Emily ParkerBy Emily Parker

Updated November 2026

Eno hammock camping tips come down to three things: hanging the hammock at the right height and angle, insulating the underside so you don’t lose heat, and setting up a sleep system that keeps you level and dry. Follow the steps below and you’ll get a flatter, warmer, and far more restful night off the ground. Most of the work happens before you lie down, so plan your site and gear first.

Choose and Prepare Your Hanging Site

Look for two sturdy anchor points about 10 to 15 feet apart, such as healthy trees at least 6 inches in diameter. Avoid dead limbs and trees that sway heavily in wind. Clear any roots, rocks, or sticks from the area under the hammock, since you may be lying just a few feet off the ground.

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Hang the Hammock at the Right Height and Angle

Most hammock makers recommend a hang where the hammock sits roughly 18 to 24 inches off the ground at its lowest point and the suspension straps form an angle of about 30 degrees from horizontal. Use tree-friendly straps rather than thin rope, which can cut into bark. Set the hammock so the ends are at a slight diagonal relative to the anchor line, and keep the sag low enough that you lie in a diagonal position, not a flat one.

Check the Lay

Sit in the hammock and then lie back. You should be able to lie fully extended with your body diagonal, with your spine supported and your head and feet not sinking toward the ends.

Add Insulation Underneath

Your body compresses the insulation on top of a hammock, so the bottom side is where most heat escapes. A hammock underquilt hung beneath the hammock solves this. Clip it so it hugs the hammock closely with no gaps, which lets air cushion around you instead of wicking away heat. Pair it with a top quilt or sleeping bag for warmth above.

Build a Complete Sleep System

Hammock sleep systems usually combine three layers: an underquilt for the bottom, a top quilt or sleeping bag, and a rain fly or tarp overhead. Add a pad or hammock pad only if you need extra insulation; many campers find it unnecessary with a good underquilt. Keep a dry set of base layers in a sealed bag to change into if you get cold or damp.

Essential Checklist

  1. Two tree-friendly suspension straps or hammock straps
  2. Hammock with bug netting
  3. Underquilt rated for expected overnight temperatures
  4. Top quilt or sleeping bag
  5. Rain fly or tarp, with stakes and guylines
  6. Headlamp and spare batteries
  7. Dry base layers and a warm hat

Common Mistakes

  • Hanging the hammock too high, which makes getting in and out awkward and stretches the fabric.
  • Skipping an underquilt in cool weather, which leads to a cold night even with a warm top layer.
  • Pitching the rain fly too high, which lets wind-driven rain reach you.
  • Ignoring the lay and sleeping flat, which causes back strain and sliding toward the ends.
  • Using thin rope on trees, which can damage bark and loosen the setup.

A quality hammock underquilt makes the biggest difference in cooler weather because it closes the heat gap underneath you. View on Amazon

Tree-friendly suspension straps protect bark and make setup quicker and more secure. View on Amazon

FAQ

How high should I hang an Eno hammock?

Aim for the lowest point of the hammock to sit about 18 to 24 inches off the ground. This height gives you room to get in and out without making the hang too tight.

Do I need an underquilt for summer camping?

Often not. In warm weather a light top layer may be enough, but an underquilt still helps on cool nights or at elevation.

What should I do if the weather turns cold?

Add insulation under and over you, wear dry base layers, and keep your rain fly pitched low to block wind. Consult a professional outfitter or experienced camper if you’re planning a trip in extreme conditions.

Conclusion

Good hammock camping comes from a sound hang, an insulated underside, and a complete sleep system. Set up carefully, check your lay, and bring an underquilt when temperatures drop. Your first night off the ground will feel far better with these basics in place.

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Emily Parker

About Emily Parker

Emily Parker is part of our editorial team and reviews and edits our camping know-how guides, checking product details against manufacturer specifications and owner feedback.