What Is the Best Camping Hammock?

In this article, we study the best hammock for camping and for backpacking.

Camping hammocks have seen increased popularity in recent years due to the upswing in interest in backpacking and other outdoor activities. Although many campers still prefer a tent and sleeping bag, many outdoors enthusiasts have made the switch to a hammock for various reasons. 

The primary appeal of a camping hammock is that it’s lightweight and easy to pack down, which means it fits nicely into a backpack. Not to mention, camping hammocks are comfortable. There’s no concern for lumpy ground or hard rocks. Instead, you get to sleep suspended in midair, swaying gently in the breeze.

Why Would You Need a Camping Hammock?

There are a few reasons you may want to consider a camping hammock. If you’re a hiker or backpacker, a hammock will allow you to have a lower backpack base weight. Hammocks are relatively easy to set up, and they offer the option of sleeping under the stars or with a tarp as shelter from the elements. 

The other aspect of hammocks that makes them preferable to tents is the lack of poles. All you have to do to set up your hammock is suspend it between two trees, and you’ll be all set. There are no poles to feed through, and you don’t have to worry about ground cover.

With hammocks, everyone on your trip can have their own space. Although there are double hammocks you can share with camping buddies, single hammocks let you enjoy having your sleeping area all to yourself. 

The Contenders

This guide will cover 11 camping hammocks that range in price, purpose, and features. 

Best Overall

Of the 11 hammocks reviewed, the Easthills Outdoor Jungle Explorer came out as the best camping hammock overall. The Explorer is made of high-quality materials, offers a lot of added features, and is roomy. 

You can read a bit more about the Easthills Outdoor Jungle Explorer, as well as each of the other hammocks we tested out, below.

Easthills Outdoor Jungle Explorer 

Weight: 4 pounds

Packed size: N/A

Weight limit: 600 lbs

Dimensions: 118 x 79 inches

Material: Nylon

Bug net? Yes

Suspension included? Yes

The best camping hammock overall was by far the Easthills Outdoors Jungle Explorer. This hammock offers lightweight comfort combined with an easy setup in an all-in-one package. In addition, you won’t have to worry about purchasing straps or stakes separately because everything you need to suspend your hammock is included. 

The Jungle Explorer is a double hammock, so it will work perfectly if you have a camping buddy. Or, if you just prefer to have more space to stretch out while swaying under the stars, you can take the entire area to yourself. 

Weighing only 4 pounds, this little hammock will be great for any camping trip. It packs down to a small cylinder, so you can take it on the trail or to the campground. The included rainfly and removable bug net keep you dry and bug-free, and there’s plenty of space to add an underquilt if you need a touch of added warmth in the colder months.

Hennessy 4Season Expedition Zip Best All-Season Hammock

Weight: 5 lbs

Packed size: 7 x 13 inches

Weight limit: 250 lbs

Dimensions: 120 x 59 inches

Material: Nylon/polyester

Bug net? Yes

Suspension included? Yes

The 4Season Expedition hammock is at the top of the price range for a camping hammock. It comes with everything you could need, including a bug net, rainfly, support ropes, compression pack, and webbing straps designed to protect the bark of the trees you rig up to. Hennesy also includes an open-cell foam pad and space blanket, which are great additions if you plan to camp in the cold.

This hammock is designed with comfort in mind. The shape allows campers to sleep on a diagonal, which supports the back and knees more than lying flat. The structured ridge on the hammock also ensures you have the same level of comfort, no matter how near or far apart the trees you mount from might be.

Although the 4Season Expedition is a bit heavy, the multiple features it offers make it a great option, no matter what time of year you plan to camp.

Kammok Roo Single Hammock Best Ultralight Backpacking Hammock

Weight: 10.7 oz

Packed size: 5.5×3.75 inches

Weight limit: 500 lbs

Dimensions: 100 x 50 inches

Material: Ripstop nylon

Bug net? No

Suspension included? Carabiners and slings included 

At just 10.7 ounces, the Kammok Roo is the lightest hammock we’ve tested out. Made of soft ripstop fabric that supports up to 500 pounds, this hammock resists stretching, giving you a firm and comfortable place to rest your head.

The Kammok Roo is made with tough, breathable, waterproof fabric. It helps you stay cool in the heat and protects against condensation when the air is cold, giving you a comfortable night’s rest.

Although this hammock is an excellent ultralight option, bear in mind that it doesn’t include a bug net. You’ll have to add a netted shelter around your hammock if you want to keep mosquitoes and other bugs away while you sleep. You’ll also need to purchase tree straps separately.

Klymit Traverse Best Value For Money Hammock

Weight: 1 lb 13 oz

Packed size: 4.5 x 8 inches

Weight limit: 400 lbs

Dimensions: 110 x 55 inches

Material: Polyester

Bug net? No

Suspension included? Yes

If you’re camping on a budget, need something lightweight, and are content with a no-frills option, the Klymit Traverse is perfect. Made of featherweight nylon, the Klymit comes equipped with carabiners and tree straps, so you won’t have to worry about purchasing suspension tools separately. 

One of the best things about the Klymit Traverse is that it’s made of a single panel instead of three panels, which is more common for camping hammocks. A single panel leaves fewer opportunities for sagging, stretching, or tearing. It also means the hammock is going to conform to your shape easily.

Lawson Blue Ridge Camping Hammock Best for Lounging

Weight: 4 lbs 15 oz 

Packed size: 22 x 6 inches

Weight limit: 275 lbs

Dimensions: 90 x 42 inches 

Material: Rip-stop and poly pack, nylon

Bug net? Yes

Suspension included? Optional 

If you’re taking out the RV or plan to stay in a single campsite for several days, this lounging hammock will be perfect. Although it’s a bit bulky, it shouldn’t be an issue if you don’t intend to lug it along the trail. 

What’s nice about this hammock is that it doesn’t form a cocoon around you like most camping hammocks. Instead, it lays flat. Not only is this more comfortable for many people, but it also allows more than one person to share the space. And, since it comes with a bug net and rainfly, it can double as an outdoor sleeping space, too.

Wise Owl Outfitters Camping Hammock Best Two-Person Hammock

Weight: 1 lb 10 oz.

Packed size: 8 x 5 inches

Weight limit: 500 lbs

Dimensions: 108 x 54 inches

Material: Parachute nylon

Bug net? No

Suspension included? Yes

Without question, the best thing about this hammock, aside from its generous size, is its quick setup. In just a few minutes, you can have the Wise Owl suspended between trees and ready to use.

As a two-person hammock, this one is ideal for partners or buddies who’d prefer to only carry one set of suspension tools and don’t mind sharing close quarters. Consider using foam mats to allow each of you to have enough space and so you can avoid rolling to the center. 

The one downside to the Wise Owl is that it doesn’t include a bug net. However, you can purchase one separately that will fit nicely with most camping hammocks.

BE Outfitter Campo Utility Hammock and Poncho Best for Versatility

Weight: 1 lb 1 oz

Packed size: 8×4 inches

Weight limit: N/A

Dimensions: 89 x 55 inches

Material: Ripstop nylon

Bug net? No

Suspension included? No

The BE Outfitter Campo hammock is the most unique hammock on the list. Not only does it serve as a sturdy, packable hammock, but you can also use it as a poncho, ground cover, or shelter. The hideaway poncho hood offers cinch tabs and a waterproof zipper.

The main downside is that the Campo can only be used for one thing at a time. So if you need a shelter for your hammock, you’ll need to have a tarp on hand, too. Or, if you use it as a poncho to go out foraging on a camp, you’ll have to dry it off before using it as a hammock. In addition, tree straps are not included. However, you can purchase them on BE’s website.

Made of lightweight, waterproof ripstop nylon, the Campo Utility Hammock is perfect for hikers, campers, or emergency packs. It’s easy to stow away in an RV or in your backpack and unroll at your campsite. 

Warbonnet Blackbird XLC Best for Customizations

Weight: 1 lb 6.3 oz

Packed size: N/A

Weight limit: 350 lbs

Dimensions: 132 x 65 inches

Material: Nylon

Bug net? Yes

Suspension included? Yes

If you like having options, the Warbonnet Blackbird XLC will be perfect for you. Warbonnet offers 24 color options, 7 suspension options, and 3 choices for fabric type. At just under 1.5 pounds, the Warbonnet is ideal if you need something lightweight and customized for your trip.

Some of the features that make the Blackbird ideal are the gear shelf, zip-top, and option for a double-layer design. In addition, Warbonnet uses a proprietary Dream-Tex fabric that resembles cotton, taking away the itchiness of nylon. After a long day on the trail, a soft hammock to relax in can make a world of difference. 

Since suspension options differ for the Blackbird, the price will vary. In terms of cost, though, it’s at the higher end of average. Also, be aware that, although the weight limit is 350 pounds, the manufacturer suggests a 275-pound weight limit for comfort.

Kinfayv Camping Hammock Best All-in-One

Weight: 2 lbs

Packed size: 10.63 x 5.91 x 11.81 inches

Weight limit: 600 lbs

Dimensions: 118 x 78 inches

Material: Parachute nylon

Bug net? Yes

Suspension included? Yes

The Kinfayv Camping Hammock packs everything you need in one small bag. So not only do you get a double hammock, but you also get everything else you could ask for to make your hammock experience comfortable.

This kit includes all of the gear you need to hang your hammock, including carabiners, ropes, stakes, and tree straps. You also get a travel pillow, eye mask, survival bracelet, and stuff sack as a bonus. 

At only 2 pounds, the Kinfayv Camping Hammock is great for anyone who wants to give hammock camping a try. It packs up to the size of a volleyball, so it might be a bit bulky for backpacking. However, you can easily set it up on a regular campsite.

OneTigris KOMPOUND Hammock Best for Backpacking

Weight: 2 lbs

Packed size: 11.8 x 7.8 x 3.9 inches

Weight limit: 330 lbs

Dimensions: 102 x 50 inches

Material: Nylon

Bug net? Yes

Suspension included? Yes 

The OneTigris KOMPOUND is a lightweight, portable hammock that’s perfect for a backpacking trip. It includes tree straps, carabiners, and guylines that all pack down into a compact bag that will fit perfectly at the bottom of your backpack.

The KOMPOUND is a great all-season camping hammock. It includes mosquito netting to help keep pests away while you lounge or sleep, a thermal layer that will help keep the warmth in during the cold months, and plenty of space for an underquilt. 

Extremus Single Camping Hammock Best for Blending In

Weight: 1 lb

Packed size: 8″ x 5″ x 5″ inches

Weight limit: 500 lbs

Dimensions: 108 x 54 inches

Material: Nylon

Bug net? No

Suspension included? Yes

If you’re heading out on a multi-day hunting trip and need a place to sleep, the Extremus should be your go-to. It offers color options that blend in perfectly with your surroundings, packs down to 8 x 5 x 5 inches, and is made of quick-drying parachute nylon.

This lightweight hammock forms a cocoon that efficiently protects you from chilly breezes. Combined with an under quilt or down sleeping bag, the Extremus will be perfect for winter camping trips. 

As a bonus, the Extremus comes with an inflatable travel pillow to offer a bit of extra comfort. In addition, the bag the hammock comes in doubles as a phone/water bottle/gear holder once the hammock is suspended. 

Key Things to Consider When Choosing a Camping Hammock

These 11 hammocks are some of the best camping hammocks money can buy. But if none of them fit your ideal use case or budget, here are a few things you should consider when looking for the best camping hammock that suits your needs.

Quality

When it comes to camping hammocks, quality is everything. A poorly made hammock can rip or tear in the middle of the night. If that happens, you’ll need to sew up any tears in the dark or sleep on the ground. The best way to avoid that type of inconvenience is to ensure you’re buying a hammock made of quality materials with solid stitching and sturdy hardware.

Weight

Camping hammocks vary in weight, but they typically weigh roughly 2-4 pounds. When you’re assembling your pack to head out to the trail, every ounce counts. Your base weight needs to be low enough to not hinder you on the trail, and one added pound of hammock weight means one less pound of other essentials.

Purpose

You also want to carefully consider your purpose for a hammock when you’re choosing which one to buy. If you plan to use your hammock as your sleeping quarters, you’ll need something that offers more protection than one that’s simply intended as a lounging area. Many hammocks meant for sleeping offer zip-up nets that will keep critters out and a cocoon-like shape that helps you keep warm at night.

Location

Your hammock will need to be perfectly suited to your environment in order to offer the most value. That means you should find breathable, quick-drying materials that keep you warm in the winter and cool in the summer. In addition, you should consider whether or not you’ll need a bug net and tarp as added shelter. Nets and tarps are simple to set up and make your camping experience much more enjoyable.

The Verdict – Best Overall

The Easthills Outdoor Jungle Explorer shot to the top of the list due to its size, capacity, and features. If you think hammock camping might be suitable for you, check out the Easthill Outdoors Jungle Explorer. It offers everything you need in a hammock, plus a few added extras that are sure to make your camping trip a success.