10 Best Backpacking & Camping Hammocks of 2024

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A backpacker relaxing in a red Eno Ultralight Sub6 hammock near a mountain lake in the Enchantments
ENO Sub6 – Photo credit: Dave Collins (CleverHiker.com)

Whether you’re looking for a hammock as a sleep system while backpacking, something comfy to swing in while car camping, or a luxury hammock for relaxing in the backyard, we’ve got you covered. We compare weight, packability, and suspension systems and look at different price points for all sorts of hammocks. We’ve researched 100 models over a decade and tested 50 on 300 nights of camping to put together this list of the very best options available.

To complete the perfect setup for a cat nap, you also need to check out our guide to the best camping blankets and pillows to pair with your hammock. And if catching serious Zs is a crucial part of your outdoor experience, then there’s something for you on our lists of our favorite camping mattresses and sleeping pads.

Quick Picks for Camping Hammocks

Check out this quick list of our favorite hammocks, or continue scrolling to see our full list with in-depth reviews.

Best hammock overall: Warbonnet Blackbird XLC ($200)

Best two-person hammock: ENO DoubleNest ($75)

Best ultralight hammock: Hummingbird Single ($74)

Best complete backpacking hammock: Hennessy Ultralight Backpacker Asym Zip ($240)

Best budget hammock: Grand Trunk Skeeter Beeter Pro ($70)

Best luxury hammock: ENO Skyloft ($130)

Best value hammock: Sea to Summit Pro ($120)

Most versatile backpacking hammock: Dutchware Chameleon ($135)

Best hammock/bivy hybrid: Lawson Blue Ridge ($225)

Unique 2-person tree tent for car camping: Tentsile Connect 3.0 ($599)

What’s new

The CleverHiker team continues to test new hammocks against our long-time favorites:

  • The Warbonnet Blackbird XLC earns a top spot for its comfort, light weight, and thoughtful design that make it and all-around standout.

  • The ENO DoubleNest is our favorite for two. It’s easy to setup and great for car camping.

  • The Hummingbird Single is a fantastic choice for anyone looking for a truly ultralight but comfortable hammock setup.

Warbonnet Blackbird XLC

Best hammock overall

Price: $200

Weight: 1 lb. 6.3 oz. (hammock, stuff sack, attached guylines, integrated bug net)

Weight Limit: 350 lb. (up to 275 lb. for comfort)

Dimensions: 132 x 62 in.

Pros

  • Ultralight
  • Easy to lay flat in
  • Versatile
  • Built-in shelf
  • Integrated bug net
  • Can be used on the ground

Cons

  • Expensive
  • Straps cost extra

The Warbonnet Blackbird XLC is one of the most comfortable backpacking hammocks on the market, and it’s particularly popular with thru-hikers because of its ultralight design. Some of the details that make the Blackbird our go-to include the asymmetrical cut, the large shelf panel for gear storage, and the ability to zip in a top cover for cold weather. When you order yours, you’ll have the option of a single layer or double layer Blackbird. The double-layer design increases the max weight capacity and allows you to use a sleeping pad with your hammock. We use the single-layer because it weighs less, and we prefer to use an underquilt instead of a pad when hammocking. If you’re looking for a top-quality ultralight hammock for backpacking, the Blackbird is your guy.

ENO Doublenest

Best two-person hammock

Price: $75

Weight: 1 lb. 3.5 oz. (hammock, stuff sack, carabiners)

Weight Limit: 400 lb.

Dimensions: 114 x 76 in.

Pros

  • Easy to hang
  • Good value
  • Roomy
  • Durable
  • Lots of colors/patterns

Cons

  • A little heavy/bulky for backpacking
  • Straps sold separately

The extra-wide ENO DoubleNest is roomy and tough enough to fit two people comfortably, so it’s awesome for lounging around camp with a pal. It comes in a bunch of fun color combinations for showing off your personal style, and it’s incredibly easy to set up using the included carabiners. Straps aren’t included, though, so be sure to pick up some Atlas Straps (or Atlas XL Straps for extra length) if you’re planning to string it up between trees instead of on a hammock stand. We recommend the Doublenest for those who want the option to pair up while relaxing in a casual setting like the park, the beach, or on car camping trips. For solo hammockers, check out the Eno Singlenest or the ultralight ENO Sub6.

Hummingbird Single

Best ultralight hammock

Price: $74

Weight: 5.5 oz. (hammock & stuff sack)

Weight Limit: 300 lb.

Dimensions: 104 x 47 in.

Pros

  • Ultralight
  • Highly packable
  • Affordable

Cons

  • Straps sold separately
  • A little less roomy than others

The Hummingbird Single is incredibly lightweight and compact, so you can take it pretty much anywhere. We like bringing the Single (and Hummingbird’s Ultralight Tree Straps) along with us as a luxury item on backpacking trips, so we have a comfortable place to sit and enjoy the views. It’s not as wide as some other hammocks, so it’s not our first choice to sleep in. But if you just need something simple for relaxing on a trail break, you’ll love the Hummingbird Single. If you want a little extra room for integrating into a complete overnight kit, check out the Hummingbird Single+ (116 x 63 in) or the Hummingbird Double (116 x 85 in). Check out our full review of the Hummingbird Single and Tree Straps here.

Hennessy Ultralight Backpacker Asym Zip

Best complete backpacking hammock system

Price: $240 (complete system)

Weight: 2 lb. 1.8 oz. (complete system)

Weight Limit: 200 lb.

Dimensions: 100 x 47 in.

Pros

  • Comes with everything you need to set up & weatherproof
  • Affordable for a complete setup
  • Durable
  • Can be used on the ground (requires trekking poles)
  • Easy to lay flat in
  • Integrated bug net

Cons

  • Requires some knots for set up
  • Low weight capacity

Whether you’re a first-timer or an experienced hammock backpacker, you’ll appreciate that the Hennessy Ultralight Backpacker Asym Zip comes complete with everything you need to hit the trail. Setting up the Backpacker requires some knowledge of simple knots, but once you get the hang of it the whole system goes up in a matter of minutes. The asymmetrical shape allows you to easily lay flat, and the bug mesh can be conveniently clipped back for stargazing. Overall, the Ultralight Backpacker hammock is an excellent value since you’re getting everything you need for overnighting, and it’s been a favorite with thru-hikers and casual backpackers alike for many years.

Grand Trunk Skeeter Beeter Pro

Best budget hammock

Price: $70

Weight: 1 lb. 15.2 oz. (hammock, stuff sack, carabiners, integrated bug net, guylines)

Weight Limit: 400 lb.

Dimensions: 126 x 60 in.

Pros

  • Affordable
  • Integrated bug net
  • Versatile
  • Easy to hang

Cons

  • Straps sold separately
  • A little heavier/bulkier than others

The Skeeter Beeter Pro is a good budget buy for people looking to dip a toe into hammock camping without spending a large chunk of change. It’s designed with a built-in no-see-um mesh canopy to protect against insects, and you can flip the whole hammock over to use it without the canopy if bugs aren’t a problem. The weight is also relatively low – especially for the price – but you’ll need to add a tarp and a suspension system to make it backpacking ready. The Skeeter Beeter Pro is an excellent choice whether you’re looking for a starter camping hammock or you need a comfy retreat in a buggy backyard.

ENO Skyloft

Best luxury hammock

Price: $130

Weight: 2 lb. 12.5 oz. (hammock, carabiners, stuff sack)

Weight Limit: 250 lb.

Dimensions: 84 x 36 in.

Pros

  • Very comfortable
  • Spreader bars make it roomy
  • Easy to set up
  • Durable
  • Easy to lay flat in

Cons

  • Bulky/heavy
  • Expensive
  • Straps sold separately

The ENO Skyloft is perfect for those wanting a backyard lounger or a luxurious place to snooze on car camping trips. It’s designed with spreader bars at the head and foot to give you plenty of room to sprawl without the sides closing in on you. This unique hammock also allows you to switch between two modes: relax and sleep. Sleep mode gives you the perfect flat lay for napping, and pulling the cords at the head raises you up into the more upright relax mode for enjoying conversation or reading a book. The Skyloft is the créme de la créme if you’re looking for an ultra comfy place to hang around camp.

Sea to Summit Pro

Best value hammock

Price: $120 (includes straps)

Weight: 19.7 oz. (hammock, straps, compression sack)

Weight Limit: 400 lb.

Dimensions: 108 x 60 in.

Pros

  • Ultralight
  • Good value
  • Packable
  • Straps & compression sack included
  • Versatile

Cons

  • Smaller than some
  • Fabric isn’t as soft as some
  • Buckle suspension takes some getting used to

The Sea to Summit Pro Hammock is an excellent value since it packs down super small in its included compression sack, it’s lightweight, and it comes with straps. On top of that, it’s incredibly strong with a high max weight capacity of 400 lbs. – pretty impressive for such a lightweight piece of gear. The included buckle suspension system takes some getting used to, but it’s simple to set up once you get the hang of it and very durable. The Pro Hammock is great for park hangs and car camping, but it’s also light and compact enough for backpacking if you pick up a tarp and bug net to complete the kit.

Dutchware Chameleon

Most versatile backpacking hammock

Price: $135 (hammock only)

Weight: 1 lb. 4.3 oz. (hammock, stuff sack, attached guylines)

Weight Limit: 200-350 lb. (depends on which fabric you choose)

Dimensions: 128 x 58 in.

Pros

  • Versatile
  • Ultralight
  • Customizable
  • Easy to lay flat in

Cons

  • Straps sold separately
  • Expensive

The Dutchware Chameleon is very appropriately named, because it can adapt to so many different situations. The innovative design allows you to transform this hammock from a bugproof summer haven to a toasty cold-weather shell in a matter of minutes by zipping in different accessories. The Chameleon has a ton of options for customization as well, like adding a shelf or a gear sling on the side. And while the custom process can be a little complex, Dutchware provides helpful descriptions and videos to walk you through the selection process. The Chameleon is the ultimate versatile system for serious hammock backpackers who hang no matter the trail conditions.

Lawson Blue Ridge

Best hammock/bivy hybrid

Price: $229 (hammock only)

Weight: 4 lb. 4.2 oz. (complete setup except suspension)

Weight Limit: 275 lb.

Dimensions: 90 x 42 in.

Pros

  • Comes with everything you need to set up & weatherproof
  • Integrated bug net
  • Can be used on the ground

Cons

  • Expensive
  • Straps cost extra
  • Heavy/bulky
  • Low peak height in bivy mode

Have you ever been in the backcountry and had to hike extra miles after a long day just to find a flat place to set up camp? Well, the Lawson Blue Ridge solves this common problem since it can be hung between trees or used on the ground like a large bivy. And while it does have a low peak height in bivy mode, the versatility is a huge plus in areas where your route alternates between thick forest and mountain ridges above treeline. The Blue Ridge is a little heavier and bulkier than some of our favorite backpacking hammocks, but the value is hard to beat since you’re getting two different shelter options for the price of one.

Tentsile Connect 3.0

Unique 2-person tree tent for car camping

Price: $599 (complete setup)

Weight: 20 lb. 12.8 oz.

Weight Limit: 880 lb.

Dimensions: 156 x 156 x 36 in.

Pros

  • Unique & fun shelter
  • Can be used on the ground
  • Lots of pockets

Cons

  • Very expensive
  • Heavy/bulky
  • Set up is more difficult & time consuming than standard hammocks

If you’re wanting a truly unique camping experience, look no further than the Tentsile Connect 3.0. The Connect is a tent that you hang like a hammock, which gives you a great vantage point for epic views and provides some really nice airflow to keep you cool on hot nights. You’ll need a large area and three well-positioned trees to string this baby up, so it can be a little more difficult to use. But once you’ve found the ideal spot, the ratchet strap system is easy to get the hang of. There are a lot of details that make the Connect super comfortable to spend time in, like a hanging tablet pouch for watching movies during rain and a divider with six pockets at the head to keep your space tidy. While the Tentsile is spendy, it’s worth the cost for the one-of-a-kind camping experience it provides.

What’s Most Important to You in a Hammock?

PURPOSE/USE

Using a hammock as your main shelter for backpacking when it’s warm out can feel like a real treat. Sometimes we even carry a lightweight, compact one as a luxury item for hanging out around camp. Hammocks also make a primo spot to read a book or nap in the backyard and when car camping. However you choose to hang, there’s probably a hammock designed for that particular purpose.

Best ultralight hammocks for packing along as a luxury item

Best lounging hammocks for the frontcountry

PRICE

Hammocks can be pricey, especially when you factor in the added cost of straps and other accessories. We’ve found that more expensive backpacking hammocks tend to have higher-quality stitching, lower weight, and a smaller packed size. As with any piece of outdoor gear, how much you want to spend usually depends on how and how much you plan to use it, but there are solid options for a variety of budgets.

WEIGHT & PACKABILITY

If you plan to use your hammock for backpacking, it’s best to get one that’s lightweight and compressible. Remember to also factor in the size and weight of any accessories that go with it, like a tarp and a bug net. On the flip side, if you actually want a burlier option that can stand up to a lot of use at your car camping family reunion, heavier might be better.

DIMENSIONS

Hammocks come in a variety of shapes and sizes, so it’s important to look at the dimensions to make sure you’ll fit comfortably. It’s ideal to be able to lay diagonally in your hammock for the most ergonomic lounging, so pick one with an overall length that’s at least two feet longer than your height.

Best two-person hammocks

SUSPENSION SYSTEM

There are many different ways to string up a hammock, and some of them are easier than others. Most models don’t come with straps, so you can mix and match suspension systems until you find what works best for you. If you’re not into revisiting your scout days and tying complex knots, go with a simple daisy chain and carabiner setup. If you want to build your own custom, ultralight kit, you’ll probably like whoopie slings and buckle suspension systems. Check out our Best Suspensions Systems section to see our favorites.

WHAT WE LOOK FOR IN A BACKPACKING HAMMOCK

  • Asymmetrical design for a flat lay
  • Integrated bug net
  • Single layer to save weight, because we’ll almost always use an underquilt instead of a sleeping pad in a hammock
  • Ultralight and compact design
  • We prefer to use whoopie sling suspension
  • Some sort of storage (like a shelf, pocket, or sling)

WHAT WE LOOK FOR IN A BACKYARD/CAMPING HAMMOCK

  • Comfortable fabric
  • Spacious, maybe even room for two
  • Easy to set up
  • Comes with carabiners on the ends
  • We prefer to use daisy chain suspension

Best Suspension Systems

WHOOPIE SLINGS

Whoopie slings are an adjustable, lightweight way to hang a hammock, and they’re what we typically use for backpacking. Designs for whoopie slings have slight differences, but in general they use a simple loop and knot system that holds tension with weight, but can be easily adjusted when not under pressure. There are many different whoopie sling options on the market, but here are a few of our favorites:

The Grand Trunk Tree Straps come in a fun array of colors

DAISY CHAIN STRAPS

Daisy chain straps are about as simple and convenient as it gets. They’re made up of two strong straps with many small loops at the end. Just wrap each strap around a tree and clip your hammock in on each side. Daisy chain straps aren’t as lightweight, compact, or adjustable as whoopie slings, but they’re a little quicker and easier to set up. This is why they’re the best type of suspension for hammocking in the backyard or for car camping, Here are a couple of our favorites:

BUCKLE SUSPENSION

Buckle suspension isn’t as common as daisy chain straps or whoopie slings, but they’re great because they’re ultralight and easy to use. Buckle suspension can be a little quicker to set up and take down than whoopie slings, but really the choice between the two will come down to your personal preference. Here are a couple of our favorite buckle suspension systems:

Best Underquilts

Most hammocks don’t easily accommodate sleeping pads to insulate you from cold air flowing under you. An underquilt is like a down blanket that attaches to the underside of your hammock to insulate you, and it’s an important part of your hammocking kit if you plan to do any backpacking with it. There are a ton of options available, and you can get custom quilts made to your specifications. These are a few of our favorites to get you started:

  • Enlightened Equipment Revolt V2 – High-quality ultralight quilt that can be customized. It’s a little pricey, but the warmth-to-weight ratio and coverage is hard to beat.
  • Warbonnet Wooki & Wooki XL – Made for Warbonnet hammocks, but can also fit other similarly sized hammocks. We like that the full length design helps keep the underquilt in place, and that the diagonally placed insulation saves weight.
  • Western Mountaineering Slinglite – Super lightweight and packable. We like that this underquilt is ready-made and therefore doesn’t require any waiting on a long lead time if you need it right away.

Best Hammock Tarps

For backpacking, you’ll want to pick up a good tarp to shelter you from wind and rain. Make sure the tarp you get is long enough to cover your entire hammock, and it’s always a good idea to set it up at home first to ensure it works for you. These are our favorite hammock tarps:

  • Sea to Summit Hammock Tarp – A little spendy, but it’s one of the lightest and most packable tarps out there. It’s also very easy to set up since it doesn’t require any knots and only uses three stakes.
  • ENO ProFly – Excellent value tarp with good coverage. The ProFly is very versatile, because the shape allows it to be used without a hammock to create a symmetrical sheltered area that can accommodate a few people.
  • Warbonnet Superfly – Custom all-weather tarp that provides maximum protection during wet and chilly weather.

Critical Hammock Considerations

Make sure you master any knots you need to know for setting up your hammock before heading into the backcountry

KNOTS

Some hammock suspension systems will require you to know a few basic knots to achieve a safe setup. Make sure you practice any knots you’ll need for stringing up your hammock or for performing field repairs before you head out into the backcountry.

CHOOSING A HANGOUT SPOT

Finding the perfect set of trees for your hammock may take some trial and error, but you’ll quickly get the hang of recognizing great spots the more you use it. In general: always attach to live, sturdy trees that are at least six inches in diameter, and look above you for any dead branches or other hazards that may fall on your hammock. Set your hammock up at least 200 feet from trails and water sources to respect fellow hikers and wildlife. And lastly, don’t hang it higher than you’d want to fall. In areas where good hangin’ trees are sparse, you can use a hammock stand.

We love A portable Stand so we can hang anytime, anywhere
Sleeping at an angle in your hammock will eliminate pressure points from the hammock fabric

THE FLAT LAY

When you set up your hammock, look for the straps to be at about a 30° angle to the ground. This should leave your hammock with a nice curve in it. When you get in, position your body at an angle with your legs to one side and your shoulders to the opposite side. This will flatten the material under your back and eliminate any pressure points on your body. If you feel pressure points, you may have set your hammock up too taut.

LEAVE NO TRACE

Ropes and cords can damage trees, so you should always use a tree hugger strap with your suspension system (if it’s not already included as part of the design) to disperse the pressure put on the bark. Some parks and wilderness areas don’t allow hammocking at all, so make sure you check all local guidelines before you go.

Honorable Mentions

This might just be the hammock of your dreams:

Kammok Roo

The Roo and Roo Double are basic, comfy hammocks for lounging in the backyard or car camping. Ultimately we like the ENO Doublenest and Singlenest better for the small weight & space saving and the wider range of color options.