When sourcing this list, we read dozens of online reviews and paid close attention to size, weight, comfort, load capacity, and extras like mosquito netting and interior pockets.
Why should you opt for a camping hammock? Is it really better than sleeping on the ground in a tent? The short answer is an unequivocal yes. A hammock slashes the amount of bedding-related space you need to lug with you when compared to an air mattress, and it also allows for much less time spent trying to pump up and maintain firmness throughout the night. (Because let’s be honest, most entry level air mattresses aren’t exactly the most reliable.)
The term “hammock” can be traced back nearly 1,000 years to an Arawak word that translates into “fish net.” These early hammocks were not designed for leisure but for serving as protection from dangerous Caribbean creatures and insects.
It’s said that Christopher Columbus brought the hammock concept to Europe after noting their use in the Caribbean. Eventually, the hammock was brought back to the Americas for a different function: as utility bunks on ships during World War I, World War II, and the Vietnam War.
Hammocks have come a long way since their strictly utility-based days. Today, you can find hammocks all over at music festivals, in your buddy’s backyard, or on your grandma’s porch. They’re a relatively cheap and comfortable way to spend an afternoon hanging out in the fresh air, whether that means just outside your door or deep in the woods.
What to keep in mind when shopping for a camping hammock
While there are tons of great hammocks out there, you’ll want to look for a very specific make if you plan on using your hammock in lieu of a tent or air mattress. The last thing you want as you’re ready to hit the hay is realizing that premium hammock you picked up was only made for casual lounging.
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Weight: Whether you’re hiking or driving to your campsite, it’s important to look for a hammock that won’t weigh you down. If you’re used to lugging a 20-pound air mattress, an average two-pound hammock shouldn’t matter, however keep in mind that a wet hammock can easily double in weight.
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How small can it pack down: Likewise, if you’re planning on bringing your hammock on a hike, you’ll want to look for one that can pack down and ideally clip onto your backpack. Many hammocks have the capacity to pack down into about the size of a football.
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What about load capacity or ease of set-up: Consider what kind of camping you plan on doing. If you’re going with your kids or a significant other, you may want to look for a hammock that can support more weight so you can comfortably share one hammock. If you know you’ll have limited time for set up and take down, look for a hammock that comes with its own set up equipment, which are optimized for ease of use.
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Comfort: While comfort is subjective, we recommend always investing in a high quality sleeping hammock that includes straps and carabiners over a napping hammock (which usually comes with poles and are less durable for continuous set up and take down).
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Mosquito netting: If you’re particularly sensitive to insect bites or you know you’ll be frequently camping in an area dense with mosquitos, you may want to consider looking into a built-in mosquito net. External netting is also available but can be more of a hassle to set up.
With that in mind, we’ve pulled together some of the absolute best camping hammocks you can buy. Whether you’re looking for something that’ll take you through all four seasons, or you really just want something that’s quick and easy to assemble and take down, these are the hammocks you’ll want to hang out in.
Roomy • Easy to set up • Relatively budget friendly
The ropes that come with the set could wear down quickly
The MalloMe hammock is roomy and easy to set up, it’s ideal for anyone on the bigger side or for those who like extra space while hanging.
With nearly 3,000 positive reviews on Amazon, the MalloMe Hammock is well-loved to say the least. Made of soft, tear-resistant parachute nylon, this two person hammock can hold up to 1,000 pounds while weighing in at just a single pound when dry. The MalloMe comes in a single or double seater and your choice of six bright colors. It also includes ropes and snag free, high-tensile strength carabiners all in one set, so all you have to do is find two trees to hitch it to.
Amazon reviewer S. Aschoff particularly liked the MalloMe for how roomy and study it is — even for taller adults.
“I am 6’2″ 250lbs and I love the size of this thing! Very roomy and very sturdy! This is going to be my go to hammock for camping even though it is a little heavier and larger than my other camping hammock. I just love it that much! At this price point, I don’t think you can beat it. Oh there are others out there for cheaper, and I have a couple (I’m kind of a hammock nut), but they are not as nice as this one. I am very happy with this hammock!”
Includes a generous amount of straps • Takes less than five minutes to set up
Only holds 500 pounds • Design coulfd swallow up/cocoon smaller people
The Honest Outfitters hammock is a great option for campers who are hammock-curious, it’s comfortable, lightweight, and about the same price as a few cases of campsite beers.
While the price tag suggests budget-friendly, the Honest Outfitters camping hammock feels anything but cheap. It’s crafted from 210T nylon, meaning the nylon has been coated in silicone for added durability and comes with straps, rather than ropes, which makes adhering to trees or vehicles a breeze. The 500-pound capacity means two can lounge in the single hammock, but for sleeping or long term use its best that everyone gets their own.
Amazon reviewer sokeefe91 tested out the more premium hammock options before happily settling on Honest Outfitter.
“Hammocking has become all the rage in my part of the country, and while most of the people I know have bought the much more expensive name brand hammock, I was not up for spending $100 on something like this. After lounging in a friend’s name brand version of this product off and on for about a week, I decided to research other brands settling on Honest Outfitters. I have now spent about a week using this hammock and absolutely love it. I would be hard-pressed to find any difference between this and the MUCH more expensive name brand other than this hammock holds MORE weight.”
Weighs less than two pounds • Compresses to the size of a grapefruit • Designed and crafted in the U.S.
Stitching can start to fray with heavy use
The Wise Owl is a pretty strong option if you’re looking for a camping hammock that comfortably fits two without adding extra weight.
The most talked about feature of this hammock is just how light it is despite being able to comfortably hold two adults. The wide wingspan still packs down to about the size of a grapefruit, which makes it an ideal option for couples who do a lot of outdoor trekking. It’s also designed and manufactured right outside of Nashville by a passionate team of adventure seekers who felt that a comfortable, lightweight, and affordable hammock was missing from the outdoor gear market.
“I asked my 10 year-old to climb in and join me, to determine how comfortable the hammock really could be with two people,” explained Amazon reviewer Tyson Steeves.
“We were impressed. There was plenty of material for both (a combined weight of about 250 lbs.) to comfortably lounge side by side! The fabric stretches just enough to cradle the forms of both of us without causing us to roll and bunch up in the middle. I plan on using this hammock for just myself, but I have no doubt that it would be just as comfortable with two adults.”
Double-sided zipper gives extra protection • Can be converted into a regular hammock • Two interior pockets for storage
Only holds 400 pounds • Mosquito netting can rip with rough use
If the only thing holding you back from experiencing the wilderness is the idea of bugs, or if you’re camping in a particularly dense area, the Grand Trunk Skeeter Beeter Pro is well worth the investment thanks to the extra measures it takes to block out pests.
While you’ll never be completely free of mosquitos and other insects while camping in the great outdoors, a bug-free spot to lounge can make for a great escape, especially in particularly buggy areas or seasons. The Grand Trunk Skeeter Beeter Pro by Sunyear is one of the best on the market, largely thanks to its innovative No-See-Um mosquito netting, which hangs overhead and away from your head, so you can still enjoy a cool beer or read a book sitting up without worrying about getting net in your face. The double-sided zipper ensures even the smallest bugs aren’t getting in, and when the coast is clear, the mosquito netting zips right off so you can enjoy a regular open air hammock as well.
Amazon reviewer KB noted that the mosquito netting works well, even in particularly bug infested sites.
“The mosquito netting is fantastic; it’s amazingly durable. I spend a lot of time in bug infested parts of North and South Carolina and have zero issues with intruders.”
Comes with a fool proof assembly fit • Compresses down into the size of a wine bottle • Made in America
Straps wear quickly with rough use
The Gold Armour hammock is ideal for novice users who may be unfamiliar with how to set up a hammock. Its assembly kit is extremely straightforward and intuitive.
Gold Armour is a family run company with one mission: to create high quality products that get more Americans outdoors. The camping hammock comes with everything you need to assemble your hammock with trees or vehicles, including ropes with 16 attachment Loops (32 Total) that promise to make set up both fast and extremely simple. What’s more, the company donates 5% of their profits to the National Forest Foundation, a nonprofit partner of the U.S. Forest Service.
Amazon reviewer David Richmond had no prior experience setting up a hammock, and commented on just how easy it really was.
“I didn’t think it would be this easy but it was. Didn’t read the instructions just some reviews on here. A couple trees and clips later I was veeerrrry carefully lowering myself into the hammock. And… No one died! Then my girlfriend got in too…and still no one died! We are both very small people so we had plenty of room to move around.”
Luxuriously soft • Compresses into a very small sack
The soft material can wear down with rugged use
If you’re looking for a good sleep on the go, the Bear Butt Camping Hammock is soft, light, and packs down to easily fit into a medium sized backpack.
A good night’s sleep is arguably much more necessary when hiking as opposed to driving to a campsite and the Bear Butt Camping Hammock pretty much ensures a cozy spot to catch some Zs. Boasting a 210 thread count, the hammock is as soft as bed sheets. It packs down into an attached stuff sack and weighs less than two pounds when dry, making it super convenient to clip to a rucksack.
Amazon reviewer Doug Anjah particularly loved how cozy and convenient it was.
“I love my OG Bear Butt. Having it be Double Hammock is the way to go because you can completely enclose yourself and become a caterpillar during metamorphosis. It’s lightweight and easy to set up.”
Exceptionally warm • Comfortable • Water repellent
Quite heavy at just under 5 lbs • Doesn’t compress as well as lighter hammocks
If you’re big into all-season camping, the Snugpak Hammock Cocoon will keep you snug (hence the name) without having to worry about added warming pads— just keep in mind that the added weight is nearly double a regular hammock.
Whether you’re camping in the heat of summer or roughing it through the winter, trying to get warm as your body temperature drops for sleep can make a great night go south quickly. The fully insulated Snugpak Hammock Cocoon will withstand rain, wind, and reportedly retain heat even in 25-degree weather thanks to the full length zipper and completely encased design.
Here’s what Amazon reviewer Steven said:
“I got in it around 9pm to go to sleep and it was 52 degrees. I had a Coleman mummy bag also in hammock and quickly got hot and ended up shoving the whole sleeping bag to my feet. I opened the cocoon around my upper chest to my head so I could let some cooler air in. I ended up zipping it on up right before I knew I was going to pass out. The temp dropped to 33 that night with wind blowing probably 10-15 miles an hour all night. Sometime during the night I got cool and pulled the sleeping bag up on top of me simply as a blanket and I slept fine! I was very impressed. I only slept with boxers on, no socks or layers. No sleeping pad or anything was needed for extra insulation, the cocoon performed flawlessly and shields the wind well also.”
