Hammocks are Better Than Tents. Period.
Camping hammocks are quickly becoming a popular camping option because they are lightweight, easy to set up and just as comfortable as camping tents, and definitely more comfortable than car camping. In this blog post, we’ll be going over the benefits of some of the best camping hammocks, why they’re better than tents, and why you should consider getting one for your next camping trip!
“The word hammockable (describing two trees that are the perfect distance apart between which a hammock can be hung) is not in the dictionary, but it should be.”
Dan Kieran, The Book of Idle Pleasures
The Best Hammocks & Gear For Braving The Tetons
Benefits of Camping Hammocks
The best backpacking hammocks are lightweight, easy to set up and far more comfortable than car camping or sleeping in a tent.
They come in a variety of sizes so you can find one that fits your needs.
You also don’t have to worry about camping with bugs because many of the best camping hammocks now come with integrated bug nets!
There is also more variety in terms of where you can set up camp—hammocks are easier to set up in places where camping tents aren’t, and you don’t have to worry about lying on uneven ground. They’re also more comfortable than your car, which is your only option while car camping.
Backpacking hammocks are a versatile piece of camping equipment that can be used for more purposes than you might think.
The first and most obvious use is as an elevated bed in camp, but the best camping hammocks also make great chairs to relax on or a place for the kids to play when they’re tired from hiking.
Camping with hammocks means no need to lug around heavy duty tents that take up too much space in your car and camping gear—just bring yourself, clothes, food and water!
Other benefits of hammocks include:
- Being able to go farther away from home base because you won’t have any problems finding suitable trees to string it between.
- Setting up most hammocks takes only minutes thanks to their unique design—simply set it up between two trees (or camping poles) and you are good to go!
- Tents tend to offer the most amount of interior space but sometimes this comes with extra weight which means more work for you as well. Car camping is notoriously uncomfortable. Hammock tent camping is all about comfort and ease—less effort on your part means more time spent relaxing.
- Most hammocks offer protection from bugs—especially those with mosquito nets—while still allowing for plenty of airflow during hot weather.
- They are quick to setup/teardown and provide sufficient bug coverage if a tarp or bug net is utilized.
The Benefits of Bug Net Hammocks
Hammocks come in a variety of styles, but the best camping hammock tents with bug net built into it is arguably ideal for camping. With bug net features built into some models, there’s less worry about getting eaten alive by mosquitos or other insects.
These hammocks often lay flat and can hold a lot of weight.
You may want to consider investing in an integrated bug net camping hammock because those bugs will make quick work out of someone who isn’t prepared. The nets protect against these pesky insects from biting through while also keeping all that nasty dirt away from things like clothing or food.
Why Camping Hammocks Are Better Than Camping Tents
Hammocks can be enjoyed by people of all ages and fitness levels, while camping tents only work for those who have the strength needed to carry them intact or those with enough energy to set it up. Camp hammock tent users can also use hammock tarps or purchase hammocks with integrated mosquito net nets so they’ll be protected from both bugs and the elements.
Hammocks are more lightweight than tents, which means you’ll spend less time setting everything up before getting some shut eye! Finally, the best ultralight hammocks give you all of these benefits while also providing protection against wind and rain—something that just about every camper knows can ruin a camping trip altogether.
Travel light. Leave the camping gear behind and travel with just a camp hammock instead. It is easy to set up, lightweight and takes up very little space in your bag or backpack. The best camping hammock makes for a more comfortable sleeping arrangement than on the hard ground.
Why Camping Tents Are Outdated
Tents may seem like the better option but they’re heavier than our ultralight hammocks and less convenient when it comes time for setup or takedown.
With some tent designs, you need multiple people to help pitch them properly which is inconvenient if you’re going solo on a trip.
And while most tents do provide protection from insects, there’s still an increased chance of getting bitten compared to being in a camping hammock with a tarp or integrated bug net.
Tents are also more likely to get knocked down or disheveled due to wind, rain, and other factors you’ll face while camping. Hammocks, on the other hand, can be pitched in just a couple minutes and they’re designed to withstand more than camping tents.
Hammocks are also an ideal camping option for those who hate being on the ground or want something that’s easy to pack up since it doesn’t take much space at all.
Plus, hammocks make it easier to get out of bed without waking anyone else up when you have campers with different sleep schedules.
And let’s just face facts here: no one likes hauling tents or setting them up. Hammocks can be set up in a matter of minutes, which is perfect for camping beginners or those who just want to enjoy their camping experience without as much work.
Designed with comfort and portability in mind, lightweight hammocks provide many great benefits that tents lack, making them an optimal choice for your next trip.
Whether you’re looking for something easy to pack up or need a way to get out from under wet ground on rainy days, hammocks have what you need.
Plus, they don’t take up nearly as much space because they store easily around trees and don’t involve poles sticking out that people can trip on.
How to Set Up Camping Hammocks
A Camping Hammock is Different from a Regular Hammock
A camping hammock is designed differently than a regular hammock that you might use on a patio or backyard deck.
The camping version includes strong ropes as well as carabiners and tree straps so tree trunks can be used as anchor points without damaging them. You will find them in different styles—some have bug nets while others don’t, some are designed to face toward or away from the tree, and all camping hammocks are designed to be light weight.
The hammocks that do not have bug nets tend to provide more ventilation than those with a net.
HyperD Nylon is an Important Camping Hammock Fabric Choice
This camping nylon is known for its amazing strength-to-weight ratio which makes it the perfect hammock camping nylon fabric.
When you make your camping hammock decision, remember that HyperD nylon offers a soft but durable backpacking hammock fabric choice that can resist tearing by sharp objects and gives you plenty of protection from wind, snow, and other elements you’ll face while hammock camping.
You want something that is mildew-resistant and tough enough for the outdoor elements as well as comfortable to lie on. This material type will protect your body from rough matter and materials so instead of feeling dirt or debris blown around by the wind through thin layers of material, you are resting in comfort against HyperD camping hammock fabric.
Whether you are camping alone or with friends, HyperD camping hammock fabric will help you enjoy your adventure no matter what because it offers all-weather resistance as well as UV protection, so your body won’t be harmed by traveling into different climates. Whether you are looking for a camping hammock large enough for you and your significant other or camping hammock material big enough for your entire camping group, the HyperD camping hammock material will ensure that everyone has a comfortable night’s sleep while camping.
For the best hammocks with lightweight materials, look no further than Hyper-D Nylon.
To Summarize…
While there are probably some die-hard tent campers out there, camping hammocks are gaining popularity for many reasons. They’re more comfortable and easier to set up than tents, so the best camping hammocks are an easy choice for camping gear and the best camping experience you can have!
The Best Camping Hammocks are:
More spacious than a tent – Easy to lay flat in the best camping hammock vs. a tent where you need at least one other person on either side of you.
Less hassle when setting up hammocks because it only requires one or two people rather than four (or sometimes even eight) needed with a big family camping trip with lots of kids or large groups.
Hammocks are less expensive & lighter weight compared to sleeping bags or light weight backpacking tents, and they also don’t require stakes.
They offer more options on where to set up camp.
Easily accessible as chairs or places to hang out while at your camp site.
In case of an emergency, hammocks are more easily accessible and can be set up in the blink of an eye.
Bug net integrated hammocks offer protection from bugs.
Adjustable in height vs. fixed height camping tents where it’s harder to get a good sleeping position—especially if your camp is on uneven terrain or hard ground like rock.
More versatility with hammocks because they are also great as chairs when relaxing at home or as backpacking shelters without poles—which means that you don’t have to carry extra weight while out hiking/backpacking but only take what you need for the duration of your trip!
Hammock Camping During Any Season – How to be Prepared
Camping With Hammocks in the Spring
Spring is an exciting time for backcountry travelers. The snow has receded, wildflowers are popping up and birds and insects begin the busy mating season. A chance to experience nature at its most beautiful, though sometimes harsh, can be very rewarding.
Logistics
Planning a spring camping trip can translate into bad news on two fronts: weather and peak season. Meager snowpacks mean substandard stream flows which translate into longer drinking water hauling distances—which invariably means carrying more weight than you would during a summer backpacking adventure.
In addition, winter was long but spring is relatively short so weekends fill quickly with eager campers hoping to take advantage of the outdoors and are ready to find release from cabin fever that typically comes with our long winters.
So be sure to pack light, be quick on your feet and bring plenty of patience. You will need the last one to deal with other campers who may not have all the necessary skills or gear required for a successful camping trip.
Remember that under-preparation is the leading cause of death in the backcountry and there are two prevailing camps when it comes to spring camper experience levels:
1) Beginners who are ill-equipped (in terms of both gear and experience) and don’t know how to choose or set up a good campsite, or
2) Seasoned veterans who know what they like and how to get it.
Conversely, this time of year is great for novice through advanced hammock campers since trees aren’t full-leafed, so finding a suitable site is easier than during summer.
Most forests have a prime camping season that is more or less dependent on the leaves: high country conifers are great to camp under any time of year, as well as deciduous trees like birch and poplar which tend to be excellent hammocking trees from fall through spring when compared to summer.
Camping With Hammocks in the Winter
It might not sound possible, but with the right gear, camping in the winter can actually be very fun.
If you’re prepared, you’ll get to see a side of nature that most people don’t get much exposure to.
Logistics
When you camp in the winter, there’s a few things you want to keep in mind. You’ll obviously want to bring plenty of warm clothing and try to stay dry as possible. If it snows (which it probably will, even if just for an hour or so), tents can typically protect your body heat from the outside elements quite well, but with the an ultralight backpacking hammock, there’s no need to haul around a heavy tent.
If you’re camping with hammocks during this time of year, then all you have to worry about is snow falling on top of you while sleeping at night. Fortunately, many hammock tarps pair perfectly with ultralight hammock tents! They’re also ultra-tough and can be set up in a matter of minutes.
When hammock camping in the winter, you want a good sleeping bag or pad underneath you in the hammock that will protect you from the cold. A closed cell foam sleeping pad underneath you and a good sleeping bag, along with a good layering system, is the best way to go in harsh winter conditions.
Camping With Hammocks in the Summer
Going camping with hammocks, as opposed to a tent or something else is much easier in the summer months.
Hammocks are cool in warmer temperatures and unlike tents, will not get over heated by the sun.
Tents can be made of breathable and waterproof material that can still overheat when exposed to plenty of direct sunlight for extended periods of time. They may also have zippers and seams that leak when they become wet with sweat which causes them to fill up with condensation.
Logistics
Camping with a hammock in the summer is relatively care free, as long as you have a reliable bug net.
Hammock camping in the summer is really the ideal situation, as long as you have all the right gear and protection from insect or large animals that could cause you harm.
The most essential gear for any hammock camper is what makes up their shelter from the sun’s rays. If your goal is just to nap on your trip, then an afternoon in which you can find some shade and relax is all you need.
If you want to be totally shielded from the sunlight, bring a hammock tarp—our tarps can shield you from the sun while also providing airflow that tents simply can’t.
Camping With Hammocks in the Autumn
The fall season is a good time to put away the tent and sleeping pad, and trade them in for a hammock.
The weather during this time of year is mild and beautiful, so you can get out there and enjoy the great outdoors without shivering all night or being roasted by the sun.
Logistics
As with winter camping, you will want to bring warm clothing and most likely need a good sleeping pad underneath you in the hammock.
A tarp can also provide you with either insulation from cold winds or protection from harsh sunlight (both conditions you’re likely to face while fall camping).
You are likely to encounter some bugs during this time, so bringing a hammock with an integrated bug net is also a good idea.
The trick is to know the conditions of where you’re going, what the weather will be like, and to be prepared for a range of weather conditions ranging from cold to hot.
Hammocks & Tarps by Teton Hammock Company
Our hammocks are an excellent choice for those who love the outdoors and enjoy camping.
Campers of all types can take advantage of these portable, lightweight beds that allow you to sleep in your favorite environment—whether it be on top of boulders or high up in a tree!
They come equipped with tree straps so they easily attach to any sturdy branch/rock without having to drill into the ground or trees like tents do, as well as strong carabiner clips at each end which keep them securely attached while keeping its bed completely taut—perfect for getting some shuteye comfortably away from bugs or wet ground.
If camping interests you but you don’t want the hassle of packing and setting up a tent, then investing in this type of gear is the way to go!
Hammocks
This product is made from top quality outdoor fabric and comes with a stuffsack.
The edges of the hammock have been double-stitched for extra strength, while triple stitching is used at all end channels to make them even stronger.
Amsteel loops are included so you can attach your new THC 11′ Backwoods Hammock to all suspension systems with 7/64″ anchor points. This allows for quick set up in less than five minutes anywhere there’s trees or other natural supports (even on concrete). It also weighs only 11 pounds with the included stuffsack—that’s 7.5oz less than your typical hammock made by other leading manufacturers.
HyperD Nylon
HyperD is the diamond grid nylon you need. The lightweight, custom developed material of HyperD has an incredible strength to weight ratio and it feels as soft and comfortable on your skin.
Specs
Included
(1) 11’ Hammock
(1) Hammock StuffSack
Weight
11.5oz Including StuffSack
Best Used For
Expedition Camping, Backpacking, Bikepacking, river trips
Dimensions
Unpacked: 11’ length x 58”width
Packed: 4”x6”
Materials
1.6oz/yd2 Hyper D Nylon
250lb weight capacity
How many loops?
(2) 7/64” Amsteel Continuous Loops for attaching suspension
This product is the perfect companion for those who want to relax outdoors while still staying safe. You can enjoy a serene evening in nature without being eaten by bugs or having leaves and debris all over you after! The netting itself cannot be removed, but it’s retractable so that you will never have to worry about getting tangled up.
HyperD Nylon
HyperD is the lightweight fabric you’ve always wanted. You’ll be amazed by how soft this diamond grid nylon feels against your skin, while also being extremely tough and durable!
Specs
Included
(1) 11’ Hammock
(1) Hammock StuffSack
(1) Bug Net
(1) Ridge Line
(4) Quilt Hooks
Weight
18.3oz Including StuffSack & Bug Net. Even with the robust construction, netting and zippers, the Backwoods Pro still only weighs 18.3 oz with an included stuffsack, ridge line, and quilt hooks.
Best Used For
Expedition Camping, Backpacking, Bikepacking, river trips
Dimensions
Unpacked: 11 ’length x 58 ”width
Packed: 5” x 9”
Materials
Hammock and StuffSack:
1.6oz/yd2 Hyper D Nylon
250lb weight capacity
Bug Net:
Noseeum Mesh
YKK zipper with 4 YKK zipper pulls
Additional Specs
2- 7/64” Amsteel Continuous Loops
YKK zipper and 4 YKK zipper pulls
4- exterior quilt hooks
4- exterior tieout loops
4- door clips
8- interior accessory loops
1- interior accessory hook for attaching stuffsack/retracted net, pillow, etc.
Capacity
Around 250 lb. system capacity will vary based on suspension system and anchor points
This along with all THC Backwoods hammocks are made from the highest quality 1.6oz per yard HyperD outdoor fabric available with roll hem and triple stitching to give them additional durability for years of use, even in harsh environments or conditions like rainstorms! They come assembled with 7/64″ Amsteel continuous loops so you can attach your suspension system easily as well as lightweight 11.5 oz weight that is lighter than leading manufacturers- making it perfect for those on a backpacking trip who don’t want an extra load of pounds when they’re already exhausted at the end of day!
HyperD Nylon
HyperD is our light and airy line of ripstop nylon. Designed to outperform the standard square grid, HyperD offers a delicate touch with its durable strength.
Specs
Included
(1) 11’ Hammock
(1) Hammock StuffSack
Weight
11.5oz Including StuffSack
Best Used For
Expedition Camping, Backpacking, Bikepacking, river trips
Dimensions
Unpacked: 11 ’length x 58 ”width
Packed: 4” x 6”
Materials
1.6oz/yd2 Hyper D Nylon
How many loops?
2- 7/64” Amsteel Continuous Loops for attaching suspension system
Capacity
Around 250 lb. system capacity will vary based on suspension system and anchor points
The THC Backwoods Pro Hammock gives you the protection you need from insects and pests. With industry-leading Noseeum mesh, zippered on one side to the next, there is nothing stopping your backcountry experience with this versatility in setting up a sturdy hammock.
All edges have been double stitched for extra strength and rolled hem lines are triple stitch reinforced at every end channel so that these may be attached securely to your suspension by 7/64″ Amsteel continuous loops. All their hammocks come assembled as well!
This ultralight backpack is perfect for hikers and campers who want to take their adventure on the go. A low weight with features like netting, zippers, and a stuff sack make this pack an easy choice no matter what your excursion may be.
HyperD Nylon
HyperD is our light and airy line of ripstop nylon. Designed to outperform the standard square grid, HyperD will offer a delicate touch with its durable strength that you can rely on outdoors or indoors when looking for durability in your gear.
Specs
Included
(1) 11’ Hammock
(1) Hammock Stuff Sack
(1) Bug Net
(1) Ridge Line
(4) Quilt Hooks
Weight
18.5oz Including Stuff Sack & Bug Net. Even with the robust construction, netting and zippers, the Backwoods Pro still only weighs 18.5 oz with an included stuff sack, ridge line, and quilt hooks.
Best Used For
Expedition Camping, Backpacking, Bikepacking, river trips
Dimensions
Unpacked: 11 ’length x 58 ”width
Packed: 5” x 9”
Materials
Hammock and Stuff Sack:
1.6oz/yd2 Hyper D Nylon
250lb weight capacity
Bug Net:
Noseeum Mesh
YKK zipper with 4 YKK zipper pulls
Additional Specs
2- 7/64” Amsteel Continuous Loops
YKK zipper and 4 YKK zipper pulls
4- exterior quilt hooks
4- exterior tieout loops
4- door clips
8- interior accessory loops
1- interior accessory hook for attaching stuff sack/retracted net, pillow, etc.
Capacity
Around 250 lb. system capacity will vary based on suspension and anchor points.
Tarps
The Summit 3-season Hammock Tarp is made from 1.1oz sq/yd Silpoly, which stretches less than nylon when wet and stays taut in the nastiest of conditions. With a right combination of ridgeline and tie-out material, this will ensure your hammock remains dry even if it’s raining cats and dogs outside! The 4-seasons tarp features doors on each end that fold inward to keep the driving rain or snow (or both!) out so you’re not dampened spirits can stay up high with yours inside!
Specs
The Summit 3-season hammock tarp (without doors) has a 12ft ridgeline length and 116in flat width. The height from the ground can be anywhere between 48in to 54 in depending on your setup, but at an average of 6.5 ft by 7.5 ft dry space is possible—even with reinforcements! These are made for any order so you will need three weeks before lead time when ordering one today.
The Summit 4-season hammock tarp is made of 1.1 oz sq/yd Silpoly and has a special stretch that helps it stay snug when wet, which makes camping in the rain more comfortable than ever before!
Specs
With a continuous ridge line, grey Lash-It 1.75mm provides more stability and comfort than ropes or string in this innovative outdoor hammock tarp system. Titanium Loop Alien Splice Hooks make it easy to attach the loops for setup at any angle needed!
Accessories/Outdoor Gear
We offer a wide variety of accessories, including:
- Amsteel Continuous Loop 8″
- Preimium Hammock Suspension Kit
- Seam Grip + SIL
- Structural Ridgeline
- Tarp Continuous Ridgeline with Loop Alien Hardware
Click here to see the full list of our accessories and learn more about what they can do for you!
