Tarp and Hammock Guide for Scouts

Hammocking with a tarp and hammock is an exciting Scout skill that teaches self-reliance, outdoor living, and campsite organisation. A lightweight tarp provides protection from the wind and rain, while a hammock offers a comfortable night's sleep above uneven or wet ground.

Whether you're camping on a weekend expedition or taking part in a lightweight backpacking adventure, knowing how to correctly pitch a tarp and tie reliable knots is an essential outdoor skill.

Scout Tarps Page

Step 1: Choose the Right Trees

Look for two healthy, living trees that are:

Around 3–5 metres (10–15 feet) apart.
At least 15 cm (6 inches) in diameter.
Free from dead branches or hanging hazards ("widowmakers").
On stable, level ground.

Never use dead, damaged, or unstable trees.

Step 2: Fitting Tree Straps

Wrap a wide tree strap around each tree at approximately head height (1.5–1.8 metres / 5–6 feet).

Wide straps spread the load and protect the bark. Never wrap thin rope directly around a tree, as it can damage the bark and the tree's growing layer.

Step 3: Attach the Hammock

Clip the hammock to the tree straps using the supplied carabiners or suspension system.

At this stage, don't worry if it looks too high or too tight—you'll adjust it next.

Step 4: Create a 30° Suspension Angle

The ideal suspension angle is around 30° from the tree to the hammock.

A good way to judge this is the "finger gun" method:

Point your index finger straight out.
Raise your thumb.
The angle between your thumb and finger is roughly 30°.

This angle provides the best balance of comfort and reduces excessive force on the trees and suspension.

Step 5: Check the Height

When you sit in the middle of the hammock:

Your feet should comfortably touch the ground.
The seat should be roughly chair height (40–50 cm / 16–20 inches) above the ground.

If it's too high, lower the straps or increase the sag.

Step 6: Lie Diagonally

Instead of lying straight down the middle:

Move your body slightly off-centre.
Lie at a slight diagonal (about 20–30°).

This allows the hammock fabric to flatten, giving a much more comfortable sleeping position.

Step 7: Add a Tarp (Optional)

If rain is expected:

Pitch a ridgeline above the hammock.
Hang the tarp so it fully covers the hammock.
Peg out the corners using guy lines.
Leave enough airflow to reduce condensation.

In windy weather, pitch the tarp lower for better protection.

Drip Lines

To stop rainwater running down the suspension into your hammock:

Tie a short piece of cord beneath each suspension point.
Water follows the drip line and falls to the ground before reaching the hammock.
Some tarps, such as DD Hammocks tarps, feature built-in ridge attachment loops (also known as ridge tie-outs) along the centre seam, no drip line needed when set up using them.

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