How to Hang a G.I. Jungle Hammock
The G.I. jungle hammock was created to protect soldiers from insects and the elements while providing a safe, comfortable and convenient place to sleep even in rough or hazardous terrain. Widely used by U.S. troops in the Pacific during World War II as well as in Vietnam, jungle hammocks are now popular among civilian campers and backcountry hikers. Jungle hammocks combine a lightweight, breathable hammock with a rain tarp, drip lines and insect netting. These additional features increase setup time slightly, but with a little practice you should be able to hang a G.I. jungle hammock quickly and confidently.
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Things You'll Need
- Jungle hammock (usually including a rain tarp and mosquito net)
- Webbing or straps (2)
- Cords or rope (2 x 25 feet)
- String or rope for drip lines (4 or more x 6-8 inches)
- Carabiners (optional)
- Ring or cinch buckles (optional)
Instructions
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1
Choose your location. Look for two sturdy trees that are 10 to 14 feet apart. Large rocks, poles or posts (e.g., in a campground or inhabited area) can also work if no suitable trees are available. Because the hammock will keep you off the ground, even rocky, damp or insect-infested terrain should be fine.
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2
Connect to one support. Wrap webbing around one of the trees multiple times to ensure a tight, secure fit, and then tie a half-hitch or tuck in the excess webbing to prevent unraveling. Be sure to leave 2 or 3 feet of webbing loose to connect to the hammock. Avoid tying cord or rope directly to trees, as this can cause damage.
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3
Connect your webbing. Tie one of your pieces of rope or cord to the webbing with a secure knot such as a bowline knot or a linesman's knot or lash. You can also use a carabiner or ring or cinch buckles to link your rope and webbing to save time and make minor adjustments easier.
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4
Connect one end of the hammock. Tie the free end of your rope to one end of your hammock using a knot such as a larkshead or girth hitch, which will tighten further when the hammock is occupied.
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5
Secure the other end of the hammock. Repeat Steps 3 and 4 to connect the other end of your hammock to the second tree. Be sure to hang your hammock high enough to keep you well above the ground, but leave enough slack to make entering and occupying the hammock comfortable. A good rule of thumb is to let the ropes hang 30 degrees below horizontal.
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6
Hang the rain tarp. Use webbing or rope/cord to secure your rain tarp over your hammock. Tie directly to the trees rather than to your hammock or its webbing, and be sure your tarp is taut to avoid water buildup. To prevent sagging over time, you can also use elastic tarp tensioners to connect the tarp to the webbing or cords.
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7
Hang drip lines. Tie one or more short pieces of string or rope to each anchor line. This will encourage rain or condensation to follow a downward path to the ground before it reaches your dry hammock.
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Enter and enjoy. Open your mosquito netting and climb into your jungle hammock. You are now ready for a relaxing, trouble-free night in the great outdoors.
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Tips & Warnings
Look for polyester or polypropylene webbing with a working load of 700 pounds or more. These will resist stretching and can easily support a large person. If your webbing is long enough, you can connect it directly to your hammock without using ropes or cords. Practice tying any knots and setting up your hammock before leaving home. This can make it easier to hang your jungle hammock when it really matters. Adjust the angle of your rain tarp based on the conditions: flat to provide shade and allow a breeze, or at an increasingly acute angle to block more wind and heavy or blowing rain.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit doviende: Flickr.com
