Can I use the hammock in places where its impossible to use the side tie-outs – for example, on an Amazon river steamer?
A Yes, depending on your position in the hammock, you can use the hammock without the side tie-outs. Normally the ridgeline and the side-tie outs help to hold the netting well away from your body. By placing your elbow in the left-side corner and your knee in the right-side corner you can duplicate the tension of the side tie outs and hold the net quite nicely in position. The rain fly could also be used without tying out the side tie-outs by hanging a weight on the ring on each side of the fly, eg. water bottles, to hold the fly down and keep it from flapping in the wind.
