hanging with a child

[Ryan Tucker]

anyone ever hung with a small child 4 or 5 years old? wife and i have looked into hanging just wondering about the possibilities.

[Tim Marshall]

i took my 3yr old daughter on 2 trips last summer 3-4 nights each (can't remember which) She used a hammock i made for both trips and it was awesome, she slept good in it and feel asleep fast as she couldn't sit or stand up inside. I did learn one important lesson though. USE 2 LAYERS!!! The mosquitoes ate her up through the single layer and it took me a long time to realize they were getting her though the hammock and not getting inside somehow. I don't know of any bug covered hammocks for kids but i know that someday i will offer one through Sanborn Canoe, but that doesn't help for now.

-Tim

[Paul Gibson]

My kids hang all the time. My boys (7 and 4) have both been hanging as long as I have. Our oldest has been on a number of 1-3 night trips and wants to do longer ones this season. He also has a hammock for his room that he gets to use rather than his bed as a reward for good behavior. He really prefers it to his bed and sleeps much better in it.

Depending on the kid you may want to hang them very close to you at first so you can check on them throughout the night. Lost of parents hang their kids above them or next to them for this. My son snores so he gets hung a few yards off. He likes to have his own space and even on the first trip we did wanted his own tarp and to have his hammock on separate trees from the ones I was using.

Most kids find hammocks to be fun. As long as you keep it being a fun thing they will almost be assured to find it fun and enjoy it too. And probably sleep like a rock.

[te – wa]

dozens hang with their kids, mine at 4 years of age – is about to go on his first overnight hang.
the only issue is that its best to downsize the gear, which is cheap and a DIY option or ask someone to make it for you.

1) ripstop seconds, 1.1 oz
2) no seem mesh as a "sock" (not sewn to hammock, but like a full coverage barrier, that can be left behind when bugs not an issue-hammock ridgeline required)
3) whoopie slings. dont ask, just get them. do it.
4) many partial UQ's are full length on children.
5) any sizable tarp can be pitched to accommodate 2 or more hammocks.

[Cary Beuershausen]

I'm a firm believer in the power of permethrin. I treat my clothes and hammock before hitting the trail and it works wonders. On one hike my friend was eaten alive by chiggers. I didn't have a single bite. On another while the others were riddled with skeeter bites I escaped unscathed.

I learned the hard way when I first started hanging. Those suckers can get through your hammock like melted butter.

[Author]

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