Hammock Camping in Storm Bert – A Wild UK Adventure
Introduction: What Happens When You Hammock Camp in a Storm?
The forecast warned us. Storm Bert — with its deceptively friendly name — was about to slam into the UK, and I decided to go hammock camping right in the middle of it. Not exactly everyone’s idea of a relaxing weekend, but for me, it was the perfect challenge.
With wind speeds ramping up and rain already on the way, I grabbed my tarp, my hammock, and a stack of birch twigs and headed out. This post walks you through the setup, the gear that kept me alive (and warm), and what it feels like to sway through the night as the storm rages around you.
The Setup Begins
Picking the Right Spot
Finding two trees far enough apart but not dangerously exposed was the first mission. I set up my ridgeline and tarp using guy lines on nearly every possible point. A good tarp pitch is the backbone of any storm camp.
Gear Breakdown – My Hammock Camp Essentials
Tarp: DD 3.5 x 3.5 meter tarp with steep pitch for wind deflection
Hammock: DD hammock with optional bug net (not closed — it’s winter)
Insulation:
OEX 7.2-rated inflatable mat (underneath the hammock)
DD underblanket for warmth retention
British Army Arctic sleeping bag inside a military bivvy
Comfort: Trekology inflatable pillow, small backup pillow
Fire & Food: Birch bark firestarter, dead standing birch wood, beef casserole dinner (and a failed attempt at microwave rice)
I also rigged drip lines to divert rain off guy lines and used carabiners to keep everything secure.
A Night in the Storm
When Nature Fights Back
By 9:30 PM, the wind was howling, the trees swaying, and I was nestled in my hammock — coffee brewed, stomach full, and spirits high. But nature wasn’t done.
At 3:00 AM, I was jolted awake by a massive crash. The wind gusts intensified, tossing my setup like a ship at sea. The tarp held, but every creak of the trees made me question if I chose the right anchor points.
Morning After Reflections
Despite the chaos, I stayed dry and warm. In fact, too warm. The Arctic bag and underblanket combo was overkill for the temperature. Lesson learned: wind doesn’t always equal cold.
Hammock Camping Tips in Bad Weather
If you're thinking about storm camping in a hammock, here are some must-follow tips:
Pitch Smart: Use a low pitch with steep tarp angles to shed wind.
Overdo Guy Lines: Anchor everything. Redundancy matters.
Layer Wisely: Know the temperature. Too much insulation can make you sweat.
Use Drip Lines: Prevent rain from running into your hammock.
Backup Gear: Always pack a spare pillow or essentials that could blow away.
Pick Strong Trees: They will flex. You want them flexing, not snapping.
Fireside Moments and Community
The best part? The chat around the fire. I shared the night with fellow YouTuber Greencraft, trading stories and warming ourselves around the flames.
Even in a storm, it’s moments like this — conversation, connection, crackling wood — that make wild camping what it is. Solitude when you want it. Brotherhood when you need it.
Key Takeaways from Hammock Camping in Storm Bert
Pick your spot carefully — swaying trees are part of the experience, but safety is key.
Don’t underestimate gear layering: warmth is good, overheating is not.
Fires make everything better, even in storms.
Always secure your gear — especially light items like pillows.
Getting out in wild weather can hit the mental reset like nothing else.
Final Thoughts: Why Go Out in a Storm?
You might be asking: Why not just wait for better weather? But wild camping, especially hammock camping in a storm, strips life back to the basics.
Shelter. Warmth. Food. Fire. Company. That’s all we truly need.
So the next time it rains, don’t hide from it. Lean into it.
And tell me… Would you hammock camp in a storm like this? Or have you already?
Last night, as the UK was ravaged by Storm Bert I joined the infamous YouTuber @greencraft4783 and Hammock Camped in the woods. It was a long night with Storm Bert hitting us with 60mph winds from the south of England.
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