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Everest Active Gear Double Camping Hammock

Sunyear Single & Double Mosquito/Bug Net 10ft Camping Hammock

Covacure Camping Hammock

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Camping in a hammock has been a recent craze amongst Millenials as they bring their camping to new levels. Finding the heights of trees, setting up over rivers or canyons, this has become a very popular go-to way to sleep for camping.

One of the most appealing reasons to go with a hammock tent is its compact and lightweight size. This makes it a great option for those who are going camping with their kayak or backpacking into a campsite and are looking to sleep in something that is compact. The best hammocks for camping are designed to mix comfort, safety, and portability.

While overnight hammocks are a relatively new trend, they are hitting the outdoor world hard as one of the most trendy camping fads. Due to the popularity, there are many different companies putting their spin on this new type of camping and creating their products. To help you navigate this market, we have listed our favorite options below as well as put together a buying guide to help explain the features to look for.

How To Choose A Camping Hammock – Buying Guide

How_To_Choose_A_Hammock_Tent

Camping is one of the most beloved summertime activities out there beloved by every age group and almost every kind of person. No couch will ever compare to the comfort given swinging between two trees in the middle of the woods on a lazy hammock. Well, now this comfort can be taken a step further with the help of the best hammock tent.

Before getting too far in your search for a survival hammock, we recommend knowing what features to look for and familiarizing yourself with the terminology that goes into hammock tents. To help with this, we have put together a list of everything you need to know about the technology used to make these tents. 

Comfort

There are a lot of aspects that go into making a comfortable hammock that has been designed with special features to make your sleep comfortable and enjoyable. Companies have essentially designed each of these tents to work for a person of certain height and weight. Looking to ensure the people sleeping in the tent are within these parameters will be crucial for the most comfortable sleep you can get.

If you are traveling heavy with a large backpack full of gear you will have to include this in the weight inside the hammock. With that being said, there are ways you can reduce this effect by hanging your bag with a pulley system.

For people new to hammock tents, you can usually determine the comfort by the size. A wider and longer tent will have more space and be able to accommodate a heavier weight. If you are traveling light, or of smaller stature, you can opt for a hammock tent that has smaller dimensions and still have a comfortable sleep.

Strength & Straps

This is one of the most important aspects of a travel hammock. If it can’t stay attached to its supports, it’s ultimately not worth the money. The strength of these structures is largely due to the suspension straps, one of the most important aspects to consider. Not only do the suspension straps determine the strength and quality of your hammock, but they also need to be long enough to adequately hang your hammock.

Some tent hammocks sell tree straps separately. If this is the case, you will want to ensure you take careful consideration to assess the quality of both items individually. Your hammock is only as good as your tree straps. Straps that aren’t rated to hold higher weights will affect how much weight your hammock will hold.

Paying attention to the length of your suspension straps is important. Tree straps that are too short will either not be able to fit around all types of trees or will drastically limit the areas in which you can hang it up. Having a length of between 8 to 10 feet is normally a good realm to go for.

You don’t want suspension straps that stretch. Bouncing in your hammock isn’t good for you or for the trees that they sit on. Speaking of the trees, many popular parks have started to restrict the use of hammocks being used as hammocks that have thin straps dig into and cause harm to trees. This makes it so important to opt for a hammock that has wide tree straps.

More than just the strap, you will want to focus on the quality of how your suspension straps connect to your survival hammock. Most often this done with carabiners that are made of high quality and can withstand the heavyweights.

Weight Capacity

When you consider how much weight your hammock can hold, be sure to consider the weight of all your gear too. You will undoubtedly load your hammock up with comfortable camping blankets, pillows, your backpack, and any other gear you bring along. This all counts towards your total weight.

Just like you find yourself enjoying watersports with your dogs, you may enjoy camping with your furry friend too. If you plan to bring your pup with you, you will have to account for their weight too. We recommend when in doubt to opt for a heavier weight restriction than you think you may need.

Material

The material will not only dictate the durability and carrying capacity of the hammock but also the weight. If you plan on sleeping doubles you’ll need a super-strong material with a high weight capacity. Most hammock tents are made from the same material as parachutes. This makes them both extremely durable and also lightweight.

Insulation

Most hammock tents are not the best when it comes to insulation. The hammock material is usually a thin piece of fabric that can be susceptible to cold nights. We strongly recommend bringing along a sleeping bag or blanket so you can have an added barrier between your body and the bottom of the hammock.

The bug net and rain fly actually create quite a bit of insulation for cooler nights. This will trap a lot of your body heat and give your little tent a cozy feel. If you are planning on using hammock tents in cold environments you’ll want to pack accordingly though. You may want to bring a thick pair of socks and some long johns to ensure you don’t get too cold during the night.

Set-Up

One of the best things about these hammock tents is that setting them up is easy. For some, it can be as simple as finding a good set of trees, slinging a few ropes, and voila. The easy set up remains one of the most appealing parts of hammock camping. These hammocks are a step up from your regular hammock and feature technology that helps to keep you safe from mosquitoes and the elements.

When considering how to put together your hammock tent, you don’t have to worry about poles and stakes. Instead, these hammocks simplify the procedure by only needing two ropes and a carabiner. Most hammocks can be set up and taken down in a matter of minutes or even seconds.

How Many People

While you may think that looking at the weight rating for your hammock is enough to determine how many people it is suitable for, it is important to actually look at the recommended human capacity as well. The reason for this has to do with how wide the fabric is.

While you may think that going with a hammock tent that fits more people the better, it can have some negative effects if not used. If you think buying a two-person hammock will just mean more space for one, you may be disappointed to find yourself in an encompassed taco-like feeling that results in the sides of this hammock closing on top of you. It is best to determine how many people will be logically in the hammock with you before determining the size to get.

FAQs

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Q: What Are The Differences Between A Regular Hammock And Tent Hammock?

A: 

Regular hammocks are usually not meant to be slept in. They put your body in an uncomfortable angle that makes sleeping difficult. Tent hammocks, on the other hand, have been specially designed for sleeping. Most have strapping systems that pull the material tight making the sleeping area flat rather than curved. These special hammocks also have bug nets and rain flies and act like a cocoon that will actually trap some heat so you stay warmer in cool nights.

Q: What Are The Advantages Of A Tent Hammock?

A: 

Tent hammocks have many advantages over other sleeping methods. They will keep you off the ground so you won’t have to carry a tarp to create an added barrier. This will help when it rains or if the area is prone to ants. Tent hammocks are also much easier to set up than regular tents. They don’t require lots of poles and stakes so they are also much lighter. This will allow you to hike for longer distances with less strain on your body. But with that being said, most tent hammocks can also be used on the ground as regular tents.

Q: How Should I Clean And Store My Hammock?

A: 

You will want to consult your specific manufacturer’s instructions on how best to clean your hammock. In general, they cannot handle going into the washing machine. Instead, wiping down with a wet cloth and allowing your hammock to air dry fully before folding up and storing it in a safe dry space is important. This will help to reduce the chances of mildew growth while keeping the fibers of your hammock intact.

Q: Are Hammock Tents Safe?

A: 

Yes! Hammock tents are very safe in terms of providing you with a place to sleep that you will not fall out from. Especially the tents, as listed, that provide a full bubble of protection, you do not risk falling out of these. With the help of bug nets and rain flys, these tents help to keep you even more protected and safe from the elements.

In regards to animal safety, it can be argued that suspended in the air you may actually come into less contact with wildlife. With that being said, whether you choose a tent or a hammock you will only have a small piece of material in between you and the outdoors making your safety about the same. Be sure to have the right camping gear with you to ensure that you can increase your safety.

Q: Are Camping Hammocks Comfortable?

A: 

Yes, they can be just as comfortable as any other type of hammock as long as you are prepared. This means in colder environments, you will need a sleeping pad or an Underquilt in order to stay warm as camping hammocks are made from lighter and breathable materials. Also, you will be away from sleeping on rocks, roots, mud, bugs, and sloping, and uneven ground. Don't forget that learning to sleep comfortably in a hammock has a learning curve.

Globo Surf Overview

Next time you go camping, considering using the best lightweight hammock tent is a great way to expand your connection with the great outdoors. Hammocks have long since been a comfortable and great way to spend your day. Now, you can spend your night in comfort as well. All of the camping hammocks on our list will help you to get the most out of your next camping trip.

More Camping Reviews:

Have you ever tried camping in a hammock tent? Tell us about what you thought of the experience in the comment section below.

Globo Surf
My name is David Hamburg. I am an avid water sports fan who enjoys paddle boarding, surfing, scuba diving, and kite surfing. Anything with a board or chance I can get in the water I love! I am such a big fan I decided to start this website to review all my favorite products and some others. Hope you enjoy!

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