Yeah, Hammocks! This is information based on what I have researched or seen so far from a distance. They are becoming popular and pose a pretty good alternative for most needs, but also have their drawbacks. Regardless of type, Scouts must remember that Hammocks are to be used for relaxing or sleeping, not for swinging, roughhousing, or horseplay.

Pro’s- Lightweight, easily portable, mostly easy to setup, individual space and not dependent on others, relatively inexpensive

Con’s- No place to put your “stuff,” have to have enough appropriate trees to share, could take away from camaraderie, could be expensive

Three brands seem to be prevalent.

ENO is very popular and provide a Single and Double option and then you add mosquito net, add tarp over top, add separate straps to attach to tree. Single can be found for $45’ish with double $70’ish. Double is recommended by some so that you can “wrap-up” and stay in the hammock and provide some mosquito cover and/or warmth. Adding optional mosquito net and tarp start adding dollars and weight, though still might be cheaper than a good 2-3 person tent. Available: AL Outdoors, Mtn High Outfitters, Dick’s Sporting goods, online. (http://www.eaglesnestoutfittersinc.com/)

Byer of Maine is another brand, which some Troop 79 Scouts have. They make a single Traveler Lite for $20 and a Mosquito Traveler for $40 that Jacob and Mac have. It seems pretty well built, similar to others, and the net is integrated with it. Jacob used his on a campout to sleep in and liked it. Might be a little cheaper, but I was OK with it so that if it does rip or such, he’s not out lots of money like the other options. He also paid for it with his money and is taking ownership of it. (http://www.byerofmaine.com/products/amazonas.html)

Hennessee is another brand and they make one that is all-inclusive: hammock, mosquito net, with cover, but is a little more expensive. Probably more like the ENO’s but maybe a little cheaper for all you get. One of our Scouts had one of these at Summer Camp and I have friends that use these exclusively. (http://hennessyhammock.com/)

HAMMOCK POLICY OF THE GREATER ALABAMA BOY SCOUT COUNCIL – Because of their rise in popularity, the GAC Forestry Management Committee has adopted a new policy for hammock use at GAC camps, which Troop 79 will adopt for all uses. This policy can be used as a “Best Practices” teaching opportunity for both youth and adults.

* Selects trees with “tough” bark such as oak, hickory or pine over trees with “thin” bark such as maple or dogwood
* Securing the hammock must be temporary. No nails, eye bolts, screws, etc. put in trees at any time.
* 1 1/2 “-2″ tension straps are approved and recommended over rope.
* Secure hammocks to trees 8” in diameter or larger.

Most importantly, Scouts must remember that Hammocks are a “privilege” at this point and are to be used for relaxing or sleeping, not for swinging, roughhousing, or horseplay. The Troop will not be held responsible for any damage that occurs with Hammocks at camp. Leaders or older Scouts also have the authority to ask a Scout to pack up a Hammock at anytime for misuse of Hammocks.