Therm-a-Rest Slacker Single Hammock
Here we selected the best backpacking hammocks. A hammock is a great alternative to a tent in warm and relatively dry weather because hammocks are typically lighter and pack smaller than tents. Furthermore, hammocks also provide a very comfortable sleeping position and are not prone to condensation issues like completely sealed shelters (tents, bivy sacks etc.). In wet or windy conditions, you can use a hammock together with a tarp for protection against the rain and wind. However, hammocks also have limitations; they require trees or other elevated anchor points and you need some skills to pitch one properly. Therefore, they can’t be used above the tree line (mountaineering) and are not recommended for those who are new to camping out in the wild. Nevertheless, a hammock is a great option for an experienced hiker or backpacker who prefers modular and lightweight gear. Hammocks are indeed highly modular because they can be used with tarps, bug nets and other modular components.
In the following we selected the best backpacking hammocks. We only listed lightweight and high-quality hammocks which are perfect for outdoor activities such as backpacking, hiking, travelling etc. As for the sleeping equipment you might need inside the hammock, we also made a selection of the Best Backpacking Quilts. If you are using a hammock, a quilt is a much better option than a sleeping bag because the acrobatics of getting into the sleeping bag inside the hammock is quite tricky and annoying.
If you are not sure that a hammock is the right thing for you, read our Sleeping Equipment Guide and consider if a tent or a bivy sack might be a better solution.
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1. Our Picks of Backpacking Hammocks
Best Backpacking Hammocks
- Kammok Mantis UL Hammock
- ENO SingleNest Hammock
- Kammok Roo Hammock
- Hennessy Hammock Ultralite Backpacker Hammock
- Sea to Summit Pro Hammock
2. Comparison of Backpacking Hammocks
| Feature/Product | Kammok Mantis | ENO SingleNest Hammock | Kammok Roo | Hennessy Hammock Ultralite Backpacker | Sea to Summit Pro Hammock |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Type | Hammock Tent | Hammock | Hammock | Hammock Tent | Hammock |
| Material | 40-Denier Nylon | 70-Denier Nylon | 40-Denier Nylon (100 % recycled) | 70-Denier Nylon | 70-Denier Nylon |
| Modular Components from Manufacturer | Mosquito Net (included), Tarp (included), Ridgeline Organizer, Gear Loft | ProFly Rain Tarp, Moonshine Lantern, Guardian Bug Net, Ember Underquilt, Atlas Suspension System | Dragonfly Bug Net, Kuhli Rain Tarp | Detachable Tarp (included), Bug Net (included), SuperShelter Insulation System, Heat Reflecting Bubble Pad | Hammock Bug Net, Hammock Tarp, Hammock Gear Sling |
| Weight | 2 lbs. 14 oz. (with mosquito net and tarp) | 16 oz. | 11.4 oz. | 2 lbs. (with mosquito net and tarp) | 12.7 oz. |
| Weight (Metric) | 1318 g (with mosquito net and tarp) | 453 g | 322 g | 900 g (with mosquito net and tarp) | 360 g |
| Packed Size | 5.75" x 5.75” x 10" | 4" x 5" | 3.3'' x 3.3'' x 6.1'' | 4" x 6" x 9" | n/a |
| Packed Size (Metric) | 14.6 x 14.6 x 25.4 cm | 10.2 cm x 12.7 cm | 8.3 x 8.3 x 15.5 cm | 10 x 15.2 x 23 cm | n/a |
| Weight Limit | 500 lbs | 400 lbs | 500 lbs | 200 lbs | 400 lbs |
| Weight Limit (Metric) | 228 kg | 181 kg | 227 kg | 91 kg | 181 kg |
3. The Selection
Kammok Mantis UL Hammock
1. Kammok Mantis UL Hammock
Suitable for:
- Hiking
- Backpacking
- Travelling
- Bikepacking
The Kammok Mantis UL hammock is very easy to pitch and thus perfect for beginners. It comes with a detachable mosquito net, rainfly, straps and stakes, neatly packed into the stuff sack which is integrated into the hammock so you can’t lose it on trails. The hammock is made of 40-denier Nylon and the rainfly is made of 15-denier Nylon which is treated with polyurethane and silicone to be completely waterproof. The whole setup weighs a bit less than 3 pounds and has a weight limit of 500 lbs. The hammock is very roomy and provides a very comfortable sleeping position. It also has built-in pockets, and the mosquito net is in black color for star gazing. The big advantage of this hammock is that it has a completely knotless setup. Read the full review of Kammok Mantis here.
Pros:
- Comfort
- Comes with rainfly and mosquito net
- Integrated stuff sack
- Knotless setup
Cons:
- A bit heavy compared to other products here
ENO SingleNest Hammock
2. ENO SingleNest Hammock
Suitable for:
- Hiking
- Backpacking
- Travelling
- Bikepacking
The ENO SingleNest backpacking hammock is made of highly durable 70-denier nylon. It weighs exactly one pound and is thus a fairly lightweight hammock. It uses triple stitching for maximum durability and comes with aluminum wiregate carabiners. It has a weight limit of 400 lbs. and on the side, it features a pocket for crucial gear such as a headlamp. The webbing straps (ENO Atlas Suspension System) for attachment are sold separately. The hammock’s pocket doubles as a stuff sack and has compression straps so that you can pack the hammock really small. The ENO SingleNest Hammock is a great option for those who want a highly functional but inexpensive hammock.
Pros:
- Price
- Packed size
- Durable fabric
Cons:
- /
Where to buy?
Also available at:
Kammok Roo
3. Kammok Roo Hammock
Suitable for:
- Hiking
- Backpacking
- Travelling
- Bikepacking
The Kammok Roo hammock is the lightest product in this selection – it weighs merely 11.4 ounces. Therefore, it is perfect for lightweight hiking and backpacking. It is made of 100 % recycled and bluesign-approved GravitasX™ 40-denier diamond ripstop fabric. It comes with sturdy carabiners and racer slings. Webbing straps for attachment to trees are sold separately – the Kammok Python Straps. Modular components include the Kammok Dragonfly Mosquito Net, Kuhli Rain Tarp, Ridge organizer and Joey gear sling. The Joey gear sling holds your gear suspended underneath the hammock while the ridge organizer keeps your vital gear (phone, headlamp etc.) over your head. The Kammok Roo hammock is also available in a two-person version.
Pros:
- Weight
- Packed size
- Modular components
Cons:
- /
Where to buy?
Also available at:
Video
Hennessy Hammock Ultralite Backpacker
4. Hennessy Hammock Ultralite Backpacker Hammock
Suitable for:
- Hiking
- Backpacking
- Travelling
- Bikepacking
The Hennessy Ultralite Backpacker hammock is very popular among backpackers and travelers because it provides great functionality. The hammock comes with a detachable rain fly and mosquito net. Therefore, it is suitable for various weather conditions. The hammock is made of highly durable 70-denier nylon while the rain fly is made of 30-denier nylon. The rain fly is also treated with DWR (Durable Water Repellant) and coated with silicone to provide great protection against the rain. The mosquito net is made of 20-denier mesh fabric. The Hennessy Expedition hammock comes with webbing straps for easy and fast attachment to trees. The stuff sack for easy carrying is also included. The set-up instructions are printed on the stuff sack.
Pros:
- Comes with rainfly and mosquito net
- Weight of the whole setup
- High-quality materials
Cons:
- Low weight limit
Video
Sea to Summit Pro Hammock
5. Sea to Summit Pro Hammock
Suitable for:
- Hiking
- Backpacking
- Travelling
- Bikepacking
The Sea to Summit Pro is a super light hammock (it weighs merely 12.7 ounces) which is perfect for those who prefer lightweight hiking and backpacking. The hammock is made of 70-denier nylon and comes with a waterproof Cordura compression bag. The webbing straps for attachment are sold separately – the Sea to Summit Hammock Suspension Straps. The hammock is available in three different colors and packs down really small as it comes with compression bag. Modular components include hammock gear sling, hammock bug net and the 15-denier UltraSil Nano tarp. The Sea to Summit Pro hammock has a weight limit of 400 lbs.
Pros:
- Modular components
- Durable fabric
Cons:
- /
Where to buy?
Also available at:
Video
4. Buying a Backpacking Hammock – What is important?
Weight:
Lightweight equipment puts less strain on your body and allows you to hike faster. Therefore, a hammock should be as light as possible. In this review we only listed lightweight hammocks.
Packed Size:
Backpacking gear should pack small so that it doesn’t take up too much space in your backpack. Hammocks in general require very little space – often less than inflatable sleeping pads. In this selection we only listed hammocks that are very small when packed and come with a stuff sack.
Weight Limit:
Every hammock has a weight limit – typically hammocks for adults can hold up to 400 lbs. Nevertheless, some lightweight products have a lower weight limit.
Modular Components:
Modularity is one of the biggest advantages of hammocks. They can be combined with other modular components such as tarps (for protection against the rain and wind), insulation systems (for extra warmth) and bug nets (for protection against bugs and mosquitoes). The good thing about modular components is that you only bring them when the conditions require them. For example, if you are backpacking through mosquito-free areas you can leave the bug net at home to reduce the weight you have to carry. Some hammocks come with tarps and bug nets by default and are thus called hammock tents.
5. Questions and Answers
How far apart should trees be for a hammock?
In most cases the hanging distance should be around two feet greater than the total length of the hammock. However, some hammock brands sell accessories which allow you to extend the hanging distance. For example, Kammok sells Python Extenders which add nine feet to you hang distance.
How do you hang a hammock?
You hang a hammock with straps. Straps are sometimes sold separately. They should be relatively wide to protect tree bark and cambium.
Do you need a sleeping bag with a hammock?
A hammock doesn’t provide any insulation on its own and therefore you should always use something to cover yourself with when you are sleeping in a hammock. A sleeping bag is not the best option for a hammock as it’s hard to get into the sleeping bag while you are in the hammock. A quilt is a much better option as you simply cover yourself with it. In cold weather a hammock is often paired with underquilt which provides insulation from the bottom.
