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Nov 04, 2024

The Best Camping Hammocks of 2024 | GearJunkie Tested

Hammocks targeted at camping and backpacking have recently become some of the most popular outdoor accessories. It’s easy to understand why; hammocks are blissfully relaxing. We’ve spent hundreds of

Hammocks targeted at camping and backpacking have recently become some of the most popular outdoor accessories. It’s easy to understand why; hammocks are blissfully relaxing. We’ve spent hundreds of nights under the stars hanging in the best of them to bring you the essential camping hammocks for your next trip.

In recent years, lighter, more packable, diagonal-laying hammock styles have supplanted the heavy, old-school canvas or rope hammocks that used to hang in almost every suburban backyard. Now you can choose from hardcore hammock shelters that can fully replace your regular tent or ultralight wisps of nylon that pack up smaller than a can of beer.

We’ve tested and reviewed lots of options and have chosen the camping hammocks that we think are the best choices in 2024. Our testers aren’t just hammock casuals, either — we set off on multi-day backpacking trips in our rigs and tested each on their comfort, suspension systems, weather protection, and more. There’s bound to be one (or three) that will fit your backcountry and backyard needs.

In choosing a hammock, you’ll need to ask yourself whether you’re looking for a casual hang, or something that’ll find use in your backcountry shelter lineup. Dig into our buyer’s guide, where we’ve gone down to brass tacks in order to explain all things hammock, check out our distilled-down comparison chart, or consult our frequently asked questions section to get straight to the point.

Editor’s Note: We updated our Camping Hammocks guide on March 11, 2024, to add the Warbonnet Ridgerunner, one heckuva good bridge hammock, and our new Best Overall award-winner. Also added were the budget-minded Onewind Aerie and the uber-classic Hennessy Expedition Zip.

Gathered-end hammocks have long been the go-to design for camping hammocks. However, the bridge-style Warbonnet Ridgerunner ($130-175) earns its title with the most comfortable night’s sleep of any hammock we tested. Its spreader bars weigh all of 12 ounces — and, with an adapter, can be substituted for trekking poles. They allowed the hammock to lay flatter, and in our testing, made this the camping hammock to be in.

The Ridgerunner’s Dream-Tex fabric is less synthetic-feeling than the industry-standard nylon fabrics. The hammock integrates two massive side pockets and an overhead pocket for easy stay-in-bed gear access. Warbonnet also offers 4 different options for suspension systems, from nearly idiot-proof webbing to ultralight Amsteel loops.

Its comfort and versatility don’t come without cost, however. While the Ridgerunner does much to offset the weight, extra poles still mean some extra ounces. In a swaying breeze, the tips of the spreader bars can also hit (and crowd the space under) your tarp. A stiff breeze can also turn the Ridgerunner into a parachute. Typically, keeping part of a hammock in a double-ended compression sack or snakeskin during setup solves this — but this is harder to do with bridge hammocks.

Setup-wise, the Rigerunner neither requires nor includes a ridgeline. The upside: No smacking your head when sitting up. The downside: Less clearance for the hammock’s mosquito net without one. However, by far the biggest wildcard is the recommended 250-pound maximum for users. This isn’t a safety limit — simply a point at which the shoulder area becomes snug. Still, it puts a moderately low, if soft, cap on potential users.

Even so, between truly generous storage, best-of-any-class comfort, double-layered options that extend the weather range of your setup, and a light overall trail weight, the Warbonnet Ridgerunner should be a top pick for car campers, short-trail backpackers, and backyard hammockers alike. For long trail lovers, especially gram-counters, it’s still a good pick — if the comfort is worth the weight.

Onewind has established itself as a dark horse for budget hammock camping equipment. Their 11’ Aerie Double Camping Hammock ($70) is a perfect example of why. After using one for over two years everywhere from sweltering wetlands to blizzarding forests, it has held its own with hammocks over twice its price.

For the Aerie, more is more. With both an 11’ and 12’ version, the Aerie should provide a flat diagonal lay for just about anyone. Its robust suspension and 70D nylon fabric are rated to 500 lbs — and, in our tests, regularly withstood paws and claws as well. Its UHMWPE ridgeline is widely adjustable and comes with an organizer and prusik loops for storage.

What struck us most was the Aerie’s budget modularity. Its hammock + tarp bundle ($160) hangs with heavy hitters like the Kammok Mantis, for nearly $100 less. Onewind’s matching quilts and blankets beat out other budget brands like ENO and Grand Trunk in temperature range and innovation. For beginner hammock hangers, the plethora of accessories makes it an excellent base for a well-rounded, budget-friendly kit.

That said, the Aeirie lacks some polish. Its webbing suspension doesn’t require carabiners, but is far easier to set up with a pair (not included). Its buckles are difficult to loosen if over-tightened. The bottom entry bug net is fantastically mosquito-proof, but has an awkward cinching system. And while the Aerie is modular, its budget quilts and accessories make for a relatively heavy setup.

Nonetheless, the Onewind 11′ Aerie is a great starter platform for those who want to get into hammock camping without breaking the bank. Even those who go off the hammock deep end will still find plenty of room to grow and improve their Aerie setup for years to come.

Perfect for tossing between any two solid points you can find, the Eagles Nest Outfitters DoubleNest ($75) hammock has been a staple for many years. ENO has been at it since 1999, when the Pinholster brothers hawked their travel-ready hammocks across the southeast. The DoubleNest is the pinnacle of their chill-oriented gathered-end hammock evolution.

Sitting at a middle-of-the-road 9.5 feet in length, the DoubleNest bumps the width out to 76 inches wide to accommodate a hammock co-pilot to your next hang. We’ve found that by adjusting the hanging angle we can make this a comfortable affair for both parties.

ENO used a common design in construction — a three-panel layout that cradles the occupants — and setting it up couldn’t be easier. Find two sturdy trees 10 to 15 feet apart, sling them with your suspension system, and attach the included carabiners in order to hit the ideal 30-degree hanging angle.

The company recently updated all of the hardware used in the DoubleNest, including a hammock-specific carabiner that incorporates a groove that captures the hammock-end cord and limits cross-loading. We loved seeing these small pieces of kit optimized for hammock use.

You’ll need to bring your own straps to the party, as the DoubleNest is sold as just the hammock. With no ridgeline, it’s easy to set up, but is harder to achieve the typical 30-degree strap angle and use with a mosquito net.

Fortunately, ENO sells everything else you’d need to camp-proof your hang, starting with its Atlas Hammock Straps ($30) and Microtune Ridgeline ($25). The DoubleNest is also only “double” hammock in width, and is for lounging with a friend. Sleeping with two occupants will make for long nights — and the extra fabric can be a bit much for a solo hang.

Our constant daypack companion, the ENO DoubleNest is made to go anywhere and be ready for any hang.

Hennesy’s Expedition Zip ($170) is a legend in the hammock camping space and earns that reputation. The cut of the hammock is asymmetrical, which facilitates the diagonal laying position favored for a flat lay. And the design features extra fabric — with tie-outs — for pulling a diagonal stretch in the hammock that’s perfect for night after night of sleep.

It’s an out-of-the-box ready hammock for warm-weather camping. Its fixed ridgeline ensures a consistent and easy-to-set-up hang. The included tarp is compact, lightweight, and quickly anchors directly to the hammock suspension. The Expedition’s net allows for easy zippered access and plenty of clearance — no mesh rubbing against your face. And the standard 1.5-inch tree straps offer ample protection for trees.

The Expedition can be paired with Hennessy’s Supershelter 1 ($140): a comprehensive weatherizing kit that includes a cover for the bottom of the hammock and a foam pad for insulation. In our tests, combining the Supershelter and Hennessy’s Heat-Reflective Pad ($35) kept us warm when the temperature got down to the low 40s. Hennesy’s Overcover fly ($35) can also be used with tent stoves for further heat.

The Expedition’s modularity does have some caveats, though. Those not knot-savvy will likely find its cordage suspension slower and more involved. Its mosquito net is fixed on one side, allowing only one-sided entry. Its fixed ridgeline also trades adjustability for ease of setup.

Likewise, while Hennesy’s Supershelter system can be combined with underquilts to extend the Expedition’s temperature range, and for temperatures below 40, we’d absolutely recommend an underquilt. Fortunately, the Expedition is so popular that multiple companies, such as Jacks R Better and Arrowhead Equipment, make models specifically for it.

Overall, alone, the Hennessy Expedition Zip is a warm-weather powerhouse. With options galore for mixing and matching the modular components of bushcraft-oriented shelters and quilts, it’s also a hammock sure to appeal to versatility-minded backpackers and bushcrafters.

The Warbonnet Blackbird XLC ($200) is great for those looking for a fantastic compromise between modular customizability and user-friendliness. Warbonnet offers more in-house additions to customize your kit than a Hennessy, but a more straightforward (and less overwhelming) array of options than a Dutchware Chameleon.

Other highlights include a fully removable bug net, as well as Warbonnnet’s unique storage shelf: — a flap of fabric that hangs from the side of the hammock and provides two square feet of storage space. We loved the ability to keep a headlamp or phone at our fingertips for those middle-of-the-night trips, and, courtesy of integrated netting tie-outs and a fabric spacer, the ability to keep the bug net further away from our faces.

The Blackbird XLC is available in four different suspension options, from simple webbing to an ultralight knot-based system, Warbonnet also offers three single- or double-layer constructions, to accommodate both larger hammock hangers and pads. And the XLC makes it obvious, upon sliding in, that its Dream-Tex fabric is far from your run-of-the-mill ripstop parachute material.

Material aside, the hammock and bug net feature reversible pullouts — allowing you to lie on a diagonal from right to left, or vice versa. Come cold weather season, the XLC pairs perfectly with a well-built top cover ($95), underquilt protector ($125), and one of the best underquilts in production, the Wooki ($230).

The XLC has features aplenty, without being overwhelming — all of which work well and are user-friendly. However, since Warbonnet is a small-batch producer, sometimes certain options and add-ons won’t be available for some time. Custom orders take some time to be cooked up. And while many of the XLC’s features are reversibly asymmetric, the underquilt is not.

If you’re looking for a fantastically-designed and reasonably customizable hammock now, and the potential to fine-tune your dream hang later, the Warbonnet Blackbird XLC is ready to take flight.

One of the advantages of a camping hammock is the ability to be pitched in a wider variety of terrain than a tent. Though swinging free in the air keeps you away from rough and uneven terrain, it also means you lose some of the insulating properties of sleeping on the ground.

The Hennessy 4Season Expedition Zip ($290) gets around that by taking the already-versatile Expedition Zip, and including an insulating foam pad to slide into its two-layered construction.. Whereas the standard Expedition needs a separate kit for cold weather, the 4Season kit, combined with just Hennessy’s Reflective Pad will keep most warm down to around 40 degrees.

In practice, we found these custom pads to be much more ideal than the regular sleeping pads we’ve tried to press into hammock service in the past. Where these camping pads folded at odd angles and caused creases that were awkward to sleep on, Hennessy’s foam pad is cut to perfectly fit Hennessy’s asymmetric design.

Included in the 4Season Expedition Zip setup is the integrated mosquito net, as well as a Hex rainfly made from 70-denier polyester ripstop. Our tester found the fly to be generous enough in size to protect the ends of the hammock from everything short of heavy driving rain, and able to be pitched to avoid drafts from beneath.

As with many four-season shelters, weight is the obvious trade-off for protection from the elements. This hammock shelter weighs 5 pounds, 3 ounces all told, and packs into an included 7 in. x 16 in. compression stuff sack. You’ll also have to give some thought to set up, as there are many lines to tension correctly.

Those who regularly camp in below-freezing temperatures will still likely need an underquilt for a comfortable night’s sleep. However, the dual-layered construction and add-ons make the 4Season Expedition Zip hammock versatile, make it impossible for mosquitoes to bite through the hammock’s bottom, and extend its cold-weather range — making it a fantastic pick for those focused on weather-wise versatility.

When you aren’t sure what to expect on your next outing, the Dutchware Chameleon Hammock ($135) is just as adaptable as its namesake, offering, without a doubt, the most readily customizable hammock on the market.

Bugs can ruin an otherwise great hammock camping experience, so being able to zip into a bug net greatly increases the number of nights you can enjoy off the ground. The Chameleon boasts a series of different bug nets and a top cover; a semi-solid cover that creates a microclimate and pushes the hammock to cold weather extremes.

Using a toothed zipper, as opposed to a coil zipper, allows you the ability to lie in any direction in the Chameleon and still zip on your bug net or top cover. Our testers really appreciated this feature, and not being tied down to any specific way to use the hammock.

The Chameleon is available with two different suspension styles, either a buckle or whoopie sling setup. The former is a bit more user-friendly, but heavier, and the latter will need a little practice to master.

We did find that in lounge mode — that is, sans bug netting or cover — the exposed zipper on the edge of the hammock needed to be avoided upon entry and exit. A small price to pay for overall versatility.

Granted, with dozens upon dozens of potential options, the Chameleon can be a bit overwhelming for newer hammock campers. But practiced hands and those who like to tinker with their setup are sure to love it. After all, life may come at you fast, but with a little prep, the Chameleon hammock can handle anything thrown at it.

The Mantis ($250) is Kammock’s premier hammock tent, and a top contender in our testing. The company offers a pricier ultralight version for $270 and an interesting tent/hammock hybrid, the Sunda 2.0 at $420. However, the regular Mantis offers a lot of features in a well-thought-out, comprehensive package for those who need a do-it-all camp hammock.

All of Kammock’s original hardware for the Mantis shows serious attention to detail, with patented 13 kN carabiners, light, high-strength polyethylene hanging cords with a slick “continuous loop” sliding adjustment, and no-stretch, low-bulk Python 10’ tree strap suspension.

Other nice features include a hammock body made out of a durable ripstop diamond-weave 40-denier nylon. It also features a removable bug net crafted from a special mesh that allows for better stargazing. And the 15-denier nylon rainfly is built with Hypalon-reinforced guy-out points for extra strength in scary storms.

That said, we did find that some had a little trouble with the rigging on the Mantis. Because the hammock uses a fixed-length ridgeline (a cord that adjusts the angle of your dangle) some testers on the smaller side found they couldn’t dial in their lay.

The Mantis sits in a sweet spot. It’s lighter, but more expensive than budget Onewind and ENO bundles. It’s less customizable, but cheaper than cottage brands like Warbonnet and Dutchware. Cost-wise, it’s second to only the Hennessy Expedition with a comparable tarp. However, it features Bluesign-approved materials and a more approachable suspension.

Overall, as an all-in-one system, you’d be hard-pressed to find another hammock set-up that is as easy to jump right into hammock camping as the Kammok Mantis.

Read Review: Kammok Mantis Review: All-In-One Hammock System for Campers

At an astonishing 5.2 ounces and packing down to the size of a fist, the Hummingbird Hammocks Single Hammock ($70) is easily the ultralight champion of our review.

Effortlessly disappearing into a pack, this hammock makes use of all the cutting-edge tech in its quest to be the lightest hammock on the market. The 1.1-ounce ripstop nylon used is certified reserve parachute fabric, and while it’s quite thin, it maintains a tensile strength of 50 pounds per square inch.

Rounding out the hammock is a Spectra continuous loop and button link system that is far lighter than a carabiner. It doesn’t come with a suspension system, but Hummingbird’s Tree Straps are equally high-tech, using Dyneema webbing and Spectra cord.

Created by a Certified Parachute Rigger, even the stitching is up to spec — using a mil-spec bonded nylon thread and an FAA-approved double lock stitch.

Most hammocks are cut with enough fabric to ensure that surprise departures aren’t a thing, but we found ourselves needing to be a bit more aware of our movements in the Hummingbird. At 8.6 feet long, it’s the shortest hammock we’ve tested, but will fit most adults with some care given to the lying position.

It may not be a full-on camping-capable system unto itself, but whether as a lounger for day trips, or an ultralight chair for backpacking, we found it difficult to justify not bringing this hammock along on trips.

You’d be forgiven for mistaking the TrunkTech for the ENO DoubleNest. Indeed they are similar — to the point that only the wider availability and higher denier nylon of the DoubleNest put it higher. Still, the TrunkTech has a number of things that make it a top lounge contender.

The Grand Trunk TrunkTech hammock ($70) is actually a few dollars cheaper, and comes in a wider variety of colors. It’s also longer and wider than the ENO, offering a flatter lay. Its proprietary 40-denier Micro Grid ripstop nylon also boasts an impressive 500-pound max capacity, despite being lighter and softer.

The TrunkTech doesn’t come with any suspension or accessories, but can easily be hung with any daisy chain straps. And once suspended, it’s extremely supple and supremely comfortable to lie in. Our tester says, “What won me over? Its silky softness. Seriously: it’s proven durable enough after weeks of use, and it’s so soft.”

The fact that this is an 11-foot hammock, with a 500-pound capacity, and all for 70 bucks really impressed us. Overall, for those looking for a hammock to string up around the backyard fire pit or toss in a stand on their apartment balcony, the TrunkTech is a no-brainer.

Read Review: Silky-Soft Tree Sleeper: Grand Trunk TrunkTech Hammock Review

The lightest offering from ENO, the Sub6 Ultralight Hammock ($70) tips the scales at a mere 5.8 ounces and is small enough to fit into some pants pockets.

Made of a gossamer 30-denier ripstop nylon, you can practically read newsprint through this hammock. But even still, it boasts a respectable 300-pound maximum capacity.

While the Hummingbird Hammocks Single Hammock weighs in under the Sub6, especially once you add the suspension, it is also slightly smaller. The Sub6 also features a pocket and a more versatile suspension — something we liked. While most other ultralight hammocks allow for only one suspension style, the Sub6 can connect to either whoopie sling or daisy chain style suspension systems.

Need a little bit more room? The ENO SuperSub Ultralight hammock is what you would get if the Sub6 and DoubleNest had a baby.

The stellar Lawson Blue Ridge Camping hammock ($229 hammock only) is chock full of features but a fair bit heftier and bulkier than the Mantis, making it not quite as convenient for taking on extended trips.

But one of the best things about this camp hammock is it’s set up in a lay-flat configuration. So, those who can’t stand the claustrophobic feeling of a diagonal hammock, but want a full-featured experience, should look at the Lawson.

Beyond the comfort of sleeping in a lay-flat configuration, kudos go to this hammock tent for features like the spacious loft of the upper mesh via shock-corded arch poles at either end (which is a fine no-see-um mesh) and the ability to pitch this hammock on the ground like a regular tent. Though on the ground, it feels more like you’re sleeping in a tight bivy sack.

The Blue Ridge is a solid, well-made hammock, but it does suffer from a more complicated design. The spreader bars are attached and supported with a bunch of cordage that converges for the hanging point, which introduces a lot of potential fail points.

The materials are overall solid and durable, but not quite up to the advanced fabrics and textiles found in more expensive options like the Kammok.

Want more information about this hammock’s performance? Check out our head-to-head testing of the Blue Ridge vs Draumr.

If you want a hammock that provides both functional shelter and ultimate chilling, consider the ENO SkyLite ($170).

The simple bridge design takes cues from tent construction by utilizing eco-consciously anodized DAC aluminum shock-corded poles as spreader bars that slip into fabric sleeves. And the suspended bug mesh canopy has a wide double-zipper opening that spans the hammock’s 7-foot length, making for graceful ingress and exiting.

While the Skylite’s toggle ends were built with the ENO Helios Hammock Straps in mind, it will also accommodate any daisy chain style suspension system by clipping the loop the toggle is attached to.

At 7 feet long and 3 feet wide, the SkyLite feels quite roomy considering it weighs just 2 pounds. The flat-bottomed shape provides comfort in a variety of sleeping positions. Some users report durability issues with the bug net zipper.

Want the hammock style but don’t need the integrated bugnet? The ENO SkyLoft ($130) is for you.

Tentsile is known for its massive tree tents. The brand uses heavy-duty ratchets and burly webbing to create suspended surfaces that users often combine into multilevel structures in the forest sky.

The triangular Trillium “hammock” ($419) is perfect for car camping and casual afternoon hangouts. To set up the Trillium properly, you’ll need three strong and well-spaced trees.

Rated up to 880 pounds, the Trillium can hold three adults, six kids, or two adults and two kids on the taut but cushiony surface that makes for great sleeping or picnicking.

The Trillium is available with either a mesh or fabric floor and has storage pockets under each corner to stash clothes or supplies. It also features a central hatch in the middle for easy entry.

Read Review: Tentsile Stingray Tree Tent Review: Camp With Your (Inner) Child

Though the most affordable in the roundup, the Klymit Traverse ($65) is a well-made hammock constructed from a high-quality 75-denier polyester that’s durable, light, and extra comfortable. And while looking exactly like every other parachute/diagonal hammock on the market, the Traverse is made from a single panel instead of the usual three used in most designs.

This gives you a relaxing sleeping/chilling position that puts your body more easily on a flatter plane, avoiding the dreaded banana bend other hammocks can give you. Set up is a breeze using the included daisy chain straps and carabiners, which is the easiest suspension style we found for casual hanging.

Upon sliding into the Traverse, our testers remarked at how soft the fabric is — a far cry from the technical sheen of parachute materials that most other hammocks make use of. And when we were ready to go, it all packed away into the integrated stuff sack.

It isn’t the fanciest hammock on the block, and at 9 feet long it is on the smaller side for larger hammockers, which were our only quibbles with this budget sling.

Perfect for chucking in a trunk or daypack, the Klymit Traverse is the perfect hammock for impromptu hanging sessions, all without weighing down your wallet.

The GearJunkie team is chock full of avid hammock campers. To compile this list, we put our heads together and shared our passionate opinions on hammock camping.

Contributor Ian Graber-Stiehl has been hammock camping through picturesque mountainsides, forests, and crystalline streams for four years. More importantly, he’s stubbornly stuck with hammocks even in ill-advised conditions: in the middle of the deserts, the midst of swamps, and through below-zero blizzards.

Obsessive about gear, Ian spends hours tinkering and optimizing hammock setups to save a few seconds and grams — that he spends on yet more gear. For our testing here, he carried and hung each hammock tested in a variety of different ways and weather conditions, and with different tarps and insulation, to see how they perform in a wide range of conditions.

For this particular list, we’ve included hammocks that can be used for car camping and casual hangouts as well as a few backpacking models. Testing hammocks is a lot of fun, but we still made sure to pay extra attention to the nitty gritty: How durable and comfortable the hammocks are. The amount of stretch they have, or adjustability they boast. How easy and flexible they are to set up — not only the first time, but also the twentieth.

Camping hammocks are versatile pieces of gear that can reliably replace a tent and provide the joy of daytime lounging. In the past few decades, hammocks have become increasingly popular with outdoor recreationists rediscovering the beauty of tent-free camping.

To those experienced outdoor sleepers who swear by the tent, hammock camping may at first seem like a novelty activity reserved for backyard fun. However, thanks to innovative product design and the development of handy accessories, hammocks have become a completely legitimate and viable alternative to tents.

Before you buy a hammock, consider exactly how and where you’ll be using it. Will it be mostly for daytime use? Will you frequently use the hammock in cold or wet weather? Are the areas where you plan to use your hammock buzzing with mosquitos? Hone in on which features you can and can’t live without. Read on for more details regarding weight, value, ease of setup, accessories, durability, protection, and versatility.

While the original hammocks were all of the gathered-end variety, other permutations have arisen that provide a different style of lay. Finding which style is right for you will come down to how you like to relax, and how and where you like to camp.

Traditional gathered-end hammocks bring the fabric together at two points on opposite ends of the hammock, creating a pea-pod or banana shape that allows you to lay sideways within the fabric. You’ll always have a bit of a sag lying in this position, which works well for some, but may not for others.

Gathered-end hammocks win over other styles when it comes to packability, as they are about as simple as you can get with a single piece of fabric stretched between two loops of cordage. They also tend to be cheaper than other styles for the same reason. Our lineup is dominated by this style of hammock, with excellent examples being the Kammok Mantis, Eagles Nest Outfitters DoubleNest, and Hummingbird Hammocks Single.

While gathered-end hammocks taper towards bunched ends where the fabric is cinched together, bridge hammocks are closer to the picturesque beach hammocks most people picture, leveraging some sort of spreader bar. This flattens out hammocks for a side sleeper-approved lay, at the expense of weight and a tippier feel. However, modern camping hammocks have come a long way toward can overcoming these disadvantages.

Relatively short aluminum and carbon fiber spreader bars are not only lightweight themselves. They don’t require the length and width of gathered-end hammocks to achieve a flat lay. Especially with double-layered hammocks and underquilts, their more compact designs can go a long way towards offsetting both extra ounces and the tippy feel. However, bridge hammocks can involve more pieces, have lower weight ratings, are often less customizable, and their bars can minimize clearance beneath a tarp.

Fabric is often denoted by its denier rating, which is a measure of the thickness of the fibers used to make it. A higher denier will mean a more durable fabric, while a lower one will be more fragile, but also more lightweight.

In our testing, we found that the most common denier for a hammock was around 75-denier, with the range spanning from the ultralight 30-denier ripstop of the Eagles Nest Outfitters Sub6, to the burly 240-denier of the Tentsile Trillium 3-Person hammock.

Fabrics also will be referred to by their weights, often given as ounces per yard squared. In terms of hammocks, something like a 1.9-ounce ripstop nylon will be on the heavier end of fabrics, while a 1.0-ounce is on the ultralight side of the scale.

Nylon is by far the most popular fabric for camping hammock construction, harkening back to the Vietnam-era Jungle hammock produced for the U.S. Army. Today, many hammocks will be made with something similar to 1.1-ounce nylon.

The term ripstop refers to the calendared weave that can be sewn into a fabric as it is produced. This raised pattern resists allowing a tear to continue throughout a fabric once it’s begun. Some fabrics use a different denier yarn for the ripstop grid versus the base fabric, creating a strong but still lightweight fabric.

Many manufacturers will work with textile mills to produce their own nylon fabrics to their specifications, allowing them to fine-tune the weight, strength, and feel of the fabric. Notable in this category are efforts like TrunkTech used in the Grand Trunk TrunkTech hammock, which is an ultra-strong fabric that manages to maintain its low weight and bulk.

Weight is an especially important factor for those who plan to carry a hammock from campsite to campsite. Though backpacking hammocks aren’t the focus of this list, we included both lightweight hammocks and heavier options.

First, it’s important to consider that the total weight of a hammock alone isn’t all that telling. To set up a hammock to sleep in, you’ll also need at least a suspension system.

This means ropes or straps that attach to the anchor points of your hammock, wrap around trees or other fixed objects, and keep the entire rig suspended.

A lightweight hammock and a heavy suspension system can easily cancel each other out. This same principle applies to rainflies and other accessories you may need.

Remember that lightweight materials are often thinner and more fragile than other options. Still, for those looking to shave grams off their total weight, it’s possible to put together a hammocking setup that’s significantly lighter than almost any one-person tent.

Setting up a hammock is a simple process that basically entails attaching your suspension system between two trees or other fixed points and hanging both ends of your hammock from the system.

Though the basic process is simple, some hammocks are quicker and easier to set up than others. In general, we recommend that you practice setting up your hammock at a park or in your backyard a few times before going hammock camping.

While many hammocks are set up according to a standard hammock design with two symmetrical anchor points and a cocoon-like shape, other hammocks on the market have slightly different designs that can add some tricky subtlety to the setup process.

Asymmetrical hammocks require the user to lay somewhat diagonally inside the hammock to create a flatter sleeping surface.

Depending on your accessories, setup can become convoluted and somewhat arduous. If you need a bug net, we recommend purchasing one that’s built into the hammock’s construction. This will save you a step and shorten your overall setup time.

Often accompanying entry-level or casual hammocks, daisy chain straps borrow from the world of climbing and are about as easy as it gets when you want to sling up for a quick snooze. Often made from nylon webbing, these straps sport multiple sewn pockets that are used to shift the distance between the hammock and tree. They don’t allow as much fine-tuning of the tension as other systems, but when we’re hammocking for fun or don’t mind the extra weight and bulk, daisy chain straps are what we reach for first.

Many hammock users will be familiar with the ENO Atlas straps ($30), which we find to be easy to use, and appreciate the reflective accent stitching to limit awkward nighttime stumbles. An easy upgrade (at no extra cost, even) is to go with the Kammock Python 10 straps, which add an extra 12 inches to each strap, and are a smidge lighter.

Using the same tech as the paper finger traps we all played with as kids, whoopie slings are adjustable and lightweight suspension systems that are often made from a polyethylene rope called Amsteel. Highly packable, these are the strap style of choice for serious hammock campers.

Whoopie slings will need to connect to a thick tree strap in order to protect the trees you’re hanging from if they aren’t integrated into them. The Whoopie Hook Complete Suspension ($36) from Dutchware is the whole shebang and our favorite of the bunch.

Similar to whoopie slings, buckle suspensions are popular among hammock campers for their adjustability and packability. These straps wrap the tree like a daisy chain, but utilize a cinch buckle on the hammock ends to hold tension.

The Titanium Cinch Buckle Complete Suspension from Dutchware ($35) is the crème de la crème, utilizing space-age materials, but we also like the Complete Polyester Webbing/Buckles Suspension from Warbonnet Outdoors ($23).

Since hammocks are only suspended at two ends, that leaves plenty of room for things to get out of whack when you’re hanging. In order to get an optimal hanging angle — which is roughly 30 degrees from your hammock strap to the ground — many will use a piece of cordage to connect the ends of the hammock.

Since many hammocks are between 10 to 11 feet long, corresponding ridgelines are available to give you the perfect hang, every time. These will often be between 100 to 110 inches long. The price of the Hammock Gear Structural Ridgeline ($8) is hard to beat, but if you want to play around with your angles, adjustable ridgelines are available from companies like Dutchware.

Ridgelines are also an excellent place to hang things you might need during the night, such as a lantern, or you can use a ridgeline organizer for added versatility.

Outside of the fairest weather, and in areas without mosquitos, hammocks are not an entire campsite unto themselves. They need overhead protection from the rain, underside insulation from the cold, and potentially even more to weatherize your sleep system. Fortunately, we’ve rounded up a simple shortlist of recommended gear to extend the range and forecast of your camping experience.

Hammock tarps are waterproof nylon covers that protect your hammock from the elements — most notably, rain and snow. They function exactly like the rainflies that are found on tents and are made from the same DWR-treated nylon.

A rainfly should cover your entire hammock. We recommend purchasing one designed specifically for the make and model of your hammock, to ensure proper coverage. Some hammock systems, like the Kammok Mantis or Hennessy 4Season Expedition Zip, come with a tarp included in the bundle.

Tarps are typically measured by the length of their intended setup. Adding a few feet of length over the overall length of your hammock is a good way to ensure proper coverage. While there are a number of options for fabrics, the big three are silnylon, silpoly, and Dyneema.

Silnylon is durable and abrasion-resistant, but stretches the most when wet. Silpoly stays taut in the rain, but is easier to poke a hole through. Dyneema offers the most tensile strength, stiffness, and water resistance, and is the easiest to patch, but costs far more.

Tarp designs are also a spectrum. On the fast and lightweight end are asymmetric tarps like the Hennessy Rainfly ($50). They offer the least protection from driving rain, especially for ground-bound gear, but offer a simple setup and compact storage. Hexagonal tarps, such as Dutchware’s Bonded Xenon Tarp ($147) offer a step up in protection while still keeping extra fabric to a minimum.

Rectangular tarps like Onewind’s 12’ Billow ($90) are the Light Heavyweights of the pack, offering maximal coverage and multi-configurability. Often, the ends of the tarps can cinched together, closing them like doors for better weatherproofing. One step up into true, all-weather capability would be tarps with rectangular bodies and dedicated door flaps like Warbonnet’s Superfly ($150).

Sleeping pads offer an insulation alternative. Given their lower weight-to-warmth ratio than underquilts and a tendency to slide around, they typically work best in double-layered hammocks. Sandwiched between two layers, they sit still, trap a pocket of warm air, and can even make for a flatter lay.

We find that sleeping pads are better for extending the temperature range of a hammock setup, rather than being its insulation backbone. For nights in the low 60’s, we’ve found budget-friendly, lightweight foam pads line the NEMO Switchback ($55) to be insulative enough on their own. There are also a few dedicated hammock pads, such as Klymit’s Hammock V ($200), which features wings to widen a hammock.

Finally, there are a few dedicated hammock sleeping pad systems. The Hennessy 4Season Expedition Zip notably favors sandwiching a foam pad between your hammock and a water-resistant undercover. Combined with their heat-reflective pad, the system can hang warm and comfortably in 40-degree temps.

There are two main ways of hanging a tarp, and it comes down to the ridgeline used to suspend it. Most tarps come with a split ridgeline — a line attached to either end of the tarp. Split ridgelines keep extra cordage to a minimum and are easy to re-tension if a tarp stretches. However, split ridgelines are more difficult to center perfectly over a hammock, and can be slower to set up.

Continuous ridgelines, meanwhile, are longer, continuous lengths of cordage, typically 30-50 feet long. They offer an incredibly easy setup: Whether with a tensioning device or a know, string the line taut. Clip the tarp into prusik loops, and slide the loops to tension the tarp.

Continuous ridgelines make setup and centering a breeze. They allow the backbone of a tarp to stay taut while putting less stress directly on the tarp. However, a continuous ridgeline means more rope to wind back up and more weight to carry. Hanging a tarp beneath a continuous ridgeline, especially with stretchy cordage and long spans, can also reduce the height and clearance of a tarp.

Insulative underquilts keep you from losing body heat through your exposed underside while lying in a hammock. On warm summer nights, an underquilt may not be necessary, but when it’s frigid out, they’re a must-have.

Basically, an underquilt is a blanket that hangs under your hammock and conforms to the shape of your body. The underquilt prevents heat from seeping out through your underside. Some high-end cold-weather underquilts are rated all the way down to -20 degrees Fahrenheit.

They come in different lengths including full-body, half-length, or three-quarter length. Of course, a full-length underquilt will be the warmest option, but for those concerned with the weight of their kit, shorter quilts can be a great solution. Similarly, down stuffing offers the greatest warmth-to-weight ratio. This is reflected in cost. Synthetic filling offers a budget alternative, but with a weight penalty.

If you’re heading to notoriously buggy regions like the Pacific Northwest or the Colorado alpine, a bug net is essential. In a tent, bugs aren’t too much of a concern because tents typically come with fully enclosed mesh bodies. However, without a net in an open hammock, you’ll likely become dinner for hordes of mosquitoes.

For hammocks without integrated nets, separate ones are sold that fully enclose the hammock and usually open and close with a zipper. These have been available for some time, and we’ve had great luck (no bites yet) with the ENO Guardian Bug Net ($65). Hammock camping together? The Birds Nest Bug Net ($115) from Dutchware is designed to hang over two adjacent hammocks.

Many hammock manufacturers now are offering integrated bug net solutions as add-ons to their hammocks, using a zipper system for quick on-and-off deployment. The Warbonnet Blackbird XLC and Kammok Mantis are in this group.

Because most hammocks are made from thin nylon, the denier rating of the material will tell you a lot about the overall durability of the hammock. The denier rating describes the thickness of the fibers, and the higher the denier rating, the more abrasion-resistant the hammock. Ripstop nylon is also a trusty choice for hammock construction.

In general, treat your hammock like the fragile piece of gear it is. Because hammock material is thin, it’s vulnerable to ripping, melting, and fraying. If you handle your hammock with gentle care, it should last for many years — especially if it’s high-quality like the options on this list.

Some hammocks are made from material that is treated with a DWR coating. While this can be helpful, ideally your hammock will never actually get wet.

Be sure to set up your hammock so that it is as protected from the elements as possible. In cold, wet weather, top and under covers can provide extra protection for underquilts and trap more warmth around you. Gear-wise, a quality rainfly will go the longest way towards improving the weather range of your hang. However, smart positioning is paramount. Even a generous tarp can struggle in driving rain and cold winds, when hung at the wrong height, with a bad angle, at a site with no windbreaks.

As a source of shelter, a hammock really can be as effective as a tent in most scenarios. With proper setup and the right accessories, a night in a hammock should be warm, cozy, and dry — even when it’s pouring rain or dumping snow.

These days, there are a whole lot of interesting and potentially useful accessories available on the hammock market, aside from just bug nets and underquilts.

A perennial favorite of ours are snakeskins, sleeves that protect hammocks and tarps, and streamline setups. Simply suspend your hammock and slide the sleeves back — or leave it wrapped and out of the way while doing camp chores.

On the extreme end, Dutchware’s Anaconda ($95) can swallow a hammock, underquilt, and top quilt or sleeping bag, all into one package. Hennessy’s SnakeSkins ($18), which come free with their hammocks, are wide enough to pack both hammocks and rainflies together. For campers who want to keep their packs light, wallets full, and rainfly and hammock separate, Onewind’s 12’ Two-Piece Sleeves ($18) provide a cheap, ultralight option.

We’ve found that accessories for rewrapping ridgelines and tie-out cordage like Dutchware’s Cord Winder ($0.75-2.50) and Onewind’s Mini Tarp Reel ($25) can also streamline tarp suspensions — keeping line untangled and more readily at hand. There are also numerous accessories for expanding the storage of a hammock setup. Favorites of ours for keeping gear dry and off the ground include Hammock Gear’s Ridgeline Organizer and Onewind’s Pack Cover/Gear Hammock Hybrid.

The primary job of a camping hammock is to provide a comfortable and reliable shelter for sleeping or lounging outside. That said, a little bonus versatility is always a good thing.

Though we don’t generally recommend sharing a hammock overnight with another person for comfort’s sake, two-person hammocks tend to be more versatile than one-person hammocks. On our list, the ENO DoubleNest is over 6 feet wide, meaning it can easily be used as a two-person lounging zone, or as a nice couch to sit in sideways during restful days in camp.

While some users may shy away from extra material because it means extra weight, it really is a nice luxury to be able to use your hammock for more than just hunkering down at night.

The price of a hammock is really twofold: The price of the hammock itself, and the cost including the rest of the gear you’d need to make it trail-ready. After testing so many hammocks, we’ve found most of them to fit into 4 categories.

On the low end of the price spectrum are entry-level, lounging hammocks, like the ENO DoubleNest ($75) and Grand Trunk TRUNKTECH ($75). Almost always gathered-end, the fabrics on these hammocks range, but their cuts typically skew short and wide — aiming for a flat lay by being a double hammock.

Budget trail hammocks and budget loungers are often only dollars apart, but trail hammocks will skew more toward backpacking use, and offer up more functionalities such as bug nets, ridgelines, and potentially some integrated storage options.

Hammocks like Onewind’s Aerie ($70) and Northers ($102) or OneTigris’ Kompound ($80) are excellent examples of these easy-entry points into hammock camping.

Mid-Ranged Movers: These are typically the Hennessys and Kammoks of the hammock world. Mid-ranged hammocks are typically a step up in both construction quality and price. These hammocks tend to find more options for different fabrics and versions of various hammocks.

Hennessy, for example, offers numerous versions of its popular Explorer and Expedition hammocks, all of which utilize an asymmetric design for a flatter lay, with less fabric. Kammok’s Mantis ($270 with tarp), meanwhile, leverages Bluesign-approved materials, pullouts to keep bug netting further away from your face, and tie-outs galore to support a diagonal lay.

The extras are often included and are well-engineered. Likewise, hammocks in this price range tend to be supported by a small array of well-designed accessories like tarp systems and shelter add-ons — to improve the hammocks’ capabilities.

All-Purpose Premium: Customizability and comfort are king among high-end hammock brands like Warbonnet and Dutchware. Hammocks like the Blackbird XLC (starting at $200) and Chameleon (starting at $135) take the first point to the nth degree, with dozens of potential configurations, reversible asymmetry, and numerous modular accessories to ensure that, no matter the conditions, you have exactly the hammock you want.

Some smaller makers, such as Dream Hammocks, even offer completely custom versions of multiple models. High-end bridge hammocks like the Ridgerunner (starting at $130) and Banyan (starting at $175) still offer a great deal of customizability. However, premium comfort is their stock in trade, offering, and offer, for our money, the most comfortable sleep in the woods this side of a cabin.

Yes. When set up properly for the given conditions, hammocks are a safe alternative to tents when camping. Make sure you know how to set up your hammock before you go, and don’t forget to check the weather.

Accessories like bug nets and rainflies help ensure that you’ll be prepared for sleeping outside in a hammock.

Tents and hammocks are different, but they both provide adequate and reliable shelter for sleeping outside. Personal preference will determine whether you decide to use a hammock or a tent.

That said, there’s nothing better than a hammock for that sweet sensation of being gently rocked to sleep.

The short answer is no. Generally, a hammock is colder than sleeping in a tent, as the ground offers a surprising amount of insulation. That said, a hammock that’s geared out with proper insulation and shelter can be comfortable and warm — even in subzero temperatures. Be sure to find the right sleeping pad or underquilt for maximum warmth.

For the most severe winter conditions, four-season tents are still the gold standard.

A double hammock is made to support two people and is usually rated to safely hold at least 400 pounds. Two people can share a double hammock, but it’s usually pretty uncomfortable to actually sleep together with another person in a hammock.

Many single users prefer double hammocks. The extra material offers additional space to spread out, and some sleepers like to wrap the hammock’s material around them like a cocoon. Double hammocks are generally heavier, but they offer some nice comfort that you may find is worth the weight.

Sizing a hammock will come down to two dimensions: width and length. Width has been fairly standardized into ‘single’ and ‘double’ occupant designations, with single hammocks being around 5 feet in width, and double hammocks being around 6. A single hammock will save some weight and bulk over a double hammock, while a double will be more useful for hanging out in camp.

The length of your hammock will play a bigger role for those who are looking to sleep in their hammocks, with the range falling between 7 and 11 feet. For most people, a 9-10-foot-long hammock will suit all of their needs. Closely related to the length of your hammock will be the ridgeline length, which is a structural cord that runs between the ends of your hammock, and suspends the fabric at the correct angle.

When it comes to tuning in your ridgeline length, the consensus is to go with around 5/6, or 83%, of your hammock length.

First, choose a tree that is healthy and can support your weight. These will typically be 6 inches in diameter or greater, and living. Then, use a suspension system that can spread out the forces across the bark. A wide daisy-chain strap will be sufficient, but for more delicate trees you may choose to use a set of tree savers, which are straps that better pad and distribute these forces.

For the DIY types: tree savers can be improvised with strips of cardboard, or by using small sticks in between the strap and the tree. For the rest of us, Sea to Summit offers the Hammock Tree Protectors ($20).

Whether you’re taking the kids out for a weekend in nature or looking for a solo escape from the city, we’ve got the complete guide to camping for beginners right here.

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