The Ultimate Hang: An Illustrated Guide To Hammock Camping Paperback – October 27, 2011

The Ultimate Hang by Derek Hansen is the best book I found when I got interested in exploring this increasingly popular method of camping. I found that it contained all the essential information I needed to makes sense of all the aspects associated with buying and using a hammock that many veteran tent campers may not be familiar with. The book is a short and enjoyable read that really gave me a clear understanding of the selection and use of a camping hammock. Here are a few of the things this book covered.The Basics- The book starts off with the authors first hammock experience and some terminology related to hammock camping. The pros/cons of hammocks and tents are discussed which helps decide if it is something that will work for you. Basic Gear, Tree Selection, Anchor Points, Suspension Lines, Weather and Bug Protection, Staying Warm, and Getting Comfortable are addressed briefly. These points also serve as a bit of an outline for the rest of the book where these points will be covered again in more detail. There are also a couple of great illustrations with bullet points showing the right and wrong way to hang.Sight Selection- The next section deals with some aspects, not all of which are specific to hammock camping, but serves as great general advise. Lighting safety, Bear/Animals, Widowmakers, Choosing trees, Wind, and the principles of "Leave No Trace" camping are discussed.Mechanics of Hanging- The book helped me a lot here. I had watched numerous videos and read a lot of different things on the internet on just how to hang the hammock. Different knots, methods, and accessories used had me confused. This section finally helped make sense of things like Various Straps, Whoopie Slings, Carabiners, S-Biners, Cinch Buckles, Descender Rings, Dutch Clips, Elephant Trunks, Tri Glides, and many other things I didn't know much about. It also taught me the different knots and lashings I would be using.Staying Warm/Dry/Bug Free- Different tarp designs like A-sym, Diamond, Hex Cut, etc are discussed with pros/cons. Sleeping Pads, Under Quilts, Pull Over Bags and Pods, Net designs are discussed as well as numerous personal tips, and great illustrations.Comfort/Utility/Sleeping Tips- The last section of the book gave me great insight on different ways to utilize my hammock as different camp furniture while not sleeping. It gave me a few ideas on how just how versatile the hammock could be. Sleeping tips, quick set up methods, packing and carrying techniques were also highlighted. The book concludes with great Appendices containing information about manufacturers, gear list, and some handy quick reference illustrations.Bottom line- This book is a "must have" for any new or experienced hammock owner. You could just look at the pictures in this book alone and learn more about hammock camping than from most other sources. I read the Kindle version. But I will most certainly order a hard copy to keep with my hammock. It's better than any instruction manual out there. Essential Reading for hammock campers!!

This is a great book for the experienced or novice hammock hanger!

This is a good book for someone thinking about getting into hammock camping. The only frustrating thing about this book is that he illustrations and explanations are not always on the same page. There is also new material and Hammock accessories out there since this was published. The author seems to be partial to a particular vendor.

I've spent a LOT of time trying to compile details about the best methods for hammock camping. I wish I would have bought the print version of this book sooner. It literally is like a hammock camping encyclopedia for first time and old hammock sages alike. I read a lot of reviews, and it seems people who had an issue with the book were attempting to read on a tiny Kindle screen. The print book does this issue justice, as it's about 12 in x 8 in x 1.5 in thick and the print/illustrations are easy to read and understand. Just but the print version already, so you can be tet understand knots/lashings, safety situations, and advanced scenarios throughout. This is a great resource, I wish I would have found it sooner!

Anyone wanting to get a jump start on the complexity of hammock camping should read this book. It's the most comprehensive book on the subject.

Love the book, very informative and well written.

I've been "hanging" for several years. I average about 50 nights per year in my Hennessy Hammock.This book is astonishingly well written.The author clearly knows of what he speaks. His recommendations are obviously the result both of much experience and much "due diligence" research.The book is well designed, with regular cross-references throughout (e.g., "Use Triangle Adapters if you have difficulty getting a good fit on your hammock (see page 113).")The extremely well-done drawings (there are no actual photographs) both effectively illustrate what they are designed to and are cute and occasionally funny too. They get the job done MUCH better than even the best photographs would.There is MUCH applicable retailer information here (e.g., "Arrowhead Equipment currently sells these triangle adapters online for both full- and 3/4-length under-quilts."). This is both good and bad. It is good in that it directs you directly to commercially-available solutions which he refers to. It is bad in that this retailer information will eventually become dated. So, over time, I expect some of the book's utility to diminish (i.e., as the retailer information becomes increasingly out-of-date), but overall, it should continue to be extremely relevant and useful for decades to come despite that. Note that there is a handy list of 45 (!!) vendors and seven web sites in the excellent appendix in the back. For each vendor, he indicates what categories of hammock-related stuff they offer.I wish something like this were available when I first started "hanging". I'm glad that I have this book and I've already picked up several great ideas that I was previously unaware of.Really, I can't give enough superlatives to describe the usefulness of this outstanding book.

I've been hammock camping for a while but wanted more tips and best practices... these are contained within the book but buried amongst absolutely loads of waffle to justify a book being written and, unfortunately, the same applies to the sketches which serve no real purpose apart from padding out the pages....and this brings us to the actual quality of the book itself... basically think of a cheap colouring book that you'd get from a pound shop and you'd be spot on, so rather disappointing as had hoped for a decent reference book rather than a throw away item costing £16.Subscribing to the authors website would be cheaper and more beneficial which is a shame really.

A great book to learn all you need to know about how to hang out. I've hammock camped for 30years + but found this a very useful and enjoyable book, loads of helpful tips and information that's written in plain language.I'd recommend it highly to anyone who wants comfort and relaxation when out in nature or at home too. Great stuff

This is great value if you are new to 'hanging' about in hammocks. Covers all you need to know about which knots to use, which hammock to buy, where to pitch and and how to pitch it.Covers angles, distances and such. Definitely geared towards the US market (there are a few mentions of bears and how to avoid them) the majority of the book is relevant no matter which country you are camping in.The book covers types of hammock, how to use them, the best way to sleep in one and the history of the hammock as well as giving top tips for finding a perfect spot and more importantly advice on how to leave a place unmolested and environmentally sound.Hanging is not as prevalent in the UK as it is in the UK but it is a great way of camping and doesn't damage the environment (no need to flatten ground or find a level spot). It is also a way of camping where you can pitch just about anywhere no matter how unfriendly or unlevel the ground is. This book gives many great tips and a lot of good advice and the Kindle price makes it a steal. If you are a 'hanger', thinking about buying a hammock or just interested buy this book. It's a real gem.

If you are considering hammocks, get this first. Really, there’s nothing the author doesn’t know and hadn’t covered in this book. It’s a very enjoyable to read and the illustrations are both helpful and humorous.After reading this I don’t think you’ll have any questions and more importantly, I don’t think you’ll have any mishaps.

As a newcomer to hammock camping, I found this book to be very informative. Showing, through dialogue and sketches, ways to set up your hammock, tarp and insulation (if required). Derek Hansen even describes, and shows, modifications he has made to his hammock system.Although predominantly American, some hammock manufacturers are recognisable here in the UK.Having read this book, it makes me want to head out with my hammock and tarp to put some of the ideas and hints into practice!I could recommend this book to anyone contemplating hammock camping.I couldn't honestly give Derek Hansen any less than 5 stars!