The biggest benefit that we’ve found from a camping hammock is its wonderful alternation for a tent and folding chair to travel less and more portable. You can rest, take a nap, and sleep overnight on there without bothering of its weight and space-taking when packing.
For that reason, this article today will list out 7 best hammocks for backpacking and camping:
Here are the best hammocks for backpacking (May 2024 Update):
- Best Overall: Wise Owl Outfitters Hammock
- Best For Backpacking: ENO - Eagles Nest Outfitters DoubleNest Hammock
- Budget-Friendly Option: Forbidden Road Hammock
- Best For Car Camping: HONEST OUTFITTERS Single & Double Camping Hammock
- Best For Boat Camping: Gold Armour Camping Hammock
- Excellent Bug/ Mosquito Protection: Sunyear Single & Double Camping Hammock
- Best For Experienced Hammock Campers: Hennessy Hammock
| Best Hammock For Backpacking: Top 7 Picks | ||
|---|---|---|
Best Overall | Wise Owl Outfitters Hammock | Read Our Review |
Best For Backpacking | ENO - Eagles Nest Outfitters DoubleNest Hammock | Read Our Review |
Budget-Friendly Option | Forbidden Road Hammock | Read Our Review |
Best For Car Camping | HONEST OUTFITTERS Single & Double Camping Hammock | Read Our Review |
Best For Boat Camping | Gold Armour Camping Hammock | Read Our Review |
Excellent Bug/ Mosquito Protection | Sunyear Single & Double Camping Hammock | Read Our Review |
Best For Experienced Hammock Campers | Hennessy Hammock | Read Our Review |
Best Overall: Wise Owl Outfitters Hammock
USA-made
Include tree straps for easy setup and relax immediately
Don’t require knot tying
Provide 5 loops for flexible adjustment to the height and comfort you want
Not suitable for large people above 6’2” tall or 180-pound weight
If you’re looking for an upgrade from the ENO, pick this. While coming in additional straps, it’s rated at 500-pound weight capacity instead of ENO’s 400. Plus, the price of this Wise Owl Outfitters is much budget-friendlier.
Since this is a USA-based company, the product quality is assured, at least in my standard.
Two highlights that we’ve concluded from our testers’ reports are comfort and durability. But the ease of setting up is the most favorite feature. Made out of 210T parachute nylon, the fabric is durable, lightweight, and slightly waterproof.
However, it’ll be a bit chilly at night so, we definitely recommend using a yoga mat or air-pad for a bottom layer. Out of the hammock, the included tree straps work perfectly.
Wise Owl Outfitters Hammock Specifications | |
Unfolded size | SingleOwl: 9’ x 4’ ½” DoubleOwl: 10’ x 6’ ½” |
Packed size | Single 4" x 5", Double 5 x 6 1/2" |
Item weight | SingleOwl: 16 oz. DoubleOwl: 26 oz. |
Weight capacity | 500 lbs. |
Tools included | Carry Bag 2 - 9ft Tree Straps 2 - D Shaped Steel Carabiners |
Highlight features | Designed in USA Tree straps & carabiners are included Made of high-quality heavy duty 210T parachute nylon |
If you finally go hammock camping and are finding the best one for backpacking, never miss out on the comfort and practicality of this Wise Owl Outfitters.
Best For Backpacking: ENO - Eagles Nest Outfitters DoubleNest Hammock
More durable materials
Breathable to deliver better air ventilation for hot sleepers
Don’t include tree straps
The weight capacity is inferior to the previous counterpart
We have just mentioned two drawbacks of the ENO above and now, you might be wondering why it’s still added here, right?
Well, the biggest selling point of this hammock lies in its material - 70D High Tenacity Nylon Taffeta – that delivers superior durability than other counterparts. Besides, this kind of fabric boosts better breathability – something that the 210T parachute nylon can’t do.
In other words, this is an ideal choice for hot sleepers.
ENO - Eagles Nest Outfitters DoubleNest Hammock Specifications | |
Unfolded size | 9' 4" x 6' 2". |
Packed size | 5" x 5" |
Item weight | 19 oz. |
Weight capacity | 400 lbs. |
Tools included | aluminum Wiregate Carabiners nautical grade line stainless-steel snap links |
Highlight features | Versatile Durable and compact Weighing only 19 ounces Includes Aluminum Wiregate Carabiners and nautical grade line with stainless-steel snap links |
With modest packed dimensions of 5” x 5”, the ENO is the best choice for backpackers to travel less.
Budget-Friendly Option: Forbidden Road Hammock
The most affordable hammock in this list without sacrificing quality
Easy to set up
Various color options
The ropes figure a flat shape, which is harder to tie
Forbidden Road promises its customers to provide only high-quality hammocks with the cheapest price on the market and they keep it.
This full set, which includes 2 ropes, 2 carabiners, and 1 hammock, costs under $12, making it the most affordable unit in this list without a compromise of quality. The most obviously proof lies in their weight capacity, lightness, and durable 210T Nylon Taffeta material.
Regardless, it’s super easy to set up. No testers of our team did it over 5 minutes.
And it comes with a wide range of colorways – 4 options in the Double hammocks and up to 11 options in the Single ones. Therefore, while we found it’s a great choice for many outdoor enthusiasts, the Forbidden Road hammock is also a good present.
Forbidden Road Hammock Specifications | |
Unfolded size | The single: 103" x 55" The double: 118”x78" |
Packed size | 7" x 2.7"x 9.5" |
Item weight | 0.97 lbs. |
Weight capacity | The single: 400 lbs. The double: 660 lbs. |
Tools included | 1 hammock 2 ropes 2 carabiners |
Highlight features | 210D Nylon Taffeta material Easy to set up Lightweight |
It’s not impossible to search for a reliable, high-quality hammock at a low-price range, the Forbidden Road is a typical example of that.
Best For Car Camping: HONEST OUTFITTERS Single & Double Camping Hammock
Compact packed dimensions to easily throw in a van/car/truck or clip onto a hiking bag to use whenever in need
Can support 1000 pounds-force
Require multi-step process
No hanging instructions
The HONEST OUTFITTERS is a cool hammock with highlights on the heavy-duty strap system that you probably hang your car from it.
The new 210T nylon fabric seems pretty thin at first but in fact, it’s incredibly durable to handle up to 500 pounds of weight capacity. As a maximum, the hammock can support up to 1000 pounds-force without ripping.
We also realized the product was truly convenient to just throw in a truck or car. The packed dimensions are just around 8” x 3” that you can even clip onto a hiking bag to use at any time.
HONEST OUTFITTERS Single & Double Camping Hammock Specifications | |
Unfolded size | 118L * 78W inches |
Packed size | 8” x 3” |
Item weight | 1.5 pounds |
Weight capacity | 500 lbs. |
Tools included | 1 double hammock 2 straps 2 steel carabiners |
Highlight features | New 210T nylon Setup Fast And Easy Can support 1000 pounds-force |
Featuring a relatively small bag, the HONEST OUTFITTERS is the best bet that fits nicely in any car trunk for emergency relaxation time you want to use it.
Best For Boat Camping: Gold Armour Camping Hammock
Water-resistant, anti-mildew, and breathable fabric to be low-maintenance
Extra-large for more comfort
If you want the straps to fit in the hammock, it’s time-consuming to roll them up
Coming in an extra-large silhouette, the Gold Armour features 125” x 79” of dimensions that fit nicely two adults with some free room left. Also perfect for a big individual to “cocoon”.
What we impressed the most was the soft fabric, giving an extremely comfortable feel. Regardless, it’s strong, durable and importantly, water-resistant to hold up well on rainy days or boat camping.
Other accessories work nicely; they are strong and durable to possibly handle 1000+ pounds total without stretching.
Providing 2 smooth and flat carabiners with no sharp edges is a big plus.
Gold Armour Camping Hammock Specifications | |
Unfolded size | 125 in x 79 in |
Packed size | 10” x 3” |
Item weight | 2.4 pounds |
Weight capacity | 500 lbs. |
Tools included | 2 carabiners 2 straps 16 attachment loops 1 hammock |
Highlight features | Water-resistant material Extra-large High weight capacity |
If you’re going to join a boat camping, the Gold Armour hammock featuring water-resistant, high-quality fabric might be what you’re after.
Excellent Bug/ Mosquito Protection: Sunyear Single & Double Camping Hammock
Provide 2 additional net ropes for mosquito protection
Triple-stitched fabric for superior durability
Include a pocket inside to keep valuable stuff
Will stretch when you get in -> Don’t cinch too tightly
While providing a full set of straps and carabiners as usual hammock packages, the Sunyear hammock comes with 2 durable net ropes where you can hang your mosquito-protecting net in.
Thanks to these extra components, your outdoor trip will be safer and comfier. When not in use, simply flip it over.
Triple-stitched fabric is another big plus. While offering two sizes to choose from, the hammock itself is crafted from durable 210T parachute nylon materials to ensure no rip, tears, or holes for years.
Sunyear Single & Double Camping Hammock Specifications | |
Unfolded size | The single: 116” x 55” The double: 118” x 78” |
Packed size | The single: 9.8” x 7” x 5.1” |
Item weight | The single: 2.67lbs. The double: 3.2lbs. |
Weight capacity | The single: 500 lbs. The double: 600 lbs. |
Tools included | 1 hammock 2 straps 2 carabiners 2 net ropes The Single: 2 additional steel D-shape The double: 2 extra carabiners |
Highlight features | Made of high-quality 210T parachute nylon materials Special designed durable bug net fabric |
It’s not always romantic about nighttime sleeping under the stars, you have to fight against wild blood-sucking mosquitoes and bugs. And luckily enough, the Sunyear hammock can afford that urgent needs perfectly.
Best For Experienced Hammock Campers: Hennessy Hammock
Thickened bottom layer to prevent mosquitoes biting from the bottom
Provide a full-length zipper to be more closure while sleeping
Include a rain tarp to avoid being pooped on by a bird
Not suitable for large campers
Expensive
Look at the included tools in a full set of this Hennessy Hammock and you can easily guess it’s designed for whom. Yeah, professional hammock campers.
The biggest bonus in this product that beats off the Sunyear – another mosquito-protecting hammock – is the thick, tightly woven 70D high-density nylon bottom. What is it for?
Well, by thickening the bottom, you can avoid mosquitoes or other annoying bugs biting from the underside of your hammock. Turns out it requires no extra sleeping pads or special clothing at all.
There’s also a rain tarp and webbing straps that you’re just worry-free of getting pooped on by a bird while sleeping in this. For campers who love “cocooning”, the full-length heavy-duty YKK zipper will help you with that, too.
Hennessy Hammock Specifications | |
Unfolded size | - |
Packed size | 4"x 7"x 9" |
Item weight | 2lbs. 12oz |
Weight capacity | 250 lbs. |
Tools included | 1 mosquito mesh 1 rain tarp 1 hammock Ropes Webbing straps Gear loft slides on the ridgeline |
Highlight features | Unique Bottom Entry Side Zipper Entry Including webbing straps A matching detachable rainfly A "no see um" mosquito mesh |
For people who are searching for a complete hammock set for one person, you’ll be happy with the Hennessy.
How To Choose A Best Hammocks For Backpacking & Camping?
Types
When choosing a camping hammock, notice of two primary types:
Bridge hammocks
Gathered end (GE) or “Brazilian” hammocks
90-degree hammocks
Bridge hammocks | Gathered hammocks | 90-degree hammocks | |
Highlight features | Use a bar at either end of the hammock | -Fabric is gathered at the ends. -No mechanism or spreader bar -The classic design | The suspension is attached to both sides, not the ends of the hammock |
Strength | Flatter lying position to deliver better comfort You don’t have to hold the hammock open with your body | -Hardly tip out of the hammock if it’s properly set up -Fit most people, even a log-in-a-river type of sleeper | -The most stable configuration |
Weakness | Only provide one lying position Heavier due to the additional spreader bar | -Not hold open by itself, you need to do that with your body | Require taking some effort to get into the hammock |
Material
Modern hammocks for camping and backpacking should be more lightweight, packable, and portable than the traditional canvas ones. That’s why you need to consider its material carefully.
There are many options out there.
Parachute nylon is the most popular due to its mold-resistant, waterproof, and durable performance that backpackers can rest assured to pack it and use for any long-term trips.
However, some minor drawbacks might stop you from choosing this kind of material. The biggest is its lack of ventilation and stretching.
That’s why the camping hammocks which are made of polyester or diamond rip-stop nylon have appeared. It’s best for hot sleepers or campers who are going to spend their nights in hot weather.
These two kinds of fabric are not only more breathable but also deliver the same durability performance.
Size
Two basic sizes of camping hammocks are:
Doubles
Singles
The dimensions are varied between manufacturers, even within the same hammock type.
In general, a double hammock is somewhere within 6 – 9 feet while a single is 4 – 6 feet. The gathered end hammocks are around 9”(W) x 11”(L).
Before considering which size is suitable for your demand, think about the number of people are going to lie on it and the total weight. For example, a 9”x4” hammock fits nicely a person with under 5’9” height.
At the same length, a wider model might give you more comfort but if it’s overly wide, you will feel too enclosed and claustrophobia.
Which Brands Make The Best Hammocks For Backpacking & Camping?
Wise Owl Outfitters
This is a reliable brand where outdoor enthusiasts can find high-quality camping hammocks with worry-free of breaking their bank. Hammocks are also the first-launched products of Wise Owl Outfitters, making their fame and premise to expand other lines latter.
ENO (Eagles Nest Outfitters)
A bit different from Wise Owl Outfitters, ENO is a long-standing company, established in 1999, in Florida and its specialization is parachute hammocks. They’re now a world-leading brand with over 2,000 retail stores within 13 countries.
Forbidden Road
Forbidden Road is a young company, founded by two outdoor enthusiasts a few years ago. But we’re impressed by how professional they’re working, from the products’ quality, their futuristic promotions, to customer care. What truly makes them different is right on their unbeatable enthusiasm.
Hennessy
Hennessy Hammock was set up by Tom Hennessy, an industrial designer, in the USA. And he’s also the person who invented the Asym GE – a special type of camping hammocks that feature tie-outs to pull themselves into an asymmetric shape.
The highlights in this new design are more space for head and feet.
HONEST OUTFITTERS
Though HONEST OUTFITTERS don’t have their website, meaning they’re not as big as the previous competitors, we’ve found their hammocks on many reliable top-rated rankings. Even our personal experience on their products is really good, which is the reason we added this brand here.
FAQs
Are Hammocks good for camping?
Speaking from personal experience, hammocks are truly a good choice for camping and backpacking for many reasons:
- They’re much cheaper than buying a camping tent or chair
- Easier to set up
- More lightweight
- More packable and portable
- Versatile: You can use it to take a nap, resting, sleeping overnight, or as a rain cover, a picnic blanket, and to hang out in.
How far should trees be apart for a hammock?
Most ropes of hammocks are within 13’ length, meaning the hanging source is somewhere between 13’ and 17’ apart.
Can you leave a hammock outside?
No problem. 95% hammocks are crafted from waterproof, thin but durable kinds of fabric, such as diamond rip-stop nylon, parachute nylon, or polyester that even get wet, it’s quick to dry out and ready to use.
Are double hammocks comfortable?
If two people are lying on it, apparently it’s not as comfortable as one on there since the weight distribution now is greatly exaggerated. But double hammocks don’t mean to always hold two people but it’s also for large individuals or who need some extra room for their dog.
How do you store a hammock?
It’s a five-step instruction:
Step 1: Get rid of dirt on the hammock surface.
Step 2: Wash it. Start with using a hose to spray the hammock. Then, use a soft brush dipped in a detergent solution to clean the fabric. With dirty spots, use stain removers. After rinsing the hammock, air dry it.
Step 3: Fold the hammock to the store. It’s different between types:
- Spreader bar hammocks: Flat lay it on a clean, dried surface, fold the ropes and ring at one end onto the bed. Use the bar to roll it towards the other end.
- Brazilian hammocks: Fold into their carrying bag
- Non-spreader bar hammocks: Fold it once end-to-end, tuck its cords in, and make a ball
Step 4: Store it in a dry place (outside) or a shed/garage/breathable bag (indoor)
Conclusion
We conducted this personal test with a team, based on different situations and demands to ensure the top choice in each category. Therefore, you can rest assured of the 7 best hammocks for backpacking and camping above. I hope the included buying guide and FAQ sections are helpful to you as well.
Thanks for reading!
