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Field Mag Editors
Hammock tents are a fun way to enhance your camping experience. They are quick to set up and keep you safe from animals and bugs. Beginners, fear not! Most hammocks are lightweight with suspension systems that make it easy to pitch your shelter in no time.
What is a Hammock Tent?
A hammock tent is precisely what its name suggests: a hybrid between a hammock and a tent. It gives you the sleeping comfort that you get from lying in a hammock, along with the protection from the elements (and bugs) that tent camping provides to form a complete and lightweight shelter system.
For a full rundown of what features to look for in a hammock tent, how to pick the right one, and more, scroll on below. Before then though, check out our top picks for the best hammock tents for a range of uses.
The Best Hammock Tents for Outdoor Adventures
Best All Use Hammock Tent: Kammock Mantis All-in-One Hammock Tent
The three-season, lightweight Kammock Mantis All-in-One checks all the boxes for a quintessential 1-person tent hammock, with a connected no-see-um mesh bug net, rain fly, built-in pockets, and soft, comfortable materials. The hammock itself is Kammock's proprietary and comfy ripstop nylon. Using a knotless suspension that includes two of the brand's patented carabiners, it has a remarkably easy setup process and tears down quickly, fitting into a compact bag for easy packability. Unlike many other hammock tent setups, the Mantis comes with everything you need to get camping, including webbing straps for hanging.
Weight: 2 lbs 12 oz (packaged weight); 1 lb 11.8 oz (trail weight)
Price: $239
Best Lightweight Hammock Tent: Hennessy Hammock Ultralite Backpacker Asym Zip Hammock
With a minimalist, asymmetrical design for both the hammock and adjustable rain fly, the Hennessy Hammock Ultralite Backpacker Asym Zip offers both three-season protection and support for up to 200 pounds while weighing just under two pounds. An integrated ridgeline provides back support and structure, and the no-see-um mesh protects from bugs and increases ventilation. Another cool feature is that you can use your hiking or trekking poles to convert the hammock into a ground tent or lounge/chair.
Weight: 1 lb 15 oz (packed and trail weight)
Price: $240
Honorable Mention: Kammok Mantis UL, $270 At 1 pound 3 ounces, the Mantis UL is lighter than Hennessy Hammock's Expedition Asym, but it's also $30 more expensive. If you're okay with that cost though, it's the lightest full hammock tent setup you can get, and includes everything you'll need to go camping.
Best for General Camping: ENO JungleLink
Stretching 10 feet long with an attached, canopy-like bug net that provides height and protection from insects, the Eno JungleLink has a roomy interior and great structural support thanks to a lightweight, no-knots-needed integrated Helios suspension system. An eight-point DryFly rain tarp secures with included guylines and provides maximum coverage from rain and wind, and set-up and break-down is streamlined thanks to the integrated stuff sack attached to the end of the hammock.
Weight: 3 lbs 3 oz (packed weight); 2 lbs 15 oz (trail weight)
Price: $210
Best Tent That’s Also a Hammock: Crua Hybrid
Designed to function as either an on-the-ground tent or a hangable hammock tent, the Crua Hybrid’s innovative and versatile design features a supported frame that will stay in place whether in the air or on the ground, anti-bug mesh for protection and breathability, waterproof flysheet, and reflective aluminium interior lining to regulate temperatures. Capable of being used year-round in all kinds of weather, it comes in one-person or twin sizes.
Weight: 5 lbs (trail weight)
Price: $299
Honorable Mention: Kammok Sunda 2.0, $420 The Sunda is another great tent-slash-hammock that works well on the ground and in the air. It's more expensive than the Crua tent, but lighter at 4 lbs 3.5 oz.
Best Lay Flat Hammock Tent: ENO Skylite Hammock
As compared to other hammock tents that use the standard hammock-like scoop hang, the ENO Skylite has a lay flat design, providing a flat, supported platform to sleep on for better ergonomic comfort. This is achieved through a unique framing system, using an aluminium spreader bar to stretch the hammock flat, while also allowing for a no-fuss setup. With an integrated bug net, it’s also extremely lightweight and is a great option for the camper who needs better ergonomic support.
Weight: 2 lbs
Price: $170
Best Two Person Hammock Tent: Tentsile Safari 2-Person
Made with ultra-strong, UV-resistant materials that can support up to 880 pounds, the 2-Person Tentsile Safari uses a three-point anchor system to elevate the tent above the ground, with a unique floor calibration system to keep all areas and occupants equally supported. The built-in insect mesh canopy can be rolled away to create an open-air platform, or attached with a rain fly should bad weather hit. Ideal for weekend trips or as a basecamp, set-up is also straightforward and easy and there’s ample storage, with internal pockets and two underfloor nets. The same design is also available for three people.
Weight: 24.7 lbs
Price: $749
Best Hammock Tent for Heavier Campers: Klymit Sky Bivy
Capable of holding up to 300 pounds, the Klymit Sky Bivy has a lay-flat hammock area that is protected from the elements with a rain fly that can either be cocooned around the hammock for storm protection, or stretched out to create shade. Combined with the sturdy fabric and customizable design options, it’s ideal for bare-bones, no frills weather protection on backpacking or camping trips.
Weight: 4.7 lbs (with rain fly and stakes); 2.9 lbs (hammock only)
Price: $130
Best Budget Option: Grand Trunk Skeeter Beeter XT
The cheapest way to go hammock camping would be to forgo the integrated shelter and sleep in the open air if it weren't for Grand Trunk's Skeeter Beeter XT. The hammock has an integrated mosquito net with tent features including structure, thanks to collapsible aluminum poles, and a suspended gear loft. It won't keep you dry should it rain, but it will keep the bugs away and its construction feels nice and roomy while some of the other options can be claustrophobic for some campers. The straps aren't included, but are only $20-$30 extra.
Weight: 2 lbs 2 oz (without straps)
Price: $90
Features to Look for in Different Types of Hammock Tents
Weight
The weight of a hammock tent depends on its construction, material, and features. If you're looking for a backpacking hammock, you'll need to consider its weight and how it will affect your camping experience. Ultra lightweight models are ideal for hiking or if you need to carry your hammock tent for longer distances on backpacking trips. On the other hand, heavier models often have more features like bug nets, rain flys, aluminum poles, and stakes, and tend to be larger.
Size
Longer and wider hammocks will generally be more comfortable, especially if you have a bigger build. You might bring things inside in your hammock tent too, just like you would when sleeping on the ground, though note that hammocks get crowded quickly. Two-person or double hammock setups exist and can be more comfortable as a solo camper, if you're okay with caring a bit extra weight. For what it's worth, we haven't figured out how to comfortably sleep two people in a hammock, even ones that are advertised as such.
Strength
Hammock camping tents have a maximum user weight. When you're looking at hammock tents, remember that the maximum weight refers to the total weight you plan to place in the tent. That includes your bags, food, and equipment and does not only refer to the physical weight of the person(s) who will be sleeping in it. Most hammocks have big ranges and you won't need to worry about this, though some of the ultralight options, like Hennessy Hammock's Expedition Asym, have lower strength ratings.
Insulation
Hammock tents are suspended in mid-air. That means even a slight summer breeze could leave you feeling chilly during the night—cold butt syndrome is a real thing! But there are solutions that go beyond the waterproof rainfly and sleeping bag you're already using that'll let you go hammock camping in colder climates and in cold weather.
One is to use a sleeping pad inside your hammock. Smaller ultralight and single-person hammocks might not accommodate the same pad you use in your tent, so be sure to check dimensions.
Another option for adding additional insulation is to use an underquilt. An underquilt attaches to the bottom of your hammock tent and provides insulation from the cold air. Although an underquilt is an additional expense, it is an excellent way to stay warm while keeping the weight of your camping gear down.
Straps
Most hammocks aren't sold with straps you need to suspend them and you'll have to buy them separately (they usually cost around $20-$30). Every company that makes camping hammocks also makes straps for hanging them, but you can also use a standard whoopie sling if you already have one, though they're more difficult to adjust.
Hammock straps are usually just two strong straps with multiple small loops. The tree strap is wrapped and secured around a tree, and your hammock then clips onto one of the loops. It's a good idea to look for longer straps as it will give you more options when you are looking for a place to suspend your hammock.
Benefits of Hammock Tent Camping
- They're comfortable. Sleeping in a suspended cocoon keeps you off of the hard and rocky ground. Add a rain tarp and mozzie net, and you have the perfect combination to what may be the best outdoor sleeping experience you can get.
- Versatility. Hammock shelters, especially hybrid hammock tents, provide you with multiple options of where you can set up your tent. They are lightweight and easy to pack—great for a day at the beach or even just for setting up a comfortable spot in your backyard.
- Easy setup. Hammock setup is often easy. In many cases, they are even more straightforward and less time-consuming to set up than a traditional tent.
- They're packable. Generally speaking, a hammock camping setup will be lighter and take up less space in your backpack our outdoor gear bin. Most of the hammock systems on this list come with integrated stuff sacks to make packing them straightforward and easy, too.
What if there are no trees?
Depending on where you go, there may not always be two perfectly spaced trees from which to hang your hammock tent. You could essentially suspend your hammock between any two solid and secure points. This could be a combination of cars or trucks if you're going car camping, posts and poles, rock features, and even buildings. Just make sure you attach it to something strong.
If you plan on heading to a place where none of these are available, you can invest in a portable hammock stand. Portable hammock stands range from camping-friendly stands to heavier and more permanent stands that you can use in your backyard.
Published 07-13-2022
