Best Hammock Camping Guide and Hammocks for Camping

I just got out of my hammock. I saw an interesting report: According to market research and competitive intelligence provider Fact.MR, North America accounts for 26.5% of the global hammock market. This may be the reason why many people have their own hammocks.

Do you want to lie down comfortably outside and watch the sunset or the view? Whether you’re a first-time camper or an experienced outdoor enthusiast, a hammock can be a great helper for relaxing.

In this guide, we’ll discover for you some of the best hammocks on the market and list all the information you need to make an informed decision when buying a hammock, including important factors to consider such as material, size, weight capacity, and comfort.

We also provide step-by-step instructions on how to properly install your hammock to ensure its safety and enjoyment. With our guide, you’ll be able to find the perfect hammock for your needs and enjoy the ultimate relaxation experience. So let’s get started and have some hammock fun!

Are hammocks better than tents？

Some people may ask, tents have sleeping mats or luxury camping tents have beds, why do I still need a hammock, is the hammock going to be better than the tents?

Related posts：The Ultimate Guide To Learning About Camping Yurt Tent in 2023

Pros:

Cons:

Pro Tips：Before committing to hammock camping, try out the hammock and make sure you’re comfortable with it.

Not sure how you should choose a hammock? Next I will recommend some hammocks worth buying for you. let’s get started!

10 Best Hammock for Camping

Hammockuniverse 210T Ripstop Nylon Mosquito Net Hammock 

The hammock is worth the price, it’s a fool proof system and very easy to set up. I recommend carrying some webbing to attach the hammock to the grommets instead of rope (because webbing is gentler on trees and rope can really cut into the bark and hurt the tree). Carry some extra webbing to accommodate trees of different diameters and to adjust the distance between trees. This mosquito net will keep you safe from mosquito bites every night outdoors.

ENO DoubleNest Hammock

To be honest although it is a double hammock, I’m not actually interested in a double hammock because the fabric of the hammock is pliable and means that the hammock will hold two people lying shoulder to shoulder tightly together.

But you just want the sweet feeling of snuggling up to each other, so well, it can definitely do that.

Lightweight, comfortable and easy to set up. Are also some of its other advantages. It’s also perfect for the newbie to experience his first hammock sleep!

Kammok All-in-One Hammock Tent

I would say it comes in a small package that is easy to set up, the tent is easy to pitch, no need to pick smooth ground and no poles to trip you up, you just need to find the right trees and tie the webbing.

It’s great to feel the air flow as you lie down, and the integrated wing pockets are a great place to stash some odds and ends. When packing the tent, be careful with the bug net to avoid scratching it with the zippers. It’s a little too big and heavy for backpackers who want to pack light for long trips.

Night Cat All-in-One Hammock Tent

It’s lightweight and compact, and the whole thing packs up smaller than a shoebox. Tested and proven to keep the rain out. The umbrella attaches to the mosquito net pole with a buckle to keep the water out, but no separate cord is needed to keep the umbrella in place, which is a good design.

The downside to the light weight and water resistance is that if you want to put the pole in, you have to hold it in place. If you don’t, it will fall over. The rod is heavier than the hammock….Oh yeah, and one of the things I really like about it is that it has little pockets for things like cell phones.

Overall, it’s really impressive. It has everything it should have and the price is affordable.

Snugpak Hammock Cocoon

Want to try a new style of hammock? This hammock looks like a cocoon and the unique shape allows you to save some hassle by not having to carry an extra top quilt! Because of the tapered design, it’s not very roomy and you won’t be able to sleep in your shoes. Weighing in at 69 ounces, it’s also not ideal for lightweight backpacking trips.

It’s suitable for temperatures of 50°F and above, as long as you wear the right clothing to keep you warm. It is a solid three-season option.

For car camping and shorter hikes (under 3 miles), I think the Hammock Cocoon is a perfect choice, as long as you pay attention to the temperature and dress accordingly.

DD Frontline Hammock

Want a hammock you can use in all seasons? No need to even buy and carry extra equipment like blankets or tree attachments. The DD Hammock is one option. Made of breathable polyester, the hammock allows air to circulate to wick away moisture. There are 4 pockets inside, providing plenty of room for all the important stuff like smartphones, mobile power, headlamps, water bottles, etc. The 2 poles provide a great sense of space. Even when sitting up straight, there is no mosquito net in your face.

All in all, you get a well thought out, high quality hammock for all seasons.

Sunyear Hammock

For the price, this is a very good hammock kit. Take it camping and it works great. The material is a little thin, so be sure to put a blanket underneath. This hammock can sleep 2 people, but the comfort level is a 4 out of 10. When only 1 person is in it, the edges will usually curl up around you until there is only a gap a few inches wide above your head. This blocks almost 100% of any passing breeze, so you’ve basically wrapped yourself in a sleeping bag, which is not good enough in the summer.

Wise Owl Outfitters Kids Hammock

This hammock also makes a great birthday gift for children and can be used at the lake, camping and in the backyard. Very easy to hang up and the packable bag doesn’t take up any space. The build quality is very good, the material is very soft and after months of use it still looks and feels like new. It is very satisfying to have a child who loves it and is very happy with it.

Wise Owl Outfitters Camping Hammock

It comes in single and double hammock options, with the single hammock costing less than $40. For light backpacking, the single hammock seems like a more logical choice. It is also one of the most comfortable hammocks available.

The only downside is that it doesn’t have a mosquito net, because for about the same price you can get a hammock with a mosquito net. Finally, if you are using this as your primary sleeping option in cold weather, I highly recommend bringing a comforter. Cold butt syndrome from sleeping in a hammock is a real condition experienced by many campers, and sleeping bags alone usually won’t remedy the situation.

The last point I want to make is that at this price, you won’t find a better best budget hammock.

MalloMe Camping Hammock

It’s perfect for the garden and camping. They are very easy to use and pack nice and small! The company claims to say that the queen size hammock can hold up to 1,000 pounds, so if you weigh 300 pounds and have a dog with you, maybe the queen size of this hammock is something you should consider.

Here is also a chart of the hammock parameters for your comparison.

How to buy the right hammock camping for me

Environment

The first thing to think about is the type of camping you’ll be doing and the environment you’ll be in. If you’re heading to a wet and cold area to camp, it’s worth choosing a quick-drying nylon camping hammock with built-in mosquito netting to keep bugs and moisture out.

If it is raining, you can also cover the hammock with a tarp or rain fly. A tarp or rainfly large enough to completely cover your hammock and extend 12 inches beyond each end is required for the best protection. Diamond-shaped rain flies are best for keeping you dry when it’s raining.

A larger rectangular, catenary-cut, or four-season tarp with storm doors may be preferred if you want to go hammock camping in colder, snowier weather.

So, taking into consideration the camping environment that you’re going to be in, you’ll want a hammock that is durable and can withstand the weather elements.

Size and weight capacity

Next, you’ll want to consider the size and weight-bearing capacity of the hammock. You want to make sure it can comfortably support your weight and any equipment you may have.

Most single hammocks are between 4 and 5 feet wide. Single hammocks are more weight efficient than double hammocks (backpackers rejoice :D), with a weight limit of between 300 and 400 pounds for single hammocks and closer to 250 pounds for ultralight hammocks. The best hammock for most people is one that is at least 2 feet longer than their height, according to the rule of thumb for length.

Material

Finally, think about the type of material you prefer for the hammock – nylon, polyester, or cotton are all popular options.

Hammock Setup

You must choose a location where you can hang your hammock between two sturdy, healthy trees. Fruit, ice, snow, and dead or weighted branches that could fall and injure you shouldn’t be present on these trees.

You should look for a location with a wind barrier while hammock camping in cold weather, such as a large boulder or a lot of trees.

Try to stay away from camping in regions that are lower than the surrounding terrain since at night, cold air will sink and collect there.

Aim for a 30-degree strap angle: a hammock hanging at this angle will have just the right amount of give for you to snuggle in comfortably without too much sag to cause your back to arch. If you can’t get to 30 degrees, go steeper, as a little sag will feel more comfortable than an angle that feels like a board.

Reduce the amount your back flexes when you sleep by angling your body 10-15 degrees away from the centerline.

The height of the anchor is generally determined by dividing the length by 2.

How to sleep comfortably in a hammock camping

If there is no insulation underneath you, you will feel extremely cold as the cold air wraps around your bottom as you sleep. So, think about packing this highly suggested hammock camping gear.

Pillow: A pillow makes it more comfortable to sleep by giving your head additional insulation.

Sleeping pad: A sleeping pad allows your body to relax comfortably in the hammock by adding an additional layer of insulation and padding.

Underquilt: an underquilt are one of the greatest hammock sleeping accessories for protecting your back and avoiding cold-bottom syndrome.

Rain tarp：Rain tarp is one of the indispensable necessities of hammocks, especially in the rain or hot sun and other complex weather. It can help you to block the rain and the ultraviolet rays of the sun. It is usually installed on the ridge line and you tie it between the trees above the hammock. It is best to purchase a hammock that includes a rainfly, and if you are purchasing a separate hammock, be sure that the option you choose gives you enough attachment points so that you can secure the tarp where you want it.

Bug netting：You can purchase hammocks that include bug nets, which are a must if you are going to a campground with bugs or mosquitoes.Like a tarp, insect netting can be attached to the ridge and draped down the side of the hammock. Make sure there are no gaps at either end when you install it, and you can be sure your body is protected from bites.

Consider hanging a foil emergency blanket over your hammock and under your tarp to reflect body heat back to you for additional warmth. Now you are recycling!

Pro Tips：Do not wear too many layers of clothing into the hammock will prevent you from overheating, sweating and freezing on your hammock. To get into your hammock, remove your outer layer.

Hammock Camping Tips

Hammock camping is a unique way of camping, do you want to get used to it faster and become a pro?

Here are some hammock camping tips for beginners to help you have more fun with hammocks.

1.The best way to lie comfortably in a hammock

Many beginners may not know how to properly lie in a hammock. You should stand in front of the hammock with your back to the hammock. Hands to support the hammock so that the body can enter the hammock, and finally lie down on your side.

This is one of the ways you can sleep. To protect your spine and sleep more flat, you want to drill into the hammock and tilt it outward from the center about 30 to 45 degrees so you can sleep on an angle. Your back will be better supported and you will be able to sleep more soundly.

2.Follow the one-person-per-hammock rule

Getting a hammock for two sounds romantic, but when you’re huddled together with your elbows in your partner’s face and your knees on their back, you might get woken up in the middle of the night, and that’s certainly not the experience you want. You can sleep comfortably and peacefully all night long in a single person hammock.

3.Pitch it at the right height and width

You need to choose two sturdy trees that can support your weight without bending, usually about 12 feet apart. The height of the hammock also needs to have the right settings, You won’t be able to get into your hammock if it’s too high, and if it’s too low, you’ll sag to the ground once you’re in. For most adults, the hanging straps should be tied five to six feet off the ground. Remember the formula above? Hammock length / 2 = Hammock height

4.Double-check your anti-bug protection

Many parts of the United States are known for their pesky insects, such as mosquitoes and ticks. You can treat your hammock with permethrin, a repellent that works well against ticks, in addition to using a bug net to keep insects out.

5.Choose the right trees

The tree you choose to tie the hammock to should be at least 6 inches in diameter. Avoid trees with lichen or moss and choose trees with thick, sturdy bark. Never place a hammock on a tree that is dead or has dead branches that could fall at night.

6.Use a drip line

Even with a rain fly, on very rainy days, water can creep down the suspension lines and saturate your hammock. You can use a drip line to prevent this. Simply wrap a string around the hammock’s hanging straps at both ends. Water will run down the drip line instead of into your hammock.

7.Keep warm

Use a cold sleeping bag and sleeping pad inside the hammock to keep warm, and if you still feel cold, try using an underquilt. A comforter wrapped around the bottom of the hammock will block cold air and provide additional insulation.

8.Be aware of your surroundings

When camping in the wilderness with a hammock, be aware of your surroundings. Keep an eye out for wildlife, such as bears, and make sure any food or scented items are properly stored away from your sleeping area.

Does hammock camping suit you?

By the time you read this, I’m sure you’ll have your own answer. I’ll help you sort out some of the points you might be interested in.

Confirm the number of campers and sites

Hammock camping works best when you are camping alone, with a partner, or with a group of friends who all have hammocks. Make sure there are enough trees for everyone to comfortably set up their hammocks if you are renting a group campground for hammock camping. Sharing a large tent might be the easiest choice in places with few trees or sparsely wooded areas.

Age of campers

Children love to play in hammocks, but that does not mean they will enjoy sleeping in one. Young children may be more comfortable sleeping in a tent on the ground when you go camping with them. Also, getting in and out of a hammock to sleep may be a challenge for older campers or people with mobility issues.

Hammock Hanging Sites

If you’re in the SW, the place you’re camping won’t always have two trees, and it’s hard to find a place with two trees at the right distance for hanging. You may want to bring a tent as a backup option.

Environmental Conditions

Hammocks should be your first choice if you’re trekking through a deep forest, jungle, or swamp, in the summer, or in a tropical environment. You could use a very basic hammock setup that only includes a tarp and insect net. A suspended sleeping system would also be useful to keep ants, snakes, and other pesky intruders out of your tent. But I will use a tent on some trips, especially above the tree line or in the desert.

Conclusion

A hammock can be a great way to enjoy the outdoors and relax in style. Whether you’re camping, hiking, or just spending a lazy day in the backyard, a good hammock can make all the difference.

We hope this guide has been helpful in navigating the many options available, and that you are now ready to choose the perfect hammock for your needs and get ready for your next hammock camping trip.