I’ve been camping my entire life, starting with backyard campsites and local overnight stays and growing to long-distance RV vacations and backpacking trips. One thing I always carry with me is a hammock (and yes, we even had one set up for nights camping in the backyard). I’ve never regretted the extra weight when relaxing at camp after a long day of hiking in the sun.
I bought my Eno SingleNest Camping Hammock almost 10 years ago before moving to Indonesia. I knew I would be doing a lot of hiking, camping, and beach lounging, so this hammock ended up with me almost everywhere attached to my backpack. I’ve used it for every outdoor adventure since then, and it’s in near perfect condition, with no rips, tears, or other issues.
I can’t even begin to count the number of afternoons I’ve spent relaxing in the shade with a book outside my house, swinging in the breeze in this hammock. There’s something extremely relaxing about a well-deserved nap in the sun after a long day of hiking, swimming or camping, and it’s even better when you can sleep in a supportive hammock. I first purchased the Eno SingleNest almost 10 years ago before moving to Indonesia, where I planned many hiking and camping explorations. It turned out to be a great addition to my kit and I took it everywhere from Mount Bromo in West Java to Lake Toba in Sumatra and even to Bali.
This compact hammock is a great item for group camping trips where tent space may be minimal, and also a fun place to relax by the ocean or in the mountains; All you need are two trees or poles to hang it on and you’re ready to go. I recommend getting extra straps to give you more flexibility in setup, which increases the number of items you need to pack, but the hammock stores in its own pocket and the straps also come with a carry bag, so I keep the two together at all times. The two bags are still compact enough to fit on the outside of my hiking backpack on every hiking and camping trip I took during my two years living in Asia (and I’ve continued that habit to this day).
The details: Nylon | 1 pound | 400 lb weight capacity | 9.5 feet long
More hammocks that I love for camping
Whether you’re a frequent camper or new to the outdoors, I recommend packing a hammock to make your time outdoors much more comfortable and relaxing. If the Eno above isn’t right for your adventure, I have several others I recommend below, all tested by our outdoor experts and vetted by me. From tandem models to lightweight options, these camping hammocks are worth taking on your next outing.
When it comes to backcountry camping, you really have to prepare more for the elements, which can include lower temperatures, animal encounters, and definitely bugs. I had malaria after spending a few years living in Asia, so I now take bug sprays even more seriously than before, and having a hammock that comes with a bug net is an awesome addition. The mosquito net also has tensioners so you can remove the mosquito net from your face and body to give you a larger feeling. This is the updated model of the Blackbird XLC, with improved footrest and storage shelf.
This Warbonnet is also incredibly easy to use and features an asymmetrical design that allows you to place it diagonally for a flatter position. The hammock material is soft, comfortable and breathable, but you can trust that it is strong and durable. When folded into its bag, it takes up minimal space, so you can store it in your hiking backpack or attach it to the outside for easy transport.
The details: Nylon | 1.36 pounds | 350 lb weight capacity | 11 feet long
I recognize that not everyone is like me and is willing to give up more than a pound of backpack space for a comforting item like a hammock. However, this camping hammock weighs less It weighs over a pound and measures a whopping 11 feet long. The lightweight material also has a silkier feel for comfort and breathability in the heat; Plus, it’s wind-resistant to keep you protected in adverse weather conditions. Backpackers will also appreciate that it rolls up to about the size of a water bottle and that its carrying case opens at both ends, so you don’t have to shove it back into your bag when you’re trying to quickly break down camp.
The details: Argon 90 | 0.8 pounds for Cloud 1.4 | 250 lb weight capacity for Cloud 1.4 | 11 feet long
While most camping hammocks are made of nylon, this exclusive model from Yellow Leaf is hand-woven for an aesthetic upgrade that doesn’t sacrifice comfort. Let’s face it, at some point you will fall asleep in your hammock, and it hugs your body well and keeps you safe. The open design is also breathable, allowing breezes to pass through (which is awesome for hot days). It doesn’t come with leashes (which is unfortunate considering the price), but it is compatible for two people (or one person and a puppy), so you get a two-for-one item.
The details: Acrylic | £1.79 | 400 lb weight capacity | 9 feet long
Hammocks should not be treated delicately. They are designed to support the full weight of an adult suspended in the air and often require jumping or standing up, so you need your hammock to be durable. The last thing you would want is for your hammock to rip, tear, or break while you are trying to relax. This Grand Trunk hammock (which is large enough to hold up to two people) is made of durable 210-tex, 70-denier parachute nylon, designed to be durable, but still soft and breathable. It also comes with its own “tree-friendly” straps that are thicker than average for durability and bark protection, plus nautical-grade carabiners. To top it all off, it comes with a 100 percent lifetime warranty if you manage to break any part of the hammock.
The details: Nylon parachute | £1.75 | 400 lb weight capacity | 10.5 feet long
Tips for buying a camping hammock
Don’t forget the straps
Most hammocks come with some method of hanging them without additional equipment, but I recommend investing in additional straps. Typically, not only will they offer more tree protection and greater weight capacity, but they will also allow you to hang your hammock in a wider range of locations without having to rely on trees that are close together.
Practice makes you feel perfectly comfortable.
Pro tip: To get the most out of your hammock experience, you should lie diagonally. If you lie perfectly straight, the hammock will naturally go up your head and feet and down your bottom (folding you into a banana shape). If you lie slightly diagonally with your head on one side of the top strap and your feet on the opposite side of the bottom strap, your body weight will help spread the material, keeping it flatter and more comfortable. This isn’t the most intuitive way to rest, so I recommend setting up your hammock at home or at a local park a few times before going on longer camping trips to make sure you feel safe and confident.
Check weight capacity.
A lightweight hammock is optimal for camping, but you should still make sure it is strong enough to support your weight. Many hammocks are physically large enough to hold more than one person (or one person and a pet), but the straps may not be durable enough to keep everyone safely suspended. Most one-person hammocks can hold up to 250 pounds and many hold 400 pounds or more, so check the specifications of their products before you pile on to hang them in tandem. You should also make sure you set up your hammock correctly, following all of the manufacturer’s instructions, to keep you safe and relaxed.
Why trust Travel + Leisure
taylor fox it’s a Travel + Leisure editor who always carries a hammock for camping and hiking. He has tested gear on trips around the world, from the Thar Desert in India to Mount Ciremai in Indonesia. He has been camping his entire life and has had his favorite hammock for almost 10 years and uses it on both camping trips and day trips to the park.
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