The Hammock Life

Charleston, SC: After a busy day, how do you like to unwind? For some, the couch is a beckoning force, a place of solace and an opportunity to elevate ones feet. Life on the road as Subaru/Leave No Trace Traveling Trainers offers adventure at every turn. A bit of relaxation is important to stay balanced though, so at the end of the day we opt out from the couch and trade it in for an ENO Hammock.

Put up your feet and take a load off. Enjoy the sounds of nature, a great book, and a cozy place to enjoy a warm meal. Our ENO Hammock is a sacred place for rest and relaxation. Whether it’s strung between two trees, the pillars of a pier, or beneath a pavilion, our hammock is a slice of home we cannot live without.

It’s easy to see why lightweight hammocks are growing in popularity. They pack down to the size of a pair of pants, weigh about 19 ounces, and are incredibly comfortable. With this increase in people using hammocks we would like to offer a few tips and tricks to minimize impacts while enjoying the hammock life.

Plan Ahead and Prepare

• Remember to check the rules and regulations for the area you are about to visit. Make sure your hammock is allowed.
• Pack wide straps. Use straps that are 1 inch or wider to minimize impact on trees.

Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces

• Always camp above durable surfaces and 200 feet away from trails and water sources.
• In pristine environments disperse use to minimize impact.
• Minimize the amount of time your hammock is setup to prevent lasting damage.
• Use sturdy trees with strong roots.

Dispose of Waste Properly

• Remove all of tags on your new setup before heading out on your adventure to minimize the amount of waste you have to pack out.

Leave What You Find

• Good hammock spots are found, not made.
• Do not alter the environment to find a good place to hang your hammock.
• Hammocks offer the ability to set up camp on the side of a hill; don’t feel limited to finding even ground when setting yours up.

Minimize Campfire Impacts

• Use only designated fire rings when camping with hammocks.
• Consider cooking on a lightweight cooking stove instead of a fire for efficiency and minimal impact.

Respect Wildlife

• Be sure to take your hammock down when it is not in use to prevent wildlife from becoming entangled in it.

Be Considerate to Other Visitors

• Let nature’s sounds prevail! Enjoy your time when out adventuring, but remember that others may be trying to enjoy their wilderness experience too.

ENO is a partner of Leave No Trace and supports the Seven Principles, check out their website for more information on how to hammock responsibly. To see a full list of our great Corporate Partners click here.

Steph and Andy – Subaru/Leave No Trace Traveling Trainer Team East

Leave No Trace’s Stephanie Whatton and Andy Mossey are part of the 2015 Subaru/Leave No Trace Traveling Trainer Program that provides free, mobile education to communities across the country. Proud partners of this program include Subaru of America, Deuter, Hi-Cone, REI, Smartwool, The North Face, and Yakima.