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Writer's pictureJean-Benoît Lasselin

Why you should choose a hammock and not a tent

Tropical Wilderness Experience: as floods sweep away campers in Cambodia* at Kampot O’Mal waterfall a few weeks ago (2 women died, two men were taken to hospital) after floodwaters washed away their camp, the C4 team would like to remind you why hammock bivouacking is a safe and responsible choice compared to tent camping in South East Asia.

C4 Wilderness instruction
C4 bivouac style

In the heart of the wilderness, the choice of shelter can profoundly impact your outdoor experience. In this article, C4 Adventures will help you to understand why camping in tents is a bad choice bivouacking in hammocks in tropical weather. This decision goes beyond personal preference; it touches on safety, logistics, comfort, sustainability, and even cultural heritage.


Safety first: hammock will keep you elevated

In the dense jungle, the ground teems with inquisitive animals and insects. Opting for a hammock elevated above the earth provides an added layer of safety. With no direct contact with the ground, you can rest easy, undisturbed by curious critters and unexpected surprises.


Grounded logistics: hammock makes manageable packing

The logistics of camping can be daunting. Tents can be heavy and require extra space for transportation. Here's where the hammock takes the lead. Lightweight and easily portable, this flexibility not only eases the burden but allows you to set up your bedroom quickly, even under a poring rain.

C4 Kirirom Big Loop tour
C4 bivouac in Kirirom National Park

Recover properly: unparalleled comfort

In tropical areas like Cambodia's jungle, nights can become sweltering. The hammock emerges as a champion of comfort. Swinging gently from the trees, it invites a refreshing breeze, ensuring a more restful slumber. Even for novices, the allure of being cradled by nature's gentle embrace surpasses the confinement of a stuffy tent and will provide to you proper recover from your trekking day. Choose to be ready for tomorrow.


Respect your environment: leave no trace

Our commitment to sustainable practices extends to the camping experience. Opting for hammocks over tents aligns with eco-conscious principles. Hammocks leave a smaller environmental footprint as they don't disrupt natural grounds or disturb wildlife habitats. By choosing a hammock, you're making a conscious choice for nature.


Cultural connection: embrace tradition

Cambodian heritage echoes through every aspect of our adventures. Traditionally, Cambodians have chosen hammocks as their sleeping arrangement. By adopting this cultural practice, embrasse the Khmer lifestyle, forging a deeper connection with the destination.


Swim-trekking in Cambodia
C4 River Descent tour

In light of the recent tragic incident at O’Mal waterfall in Kampot province, we're reminded of the importance of responsible outdoor practices. Hammock, with its elevated setup, could potentially provide a safer alternative. By sleeping above the ground, bivouac enthusiasts can be better protected in case of unexpected water rises, reducing the risk of such unfortunate events. By promoting bivouacking, we educate travelers about safe and responsible choices. This emphasis on sustainability and cultural heritage resonates with the increasing demand for safe adventure tourism, enabling all to experience wilderness with adapted practices.


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