Camping Tips & Tricks

Field-tested advice to sleep warm & camp smarter
A Few Words About Tarps
Tarps have been around for a long time; probably as long, or longer, than all forms of tents. They endure because of their simplicity and their flexibility. Currently they are finding renewed popularity with the lightweight hiking crowd and the hammock hangers. As with anything, there are trade-offs associated with tarps in terms of size, shape, weight, material, cost, and the environment one expects to encounter. Is the tarp’s primary purpose to provide shade or to provide rain protection? While weight and size are of paramount concern to a backpacker,... Read more...
How to Attach a Quilt to Your Sleeping Pad
To put it simply, we do not recommend fastening a quilt to a sleeping pad. Attaching a quilt to a sleeping pad negates some of the primary benefits that a quilt offers compared to a traditional sleeping bag. Our quilts are designed to be used as a blanket with complete freedom of movement when unsnapped. Alternatively, you can optimize them to seal out drafts by forming the foot box and snapping the head end behind your neck, reducing the amount of dead airspace. When attaching a quilt to a sleeping... Read more...
Hammock Underquilt Suspension
Two questions we regularly get related to our Hammock Underquilt Suspension System are: “Seriously, is a shock cord and 2 carabiners gonna work… It can’t be this simple” “Why don’t you include a secondary suspension?” The simple answers are: Yes, it is, and it’s not necessary with JRB underquilts and can work against getting the perfect hang. Since we are by nature a curious bunch here is a bit more detail. In 2004 we tested several different underquilt suspension designs, the clear winner being an elastic end suspension for full-length... Read more...
Hammock Underquilt Installation Instructions
Installing your hammock underquilt for the first time is best done in the backyard with the help of a friend. Have one person get in the hammock and the other check for air gaps and proper loft. The goal in attaching the underquilt is to have it suspended beneath the hammock with no (or minimal) air gap between the hammock and the quilt AND minimal tension on the underquilt. Tension on the underquilt reduces the loft resulting in cold spots. Place one hand between the underquilt and hammock to check... Read more...
A Hammock with a Built In Underquilt or Quilted Hammock The Pros and Cons
A Hammock with a built in underquilt or Quilted Hammock offers a unique solution to insulation needs, but like any piece of gear, it has its pros and cons. Hammock camping has gained popularity among outdoor enthusiasts for its comfort and versatility. However, one of the challenges of hammock camping is staying warm, especially during colder months. This is where the concept of a built-in underquilt like Dutchware’s Quilted Chameleon comes into play. A hammock with an integrated underquilt offers a unique solution to insulation needs, but like any piece... Read more...
Hammock Gear: What Do I Need?
Is Hammock Gear Important? Hammock underquilt, top quilts, tarp, hammock……..If you’re planning to go hammock camping, there are a few pieces of hammock gear you need to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable outdoor experience. One of the most important aspects of hammock camping is having the right gear to help you get a good night’s sleep and protect you from the elements. Here’s a detailed list of essential items you’ll need for your next hammock camping trip: What Hammock Gear do I need? Hammock: Obviously, you can’t go hammock camping... Read more...
The Best Sleeping Bag Is A Camping Quilt
When venturing outdoors, staying warm and comfortable while sleeping is crucial to a successful trip. For many years, the traditional mummy-style sleeping bag has been the go-to option for outdoor enthusiasts. Designed to envelop the body tightly like a cocoon, it provides a snug and warm sleeping experience. However, a new trend is emerging among campers and backpackers – the use of a camping quilt. A camping quilt is a versatile alternative to the traditional sleeping bag. It provides warmth and comfort while allowing for more freedom of movement. Unlike... Read more...
Hammock underquilt, do you need one?
“Do I need an underquilt for my hammock”, is a question we get a lot. Hammock camping has gained immense popularity since Jacks R Better designed the first hammock underquilt back in 2004. If you’re new to hammock camping, this post will help you understand the importance of an underquilt, how it compares to other insulation options, and decide if you need one for your hammock trips. Hammock Underquilt what is it and how does it work? A quilt that is placed beneath your hammock is commonly referred to as... Read more...
How To Stay Warm Hammock Camping
Staying warm involves a combination of factors including insulation (clothes, sleeping bags, quilts, etc.), generating body heat from consumption of food (calories), physical activity and external heat sources. The focus of this article will be on staying warm while sleeping in a hammock so the physical activity contribution will be minimal, unless you’re a really restless sleeper. Further, everyone’s metabolic rate is different. Some people are warmer (or colder) sleepers than others. There is no one size fits all solution to the problem of saying warm. Each person will have... Read more...
How To Get A Warmer Night’s Sleep
Every once in a while we hear of someone who is not able to sleep comfortably down to the suggested temperature capabilities of a quilt. Here are some points to consider that might help anyone sleep better when using a down quilt or sleeping bag. 1.  Down quilts, as well as down bags, are designed to drape gently over the body to achieve the maximum loft. It is the complex of micro dead airspaces created between and among the lofting down clusters that provides the insulation that retains the heat... Read more...
Camping Tips and Tricks
How To Stay Warm Hammock Camping How To Get A Warmer Night’s Sleep A Few Words about Tarps Hammock Nesting Tricks From an Old Coot Hammock Underquilt Suspension Read more...
Hammock Nesting Tricks From an Old Coot
Site Selection Remember the first rule in real estate? Location, location, location. First, pick two trees without obstructing branches and without an undergrowth problem. But consider the optimum distance. If two trees 13 feet apart allow you to hang the hammock and your tarp without hindrance pick them over two equally appealing trees 18 feet apart. Why? The closest possible trees will use less hammock rope or strap, which reduces stretch and sag. What about weather concerns? In winter this Old Coot picks trees with a north-south axis and protects... Read more...