If you’re looking to unwind this season, camping is a great way to do it. There is lots of evidence that being in nature can be soothing and may even change the way our brains work. However, camping trips can also be stressful; building fires, sleeping on the hard ground, and trying to figure out what to do with that pesky extra tent pole are not restful activities. If you really want to unwind on your camping trip, camping hammocks are a great way to find your own personal paradise.
Hammocks are great for relaxing in any sort of outdoor situation. A day at the lake, a long backpacking trip, or just an afternoon in your backyard are all great times to use your hammock. If a little outdoor R&R is just what the doctor ordered, have a look at our guide to finding the perfect hammock for you, as well as our picks for the absolute best hammocks this season.
How to Find the Perfect Hammock
Because a hammock is an investment in your comfort, there’s no reason to buy one that doesn’t completely satisfy you. When searching for your next hammock, be sure to consider the following things:
Type – Not every hammock is created equal, especially camping hammocks. If you are looking for something you can relax in while you’re awake (or taking short naps), you’ll want to look for a lounge hammock. They are light and very packable, but don’t come with the bug nets or rain flys of heavier duty hammocks. These accessories can be added, but are not included with the hammock.
Sleeping hammocks do come with protective gear, and are designed to replace your tent. While they can save you from sleeping on uneven ground and struggling with tent flys, it is important to make sure that you will be safe and comfortable in them. Look for nighttime hammocks that will keep you insulated and safe.
Size – If you plan having a snuggle buddy in your hammock or just like to have a little extra room to spread out, size will be an important consideration. Single hammocks are often smaller and lighter, but many campers prefer double hammocks, even for just one person.
Weight – If you’re going to be backpacking through the woods, keeping your pack light is of the utmost importance. Make sure you hammock isn’t too heavy if you’re going to be hiking with it.
Straps – Once you buy your hammock, you’ll probably want to hang it up. Many hammock straps are sold separately these days, so you may need to purchase them as well.
Best Camping Hammocks – 2018 List
Now that you have an idea of what to look for, here are our suggestions for the best, most reliable camping hammocks this season.
Eagles Nest Outfitters DoubleNest Hammock
Style: Lounge
Weight: 1.19lbs
Capacity: 400lbs
Straps: Not included
Price: $70
If you’re searching for a basic, do-it-all, reliable, comfortable hammock, then look no further. ENO’s DoubleNest is a great basic hammock for kicking back around camp or getting comfy in your backyard. It’s big enough for two, but you can certainly use it by yourself if you like a little wiggle-room. This hammock features easy set-up, light weight for carrying, and breathable nylon to keep you comfy while you relax. It comes in a wide variety of colors, and it has long been a fan-favorite. It will not keep you warm on cold nights, but if you’re looking for something inexpensive and reliable, the DoubleNest is a great option.
Buy it here.
Kammok Roo Hammock
Style: Lounge
Weight: 1.4lbs
Capacity: 500lbs
Straps: Not Included
Price: $100
Kammok’s Roo Hammock is designed specifically for people looking to get comfy. Buyers rave that this hammock is the most comfortable one they have ever been in, and it isn’t hard to see why. Its “Lunar Wave” rip stop nylon fabric will leave you wondering where this hammock has been all your life. It’s soft, breathable, tear resistant, and easily stowable – perfect for stuffing in a backpack before a hike. Kammok is also committed to fighting malaria, and promises to donate a treated mosquito net to a family in Africa with every purchase. Though this hammock won’t make a cozy sleeping nest on its own, it’s perfect for campers of every caliber who are looking to kick back.
Buy it here.
Grand Trunk Ultralight Hammock
Style: Lounge
Weight: 1.05lbs
Capacity: 250lbs
Straps: Not Included
Price: $20
For campers on a budget, Grand Trunk has got your back. Their Ultralight Hammock lives up to its name; at just over a pound, it is surprisingly sturdy and durable. It is hands down the best “cheap” hammock on the market. While the material is not as high quality as that of other, more expensive brands, this hammock certainly holds up to the competition. The hammock comes with ‘S hooks’ instead of carabiners for hanging, and includes a knotted cord for suspension. These will hold the hammock up well under light use, but you may want to purchase straps if you are going to be using it for extended periods. Overall, an excellent hammock at a price that’s simply unbeatable.
Buy it here.
Hammock Bliss Double Hammock
Style: Lounge
Weight: 2lbs
Capacity: 350lbs
Straps: Not Included
Price: $50-$70
If you’re really looking to spread out, Hammock Bliss’s Double hammock is ideal. This is the widest hammock in its class, and is perhaps the only one you could actually sleep with another person in (many others are good for relaxing or cuddling, but the close quarters can make it difficult to get any real rest). Its nylon parachute material makes it comfortable for lounging in, and is resistant to mildew and mold. Buyers insist that the hammock is extremely easy to stow and that the included cords are sturdy enough to replace straps completely, except in extreme situations. This is another hammock that you wouldn’t want to sleep the night in without upgrades, but it is perfect for spreading out and relaxing.
Buy it here.
Warbonnet Blackbird Hammock
Style: Sleeping
Weight: 1.93lbs
Capacity: 400lbs
Straps: Included
Price: $170-$195
For those searching for the best hammock money can buy, look no further than the Warbonnet Blackbird. This hammock is a favorite of intrepid campers and explorers everywhere, due mostly to its awesome features. It has a double layer floor to hold your sleeping pad in place, a foot box to help you sleep comfortably, and extra space by your head to comfortably store your valuables while you sleep. This hammock is hands-down the most comfortable one on the market, which helps to make up for being a bit on the heavier side. Because of its asymmetrical design, it does not hold more than one person comfortably, but it will offer you the best night’s sleep you’ve ever had in a campground.
Buy it here.
Grand Trunk Skeeter Beeter Pro Hammock
Style: Sleeping
Weight: 2.1lbs
Capacity: 400lbs
Straps: Not Included
Price: $80
Bugs getting you down? Avoid being eaten alive while you’re trying to enjoy a relaxing trip with the Skeeter Beeter. The no-see-um mesh mosquito netting hangs comfortably above your head, so you can relax without feeling claustrophobic. The hammock’s silky nylon fabric doesn’t catch or tear, and is super strong – you can rest assured that it will hold you up for many years to come. More intrepid adventurers will need to purchase a rain fly and insulation to turn this into a true sleeping hammock, but if you’re looking to test the waters of true camping hammocks without a big financial investment, this is a perfect buy.
Buy it here.
Hennessy Expedition Asyn Zip Hammock
Style: Sleeping
Weight: 2.75lbs
Capacity: 250lbs
Straps: Included
Price: $160
If you’re looking to purchase a hammock with all the bells and whistles included, Hennessy’s Expedition series is a sure bet. This hammock comes with a rain fly, straps, and mosquito netting, all of which will help you stay safe and comfy. These integrated features ensure that what you pay for is what you get, and they are extremely durable. It will keep you warm in cooler temperatures, but when the mercury starts to bottom out, you’ll need to add a sleeping bag and mattress to stay warm. Even though the hammock is rather bulky, the sturdy fabric will keep you comfortable for years to come.
Buy it here.
Clark NX-270 Hammock
Style: Sleeping
Weight: 2.9lbs
Capacity: 300lbs
Straps: Not Included
Price: $480
Though this hammock is most certainly on the expensive side (to say the least), it is worth the investment. This hammock is beloved by campers of every experience level who want to camp in any conditions. It holds up just as well in cold weather as it does in warm, and the built in netting and breathable WeatherShield will keep bugs and rain at bay. It will accommodate campers of all sizes – even up to 6’9”. The poles and strap system make set-up rather complicated, but if you are willing to invest the time, it will certainly be one of the most comfortable hammocks money can buy.
Buy it here.
If you need to purchase straps for your hammock, try these or these! Now get out there and start swinging in your new hammock!
