Quick List: Best One Person Camping Hammocks
- GoRoam Outdoors Camping Hammock
- Durable, comfortable hammock with very strong straps included.
- Rainfly and mesh netting also included in the set
- Mesh netting can be easily torn The straps are a bit short
- Hennessy Hammock Explorer Deluxe Series - Best Overall Option
- Strong, comfortable hammock
- Lots of features including rain fly and mesh netting
- At close to 4 pounds this isn't ideal for ultralight backpacking or anyone who wants as light a shelter as possible but Still a great hammock,
- Although it can hold 300 lbs the layout can be a bit tight for bigger campers
- Lawson Hammock Blue Ridge Camping Hammock - Most Comfortable
- Lots of features including reliable rain fly and bug netter
- The Spread bar creates a nice flat surface to lie on
- The spreader bar makes it hard to backpack with
- No straps included
- Hennessy Hammock Expedition Series
- Full setup with rainfly and no-see-um bug mesh included
- Bottom and side entry
- If not setup properly rain fly can be ineffective
Editors Rating:
(4.5 / 5)
| People | 1 |
| Weight | 23.4 oz |
| Packed Dimensions | N/A |
| Assembled Dimensions | 86" x 53" |
| Rainfly | No |
| Sack Included | Yes |
| Weight Capacity | 400 lbs |
| Straps Included | Yes |
| Mesh Netting | Yes |
| Current Price | Price not available |
The GoRoam Outdoors Camping Hammock is a great all-in-one hammock set that is super strong and includes a lot of things that other hammocks require you buy as add-ons.
Editors Rating:
(4.2 / 5)
| People | 1 |
| Weight | 57 oz |
| Packed Dimensions | 5" x 8" x 12" |
| Assembled Dimensions | 130" x 59" |
| Rainfly | Yes |
| Sack Included | Yes |
| Weight Capacity | 300 lbs |
| Straps Included | Yes |
| Mesh Netting | Yes |
| Current Price | Price not available |
The Hennessy Hammock Explorer Deluxe Series gives you all the quality that you expect out of a Hennessy Hammock and then some. The 210D Oxford nylon fabric holds up quite nicely to even a 300-pound camper and comes with a rain fly, mosquito net, and quality straps.
Read our full review of the Hennessy Hammock Explorer Deluxe Series
Editors Rating:
(4.2 / 5)
| People | 1 |
| Weight | 52 oz |
| Packed Dimensions | 22" x 6" |
| Assembled Dimensions | 90" x 42" |
| Rainfly | Yes |
| Sack Included | Yes |
| Weight Capacity | 275 lbs |
| Straps Included | No |
| Mesh Netting | Yes |
| Current Price | $199.00 |
The Lawson Hammock Blue Ridge Camping Hammock is so fully loaded with cool features that its no wonder it was rated #1 By Backpacker and Outside and American Survival Guide and was the Winner of the prestigious Gear Of The Year Award.
Read our full review of the Lawson Hammock Blue Ridge Camping Hammock
Editors Rating:
(4.1 / 5)
| People | 1 |
| Weight | 44 oz |
| Packed Dimensions | 4" x 7" x 9" |
| Assembled Dimensions | 120" x 59" |
| Rainfly | Yes |
| Sack Included | Yes |
| Weight Capacity | 250 lbs |
| Straps Included | Yes |
| Mesh Netting | Yes |
| Current Price | $149.95 |
Hennessy Hammock Expedition Series offers a nice dependable hammock for the solo sleeper up to 250 pounds. The hammock itself is 10′ long and is made with 210D Oxford durable nylon to help prevent any tearing and stands up to the elements and give you a nice comfy lounge.
Read our full review of the Hennessy Hammock Expedition Series
In this article, we provide reviews and tips to help you find the best camping hammock for your lightweight backpacking adventure!
Why Camping Hammocks Make Great Lightweight Shelters
Many backpackers still opt for the tried and true tents.
While at the same time complaining about these very lightweight shelters they’ve relied on for years.
Staking the tent down, folding it up, the lack of ventilation, condensation on the inside, tight spaces, bulkiness in your pack..
The list goes on and on.
Funny enough the complaints today are the same complaints that backpackers have been echoing for years.
If this is you, then you should know that you don’t HAVE to use a tent.
In fact, there are a number of lightweight shelter alternatives available today.
One of which is the ultralight camping hammock.
A quality camping hammock is a great alternative to a tent because they not only provide comfortable sleeping space but also allow you to soak up more of the benefits that come with sleeping outdoors.
Breathing in fresh air, falling asleep under the stars, you know.. all the reasons why you decided to go camping in the first place.
Camping Hammock Variety
The best camping hammock is one that has a large weight capacity.
Be sure to choose a hammock with the capacity to hold more weight like one built for 2 people.
A 2 person camping hammock comes with a larger weight capacity and can provide a lot of space and comfort.
All without taking up more weight and space in your pack.
In fact, most 2 person camping hammocks can support up to 400 pounds.
They work especially great even if you’re traveling alone.
Even if you are hiking with a 2nd person, you’ll still enjoy the benefit of plenty of space and weight support.
Hammock Tent Length
Most camping hammocks are 9 feet long
This includes both single as well as double.
This is because the hammock has to be stretched to tie between two trees or any other supports.
This offers more than enough room as no one person can cover its full length. Unless you sleep with stilts.
Hammock Width
When buying a hammock for 2 people your focus should be on its width.
Make sure when its spread out its comfortable enough for 2 people to lie comfortably on top of.
The width of a single hammock should not be less than 4’ and for a double hammock 6’.
Two persons can easily sleep side-by-side in the extra width of a double hammock.
On the other hand, the width of a single hammock is enough for one individual.
Many solo campers opt for the 2 person hammocks anyways as they allow a single person to sleep or move around.
This can make for a really comfortable way to rest.
Camping Hammock Portability
The camping hammock you choose should be easily portable.
Most hammocks you’ll find are lightweight and easy to carry while taking up very little space in your pack.
A lot of camping hammocks are even lighter than bivy sacks!
Remember that you have to lug it around and take it from one stop to the next.
The camping hammock should be lightweight, easily foldable and portable.
This will make it easy to carry anywhere you go.
Hammock Strap Compatibility
The quality of your camping hammock’s straps is one of the most important features on the hammock.
Essentially this is the suspension system that holds the hammock off the ground.
Most hammocks come with their own sets of straps, but there are some that don’t.
While the included straps that come with most hammocks will suffice, there are often upgrades you can make to get better quality.
Ideally, you want hammock straps that are easily adjustable with a reliable locking mechanism to make sure your hammock can be set to your preferred level.
You’ll find this in straps that include a chained loop system.
A good strap is made of a tough synthetic material like polyester which doesn’t stretch.
Some straps are strong enough to handle 1000 pounds per strap.
Don’t cheap out and try to get by with rope.
Not only is rope unreliable in its ability to hold the hammock, it can damage the bark on trees and the last thing you want to do is harm mother nature in any way.
Quick setup
For an experienced camper, a hammock can typically be set up in 5 minutes or less.
Simply find 2 trees (or the equivalent of whatever environment you’re in) that are approximately 14-17 feet apart and tie your hammock straps around the trunks.
Lock the hammock in so the straps rest at a 30-degree angle, making sure the hammock is lifted 5-6 feet off the ground.
Keep in mind that the smaller the tree trunk, the more flexibility and strength you’ll get with the straps.
You can use a hammock hang calculator app on your phone for a more exact reading of your specific scenario.
Even if you’re adding extra accessories like a bug net and a rain fly on the hammock, you can still be setup fairly quickly.
Durability
Most of these companies make their hammocks with the same nylon fabric used in parachutes.
This tough stitching adds strength and breathability for a comfortable, ventilated hold without retaining sweat or rainwater.
The attached carabiners not only lock into your straps but keep your tent stable and in place.
Lightweight Packed Up
No matter, if it’s a single hammock or a double a strong camping hammock, will weigh around a pound in your pack.
That is less than half the weight of a normal tent and even lighter than most quality bivy sacks.
When you consider how these hammocks can hold over 400-500 pounds the efficiency of these shelters is amazing.
They also fold up tiny enough to take up very little space in your pack.
Take Backpacking To The Next Level With A Hammock!
Although camping hammocks are still relatively new to the scene they pack a lot of quality into an easy to carry package.
They’re strong and surprisingly comfortable.
Not to mention incredibly convenient, and so long as there are sturdy trees around, can be set up almost anywhere.
The greatest benefit you’ll get however is the fun of falling asleep, waking up, and just spending quality outdoor leisure time in a hammock tent.
Be sure to check out our hammock recommendations made in this article and have a great swing!