Tents or Hammocks? Pros, Cons, and Practical Tips for Outdoor Shelter

10/21/24 • 25 min

Episode Overview: In this episode, Chris Speir dives into one of the most crucial decisions for any camping trip—whether to use a tent or a hammock. He explores the advantages and disadvantages of both, from the traditional and highly customizable tent options to the simplicity and comfort of hammocks. Chris shares personal experiences, discusses different types of tents (including military canvas tents and tunnel tents), and explains the importance of weight and practicality, particularly in primitive camping scenarios.

Key Discussion Points:

The timeless appeal of tents: various types and their pros/cons.
Why tents are still the go-to shelter for many campers.
Exploring different tent options like bivvy tents, family tents, and specialized camping tents.
Hammocks: The simplicity of setup, comfort benefits, and limitations in cold weather.
Practical insights into using tarps and bug nets with hammocks.
Importance of under quilts for cold-weather hammock camping.
How personal preferences, camping conditions, and gear load affect the choice between tents and hammocks.

Featured Equipment:

Night Cat Lay Flat Hammock (Chris's review is available on his YouTube channel)
Tunnel Tent
Wool Blankets and Under Quilts for hammock camping

Upcoming Episodes: Chris teases future episodes focusing on advanced camping shelters and knot-tying techniques for tarp setups. He’ll dive into the specifics of knots like the Prussic Knot, trucker’s hitch, and setting up ridge lines for optimal shelter configurations.

Call to Action: If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a review on your podcast platform, give it a thumbs-up, and check out Chris's book, Primitive Camping & Bushcraft, for more in-depth knowledge and practical tips.

Resources:

Connect with Chris:

Subscribe & Share: Don’t forget to subscribe to the Primitive Camping & Bushcraft podcast for more outdoor survival tips, gear reviews, and bushcraft techniques!

🔥 Explore More from Speir Outdoors
All my links, gear, community, and content in one spot:
👉 links.speiroutdoors.com

Stay Connected

📖 Book: Primitive Camping & Bushcraft

☕ Coffee: Primitive Camping Roast

🎙️ Podcast Episodes

🎥 YouTube Channel

🧭 Socials, Blog, and More

Have questions or want to connect?
📩 Email: [email protected]

Key Discussion Points:

The timeless appeal of tents: various types and their pros/cons.
Why tents are still the go-to shelter for many campers.
Exploring different tent options like bivvy tents, family tents, and specialized camping tents.
Hammocks: The simplicity of setup, comfort benefits, and limitations in cold weather.
Practical insights into using tarps and bug nets with hammocks.
Importance of under quilts for cold-weather hammock camping.
How personal preferences, camping conditions, and gear load affect the choice between tents and hammocks.

Featured Equipment:

Night Cat Lay Flat Hammock (Chris's review is available on his YouTube channel)
Tunnel Tent
Wool Blankets and Under Quilts for hammock camping

Resources:

Connect with Chris:

Subscribe & Share: Don’t forget to subscribe to the Primitive Camping & Bushcraft podcast for more outdoor survival tips, gear reviews, and bushcraft techniques!

🔥 Explore More from Speir Outdoors
All my links, gear, community, and content in one spot:
👉 links.speiroutdoors.com

Stay Connected

📖 Book: Primitive Camping & Bushcraft

☕ Coffee: Primitive Camping Roast

🎙️ Podcast Episodes

🎥 YouTube Channel

🧭 Socials, Blog, and More

Have questions or want to connect?
📩 Email: [email protected]

Previous Episode

Layer Up: How Clothing is Your First Shelter in the Wild

Episode Summary: In this episode, Chris explains why clothing is considered your first layer of shelter in any outdoor survival situation. From choosing wool for warmth even when wet, to avoiding cotton in cold conditions, Chris emphasizes how clothing protects you from environmental elements, insects, and temperature swings. Tune in for practical advice on how to dress smart, layer up, and prepare for primitive camping and bushcraft adventures. Learn about the benefits of permethrin-treated clothing, wool technology, and how the wrong choices can lead to hypothermia in both cold and hot climates.
Key Topics:
- Clothing as the first line of defense in survival
- The historical use of wool, linen, and cotton for protection
- Modern layering techniques for maintaining a microclimate
- Why cotton can be dangerous in cold, wet environments
- Wool’s advantages and its antibacterial properties
- General clothing recommendations for insect protection
- How synthetic blends and fire-retardant fabrics aid survival
Takeaways:
- Always layer your clothing to regulate body temperature.
- Wool is ideal for year-round wear due to its moisture-wicking and heat-retention properties.
- Avoid cotton in cold, wet conditions to prevent hypothermia.
- Permethrin-treated clothing is effective against ticks, chiggers, and other insects.
Resources:
- Mentioned gear: Wool socks, base layers, and permethrin-treated clothing
- Grab a copy of Primitive Camping & Bushcraft to follow along and dive deeper into survival tactics.
Next Episode: We’ll explore advanced shelter setups using tarps and other primitive camping techniques.
Connect: Have questions? Send an email or leave a comment on YouTube. Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review!

🔥 Explore More from Speir Outdoors
All my links, gear, community, and content in one spot:
👉 links.speiroutdoors.com

Stay Connected

📖 Book: Primitive Camping & Bushcraft

☕ Coffee: Primitive Camping Roast

🎙️ Podcast Episodes

🎥 YouTube Channel

🧭 Socials, Blog, and More

Have questions or want to connect?
📩 Email: [email protected]

Next Episode

Bushcraft Basics: Why a Reliable Tarp is Your Best Outdoor Ally

Episode Highlights:

Introduction to the DD 3x3 tarp and its versatile uses.
Brief history of tarps from oilcloths to modern waterproof materials.
Chris's personal experiences with various tarp brands, including DD and East Ridge.
DIY waterproofing using silicone and naptha, inspired by Nighthawk in Light.
Tips for setting up tarps with different shelter configurations.
Discussion of the importance of toggles, knots (like prusik knots), and guy lines.
Why Chris always carries a tarp on his outdoor adventures, even when using tents or hammocks.
Sneak peek at upcoming episodes focusing on shelter configurations and outdoor demonstrations.

Links: