When it’s time to relax in the great outdoors, there’s nothing like lounging in a camping hammock. Camping hammocks have become some of the most popular outdoor accessories, many of which are now much lighter and more packable than the heavy, old-school canvas or rope hammocks. These new and innovative hammocks are made from lighter, tougher materials and offer a plethora of options for hammock lovers.
Camping hammocks are made from lighter, tougher materials.
What is a Camping Hammock?
A camping hammock is a type of hammock that is designed for campers who want to relax while camping in the wilderness. Camping hammocks can be used as alternatives to sleeping bags and are strung between two trees or large solid objects. They can also be used for sitting and soaking up the view and can accommodate one or two people.
Camping hammocks are available in a wide range of models from large tent hammocks that can fully replace your regular tent or ultralight hammocks made from nylon that pack up smaller than a can of soda.
What to Look for in a Camping Hammock
When choosing a hammock, you may want to consider the following factors:
- Use/functionality
- Comfort
- Weight
- Ease of setup
- Portability
- Versatility
- Accessories
- Price
Camping hammocks are available in a wide range of models.
1. Hammock Use / Functionality
Camping hammocks can be used for relaxing and soaking up the views or instead of a tent, allowing you to sleep beneath the stars. If you are planning on using your camping hammock as a tent/place to sleep at night, consider getting a few accessories like a rainfly or tarp to protect you from bugs and inclement weather.
2. Size
Most camping hammocks are designed for single or double use with single hammocks typically measuring four to five feet wide and doubles measuring five to six feet wide. Many campers tend to buy double hammocks even if they are flying solo as they offer more space and comfort and allow you to sleep in a range of positions.
3. Fabric / Material
The material from which the camping hammock is made is important as you want one that is tough and durable and lasts a long time, but that can also be packed into a small space such as a backpack. The fabric of camping hammocks is generally measured in deniers (20D, 30D, 40D, 70D), and the higher the number, the heavier the quality of the fabric.
4. Ease of Setup
Think about how you plan on hanging up your camping hammock. Does the hammock come with straps or must they be purchased as an extra? Does it need a hammock stand or can it be strung between two trees?
5. Portability
Ideally, you want a camping hammock of great quality that is lightweight and easily portable. Some hammocks have folding frames or stands that need to be set up and can be heavy to carry while others simply fold up into a small ball and fit into your backpack.
6. Hammock Accessories
There are several accessories you may want to consider such as a suspension system (straps) from which to hang the hammock, as well as an underquilt for cold temperatures, a tarp for rainy weather, and a net for bugs.
Most camping hammocks are designed for single or double use.
Best Camping Hammocks
Whether you are looking for a hardcore tent-style hammock or a light, easy-to-set-up hammock for chilling out between the trees, we’ve tested and reviewed a variety of camping hammocks on the market and chosen the best camping hammocks around.
Best Overall: Winner Outfitters Double
The Winner Outfitters Double is a good backpacking and camping companion which can support up to 500 lbs of weight. Made from 210T nylon parachute fabric, this double camping hammock is quick and easy to set up and can be attached to nearby trees using the carabiners, strips, and ropes that come with the hammock.
Pros
- Can hold up to 500 lbs
- Wide and stable
- Easy to set up
Cons
- Unreliable replacement parts
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Best Runner Up: Legit Camping Double
The Legit Camping Double is made from nylon material and is lightweight and easy to carry and set up. The double hammock can hold up to 500 lbs and is ideal for camping, the beach, and the backyard. It has high-quality stitching and is very durable. It comes in a neat little bag with tree-friendly straps and fits into any backpack.
Pros
- Can hold up to 500 lbs
- High-quality stitching
- Easy to set up
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Best for Budget: Honest Outfitters Single/Double
The Honest Outfitters Single/Double is a great choice of camping hammock if you are on a budget and can be used for both solo and double camping as well as for backpacking. It can take up to 400 lbs of weight and is super lightweight and easy to carry. This hammock is quick and easy to set up and comes with two basic hammock straps and two solid steel carabiners.
Pros
- Can hold up to 400 lbs
- Single and double use
- Quick and easy to set up
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Best Double: ENO – Eagles Nest Outfitters DoubleNest Hammock
The ENO – Eagles Nest Outfitters DoubleNest Hammock is a double hammock with a compact design that weighs just 19 ounces. This super-lightweight camping hammock is very easy to set up and is ideal for camping, backpacking, and beaching.
Pros
- Ideal for two people
- Quick and easy to set up
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Best Camping Hammock with a Parachute Design: Bear Butt Double
The Bear Butt Double is a high-quality parachute design camping hammock that measures 10 x 6 feet and is made from specially formulated and super strong 210T 75D nylon taffeta. Luxuriously large and ideal for two people, the hammock has reinforced panels with triple stitching that provide extra strength and durability and make the hammock very safe to use for more than two people.
The Bear Butt Double can hold weights of up to 500 lbs and comes with a variety of accessories such as specially formulated reinforced polyester end straps, high-quality tactical grade rope suspensions, and two solid steel carabiners.
This hammock can be set up between two trees or poles and weighs just 1.5 lbs making it portable and easy to carry. This ultralight folding packable hammock packs up tightly to fit into a small backpack and is easy to store.
Pros
- Made from super strong 210T 75D nylon taffeta
- Quick and easy to set up
- Can hold up to 500 lbs
- Lightweight and portable
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Best for Kids: Wise Owl Outfitters Kids Hammock
The Wise Owl Outfitters Kids Hammock is a great camping hammock for children. Designed in a parachute style in bright colors, the Wise Owl Outfitters Kids Hammock is portable and easy to set up. Lightweight and convenient, the kid-friendly hammock is 6 x 3.5 ft long, weighs only 13 oz, and packs down to the size of just an orange.
It is super easy to set up with nine-foot-long tree straps and carabiners and features five separate loops to adjust the hammock for various heights. Made from soft and strong 210T parachute nylon and triple interlocking stitching, it is very durable and long-lasting.
Pros
- Made from super strong 210T parachute nylon
- Adjustable to various heights for children
- Lightweight and portable
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Best for Heavy Campers: MalloMe XL
Heavier campers should go for the MalloMeXL as it can accommodate up to 1,000 lbs of supported weight due to the strap design that has been tested for heavy-duty use. Made from premium 210T nylon fabric, this luxurious single camping hammock measures 112 x 55 inches and has a unique strap design that is super strong.
It is ultralight and can be packed into a small ball the size of a volleyball and weighs just 1.5lbs, which includes the hammock ropes. It also includes two high-strength carabiners that make the set-up super quick and easy.
Pros
- Made from super strong 210T nylon
- Can accommodate up to 600 lbs
- Lightweight and portable
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Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the ideal amount of hanging space for my hammock?
The ideal space for hanging a camping hammock is about two feet greater than the total length of the hammock. Measure the hammock from one end loop to the other to get the full length and set your hammock up in a space of about two feet larger.
- Will hanging hooks damage the trees?
The last thing you want to do as a nature-lover is to damage any fauna or flora while camping. Hanging a hammock with tree hooks can do this – it will damage the tree and create a scar on the trunk. Try to choose a hammock that has webbing to protect the tree and is secured with straps and carabiners rather.
- How much will my hammock stretch?
All types of hammocks will stretch over time, however, this can depend on the fabric from which the hammock is made. They can stretch anywhere from a few inches to as much as two feet, so if you want to avoid too much stretching, choose a camping hammock with a strong, high quality, and durable fabric.
- How can I clean my hammock?
Most camping hammocks are machine-washable, however, hammocks with frames or spreader bars can be cleaned with a mild detergent and water and left to air dry.
- What safety precautions should I take when using my hammock?
– Don’t exceed the weight capacity of your hammock.
– Make sure the hammock is secure and safe before climbing in.
– Don’t let children use the hammock without adult supervision.
– Always inspect the hammock before getting in to make sure there are no unwanted residents like spiders or snakes.
Happy camping!
Jacky has a degree in Sports Science and is a Certified Sports and Conditioning Coach. He has also worked with clients around the world as a personal trainer.
He has been fortunate enough to work with a wide range of people from very different ends of the fitness spectrum. Through promoting positive health changes with diet and exercise, he has helped patients recover from aging-related and other otherwise debilitating diseases.
He spends most of his time these days writing fitness-related content of some form or another. He still likes to work with people on a one-to-one basis – he just doesn’t get up at 5am to see clients anymore.