5 Best Camping Hammock In 2019
Camping is not all about tents; in fact, many people choose hammocks as a fun and more lightweight alternative, that allows you to get among nature and sleep beneath the stars without restrictions.
Just like a tent, you may choose a single or double hammock, depending on how many people you are traveling with and also if you like the extra space. There are also other factors to consider, such as the setup and weight limit.
Let’s take a look at some of the best options:
- · Winner Outfitters Double Camping Hammock
- · Hammock by Wise Owl Outfitters – Single Camping Hammocks
- · Honest Outfitters Single & Double Camping Hammock with Hammock Tree Straps
- · Bear Butt Double Parachute Camping Hammock
- · XL Double Parachute Camping Hammock
How to choose the best camping hammock
- Camping hammocks are available in a range of different sizes, weight limits, colors and designs. The best hammock to suit you will depend on your individual needs, such as whether it’s a single or two-person hammock you require
- Some hammocks are going to be best suited to casual daytime use and not camping, whereas others are purpose built or can be customized to suit outdoor use
- If you intend to sleep in your hammock, you should look for one made of strong material with a good upper weight limit
- Some hammocks also come with interchangeable sections such as netting and waterproof sheets, which can be switched from the top or bottom if it is raining. This is especially useful if you are traveling light
The advantages of camping hammocks
On a basic level, camping hammocks are an excellent way to immerse yourself in the surroundings of a camp. After all, what could be more idyllic than being tied to two trees in the peaceful environment the wild has to offer, reading a book, taking a nap or even just enjoying the view?
Though, you can also use a hammock to sleep in, instead of taking a tent. An advantage of this includes less weight when carrying camping equipment, meaning you could theoretically travel on foot to a different location every night.
Hammocks also keep you off the ground, so out of reach of bugs, rats and other critters than lurk on the forest floor. They are ideal if you are a solo traveler, as the hammock can be folded up and stored in a bag and carried anywhere you wish to sleep.
Things to look for
Camping hammocks are available in a range of different sizes and weight limits. It goes without saying that a hammock with a good upper limit endurance will give the most comfortable and safe experience to sleep in.
You can also choose a single or double hammock, and the latter is generally stronger due to the upped weight limit capacity. It will also provide much more space, though on the flip side, the material will be heavier to carry and secure to the trees, so keep this in mind when making your selection.
Then there are the straps! Your hammock may or not be supplied with straps, so do check before you purchase. The straps not only need to be compatible with your hammock, but also be strong enough to hold the amount of weight you plan to add to the hammock.
You should also look for hammocks that are easily portable, that fold up with no hassle and are convenient to transport.
The best way to use a camping hammock
Laying out in a hammock should be an enjoyable, peaceful experience. To make this the case, you should factor in a few considerations before you head out to camp.
Naturally, the weather is the first aspect to consider before pitching your hammock; therefore, you should check the conditions before your trip. Though you can add in a sleeping bag to help shelter against the rain not to mention bugs, it still is advisable not to use a hammock for shelter in extreme wet or windy weather.
You should also make sure the hammock is not only secure, but pitched in an area that is well shaded and away from any bug infestations. While you can buy netting for overnight, it’s still advisable not to put yourself in the path of being stung or bitten, or generally annoyed by flying objects.
When securing the hammock to the trees, be sure to use strong ties and keep the loop quite taught to ensure it won’t slip down or cause injury when you are on it. Remember it needs to hold quite a large weight so it needs to be secure, especially as you sleep.
You can also make your hammock more comfortable using a sleeping bags, pillows or cushions. If you intend to sleep in it, this will be a necessity to ensure you have a good night’s sleep.
Mini Reviews
Winner Outfitters Double Camping Hammock
Available in four different colors, this hammock from Winner Outfitters is capable of supporting up to 500 lbs. and is suitable for up to two people.
All in all, this hammock weighs 1.5 lbs., and measures 78″W x 118″L. It comes as part of a package which also includes two ropes, two tree-friendly straps and two solid steel carabiners.
Though this is an excellent hammock, a potential downside to note is that the tree straps are not the best; therefore, you may have to buy better reinforced ones from elsewhere. The carabiners are also made of steel, meaning they are a little heavy to carry if putting this hammock into a backpack.
That being said, Winner Outfitters have a refund policy where if you are not completely satisfied with your hammock, they will replace or refund it, no questions asked, so is definitely a brand to consider if you are new to hammocks and unsure what to go for.
Hammock by Wise Owl Outfitters
This hammock comes in a choice of 11 color combinations (including camo version to completely blend into your surroundings), and is made of 210T parachute nylon, which is also the same material skydivers use.
It’s a single-person hammock, and though it doesn’t have a specified upper weight limit it’s definitely suited to smaller occupants under 200 lbs. as it’s quite a tight fit, especially if you are quite tall too. Though this does mean it would also be suitable for children too, as it wouldn’t swamp them like some of the larger hammocks on the market.
This model is triple stitched for extra durability, and is supplied with everything you need to assemble the hammock, without the need for buying extra ties or grips. The company will also send you an email to explain what you need to do if you are unsure.
Overall, this is an ideal starter hammock and an excellent choice for the young traveler.
Honest Outfitters Single & Double Camping Hammock with Hammock Tree Straps, Portable Parachute Nylon Hammock for Backpacking travel
This hammock is ultra-durable, offering support of up to 500 lbs., and is designed for up to two people to sleep in it. As it has that extra support and not to mention adjustable lengths on the ties, it will ensure a more comfortable sleep as there is more room to play with, should you wish to adjust your angle and sleeping position.
The setup has also been taken care of, with everything you need, such as the ties and grips included in a ready-made backpack. There are also two different ways of setting up the hammock, and interestingly, this hammock uses ties and not ropes for a more secure setup. Therefore, you will not need to tie any knots like you would when normally securing a hammock.
To ensure satisfaction with your hammock, Honest Outfitters will even refund you the price you paid and still let you keep the hammock if you are not satisfied with any aspect of it.
Bear Butt Double Parachute Camping Hammock
Quoted as “Fitting a small baby up to Shaquille O’Neal,” this hammock is officially capable of carrying up to 500 lbs., though the company have tested it up to 900 lbs. without any issues. In fact, unlike most companies who picture a single model testing the hammock, they have an entire family perched in one!
The hammock fits in an attached bag. It is attached using ropes, not separate grips and straps like other models. Having said that, this hammock is incredibly strong and triple stitched for added durability. As it gives you that extra space, it means you can sleep in pretty much any position without your limbs falling sleep or becoming uncomfortable.
One possible downside with this product is that unlike the other hammocks reviewed, it only comes in one color combination, which is quite bright in appearance. This might not be an issue for most people, though won’t offer you a camouflage solution.
As a whole though, this is an excellent hammock and better still, Honest Outfitters offer a truly personal service to ensure you have everything you need to enjoy your hammock and your camping experience.
XL Double Parachute Camping Hammock
This hammock also comes in one color option of blue and yellow, and has a maximum weight capacity of 1,000 lbs., making it suitable for single or double use.
It is made of 210T nylon ripstop fabric and has triple stitching across its generous 125” x 79” size, so if you are using it just for yourself, it will give you a spacious and comfortable night’s sleep. There are also MalloMe suspension high-strength carabiners supplied, so you can easily attach the hammock to the trees.
This is quite a convenient, lightweight hammock as it has a stuff sack attached to the hammock itself meaning you will never lose its storage case, plus, this also makes it super easy to pack away when you are finished. You can also pack it up into the bag and carry it where ever you go, making traveling to your camping spot on foot a breeze.
A minor snag though, is that while the hammock itself is excellent, the rope straps are not. Therefore, you’d be best off buying reinforced ropes from elsewhere. This is especially important if using for more than one person as it would really test the ropes and could lead to issues.
This issue aside, the extra space this hammock provides will give enhanced comfort and the setup is ideal for long treks when you don’t want to be worn down carrying a heavy tent, so this would provide an ideal alternative.
Conclusion
While each of the above hammocks would make a suitable choice for your camping trip, depending on your requirements, the standout model has to be the Honest Outfitters Hammock.
Though this hammock is not the strongest compared to those which can support up to twice the weight, it is the leading choice due to the different way of securing the hammock, which doesn’t involve ropes or tying knots, making it safer and more secure. After all, camping can be unpredictable, so the last thing you’d want is for a rope to break, or have difficulty securing it due to bad weather. Having this stress removed leaves you to enjoy your camping, and not worrying whether the rope will break under the weight.
This hammock also comes in a variety of different colors which, aside from being aesthetically pleasing, also means you are going to be able to blend into your surroundings more easily than other models which are super bright in comparison.
Also, the 500-lbs. weight limit is pretty generous. Though some models offer to support up to 1,000 lbs., in reality very few people are going to require this so it’s superfluous to your needs. This hammock provides exactly the right type of support, setup and is even easy to transport with its own carry bag.
While it can be confusing trying to decide which hammock would be best for your needs, the Honest Outfitters should be at the top of your consideration, especially with their excellent customer service that will even refund you and still let you keep the hammock if you are not completely satisfied with your purchase.
Conclusion
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