When camping, these camping hammocks provide cozy relaxation, but some versions let backpackers and hikers forgo a tent and work as a bed to keep you more comfortable and away from crawling critters.
Finding a durable, portable hammock that can also keep you warm on chilly nights is on every camping enthusiast’s bucket list. To help save time and narrow down your shopping choices, we put all the best camping hammock products right here.
Inside our top camping hammocks guide, we bring you what features to look for, the top choices in both standard and hammock quilt versions, the pros and cons of each brand, and why we give it high ratings.
When you go camping and need a hammock, more times than not, you’re using a camping cot. With that said, you should know the best camping cots available.
Don’t buy an underquilt-hammock or rugged nylon lightweight hammock until you read to the end to see which brands are best!
Camping Hammock Important Features
Dimensions
The size of your camping hammock can make or break its functionality and comfort. Many hammocks are only 4 feet wide, but if you like to buddy up or have lots of room to adjust your body position, choose a hammock that’s closer to 8-10 feet wide.
Length is also a concern. Most camping hammocks are best for people under 7 feet. If you’re over 6 feet in height or just like more wiggle room, select a camping hammock at least 10-12 feet in length.
Strength and Weight Capacity
All hammocks should state how much weight the fabric, ropes, and attachments can hold without failing. The durability of all components is key to having a camping hammock that should last for years.
You’ll most likely be wearing clothing, hiking boots, or your backpack while you’re in the hammock. You may want another person or your pet to get in with you.
Think about all the scenarios you may encounter and buy a hammock that can support the highest amount of weight you think you’ll need.
Hammock Material Weight
Long hikes carrying even a few extra ounces can feel like pounds by the end of the day. Keeping any camping hammock as lightweight as possible is crucial, as long as the construction and material are solid.
Don’t let a lightweight nylon fabric fool you into a purchase, as often, the ropes and clips can be heavy.
Hammock Straps and Attachment Points
You want the most hanging flexibility for any camping hammock.
Look for adjustable-length straps or suspension systems and numerous clip positions so you can hang up your hammock in any situation where trees or structures give you a latching point.
Camping Hammock Type
There are three types of camping (not lounging) hammocks:
- Lightweight backpacking
- Tent alternative
- Hammock under-quilt for cold-weather camping
Each type of hammock suits a specific purpose and will provide the most functionality for your investment.
BACKPACKING HAMMOCK
These hammocks are made for backpackers and will be ultra-lightweight and roll up into a very compact space, so there’s room in your backpack for other camping essentials.
The material will be durable to use the hammock for sleeping or holding camping gear off the ground.
Because the material is thin, these hammocks are better for warm-climate camping or with a sleeping bag or underquilt for colder weather.
TENT ALTERNATIVE HAMMOCK
This type for the 7 camping hammocks will be more expensive than others, but it adds features not found in more basic styles as its design replaces the protection you get from a tent.
Expect the hammock to have some zip or clip-on interchangeable toppers, such as a mosquito net, rain shield, or insulated cover. Many have a separate slot for a pad you can buy separately as a hammock down underquilt or under quilt for hammocks.
Many have pouches and zippered pockets to organize your supplies, and the ropes and clips will be heavy-duty to withstand hours of use at full-weight capacity.
HAMMOCK UNDERQUILTS
Complete under quilts for hammocks are like combining an insulated sleeping bag with a hammock to prevent cold from penetrating your hammock from below.
This type of camping hammock accessory is best for cold-weather sleeping. While the entire hammock quilt is relatively lightweight, it’ll be bulkier due to the padding and insulation.
Hammock underquilts attach to your main camping hammock. Most have a down filling as it provides the lightest yet warmest insulation.
The best hammock under-quilt should state a temperature rating for how low it will provide protection.
Best Camping Hammocks
All camping hammocks need to withstand years of use and be compact and lightweight enough to carry in a backpack during hiking adventures.
While traditional thin hammocks are what most people use for camping, there’s also great demand for underquilt hammocks that can keep you warm when temperatures drop.
That’s why this comprehensive list includes standard camping hammocks and the best underquilt options so you can pick out what suits your camping requirements.
1. Eagles Nest Outfitters DoubleNest
- HAMMOCK FOR TWO: The DoubleNest is versatile, durable, and compact, making it perfect for camping, hiking, or lounging…
- ADVENTURE READY: Weighing only 19 ounces, the DoubleNest stuffs easily into attached storage bag. Packed Dimensions: (L…
- TRUSTWORTHY MATERIAL: Falling is not an option, unless it’s to sleep. Made from 70D High Tenacity Nylon Taffeta, this…
- MASTER THE ART OF LOUNGING: Includes Aluminum Wiregate Carabiners and nautical grade line with stainless-steel snap…
- PLEASE NOTE: ENO attempts to reduce potential waste by using every bit of fabric available in production, so the color…
The Eagles Nest Outfitters DoubleNest is an excellent general camping hammock best for both lounging and sleeping for up to two people.
We must mention that we had no trouble fitting an adult and two small children comfortably on the diagonal during test trials of this model.
We like the color options, as it allows you to either choose a combination that blends into your surroundings or a bright one to help you find your way back to your campsite.
PROS:
- Affordable
- Roomy enough for two and extra-long
- 400-pound weight rating
- Quick-dry wicking fabric and extra-strength metal clips
- Lots of color choices
- Compresses tightly into the small stuffed sack
CONS:
- Does not come with hanging straps
- Even a tiny hole can lead to a full-on tear
Customers love how easy this hammock is to set up, and the depth of the design holds you snugly without being uncomfortable.
2. Covacure Camping Hammock with Net
The Covacure Camping Hammocks are the most affordable option on this list, yet come with features typically found on more expensive brands. This hammock is best for light-to-medium use in summer or warm-climate camping.
We found the four-point bearing system distributes force and weight for a safer attachment and stable feeling during use. The bug netting pops open with only one rope which reduces the usual hassle of lots of loops to suspend the cover.
PROS:
- Tear-resistant, breathable 210T parachute nylon material
- 440-pound weight capacity
- Super spacious for one but can fit two
- Comes with caribiners, ground pegs, and 8′ long nylon straps
- Mosquito net and integrated pocket
- Ultra-lightweight at under 2 pounds
CONS:
- Not a “double” – only 4.5 feet wide
- Not suitable for tall people
- Straps could be longer
Customers mention it’s best to flip the hammock over when you don’t want to use the netting. We agree with other reviewers that the thin fabric seems flimsy but surprisingly holds up under the weight of even bigger people.
3. Warbonnet Blackbird
The Warbonnet Blackbird is a customizable camping hammock that lets you select the fabric and layers to build the warmth and protection you desire.
We find the quality of this hammock is ideal for serious campers. Our tests show the size is most suitable for people under 6 feet (get the XL if you’re taller), and the foot box allows you to really stretch out on the diagonal, making it super easy to fall into a deep sleep.
PROS:
- Customizable fabric and thickness options
- Up to 400-pound weight capacity
- Continuous loops or full webbing suspension
- Dream–Tex fabric and built-in no-see-um netting
- Foot box provides better diagonal sleeping comfort
- Interior shelf
- Lightweight and breathable
CONS:
- Gets pricier the more you customize
- Does not come with carabiners
- Heavier people need the 2-layer design
Customers appreciate the full-length zipper on the netting, so you can hang it over the cord to gain easy entrance and egress. The large shelf inside allows you to store shoes and clothes so you can get dressed while inside the hammock.
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Updated Warbonnet XLC Blackbird Hammock In-Depth Review (Video)
4. Hennessy Hammock Expedition Asym
The Hennessy Hammock Expedition Asym is another fantastic option for serious backpackers who want one of the 7 camping hammocks that will withstand season after season of use.
We set this hammock up quickly, even with the removable rainfly, and found the addition of the central straps makes side entry a breeze. The hammock size is comfortable for a single adult under 6-foot, and we found you can stretch out without fighting the fabric, which reduces sleeping stress.
PROS:
- The asymmetrical design provides more shoulder room
- Patented integral ridgeline maintains shape
- The ridgeline pocket hangs out of the way
- Suspension system/webbing straps included
- Includes rainfly and zippered no-see-um mesh
- Folds into a chair lounger or with poles as a ground tent
CONS:
- Weighs nearly 3 pounds
- High price point
Customers love how the bug mesh and rainfly/sunblock provide many flexible options for camping comfort. The rainfly design allows you to pull the flaps tight to the sides to stay dry during even windy rainstorms.
Best Hammock Underquilt Brands
Now that you have a great main camping hammock, you can upgrade your comfort in cold weather by choosing one of these best underquilts for hammocks.
5. Jacks R Better Mt. Washington Underquilt
The Mt. Washington Underquilt camping hammock is one of the 7 by Jacks R Better and is available in a three-season model good for temps down to 20°F and a four-season model that can handle frigid cold down to 0°F.
During our trials, we find that the radial design on the quilted baffles had a nice give that formed to our body shape no matter which way we turned. The comfort level along the entire body was impressive for blocking out the cold and retaining body heat.
PROS:
- Lightweight 28 ounces
- Radial-stitch baffle design
- The 77-inch length and 4w-inch width for ample body protection
- Over-stuffed for superior warmth
- Attaches to hammock quickly
- Active-Dri down with a hydrophobic treatment
- Includes Jacks ‘R’ Better Suspension system
CONS:
- Expensive
- Hard to compress the stuff sack when full
Hammock underquilt reviews rave about the ability to use the product on a variety of camping hammock brands and still achieve a snug fit to keep warm while the slick rip-stop nylon fabric buffers the wind.
6. Cedar Ridge Outdoors Convector Underquilt
The Cedar Ridge Outdoors Convector Underquilt comes in regular and XL lengths so you can get full body coverage for a toasty night’s sleep.
We admit we found the ability to choose from over 50 fabric print designs a huge selling point, but our tests prove the hammock down underquilt lives up to its excellent reviews for warmth.
PROS:
- 3 length sizes for a custom fit
- Choice of temperature protection from 50°F to 0°F
- The loft stays high in the baffles
- The fabric has a draft seal to prevent cold leaks
- Lightweight 32 ounces
- Adjustable suspension kit works on different hammock styles
CONS:
- All the customizations increase the final cost drastically
7. Hammock Gear Economy Incubator
The Hammock Gear Economy Incubator proves you don’t have to spend a fortune to stay warm during the winter camping season.
For a “value” hammock-underquilt, we found it performed well in our cold-weather testing, creating a warm cocoon that held in body heat without being stifling. It also didn’t hurt that the underquilt compacts tightly into the stuff sack for transport but fluffs up again quickly.
PROS:
- Ultra-light is under 19 ounces
- Temperature protection from 40°F to 0°F
- Three lengths up to 79-inches
- Choice of overfill options
- 20 denier nylon taffeta with DWR coating
- Contour design reduces air gaps
CONS:
- Filling shifts inside baffles and needs adjustment occasionally
Customers feel this is the best hammock-underquilt in this price range, and all find the heat retention and adjustable suspension impressive.
Camping Gear Round Up
These 7 Camping hammocks are becoming more popular as a tent alternative.
When you pair a quality hammock with the best hammock-underquilt, you’ll be ready for camping in any season of the year, so choose your favorites and hit the trails!
Related Questions
- What are the key features to consider when choosing a camping hammock?
When choosing a camping hammock, key features to consider include its weight and portability for easy transportation, the material’s durability and weather resistance for various outdoor conditions, and its size and weight capacity to ensure comfort and safety.
Additional features such as easy setup, inclusion of suspension systems, and presence of bug nets or rainflys can also greatly enhance your camping experience.
- How does the material and weight capacity of a hammock affect its durability and functionality?
The material and weight capacity of a hammock significantly influences its durability and functionality; high-quality, robust materials like nylon or polyester can withstand harsh weather conditions and heavy loads, thereby enhancing durability.
The weight capacity, on the other hand, determines the hammock’s functionality, as a higher weight capacity allows it to accommodate more weight without compromising its structural integrity, ensuring a safer and more comfortable experience.
- What are the differences between a lightweight backpacking hammock, a tent alternative hammock, and a hammock under quilt?
A lightweight backpacking hammock is designed for hikers and campers who prioritize low weight and compact size, often sacrificing some comfort and durability.
A tent alternative hammock, on the other hand, is a more robust and comfortable option that can replace a traditional tent, often including features like bug nets and rain flies, while a hammock under quilt is an insulation layer that hangs underneath the hammock to provide warmth, especially in cold weather conditions.
- How can an underquilt enhance the camping experience when using a hammock?
An underquilt can significantly enhance the camping experience when using a hammock by providing insulation from cold air and wind, thus keeping you warm and comfortable throughout the night.
It also helps to maintain the natural, comfortable shape of the hammock, as opposed to a sleeping bag which can compress and limit the hammock’s flexibility.
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