These Hammock Tents Will Elevate Your Camping Experience

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Sleeping on the ground is far from perfect. Roots, rocks, and uneven ground can all complicate your rest in a tent, no matter how plush your sleeping pad. Hammock camping could alleviate all of that.

It’s also worth a mention that hammock camping isn’t for everyone. No matter what hammock you’re using, it’s a dramatically different way to sleep than when you’re on a flat sleeping pad on the ground.

But if a hammock works for you, it’s revolutionary. Hammocks pack much smaller and lighter than most tents, they set up quickly, are cooler in the summer, keep you plenty dry in a downpour, and don’t require flat, even ground (though trees are obviously a necessity). For true devotees, there’s no better way to sleep outdoors.

Best Hammock Tents

• Customizable: Warbonnet Outdoors Blackbird XLC

• Best Value: SunYear Double Camping Hammock

• Lightweight Full System: Hennessy Hammock Ultralight Backpacker Asym Zip Hammock

• Most Versatile: ENO DoubleNest Hammock

• Most Comfortable: ENO SkyLite Hammock

• Best All-Weather Accessory: ENO Ember UnderQuilt

• Best For Car Camping: Tentsile Flite 2-Person Hammock Tent

• Best Hammock/Tent Combo: Haven Tent

Anatomy of a Hammock Tent

A camping hammock combines the portability and light weight of a day-use hammock with protection in the form of a built-in or compatible bug net and a fly (often not included with the tent). Flies and many bug nets are supported by a ridgeline, a cord that’s permanently attached and runs from one end of the sling to the other. When you hang your hammock, the cord should be taut but not excessively tensioned. If it isn’t done correctly, your netting and tarp can hang too low, interfering with your sleep setup and indicating your hammock isn’t hung at the recommended 30-degree angle.

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Some hammock shapes provide a flatter sleeping space than others. For instance, an asymmetrical design gives you more space to lie at an angle and creates a flatter base in the process. (This same trick applies with symmetrical models, though it can be harder to achieve without the additional fabric.)

Other models have spreader bars which are installed at both ends and act as scaffolding for the hammock’s fabric to hang below. The bars spread the material out, instead of allowing it to bunch together, similar to the design of a backyard hammock. This creates a flat base for maximum comfort and, like tent poles, are removable so the hammock can still pack down relatively small. Occasionally, companies add a spreader bar that runs width-wise overhead to prop the bug net up like a canopy.

The final component of a hammock is its suspension system. Most models come with carabiners, but only some also have webbing straps. Luckily, there are plenty of affordable options that are also wide enough to avoid biting into tree bark.

Choosing a Hammock Tent

If you’re a regular hammock sleeper, consider investing in a system. These bundles, which may cost $200 or more, include a hammock tent, bug net, fly, and straps and can be more cost effective than purchasing these items separately. But if you anticipate sleeping in your hammock only a handful of times a year, a DIY setup is the way to go. At a minimum, pair your hammock of choice with a weatherproof polyurethane-coated fly that’s suspended on a length of paracord anchored to the same trees that are supporting your hammock.

Most hammocks are made from similar, lightweight nylon, or polyester materials, but pay attention to the denier. The higher the number, the more tear-resistant the fabric will be. More durable hammocks are also likely to be heavier.

Read over the setup directions prior to purchasing your hammock. The range in ease of setup is wide, with some being extremely simple, and others seriously complex. Every brands has their own proprietary designs.

Perhaps the most important thing to consider with a camping hammock is how you typically sleep, and how you’d like to sleep in your hammock. Most hammocks have bunched-up ends, forcing you to sleep on your back, or lay diagonally to get closer to laying flat.

Others, with spreader bars, allow you to get closer to sleeping flat and allow for more shoulder room, but typically don’t pack as small and can feel tippy. While many hammocks are listed as 2-person, consider that rating only if you’re looking for something you can take to the park and lounge around in with a friend. Almost no hammocks are actually designed for two people to comfortably sleep through the night, considering you’ll want individual sleeping pads and bags inside.

How We Tested and Evaluated Hammock Tents

To find the best camping hammocks, I started with models that I've personally tested which represent the majority of hammocks recommended here. I compared my real-world experiences with information and updates available from various manufacturers as well as reviews from other trusted sources.

Additionally, I relied on the previous work of Adrienne Donica and the test team at Popular Mechanics who compared the capacity, size, weight, features, and cost of more than 30 promising picks. Many of those options were tested in backyards, local parks, and in the backcountry. All of this combined research and testing has resulted in our selections. Read on to find which hammocks earned our recommendations.

Outdoors Blackbird XLC

Like all of Warbonnet’s hammocks, the asymmetrical Blackbird XLC is an a la carte option that doesn’t come with many accessories—not even carabiners. It’s an ideal situation if you want to customize your kit to your exact specifications and are willing to pay to do so.

Choose from three nylon fabric weights in 12 colors; three types of suspension systems, from $20 to $45, and other accessories, like one of Warbonnet’s seven compatible flies or the Winter Topcover that turns the hammock into a four-season sleep system. Keep in mind the XLC will likely work with straps and or a fly you already have or choose to buy from another company.

Despite its sparse accessories, the hammock has commendable design aspects. The included zip-on bug net is removable and reversible allowing you to choose whether your head is positioned to the left or right of your feet. There’s also an oversize internal shelf, measuring roughly 2 square feet, and guylines on the hammock to stretch out the bed.

The XLC is also a great choice for taller folks or anyone looking for a spacious option; the hammock stretches an impressive 11 feet from end to end. Between the size, asymmetric construction, and customizable features, the XLC has a reputation for being a very comfortable backcountry bed. You’ll be counting sheep in no time.

Double Camping Hammock

This hammock tent comes at an unheard-of low price considering most competitors cost north of $150. You get a double hammock (roomy but still only suitable for one person) with a built-in bug net and two 10-foot straps, a generous size for most places.

The sling itself, rated to hold a whopping 600 pounds, is made from parachute-grade nylon, and as durable as that sounds, SunYear still offers a lifetime guarantee. Two ridge lines on the bug net keep it suspended well above the bottom, but if you don’t need the protection, you can flip the sling over to hang net-free.

Although the hammock doesn’t have an internal organization system, there is an attached compression sack for essentials you want close by. For camping, you’ll want to bring along a tarp—the only accessory not included in this kit.

SkyLite Hammock

Asymmetrical designs are great, but nothing matches the luxury of a flat-based hammock. In the SkyLite hammock, you’ll have ample space for spreading out, rolling around, and even resting on your stomach. It’s easy to fall asleep, and even better, you’ll wake up feeling like you spent the night back in your bedroom.

Internal pockets keep essentials out of the way, yet still within easy reach. All of this comfort doesn't cost you in weight—just 2 pounds when packed (though that doesn’t include the compatible Helios Hammock straps for $35 or a rain fly, $85, which are sold separately.)

ENO also keeps weight in check with ultralight collapsible spreader bars, and you can do the same with the Helios XL Ultralight straps. If heft is not a concern, add carabiners and use any straps you like.

What we didn’t like as much: The integrated bug net could not be removed for more casual use, but at least there’s the option to pin back the door with a toggle.

Ultralight Backpacker Asym Zip Hammock

When your focus is backpacking, an all-in-one system like the Hennessy Hammock is the way to go. And if your goal is keeping your pack’s weight down and moving fast, this particular hammock is a game-changer.

The whole thing—hammock, integrated big net, fly, and all the trimmings—weigh in at less than 2 pounds and it packs up smaller than a loaf of bread. Note: It’s not for the big and tall—the weight limit is 200 pounds and anyone 6-feet or taller will have to squeeze. But if that's not you, you’d be hard pressed to find a more packable shelter.

The hammock is asymmetric in design which makes it somewhat easier to find the optimal balance and sleeping position. The ridge line is built-in, so setup is simple, and a small gear pocket suspends from it. No trees? You can pitch it as a tent in a pinch using just a couple of trekking poles. Fast and light hikers have met their match.

DoubleNest Hammock

ENO (Eagle Nest Outfitters) designed and patented the first knotless suspension system and is one of the biggest names in the hammock world. The DoubleNest, available in more than three dozen colors, is the company’s top-selling hammock and a staple whether you’re looking for a hammock to set up in the yard or take on a multi-day backpacking trip.

Setting up the hammock itself is simple thanks to included carabiners. The unit is comfortable (even for two people on more casual outings), and the 70-denier nylon taffeta fabric is tough, if on the heavier side.

If you want to spend a night in the backcountry, pick up accessories like ENO’s Guardian Bug Net and ProFly Rain Tarp to weatherproof your shelter. Consider sleeping slightly diagonal, with your head and feet offset from the trees in opposite directions to get a little bit closer to flat.

Traditional hammock designs like this, though, will cause some bunking around your face, so maybe steer clear if you’re claustrophobic.

Ember UnderQuilt

Almost any hammock can be adapted to poor-weather or four-season camping with just a few accessories. The first, and probably most important one for colder weather, is an underquilt.

When you’re sleeping in a tent, you have your sleeping pad and the ground to insulate you. In a hammock, there’s a lot less to protect you from the breeze blowing underneath you. Not only is choosing a hammock that you can add a sleeping pad to critical, but so is adding a quilt on your backside—an underquilt.

This synthetic quilt from ENO is rated to between 40- and 60-degrees, making it ideal for the shoulder seasons. The baffles easily eliminate cold spots. It's adjustable and fits hammocks with users up to 6-feet 2-inches, plus a DWR water-repellent keeps the UnderQuilt dry when water splashes up from underneath.

Flite 2-Person Hammock Tent

Part hammock, part treehouse, the Tentsile Flite is suspended between three trees to create a spacious triangular-shaped platform which, though hovering in the air, feels more like a tent on the inside than a hammock.

Poles lift a mesh canopy over the 43-square-foot surface and a removable rainfly sits over top. The whole unit is pretty hefty (it uses burly cam straps to get everything snug), but it’s ideal for car camping and trips where weight isn’t as critical.

It’s the only hammock recommended here that you could legitimately and comfortably sleep two-across in, so think about this option if you’re definitely looking to snuggle up for with someone for the night. If you don’t expect rain, take the fly off and enjoy gazing at the stars.

Tent

Imagine a regular rectangular tent, and then suspend it from the trees. The Haven uses spreader bars to create a more traditional flat surface for sleeping, but if there are no trees nearby, you can drop the entire thing to the forest floor and pitch it with trekking poles, creating a pretty standard 1-person tent.

The big net is built in with a fly that offers generous coverage off to the side, so it's easy to get in and out without getting drenched. The tent even comes with an insulated sleeping pad that fits perfectly within the hammock/tent body’s dimensions, which is important to maximizing the “layflat” design.

If you’re looking for just one shelter that you can take from the forest to the desert, few do both as well as the Haven.

Confused About This Camping Option? Our Expert Ryan Wichelns Helps You Find A Hammock So You Can Sleep Tight All Night!

Is it better to buy a hammock and then accessories for it, or just buy a full system?

There’s no right or wrong way to go about this. Many hammockers pick up a hammock itself that they take to the park for relaxing or lounging before they purchase one for camping.

If that’s you, just grab the hammock (and of course the straps), and add accessories like a bug net, fly, and underquilt, as you decide to do more with it, like take it backpacking.

If you buy as a kit, you have the peace of mind that the accessories will work seamlessly with the hammock itself, but most of the time you can buy them separately from the same brand, anyway. So whatever works for you!

If I’m backpacking with a hammock, what weight makes sense without cutting too many corners?

Most camping hammocks will be lighter than the tent you’d be bringing, so think more about volume and packability for your trip. How small will the whole system pack into your backpack?

Consider if you need a hammock with spreader bars (which will take up more room in your pack) and which accessories are most critical for the location and conditions you expect.

If you’re camping in the fall, you might not need the bug net, but an underquilt may be worthwhile.

What is the biggest blunder folks make when buying a camping hammock?

Often, they’ll buy a hammock and head out on a trip without knowing if and how they can even sleep in one. For starters, consider getting something on the budget end of the spectrum and “camping” in your yard for a night.

Your first time out will undoubtedly take some adjusting, and if you can’t sleep, it’s probably better to not be miles in the backcountry when you find out.

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