A camping hammock weighs less than a pound, sets up in two minutes, and leaves no ground impact. Here's everything you need to hang confidently on your first night out.
For camping, look for a double-layer nylon hammock rated for at least 400 lbs with a gathered-end design (most common and most comfortable). Brands like ENO, Kammock, and Grand Trunk make reliable entry-level options at $60–$100. Ultralight backpackers gravitate toward Warbonnet, Dutchware, or Hammock Gear — lighter materials, higher price. Single-layer hammocks are fine for lounging but most people find them less comfortable for sleeping. A 10-foot hammock fits most body types comfortably; shorter 9-foot models work for people under 5'8".
Never hang a hammock with rope tied directly around a tree — it damages bark and cambium. Use tree straps at least 1 inch wide (the Leave No Trace standard) and at least 8 feet long. Most quality hammock setups come with straps; otherwise the ENO Atlas Straps ($25) are the go-to. Hang your straps at shoulder height or slightly above, then aim for a 30-degree sag angle on the hammock body — this is the sweet spot for flat, comfortable sleep. Too tight and you'll bend like a banana all night. Aim for trees 12–18 feet apart.
The biggest mistake new hammock campers make: using a sleeping bag without insulation underneath. Compressed insulation loses its loft and provides almost no warmth against the bottom of a hammock. Below 60°F you need either a hammock-specific under-quilt (an insulated layer that hangs below the hammock) or a foam sleeping pad cut to length. Under-quilts are more comfortable — Hammock Gear's Economy Burrow is the best value entry point. For three-season camping, pair a 20°F under-quilt with a 32°F top quilt. For summer camping above 60°F, a sleeping pad and lightweight bag is fine.
A camping tarp is not optional if there's any chance of rain. The tarp attaches to a ridgeline strung between the same trees as your hammock, positioned 18–24 inches above you with enough overhang on each side to block wind-driven rain. An 8x10 foot tarp covers most conditions — a 10x12 gives more protection in heavy rain. Silnylon tarps are light and pack small; DCF (Dyneema) tarps are ultralight but expensive. Set your ridgeline first, then the tarp, before you hang the hammock.
In bug season, you need a hammock with an integrated bug net or a separate net that goes over the top. ENO's Guardian SL bugnet ($60) fits most hammocks. Without protection, a warm night can become miserable fast. In winter or areas with no bugs, skip it. Permethrin-treated clothing and hammock straps reduce bug pressure around camp.
Yes, with technique. The key is to lie diagonally across the hammock — at a 20–30 degree angle from the centerline. This flattens out the natural curve and lets you sleep on your side or back without the banana shape. Most people who say hammock camping is uncomfortable haven't learned the diagonal position.
Some hammocks can be hung between a vehicle rack and a tree, or between two anchor points with a free-standing hammock stand. Kammock makes a portable stand designed for this. That said, hammocks only work well where trees exist — in open desert, above tree line, or at organized campgrounds with no trees, a tent is the better choice.
See also: Beginner Backpacking Guide • What to Pack for a Weekend Backpacking Trip • Camping Checklist for Your First Trip
