If you're worried about feeling claustrophobic in a hammock, my advice is to focus on the setup. Opt for a larger hammock with a flatter lay and make sure it's pitched properly to give you more space and airflow. This will keep the experience open and prevent that closed-in feeling. I remember when I first tried hammock camping. I was nervous that being cocooned in fabric would make me feel trapped, especially when I saw the hammock wrapped around me. But after adjusting the angle of the hang and using a wider hammock, I realized I could lie almost flat, which made all the difference. I no longer felt like I was inside a tight envelope but instead resting in an open, airy space. To address your concern, hammock camping can actually alleviate claustrophobia if done right. Start by hanging your hammock with a 30-degree angle, as this creates a flatter lay, which gives you room to move. Also, consider using a bug net that hangs overhead instead of pressing against your face, and choose a hammock that's longer than your height so you don't feel confined. What's unique about hammock camping is how customizable it is. You're in control of your comfort and space. Unlike a tent, where the walls are rigid, a hammock's flexibility allows you to tweak every aspect of your setup until it feels right. Many people who experience this find it less claustrophobic than traditional camping because they're not boxed in by walls but rather swaying in the open air.
Despite how a hammock is shaped, you don't actually have to lie across it in the "long" way! I recommend that you try laying in a more diagonal fashion, which is great for stability and can help with feelings of claustrophobia. By lying diagonally across the hammock, you create a flatter, more stable surface that supports your back without the sides closing in as much. Camping hammocks, which tend to be more breathable and slightly larger, are often ideal for this technique. Additionally, practice setting up your hammock with a bit more tension, which can create a shallower, more open position.
Not all hammocks feel like you're getting trussed up like a Christmas ham. You can always opt for something that's a bit more fancy, specifically something equipped with a spreader bar as that will make it feel much less tight if you're worried about feeling enclosed or claustrophobic in a hammock. These hammocks come with wooden or metal bars on each end, keeping the hammock spread open so it doesn't wrap tightly around you. This open design can make the experience feel airier and more relaxed, not to mention just be larger for more comfort.
For anyone worried about feeling claustrophobic in a hammock, I'd recommend trying a larger, more open hammock design, like a double hammock, to give you extra room to stretch out. Additionally, using a hammock with a built-in mosquito net or adjustable spreader bars can provide a more open, airy feel. This setup lets you feel close to nature without feeling too enclosed, which often helps reduce any feelings of claustrophobia.