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Camping in the great outdoors is always a relaxing escape from modern-day living. Something about surrounding yourself with the peacefulness grounds you. While there are multiple ways to camp, all methods need a way to sleep.
Hammocking camping is by far my favorite method. But looking for the best hammock for camping can be tedious. Comfort and durability are always the main focal points I consider. Hammock camping can be a little uncomfortable if you don’t do it right.
In this simple guide, I will hopefully bring you towards your best hammock for camping. There isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution for everyone. Your best hammock for camping comes down to your unique needs. So, my goal is to guide you there!
Key Consideration for Choosing your Best Hammock for Camping
- Durability—You should not just consider the lifetime of your hammock but also preventing tears while in use!
- Comfort—Hammock camping requires you to sleep sideways for a flat sleeping experience. Choosing for comfort can be tricky then.
- Single vs Double—Hammocks come in two sizes, single and double. I’ll go into more detail below.
- Camping Accessories—You will likely need some additional accessories for hammock camping!
- Tree suspension—Need somewhere to mount? Tree suspension systems work the best to hang up your hammock.
- Bug net—It’s hard to sleep when the bugs bite!
- Rain tarp—This is vital for almost any camping trip.
- Sleeping bag—Hammocks provide little insulation, so a solid sleeping bag setup is needed.
Durability & Comfort
Choosing the best hammock for camping generally comes down to durability and comfort if you forget all other factors. It’s difficult to sleep if you’re uncomfortable or fall on the ground!
Pay Attention to These Factors in a Hammock:
- Weight Limit
- Stitching quality around the suspension ends
- Overall fabric material & thickness
- How well it lays flat
- How it works around different body types
Weight limit and stitching are the essential factors here. Pay attention to the advertised weight limit and reviews about stitching failures. Generally, you’ll get what you pay for in regard to quality. So, keep that in mind when shopping for the best hammock for camping with your needs.
Single vs. Double Debate
Hammocks also come in two sizes generally, single and double. Single hammocks are generally meant for one person, giving them a smaller size. Double hammocks are large, meant to accommodate two people.
However, you don’t necessarily need two people for a double hammock! My go-to hammock is the ENO Double Nest Hammock for camping. Its wide design makes a comfy setup for just me. I can almost wrap myself around it like a cocoon!
Additional Accessories for Camping
I mentioned accessories earlier. Mainly a rain tarp and a suspension system are the vital pieces you need. For the rain, there are pre-made solutions for this. An ENO ProFly Rain Tarp is the perfect lightweight solution. Want a cheaper method? A Walmart tarp, paracord, and camping stakes work wonderfully! However, it’s a bulky solution to carry out in the woods.
A tree suspension system works best for hammock camping. I’ll recommend another ENO product I use. The ENO Atlas is my system and a perfect go-to. It’s easy to wrap around the tree and prevents harm.
Beyond that, a bug net and sleeping bag are always good to have. I recommend the bug net if you are in a warmer climate prone to bug bites. I personally have never used one, but temperate North Carolina is good to me. Sleeping bags are a beast of their own. I use an old Coleman sleeping bag. That sleeping bag has seen better days, so I will be upgrading soon.
Choosing your Price Range
A major consideration for choosing the best hammock for camping is what you are willing to spend. While you get what you pay for, you don’t need to break the bank! Hammocks for camping range from ~$20 to ~$400+. My recommendations will be somewhere in the middle of this tier.
Regardless of price, buy for 80% of the time you’d use the hammock. If you are deep in the woods for camping and require reliability, get the expensive choice. If you casually camp, maybe by your car or at an established campground, then go cheaper.
Hammock Recommendations
Now onto the good part! I’ll go over a handful of hammocks, so you’ll find the best hammock for camping that fits your needs.
- For the causal camping, get the Wise Owl Outfitters Hammock – This hammock, coming in single or double, offers a basic platform if you wanted to get started. The price won’t break the bank, plus you get a simple tree suspension setup. The durability seems to be there, along with a respectable weight limit.
- For an everyday, reliable choice, get the ENO Double Nest Hammock – Out of Asheville, NC, Eagles Nest Outfitters (ENO) makes a high-quality, fair-priced hammock. I particularly called out the ENO Double Nest because it’s my everyday hammock, as mentioned earlier. In my experiences, the ENO Double Nest has been comfortable and reliable throughout all occasions.
- For serious comfort out there, get the Night Cat Lay Flat Hammock Tent – This fully rigged-out hammock tent provides you the full comfort and protection any normal tent would provide. The whole system is around 7 lbs, making it heavy to backpack. But you get the whole nine yards. This hammock will cost the most. The value is there regardless. I’d get this if you want to hammock camp in full comfort and have the accessories all in one.
Final Thoughts
Regardless of the hammocks I recommended. Make sure you choose what’s best for your needs. If you have the opportunity, try out a friend’s setup. You may learn that hammock camping isn’t for you. That’s fine; there are plenty of other ways to sleep while camping.
I always want to advocate for people buying the “tool of the outdoors” they will realistically use. Collecting unneeded accessories leads to excess waste in our environment over time. So, buy responsibly. As always, make sure you get out there and enjoy the day!
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