
Photo by Peter Wang on Unsplash
Do you want to swap your traditional camping tent with something exciting and lightweight? Then you will discover here some of the best and cheapest camping hammocks with bug net available on the market.
This guide will help select your camping hammock based on your weight, size, and comfort requirements.
Their special design is meant to escalate the fun you will have at your camping site.
And with their integrated mosquito net, you no longer need to worry about the bugs that are there in the wild. These are compact and a blessing for your shoulders as they don’t feel like a burden to carry.
Quick Recommendations
Here is a quick list of our favorite hammocks for camping and backpacking; you can find more details for each of them lower on the page.
The product is manufactured by a US company called Ridge Outdoor Gear. It is designed for lay-flat sleep to make you sleep comfortably and has a mosquito net which is detachable.
The hammock is softer, stronger, and more comfortable than the cheap 210T 70D nylon everyone else uses. The suspension system of the hammock is knot-free, tree-friendly, and is easy to use.
It is spacious and ultralight and the hammock weighs just 22.3 ounces (632g) and is 11 ft (3.3m) long, with the suspension straps the product weighs 31.3 ounces (887g).
The package contains a Hammock with removable mosquito net cover, 2 x 9.8 ft (3m) adjustable straps, 10 loops each, 2 x aviation-grade alloy carabiners, and Ridgeline organizer storage.
While using the product, it is recommended not to remove the ridgeline rope, and then use the hammock when the mosquito mesh is installed and avoid prolonged UV light exposure.
The product can withstand up to 400 pounds (181 kg) of weight as it is tensile and strong. You can squeeze it into a compact and lightweight travel-ready pouch at 1/3 of what the "boutique brands" charge.
PROS
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Verdict:
Are you a person who loves to be cozy at night? If yes, then choose this product as it has soft Dynalon ripstop fabric, which is much more comfortable than 210T 70D nylon everyone else uses.
Also, the product comes with a detachable mosquito net which gives you the liberty to choose whether or not you want it.
The hammock is manufactured by Everest Active Gear. The product is highly durable and made up of heavy grade polyester up to 31 grams, which ensures your safety.
There are 2100 holes per square inch which make the hammock filled with fresh air and no bugs. This product makes you feel inside while you enjoy the outdoor surroundings at a camping or a hiking site without feeling claustrophobic.
The hammock is made up of 100% 210T taffeta with diamond weave nylon fabric, which is breathable and highly tensile. It can withstand 400 pounds (181 kg) of weight thanks to the double tab zip and triple stitched edge.
It is 10 feet long (3 m) and 6 feet (1.82 m) wide, which makes sufficient space for two people to comfortably lie down in the hammock. It comes with a practically integrated mosquito net which makes your camping bug-free.
The product is easy to set up and install. The double hammock with stuff pouch is portable and lightweight with a weight of just 1.9 pounds (861 g). The overall weight of the package is 2.5 pounds (1.1 kg) with dimensions 6.3 x 5 x 9.5 inches (1.92m x 1.5m x 2.9m).
The product has a great color combination that blends with the environment, and it is reversible when the mosquito net is not in use.
The product comes with internal gear hang loops and Nylon suspension straps.PROS
CONS
Verdict:
If you are looking for a hammock that is comfortable and spacious, this is the right choice for you. Also, it is highly durable to support weight up to 400 pounds. This hammock provides you with a great way to get rid of bugs and mosquitoes without making you claustrophobic, as it has 2100 holes per square meter.
This product is manufactured by Oak Creek Outdoor Supply. The item is lightweight with a weight of 3.59 pounds and packed dimensions are 11 x 7.9 x 11.8 inches.
The product comes with a single hammock that is 9’ x 4’ 210T Parachute Nylon with a stuff sack attached. It has carabiners made up of aluminum with string snaps. It has tree-straps made up of no-stretch fabric with dimensions 10’ and 1’’ (304 cm x 2.5 cm).
It comes with a square rain fly with 4 attachment points and a dimension of 9.5 ft x 9.5 ft (2.9 m x 2.9 m). The bug net is 400 mesh tightly woven with a full-length zipper to open.
This a complete bundle hammock that includes guy lines, stakes, carabiners, two 12KN aluminum swing buckle carabiners for holding up to 350 pounds, and also a rain fly in a drawstring sack, all weighing less than 4 pounds.
Ultra strong, tear resistant parachute nylon material with reinforced stitching and knotting that holds up to 350 lbs and is a one-person hammock.
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Verdict:
Are you a camping enthusiast? If yes, this is something you should consider. It comes with a rain fly and a bug net and the product is highly durable and comfortable. It is easy to install with no hassles.
The product is manufactured by Easthills Outdoors, and the overall weight of this product is 3.1 pounds. The overall package comes with 300 x 200 cm (118 x 79 inches) double hammock, 2 aluminum Wiregate carabiners,1 removable bug & mosquito net with 2 net ropes, 2 long 10 feet tree straps with 15+1 adjustable loops and internal gear hang loops and storage pocket.
This includes 2 long tree straps with 16 adjustable loops (750 lb. per straps/10 feet), 2 aluminum Wiregate carabiners, 2 net ropes, and a hammock with a bug net. In addition, it also includes 4 guylines, 4 aluminum stakes, and a waterproof rain fly if you choose this version.
This hammock is made up of high-quality materials that include high-strength, breathable 210T Taffeta parachute with triple-stitch edge seams. The mosquito net has a great mesh, 2500 holes per square meter, that protects from insects and provides ventilation.
This hammock supports two adults and can withstand a total weight of 700 pounds. Also, the product has two 4 internal hanging loops and 2 gear pockets inside to hold your small personal items.
It also has full-length SBS zippers for easy adjustments and reinforced hanging points to prevent tearing, and also, the hammock is easy to set up.
In the rain fly version, at only 24 oz, the 2000mm waterproof hammock rain fly provides complete coverage of a massive 9.8ft x 9.8ft in area, resulting in a lightweight, large footprint shelter system to protect against sudden downpours. The rain fly comes with a storage sack that slips easily into your backpack and double use as a sunshade.
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Verdict:
If you are looking for a well-designed and sturdy hammock, this is for you. It makes your camping free of bugs and mosquitoes and is super easy to install. It has straps of different lengths so you can use them according to the tree length.
All-In-One Hammock with bug net from Beacon Pet.
With its included tarp, your net hammock can be used in sunny and rainy days.
Made from high quality 210T parachute nylon materials which is tear-resistant, breathable and quick-drying.
Its robust built will make it tough to alter and suits any environment.
This 2 person hammock weighs 34.24 ounces and makes it ideal for camping and backpacking. Plus a stuff sack will really minimize the space in your backpack.
It is equipped with hook holder and comes with 2 hight quality hammock tree straps and also 2 strong carabiners for easy and convenient set-up
PROS
CONS
Verdict:
Are you looking for a hammock that offers a high comfort level to you and has multiple uses? If yes, this is the product manufactured for your needs.
It also provides you with a sturdy design that supports your weight effectively.
Bonus: Bug Net for Hammocks
In case you already own a backpacking hammock but realized that a mosquito net is what's missing to sleep like a log in the outdoors, I've added this bug net for hammocks that will make a perfect addon.
Here is a new outdoor bug net for hammock from PYS Outdoor.
It is made of 100% polyester and went through thousands of experiments to build the most effective mesh structure.
It can be adapted to any type of hammock.
Its robust built will make it tough to alter and suits any environment.
This bug net for hammocks weighs only 21 ounces and makes it ideal for camping and ultralight backpacking.
Plus, a compression sack will really minimize the space in your backpack.
It comes with one ridgeline, and the setup needs no effort with the included hanging clips.
Trustworthy mention: Grand Trunk Skeeter Beeter pro
Things to consider before buying a camping hammock
Photo by Max Andrey from Pexels
Types of hammock
There are 3 different types of hammock tents that you can choose depending on how you plan to use it.
Nylon parachute hammocks are very durable and resistant. They have some elasticity, which makes them very comfortable. They are ideal for sleeping several nights. They are available in single and double sizes.
The super-light hammocks are compact and made of very light material. Their design is meant for fast or light hikes. Keep in mind that lighter usually means less comfort.
The expedition hammocks are made of high-end materials to offer maximum protection during expeditions. They are usually sold with various accessories such as extra ridgeline, rain fly, and bug net.
Materials: Cotton or Nylon
Most hammocks on the market are made of one of these two materials.
Cotton hammocks have more attractive designs because of its weaving. However, they are heavy, bulky, and hydrophilic (water-attracting), which gives poor experience in wet weather, plus they dry slowly.
Nylon or polyester hammocks are the perfect way to go camping. They are lighter, less bulky, and the nylon repels water, providing a better experience in bad weather.
Size
The length and width of your hammock is normally a matter of personal preference.
If you plan to sleep alone, choosing a hammock that is too wide can make you feel more wrapped up and claustrophobic.
If you are tall, consider getting a hammock of 8 feet (240 cm) or more.
Maximum weight
You should always take into account your weight and the maximum weight capacity of the hammock. There are extra-large models to suit large or heavy campers and double models for those who wish to share them with friends or partners.
Loading the hammock with more weight than the maximum recommended capacity may reduce the life of the product and is potentially dangerous.
Hanging system
Different suspension systems are available, but they are normally reduced to a combination of straps and carabiners. Some models do not include them, so make sure you check this out before you head out into the mountains.
The longer the straps and attachment points, the better. This gives you more flexibility to work on different trees.
Use straps that are tree-friendly. These are usually wider (over 2 cm), flat, and made from polyester nylon.
Isolation
Most hammocks are made of breathable nylon material to keep you cool during the summer months.
However, if you plan to use it in cold weather, you will need to look at some kind of insulation. Some models come with practical accessories such as floor mats, underlayers, or under quilts.
Consider the weather you are going to face and get what you need.
Accessories
Some hammock accessories may be useful, depending on where you plan to camp.
A built-in bug net could be essential for camping in areas where there are many mosquitoes, which represent most of the camping places in spring and summer.
Also, if you expect rain in the area where you plan to camp, a tarp is an important accessory to have. I would recommend taking a slightly larger model and one that you can attach to the ground so it will keep you dry, even if the rain also comes with side winds.Camping Hammocks FAQS
Image by Karlis< from Pixabay
Is a camping hammock comfortable?
Except for hammocks with spreader bars, which are usually made of a net stretched between two horizontal bars and are not very comfortable, canvas or nylon hammocks, are the best for sleeping. They wrap you when you lay down, and you feel you're in a cocoon!
Contrary to what you might think, sleeping in a hammock is not bad for your back or neck! In fact, most people think you can't sleep flat when there is a simple trick to avoid being trapped by the curvature of the hammock: just lie across!
In addition, a study has shown that the slight rocking movement of the hammock makes it possible to fall more quickly into a deep sleep (it is related to the time when we were rocked by our mother to fall asleep).
Is hammock camping safe?
It depends on the model. Hammocks with spreader bars (those with two bars holding it open) are unstable. But anyway, they are not suitable for traveling or camping.
With models without bars, there is no risk! In any case, I have never heard of such a thing happening... Except if you don’t tie your ropes correctly, it can drop when you first try to get into the hammock (you have to sit down slowly and squeeze your buttocks, just in case), but then it will never happen in the middle of the night!
If you want more info on hammock safety, read this excellent article: "Are hammock dangerous"
Is hammock camping lighter?
Widely used by backpackers and trekking enthusiasts, the hammock is a very compact bed, very light, and therefore easily transportable. Combined with a rain fly, it can easily replace a much heavier and bulky tent.
How to properly install a hammock?
As strange as it may seem, a hammock bends when installed and does not stretch.
The more the hammock is bent, the flatter you will be when you lay diagonally in it.
We get the ideal curve for a hammock with the following calculation: length between two points of attachment divided by 2 = height of the attachment. Or height x 2 = length.
The ideal distance between the two trees where you will attach your straps is between 13 feet (4m) and 16 feet (5m), depending on the length of your hammock. If you have long straps, you will probably be able to extend this limit to 20 feet (6m).
Once the straps are in place hook the ends of the hammock to the buckles with carabiners or S-hooks.
Do you need a bug net for hammock camping?
If there's one thing a camper should expect at nightfall, it's a massive mosquito invasion. Whether camping, bivouacking, or bush-crafting, no one is spared. This is by far one inconvenience I can bear the least, especially during activities in wetlands.
So if you opt for a camping hammock instead of a tent, you will be properly protected with a hammock with mosquito net.
Can mosquitoes bite through hammock?
Even if you have a bug net integrated with your hammock, mosquitoes can bite through the fabric, so you'll need something at the bottom to avoid that, a self-inflating sleeping pad, or your sleeping bag.
I find your post helpful! Thanks for the reviews.
Glad to help!
Im’ brand new to and no nothing about hammock camping. I’m looking at buying either the Ridge Outdoors Pinnacle or the Easthills Jungle Explorer, as they are within my budget. However, I can’t decide on which one to purchase. Based on your experience with hammock camping, which one of this would you recommend and why! Thank you.
Hi David, thank you for your question.
You’ve picked two of the most popular and robust hammocks. Both are built to last but what differs the Easthills Jungle Explorer from the Ridge Outdoors Pinnacle is that it includes a waterproof rainfly which could be useful more than once when sleeping in the outdoors. The Easthills Jungle Explorer supports also a higher weight capacity of 600 lb compared to the 400 lb of the Ridge Outdoors Pinnacle.
Just to remind you, mosquito nets for hammocks are very effective keeping bugs away but they can still bite from below, through the fabric, so I would suggest you to use a sleeping pad and you’ll be 100% mosquito proofed.
I wish you awesome nights in the great outdoors,
Lara