The Best Camping Hammocks of 2024

Looking to kick back in style on your next backpacking or camping trip? We’ve spent hundreds of nights hanging in the best camping hammocks to bring you the essential options for your next trip. Whether you’re slinging up a comfortable seat on a day trip or needing a luxe thru-hiking shelter, we’ve spent time in them all.

In recent years, lighter and more packable styles have supplanted the heavy, old-school rope hammocks that used to hang in almost every suburban backyard. Now you can choose from hardcore hammock shelters like the Warbonnet Ridgerunner, or just dip your toe in with a wallet-friendly Onewind Aerie.

We’ve tested and reviewed lots of options and have chosen the camping hammocks that we think are the best choices in 2024. We 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 Price & Value section to get straight to the point. 

Editor’s Note: We updated our Camping Hammocks guide on November 11, 2024, to add a new Price & Value section and more in-depth feedback from additional testing.

The Best Camping Hammocks of 2024

• Best Overall Camping Hammock: Warbonnet Ridgerunner
• Best Budget Camping Hammock: Onewind Aerie 11’ Double Camping Hammock
• Best Hammock for Everyday Use: Eagles Nest Outfitters DoubleNest
• Best Backpacking Hammock: Hennessy Expedition Zip
• Most User-Friendly Modular Hammock: Warbonnet Blackbird XLC
• Best Four-Season Hammock: Hennessy 4Season Expedition Zip
• Most Versatile Hammock: Dutchware Chameleon

Best Overall Camping Hammock

Warbonnet Ridgerunner Hammock

Check Price at Warbonnet Outdoors

Specs

• Total Weight: 2 lbs., 4.6 oz.
• Max Capacity: 200 lb. comfort cap for single-layered, 250 lbs. for double
• Dimensions: 10.1' long, 3' wide
• Materials: Single or double-layered 30 or 40D Dream-Tex fabric
• Best For: Hammock camping, extended canoe trips, or anyone who values comfort over all else

Pros

• Incredible spacious storage
• Best-in-class comfort
• Moderate weight
• Flexible customization options

Cons

• May not be comfortable for heavier/broad shouldered individuals
• Fewer underquilt options
• Netting can be tricky to set up without a ridgeline

Austin Beck-Doss

Read Review: Warbonnet Ridgerunner Hammock Review: A Bridge to the Best On-Trail Sleep I’ve Ever Had

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 four 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 your tarp, or it can turn 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 Ridgerunner should be a top pick for car campers, short-trail backpackers, and backyard hammockers alike. For long trail lovers, a traditional gathered-end option like the Hennessy Expedition Zip is likely a better option, but if you’ve got the pack space, this is the sling to be in.

Best Budget Hammock

Onewind Aerie 11’ Double Camping Hammock

$75 at AmazonCheck Price at One Wind Outdoors

Specs

• Total Weight: 2 lbs., 9.6 oz.
• Max Capacity: 500 lbs.
• Dimensions: 11 ft long, 68 in. wide
• Materials: 70-denier nylon Hexagon Ripstop
• Best For: Budget beginners looking for room, and modularity, to expand

Pros

• Budget price
• Relatively light and plenty durable
• One-stop-shopping modularity
• Includes suspension, ridgeline, bug net, and organization

Cons

• Bottom-entry bug net can make entry and exit difficult
• Difficult to loosen if overtightened
• Heavy suspension

Austin Beck-Doss

Onewind has established itself as a dark horse for budget hammock camping equipment. Its 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 pounds — 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 overtightened. 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 11′ Aerie is a great starter platform for those who want to get into hammock camping without breaking the bank. The Klymit Traverse might be cheaper by $5, but you miss out on the integrated bug netting, as well as space. 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.

Best Hammock for Everyday Use

Eagles Nest Outfitters DoubleNest

$75 at REIcheck price at backcountry

Specs

• Total Weight: 1 lb., 3 oz.
• Max Capacity: 400 lbs.
• Dimensions: 9.5' long, 76" wide
• Materials: FreeWave 70-denier nylon taffeta
• Best For: Casual hanging at the beach or park, or going anywhere, really

Pros

• Ease of setup
• Large ecosystem of ENO accessories
• Many color and print options
• Wide width makes sitting perpendicular in the hammock easy

Cons

• No included suspension system
• The extra fabric can be a bit much when used solo

Austin Beck-Doss

Read Review: Hang Out With Room for 2: ENO DoubleNest Hammock Review

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, and the DoubleNest is the pinnacle of the brand’s 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. Don’t expect enough space to co-sleep, but for an afternoon hang, its well enough.

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. Pro tip: hold your index finger and thumb at a right angle to one another and use the imagined line between the ends to nail that 30 degrees.

The company recently updated the hardware used in the DoubleNest, including a hammock-specific carabiner that incorporates a groove that 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.

There are plenty of other casual hangers on the market, such as the Grand Trunk TrunkTech and Klymit Traverse, but what elevates the DoubleNest is the accessory support, and ENO has all angles covered. This hammock is our constant daypack companion.

Best Backpacking Hammock

Hennessy Expedition Zip

$170 at REICheck Price at Hennessy Hammock

Specs

• Total Weight: 2 lbs., 15.1 oz.
• Max Capacity: 250 lbs.
• Dimensions: 10' long, 59" wide
• Materials: 70D nylon
• Best For: Campers and backpackers who want versatility and modularity

Pros

• Reliably flat and comfortable lay
• Tons of modular accessories
• Streamlined design
• Built-in side shelves wrangle overnight gear inside your hammock

Cons

• Suspension setup is more involved
• The included tarp is small, with low clearance
• Additional shelter accessories come with involved setup

Austin Beck-Doss

The Hennesy Expedition Zip ($170) is a legend in the hammock backpacking space and earns that reputation. The cut of the hammock is asymmetrical, which facilitates the diagonal laying position favored for a flat lay. The design also sports 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.

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.

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. It also is 12 ounces heavier than even the bridge-style Warbonnet Ridgerunner, making this hammock heavier on your back.

Still, the Expedition Zip is a warm-weather powerhouse. Those looking for a more turn-key setup would be better suited by the Onewind Aerie or even the Kammok Mantis, which is a bit more approachable to get put together. With modular components galore for bushcraft-oriented shelters and quilts, however, this Hennessy is adaptable to any backpacking trip if you’re willing to learn the quirks.

Most User-Friendly Modular Hammock

Warbonnet Blackbird XLC

Check Price at Warbonnet Outdoors

Specs

• Total Weight: From 1 lb., 5.75 oz. (single-layer version without straps)
• Max Capacity: 350 lbs. configured as single-layer, 400 lbs. as heavyweight double
• Dimensions: 11 ft. long, 62 in. wide. 112 in. ridgeline
• Materials: 40-denier Dream-Tex ripstop nylon
• Best For: Tent campers who want a lot of options

Pros

• Easy to build to your specs
• Can be set up on the ground
• Comes standard with zip-in mosquito netting
• Internal storage shelves for essentials
• High-quality Dream-Tex ripstop is soft-faced and durable

Cons

• Maybe too many options for most people
• Ordering from a smaller hammock company can mean out-of-stock options

Austin Beck-Doss

The Warbonnet Blackbird XLC ($200) is 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 Blackbird XLC is ready to take flight. The Dutchware Chameleon does take the overall versatility crown in our review, but isn’t quite as fine-tuned off the shelf as the Warbonnet, making this the more user-friendly option.

Best Four-Season Hammock

Hennessy 4Season Expedition Zip

Check Price at Hennessy Hammock

Specs

• Total Weight: 5 lbs., 3 oz. (including straps)
• Max Capacity: 250 lbs.
• Dimensions: 10 ft. long, 59 in. wide
• Materials: One layer of 70-denier nylon, and one layer of 40-denier
• Best For: Those who like to camp in a hammock all year long

Pros

• Can easily adjust to battle a wide range of temperatures
• Asymmetric design allows for a comfortable sleeping position 
• Included foam pad doesn't bunch up like traditional sleeping pads
• Hex rainfly is broad and protective

Cons

• Heavy and bulky
• Can be a bit complicated to set up

Austin Beck-Doss

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. We 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 (more than any other dedicated backpacking hammock we tested), 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 more versatile than something like the Warbonnet Ridgerunner, which can be tough to insulate in truly cold temps. If your hammock camping goes year-round, this is the hammock to jump into.

Most Versatile Hammock

Dutchware Chameleon

Check Price at Dutchware

Specs

• Total Weight: 1 lb., 3 oz. in Hexon 1.6 fabric
• Max Capacity: 200 – 350 lbs. depending on fabric choice
• Dimensions: 11 ft. long, 57 in. width. 100 in. ridgeline length
• Materials: Available in Hexon 1.0, 1.2, 1.6, and Cloud 1.4 fabrics
• Best For: When conditions are unknown, and adaptability is king

Pros

• Available in many different fabric weights and prints
• Different bug nets and top covers increase adaptability
• Four different types of fabrics available, with custom printed design options
• Toothed zipper used on bug net connection is higher quality than coil zippers
• 11' standard length is roomy

Cons

• Will require a little work to fine-tune
• Zipper on the edge can catch on things

Austin Beck-Doss

When you aren’t sure what to expect on your next outing, the Dutchware Chameleon Hammock ($142) 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. We 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. While this hammock is just as user-tuneable as the Warbonnet Blackbird XLC, we did find that hammock to be a bit more friendly. The trade-off here is in pure versatility, however.

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.

Best of the Rest

Kammok Mantis

$270 at REI$270 at Kammok

Photo/Kammok

Specs

• Total Weight: 2 lbs., 14.5 oz.
• Max Capacity: 500 lbs.
• Dimensions: 10 ft. long x 56 in. wide. 115-inch ridgeline
• Materials: 40-denier diamond ripstop nylon hammock body
• Best For: All-around camping, long backpacking trips

Pros

• Lightweight all-in-one design
• Sturdy with well-thought-out details
• All-integrated system
• Wide Python tree straps distribute weight around tree well

Cons

• Fixed-length ridgeline doesn’t work for everyone
• Daisy chain straps aren’t the most packable for hammock camping
• Doesn't excel at any one thing perfectly

Austin Beck-Doss

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 taller 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. Consider this a jack of all trades but a master of none.

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 Mantis. Camping hammocks tend to lean further into the cottage industry, and so do our recommendations for top performers, but as an option from a larger brand, the Mantis makes it easy to enjoy from the get-go.

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

Grand Trunk TrunkTech

Check Price at Cabela'sCheck Price at Amazon

Specs

• Total Weight: 11.7 oz. (without straps)
• Max Capacity: 500 lbs.
• Dimensions: 11 ft. long, 58 in. wide
• Materials: TRUNKTECH 40-denier 1.1 oz. diamond ripstop nylon
• Best For: Those looking for a single hammock with an edge over the ENO DoubleNest or Kammock Roo

Pros

• Very lightweight and strong for the money
• Full 11 ft. long hammock
• Reflective end loops
• Soft-faced fabric

Cons

• Suspension system not included
• Lower-quality carabiners compared to similar hammocks
• Not as widely available

Austin Beck-Doss

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 ($60) 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. “What won me over? Its silky softness,” our expert says. “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 great option.

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

Eagles Nest Outfitters Sub6

$70 at ENO$70 at Amazon

Specs

• Total Weight: 5.8 oz.
• Max Capacity: 300 lbs.
• Dimensions: 9 ft. long, 48 in. wide
• Materials: 30-denier ripstop nylon
• Best For: Those wanting an ultralight hammock for day trips or while front-country camping

Pros

• Ultralight weight of 'sub-6' ounces
• Very compact packed size
• Can be used with daisy chain or ultralight whoopie sling style suspension systems
• 30-denier fabric is surprisingly durable

Cons

• Doesn’t come with a suspension system
• 48" width is a bit snug, but not too small

Austin Beck-Doss

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. If you want a backup hammock to toss in your car or bring along on weight-conscious backpacking trips, the Sub6 is tough to beat.

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. We were initially nervous to plop down into it, but now after a few solid years of use we’re confident in the durability the Sub6 brings to the table.

Other smart measures keep the weight down on this hammock, including moving away from carabiners in the suspension to a toggle system. This ideally pairs with the brand’s Helios Hammock Straps, but the system will still work with daisy chains as well. The 48″ width is also the most narrow in our testing (if you don’t count the bridge-style Warbonnet Ridgerunner), and while it’s not cramped, there is a sweet spot for laying.

We see the Sub6 as the perfect last-minute addition to your day hiking pack, as the sling is just a bit too small to truly enjoy for all-night camping in. Still, some true ultralight campers might find this to be an ideal option for keeping their base weights down. Need a little bit more room? The ENO SuperSub Ultralight hammock is what you would get if the Sub6 and DoubleNest had a baby.

Lawson Blue Ridge Camping

$200 at AmazonCheck Price at Cabela's

Specs

• Total Weight: 4 lbs., 15 oz. (including straps)
• Max Capacity: 275 lbs.
• Dimensions: 7.5 ft. long, 90 in. wide
• Materials: Ripstop nylon and poly mix
• Best For: Shorter backpacking excursions or trips where weight and size aren’t as much of a concern

Pros

• Comfortable sleeping area
• Lots of room and can be set up on the ground
• Integrated rainfly
• Quadruple stitched sewing limits stretch

Cons

• Fairly bulky and heavy
• Complicated design

Austin Beck-Doss

The stellar Lawson Blue Ridge Camping hammock ($229 hammock only) is chock full of features but a fair bit heftier and bulkier than the traditional gathered-end hammocks, making it not quite as convenient for taking on extended trips. Like the Warbonnet Ridgerunner, one of the best things about this hammock is it’s set up in a lay-flat configuration, and where that hammock excels in the backcountry, the Lawson is primed for casual camping.

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. Comparatively, the Ridgerunner is simple in design, and provides all of the same flat-lay comfort.

Still, the materials are overall solid and durable, and as an all-in-one system, you can certainly do worse. To add a fly to the Ridgerunner, you’d need to spend another ~$150, which puts the spend north of what you’ll put down for the Lawson. If a quick and easy bridge hammock is what you’re after, the Blue Ridge is a good option.

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

Eagles Nest Outfitters SkyLite

$170 at REI$160 at Amazon

Specs

• Total Weight: 2 lbs.
• Max Capacity: 250 lbs.
• Dimensions: 7 ft. long, 36 in. wide
• Materials: 40-denier NewWave nylon
• Best For: Campers who want a lay-flat hammock

Pros

• Lay-flat comfort in a small, portable package
• Lightweight at 2 pounds
• Can be used with daisy chain or whoopie sling suspensions

Cons

• Can’t remove the bug net
• Lower max capacity
• Can't upgrade the hammock as you can with cottage industry options

Austin Beck-Doss

Lighter than the Lawson Blue Ridge but less customizable than the Warbonnet Ridegrunner, the Eagle Nest Outfitters SkyLite ($170) is another bridge hammock option that leans more toward backpackability.

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. You’ll need to snag these yourself, however, as no suspension is included.

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. The whole setup is less than a Ridgerunner with a net added, but it’s that ability to tweak the Warbonnet to your preference that earns it higher marks than the ENO.

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

Klymit Traverse

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Specs

• Total Weight: 1 lb., 12.8 oz.
• Max Capacity: 400 lbs.
• Dimensions: 9.1 ft. long, 55 in. wide
• Materials: 75-denier polyester hammock body
• Best For: Those who need a solid, no-frills camp hammock

Pros

• Budget price
• Light and durable
• Includes suspension straps and carabiners
• Soft-faced fabric is smoother than parachute materials

Cons

• Minimal features
• 9 foot length won't fit everyone

Austin Beck-Doss

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, we remarked at how soft the fabric is — a far cry from the technical sheen of parachute materials that hammocks like the ENO DoubleNest 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. It is hard, however, not to suggest spending the extra $5 to get into the Onewind Aerie 11’, a larger hammock set with an integrated bug net. If you don’t plan on ever camping in your hammock, however, those extra features may not be needed.

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

Camping Hammock Comparison Chart

How We Tested the Best Camping Hammocks

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, compiling a list of hammocks to test.

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.

Field Testing

Our hammock field testing takes us far and wide, and we’ve used these setups on everything from quick weekend overnights to extended bikepacking trips. We’ve also strung up these hammocks as simple camp chairs during day hikes and used them for park hangouts for an afternoon. We paid close mind to the complexity of setup, and we always subject each hammock to an initial ‘no-instructions’ go of getting them up.

Besides this, we also looked closely at comfort while laying in them and cycled through testers of different sizes and builds to get feedback from a diverse user group. Used as camping shelters, there’s a lot to also consider, including ease of set up when trees aren’t perfect, the protection provided from any included tarps, and how effective any integrated storage is.

Bench Testing

We also broke out the scales for this roundup and weighed each setup in-house to ensure that manufacturers’ claims were accurate. In addition, we measured lengths and widths and compared hammock fabrics by looking at feel, durability, and water resistance. And when the rain didn’t provide itself when testing hammock shelters out, we rolled out the garden hose and made our own in order to test weather protection.

Why You Should Trust Us

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.

Buyer’s Guide: How to Choose a Camping Hammock

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. And, given the setup, can even rival some ultralight tents for weight and packed size.

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.

Hammock Types: Gathered-End vs. Bridge

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.

Gathered-End Hammocks

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 Hennessy Expedition Zip.

Bridge or Spreader Bar Hammocks

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 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. 

Fabrics

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

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.

Proprietary 

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

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.

Hammock Suspension Systems

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.

Daisy Chain Straps

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.

Whoopie Slings

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. 

Buckle Suspension

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).

Structural Ridgelines

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.

Shelter Systems

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

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

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.

Tarp Suspension

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.

Underquilts

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.

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.

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.

Durability

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.

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.  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.

Accessories

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.

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.

Price & Value

The price of a hammock is really twofold: The price of the hammock itself, and the cost of 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 four categories. 

Budget

On the low end of the price spectrum are entry-level lounging hammocks, like the ENO DoubleNest ($75) and Grand Trunk TRUNKTECH ($60). 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 are geared 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), Northers ($102), or OneTigris’ Kompound ($80) are excellent examples of these easy-entry points into hammock camping.

Mid-Tier

These are typically the Hennessy 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.

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, for our money, the most comfortable sleep in the woods this side of a cabin.

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