Hammocks have been in use for years; they provide that outdoor experience, in addition to being very comfortable. Nowadays more people are taking up hiking as a hobby and they need hammocks for that wholesome experience. When hiking you need to pick the best Hammock for Backpacking. It must be light to carry and easy to set up and to repack and you want good value for money.
3 Reasons for buying a backpacking hammock
Easy to use
Backpacking Hammocks are very easy to use unlike tents. They are easy to set up and take down. The straight-forward designs make it simple to make sure you have a home for the night and are ready to go the following day. With a hammock you can enjoy the outdoor fire longer and you won’t have to worry about waking up with body aches all over.
Light
The best hammock for backpacking is extremely light. When hiking, you do not need additional luggage; camping with hammocks ensures you have very little to carry. Backpacking Hammocks are very light and they can hold up to 400 pounds; some, even more.
Price
Backpacking Hammock prices are very reasonable. While the prices depend on the features and design, they are very reasonable especially when you compare them to tents. Depending on the money you have you can buy a hammock from ten dollars to a hundred dollars.
Qualities to consider when buying a backpacking hammock
Dimensions
A good hammock should have a width that ranges from four feet to eight and a half feet. This means that it can accommodate a single user or a couple depending on individual sizes. If you plan on camping solo, buy a narrow hammock. The length should be eight feet or longer depending on your personal preference.
Suspension systems
The suspension systems include webbing straps (which should be wide to make sure the tree’s bark is not injured), slings, and nylon ropes; do not over stretch them as that could leave you on the ground. When choosing a hammock, go for the one with lots of attachment points as it is more flexible and adjustable.
Weight capacity
weight limits vary from two hundred pounds to five hundred pounds. Always check the specs before buying the hammock to make sure it meets your requirement.
Additional features
A good hammock should be really light and can weigh between seven to twenty ounces. If you are camping in a new environment check whether your hammock comes with bug protection.
Our Reviews of the Best Hammocks for Backpacking
Wise Owl Outfitters Camping Hammock Camping with Tree Straps
If you are looking for a fast set up, light weight hammock then this is the one for you. You won’t know that you are carrying this hammock.
Note however it does not come with a mosquito dome cover so if you are going somewhere where the bugs are frequent, you will also need to take a look at the rain fly tent and mosquito nets that are designed to operate with this hammock.
- Durability and soft – the hammock’s made of a parachute type material which is strong but light weight while being super soft. The material also dries pretty fast.
- Ultra-light – it is very light weighing in at 16 ounces so it is perfect for hiking.
- Compact – It packs down to the size of a grapefruit.
- Complete kit with easy hanging – It comes with longer tree straps (9 foot) and carabiners for ease of suitable hanging areas.
- It has no mosquito net or top dome so the weather needs to be good with bug free nights.
- It’s a bit difficult to squish it into its bag.
Hennessy Hammock Expedition Series
If you are looking for an outdoor hammock with a different design than most hammocks then this is definitely the one. It has a mesh pocket webbing straps and a ridgeline. The design is something new as it is asymmetrical with a side zipper.
- Very light, if you pack well it weighs nine ounces.
- It is easy to set up and even easier to take down.
- It has webbing straps which protect tree bark.
- Some taller users have found a 6 foot person to be cramped. You may have some discomfort if greater than 5’7″
- During heavy rain, users found the rain fly was not big enough or waterproof enough to keep you dry
Conclusion
During the summer, when you are up for an outdoor experience it is best to buy the Hennessy Hammock Expedition Series. If you want a cool looking hammock that is a little more durable, go for the Wise Owl Camping Hammock but make sure you get the rain tent and mosquito net if the weather / bug forecast isn’t favorable.
