Hammocks have many benefits — especially when out camping or lounging in the outdoors, even in your backyard. Unlike with a tent, a good camping hammock doesn’t require you to find level ground or avoid jagged rocks.
Outdoor brands have made many exciting improvements to the materials, suspension systems, and overall versatility of modern hammocks. There are now plenty of camping-specific hammocks that are packable, comfortable, and easy to set up and take down. Hammocks are lighter and generally cheaper than tents. And who doesn’t enjoy a hammock’s gentle sway?
We didn’t include backpacking-specific ultralight hammocks in this list — we’ll save those for another time. Here, expect to find great hammocks for lounging around, camping, and all-in-one hammock shelters. Scroll through to see all of our recommended buys, or jump to the category you’re looking for:
Best Overall Best All-In-One Best Lightweight Best Anti-Bug Best Budget Best Double (2-Person) Best for Daytime Use
For more in-depth information on hammocks, check out our buyer’s guide and FAQ at the end of this article.
The Best Camping Hammocks of 2021
Best Overall: Warbonnet Ridgerunner
The Warbonnet Ridgerunner ($105) addresses nearly all of the common complaints of hammock camping detractors. Simply put, it’s a gamechanger when it comes to hammock camping comfort. No wonder we chose it for the best overall hammock.
When fully set up, the Ridgerunner feels more like a suspended cot than a hammock. Thanks to two innovative spreader bars, the sleeping surface of this hammock lays flat, allowing the user to comfortably sleep on their back, stomach, or side. Most hammocks are only comfortable for those who prefer to sleep on their backs. The Ridgerunner opens the world of hammock camping to all kinds of sleepers.
Setting up this hammock is quick and easy. The spreader bars are lightweight and intuitive to use. They do add a bit of extra weight, but we think it’s well worth it — especially for those seeking ultimate comfort. The entire hammock including spreader bars, bug net, and suspension system is 35 ounces. This is still quite a bit lighter than most one-person tents, but the backpacking crowd may want to look elsewhere for something lighter.
The Warbonnet Ridgerunner can be ordered with a variety of cool custom features. Double-layer fabric is an option that allows you to slide a sleeping pad into the hammock. Other options include a mini-fly and an integrated bug net.
Constructed with 30-denier nylon, the Ridgerunner is decent but not great in the abrasion-resistance category. When purchasing, you can select a thicker fabric, but doing that would add considerable weight. If handled carefully, the well-constructed Ridgerunner should last many years.
Weight: 19 oz. (hammock only), 35 oz. (including spreader bars and suspension system) Capacity: 200 lbs. Included accessories: Suspension system, spreader bars, integrated bug netting, stuff sack Size: 10’1” x 3’ Pros: Comfortable for all sleeping positions Easy to set up Good-quality construction Integrated bug net Large integrated pockets Cons: Heavy compared to other options Not the most abrasion-resistant material
Check Price at Warbonnet Outdoors
Best All-In-One Hammock Shelter: Kammok Mantis All-In-One Hammock Tent
This complete hammock shelter system ($239) includes a hammock, bug net, rainfly, suspension system, ridgeline, and stakes. All of the items fit into an included roll-top stuff sack and weigh just 2 pounds 3 ounces. For users who wish to purchase all their hammocking gear at once and ensure that it will perform well, this is an excellent offering from Kammok.
The “do-it-all” descriptor of the Mantis is fully justified. This hammock system is highly customizable depending on your specific needs. If you just want an open hammock for daytime relaxing, you can easily leave the rainfly and stakes behind. If you want rain protection but aren’t concerned about bugs, bring the rainfly and leave the removable bug net tucked away. Thanks to the modular design of the Mantis system, you can own a single hammock that functions well in all situations and environments.
Kammok’s lightweight suspension straps are 10 feet long and distribute weight over a broad area of the tree to comply with Leave No Trace principles. Included carabiners attach the actual hammock to the straps with ease. The Mantis is quick and simple to set up, with a variety of clever features that make the whole process intuitive and stress-free. Packing up is straightforward too, and we appreciate that all of the Mantis’ components fit into the attached roll-top stow bag.
If you prefer to own just a single hammock designed for outings of all kinds, the Kammok Mantis is the way to go.
Weight: 2 lbs. 3 oz. Capacity: 300 lbs. Included accessories: Removable bug net, rainfly, suspension system, carabiners, stakes, ridgeline, roll-top stuff sack Size: 120” x 56” Pros: Comes with lots of quality accessories Durable Lightweight considering all that’s included Modular and customizable Cons: Expensive compared to simpler options Some users found the suspension straps to be stretchy
Check Price at REICheck Price at Kammok
Best Lightweight Camping Hammock: Kammok Roo Single UL Hammock
At just 5.6 ounces, the Kammok Roo Single UL weighs less than most smartphones. For $89, this is just a standalone hammock — you’ll need to purchase a suspension system separately. Still, for those looking for a lightweight hammock, this simple option is a great way to shave a little weight off of your camping kit.
The Kammok Roo Single UL Hammock is made from super-thin 20-denier nylon ripstop fabric. Though this thin hammock is more vulnerable to damage than other options on this list, it holds up surprisingly well considering its barely-there feel. Treat it with care, and this hammock will hang in there (pun intended) for many camping trips to come.
The toggle-and-loop connection points on this hammock are cleverly designed and much lighter than the metal carabiners used on most other camping hammocks.
Kammok sells this hammock with a pocket-size stuff sack included. It has a weight capacity of 300 pounds and a sleeping area of 50 x 100 inches for ample space and comfort. The fabric has been treated with a durable water-repellent (DWR) coating, which helps keep water out. Pair this hammock with some of Kammok’s great accessories, and your camping kit will be featherlight and ready to go.
Weight: 5.6 oz. Capacity: 300 lbs. Included accessories: Stuff sack Size: 100” x 50” Pros: Superlight Good size and capacity relative to weight 20-denier nylon is thin but relatively durable Compresses down to the size of a pants pocket Cons: Does not include any accessories for the price Not the most durable
Check Price at REICheck Price at Kammok
Best Anti-Bug Hammock: Grand Trunk Skeeter Beeter Pro
This single-person hammock is a great choice for hammock campers looking to fend off the buzzing nuisance of mosquitos and other bugs. This hammock ($85-90) comes with a burly integrated mosquito net, two suspension-rated carabiners, and a stuff sack.
The hammock itself is made of hardy 70-denier parachute-grade nylon. The texture of the nylon feels thick and soft and offers a pleasant combination of abrasion resistance and comfort. When unfolded, the sleeping area measures 10.5 x 5 feet and creates a roomy sleeping area, especially compared to some low-profile and lightweight options on this list. This hammock from Grand Trunk isn’t the lightest option in the world at 35 ounces, but it’s rated to support an impressive capacity of 400 pounds.
To keep the bugs out, a no-see-em nylon mosquito netting is permanently attached to the hammock and opens up with a double-sided zipper that allows you to get in and out of the hammock easily.
In areas with dense mosquito populations, it’s important to prepare with good anti-bug gear that will keep those little bloodsuckers from ruining your trip. The Grand Trunk Skeeter Beeter Pro is the perfect hammock to sleep comfortably and keep the ‘skeeters out.
Weight: 35 oz. Capacity: 400 lbs. Included accessories: 2 suspension-rated carabiners, integrated mosquito net, stuff sack Size: 10’6” x 5’ Pros: Good-quality integrated mosquito net keeps bugs out Durable materials and a generous weight capacity Good value Easy to set up Cons: Doesn’t come with suspension straps Mosquito net rips easily if snagged
Check Price at Amazon
Best Budget Hammock: Grand Trunk Starter Hammock
This option from Grand Trunk is made to be a “starter hammock” — meaning that it offers an affordable entry point into the world of hammock camping.
For the notably low price of $30, this hammock comes with a pair of carabiners and a stuff sack. A suspension system will need to be purchased separately.
Made from King Rhombic ripstop fabric, this hammock is both durable and comfortable, and generally performs like a hammock that costs twice as much. At 9.5 feet long and 4.5 feet wide, this hammock offers a spacious area for a single sleeper and lacks excess fabric and unnecessary bulk.
As its name suggests, this hammock is quite lightweight at 12 ounces (including carabiners). Many other lightweight hammocks weigh half as much, but those also tend to cost significantly more than the Grand Trunk Ultralight Starter.
Overall, this hammock provides outstanding value. While an experienced hammock user may want something with slightly more technical materials, for everyone else, this hammock checks all the boxes. Anyone can try out hammock camping with little investment thanks to this low-cost option.
Weight: 12 oz. Capacity: 300 lbs. Included accessories: 2 marine-grade carabiners, stuff sack Size: 9’6” x 4’6” Pros: Affordable Durable relative to its price Good entry point into hammock camping Lightweight Packs down nice and small Cons: Not the best fabric for weather protection
Check Price at AmazonCheck Price at Cabela’s
Best Double (2-Person) Hammock: ENO DoubleNest
ENO has been a mainstay in the hammock camping scene for a very long time. As one of the brand’s flagship models, the DoubleNest ($70) is a tried-and-true double hammock that offers easy setup and plenty of roomy comfort.
The DoubleNest packs down really small — an appealing trait for a hammock that can comfortably support two people. Overall, it features a basic design that feels more like a “traditional” hammock than many other options on this list. The DoubleNest isn’t packed with ultra-technical materials or a cutting-edge innovative design. Though it isn’t fancy, we suspect its simplicity is the reason it’s one of the most popular hammocks on the market.
Made from soft parachute nylon, the DoubleNest feels cool and cozy with a texture that makes you want to stay in the hammock all day long. Because it’s quite a bit wider than many other two-person hammocks, the extra material can be easily wrapped around the users for a comforting, cocoon-like experience.
Although the DoubleNest is ideal for sharing with another person while lounging around in camp, we generally don’t recommend that two people share a hammock while sleeping. It just doesn’t work that well. Enjoy the DoubleNest with a friend or partner during the day, and then when it comes time to go to bed, crash in separate hammocks. Daytime lounging is where the ENO DoubleNest really shines, anyway.
This hammock doesn’t come with a suspension system. However, ENO makes its own suspension systems and many other thoughtfully designed accessories including bug nets, rainflies, underquilts, and full shelter systems.
The ENO DoubleNest has earned its popularity and continues to be a solid hammock option for lounging around and relaxing. It’s comfortable, versatile, nice-looking, and won’t break the bank. While it isn’t really designed for camping in the elements, it can be upgraded with extra accessories to thrive against wet, cold, and buggy conditions.
Weight: 18 oz. Capacity: 400 lbs. Included accessories: Stuff sack Size: 9.3’ x 6.17’
Pros:
Comfortable parachute material Good value Offers many comfortable uses/positions Plentiful color options
Cons:
Not the best for harsh conditions
Check Price at BackcountryCheck Price at REI
Best for Daytime Use: Wise Owl Outfitters SingleOwl Hammock
The SingleOwl ($30) is a simple hammock that prioritizes lounging comfort over technical features. For about the same price as lunch for two, Wise Owl has crafted an affordable hammock that proves its worth — especially in the daytime.
This hammock comes with two carabiners and two 8-foot lengths of suspension rope. We appreciate that this hammock comes with everything you need to use it right away. The whole thing, with suspension included, packs down into a compact stuff sack and is easy to toss into your pack before heading out to camp or hang out at the park.
Though this is a single hammock, meaning it’s designed for one person, its impressive weight capacity of 500 pounds means that two people can safely use it as a camp couch or love nest. A simple two-color design looks sleek and handsome, and parachute-quality nylon is extremely soft and cozy.
Overall, this is the ideal hammock to hang up anywhere for a leisurely daytime doze or sweet siesta.
Weight: 1 lb. 6.5 oz. Capacity: 500 lbs. Included accessories: Suspension straps, suspension carabiners, stuff sack Size: 9’ x 4’6”
Pros:
Comfortable materials Easy to set up Comes with suspension system Affordable
Cons:
Not ideal for wet or cold weather
Check Price at Amazon
Buyer’s Guide: How to Choose the Best Camping Hammock
Camping hammocks are versatile pieces of gear that can reliably replace a tent and provide the joy of daytime lounging.
There’s a certain bliss that comes with being suspended in a hammock, rocking gently as the breeze reminds you of your weightlessness. 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.
We recommend all the hammocks on this list. They’re all potentially good choices, but we want to help you choose the best one for your specific camping needs. 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.
Photo credit: Wise Owl OutfittersWeight
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.
On this list, the Warbonnet Ridgerunner is one of the heavier options. That said, the Ridgerunner’s weight includes spreader bars, a suspension system, and an integrated bug net.
On the lightweight side, the Kammok Roo Single UL only weighs 5.6 ounces ― about as much as an apple. Still, remember that the Roo doesn’t come with a suspension system or any other accessories aside from a stuff sack. For those looking to keep their entire kit featherlight, companies such as Kammok and ENO make lightweight accessories. ENO’s whoopie sling suspension system weighs only 4.1 ounces.
Remember that lightweight materials are often thinner and more fragile than other options. Still, for those looking to shave grams off of their total, it’s possible to put together a hammocking setup that’s significantly lighter than almost any one-person tent.
Photo credit: REIValue
Camping hammocks range in price a lot. Value isn’t all about price, but it’s worth noting that some hammocks on this list are priced as low as $30 (without suspension straps). Hammocks are fairly simple pieces of gear that, at their best, offer a ton of good value.
The Grand Trunk Ultralight Starter Hammock is a beginner-friendly entry point into hammock camping. For $30, this option comes with two marine-grade carabiners and a stuff sack. Combine this hammock with some affordable accessories, and you’ll be ready to go camping without putting too much strain on your budget. Like many cheaper hammocks, this option isn’t the most weather-resistant or durable. But because of its approachable price tag, it’s still a solid value.
Meanwhile, the Warbonnet Ridgerunner is quite a bit more expensive at $105. This hammock comes with spreader bars and an integrated bug net. You’ll need to purchase a suspension system separately, and chances are your total kit will end up being on the more expensive side. However, this hammock is our choice for the best overall hammock, is the most comfortable, and works better for stomach sleepers than any other hammock on the market. For these reasons, this hammock can still be of great value. Plus, it’s built to last.
Photo credit: AmazonEase of Setup
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, like the ENO DoubleNest, 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 is meant to lay somewhat diagonally inside the hammock to create a flatter sleeping surface. Compared to the ENO, the Kammok Mantis All-In-One Hammock Tent includes a few additional steps in the setup process.
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. The Grand Trunk Skeeter Beeter Pro has an integrated bug net.
Whoopie slings are increasingly popular suspension system options that tend to be lighter and easier to adjust than many other suspension systems.
Other accessories that may need to be set up include a rainfly, an insulative underquilt, and a sleeping pad. For the sake of easy setup, we find it’s helpful to purchase accessories designed to be compatible with your actual hammock when possible.
Photo credit: REIAccessories
These days, there are a whole lot of interesting and potentially useful accessories available on the hammock market. Accessories can be essential in customizing your hammock to best suit your camping needs. Among some of the most useful and common accessories are rainflies, insulative underquilts, and bug nets.
Rainflies
Rainflies 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. This will ensure proper coverage. Many hammock owners like to use oversized rainflies that create an additional covered area outside the hammock that can be used for cooking during a rainstorm. Just remember: Extra material means extra weight.
Underquilts and Sleeping Pads
Insulative underquilts keep you from losing body heat through your exposed underside while laying 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 and are filled with either down or synthetic insulation.
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.
For hammock campers that prefer not to use an underquilt, a good sleeping pad can be a reasonable alternative. On this list, the Warbonnet Ridgerunner can be purchased with an integrated sleeping pad sleeve that keeps your pad in place while you sleep.
Bug Nets
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.
Some hammocks, like the Grand Trunk Skeeter Beeter Pro, come with an integrated bug net that can easily be deployed when needed. For hammocks without integrated nets, separate ones are sold that fully enclose the hammock and usually open and close with a zipper.
Photo credit: AmazonDurability
Many outdoor gear users assume that the less a piece of gear weighs, the less durable it will be. While there’s some truth to that, it’s certainly not a perfect rule. Many hammocks on this list, such as the Kammok Roo Single UL, are both lightweight and impressively durable for their materials.
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 material, 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.
Weather Protection
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. This usually means a good-quality rainfly, but the positioning of your hammock is also important. Avoid super windy areas.
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.
Versatility
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.
Photo credit: REI
FAQ What Is the Best Camping Hammock?
We recommend all of the hammocks on this list. Our selection for the best overall camping hammock is the Warbonnet Ridgerunner, but the other hammocks we have selected are all great for their own reasons. Ultimately, the best camping hammock is the one that best suits your needs.
Is Hammock Camping Safe?
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, rainflies, and bug nets help to ensure that you’ll be prepared for sleeping outside in a hammock.
Is a Hammock Better Than a Tent?
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 rocked to sleep.
Is a Hammock Warmer Than a Tent?
A hammock that’s geared out with proper insulation and shelter can be comfortable and warm — even in subzero temperatures. For the most severe winter conditions, four-season tents are still the gold standard.
Is a Double Hammock Too Big for One Person?
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.
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