Camping should be just as comfortable as it is fun when outdoors. Whether you’re going hiking for the weekend or just taking a trip to your local park, a hammock tent can be an essential item for a number of outdoor activities.
A hammock tent gives you the luxury of being somewhat sheltered during your relaxation time. They provide moderate coverage while being suspended in the air, allowing you to distance yourself from the ground, rain runoff, insects and wild animals. Our top choice, the Lawson Hammock, can be suspended or set upon the ground
What to know before you buy a hammock tent
Even if you don’t plan on sleeping in your hammock tent, it should provide a level of comfort that makes the user happy and relaxed. There are certain factors to consider to make sure you’re purchasing a hammock tent that will work for you and not against you.
Size
When purchasing a hammock tent, make sure it has enough space for you and perhaps a few belongings. Taller people should make sure there’s enough room to accommodate their height. The product specifications should include the dimensions of the hammock tent.
Capacity
To ensure safety, take note of the hammock tent’s weight capacity. Determine your weight as well as the weight of people and/or items you plan to have in the tent with you. Weight capacity varies depending on the brand, with some exceeding more than 700 pounds. Never exceed the weight limit.
Occupancy
Although there are hammock tents that are built for two people, there may be limited space once you’re both inside. A bridge hammock tent may be more suitable than a gathered-end hammock tent if there’s more than one person.
Hammock tent features
Materials
Hammock tents are commonly made from cotton or nylon. Cotton is much more comfortable than nylon, while nylon is lighter and more waterproof than cotton. For short trips and occasional travel, a cotton hammock tent may be more suitable. For camping and longer trips, nylon may be the preferable material.
Suspension system
Suspension system parts may include nylon ropes, carabiners, tree slings or webbing straps. The system should be adjustable, so you can alter the placement of the tent as needed.
Mosquito netting and rain covers
Certain hammock tents may come with mosquito netting and/or a rain cover. You’ll have to purchase your own if it isn’t included with the tent. While they’re not obligatory, it’s advantageous to have these items when outdoors.
Hammock tent cost
Regular hikers and campers will discover that a majority of hammock tents cost between $40 and $70. Tents under $40 may be smaller and less sturdy. For durability and longevity, serious hikers and campers should consider hammock tents that cost $70 or more.
Hammock tent FAQ
Does the color of my hammock tent matter?
A. Hammock tents in lighter colors will reflect sunlight better than darker colors, while darker colors will absorb light and may help keep the tent warmer. If you want to blend into nature and your surroundings, choose a camo print or an earth-tone shade. If none of that matters to you, go with any color, or look for models that have the color you desire.
What are some of the disadvantages of a hammock tent?
A. Unlike traditional tents, most hammock tents rely on two trees for setup. Certain precautions include setting the correct distance, ensuring the trees are sturdy and distancing the hammock tent away from dead trees that could fall. Hammock tents only have enough space for sleeping and are limited to only being used during certain weather conditions. Traditional tents tend to have enough space for you to change clothes, and they provide better insulation when the temperature drops.
Which hammock tent should I get?
Best of the best hammock tent
Lawson Hammock Blue Ridge Camping Hammock and Tent: available at Amazon
Our take: This hammock tent is intelligently designed and provides superior comfort.
What we like: It uses a hybrid design that allows the tent to be used on the ground or suspended in the air. The tent lays flat, which provides comfort while you sleep.
What we dislike: The wide build may make it difficult to find a sleeping mat that will fit properly. The zipper is low quality and could cause issues.
Best bang for your buck hammock tent
Covacure Camping Hammock with Net: available at Amazon
Our take: For under $30, this hammock tent is packed with features that will be useful for the outdoors.
What we like: Using a special nylon material, this tent is tear-resistant and dries quickly. It’s highly durable yet affordable.
What we dislike: It’s smaller compared to other double hammocks on the market.
Honorable mention hammock tent
Everest Active Gear Double Camping Hammock: available at Amazon
Our take: A spacious hammock tent that can accommodate two people.
What we like: With reversible capability, simply flip over the hammock when you don’t want to use the mosquito net. The tent also comes with two tree-saver straps and two carabiners.
What we dislike: There are no storage pockets inside the hammock, and the mosquito net is not consistently reliable.
Ade Hennis is a writer for BestReviews. BestReviews is a product review company with a singular mission: to help simplify your purchasing decisions and save you time and money.
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