6 Best Backpacking Hammock Tents During Pandemic
- VeteranShack
- Mar 27, 2020
- 8 min read
OVERVIEW:Known by a variety of aliases - 'camping hammocks', 'backpacking hammocks', 'hammock tents', etc - these babies are just airborne tents suspended between two trees. This guides focuses on overnight shelters designed for sleeping, NOT daytime loungers designed for relaxing.
Hammock tents are sometimes preferred over traditional 'ground tents' for two main reasons:
1. Flexible Location. Assuming trees are abundant, hammocks can be setup anywhere which is crucial in rough terrain (steep slope, muddy ground, etc).
2. Comfort. Some people dislike sleeping on flat ground and find the hammock sway to be very comfortable.
Your Hammock Tent Requirements...
LIGHTWEIGHT: Depending on the type of backpacking you are doing, there are a variety of gear components your hammock tent might need. These additional items can make calculating a suggested hammock tent weight all the more difficult. Therefore, let's define up front what we consider a "complete hammock tent system". A complete hammock tent system includes a) hammock b) tarp/ rainfly c) bug/ mesh net d) suspension system/ straps.
For lightweight backpacking, this system should be less than 3 lbs. If not, consider packing a tent instead. Eh hmm... sorry to bring that dreadful ground-bound shelter into this enlightening hammock chat. But, it is a serious consideration if you are really counting the ounces.
All backpackers know that ounces add up to pounds. Extra pounds will slow you down, cause you to exert an unnecessary amount of energy, and make for a potentially miserable trip. In short, please keep your hammock as light as possible.
SLEEP-ABLE POSITIONING: There are several sleeping positions for hammocks. Know which one you prefer and make sure your hammock is compatible.
1. Diagonally: lying asymmetrically on your back at about a 45 degree angle. Lying at an angle is ideal for sleeping flat on your back because your back does curve and sag as much. Some models are better setup (extra guylines attachments) for asymmetrical sleeping than others.
2. Straight: lying on your back in the natural banana or "crescent moon" shape parallel with the hammock ridgeline. This position is not my preference after spending a long day of backpacking hunched over.
3. 90 Degrees: on your back perpendicular at a full 90 degrees like this. Uncommon, but some love it.
SPACIOUS: Some ultralight backpacking hammocks get down to a mere handful of ounces. Great. But, these can be tiny. You need adequate space to move around and sleep comfortably. Here are some suggested dimensions.
Length: minimum of 8 and 1/2 ft (102 in). The tension of your suspended weight will cause the ends (your head and feet) to squeeze together. If you are taller than 6 ft, for every inch of additional height, add about 2 inches of hammock. Example: If you are 6' 4", then add 8" to the 102 inch minimum for a new minimum of 110 inches in length.
Width: minimum of 4 ft (48 in). For a day lounger, less than this is fine. To sleep in though, I want adequate width to feel properly cradled in and not fall out.
STRONG: This puppy needs to be strong enough to hold up your body weight and any gear you want to sleep with. I always add a good 25 lb cushion, if not more, to that total as well. Example: I weigh 165 lbs and will sleep with about 10 lbs of gear. Add the 25 lb cushion and I come to a necessary capacity of 200 lbs minimum.
Most companies call this number the "maximum weight capacity" which can be found in the product specs. Single person hammocks typically range from 200 to 500 lb maximum weight capacity.
QUALITY MATERIAL: Nothing cotton, please. Most hammocks are made out of some sort of nylon or polyester fabric. Nylon is the more durable and more popular, yet more expensive option. Polyester can feel more fibrous and, debatably, less comfortable. There are a variety of blends and weaves of both materials though that can be as stiff or stretchy as you want.
SIMPLE SETUP: As mentioned, hammock tents can come with a lot of moving parts (more on this below) and can be a hassle to setup. Getting the hammock securely strapped to the trees at the desired level of tension with minimal guylines and stake down points is the goal. I find that an easily adjustable suspension system is the best way to ensure a fast setup.
Hammock Gear Considerations
BUG NET: Sleeping exposed with mosquitoes flying around all night is not fun. You could wake up with swarms of swollen bite marks from their uninterrupted midnight feast. Bugs and mosquitoes are present in most backpacking terrain. Therefore, a full hammock enclosure is highly recommended. Note bug spray is an alternative and, of course, some places do not have many insects.
TARP (OR 'RAINFLY'): For rain and weather protection, you will need a tarp. I do not recommend getting the everyday blue tarp from Walmart for this either. Those are heavy, bulky and difficult to efficiently cover the entirety of your hammock. Runoff from the guylines can also be an issue.
Most brands will come integrated with a tarp specific to each model. This cover will be the last outermost layer strung up on the ridgeline. In order to maximize coverage and minimize weight, the most popular designs are the 'diamond' and the 'hex cut'.
INSULATION: One of the biggest problems with hammock sleeping is the cold... or really, a lack of insulation. Your underside is completely exposed to the circulating air below. If you are backpacking outside of the warm summer season, you will want to sleep with some sort of extra insulation underneath you. Note this is in addition to a sleeping bag. The two main options:
1. Sleeping Pad. Sleep on top of a foam or air pad just like you would on the ground. As you roll around at night, these can slip and slide around though. To keep them in place, you should either a) get a double layered hammock with slip holders or b) get a pad with 'walls' like this.
2. Underquilt. This is like a sleeping bag that hangs underneath your body on the outside of your hammock. Very warm, but heavy and bulky to pack.
SUSPENSION SYSTEM: This comfy sleeping machine is hung from two trees with using a 'suspension system'. Think of a suspension system as, simply, the method used to tie and secure a hammock to a tree. Most companies will offer compatible suspension systems with their hammocks - sometimes included, sometime not. The most common types:
1. Whoopie Sling. This is rope that has been manufactured with an adjustable loop on one end (attach to the webbing around the tree) and a fixed eye on the other end (attach to the end of the hammock). See how here.
2. Daisy Chain. This is a style of strap with fixed loops, similar to a chain. Once wrapped around a tree, your hammock will hook into one of these loops based on desired tension
3. DIY. You can always use some rope to tie up you hammock directly. This is obviously the lightest option. However, it will take time adjusting the fixed knots for an optimal hammock tension as well as require some knot knowledge.
Hennessy
Hyperlite Asym Zip
Weight: 1 lb 12 oz
Price: $279.95
Dimensions: 120"L x 59"W
Max Capacity: 200 lbs
Why It's Awesome: Hennessy Hammock's Hyperlite Asym Zip is one of the best backpacking hammock tents on the market today. It can be confusing navigating around all of the compatible components of a company's hammock system. Not this guy. This model is a well-integrated system, complete with everything you need to sleep on the trail. I personally love the easy access zippered bug net.
My only concern is the 200 lb max capacity. Anyone above average size and weight will have an issue here. Founded in 1999, Hennessy makes loads of other models though. Be sure to check them out here if need be.
Hummingbird Hammocks
Single Hammock + Warbler Net + Tree Straps
Weight: 13.8 oz (w/o tarp)*
Price: $159.85*
Dimensions: 104"L x 47"W
Max Capacity: 300 lbs
Why It's Awesome: That weight ain't no typo - this entire setup is under a single pound. Simply put, this is the lightest hammock system out there. And, as you would imagine, it is ultra compact and packs down tiny. Hummingbird's Tree Straps is an extremely popular suspension system as well. This whoopie sling system is light, easy to setup and packs up in the palm of your hand. Hummingbird offers a strong, lightweight system without breaking the bank
Note the length might be an issue for taller hikers. The nylon hammock is also a litttle stiffer and, possibly, less comfortable than others on this list.
See Single Hammock (5.2 oz, $79.95) + Warbler Net (6.3 oz, $49.95) + Tree Straps (2.3 oz, $29.95). Optional: Heron Tarp (8.6 oz, $144.95).
Kammok
Wallaby Hammock + Dragonfly Net + Python Straps
Weight: 2 lb 0.5 oz (w/o tarp)*
Price: $169.00*
Dimensions: 100"L x 50"W
Max Capacity: 400 lbs
Why It's Awesome: Think of Kammok as the 'Cadillac of hammocks' - big and comfy. They offer two hammock models, the Wallaby and the Roo. The Wallaby is ultralight and compact, while the Roo is more spacious and uses a cozy LunarWave material.
One of the best things about Kammok is their Python Straps. These long daisy chain straps are super easy to setup and are wide enough to not cut into the tree. They are also super tough and able to hold up to 500 lbs.
See Wallaby Hammock(10 oz, $65)
Removable Mosquito Bug Net and Tree Straps
EVERYTHING INLCUDED: No need to look elsewhere! We include 2 long tree straps with 16 adjustable loops(750 lb. per straps/10 feet), 2 aluminum wiregate carabiners, 2 net ropes and a hammock with bug net. In addition, we also include 4 guylines, 4 aluminum stakes and a waterproof rainfly if you choose the rainfly version.
TOP QUALITY MATIERAL: Crafted from high-strength, breathable 210T Taffeta parachute with triple stitch edge seams. The No-See-Um mesh on top provides excellent insect protection and ventilation. The mesh contains 2500 holes per square inch. Even the smallest pests won’t get through it.
See Easthills Outdoors Jungle Explorer 118. $77.99
Everest Double Camping Hammock
Bug-Free Camping, Backpacking & Survival Outdoor
COMPLETE YOSEMITE PACK - There are all kinds of hammocks and accessories on the market, but very few can compete with the quality you'll find with Everest Active Gear. We include a practical integrated bug net with the double hammock because, if you're like us, nature is your therapy so you can rest well, sleeping bug free. This covered hammock will give you the comfort of being indoors while still enjoying the outdoors, a perfect choice for backpacking, hiking, camping, and more!
Unique net design provides an internal space without the feeling of being enclosed or claustrophobic and is compatible with most RainFly setups. Made from heavy grade polyester 31gm fabric, our nets won't pull or tear out hang tabs like others. This 2100 holes per square inch No-See-Um bug netting is premium quality so you can relax bug and mosquito free. You won't need to haul tents and sleeping bags on your next trip with our fully enclosed, netted shelter!
See Everest Double Camping Hammock. $61.34
THE LIGHTEST WEIGHT HAMMOCK YET! Our Featherlight camping hammocks are super lightweight and compact perfect for backpack, travel, camp & more. At 15.5 OZ super small (Including Straps!) we beat the competition with the strongest no-stretch rip-stop fabric & light weight hammock for relaxing up to 400 lbs.
NOW WITH TREE STRAPS & WIREGATE CARABINERS INCLUDED! Don't worry about tying pesky knots our tree straps are the easiest to set-up both indoor & outdoor. You can attach them to anything sturdy & get to relaxing in just one minute! It’s that fast. The hammock straps are 9 ft long (with 5 loops on each strap) & ready to adjust to your comfort level.
ULTRA LIGHTWEIGHT - TAKE IT ANYWHERE!: Our FeatherLight hammock is so compact that you can take it on that day hike, week long camping trip or backpacking trip and you will barely know you're carrying it.
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