Hammock Camping is the best and most comfortable way of camping. We have reviewed many backpacking hammocks to find out which style is trending in the market.
Backpacking Hammocks are all-in-one hammocks, including a hammock, mosquito netting, a tarp for rain protection, and a suspension system to hang it all between two trees.
It is a very good substitute for camping chairs. You can hang the hammock on the tree and enjoy the scenic views comfortably. There are so many different hammocks based on their size, durability, and functionality.
Here in this article we have shared our experience and explained a depth review of each product and end up with the best buying guide and frequently asked questions by users. Also, we have chosen our top 7 favorites backpacking hammock list for you.
Table of Contents
7 Best Backpacking Hammock for Camping
1. Bear Butt Hammocks – Camping Hammock
Last updated on 2022-12-23 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Why You’ll Like It: This bigger than the usual hammock is a double-sized hammock that is designed to fit two people. It is amply priced and has all the gears which are required to set up the hammock.
It is lightweight and hence easy to carry anywhere. The hammock comes with an inflatable liner which provides comfort to the users.
The triple-stitch reinforcement in the panels provides extra durability, safety, and strength to the hammock. It is very durable and has high-quality 10 feet grade-rope suspensions, which help accommodate at least five hundred pounds.
The total dimension of the hammock is 10*6 feet when fully opened and 7*4 inches when packed. The material is made of 75D Nylon Taffetta, which makes the hammock very comfortable and durable.
It does not require any special equipment to set up the hammock and only takes two minutes to set up the hammock. The hammock also includes a pair of D-shape carabiners made of stainless steel and a storage sack to put in all the other stuff in that bag. There are so many colors and patterns available too for you to select from.
2. Eagles Nest Outfitters (ENO) Double Nest Lightweight Camping Hammock
Last updated on 2022-12-23 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Why You’ll Like It: The double nest hammock is suitable for two people to use. Its dimensions, when fully opened, are 112 x 0.25 x 74 inches.
It can be folded to 5 x 5 inches, which makes it large enough to hold two people and quite portable. You can carry it anywhere like on a camping trip.
The hammock is made of 70D nylon taffeta, which makes it quite durable and long-lasting. This does not affect its weight, and it is still lightweight and easy to carry anywhere you want. The material dries very quickly and is hence suitable when you are camping, and it rains suddenly.
The straps are not provided with the hammock, and you need to purchase them separately. Though, they provide aluminum wire gate carabiners which are very strong and can hold a lot of weight.
They also provide snap links to attach the hammock bag to your bag for easy carrying. It is easy to set up and takes not much time to completely set up the hammock.
The company which produces Eagles Nest Outfitters Double Nest Lightweight Camping Hammock is environment-conscious and creates less waste while producing this product.
3. Wise Owl Outfitters Camping Hammocks
Last updated on 2022-12-23 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Why You’ll Like It: Wise Owl Outfitters Camping Hammocks come with a hammock and two straps which cost around thirty dollars. It also comes in different colors and patterns. The straps don’t come in a case but are nicely packed with the hammock’s stuff sack.
The material is made of 210T Parachute Nylon which is quite durable and sturdy since the material is also used to make tents and other outdoor pieces of equipment.
The t in the 210T represents the thread count of the fabric. It is also a fast-drying fabric and is not water-absorbent.
It is quite easy to set it up and also to take it down. The carabiners are attached to the hammock, and hence you just need to tie it to the tree or anything else, and you are all done. The hammock is 10 feet long.
The Wise Owl Outfitters Camping Hammocks come in different versions. One is the single owl hammock that holds one person, and the other is the double owl hammock that holds two people.
These two share almost the same features, except the double owl hammock’s size, is a bit larger because of its holding capacity. It also varies in price.
4. Gold Armour Camping Hammock
Last updated on 2022-12-23 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Why You’ll Like It: This camping hammock is quite large and can fit two people comfortably. It supports up to five hundred pounds. The material is made of 210T parachute nylon fabric and measures around 125 x 79 inches. It is safe and can not rip your skin.
It is also triple stitched and hence tear-free. The material is breathable and can be watched in a washing machine.
One thing it lacks is thermal protection. It does not have this, and hence you are recommended to carry thermal sleeping bags if you are planning to sleep in the hammock.
The straps have a capacity of 1000 pounds and are quite strong. You even have eleven different color options. These include khaki and dark green, military green and blue, orange and black, red and grey, or sky blue and grey.
The hammock comes in a stuff sack and can be packed into this stuff sack which is sewn into the hammock. When packed into the stuff sack, you can use it to store stuff like your mobile phone, wallet, and other items. It is quite easy to set this up.
The hammock unfolds from the stuff sack quite easily and in a few seconds. It also comes with a fifteen-year warranty.
5. Legit Camping Hammock
Last updated on 2022-12-23 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Why You’ll Like It: This 120 x 72 inches camping hammock can hold two people and has a capacity of 500 pounds. It is made of 75D nylon, which makes it durable and comfortable to use.
This material allows breathing and has a cool airflow. It is triple stitched and hence tear-free and enhances the durability of the hammock. It also has steel carabiners.
The nylon straps provide easy support and can bear 1000-pound strength. It also comes with a stuff sack to carry it by attaching it to any other package. It has different color options to choose from.
6. Sunyear Single and Double Camping Hammock
Last updated on 2022-12-23 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Why You’ll Like It: Sunyear Single and Double Camping Hammocks come with installation tools. These installation tools include 2 easy-to-set-up hammock straps, 2 D-shaped carabiners, and 2 net ropes.
It is made of 210T parachute nylon and includes a specially designed and durable net fabric.
There are so many options for you to select from. You get the deal-breaking one with a mosquito net, tarp, and rainfly. You can also select between the single hammock and double hammock.
They are quite similar except for the holding capacity of the hammock. It is durable. In the case of a single hammock, it can hold only one person comfortably, while a double hammock can hold two people comfortably. It has a holding capacity of 600 pounds.
It weighs around 2.05 pounds and has dimensions of 106 x 55 inches.
7. Mallome Camping Hammock
Last updated on 2022-12-23 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Why You’ll Like It: The camping hammock is made of 210T parachute nylon which makes it durable and rugged. It is triple-stitched and tear-resistant. The hammock’s fabric is designed to hold up to 1000 pounds of weight. The webbing connecting point is strong enough to hold up to 800 pounds.
The mallome camping hammock is over ten feet long and 7 feet wide. It is large and provides you the space not for just one person but two-person.
The size does not affect the weight, and it stays light, compact, and spacious. The fabric of the hammock is so cozy. It does not cause any kind of disturbance and is very convenient.
No effort is required to set up the hammock. It is very easy and convenient to put this up and pack it up after its use. It also comes with a stuff sack which helps to keep it intact and in place after using it. It comes in different colors and varieties.
It is affordable and has a warranty to return the product if you are not satisfied. They follow a 100% satisfaction guarantee.
8. Grand Trunk Skeeter Beeter Pro Mosquito Hammock
Last updated on 2022-12-23 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Why You’ll Like It: Grand Trunk Skeeter Beeter Pro Mosquito Hammock is the ultimate outdoor accessory for ultimate relaxation and rejuvenation.
Whether you’re camping in the backwoods during the warm summer months or taking a mid-day nap in your own backyard, the Grand Trunk Skeeter Beeter Pro Hammock has got your back. It comes with integrated mosquito netting to keep those pesky bugs off.
With a maximum weight recommendation of 400 pounds, this multi-functional hammock is ideal for backpacking, camping, or any outdoor adventure(hiking, backpacking, camping, beach, festival, travel, yard, garden, and backyard) – the possibilities are endless!
Grand Trunk Hammock is a lightweight, portable, and comfortable hammock. It comes with a suspension cord that attaches to any tree, a pair of solid steel carabiners for quick and easy hanging with an integrated safety lock, a starter rope kit for quick and easy setup, and a handy stuff sack for convenient storage.
This Hammock comes in a variety of colors, making it perfect for choosy campers. It is made of nylon material, which is more durable than the other hammocks. The total weight of this hammock is just 35 ounces.
9. Hummingbird Hammocks Ultralight Single Hammock
Last updated on 2022-12-23 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Why You’ll Like It: Let the Wind Rock You to Sleep with the All-New Hummingbird Ultralight Single Hammock! This 4 season hammock creates a cocoon of comfort around you. The ultralight, ripstop parachute nylon fabric is super soft and breathable.
The soft nylon fabric is gentle against your skin and will keep you warm in the cold and cool in the heat. The fabric is also mildew resistant and quick-drying.
The design is incredibly breathable and keeps the hammock’s temperature regulated for sleeping comfort. The breathable fabric is tough and resistant to tearing and stretching and is machine washable.
The extra-wide hammock straps are made of high-strength polyester and are rated to hold up to 300 lbs.
The reinforced loops are designed to fit over any size tree branch, providing a wide range of hanging options. The hammock comes in a compact 5″ x 4″ pouch. The hammock is ultra-lightweight and compact, easily fitting into your camping gear, travel luggage, or backpack.
Hummingbird Hammocks’ Ultralight Single Hammock is made in the USA and constructed with Parachute Nylon Fabric and our proprietary triple interlocking stitching.
The ladder lock carabiners are nickel-plated with a leash that keeps your hammock from falling.
10. ENO, Eagles Nest Outfitters JungleNest Hammock
Last updated on2022-12-23 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Why You’ll Like It: ENO’s coveted hammock is ready for an action-packed day in the jungle or a lazy day at the beach. This is the hammock for all your expeditionary needs.
Compact and lightweight, this hammock comes with integrated suspension. The two-ridgeline design provides strength and stability for ultimate comfort.
ENO’s hammock supports up to 300 pounds, so you can share your jungle-ready hammock experience with your family, friends, or partner.
The jungle nest hammock includes a removable bug net and gear storage sack to keep your gear organized. The bug net is made from breathable mesh that maintains airflow to keep you cool.
The ENO Eagles Nest Outfitters JungleNest Hammock is designed to provide the ultimate comfort in the wild. The Jungle Nest is made up of nylon material that is soft and strong to support the weight.
They are made from 210T nylon parachute hammock fabric—the same kind used by parachute riggers for their high-performance hammocks.
To protect the fabric against UV damage, it is laminated with a Polyurethane coating that makes it 30 times more water-resistant than untreated nylon.
The JungleNest hammock is a great choice for experienced campers and those who are beginners.
Backpacking Hammock Buying Guide
Hammock camping can be frustrating for beginners who have not tested them out in the wilds. We have spoken to many campers who had a worse experience while sleeping in their hammocks for the first time. It is just because they chose the wrong or cheap hammock.
Buying a functional hammock is the primary difference between a great night’s sleep and your worst nightmare. So how do you choose a hammock?
There are many factors that you should consider while buying a backpacking hammock and they are as follows,
1. Type of Outdoor Activity
The very first thing that needs to be considered while buying a hammock is for what purpose or outdoor activity you are going to use it.
Whether you are going to use it in a park, on a day hike to the nearest woods, or on a camping trip into the wild. If you are camping in the wild then a hammock with a bug net is essential.
If you are an ultralight hiker then you need a hammock that is small and ultralight. If you are looking to use the hammock in all three seasons in different places then you should go for an open-style hammock with a detachable bug net.
2. Size of the Hammock
Once you have decided what type of activity you want to use your hammock for, it is time to decide the size of the hammock. A hammock is like clothing, “one size doesn’t fit all”. Most hammocks available are too short and too narrow.
If you are average built then you may get away with these types of hammocks. You should always look for hammocks that are 10 feet or longer for up to a height of 6ft. If you are above 6 feet consider buying a longer hammock(more than 10 feet).
Single hammocks that are about 4 feet wide are ideal for one person but if you are looking for a 2-person hammock then definitely you should go for 5 feet or more in width.
One of the best ways to buy a hammock is to look for small US-based cottage companies that operate from small shops because they can customize sizes in length and width to suit your needs.
But what is the Ideal size of a Hammock for backpacking, here is the chart
Ideal Hammock Size Chart
Size of The Person | Length of the Hammock | Width of the Hammock |
Up to 5 ft 6 inches | 10 feet | 58 to 62 Inches |
5 ft 6 In – 6 feet | 11 Feet | 62 Inches to 66 Inches |
6 feet & above | 11 Feet to 12 Feet | 66 Inches to 70 Inches |
3. Suspension System
The next important factor is the suspension system of the hammock. The suspension is how you attach the hammock to the trees.
Many campers use different ways like ropes, tree straps, and huggers to hang their hammocks. There are 4 common types of suspension systems used in hammocks.
Daisy Chains- These suspension systems are also known as atlas chains and the best thing about them is that they are very beginner-friendly.
You just have to tie them around the trees and attach the hammock to one of the loops and you are all set. But one disadvantage of daisy chains is that they are heavy.
Another disadvantage of them is the loops are 3-6 inches wide from each other so hanging your hammock in a precise position is not possible.
Cinch Buckles- This suspension system is easier to hang and to adjust the hammock position or angle.If you are a beginner and looking for a system that works well and is also easy to set up then Cinch buckles are the best.
Whoopie Slings- They are easily adjustable but require some kind of understanding of how to tie the knot. They are thin but strong chords that wrap around the tree and connect with the hammock through a knot.
Tree Straps- The last type of hammock suspension system is the Tree straps or tree huggers. They are easy to use and can be attached to the hammock through a backhand hitch knot.
4. Ridgeline
The next important thing is the ridgeline of the hammock. The ridgeline is the line that connects the two ends of the hammock.
Ideally, you would want the length of the ridgeline to be about 80% of the length of the hammock. SO if the hammock length is 10 feet then the ideal length of the ridgeline should be 8 feet and 9 feet 7 inches for a 12-foot long hammock.
Some hammocks have the ridgeline attached and others don’t.
There are basically 3 reasons why you need a hammock with a ridgeline,
- The ridgeline helps you decide the perfect shag for hanging the hammock. Without the ridgeline, you wouldn’t know the right shag. The results are very uncomfortable as you can not sleep in a flat position. Your body will be squeezed which is called the Banana condition. So deciding the right shag is important and a ridgeline does that for you. You don’t want the hammock either to be too flat or too shaggy.
- The ridgeline absorbs some of the pressure exerted on the hammock. Especially when you hand the hammock between pair of trees that are at a far distance the pressure doubles. A ridgeline absorbs the pressure and puts the hammock at lesser risk.
- The final thing why you need a ridgeline is because you can use it to hang things like(a mobile phones, gear, torches, etc.
5. The fabric of The Hammock
The fabric is a crucial part of a hammock, It helps you lay in a better position while sleeping and protects your body from losing heat.
There are many types of fabrics used in making a hammock and each one has its own advantages and disadvantages.
- Ripstop Nylon- Ripstop Nylon Fabric is a high-quality type of fabric that is widely used for a variety of different applications. The Rip-stop nylon fabrics consist of strong weaving patterns that help to prevent rips and tears from spreading. Ripstop nylon fabric is most widely used for military purposes, from parachutes to hammock tents and even to flight suits. It weighs about 1.9 ounces(54 gms) per sq yard of fabric.
- Hyper D- Hyper-D is one of the most popular new synthetic fabrics that are very popular in the outdoor gear world. It has a unique construction that makes it strong, durable, and stretchable. This is why you need it for your outdoor activities. It weighs approximately 1 ounce(28 gm) per sq yard of fabric.
- Parachute Nylon- Parachute Nylon is a lightweight, strong, and durable fabric used to make parachutes. It is commonly used in parachutes, as well as other applications where lightweight and strength are required. Parachute Nylon is a synthetic fabric made from a combination of polymers.
- Polyester Ripstop- Polyester ripstop fabric has some unique features like UV resistance, low bias stretching while put under heavy load, lightweight, and quick drying. It weighs around 1.6 ounces (45 gm) per sq yard of fabric.
6. Weight of Hammock
The hammock’s weight also tells if you can travel with ease while carrying the backpacking hammock. The lightweight the hammock is, the easier it is to carry it around while camping.
7. Hammock Accessories
While buying a hammock, some of the accessories like a rainfly to keep you safe when it starts raining, an extra pair of straps, a safety bug net to keep you safe from bugs, and other natural creatures you find while camping. These accessories play an important role in making the hammock high-quality. Some hammocks come with these accessories, but you can also find these accessories separately.
8. Portability
A lightweight and small hammock is portable and can be quite useful while camping.
9. Versatility
The versatility of a hammock is determined by the places you can hang them. The length of the hammock’s strap plays an important role in this. You may select a hammock with adjustable straps so you can hang them almost anywhere.
10. Price
A higher-quality hammock doesn’t need to cost a lot. With a proper budget and keeping the above features in mind, you might just buy the right hammock, which is not only affordable but also portable, versatile, lightweight, and easy to maintain.
Tips for Hammock Camping
There is no particular set of rules in hammock camping but there are many ways to be more comfortable. Here are some tips for hammock camping that might work well for you.
- Sleeping position- Laying properly is the key to having a comfortable sleep in the hammock. Most of the time beginners try to sleep straight in a hammock but the right way is to sleep diagonally or symmetrically. When you sleep in a symmetrical position when being squeezed like a banana, ideally, Your head and feet should be diagonal to the hammock, This way you can find a flat position. Even if you are a side sleeper you can sleep well in a hammock. Use a pillow or jacket in between your hips when you sleep on your sides.
- Hammock Length-According to experts to have a comfortable camping experience your hammock should be long enough. Shorter hammocks tend to squeeze your body making you uncomfortable. Use a hammock that is 11 feet long. You need a longer hammock for 2 reasons one is that they help you flatten your body position and the second is the minimum pressure exerted on your hips and knees. You may not notice the pressure immediately but if you continue to use shorter hammocks you’ll feel the pain after a few uses.
- Use a Ridgeline- Always use a ridgeline for hammock camping. This helps adjust the perfect shag for the hammock and also hang the bug net.
- Hang the Head Lower- pro campers suggest hanging the head end of the hammock 4-6 inches lower than the foot end. This keeps the body moving closer to the head end and helps relieve pressure.
- Hang Low & use as a Chair- Hang the hammock lower to the ground to use it as a chair. Ideally, keep the hammock at 1feet to 1.5 feet above the ground. Don’t keep it too close to the ground(not below knee level) and not too high so that you can move out of it easily.
- Use a pillow- Use a hammock pillow for additional support and comfort for the neck and the head. This helps your body find a better sleeping position.
- Find a sweet Laying Spot- finding the sweet spot is crucial. You can’t find the sweet spot on the first attempt. Try minor adjustments and different positions to find your sweet spot in the hammock where you feel the maximum comfort. Try moving a little towards the head end of the foot end, moving diagonally, sleeping on the side, bending your knee, and many other combinations of body positions until you find the perfect one. Click here for How to Wash A Hammock Safely Without Ruining it?
Frequently Asked Questions
What is hammock camping?
Hammock camping is camping, but instead of staying in tents, you stay in a hammock. It makes camping a little more adventurous and fun. Hammocks are just as easy to set up as tents and require the same amount of effort you put in putting up a tent.
There are so many kinds of hammocks available to choose from. The most convenient ones are the backpacking hammocks which are portable and easy to carry around. These backpacking hammocks come with equipment like a mosquito net, tarp, rain fly, and so on.
What are the main pieces of equipment required for a backpacking hammock?
You will need a hammock strap to secure the hammock to the tree and keep the hammock intact and in place. You will also need carabiners that attach the strap to the hammock’s end. These are the few important and necessary pieces of equipment for a backpacking hammock.
Other pieces of equipment include a tarp to cover and a rainfly to protect from rain. You might also need a bug net to keep away the insects while sleeping in the open.
Are these pieces of equipment sold separately too?
Yes, they are sold separately, but they might sometimes cost a bit, and hence you might want to look for something in your budget that has all the necessary pieces of instruments available and is in good condition for you to put up a hammock.
What is the best backpacking hammock?
As mentioned above, different backpacking hammocks have different functionality, and these determine which hammock you should buy. It depends on what kind of backpacking hammock you need for your camping trip.
If you want a durable and strong hammock that holds a lot of weight, you can select the mallome camping hammock, and if you want an affordable one, you can buy the Wise Owl Outfitters Camping Hammocks.
What does the T stand for in 210T nylon and the D in the 40D nylon
The hammock is made of a specific kind of fabric. This fabric is made from different materials. The alphanumerical system is used to name the kind of fabric used based on the kind of fabric used to make the hammock. The T stands for the thread count of the material. The more the thread counts, the more strong and more durable the material is.
The D stands for Denier. Denier is a unit of measurement which describes the linear mass density of a material. The higher the number of the fabric, the heavier and the better the quality of the fabric.
These two measurements play an important role in making the material of a hammock as it determines the strength and capacity of the overall product. The material of the hammock is what keeps it strong and durable. It is where the user relaxes, and hence it is very important to note the quality of the hammock’s material, and these measurements help in doing so.
Is it worth it to buy a backpacking hammock?
If you are a traveler who loves camping, hiking, or even trekking, go for it. These hammocks are worth it when you love adventures and love to enjoy nature.
You can carry them anywhere, and they are quite durable and strong, and with the various features many of these come with, you just get to enjoy what you pay for.
If you don’t go on camping trips much, you can buy something which does not cost a lot, and you can use it occasionally.
They are easy to set up and don’t require any kind of experience to use. Maybe, you might like it enough to use it again and again for camping trips and more fun adventures.
Why do you trust us?
Review Pod is an informative blog on camping techniques, equipment reviews, and outdoor gear reviews. All the product reviews and techniques are given by real-time campers, backpackers, and hikers who have spent a decent amount of time living outdoors.
It allows readers to stay up to date on the latest trends in camping techniques and outdoor gear.
Bottom Lines
Backpacking Hammock is a great way of camping, and it helps you enjoy nature. Hammock camping is not only very convenient but a much-needed experience an adventurer might love to experience in their life.
A buying guide helps you decide which hammocks you need to buy according to your needs and requirements. This buying guide and the products listed above can help you enhance your camping experience and make it memorable and fun.
Selecting carefully based on what you need is what you might have to figure out, but we have made it easy for you to understand this.
The products listed above have all the features which you require for a fun camping trip. These hammocks not only provide comfort but have many features that keep the user safe when outdoors.
Hopefully, this guide will help you find the right backpacking hammock you need to use for your next camping trip. You might even start using this hammock more often.
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