Backpacking Hammock Are you thinking of getting your very own backpacking hammock? If you love the great outdoors but are bothered by night time accommodations then a hammock just for hiking may be the item for you. Here's what you should know about hammocks and backpacking. Advantages Not everyone is sold out to the idea of using hammocks for backpacking. If you have your doubts too, then it's about time you really learn about the various advantages of using hammocks. The first real advantage of a backpacking hammock is its light weight. If you have to travel far and long, lugging your own tent can become quite tiring. A hammock on the other hand weighs far less. Many new hammocks can provide all the accommodation that you will ever need since they are nearly tents in themselves. Hammocks are far more comfortable for some than lying on the flat ground. With hammocks, you do not run the risk of sleeping on an uneven surface. Hammocks have the tendency to comfortably adjust to the shape of your body while allowing you to lie flat or on your side. You will love to sleep on a backpacking hammock because it can soothe you to sleep. You would probably feel much like an infant in his mother's arms. The slow rocking motion of a hammock can truly give you a good night's rest. A hammock removes the problem of looking for a sleeping site. Of course you would still have to look for two trees to hang your hammock on. This is far easier though than looking for a clean, flat, level surface to pitch a tent on. What to Look For It is obvious that a hammock truly has great features. Not every brand however offers the same level of comfort and protection. There are a couple of characteristics that you should look for in your camping hammock. Insulation is a primary consideration when picking hammocks. A backpacking hammock would naturally have provisions for insulation. Not every brand however would have the same insulation quality. Look for a hammock that can also keep your sides warm as well as your back. Hammocks do not have the same weight. Although they are all lighter than tents, some hammocks are more portable than others. Look for a hammock that you can comfortably carry but at the same time is not so lightweight as to be unable to carry your weight. Old camping hammocks provided poor protection against bugs and insects. There are now new models however that can screen you from bites. Insects aren't the only ones you have to protect yourself from. You also need to address the problem of protection from the elements or wind and rain. Modern traveling hammocks now come with their own top covers that can offer as much protection as a traditional tent. It seems a backpacking hammock truly is perfect for the outdoors. Your comfort however depends on picking the right hammock. There are so many brands to choose from. Pick the one that comes with features that you will find useful.