There are many advantages to hammock camping in Florida. Many people think that the heat, humidity, and biting insects are a deterrent to camping. That does not need to be the case. Hammock camping is fast to set up. The the material aids in comfort; say goodnight to hard ground, rocks and sticks poking your back as you sleep. And the user gets rocked to sleep under a star filled sky. And when it comes to ticks, chiggers, mites, and mosquitoes the entire sleep system is treated in Permethrin Insect Repellent.
To stay cool we focus on the site. We look for a place that will aid in keeping air flowing around the hammock. As kayakers it is easy to suspend the hammock next to and sometimes over water to maximize the breeze; although, doing so has made for some interesting stories. Pay attention to the tides and animal trails when camping next to the water. You could find yourself being bumped by a nocturnal animal going to the water. Or waking up wet due to rising waters.
In many ways to the onlooker it looks like we are topless. We still set up the tarp over the hammock with bug net; and adjust it in a way that it is not directly over the top of the hammock to allow for quick deployment over the sleep system if we get a surprise midnight Florida shower. This is simply done by folding the tarp on to itself. In addition to the tarp being arranged in a way to not restrict air flow and our view to the stars.
Drip lines are also added on to the Slap Straps so rain water does not flow down the hammock. Some people like to hang a battery operated fan along the ridge line inside the hammock bug netting. We forgo the fans for a simpler yet effective natural air conditioning system. Before going to sleep we soak the bug net in water. This helps to cool the interior of the sleep system through evaporation cooling if the hammock remains dry and there is a steady flow of air. I also sleep better clean and tolerate the heat easier during the night. So I take a quick shower away from the water’s edge with potable water, some no-rinse, and a wash cloth.
To protect the trees we like to use a thick webbing nylon daisy chain, also known as ENO Slap Strap. This protects the bark and eliminates the need to tie knots. We have had success with TreeHuger Hammocks and ENO Eagle Nest Outfitters sleep system.
There is little need for light when camping when there are stars and the moon. Never the less, we have occasionally use two types of lights around camp; in addition, we do use a head lamp in camp. The Luci portable solar LED lantern made by MPOWERD and ENO Twilights.
And let us not forget have an empty bottle with in the sleep system. If you have a urin bottle there will be less of a need to leave the comfort of the bug net.
I normally sleep on the diagonal with a Klymit Pillow X. Sean sleeps in the fetal position with a shirt as a pillow
Liquid Rhythm Adventures' Journal 