Hammocks are a fun and relaxing way to enjoy the outdoors. They can liven up your patio or outdoor space in your backyard, give your campsite a different seating option to pair with camping chairs, or serve as a comfortable place to take a nap on your apartment balcony. The days of needing a stand or permanent anchor hooks to enjoy hammocks are long gone.
Whatever your needs for function and space, there is definitely a hammock out there that can work for you. We've put together this list so that next time you're grabbing your camping gear and hitting the trail, or just looking to relax in a cool afternoon breeze, or perhaps a cool late night at your fire pit, you're prepared with the best hammock. We'll also discuss what you should be looking for so you can make the most informed decision. Let's check out the list.
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The Best Hammocks - Our Top Picks
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- Best Hammock Overall: ENO Supernest Hammock
- Best Hammock with a Stand: Vivere Double Cotton Hammock with Stand
- Best Camping Hammock: Kammock Roo Double Recycled Hammock
- Best Hammock Chair: ENO Lounger Hanging Chair
- Best Backpacking Hammock: Hennessy Hammock Ultralite Backpacker Hammock
- Best Tent Hammock: ENO Junglenest Hammock
- Best Portable Hammock: Chillax Travel Hammock
- Best Hammock for Sleeping: ENO Skyloft Hammock
- Best Tree Hammock: Alpine Mountain Gear Complete Hammock System
- Best Rope Hammock: Castaway Living 13ft Hand Woven Cotton Hammock
Best Overall - ENO Supernest Hammock
SPECS
- Size: Double
- Weight capacity: 400 lbs.
- Material: Olefin fabric, polyester
- Accessories: Dual plush pillows, dual hanging pockets
ENO has become so popular that a lot of people refer to any portable hammock as an "ENO." With pillows on each side and hanging pockets that can hold your drinks, snacks, or even books, it’s easy to see why this brand of hammock has grown in popularity.
And, even though this hammock is double-sized, it’s still comfortable if you want to hammock solo and have some extra space. The material is also breathable and durable, making this hammock a faithful companion for many adventures to come.
What We Like
- Pillows on either end of the hammock for extra comfort
- ENO's classic hanging pockets are big enough to fit most drinks
- Olefin fabric is quick-dry, and breathable for comfort even in hot weather
What We Don't Like
- Have to purchase an XL stand even if you already have an ENO stand
- Requires 14 feet or more between the anchor points
Best Hammock With a Stand - Vivere Double Cotton Hammock with Stand
SPECS
- Size: Double
- Weight capacity: 450 lbs.
- Material: Cotton, polyester, or Sunbrellatm
- Accessories: None
Vivere double hammock is a hammock made for your backyard patio or outdoor space. The stand is stainless steel and relatively heavy so you won't have to worry about it blowing over in stormy weather or falling over when you try to get into the hammock.
You can choose from three material options for the Vivere double hammock. The original material is 100% cotton which is a light, breathable fabric, but it won't respond well to water through spills or rainy weather. The second is polyester which is not as soft or as comfortable as cotton but a bit more durable. The third is sunbrella fabric which is a patented, weather-resistant material.
What We Like
- Different fabric options give you the freedom to choose what works best for you
- Wheel accessory makes the frame easier to move if you rearrange outdoor furniture
- Adjustable hooks give you options for how low or high you want the hammock to hang
What We Don't Like
- Requires some assembly
- Stand is made from steel so it can be heavy if you need to move it without buying accessories
BUY: Vivere Double Cotton Hammock with Stand
Best Camping Hammock - Kammock Roo Double Recycled Hammock
SPECS
- Size: Double
- Weight capacity: 500 lbs.
- Material: Nylon
- Accessories: None
Our favorite camping hammock is ten feet long, sleeps two people comfortably, and is made from one of the highest quality rip-stop fabrics on the market. Plus, it’s 100% recycled material. The Kammock Roo double is also strong and can hold up to 500lbs.
We think the best part of this hammock, though, is the support system. While the straps aren’t included, you do get 23kN Kanga Claw™ carabiners and racer slings which means you get similar support as mountain climbers.
What We Like
- 100% pre-waste recycled material used to make the fabric
- Hammock is supported by climbing-grade equipment
- The rip-stop fabric is resistant to small tears from debris while you're camping
What We Don't Like
- Straps aren’t included
BUY: Kammock Roo Double Recycled Hammock
Best Hammock Chair - ENO Lounger Hanging Chair
SPECS
- Size: Single
- Weight capacity: 250 lbs.
- Material: Nylon
- Accessories: Headrest, drink holder, built-in pockets
Okay, maybe you like the idea of a hammock but you prefer to sit upright comfortably instead of laying down. If that sounds like you, the ENO Lounger hanging chair and the hammock might be what you're looking for. This chair can be suspended at different heights depending on your comfort. Plus, it has an easy access drink holder and built-in pockets.
There’s also an included headrest pillow to support your head or neck while you're lounging. The strap system is similar to other ENOs, but you'll need to find an overhead support rather than suspending the chair between trees or columns.
What We Like
- Hanging chair allows you the comfort of a hammock in the form of a chair
- Only requires one suspension point
- Drink holder and built-in pockets give you plenty of storage space
What We Don't Like
- Foot rest and other accessories are sold separately
- Requires overhead support which could be difficult to find in a campsite
BUY: ENO Lounger Hanging Chair
Best Backpacking Hammock - Hennessy Hammock Ultralite Backpacker Hammock
SPECS
- Size: Single
- Weight capacity: 200 lbs.
- Material: Nylon/polyester
- Accessories: Rainfly
If you're looking to reduce the weight of your pack while still having shelter that protects you from bugs and rain, the Hennessy Hammock Ultralite is a good choice for you. There’s also a built-in bug net which helps you enjoy airflow while still keeping the bugs out.
It also comes with a rainfly that’s made from coated nylon to keep you dry as you sleep. The one thing lacking in this hammock is storage space, but there is a small zipper pocket for small personal items.
What We Like
- Hammock is ultralight so it packs well
- Built-in bug net
- Includes a rainfly to cover you during inclement weather
What We Don't Like
- Rainfly might not stand up to heavy rain
- Nylon and polyester blend material is for strength not comfort
BUY: Hennessy Hammock Ultralite Backpacker Hammock
Best Tent Hammock - ENO Junglenest Hammock
SPECS
- Size: Single
- Weight capacity: 300 lbs.
- Material: 40D NuWave Nylon
- Accessories: Integrated mesh bug net, internal hanging loops for storage
Tent hammocks are designed to have all of the features of tent camping built into a compact, portable item that will reduce the weight you're carrying and the packing footprint. ENO Junglenest is designed to meet this need.
This hammock is made from NuWave nylon, which is basically just an extra dense fabric that’s more heavy duty. There is a full zipper which closes you off from the outside world and an integrated bug net to allow some airflow minus the bugs. Internal hanging hooks also give you extra storage space.
What We Like
- Internal hanging loops give you extra storage space
- Extra long to give you maximum space
- Integrated mesh bug net with a full zipper for easy entry
What We Don't Like
- Doesn't work as a lounger or chair for casual use
- No rainfly included
Best Portable Hammock - Chillax Travel Hammock
SPECS
- Size: Double
- Weight capacity: 395 lbs.
- Material: 100% Parachute silk
- Accessories: None
Many of the hammocks on our list are portable, but the Chillax Travel hammock is smaller and lighter than other hammocks in its class. It has an integrated suspension system that gives you support while still being comfortable.
The 100 percent parachute silk material is unique in how lightweight it is, while being very breathable. You can also wash this material in a regular washer, and it doubles as a blanket or sleeping bag if you don't have trees to suspend it from.
What We Like
- Parachute silk material is easily washed and very functional
- Patented suspension system is light but strong and easy to operate
- Hammock is designed to double as a comfortable blanket if you're sleeping in a tent
What We Don't Like
- Limited pockets and storage space
- Suspension system is difficult to replace if you need to remove the hooks
Best Hammock for Sleeping - ENO Skyloft Hammock
SPECS
- Size: Single
- Weight capacity: 250 lbs.
- Material: Nylon
- Accessories: None
When it comes to hammocks there is a difference between dozing off on a lazy afternoon and planning to truly sleep. If the shape of a standard ENO or other portable hammock bothers you, the ENO Skyloft could be a great option.
This hammock has extra support on both ends than a typical ENO which gives it a more defined shape for comfort. There are also small, stretch cargo pockets on the inside of the hammock that allow you to store personal items.
What We Like
- Extra support on either end of the hammock creates a more defined shape
- Designed cargo pockets rather than hanging pockets
- Works with the standard ENO suspension system
What We Don't Like
- No bug net included in the standard option
- Heavier than most other portable hammock options
Best Tree Hammock - Alpine Mountain Gear Complete Hammock System
SPECS
- Size: Double
- Weight capacity: 400 lbs.
- Material: Ultrasoft nylon
- Accessories: None
If what you're looking for is a hammock to use in a casual setting as you lounge around in nature, the Alpine Mountain Gear Complete Hammock system would be a good fit. This hammock is soft and comfortable while having a sturdy support system.
The material is light and breathable so you won't have to worry about overheating, and the tree straps are non-slip to protect the integrity of the support and the bark of the trees you're using.
What We Like
- Non-slip straps protect the bark on the trees you use as support
- The hammock is stored in an extra compact compression sack
- Budget-friendly option
What We Don't Like
- Material is soft but not as durable
- Seams are stitched which could lead to tears
BUY: Alpine Mountain Gear Complete Hammock System
Best Rope Hammock - Castaway Living 13ft Hand Woven Cotton Hammock
SPECS
- Size: Double
- Weight capacity: 450 lbs.
- Material: 100% cotton rope
- Accessories: None
The Castaway Living hand-woven cotton hammock is what you likely picture when you think of a traditional hammock. It’s made from 100% cotton rope woven together and connected to wooden spreader bars on both ends to keep the rope from tangling or the hammock from flipping.
This hammock is strong and durable if you care for it properly which means you need to take it down when there is adverse weather and wash it according to the instructions.
What We Like
- No knots in the rope bed
- 100% cotton rope is strong and flexible
- Wooden supports keep the rope from tangling
What We Don't Like
- Requires permanent tree hooks to hang the hammock
- Somewhat narrow for a double person hammock
BUY: Castaway Living 13ft Hand Woven Cotton Hammock
What to Look for in a Hammock
Type
When you're looking for a hammock the first thing to consider is the type. There are a variety of types based on material and purpose.
- Rope hammocks. Rope hammocks are what you might consider "traditional." These are ropes woven together in a loose pattern to support your weight as you swing back and forth. You may see these hammocks hung between trees at the beach. These hammocks come with or without spacer bars. Spacer bars, or spreader bars, are the wooden pieces toward the supports of the hammock that keep the ropes from tangling and the hammock from flipping accidentally.
- Fabric hammocks. These hammocks serve the same function as rope hammocks and are generally set up the same way. The difference is that the fabric hammocks are made of lightweight, quick-dry material. Fabric hammocks aren't typically as breathable as rope hammocks but are more resistant to flipping and tangling.
- Camping hammocks. Camping hammocks are portable and lightweight—think of some of the common ENO models you have seen. These hammocks are made of thin fabrics like nylon that are breathable and can be packed into a small space. Camping hammocks also typically come with their own support system that can be easily strapped between any two support beams and removed just as quickly. There are also hammocks that act like a camping tent in case you want to sleep outside for a night.
Size
Hammocks typically come in three sizes: family, double, and single. The difference in size comes down to width rather than length. Family-sized hammocks are usually six feet wide and over, doubles are between five and six feet wide, and singles are below 5 feet wide.
Portability
Generally speaking, hammocks designed for camping trips are the most portable because that’s what they’re designed for. Rope hammocks and fabric hammocks tend to require a set anchor point, but some are made with portability in mind.
FAQs About Hammocks
Is a double hammock too big for one person?
No. A double hammock is slightly larger than a single hammock but is still suitable for single-person use. Enjoy the extra space!
How tight should hammocks be?
The tighter your hammock is, the more support you have, right? Wrong. Hammocks are designed to have some sag in the middle to allow your body to form the shape. If your hammock is too tight, it also puts extra stress on the suspension system.
What is the best way to lay in a hammock?
The best way to lay in your hammock is on your back. Any other body position could compromise the balance of the hammock and cause stress on the support system or the hammock to flip.
How can I make my hammock more comfortable?
If your hammock is uncomfortable you may have it too tight or too loose. However, if the hammock’s material is the source of your discomfort you may need to find a new hammock.
What is the most durable hammock?
The most durable hammocks are made of nylon. Rope hammocks and fabric hammocks can be strong, but nylon hammocks are typically designed with durability in mind.
Do hammocks get ruined in the rain?
Most camping hammocks are water-resistant, but typically the only way to waterproof them is to have a rainfly that covers the whole hammock. Rope hammocks and fabric hammocks especially should be kept from the rain and other elements.
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