The Best Camping Hammocks of 2023

Conceived when the founder tried to use a few of the popular parachute hammocks on a backpacking trip instead of a tent — they ripped and failed during the night — Kammok has hewn to a mandate from the beginning to produce hammocks with high-quality materials and innovative designs that won’t let you down.

The Mantis ($250) is the pinnacle of Kammock’s line for dedicated hammock tents, and easily landed at the top of the list in our testing. The company offers a pricier ultralight version for $270 and an interesting tent/hammock hybrid, the Sunda 2.0 at $420. And it offers a lot of features in a well-thought-out, comprehensive package for those who need a do-it-all camp hammock.

Hammocks all serve the same basic function, with a few variations, so the attention to detail put in by the manufacturer can make a brand stand out. There are few, if any, off-the-shelf components with the Mantis.

The mini carabiners are a patented 13 kN design, and the hammock hanging cords are light, high-strength polyethylene with a slick “continuous loop” sliding adjustment format. And it comes with a no-stretch, low-bulk Python 10 tree strap suspension.

That said, we did find that some had a little trouble with the rigging on the Mantis. Because the hammock uses a fixed-length ridgeline (a cord that adjusts the angle of your dangle) some testers on the smaller side found they couldn’t quite get the hammock to lay how they wanted it to.

Other nice features include the hammock body made out of a durable ripstop diamond-weave 40-denier nylon. It also features a removable bug net crafted from a special mesh that allows for better stargazing. And the 15-denier nylon rainfly is built with Hypalon-reinforced guy-out points for extra strength in scary storms.

Offered as an all-in-one system, you’d be hard-pressed to find another hammock set-up that is as easy to jump right into hammock camping as the Kammok Mantis. 

Read Review: Kammok Mantis Review: All-In-One Hammock System for Campers

Though the most affordable in the roundup, the Klymit Traverse ($65) is a well-made hammock constructed from a high-quality 75-denier polyester that’s durable, light, and extra comfortable. And while looking exactly like every other parachute/diagonal hammock on the market, the Traverse is made from a single panel instead of the usual three used in most designs.

This gives you a relaxing sleeping/chilling position that puts your body more easily on a flatter plane, avoiding the dreaded banana bend other hammocks can give you. Set up is a breeze using the included daisy chain straps and carabiners, which is the easiest suspension style we found for casual hanging. 

Upon sliding into the Traverse, our testers remarked at how soft the fabric is — a far cry from the technical sheen of parachute materials that most other hammocks make use of. And when we were ready to go, it all packed away into the integrated stuff sack.

It isn’t the fanciest hammock on the block, and at 9 feet long it is on the smaller side for larger hammockers, which were our only quibbles with this budget sling.

Perfect for chucking in a trunk or daypack, the Klymit Traverse is the perfect hammock for impromptu hanging sessions, all without weighing down your wallet.

Perfect for tossing between any two solid points you can find, the ENO DoubleNest ($75) hammock has been a staple for many years. ENO has been at it since 1999, when the Pinholster brothers hawked their travel-ready hammocks across the southeast. The DoubleNest is the pinnacle of their chill-oriented gathered-end hammock evolution.

Sitting at a middle of the road 9.5 feet long, the DoubleNest bumps the width out to 76 inches wide to accommodate a hammock co-pilot to your next hang. We’ve found that by adjusting the hanging angle we can make this a comfortable affair for both parties.

ENO used a common design in construction — a three-panel layout that cradles the occupants — and setting it up couldn’t be easier. Find two sturdy trees 10 to 15 feet apart, sling them with your suspension system, and attach the included carabiners in order to hit the ideal 30-degree hanging angle.

The company recently updated all of the hardware used in the DoubleNest, including a hammock-specific carabiner that incorporates a groove that captures the hammock-end cord and limits cross-loading. We loved seeing these small pieces of kit optimized for hammock use.

You’ll need to bring your own straps to the party, as the DoubleNest is sold as just the hammock. For that, any daisy chain style suspension system will do, and ENO suggests their uber-popular Atlas Hammock Straps ($30). We also found that using the DoubleNest solo can feel like you’re being swaddled in the extra fabric.

Our constant daypack companion, the ENO DoubleNest is made to go anywhere and be ready for any hang.

One of the advantages of a camping hammock is the ability to be pitched in a wider variety of terrain than a tent. Though swinging free in the air keeps you away from rough and uneven terrain, it also means you lose some of the insulating properties of sleeping on the ground.

The Hennessy 4Season Expedition Zip ($290) gets around that by giving you a double layer of nylon in the bottom panel. This allows you to slip in the included open-cell foam pad to increase the temperature rating to about 40 degrees F. And then, you can add the included reflective space blanket above or below it to withstand freezing temps.

In practice, we found these custom pads to be much more ideal than the regular sleeping pads we’ve tried to press into hammock service in the past. Where these camping pads folded at odd angles and caused creases that were awkward to sleep on, Hennessy’s foam pad is cut in an asymmetric shape to fit the hammock perfectly.

Across Hennessy’s collection, its marquee feature is an asymmetrical design. Similar to the diagonal construction of popular parachute hammocks, Hennessy hammocks differentiate themselves by allowing users to lie completely flat within the diagonal hanging position, offering solid support to the lower back.

Included in the 4Season Expedition Zip setup is the integrated mosquito net, as well as a Hex rainfly made from 70-denier polyester ripstop. Our tester found the fly to be a generous size and cut, protecting the ends of the hammock from rain and able to be pitched to avoid drafts from beneath.

As with many four season shelters, weight is the obvious trade-off for protection from the elements. This hammock shelter weighs 5 lbs., 3 oz all told, and packs into an included 7 in. x 16 in. compression stuff sack. You’ll also have to give some thought to set up, as there are a number of lines to tension correctly.

While we haven’t used the 4Season Expedition Zip hammock in snow yet, we’ve used it in plenty of other gnarly environs, and wouldn’t hesitate to. It’s the ideal setup for year-round use for those who want to sleep off the ground.

At an astonishing 5.2 ounces and packing down to the size of a fist, the Hummingbird Hammocks Single Hammock ($70) is easily the welterweight champion of our review.

Effortlessly disappearing into a pack, this hammock makes use of all the cutting-edge tech in its quest to be the lightest hammock on the market. The 1.1-ounce ripstop nylon used is certified reserve parachute fabric, and while it’s quite thin, it maintains a tensile strength of 50 pounds per square inch.

Rounding out the hammock is a Spectra continuous loop and button link system that is far lighter than a carabiner. It doesn’t come with a suspension system, but Hummingbird’s Tree Straps are equally high-tech, using Dyneema webbing and Spectra cord.

Created by a Certified Parachute Rigger, even the stitching is up to spec — using a mil-spec bonded nylon thread and an FAA-approved double lock stitch. 

Most hammocks are cut with enough fabric to ensure that surprise departures aren’t a thing, but we found ourselves needing to be a bit more aware of our movements in the Hummingbird. At 8.6 feet long it’s the shortest hammock we’ve tested, but will fit most adults with some care given to the lying position.

At such a light weight, we found it difficult to justify not bringing this hammock along on trips. 

The Warbonnet Blackbird XLC ($200) is great for those looking for a wide range of customization options in a high-quality hang and don’t need an all-in-one solution. Warbonnet also constructs its hammocks to accept any new bits you spring for down the line. So, if you can’t quite afford your ultimate setup right away, you’ll be able to add on in the future.

Other highlights include a fully removable bug net, as well as Warbonnnet’s unique storage shelf — a flap of fabric that hangs from the side of the hammock and provides two square feet of storage space. We greatly appreciated having this at our fingertips for overnight excursions in the Blackbird, when keeping a headlamp or phone close by was handy.

The Blackbird XLC is available in a number of suspension options, including a simple buckle and webbing strap set up to classic whoopie slings. Both of these options make the hammock poised to be ready for long-haul hammock camping and limit bulk and weight.

One of the things we liked most about the Blackbird was its use of Warbonnet’s Dream-Tex fabric, a specialty weave that was made uniquely for hammocks. As per Warbonnet: “[Dream-Tex] combines a traditional ripstop weave with a bias-directional diamond grid to create a fabric that has an incredibly comfortable cotton-like texture.” 

Sliding into the Blackbird, it’s obvious that this isn’t your run-of-the-mill ripstop parachute material. You can even order the hammock in single or double-layer configurations, adding support for larger hammockers and ensuring you get the correct amount of sag in your hang.

The downside to all this customization is that, since Warbonnet is a small-batch producer, sometimes a number of the fabric or add-on options won’t be available for some time. Also, any custom orders will take some time to be cooked up, so you should anticipate some wait time involved. 

It also features the ability to reverse how it hangs so you can lie with your head to the left or to the right, as well as a strip of fabric in the top that keeps it up and off your head and feet. If you’re looking for a hammock to fine-tune to your optimal hanging specifications, the Blackbird XLC is ready to be molded.

When you aren’t sure what to expect on your next outing, the Dutchware Chameleon hammock ($135) is just as adaptable as its namesake.

Bugs can ruin an otherwise great hammock camping experience, so being able to zip into a bug net greatly increases the number of nights you can enjoy off the ground. The Chameleon boasts a series of different bug nets and something called a top cover; a semi-solid cover that creates a microclimate and pushes the hammock to cold weather extremes.

Using a toothed zipper, as opposed to a coil zipper, allows you the ability to lie in any direction in the Chameleon and still zip on your bug net or top cover. Our testers really appreciated this feature, and not being tied down to any specific way to use the hammock.

The Chameleon is available with two different suspension styles, either a buckle or whoopie sling setup. The former is a bit more user-friendly, but heavier, and the latter will need a little practice to master.

We did find that in lounge mode — that is, sans bug netting or cover — the exposed zipper on the edge of the hammock needed to be avoided upon entry and exit. A small price to pay for overall versatility.

Life comes at you fast, and when you aren’t sure what’s coming next the Chameleon hammock is up to the task.

Perfect for the beach or hanging around a campfire, the REI Co-op Outward Hammock ($199) is a breeze to set up. The integrated stretcher bars are attached to the fabric and have bungee keepers (like a tent pole) so everything rolls out of the stuff sack ready to hang. The durable polyester fabric and rigging system boasts a hefty 600-pound load limit. This hammock is most comfortable sitting in couch style, which is perpendicular to the way it’s hung.

With cup holders and snack pockets on either side and such a generous weight rating, two can easily enjoy the comfort of summer lounging. We also appreciate that everything you need — including straps and carabiners — is included in the package.

The weight of this hammock knocks it out of contention to be a backpacking hammock. Ringing in at well over six pounds and being quite bulky, it will never venture too far from the car. The spreader bars help to keep the occupant from completely taco-ing into a synthetic burrito, but we found this to not be the most comfortable hammock for sleeping. If you find the perfect balance point and you have a pillow, a snooze is doable, but we recommend other hammocks for catching some shuteye. 

This hammock is the perfect lounge for a couple or family who want easy-to-setup seating for an affordable price tag. The durability of the materials mean that this hammock can withstand years of use. The REI Co-op Outward Hammock is the perfect hammock for cozying up to a friend or loved one with your beverage of choice or digging into a good book.

It’s all about the weave with the Grand Trunk TrunkTech hammock ($70), which makes use of Grand Trunk’s new proprietary 40-denier Micro Grid ripstop nylon to cut the weight and bulk, but maintain an impressive 500-pound max capacity.

What’s even more impressive, is that for all the high-tech woven in, the TrunkTech hammock sports a soft and supple hand and is supremely comfortable to lie in. Our tester says, “What won me over? Its silky softness. Seriously: it’s proven durable enough after weeks of use, and it’s so soft.”

The fact that this is an 11-foot hammock, with a 500-pound capacity, and all for 70 bucks really impressed us. The TrunkTech hammock doesn’t come with any suspension, but will pair well with any daisy chain webbing on the market. 

Read Review: Silky-Soft Tree Sleeper: Grand Trunk TrunkTech Hammock Review

The lightest offering from ENO, the Sub6 Ultralight Hammock ($70) tips the scales at a mere 5.8 ounces and is small enough to fit into some pants pockets.

Made of a gossamer 30-denier ripstop nylon, you can practically read newsprint through this hammock. But even still, it boasts a respectable 300-pound maximum capacity.

While the Hummingbird Hammocks Single Hammock weighs in under the Sub6, it is also a bit smaller, which is something we appreciated about the Sub6. The reason we chose the Hummingbird over the Sub6 for Best Ultralight boiled down to mere ounces, and once you add in the suspension systems for both hammocks, the Hummingbird has the edge by a handful.

Something we liked about the Sub6 was its versatility in suspension options. Where other ultralight hammocks allow for only one style, this hammock can connect to either whoopie sling or daisy chain style suspension systems. 

Need a little bit more room? The ENO SuperSub Ultralight hammock is what you would get if the Sub6 and DoubleNest had a baby.

The glut of parachute hammocks on the market means you can find any number of generic choices that are usually more affordable. But the Nakie version ($99) is unique in that it’s made from 100% recycled material.

So if being eco-conscious matters to you, this is the right option for a casual hang in the woods. The hammocks are built with material equivalent to 37 post-consumer plastic bottles, and the company plants four trees for every hammock purchased.

The Nakie Recycled follows a popular recipe for casual hammocks: a gathered-end style ends in two polyester straps, then connected to daisy chain straps with the included steel carabiners. We will note that the included daisy chain suspension is a bit short at 7.5 feet per strap. 

Not flashy, but also not aiming to be, the Nakie Recycled hammock knows that it’s what’s on the inside that counts, and those who are looking to limit their footprint would be well served by hanging in this hammock.

The stellar Lawson Blue Ridge Camping hammock ($229 hammock only) is chock full of features but a fair bit heftier and bulkier than the Mantis, making it not quite as convenient for taking on extended trips.

But one of the best things about this camp hammock is it’s set up in a lay-flat configuration. So, those who can’t stand the claustrophobic feeling of a diagonal hammock, but want a full-featured experience, should look at the Lawson.

Beyond the comfort of sleeping in a lay-flat configuration, kudos go to this hammock tent for features like the spacious loft of the upper mesh via shock-corded arch poles at either end (which is a fine no-see-um mesh) and the ability to pitch this hammock on the ground like a regular tent. Though on the ground, it feels more like you’re sleeping in a tight bivy sack.

The Blue Ridge is a solid, well-made hammock, but it does suffer from a more complicated design. The spreader bars are attached and supported with a bunch of cordage that converges for the hanging point, which introduces a lot of potential fail points.

The materials are overall solid and durable, but not quite up to the advanced fabrics and textiles found in more expensive options like the Kammok.

Want more information about this hammock’s performance? Check out our head-to-head testing of the Blue Ridge vs Draumr.

If you’re into getting the most out of your gear and want the ability to use your outdoor stuff in multiple ways, the BE Outfitter Campo ($84) is the hammock for you. Along with being a nice hammock for lounging, it can also transform into a waterproof poncho, tarp shelter, or groundsheet.

In hammock mode, the durable 70-denier nylon sheet gathers at each end for clipping into tree straps. Plus, a hidden waterproof zipper and hood can deploy when untethered to ward off rain showers. Snaps on the sides allow you to make short sleeves on the poncho for better mobility and protection.

Obviously, some assembly is required, with a rudimentary knowledge of knots needed to turn the Campo into a hammock. We’ll also note that while the Campo is both a poncho and a hammock, it likely isn’t the best version of either.

Hiking in with showers by morning and a dry afternoon promised? Cut down on your pack weight by chucking the BE Outfitter Campo into the mix.

If you want a hammock that provides both functional shelter and ultimate chilling, consider the ENO SkyLite ($170).

The simple bridge design takes cues from tent construction by utilizing eco-consciously anodized DAC aluminum shock-corded poles as spreader bars that slip into fabric sleeves. And the suspended bug mesh canopy has a wide double-zipper opening that spans the hammock’s 7-foot length, making for graceful ingress and exiting.

While the Skylite’s toggle ends were built with the ENO Helios Hammock Straps in mind, it will also accommodate any daisy chain style suspension system by clipping the loop the toggle is attached to.

At 7 feet long and 3 feet wide, the SkyLite feels quite roomy considering it weighs just 2 pounds. The flat-bottomed shape provides comfort in a variety of sleeping positions. Some users report durability issues with the bug net zipper.

Want the hammock style but don’t need the integrated bugnet? The ENO SkyLoft ($130) is for you.

Tentsile is known for its massive tree tents. The brand uses heavy-duty ratchets and burly webbing to create suspended surfaces that users often combine into multilevel structures in the forest sky.

The triangular Trillium “hammock” ($419) is perfect for car camping and casual afternoon hangouts. To set up the Trillium properly, you’ll need three strong and well-spaced trees.

Rated up to 880 pounds, the Trillium can hold three adults, six kids, or two adults and two kids on the taut but cushiony surface that makes for great sleeping or picnicking.

The Trillium is available with either a mesh or fabric floor and has storage pockets under each corner to stash clothes or supplies. It also features a central hatch in the middle for easy entry.

Read Review: Tentsile Stingray Tree Tent Review: Camp With Your (Inner) Child