Hennessy Hammock Explorer Deluxe Series
If you like camping and you like hammocks, you may be in the market for the best camping hammock. Hammock camping is starting to become a popular trend and is completely replacing traditional tent camping. The best modern camping hammocks have covers for rain protection and can be completely enclosed. Hammocks have always been popular as a piece of portable furniture and have nostalgic value.
They actually have origins in south and central America and have now evolved into a way to make a makeshift bed. A camping hammock is not just a cool way to get some sleep and rest: it is also very functional. Hammocks are set up in a way such that they are raised off of the ground, which is great because it protects you from wet and dirty surfaces on the ground as well as pests. If you can’t find a flat or smooth place to pitch your tent, a camping hammock offers a great alternative. There are many types of hammocks and camping hammocks are only a small subset of the entire market. They are designed to be used by campers and normally have extreme durability so that they can weather the harshest of conditions when outdoors.
Also, they are very lightweight so they can be conveniently and neatly folded into your backpack. Not every camping hammock is made the same and there are many factors you should consider when choosing the best camping hammock for your needs. You should consider comfort, the material used, weight, durability, versatility, capacity, strength, dimensions, additional features, and cost. Please see below for our recommendations and a guide on picking the best camping hammock.
Best Camping Hammock Reviews
- Hennessy Hammock Explorer Deluxe Series (Top Pick)
- Clark NX-270 Four-Season Camping Hammock
- Wise Owl Outfitters Hammock Shelter System
1. Hennessy Hammock Explorer Deluxe Series – Top Pick
We think the Hennessy Hammock Explorer offers the best bang for the buck and is a premium camping hammock. It is definitely not the best top-of-the-line camping hammock, but for all intents and purposes, it gets the job done.
Let’s just say the quality is somewhere between a generic Walmart hammock and a top-shelf extreme hammock. In terms of dimensions, it comes in at 7 feet tall and has a maximum weight limit of 300 pounds although you can probably stretch it to 400 pounds.
When packed up, it weighs 3 pounds 9 ounces and is 5 inches by 8 inches by 12 inches. In terms of material, it is made of 210D Oxford Nylon Fabric and the rainfly attachment comes with 70D polyurethane-coated polyester ripstop. The rain fly is a parallelogram that is about 13 feet on its diagonal. Overall pretty good specs and you can even try to squeeze two people in this camping hammock.
This hammock is super comfortable and is very easy to set up and take apart. It has a bottom entry with Velcro closure and the entire hammock is quite durable. This camping hammock is for those who do recreational camping and trekking and need a good price hammock that is a step up from a Walmart brand. It comes with a nice rainfly that protects you not just from rain but other objects that could fall on you.
2. Clark NX-270 Four-Season Camping Hammock
The Clark NX-270 Four Season is one of those top-shelf camping hammocks that is built like a rock. It is a premium camping hammock that deserves a premium price. It is built in a way that makes it extremely versatile, so it can be suitable in cold and tropical conditions. It has a weather shield layer that is very breathable and comes with built-in mosquito netting.
The hammock can basically be transformed into an enclosed tent that can shield against harsh conditions like strong wind, rain, or snow. It also has insulating pockets that will keep you warm in cold weather, which eliminates the need for external insulation. The insulating pockets double as storage space and can be removed if you don’t need the extra insulation. There are six pockets located underneath the hammock where you can store all of your gear.
There are also two pockets inside the hammock that allows you to store small items. The Clark NX-270 is made extremely durable and has ropes that hold it up that can support up to 1700 pounds! It is extremely lightweight as well as the entire thing weighs in at 2 pounds 15 ounces. The dimensions of the bed is about 9 feet and the widest width of the tarp is about 10 feet. If you want the best quality and are willing to pay the premium, this is the best camping hammock for you.
3. Wise Owl Outfitters Camping Hammock
Wise Owl Outfitters makes a very affordable yet presentable camping hammock. It is a complete system that comes with a rain fly, strap system, bug net, and tarp stakes. It also has a sack and can fit the entire system. There are a variety of colors to choose from including some camo colors. It is quite easy to set up and the rainfly is great at keeping you dry.
We can’t say this is made of the best material, but it is more than enough for most campers. The oufitter is easy to learn and is good for both novices and experienced campers.
The hammock is also very lightweight and packs up perfectly in a little bag. The only thing we wish it had was more storage space and better insulation. This hammock isn’t really built for cold weather unless you bring the entire insulation yourself.
Overall, Wise Owl presents great value for campers who want a functional hammock that is easy to learn and easy to set up and take apart. Just don’t expect too many functions and features on this.
Choosing the Best Camping Hammock
There are quite a few factors to consider when you want to invest in the best camping hammock. The most important factors are:
- Price
- Fun
- Material
- Comfort
- Durability
- Weight
- Versatility
- Dimensions
- Additional Features
Price for the best camping hammock
We all like a good bargain. And there are some nice gems in terms of hammocks. But like any other products, they can actually get pretty costly so it is important that you take your time to do your research before committing.
The price for the best hammocks can go up to $500. But there are some nice gems for 50 to 100 USD. The price depends on what you really need and if you have a low, medium, or high budget.
Have fun with a hammock suspension system
There are many benefits of hammock camping over traditional tent camping: they simply are fun.
The reason for them being fun is that they are arguably more comfortable and can be set up and torn down easily. They are often much lighter and ergonomic to carry in your backpack. Also, many hammock camping aficionados claim that they get better sleep in a hammock.
This may be due to the fact that they are suspended from the ground and so you don’t really feel the rugged ground, which deals with ground moisture, and insects/pests.
Nowadays, the best camping hammocks have all the features a tent does and offer similar stability and durability. Camping hammocks have hammock tarps to protect you from rain and other objects, mosquito nets, and storage units for your belongings. Please see below for a list of factors to consider when shopping for a camping hammock.
Material to manufacture a hammock for camping
The type of material that is used to construct your camping hammock is very important to its durability and overall build quality. Most camping hammocks are made of a form of polyester or nylon because they are very durable, stretch easily, and are resistant to UV radiation, cold, and rain. These materials tend to be a bit more expensive than cotton hammocks or dura cord hammocks, which are often found in rope and bar-style hammocks.
Comfort of hammock systems
You should definitely find a hammock that is comfortable because you will be sleeping in it for the most part. The higher-quality camping hammocks have long-lasting durability and are made of materials that stretch and comfort your body. Avoid hammocks that feel rugged and are too cheap because usually, they will not be comfortable
Durability of the best backpacking hammock
Besides comfort, you should also focus on durability, which is probably the second most important thing to look at. First and foremost, you need a hammock that can withstand harsh weather because when you are camping you never know what will happen. You should look for hammocks that can take some wear and tear and fabric that is easy to clean. If you are going to get a camping hammock, make sure it is a quality one that will last you more than one year. They should also have protection against rain, snow, strong winds, and UV radiation.
Weight – Best ultralight hammock or lightweight camping hammock matter
Hammock weight has a lot to do with portability and load on your back. You have two main types:
- Ultralight
- Lightweight
When you are backpacking with a hammock on your back, you want to minimize the load you carry. Unfortunately, lighter-weight camping hammocks are either very cheap in terms of quality or very expensive because they are both quality and ultralight weight.
Versatility of an all-in-one hammock
You should also take versatility into account when picking out the best camping hammock. A hammock should be comfortable for sleeping and a lightweight alternative to a tent. So it should be highly versatile in areas where the ground may be wet, rocky, or uneven, but also above the treeline, or in areas with sensitive vegetation. It should provide a relaxing experience, and leave no trace.
Dimensions – Small is big for a backpacking hammock
You should definitely consider the size of the camping hammock depending on your size and how much room you want. Obviously, the large-sized hammocks offer more space for you but they also weigh more and take up more room in your backpack. You need to do the cost-benefit analysis yourself to figure out what you need to do most. For, the smallest dimensions mean the ultra-wight hammock, which means easier to carry, which in turn provides you comfort in transporting your sleeping gear.
Additional Features – Bug net, storage, tent, double hammock, etc.
You may want to consider functionality and additional features when looking at a camping hammock. Many camping hammocks have attachments such as mosquito nets and storage attachments. You may also want a hammock with great straps that can support a lot of weight. There should also be storage space for things like your bag or a thermos.
In addition, you have hammocks that can be easily installed in tents. And we do not want to forget that you can purchase double hammocks for you and your partner.
