There are many ways to camp. Most campers stay in either a tent or an RV. But others will do car camping, bike touring camping, survival camping, overlanding or glamping. Another popular trend among outdoor enthusiasts is the use of camping hammocks.
This ultra-lightweight experience helps adventurers connect even more with nature and has health benefits that lead to restful sleep.
If you are tired of sleeping in your tent on an uncomfortable sleeping pad in your sleeping bag, it is time to think about buying a camping hammock.
Let’s dive in!
What is the difference between a camping hammock and a regular hammock?
Hammock camping is growing worldwide. For outdoor enthusiasts who want to travel light and venture into jungles, forests and other off-grid and off-road locations, hammock camping is a great alternative to tent camping.
With hammock camping, you sleep in a camping hammock instead of a tent. The advantages of this type of camping include easier setup and lighter weight to carry. Because of these factors, hammock camping is becoming a favorite for backpackers and day hikers.
However, it requires a different type of hammock than what you would hang in your backyard. The material and ropes are much stronger and more durable.
They are made to withstand different weather conditions and temperatures. Some of these hammocks come with a rain cover, which is an essential piece of kit if you want to try hammock camping.
What to look out for when buying a camping hammock
When buying a camping hammock, you should make sure that you spend your money wisely. It’s best to invest in quality, even if it costs a little more.
Just as buying a durable tent is important for tent camping, buying a durable hammock is essential to enjoying the hammock camping experience.
length
Camping hammocks come in different sizes. Some campers choose a double hammock for the extra space and comfort, even when sleeping alone.
However, if you are looking for a single hammock, add at least two feet to your height. You don’t want to buy a hammock that is too short as it will be quite uncomfortable to sleep in.
weight rating
Another important aspect is weighting. Not everyone can handle the same weight. Choose a hammock with a weight rating higher than your actual weight.
Remember to add your partner’s weight when buying a double hammock. In general, most nylon camping hammocks are rated at around 400 pounds.
packing weight
When you are not traveling with your camping hammock, the weight of the hammock itself is not very important. However, if you plan on hiking with your hammock, this is important enough to consider carefully.
Not only do you want to consider weight, but also lightness or portability. Does it fold into a suitcase for easy travel, or do you have to deal with a lot of accessories?
Additional functions
Some are just hammocks. They are well built and offer comfortable sleep.
However, if you want more features like a mosquito net, carabiners, spreader bars or rain flies, you should pay attention to the additional accessories that come with the camping hammock.
Just remember that these are accessories that you need to pack and take with you wherever you go when you travel.
The best camping hammocks you can find online
We have selected five options available today to help you decide which one is best suited to your travel needs.
Consider the length, rated weight, packed weight, and additional features to make your choice.
Our pick: SunYear Camping Hammock with Rain Fly Tarp
Evaluation: 4.7/5 stars
Length: 106 inches
Weight Limit: 500 pounds
This camping hammock is made of nylon and comes with a bug net and waterproof tarpaulin. The packed weight is just over 2 pounds, so you can easily toss it in a backpack.
It also comes with two 10-foot adjustable hammock straps, two 12KN carabiners, mesh cords, nylon cords, a ridge line, and all other accessories needed for a comfortable night’s sleep.
Top rated: OneWind camping hammock with mosquito net
Evaluation: 4.8/5 stars
Length: 11 feet
Weight Limit: 500 pounds
This double camping hammock weighs less than 3 pounds when packed. It’s made from a 2.1-ounce nylon hexagonal ripstop that’s more durable than the 210T parachute nylon material found on many other options.
With your purchase you will receive the hammock, a removable floor access bug net, an overhead organizer, an adjustable UHMWPE comb line, a lantern hanger and tree straps.
Budget-friendly: portable camping hammock with net
Evaluation: 4.5/5 stars
Length: 114 inches
Weight Limit: 500 pounds
If you are on a budget, this option will save you money while providing convenience and durability. The hammock comes with two tree straps, two carabiners, two elastic ropes and two sand pegs that easily fit in a portable bag.
It’s 210T parachute nylon and the stitching has reinforced triple-lock stitching. Available in five different colors, you can choose from blue, grey, yellow, green and black options.
EASY SETUP: 3-in-1 camping hammock
Evaluation: 4.4/5 stars
Length: 107 inches
Weight Limit: 440 pounds
This camping hammock is also available in five colors and comes with a mosquito net and rain cover.
Although it’s in a lower weight class than the other camping hammocks on this list, it’s a nylon material for a tear-resistant, breathable, and comfortable option. WintMing offers a one-year warranty.
Keep in mind: Do you do bear proof tents? Let’s find out!
2-person option: double hammock with net
Evaluation: 4.7/5 stars
Length: 106 inches
Weight Limit: 500 pounds
This double hammock comes with two net ropes, two ultra-light and heavy-duty 12KN carabiners and two hammock straps with 32 adjustment loops.
Constructed from 210T parachute nylon material, it’s lightweight, durable and comfortable. It also has a mosquito net, but it is not removable. Sunyear offers a 100% lifetime guarantee.
Is it healthier to sleep in a hammock?
Sleeping in a hammock has some serious health benefits. This type of sleeping position promotes blood flow and circulation, relieves the joints and thus leads to a more restful sleep. You don’t wake up with back pain or stiffness.
The gentle rocking and swaying of a hammock also engages your vestibular system, leading to deeper, longer sleep.
Is there a right way to sleep in a hammock?
A hammock naturally helps you sleep in the ideal position. It also keeps you there during the night.
You cannot roll onto your side or stomach, which could hurt your back. When you sleep in a hammock, your head is slightly elevated, which is ideal.
So as long as you sleep in a hammock the way it’s intended, there’s no right way. You will of course already be in the right position.
Keep in mind: Would you sleep in a hanging tent? These are the best hanging tents to try this year!
Try Hammock Camping on your next adventure
Next time you’re heading out on a weekend adventure, you might want to leave the tent at home and pack a camping hammock instead. Or maybe pack both so you have the tent to fall back on if you decide hammock camping isn’t for you.
But with the great night’s sleep that hammock camping can bring and the connection with nature that you’re sure to experience, you can leave the tent behind for good.
Will you try hammock camping this camping season?