10 Best Backpacking Hammocks in 2024

Last Updated on 28/05/2024

What is the Best Hammock for Backpacking?

The best hammock for backpacking is lightweight and comfortable. String hammocks aren’t suitable, but fabric hammocks offer the best comfort and durability. In this guide, you will learn which hammocks offer the best night’s sleep and are small enough to tuck in the bottom of your backpack.

Wherever it is that you plan on traveling to, having one of these Top 10 Best Backpacking Hammocks with you is never a bad thing. Lightweight, compact, and inexpensive, a good travel hammock will cost less than a night in an average hotel and will come in handy for years to come.

Comfier than sleeping on the ground and easier to pack than a tent, hammocks are an excellent item to take backpacking where ever you are going. If you also travel with a rain tarp and a sleeping mat, there are countless ways in which you can set up a shelter.

Top 10 Best Backpacking Hammocks

Eagles Nest Outfitters ENO SingleNest Hammock

• Weight: 16 oz / 455 g
• Size: 9 ft 4 in x 4 ft 7 in
• Includes: Hammock, storage bag, aluminum wiregate carabiners, nautical grade line

The ENO SingleNest is one of the most popular hammocks for backpackers and gap year students thanks to the funky color patterns and the strong reputation it has built up through word of mouth. Hard-wearing and durable, you can hang this up and jump in without fear of the fabric splitting, which makes it a fun hammock to mess about in at the beach as well as keep you well rested at night.

• Check out my ENO Vs. Neolite Trek hammock comparison review here!

When you get into the ENO SingleNest, the fabric has a luxurious feeling to it, but without losing its toughness or strength. The highly breathable woven nylon is reinforced with triple interlocking stitching and holds a maximum capacity of 400 lbs. While this is no way near the lightest travel hammock on the market, it is perfect for backpackers who love to lounge around during the day as well as go camping.

Hennesy Hammock Ultralite Backpacker Classic

• Weight: 1 lbs 15 oz / 879 g
• Size: 9 ft 10 in x 4 ft 10 in
• Includes: Hammock, storage bag, aluminum wiregate carabiners, Spectra suspension ropes, webbing straps, 20D no-see-um bug netting, 30D silnylon ripstop rain tarp, and guy lines.

The Hennessy Hammock Ultralite Backpacker Classic is the all-in-one camping system for long-distance walkers and adventurous backpackers. The Ultralite Backpacker hammock is the perfect alternative to a tent; packing down to a tiny 4 x 6 x 9-inch pouch, you don’t have to worry about fitting it in your bag. The 200 lb weight limit is ok for most people but might put some of the bigger people off. Check out the Jungle Safari Range for a higher weight limit of 350 lbs.

Built to withstand extreme conditions and perform over long periods of time, Hennesy Hammocks are renowned for making high-quality products for professional outdoors people. You can choose between a zip or classic bug netting design as well as upgrade your rain tarp to a larger size which I did and am glad about. There isn’t much bad to say about this hammock; ticking all the boxes for lightweight backpackers on a mission.

• View our full Hennesy Hammocks Ultralite Asym Review.

Hummingbird Single Ultralight Plus Hammock

• Weight: 7.6 oz / 210 g
• Size: 9 ft 8 in x 5 ft 3 in
• Includes: Hammock, storage bag, ultra-light soft link carabiners

The Hummingbird Single Ultralight Plus Hammock is the larger version of the even lighter original Hummingbird Single Hammock.

The extra space in the Ultralight Plus equates to an additional 20 inches lengthways and 14 inches across, which is better for big people and makes it easier to find that sweet spot. Designed to meet FFA Certified parachute rigging standards, the parachute-inspired design will hold 350 lbs and claims to weigh 30% less than any other hammock on the market.

The super comfortable and breathable material is all made in the USA and put together by hand in Denver, Colorado using IV-certified webbing lock stitching. I really like the soft link carabiners as they do the job just fine and weigh far less than the metal alternative. Hummingbird Ultralight Tree straps are sold separately and are worth getting if your goal is to be as lightweight as possible.

Grand Trunk Nano 7 Hammock

• Weight: 6.7 oz / 189 g
• Size: 9 x 4 feet
• Includes: Hammock, storage bag, ultra-light Mad Rock carabiners

The Grand Trunk Nano 7 is one of the most lightweight travel hammocks in the world, weighing a mere 6.7 oz and packing down to the size of a large orange. Incredibly compact and weighing next to nothing, you can keep this is the deepest corner of your backpack and forget it is even there (until you need it). The ripstop nylon is triple stitched along the seams giving it a maximum weight capacity of 300 lbs, impressive for the lightweight materials.

One of the smallest hammocks on the list, but once you get over the initial shock of sleeping closer to the edge, the benefits far out-way the negatives. An easy hammock to take anywhere and quite often the hammock I carry on most day hikes, but not a hammock I would rely on for heavy use in rugged conditions.

Warbonnet Blackbird Single Layer 1.1 Hammock

• Weight: 1 lb 2 oz / 510 g
• Size: 10 ft x 5 ft 3 in
• Includes: Hammock, storage bag, sewn-in mosquito netting, elastic side guy lines, choice of webbing suspension or ‘whoopies’ with tree straps

A real favorite among wilderness campers and bushcraft communities and is no doubt one of the best backpacking hammocks, the Warbonnet Blackbird has some great features but a hefty price tag of nearly $250 with shipping. The innovative foot box design gives you some extra leg space at the bottom, and the storage shelf is a great idea for keeping a few personal items at hand. The single-layer 70D fabric has a maximum capacity of 200 lbs, while the double-layered fabric offers, you guessed it, 400 lbs.

Only available through Warbonnet’s website, you can customize each order by fabric, suspension straps, and single or double-layered base. I like the Warbonnet range of hammocks as they are comfortable and very customer-orientated as a company; just a shame about the price and postage costs.

Eagles Nest Outfitters Sub 7 Hammock

• Weight: 6.5 oz / 184 g
• Size: 8 ft 9 in x 3ft 9 in
• Includes: Hammock, storage bag, aluminum wiregate carabiners

The ENO Sub7 Hammock is the lightest backpacking hammock on this list, and unfortunately, it is also the tightest fit. For taller people, this hammock is probably going to be too small to stretch out in, but for everyone else, this hammock is great for backpacking.

Due to the lightweight materials and construction, I do fear that it wouldn’t take much pressure to damage the fabric and create a big rip. The smallest hammock on the list is also the least comfortable; without hardly any extra space to stretch out, it can be frustrating after a long day of hiking.

Crafted from breathable and quick-drying, high-tenacity 70D nylon taffeta, the ENO Sub7 will support up to 300 lbs, and the stronger-than-steel Dyneema line gives you extra peace of mind at high capacity. Compressing down to the size of a softball and weighing under 200 grams, the ENO Sub7 is so portable that there are no excuses not to have it with you all the time, even if you don’t use it!

Fox Outfitters Neolite Trek Parachute Hammock

• Weight: 13 oz / 370 g
• Size: 9 ft 10 in x 4 ft 7 in
• Includes: Hammock, storage bag, steel carabiners, extra tough 5 ft 6 inch nautical grade suspension ropes with tree friendly rope sleeves

The Fox Outfitters Neolite Trek Hammock feels slightly tougher than the ultra-lightweight hammocks further up this list and has a higher maximum capacity of 400 lbs. Super strong woven nylon is used to keep the Neolite Trek breathable, fast-drying, and protected against brambles and thorns.

Because of the hard-wearing tendencies, I tend to trust this hammock more than ultra-lightweight options for extended trips and cross-country hikes where the hammock is going to see more action. Super easy to set up and pack away, the Neolite Trek is a firm favorite for backpacking hikers who need a hammock they can rely on.

Grand Trunk Single Parachute Nylon Hammock

• Weight: 15.9 oz / 450 g
• Size: 10 ft 6 in x 5 ft
• Includes: Hammock, storage bag, aluminum wiregate carabiners

The Grand Trunk Single is a hammock I used for a long time before trying out any others, and I never had any complaints. It is made from mildew-resistant, high-strength parachute nylon and has triple-stitched seams to support a maximum load of up to 400 lbs.

Super soft fabric keeps you cool in the heat, and the storage pouch on the side makes a great place to keep your personal items whilst having a snooze. A great value-for-money option that offers everything a hammock should offer without any of the cheap thrills. Comfortable, spacious, and well made, the Grand Trunk Single Hammock is a great entry-level hammock for any backpacking trip.

Hennesy Hammock Expedition Asym

• Weight: 2 lbs 12 oz / 1,247 g
• Size: 9 ft 10 in x 4 ft 10 in
• Includes: Hammock, storage bag, aluminum wiregate carabiners, polyester suspension ropes, webbing straps, 30D no-see-um bug netting, 70D polyurethane-coated ripstop polyester rain tarp, and guy lines.

The Hennessy Hammock Expedition Hammock is arguably one of the best and most specialized suspended shelter systems available on the market. With everything included, you have got everything you need to go on a long-distance expedition through unknown terrain.

If you can’t find a hanging point to set up your hammock rig, then you can easily make a bivvy-type shelter on the ground using a single attachment point. The hammock material is 210D Oxford nylon which comes with a surprisingly low maximum capacity of 250 lbs.

I really like the whole design of this hammock system, and it always keeps me dry and comfortable in all kinds of stormy conditions, but it is a little heavy for some backpacking trips. That being said, I can’t argue with the convenience of an all-in-one system that will protect you from insects, wind, and rain, even in places like the Amazon jungle. With the 4 season insulation upgrade the Hennessy Hammock Expedition range are the Best Backpacking Hammocks for extreme exploration.

Grand Trunk Skeeter Beeter Pro Hammock

• Weight: 28 oz / 795 g
• Size: 10 ft 6 in x 5 ft
• Includes: Hammock, storage bag, aluminum wiregate carabiners

The Skeeter Beeter Pro Hammock is another great entry-level hammock from Grand Trunk but this time with sewn-in mosquito netting and double-sided zippers for daytime use. Lightweight and triple-stitched reinforcements give the hammock great strength and support for heavy-duty people.

Made from 100% parachute nylon, there is nothing special about any of the materials used on this hammock, but the build quality is very good, so it performs very well. For the price, you really can’t go wrong, and with the addition of a rain tarp, not included, you are ready to go!

**Another great hammock company is the UK brand DD Hammocks which have a wide range of hammocks and rain tarps on their website.

What Else Do You Need For Hammock Camping?

• Hammock – You are in the right place, carry on reading for some great links.
• 2 x carabiners – Lightweight climbing carabiners weigh roughly 1 oz – 1.5 oz each.
• Tree straps – Hammock tree straps are a must and can be purchased separately.
• Rain tarp – check out our top ranked lightweight tarps.
• 7 – 10 meters of rope – Lightweight and strong, try 3/8″ camping rope to support your tarp.
• 4 x 4-meter lengths of paracord – 550 paracord is perfect for tying down your rain tarp.
• 4 x tent pegs – Lightweight aluminum tent pegs are the most reliable.
• Sleeping mat – A foam mat is all that is needed, something cheap and lightweight that can be fastened to the outside of your pack is perfect. Check out the Texsport Dual-Foam Camping Mat for a good example.
• Ridgeline Organizer – A ridgeline organizer is the best way to keep your valuables safe and close to hand.

Why Take a Hammock vs Tent?

Going traveling can be one of the most exciting things you will ever do, but because you are constantly moving around all the time, finding a place to sleep every night can become a daily struggle. Many people choose to take a lightweight tent as a backup shelter but sleeping on the floor is not for everyone. Other people may rely entirely on backpacking hostels and hotels, but this isn’t always a great option and can be expensive unless you book ahead.

In my opinion, the best form of backup shelter is a simple hammock and rain tarp setup. It is lightweight, portable, comfortable, and incredibly flexible in terms of ways and places it can be set up. We have a whole article dedicated to the hammock vs tent debate here.

Hammocks in Hostels?

If you are the type of person to book ahead and have an itinerary planned out for every single day, then fair play to you, but I personally can not do that. I don’t like the restrictions that booking ahead imposes, and so there have been plenty of times when I turn up at a place, and it is fully booked.

This doesn’t have to be a problem when you are traveling with a hammock, especially in South East Asia, where there is always space to hang another hammock. It is always worth asking for a discount when using your own backpacking hammock, as this is not the same as having a bed and a room.

What Kind of Hammock Should You Get?

There are lots of different hammocks available to suit all kinds of people, needs, and trips. Some are made for use in the garden, some have a bug netting or rain fly sheet built-in, while others are super lightweight or made specifically for backpacking. The Tentsile UNA Tree Tent, for example, is designed for use in forests with lots of trees as it requires three tie-offs instead of two.

If you are going to the jungle or somewhere where biting insects are a problem, then a hammock sewn-in mosquito net is a very good idea. If you plan on doing a lot of hiking or plan on only using it as a backup, then a lightweight option will work better for you. Check out this ultimate hammock camping guide from the guys at Serac.

Check out all 10 of the Best Backpacking Hammocks in this article before you decide which will work best for you and your adventures.

Traveling is awesome but can often mean sleeping in some crazy places; getting one of these Top 10 Best Backpacking Hammocks will mean you never have to sleep on the floor again!