Whether you want a more packable alternative to a tent or enjoy the comfort of a breeze rocking you to sleep, hammocks are an incredibly comfortable way to spend a night under the stars. Here are our favorite picks for the campsite
Want the comfort and protection of a tent but the portability of a hammock? The Sunda is a unique tent/hammock hybrid that can effortlessly transition from the ground to the trees. In fact, the Sunda converts into four different shelters: a two-person tent, hammock shelter, ultra-light ground shelter (using only the rainfly and footprint), or a simple solo hammock. Whatever type of sleeping arrangement your trip calls for, the Sunda is ready.
If you’re looking to shave ounces off your pack, consider Hummingbird Hammocks. Available in three sizes (single, single+, and double), these camping hammocks are made with genuine parachute fabric that’s incredibly strong and equally lightweight. The single (weighing a mere 5.2 ounces) stuffs down to the size of a lemon—you could honestly keep it in your purse at all times and not even know it was there. You can’t beat the price, either.
The big downside to hammocks, of course, is that they typically offer little in the way of bug protection. Sure, you can get a mosquito net, but it’s way more convenient if it’s already built in. With the Skeeter Beeter Pro, the netting is attached to the hammock with a zipper, which gets suspended by included guy lines. Getting it set up will only take a matter of minutes. We should also mention that Grand Trunk has overwhelmingly positive reviews from customers and offers a lifetime warranty.
The Warbonnet Blackbird XLC is a higher-end camping hammock with some premium features, making it a good choice if you’re a seasoned hammock camper looking for an upgrade. Specifically, you can enter the hammock from either side thanks to dual full-length zippers, or unzip the mosquito top completely and leave it at home if you don’t need it. There’s also an internal storage shelf area of two square feet that can be configured on either the right or the left of your headspace for maximum convenience. Upgrades to the base model include double layer nylon and various suspension options.
The Blue Ridge is a tent hybrid that easily transitions between ground and air. This design differs from other tent/hammock combos in that the rainfly attaches directly to the hammock, so you won’t need additional nearby trees to tie it to; unlike the Sunda, it has a flat, taut base thanks to the spreader bars at each end. If you want an aerial tent that’s easy to set up and won’t break the bank, this is a solid choice.