There is a subculture found in every group of adventurers, from minimalist thru-hikers to expedition-loving backpackers, who swear by their trusty camping hammock. While others are pitching tents out in the open, these woodsmen suspend themselves from the trees and rock the night away. If you've never tried hammock camping (or "hammocking"), it might look impractical and alien. In truth, there's nothing quite like gently swinging in a warm breeze, reading a great adventure book, and sipping a refreshing camp cocktail.
By adding mosquito netting, underquilts, and a rain fly or a good camping tarp, these hammocks can work as all-season outdoor shelters in almost any climate or terrain. Trust us; there really is no better way to relax in the wilderness. These are our picks for the best camping hammocks of 2023.
Kammok Roo Double Hammock
Best camping hammock for couples
The Kammok Roo Double Hammock is one of the strongest on this list, with a max load of 500 pounds. That’s enough for you, a significant other, and possibly even the family dog to snuggle up for the night. Kammok’s Python straps are cleverly designed to spread the weight over a wider area on the support trees, so it’s rock-solid in any conditions.
The entire setup weighs less than two pounds and packs down small to about the size of a typical water bottle.
Eagles Nest Outfitters Sub6 Hammock
Best ultralight camping hammock
If you're a fan of the fast-and-light approach to camping, you might take some persuading to ditch the tent in favor of a hammock. As its name implies, the Sub6 from ENO weighs less than six ounces and packs down tiny. It boasts a solid 300-pound load rating to support you even after stuffing yourself with too many carb-heavy camp meals.
Both ends are held up with an ultralight toggle put through a loop on the straps — a system that’s lighter than a carabiner, though it can still be hung with clips. Add an ultralight rain tarp to sleep outdoors safely out of the elements.
Tentsile Connect 2-Person Tree Tent (3.0)
Best luxury camping hammock/tent
Tentsile’s now-famous products are part tent, part hammock, and all backcountry treehouse. The Connect 2-Person Tree Tent (3.0) is the hammock that made the brand a household name among outdoor lovers. The two-person Connect 3.0 is designed to “float” between three anchor points — trees, boulders, even a few truck beds will do.
The inside is spacious, with a 52-square-foot living area for relaxing, sleeping, and keeping dry if you’re camping in the rain. The included no-see-um mesh top, fold-away doors, and a removable rain fly all make the Connect a great four-season home base in almost any weather conditions.
Grand Trunk Skeeter Beeter XT Mosquito Net Hammock
Best budget camping hammock shelter
Outfitting yourself for a camping trip can be expensive. So, a solo shelter for around $100 is a steal. Grand Trunk’s Skeeter Beeter XT combines a traditional lightweight
Dual 10-foot cords and nautical-grade carabiners allow this one to hang just about anywhere. Add a decent camping tarp, and you have an integrated camp shelter system that’s well protected from the elements.
Sea to Summit Pro Hammock Set
Best midrange camping hammock set
Sea to Summit is well-known for its lightweight, affordable, straightforward outdoor products. The Pro Hammock Set is a compact, midrange hammock set designed to get you hanging in the simplest way possible. For solo hammock camping, it unfurls from a built-in stuff sack to a generous 9 feet long by 5 feet wide.
Upgrade to the Double model for an additional 14 inches across. The 70D ripstop nylon construction is highly breathable and guaranteed to hold up to 400 pounds.
Wise Owl Outfitters Hammock
Best budget hammock for day hikes
For shorter day hikes that don’t require the ultimate in lightweight technical gear (and not necessarily the absolute best hammock for camping), Wise Owl Outfitters’ hammock does the trick. This simple
It includes everything you need to while away an afternoon in the woods — two carabiners, twin 8-foot lengths of rope, and a stuff sack. But the main reason we love it? It’s just $35, all-in, and the double version of this hammock is just $8 more.
Warbonnet Ridgerunner Hammock
Best frontcountry camping hammock
Warbonnet Outdoors is another original in the outdoor space with a catalog of hammocks that are beloved among thru-hikers and campers. The Ridgerunner is one of its most well-rounded and overall best hammocks for camping. It sets up fast and packs down relatively small.
The generous 10-foot length is comfortable for all sleeping positions, and the integrated mesh netting protects campers from bugs. It is heavier than many other hammock options, so it’s better suited for frontcountry camping than deep backcountry exploration. But, at around $125, it’s hard to complain.
Yellow Leaf Hammocks The Chair Hammock
Best hammock chair for car camping
Of course, with the right camping hammock, "roughing it" doesn't have to feel quite so rough. Yellow Leaf Hammock's The Chair is perfect for car
You can sit in it like a traditional chair or go "full-recline" mode for that classic hammock feel. It's all beautifully handmade with 2.5 miles of buttery-soft yarn, so it feels good against the skin, too. Add the company's brand new The Vista hammock hanger for a dead-simple hang at camp. It's a lightweight frame that packs down small, but sets up as a full-size hanger in under a minute.
If you're looking to switch things up for your next camping outing, there's no easier, more fun way than trading your
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