Hammock Camping in Storm Bert – Wild Camping UK Challenge
Battling Storm Bert With a Hammock and a Fire
On November 23rd, I took on my biggest wild camping challenge yet — hammock camping in the middle of Storm Bert. It was cold, wet, and windy, but I couldn’t resist the opportunity to get back outdoors and push myself mentally and physically.
I’ve hammock camped before, but never in conditions quite like this. From setting up a tarp against whipping winds to tracking down a wind-stolen pillow at dawn, this wild camp reminded me exactly why I love doing this.
The Setup: Hammock Camping in a Storm
Choosing the Right Spot
I knew the trees I selected were crucial. If they swayed too much in the wind, I’d feel every movement in the hammock — and worse, risk branches falling. I chose as wisely as possible: close enough to shelter but far enough apart to give the setup proper tension.
Shelter and Sleep System
Here’s what I used:
Tarp: DD Hammocks 3.5 x 3.5 metre tarp, pegged low and taut with guy lines on nearly every point.
Hammock: DD Hammock with integrated bug net.
Underblanket: DD underblanket to trap warm air below the hammock.
Sleeping Pad: OEX 7.2 R-rated inflatable mat tucked between layers.
Bag: British Army Arctic sleeping bag inside a military bivvy sack.
Extras: Trekology pillow (which nearly flew away) and a lightweight camp lamp.
Battling the Elements
When the Storm Hits
Storm Bert rolled in fast. Rain lashed, winds howled, and my mic even gave out from water damage. But I managed to:
Get a fire going with birch bark and dead standing wood.
Enjoy a (mostly) successful hot meal: beef casserole — minus the scorched rice.
Stay warm, dry, and protected inside my hammock setup.
Fireside Company
One of the unexpected highlights was sitting around the fire with Greencraft, a well-known bushcraft YouTuber. We shared stories, warmth, and laughs — a vital part of any campout.
The Midnight Challenge
Around 3:00 a.m., I was jolted awake by a huge gust of wind and a loud crash. The trees swayed hard, the hammock rocked, and I honestly wondered if I’d picked the wrong night to camp.
By 5:00 a.m., the wind had intensified even more. Despite that, I stayed warm — almost too warm. Between the underblanket, the mat, and the Arctic bag, I actually overheated and had to readjust. Mental note: wind doesn’t always equal freezing temperatures.
Morning After the Storm
Assessing the Setup
At sunrise, I stepped out to inspect my camp:
Most guy lines stayed firm.
One had popped free — easily fixed.
No major leaks under the tarp.
My pillow? Found 10 metres away. Still inflated. Legend.
Final Thoughts Over Coffee
Despite the wild conditions, I:
Stayed dry and warm.
Slept (a bit).
Felt incredibly recharged.
There’s something about being outdoors in the worst weather that resets your mind. With no distractions and nothing but nature’s chaos around you, you’re forced to strip back to the essentials: shelter, warmth, food, fire, and connection.
Key Takeaways from Storm Bert
Choose your trees carefully when hammock camping in high winds.
Underblanket + inflatable pad + Arctic bag = possibly too warm.
Bring backup guy lines — one always comes loose.
Wind = cold. Always check actual temps.
Test your setup in rough conditions before you need to rely on it.
Have You Camped in Extreme Weather?
What’s the wildest weather you’ve ever wild camped in? Would you consider hammock camping in a storm? Let me know in the comments — I’d love to hear how you handled it.
Stay wild,
Andy
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How I went from a Facebook Marketplace freebie to premium shelter.Winter Wild Camping Gear Loadout: What I Pack for Sub-Zero Nights
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