Hammock or tent? How to choose the best hammock and rainfly.

Do you want to finally forget the discomfort of sleeping on rocky or uneven ground and find your perfect resting spot in nature? As professional hammock distributors and experienced outdoor enthusiasts, we want to share our knowledge to help you choose the best hammock for any adventure—whether it’s hiking through Gauja National Park or enjoying the sunset on the Baltic Sea coast.

Hammock or tent?

About 15 years ago, hammocks started becoming increasingly popular for hiking, especially thanks to the spread of the internet and wider access to information. What was once considered an exotic choice has now become a serious competitor to the classic tent, offering several key advantages.

A hammock allows you to camp in places where pitching a tent isn’t possible—for example, in the dunes along the Baltic Sea coast or on the steep slopes of Gauja National Park. Unlike a tent, a hammock doesn’t require a flat surface, which means you can set it up between two trees and avoid wet, muddy, or rocky ground. This gives you the freedom to enjoy open landscapes and comfort even on sloping terrain.

When you choose a hammock, you don’t need a sleeping pad—and that was one of the main reasons why I personally switched to hammocks while camping. Some of the most comfortable nights of sleep I’ve ever had were in a hammock, and many other hiking enthusiasts will confirm the same.

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• For longer hikes and camping, it’s better to choose a hammock with an integrated mosquito net, such as the Bushmen Vagabond, which provides full protection against insects and has proven itself on hikes in Gauja National Park, where mosquitoes and ticks are often especially persistent.

Choosing the Right Size and Fabric

The comfort of a hammock largely depends on its length, width, and the properties of the fabric. When choosing a hammock, it’s important to consider both your height and how you plan to use it. For taller people, hammock length is especially critical—too short, and it can cause discomfort, restrict movement, and reduce sleep quality. To ensure optimal comfort, anyone over 175 cm should choose a hammock at least 60 cm longer than their height.

Hammock width also matters—a wider hammock allows you to lie diagonally, which gives better spinal support and increases overall comfort by reducing muscle tension and discomfort during longer rest periods.

The BUSHMEN ZEN Hammock is an excellent choice in both length and width. At 3 meters long, it ensures comfortable rest even for very tall users, allowing you to lie both lengthwise and diagonally. Beyond comfort, the BUSHMEN ZEN stands out with its fabric quality. It’s made from lightweight, breathable, and durable material that not only provides excellent comfort but also protects against moisture and is easy to maintain. These features make it suitable for a wide range of weather conditions and outdoor activities—from casual walks to serious expedition adventures.

Choosing the right fabric ensures both comfort and safety. Synthetic materials like nylon or polyester are great choices—they’re lightweight, quick-drying, and resistant to moisture and mildew. Natural fabrics like cotton are softer and more breathable but take longer to dry and can be heavier. When selecting fabric, think about the environment and weather you’ll be using it in, so your hammock rest stays as pleasant and safe as possible.

Protection from Rain and Wind – The Hammock Tarp

From my own experience, Latvia’s weather is highly unpredictable. That’s exactly why a hammock tarp is an indispensable accessory. For example, the Bushmen Thermo Tarp 3×3 is one of the most durable tarps available, offering reliable protection against rain and wind while reflecting warmth on colder nights. It has proven itself especially well during prolonged rain and chilly evenings in the forests of Vidzeme.

For easier use, the Bushmen EASY Tarp 2×3 m is an ideal choice. It’s easy to set up, compact, and effective in any weather conditions.

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Insulation Against the Cold

Autumn and spring in Latvia often bring chilly nights, so insulation is essential. Choose the Bushmen GLOW™ Down Blanket, which provides comfort even at temperatures as low as -2°C. With this blanket, I’ve slept comfortably on cool autumn evenings in the Amata Valley, where ground moisture and cold would otherwise be unpleasant.

A more versatile alternative is the Bushmen Thermo Blanket / Poncho, which can also be worn as a poncho, protecting you from the cold sea wind.

Setup Tips

What will make you a hammock master (almost).

Proper hammock setup guarantees not only comfort and safety, but also the confidence that your Instagram post will earn at least 50 extra likes:

• Straps at eye level: To keep it neither too high nor too low, attach the hammock straps roughly at eye level, maintaining a 30° angle. Simple, right?

• Distance between trees: The sweet spot is 4 to 6 meters. That way you can set up your hammock without unnecessary yoga exercises.

• Correct sitting height: Imagine sitting on a chair—that’s exactly how high your hammock should be when you sit down. The farther apart the trees, the higher the attachment points.

• In rainy weather: Add some weight to the tarp corners so it stays optimally tensioned, even when wet.

Now you’re ready to beat the record—38 seconds is waiting for your challenge!