE FLAT & LESS " BANANA" SHAPED! HAPPY CAMPING! SAM

It's great to see you trying new things! Have you ever tried Geocaching in woods?

Oh my goodness - you came to my state! That would have been so amazing if I had bumped into you on the trail randomly. I hope you visited the REI store and the Nemo headquarters too. Happy Trails and thanks for the videos!

I saw you pulled out the ENO hammock and groaned, not because of the brand but the length. So, keeping to a positive note, here are some tips for good night sleep while hammock camping: 1) Use the right sized hammock. Length matters as it is a factor on banana syndrome. If you're under 5' a 9' hammock like what ENO makes is fine. If under 6' look into getting at least a 11' hammock. 6' and over is definitely a 12' hammock range. I just suggest folks get a 12' hammock for best experience. 2) How to lay flat in a hammock is diagonal - head to one side and legs on the other - longer hammocks support this better. 3) Pitch your foot end higher then your head, I like around a 6" difference. Makes a huge difference on leg recovery from hiking. 4) While a sleeping pad can work, they are designed for tent sleeping and you can experience cold sides, I recommend either a hammock specific pad with fold up sides or an under quilt. I use an appropriately rated underquilt and sleep warm four seasons. 5) Pitch the tarp first - especially in the rain. It gives you a dry shelter to set up the rest. Much faster shelter than a tent so no need to rush for the rest.

That exchange in the beginning reminds of one I had in the Marine Corps. I was talking about Appalachian history or something nerdy and dude from the coast of Cali corrected me on the pronunciation... despite me being from West Virginia lol thank you for setting folk straight.

I'm just gonna leave a comment saying, I haven't watched this video yet, but I'm subscribing. I saw a couple of your other videos which turned out to be very informative, and your vibe is very affectious. :) Keep it going!