The Ultimate Hang

by Derek Hansen

Hammock camping--one of the most comfortable ways to enjoy a long-distance thru-hike, a weekend backpacking trip, or just an overnight in the woods. With more than 200 illustrations to guide you, this book helps you get off the ground to discover the freedom, comfort, and convenience of hammock camping. Learn how to set up and use a hammock to stay dry, warm, and bug free in a Leave No Trace-friendly way.

This book covers hammock camping basics such as how to get a perfect hang and how to stay dry, warm, and bug free. Plus, it illustrates techniques and tips to get the most out of a hammock shelter, whether you have purchased an all-in-one kit or you’ve assembled your own customized system.

Genres: Nonfiction, Outdoors, Reference, Travel

66 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2011

Reviews

[Travis · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this book! The author obviously has a passion for and a lot of experience in hammock camping. He includes tons of useful tips based on personal insight that would provide a great base for a novice to start or be equally handy for an experienced camper. The author's concise, but lighthearted style allows him to present a ton of useful material in a very readable format. While he mentions some brands and manufacturers by name, the book doesn't feel like an advertisement, but provides exactly the type of informtion you'd need when researching before purchasing gear. Great appendices with lists of online resources and general backpacking reference tools. Bonus points to Hansen for creating his own illustrations, which are as entertaining as they are informative.

[Jo · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great book packed full of all sorts of tips, tricks, and general information about hammock camping. I learned a lot, and uncovered some misconceptions I had! Hoping to put this knowledge to the test in the Spring...

[Alford Wayman · Rating 3 out of 5]

I picked this little book up a few days ago and found it to be an excellent read for those who would like an introduction for using and sleeping in a hammock in the outdoors. This little book covers some of the basics of camping and also some introduction tips on hanging a hammock, keeping warm, keeping dry, and bug free. has some nice illustrations also. If you have been on hammock forums and have been using hammocks for some time then this introduction book might not be for you. But those just starting out might find this most helpful. I sure we all would like to have an enjoyable experience in nature without the Cold Butt Syndrome (CBS)! I only gave this 3 stars because this should be updated somewhat.

[David · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great book to get the fundamentals of beginning hammock camping. This gives you step by step details on what you need and how to set it up. This book was recommended to me by a hammocker on YouTube by the name of Shug (I highly recommend has channel). This book is great, you can't go wrong.

[John Brooke · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great resource for the beginning hammock camper

Pretty much everything you need. This book and Shug Emery's video have me ready to roll once the snow melts.

[Dan Forret · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome Book. Loved it, lots of useful info. Full of Info which I refer to continually.

[Annie Wigley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Informative and enjoyable!

I feel so much better prepared for a year of adventure in a hammock! Fun read with lots of helpful information and drawings.

[Shane · Rating 4 out of 5]

Don't let the small size of this book fool you, it is absolutely packed with information. This is a step by step demystification of hammock camping. I usually don't get into 'picture' books but in this case each simple line drawing conveys pages of information. I tried my first hang yesterday with a couple python straps and a $20 dollar hammock. It was fabulous! I don't know if I'll get into under-quilts and over-quilts for a winter hang but this is enough to get me interested.

The clear and informative style make this short book enough to take a beginner or a novice and move them comfortably towards intermediate hanging. My only gripe is that there weren't more low tech and/or low cost solutions, but then again, this isn't called "The Pretty Darn Great Hang" or "The Good Enough Hang" is it? Maybe that will be Hansen's next work...

P.S. Check out Hansen's "Ultimate Hang" blog. It too is packed with reviews and more fun and helpful information.

[Reflections Of · Rating 5 out of 5]

A lot of information, a lot of well drawn pictures, so it's easier to learn and a lovely tone all around! loved it!

[Daniel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pretty fun read, but lacked valuable information as far as knots and nacrabiners, etc. Didn't go into enough detail, or show us how to fashion our own whoopie slings, mainly just an advertisement for major manufacturers, but a fun read all the same. +1 on the illustrations.

[Doug Alcorn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well written guide. Most of the material you can find just by searching the net. The book has it all collected in one place and is well illustrated. Read it in an evening

[Tim Cahoon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent primer on Hammock camping

This is a great book to get you started hammock camping. Covers the basics in simple easy to read instructions and illustrations. I learned some new knots and a great way to hang a tarp between two trees. I also lived the portable 3 hammock stand.

[Jonathan · Rating 5 out of 5]

A good guide for hammocking campers and subsequent editions keep it current. Could be considered a condensed, illustrated, companion version of HammockForums.Net where the author is a prominent member, and generally new members are encouraged to read this book prior to asking any questions on the forum.

[JOHN F MCQUAY III · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good read for beginners.

I am just exploring the world of hammock camping before I make my first purchase. This book confirmed some previous research and gave some great tips. Definitely worth the purchase price.

[Christian · Rating 5 out of 5]

Essential reading for the newbie hammock hanger, like me. Even though it was published a few years ago, the product information presented is still current. The fundamentals of hanging a hammock transcend equipment trends, so this book will be useful for years to come.

[Magnus · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book that helps me better understand how to set up my hammock and also answer all the questions I have and also questions I haven’t started to think about.

A must read for a hammock addictive

[Bob Knight · Rating 5 out of 5]

Required reading for hanging noobs.

This was an excellent and highly informative book. Each of the many tips and tricks were worth the price of the book.

[PD · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great, simple guide for all things hammocks.

[John · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good and brief. A nice introduction to most questions one new to hammocks might have

[Curtis Jensen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Most of it can be figured out on your own or with some google searching. Though, a few golden nugget tips in there. Illustrations are great too.

[Anthony lane · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome info...

[Anita Elder · Rating 4 out of 5]

Now I know how to set up my hammock in the wilds and how to sleep in it (without getting a backache).

[Paul Calewarts · Rating 5 out of 5]

Required reading for hammock newbies

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.

[Aleksandr Lazarev · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's a good book, but it lacks important topics like optimal size and materials and diy patterns.

[Dscotthep · Rating 5 out of 5]

If a picture is worth a thousand words, then what you have here is an encyclopedia of hammock camping knowledge. This is truly an indispensable reference for anyone looking to "elevate their perspective"!

p.s. don't loan this out and expect to get it back... :(

[Daniel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book

[Mark Frament · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nicely illustrated. Great for all outdoorsman.

This is great material for any hammock camper whether needing the basics to get started or innovative techniques for the avid hanger. Simple, clearly labeled illustrations add to very descriptive writing. I'm sure I'll use this info both as I begin and refine my hanging practices.

[Kevin Hanks · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent resource that I foresee using as a reference book while I try out this concept of camping in a hammock. The book is well-written, easy to follow, with plenty of illustrations that make the explanations & tricks easy to understand. The books seems to be a compilation of much of the information from the author's blog, all in one easy-to-find location. Good resource.

[Josh Paskett · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great advice for the great outdoors

I am a some what of beginner when it comes to camping. I recently started camping more now that my sons are both in the boy scouts. Hammock camping sounds like a great alternative to sleeping in the ground and dragging heavy tents around. This book has excellent advice for beginners or the novice camper.

[Danny · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lots of good info here. I learned alot from it and will read again. A very good book for the person just learning to camp. I recomemd this book for the novice.

Lots of valueble info for the first time camper trying to or wanting to learn. Thiw book would be great to take on camping trip to pratice and try out what yoy did learn from it.