How to Hammock in the Rain2025 Complete Guide
With the right tarp, pitch, and a couple of simple "water break" tricks, you can sleep dry and warm even in an all‑night downpour. This guide gives you the fast setup steps, how to choose the right tarp, and a vetted kit you can buy today.
Quick answer (TL;DR)
- Use a real rain fly (8–12 in of coverage past each hammock end; bigger in storms).
- Pitch to the wind. Doors/low edges into the wind, ridgeline perpendicular to it.
- Add water breaks on suspension: tie a short cotton shoelace or absorbent cord under your tarp on each line so rain drips off before reaching the hammock.
- Stake low in "storm mode." Keep panels tight; re‑tension after 20–30 min as fabrics relax.
- Insulate the bottom. In cool weather, pair with an underquilt or pad; use an underquilt protector for wind‑driven spray.
Your wet‑weather kit (Amazon picks)
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Tarps / rain flies
Lightweight hex fly (great value):
Wise Owl Outfitters Hammock Rain FlyStorm doors for nasty weather:
ENO HouseFly Rain TarpTrusted hex fly:
ENO ProFly Rain TarpUltralight option:
Kammok Kuhli Ultralight TarpModular & spacious square:
Kelty Noah's Tarp 12Bushcraft‑ready 10×10:
OneTigris BULWARK Hammock TarpLong hammock tarp with doors (great coverage for 11′ hammocks):
Onewind 12×10 SilNylon Tarp w/ DoorsHeavy‑duty, burly fabric:
Aqua Quest Defender 10×10Lines, tensioners & stakes
Reflective guyline + tensioners:
MSR Reflective Utility Cord KitKnot‑free cord tighteners (handy for ridgelines):
Nite Ize CamJam XT (Aluminum)Rock‑solid stakes:
MSR Groundhog Tent Stake Kit (6‑pack)Optional "porch mode" pole (car camping):
Kelty Staff Pole (78" fixed)Spray & wind protection
Underquilt protector (UQP):
Onewind Underquilt Protector— adds a wind‑blocking layer under your insulation.
Rain collection + auto‑tension for silnylon tarps (optional):
Hennessy Water Collector & Rainfly TensionerHow to choose a rain fly
Size
- Length: Aim for ~8–12 in (20–30 cm) of coverage past each hammock end. For 10–11′ hammocks, a 11–12′ ridgeline tarp is ideal.
- Width: Wider panels or door flaps help block wind‑driven rain.
Style
- Hex / catenary‑cut: Light, quick to pitch, good for most trips.
- Rectangle / square: Most pitching options (A‑frame, beak, plow‑point); great camp versatility.
- "Doors" or beaks: Crucial for storm mode—they close the ends to stop sideways rain.
Material
- Silnylon: Durable and packable; can relax when wet—re‑tension once the rain starts.
- Silpoly: Sags less when wet; a nice all‑rounder for variable weather.
- DCF (Dyneema): Ultralight, taut, pricey; great for long wet trips where weight matters.
Step‑by‑step: a dry, storm‑proof pitch
Pick the spot.
Avoid gullies/low spots and widow‑makers. Set up on durable ground, away from flowing water.
Orient to the wind.
Put the tarp's closed end/doors into the wind; ridge at a right angle to prevailing gusts.
Rig the ridgeline.
Hang the tarp first. Use line locks/tensioners for fast adjustments.
Stake in storm mode.
Pull corners low and tight; add extra guy points if your tarp has them.
Add water breaks.
Tie a 6–8" cotton shoelace or absorbent cord under the tarp on each suspension line so rain drips off before it travels to the hammock.
Hang the hammock under the roof.
Keep the hammock ends well inside the tarp's drip line.
Re‑tension after 20–30 minutes.
Fabrics relax once wet; snug it up once and you're set.
Pro tips for heavy rain
- Doors save nights. If storms are likely, choose a tarp with doors (or add "beaks") and pitch it low.
- Ridgeline below vs. above the tarp. Either works; below can add support in snow/heavy rain, above keeps a drier line to coil later.
- Drip lines are mandatory. Hardware (rings/carabiners) can act as water breaks, but a simple shoelace "drip" is cheap and reliable.
- Insulate underneath. Pair with an underquilt or pad; add an underquilt protector to block wind‑spray.
- Porch in, storm down. Enjoy "porch mode" when calm using a pole; drop it to storm mode when wind/rain pick up.
Safety & Leave No Trace
- Lightning: If thunder is within ~30 seconds of a flash, get to a substantial shelter and wait 30 minutes after the last thunder before resuming.
- Tree care: Use 1"‑plus tree‑friendly straps on live, healthy trunks; avoid fragile bark species.
- Camp placement: As regulations allow, camp on durable surfaces and away from water sources/trails; follow local rules.
Related guides
Best hammock straps
Tree-friendly suspension systems for secure hammock setup
Best hammock underquilts
Essential insulation for cold weather hammock camping
Best backpacking hammocks
Lightweight hammocks perfect for wilderness adventures
Best folding hammock beds
Portable camping cots for car camping and backyard use
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Ben Hammockin
Hammock Expert
Ben has been hammock camping for over a decade and has tested hundreds of rain setups in everything from light drizzle to torrential downpours. His expertise in wet weather hammocking has helped thousands of campers stay dry and comfortable.