Camping can be great by why not make it even more special with the top selling, best camping hammocks?
Camping can be great fun, and everybody should experience sleeping under the stars at least once in their life.
The problem is that tents take up all kinds of space, restricting your selection of where to pitch up for the night, as well as the potential for uncomfortable, uneven ground.
This is where the new craze for camping hammocks comes in.
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Instead of spending your alfresco evening in a small mini-home that can restrict ventilation and vaguely resemble a nylon microwave oven when the sun beats down in the morning, you could instead truly embrace nature and doze in a sturdy hammock that leaves very little between you and all that the great outdoors has to offer.
Can you think of a better way of embracing nature?
As long as you are not adverse to a few ‘small beasts’ descending upon you, and are a relatively deep sleeper, a hammock will provide you with enough comfort and joy – rock yourself to sleep!
If the idea of sleeping in suspension appeals to you, then read on; this guide will inform you of all that you need to know when it comes to sleeping under the stars in a camping hammock, and will even suggest five of the finest purchases that you can make to begin your outdoor adventure. Our
Top 5 Camping Hammock Choices
Winner Outfitters Double Camping Hammock
A lightweight hammock that will comfortably house two people at a weight of up to 500lbs, the Winner Outfitters Double Camping Hammock is a fantastic all-rounder at a wholly reasonable price.
Constructed from ultralight nylon and available in four colors – red, blue, gray and green – this hammock comes bundled with two tree straps, two carabiners and a carry bag, and can be set up in less than two minutes.
Weighting just 1.5lbs when packed away and priced below $30, there’s a lot to love about the Winner Outfitters Double Camping Hammock – beginners to this unique form of outdoor furniture can probably stop reading here.
PROS – So light you’ll barely even notice you’re carrying it, perfectly capable of sustaining two adults, sturdy straps and one of the cheaper models in the range – it’s not just empty marketing, this model really is a Winner.
CONS – Buy cheap, get cheaper – there will always be flaws to a model that is so light and reasonably priced, and you probably shouldn’t invest in the Winner Outfitters Double Camping Hammock if you are looking for something that will last a lifetime.
Legit Camping Double Hammock Parachute
The ultimate hammock for pack and run camping, the Legit Camping Double Hammock Parachute is another lightweight and cost-effective option for anybody that plans to carry their sleep equipment on their back.
This hammock can support a weight of up to 400lbs, weighs a little under 2lbs and is available in more colors than the average rainbow, in addition to coming with a lifetime guarantee in the event of damage or the product failing to live up to expectations.
PROS – For such a comparatively cheap hammock, this really does tick a great many boxes. Strong and supple, light to carry, comfortable, visually appealing due to the multitude of colors available and packaged with everything that you’ll need to get started, you could do immeasurably worse than the Legit Camping Double Hammock Parachute if you’re a casual or sporadic camper.
CONS – The suspension ropes could be a little stronger, meaning that if you’re on the heavier side you may find the hammock slumping closer to the ground than you’d like. The bag provided also isn’t as sturdy as some may find suitable.
ENO Eagles Nest Outfitters DoubleNest Hammock
ENO is widely regarded as the gold standard when it comes to camping hammocks, and the DoubleNest is the jewel in the crown of this company’s offering.
Constructed of sturdy nylon that weighs just over 1lb and conveniently folds into a bundled backpack, available in dozens of different colors, this hammock can hold 400lbs of weight, is hugely comfortable, can be set up in a matter of moments and virtually guarantees a fantastic night’s sleep, wherever you may be spending the night.
Unfortunately, however, it is not packaged with tree straps – though ENO do sell these separately.
PROS – Chances are once you’ve spent the night in a DoubleNest Hammock you’ll never be able to bring yourself to go back to a cheaper alternative – these wondrously comfortable and solid models truly are worthy of the extra few bucks that you’ll have to spend on them.
CONS – An investment in a quality hammock is one thing, but it’s a little frustrating to then find that you’ll have to spend further money on the appropriate tree straps.
ENO carry such a fine reputation that some will consider this worth it – and there’s no doubting the quality of the hammock itself – but if you’re new to the art of camping hammocks you can find an all-inclusive bundle for cheaper.
isYoung Hammock with Mosquito Net
If you’re looking for a hammock that offers some of the protective bells and whistles of an expedition hammock without breaking the bank, this isYoung model could be an ideal compromise, especially if you capture one on sale.
The hammock itself is made of parachute nylon material, foldable into a carry case that weighs just over 2lbs and is able to support up to 450lbs, and this model can also act as a sleeping bag or even a tent.
Naturally the real selling point is the mosquito net, however, and that doesn’t disappoint; while it cannot be removed, the tunnel netting will prevent you from becoming a snack while you doze.
PROS – The inclusion of a mosquito net is a rarity for hammocks in this price range so it should certainly not be overlooked as a selling point. The isYoung is also comfortable, easy to pack away in a lightweight storage bag, versatile and looks subtle and sleek in its pure black design.
CONS – This hammock fits slightly differently to most others, and does not fit with tree straps – you’ll have to tie it using rope, which may not be as secure as some users might like.
Hennessy Hammock Explorer Deluxe Series
We warned you earlier in the buyer’s guide that expedition hammocks tend to be a little on the weightier side, but this Hennessy model is the exception to that particular rule – this all-in-one model weighs in at a little over 3lbs.
Created from extremely firm nylon, this hammock will support weights up to 300lbs and a height of up to 7’, all without sacrificing the benefits of the included rainfly and mosquito net which will protect you from anything the great outdoors has to offer.
Fully living up the Deluxe tag (and, admittedly, bearing a price tag to match), the Hennessey Explorer will offer great levels of support and guarantee a great night’s sleep.
PROS – If you’re not ready to fully commit to the transition from traditional tent camping to sleeping in a hammock, this is the way to go – you’ll be fully protected from any rainfall or natural nocturnal visitors while encased in the Hennessy Explorer Deluxe.
CONS – This is a very costly model – there is a cheaper, standard alternative available, but that only supports a height of 6’ and weight of 250lbs so it’s only for sole use of average build and below. You will also only receive the hammock itself for this price, so you could be looking at further expenditure for better comfort.
Buyers Guide to Camping Hammocks
It may seem like a baffling suggestion to switch the security of a tent for a hammock, but it’s becoming an increasingly popular idea among regular campers.
Not only is a hammock significantly lighter to carry than a tent thanks to the absence of poles and pegs in favor of small, hanging straps, but you’re also likely to find yourself considerably more comfortable than you could ever dream of being while lying on the ground.
What’s more, you’ll also be able to take deep lungfuls of fresh air with considerably fewer restrictions that you’d find from the confines of a tent.
If you find the sound of cicadas or crickets chirping away to lull you to sleep, then get set with a hammock.
When looking to make the jump from tent to hammock camping, there are a number of different factors that you should consider.
The first of these is the style, which typically comes in three types.
Style Of Hammock
- Parachute Hammocks are ideal for longer-term camping trips, thanks to the fact that they are arguably the hardest wearing model around. Typically available in either single or double sizes, a parachute hammock also has a little more slack and give, making them ideal for anybody likely to toss and turn in their sleep.
- Ultralight Hammocks are, as you may imagine, the daintier equivalents of parachute hammocks. Typically so small and light that they can be rolled up, these are perfect for backpackers looking to move and on and sleep in a variety of different locations. Just bear in mind that the thinner material may result in the sacrifice of a level of comfort.
- Expedition Hammocks, meanwhile, these are the closest you are likely to come to a tent in the form of a hammock. Heavy wearing and often packaged with extras such as mosquito nets and rainflies, an expedition hammock will offer a hitherto-untapped level of protection from weather and wildlife, but again at the cost of plenty of extra weight to carry with you.
Hammock Material
Next up, consider the material that your ideal hammock would be constructed from.
Anybody using a hammock for camping shouldn’t really look beyond nylon as, much like when used to create tents, this material is tough and light, as well as being water-resistant and quick to dry if you do get caught in a downpour.
An alternative comes in the form of cotton hammocks, which tend to be more aesthetically pleasing and may be a little more comfortable – they’re certainly more akin to the home comforts of a bed that you may be used to.
However, bear in mind that if cotton finds itself wet it’s going to stay that way, as well as being tougher to ball up and carry around with you.
Suspension System
Before investing in a hammock, also check the suspension system.
As previously intimated, most hammocks rely upon trees for hanging so ensure that the straps provided are suitable for use with such natural resources (and indeed that they are provided with the hammock when you buy it!) and that the hammock will be appropriate for your build.
Camping hammocks come in all kinds of shapes and sizes so you should be able to find a model that accommodates your height and weight, and you’ll even be able to invest in a single- or double-berth model.
Extra Accessories
You can also pick up extras for parachute or ultralight models such as the aforementioned mosquito nets and rainflies should they be necessary, giving you a flexibility of shelter not offered by a tent.
You may be keen on having no blockage between you and the night sky and being gently awoken by the rays of the sun tickling your face, or you may prefer to be cocooned a little more for your own safety.
Alternatively, a hammock may appeal to you, but others may feel they have to have extra cover, like a sleeping bag or travelling duvet – somewhat defeats the object!
Needs & Ideal Uses
Finally, investigate the needs and ideal uses of your choice of hammock.
Unlike a tent, this isn’t just a place to lay your head and hide out if the weather is appalling.
A camping hammock is a multi-purpose tool that will act as your bed and floating armchair, ensuring that you can relax and chat or read a book whilst reclining.
With all these factors in mind, take a look above for five recommendations of the finest and best camping hammocks that you can purchase quickly and efficiently online today.
