Camping hammocks are designed with portability and outdoor use in mind. They differ from the traditional hammock set-up in that they are intended to be pitched in trees or at a basecamp for sleeping and relaxing in.
A camping hammock only is suitable for warm and dry weather. You can add a tarp to cover your hammock for coverage from rain, but this may not offer full protection from wind or sideways rain. A hammock tent is fully enclosed with a built-in insect mesh and rainfly (which is usually removable) and gives the best protection from unpredictable weather.
Camping hammocks are an increasingly popular alternative to traditional ground tents, offering a unique camping experience and guaranteed comfort as well as reduced weight and pitching times. They are available in a range of sizes for all camping occasions, from solo hiking trips to group or family excursions. In this article:
Single-person camping hammocks
When heading out on a solo camping trip, you want to make sure you’re prepared for all possibilities by thoroughly considering what you need to pack and what to do should something go wrong.
If you’re using a single hammock like the Tentsile Solo Mesh Hammock, there are several important things to bear in mind before heading out on your solo adventure. Beyond how you intend to use your hammock, you need to think about the location and climate of where you plan to camp. Seasonal changes in the weather, the availability of three good trees to fix the hammock straps to and temperature are just three factors that could influence your camping set-up.
Additional considerations include the ease of setting up and packing away your hammock and whether you want to bring any accessories such as a rain tarp or bug net for extra protection. You may also want a sleeping pad in addition to your sleeping bag to make your hammock camping experience more comfortable.
Read our guide to single-person camping hammocks for more information.
Two-person camping hammocks
A double camping hammock is usually more cost-effective than buying two single hammocks and means you only need to find one suitable pitching point rather than two. A two-person hammock can also be used by a solo camper looking for some extra space.
By opting for a shared portable hammock such as the T-Mini 2-Person Double Hammock, you can split the load between campers with one half of the pair carrying the hammock body and the other taking additional suspension system parts.
Similar to single-person hammocks, careful planning and preparation should be a priority when camping as a pair. The size and weight of your two-person hammock and the location and time of year you plan to use it are important, but you should also bear in mind the comfort of the occupants. We recommend an underfloor suspension system to create separate sleeping bays so you won’t collide in the night.
Check out our selection of two-person camping hammocks or read our article on things to consider when choosing the right two-person hammock for you.
Three-person camping hammocks
By adding another person to become a trio, you’ll need a camping hammock that can accommodate the height and weight of all campers while also being comfortable enough to sleep in. You don’t want the hammock to sag in the middle, causing all three occupants to be crammed together in a single position without space to move freely.
Tentsile hammocks such as the Trillium Giant 3-Person Hammock have a structurally supportive floor, meaning they don’t sag in the centre and you can lay in whichever position you want. Reinforcing straps allow you to adjust the hammock according to weight differentials and create individual sleeping bays for the three occupants.
We discuss the differences between standard and Tentsile camping hammocks in our guide to three-person hammocks.
Family camping hammocks
As an alternative to traditional ground tents, camping hammocks offer versatility, comfort and reduced weight. This allows your group or family to venture further, as you aren’t restricted to ground that is damp, rocky or uneven.
Capacity and durability are very important features to look for in a family camping hammock. If you’re a group of two adults and two children, you need a hammock that is strong enough to hold everyone but also supports movement.
Tentsile family-sized camping hammocks such as the Safari Trillium Giant 3-Person Hammock or the Trillium XL have a taut base and reinforcing straps to create separate sleeping bays. They are also easy to set up and are perfect for first-time and experienced hammock campers alike. For even more sleeping capacity and storage, the Trillium XL hammock can be set up underneath a tree tent to create a multi-storey stack.
Find out more in our expert guide to family-sized camping hammocks.
View our full range of camping hammocks or contact our team today if you would like more expert advice for your next camping trip.
