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Best Hammocks Reviewed & Rated for Quality
Standout Picks
Criteria Used for Evaluation
Stability
The material of the straps you’re using to handle your hammock is essential in determining the amount of stability. The same goes for the quality and the state of the rope you’re using. Generally, the more tension there is on the straps or the rope, the more stable they will be. However, it all comes down to the way in which you tie these as well the point of support you’re using.
Regardless of how you’re tying (whether it’s with straps or traditional ropes), you want to make sure to use a sturdy, thick trunk or something vertical and firm to the ground to use as support. In the case of straps, it’s important to select carefully what you’re going to use. If possible, acquire the straps from the very same manufacturer – they’re the ones who’ll have the most insight on their product.
To acquire the most stability, pay attention to the capacity of the straps. In most cases, users don’t pay attention to the details and restrictions of the straps. When buying straps or rope, you must select a pair that has the same (or very similar) capacity as the hammock. A common mistake, for example, is buying a double design with a 200kg capacity and tying it down with straps that don’t support the same weight.
As you can probably guess, you don’t want to put more weight on the straps than they can handle. Snapping your straps due to overload is the last thing you want when camping; and the only time when it will overload is when you’re lying on it, meaning you’ll be on the floor by the time you find out the straps were not strong enough. Additionally, if you don’t have a spare set of straps, you won’t be able to hang them back up.
However, the straps have to be significantly weak for them to snap suddenly. The first sign that straps do not sustain weight is the loss of stability; you’ll start sensing the lack of firmness and support. Thus, adequate straps are a key point to stability.
Comfort
The main characteristic of hammocks is how comfortable they are. Needless to say, you won’t choose an uncomfortable product for camping or backpacking. However, in most cases, you won’t have the ability to verify the comfort until you purchase it and lay down on it. By that time, it may be too late for you if it turns out to be uncomfortable.
Choosing a comfortable design sounds easier than it actually is; in some scenarios, the only information you have on the product is another user’s point of view, which may not fit your preferences. Because of this, it’s important that you can accurately tell apart the components and their qualities when choosing the best fit for yourself. Doing so will allow you to approximately evaluate the comfortability of the product.
But, what exactly makes these comfortable? Or rather, what makes them uncomfortable? The truth is that there’s no single element that creates comfort – it’s the combination of all elements working together that define the level of comfort at last. This “combination” depends on multiple things that must all be present; the absence of one of these features may be more than enough to prevent you from buying a specific one.
Materials
As you can probably guess, the materials used for construction have a direct impact on the comfortability of it. When it comes to these, you shouldn’t be looking for any other material aside from fabrics (for the base that is). The most used material for this task is nylon – however, it’s more complex than it looks, as nylons vary greatly amongst themselves.
Nylon has a large list of features that make them the perfect material for structures like this, which hold a certain weight while suspended in the air (and supported to something, of course). Most nylons tend to be semi-crystalline, and these are the ones you normally want to get your hands on. These nylons are materials that, despite being thin, are very tough and count with highly resistant qualities.
Model
Depending on the places you’ll be going, you’ll want to look for different dimensions as well as designs. Users normally think that any model will do as long as you fit in it and you can hang it properly – while this is technically possible, it’s very far from the most optimal usage. Since the creation by the Mayan Central-American tribe, a wide variety of designs and appliances have split apart from the original design to achieve specific purposes. Although they all look similar, a design made for the mountain is very different from one meant for the jungle when it comes to the construction and the design.
If you’re a backpacker without a defined destination, your eyes should be on a hiking design. While you may still find a jungle design that does the trick for you when hiking or backpacking, we recommend going for a product that is specifically designed for the environment and the circumstances you’re heading towards. A hiking design is an excellent choice for those who don’t know where they’ll hang next.
One made for hiking should always be compact. Normally, this is something you want in every style (who doesn’t like minimalism?). But, if you’re reaching your destination in a car or other transportation method, carrying a bigger one probably isn’t an issue. The mountain (or backpacking), on the other hand, requires as much space as you can possibly get, and these can consume quite a lot of it if they’re not minimalized. Ideally, a backpacking/mountain model should be easier to pack than any other, normally fitting in a sack the size of a soccer ball or smaller. When this is already hanging, the sack can work as a useful pocket for quick-reach items like a flashlight, glasses, a snack, or even a handgun.
Camping models tend to be the most comfortable of them all. Their design doesn’t depend on minimalism or space optimization unlike those for specific performances like hiking or mountaineering. Don’t get us wrong – in the modern-day era, all designs are optimized to occupy less space. While they’re still compactable, they normally contain more fabric and features than any other class, which is why they’re the most comfortable.
Weather Resistance
Protecting yourself from the elements can be done in a variety of ways. One of the most popular solutions is the rainfly, it’s a kind of elastic “roof” that goes over you and covers completely. The purpose of the rainfly is to deflect anything (including liquids).
Another efficient weatherproof design is closed models. At the same time, there are multiple ways to enclose yourself in bed. In some cases, a double-zipping system simply puts the hammock together in a manner that it’s impenetrable by liquids; this would require water-repelling materials at the same time.
Other ones employ an umbrella-like design that is also zippable. It surrounds you in its totality, preventing breezing rain from getting to you regardless of its direction. The net should be removable and easy to put on and off in order to give you quick access to protection. The net should arch over and must consist of waterproof materials – not to be confused with sun stoppers that are not waterproof.
In cold climates, insulation is something you may want to consider. Depending on how cold it is, you’ll want partial or serious insulation. Some people use their portable insulation pads as a solution, but we recommend looking for a design with an integrated insulation system. Pads and other things you may insert are not necessarily suitable for the dimensions you count with and may ultimately affect your comfort. It also affects the level of insulation, in comparison to integrated systems that are specifically engineered for the shape and size.
10 Best Hammocks
1. ENO DoubleNest
ENO’s DoubleNest is as simple as it gets. ENO takes care of everything and all you have to do is tie it, lay down, and worry about nothing. This is big enough to fit two people in total comfort, and it’s like a sanctuary for one person. A practical pouch allows you to carry this with you anywhere in the most minimalist form possible, being also fairly simple to set up.
Adventure ready
The DoubleNest follows very lightweight standards, coming in at just 19 ounces. Thanks to this, you’re able to take it with you to the mountain, the forest, hiking, camping, or simply lazing around with your companion. The compact design makes it easily portable and unfolds into a dual-person option.
Wiregate carabiners
This includes aluminum carabiners with nautical quality lines. As if that wasn’t enough, the snap links are made of stainless steel and can be openly exposed to the elements without suffering from corrosion. This makes the hammock compatible with trees, posts, and even walls.
Cost and Value
For ENO quality is not an option, but rather a must – and this extends to their materials. This particular model features 70D High Tenacity Nylon Taffeta, a material that is absolutely reliable up to 400 pounds. Furthermore, the quick-drying material won’t suffer from exposure to water.
2. Grand Trunk Skeeter Beeter
Mosquitoes and other annoying insects are not a threat when you own Grand Trunk’s Skeeter Beeter. Instead of curling up in the fetal position and slapping the insects off you all night, the Skeeter Beeter allows you to enter an utterly comfortable shelter. The two-way zipper helps you isolate yourself from any bug that may be present in the environment, also giving you the option to remove the insect netting and use it as a traditional nylon version.
Multi-functional approach
The Skeeter Beeter includes the independent insect protection net that shields you from pretty much any biting insect in the camping and backpacking environment. The net isn’t sewn into the design but rather attached with double zippers, also providing users with the ability to enter and exit much more practical, as well as removing the net any time.
Adaptable construction
Grand Trunk makes the kind of products that are useful no matter where you take them. Whether you’re going for a camping weekend, a traveling trip, outdoor adventures, or simply your backyard, the Skeeter Beeter is an efficient replacement for any sleeping device. Full-sized tents, sleeping bags and ground mats are things of the past.
Cost and Value
The good thing about Grand Trunk products is that you don’t require rocket engineering knowledge to put it together. Placing this is as easy as using the starter rope kit and the net suspension kit to set up your suspension bed and adjusting the net any time in a matter of seconds.
3. MalloMe Double Parachute
Possibilities are nearly endless when you count on the capacity of the MalloMe XL Double Parachute. When a double design isn’t enough, MalloMe has your back with a capacity of 1,000 pounds in their XL Parachute model. Superior comfort is the main objective of MalloMe, which is why they provide you with the dimensions and the capacity to make yourself as comfortable as possible. The sizing is almost luxurious; even when there are 2 people inside.
Extra-large design
The Double Parachute will fit two large adults without any problem; in fact, there’ll be plenty of additional space and capacity even with two persons on it. The 1,000lbs support easily duplicates and triplicates the traditional capacity, assuring space and capacity are two things you won’t lack.
Ultralight and Strong
You would normally think one of this size and capacity would weight a ton, but it’s the whole opposite. MalloMe products get bigger and lighter at the same time, offering tear-resistant 210T nylon fabric and straps with a maximum resistance of 1,000lbs. Once completely folded this will weigh just about 1lb with its pouch.
Cost and Value
Installing the Double Parachute couldn’t possibly get any easier; the strap design is highly user-friendly and makes the fastening process much easier. The stuffing pouch is strategically sewn into the design so they never separate from each other, also easing the folding and unfolding process. This barely represents the size of a volleyball when folded within its pouch.
4. Hennessy Expedition
The Expedition Series is by far the best seller and most popular model by Hennessy. This series includes exclusive Hennessy patents, including the ridgeline mesh pocket and the unique webbing strap design that holds them efficiently without damaging the trunk bark. This also comes in extremely handy when tying this to any surface that may suffer degradation from the strap tension. Lastly, the asymmetrical shape delivers much more efficient weight distribution and comfortable positioning.
Quality construction
The expedition series is regarded as the best Hennessy product because it counts with only the best materials and components. The Expedition is composed of 210D Oxford nylon, which is not only elastic but greatly resistant as well. The rainfly is made of 70D Polyurethane Coated Polyester Ripstop.
Unique suspension ropes
The suspending straps/ropes are specially designed by Hennessy to deliver a customized fit for the Expedition Series. The 10-foot long polyester rope supports up to 1600lbs including the 1.5" x 42" long black polyester webbing straps for further sustenance.
Cost and Value
A Polyurethane-coated polyester compound is used as the main component of the rainfly. The material is not only elastic but also highly resistant considering how thin it is. The rainfly is carefully designed to deflect any liquid that could potentially fall, whether it’s directly raining or dripping from the trees.
5. Legit Camping
While hunting or camping, finding a place to lay or rest is not the easiest thing to do unless you have a tent and that sometimes can be heavy or uncomfortable to carry around. This is especially true if you are simply going on a short trip around. The Legit Camping is not only traveling friendly but it's the perfect item to have when you want something as durable as can be. Think of it as your new camping best friend.
Portable
As stated above, this is all about being travel-friendly. Furthermore, it redefines traveling due to how portable it is. Coming with a sack enables this to ensure you get the most out of yours as you no longer need to carry multiple bags in order to keep your items safe or add bulk to you. With this one, you can simply stuff it into the sack and keep it moving. The sack is minimal so it will not feel as if you are carrying a load constantly.
Easy Set-Up
The brand wanted to make sure you would not have difficulty setting up. Anyone who has tried to set anything up knows how infuriating and even obnoxious it can be to want to set something up and not be able to do it. Therefore, with this, you simply have to do three different things, wrap, snap and swing. These simple steps will get it opened and prepared in no time. Furthermore, two people can lay down at the same time, as this one is roomy enough to do so.
Cost and Value
As for the cost and value, you are getting quite the bargain. You can almost say this one is a steal. Not only is it cost-effective but it's built to last which is exactly what you want from such a product. Keep in mind, this one does come in multiple color combinations so you can select which one works best for you.
6. Kammok Roo Double
Kammok believes that quality means everything, which is why their cleverly-built products come with a lifetime guarantee. This one is built to suspend your adventures wherever they are; whether it’s your backyard, the forest, or the mountain. Kammok’s Roo is built with only the highest quality materials, which include intuitive technology.
Strong and easy to set up
The double design is equipped with Kammok’s signature technology, that make this product suitable for climbing and mountaineering. The construction is one of the strongest and most long-lasting of the market.
Light and compact
Despite initially looking spacious, bulky, and heavy, the Kammok Roo Double is the whole opposite. When unfolded, the Roo has just about the same size as a queen-size mattress – more than enough to fit two persons comfortably. The whole 500lbs capacity unit weighs around 23oz with the carabiners packed and can be compressed into a sack for an effortless carry.
Cost and Value
Kammok applies its own fabric in the construction of the Roo Double. This fabric is stronger, lighter, softer and more elastic than a traditional parachute and nylon materials. The composition of this is rated for climbing efficiency, expanding your possibilities more than ever.
7. Lawson Blue Ridge
Lawson has been previously rated the number one tent hammock manufacturer by publications such as Backpacker and Outside. This particular model, the Blue Ridge, was the receiver of 2016’s Gear of the Year Award given by 50 Campfires. The Blue Ridge counts with a patented design that delivers optimal performance.
Hybrid tent-hammock
A very peculiar construction and clever engineering allow this to morph into a ground tent at any point. Whether you prefer suspension or firm ground support, the Blue Ridge expands your possibilities and takes camping to the next level. Don’t let the environment limit your shelter.
Arch pole system
A spreader bar works in combination with Lawson’s unique arch pole system that flattens the structure and removes the great part of the annoying cocoon effect caused by the positioning of your body on traditional styles. This technology allows you to move freely instead of being in a fixed banana position all night.
Cost and Value
Setting up and adjusting it barely requires any effort thanks to the smart configuration system. The waterproof rainfly is fairly easy to attach and detach as well as the bug netting. Forming won’t take you longer than just a couple of minutes.
8. Hennessy Explorer Deluxe
Although initially similar to the Expedition Series from the same manufacturer, the Explorer Deluxe series is a completely independent design with an individual approach. The signature bottom entry with Velcro closure is still present, but the Deluxe series is about a foot longer than the Expedition, also with a greater capacity. The Explorer Deluxe supports anyone up to 300lbs and around 7ft tall. Although applied differently, these series features the same durable and reliable materials as other HH products.
Convenient and easy to use
There’s no science behind the deployment of the Deluxe Series, it’s as easy as unpacking it and setting up the straps in a matter of minutes. The design is thought for even the most inexperienced users, allowing for a quick and trouble less setup.
Webbing straps
Instead of the traditional ropes and straps, Hennessy makes use of their bark-friendly webbing straps on the Deluxe Series. The 2" wide x 42" long nylon webbing straps are called "tree huggers" because they don’t damage the bark unlike traditional rope and other strap systems.
Cost and Value
Water exposure is a thing of the past, the modern rainfly of the Deluxe Series allows you to rest without any concerns about rain or liquids that may potentially reach your hammock. The asymmetrical zipper closure provides you with the protection you need from the rain. The rainfly is fairly easy to set and adjust.
9. Gold Armour
Just as the name states this is a golden standard design. The Gold Armour is a heavy-duty item ready to get the job done effortlessly. Measuring 125 inches in height x 79 inches in width paired with a carrying capacity of 500 pounds, this is extremely versatile. In fact, it can hold up to two people at a time without dropping down too low or feeling as if you are almost touching the ground. Having this sensible yet simple feature enables you to lay and feel comfortable in any place at any time without ever touching the ground.
Ultra-Light
A feature that you truly want to take note of is just how light this is. Though it is durable and made of quality items it is extremely lightweight. Now do not confuse something being lightweight to something not being as durable as can be. While it is lightweight the product is thick and made out of 210T nylon parachute fabric. Its all about being one of the best on the market.
Well Packaged
Packaging plays a big role in any product that you decide to purchase, especially a hammock. Having one that comes well packaged is a blessing. This is what comes with, two steel carabiners, two tree straps 10 feet long each, 16 attachment loops with thick non-stretch seams.
Cost and Value
Not only does it come in a large array of colors and combinations, you are getting everything you need to easily and quickly take yours anywhere you need to go, but the cost is exceptional. You are getting a quality time that fits the bill every time. Additionally, it can hold two people for a total of 500 pounds.
10. Clark NX-270
Weather and seasons are not an obstacle to your camping plans when you count with a Clark NX-270. Its suitability for all seasons makes it really practical at all times of the year, making adventures possible no matter the season. Whether you’re expecting a tropical climate or seven feet of snow, Clark’s NX-270 has your back (literally). Furthermore, the NX-270 has everything you would normally expect, as well as intuitive technologies and features that you wouldn’t expect.
Breathable WeatherShield
To start things off, the NX-270 delivers an additional layer of protection on top of the No-See-Um mosquito and insect netting. The zipped coating turns this into a completely enclosed tent that gives you the utmost protection during breezy rains, snows, or simply cold weather. The shield also has a breathable approach that prevents you from overheating when enclosed.
Insulating pocket systems
You’ll never have to experience discomfort because of insulating pads that are not suitable again. The NX-270 has its own insulating pocket system that retains heat effectively. The technology consists of six pockets that are positioned underneath that can also be used for storage and may be accessed from inside.
Cost and Value
One thing is for sure; snapping is not an option when you own a Clark. The ropes for this particular model are tested for a 1700lbs resistance, which is considerably more than most individual designs. The ropes are water-repelling polypropylene and won’t degrade with rain, sun, or snow.
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