If you’re in a rush and want to find out what the best camping hammock for side sleepers is, we recommend the Easthills Outdoor Camping Hammock.
There are few things more relaxing than swinging gently between the trees. Hammocks are popular among many people whether they like camping or not, because of how soothing it can be to just lay back and float above the ground.
But hammocks can be more than just a comfortable place to hang out for an hour or two. Instead of lugging around a tent, a hammock can be a lightweight and portable shelter for car campers and trekkers. To make sure you’re getting something that will keep you safe and comfortable in the backcountry, here are a few things you should look out for when choosing the best camping hammock.
In this article, we’ll be reviewing the following best camping hammocks for side sleepers:
- Kammock Mantis Ultralight All-in-One Hammock Tent – Best Overall
- Sotech Camping Hammock
- Easthills Outdoor Camping Hammock – Best Bang for Your Buck
- Kinfayv Double Hammock – Best Double Hammock
- FIRINER Camping Hammock
- ENO SingleNest Hammock – Best Single Hammock
- Hennessy Hammock Expedition Asym Zip Hammock – Editor’s Choice
Size
If you’ve ever hung out in a hammock before, you know that there really isn’t much room to spread out. Add another person to the mix, and you might not be friends for much longer!
Hammocks are great for single person use, but the moment you try to go beyond that (especially in a camp setting), you’re setting yourself up for a load of discomfort and irritation. So if we recommend keeping all camping hammocks to single person use, why does size even matter? Well, it all depends on how much room you want to have inside. A single person hammock will certainly do the trick for you, but a 2 person hammock will give you even more space to stretch out and relax. If there are certain items that you like to keep inside with you too, a larger hammock is nice to have.
On the other hand, for all you backpackers out there, weight will be a serious concern of yours. In this case, smaller is better (because it’s lighter), even if you end up feeling a bit more cramped during the night.
Weather Protection
The downside of choosing to sleep in a hammock instead of a traditional tent is that they’re significantly less weather resistant. You’ll have to be a lot more careful when it comes to things like rain and cold temperatures than you would have under the protection of your rainfly.
Rain
Waterproof hammocks aren’t hard to come by, but you can still get wet pretty easily if you don’t have a way to cover the opening of your shelter. If you expect to be caught in a rain storm while in your hammock, you’ll want to invest in a waterproof tarp. This will stretch out over the top of your hammock, tied to some neighboring trees via a pair of guylines. Remember to keep the tarp stretched tight in order to prevent water from pooling, as this might allow the material to become oversaturated. Don’t be surprised if you end up a little wet if this happens. Stretch it out at an angle so that the water naturally rolls off one side of the tarp, as opposed to keeping it flat and letting the rain start to build up. If a gust of wind hits the tarp, some of the water may slide under and fall on you, but you’ll still be far more protected than you would be if you didn’t have it there!
Cold Temperatures
Compared to a tent, hammocks aren’t exactly insulated very well. Now, not only do you have to worry about cold air seeping in from above, but your entire bottom half will also be completely exposed to the open air, with nothing but a thin sheet of nylon between you. You can certainly try to stuff a sleeping pad underneath your body while you sleep, but personally, I recommend investing in an underquilt. Like a real quilt, it’s a separate sheet of insulation that hangs outside of your hammock, wrapping you up snuggly. It will be more effective than a sleeping pad, since you won’t be lying on it, squishing out the insulation.
Suspension System
The suspension system is the part of your hammock that’s connecting you to the trees. Some hammocks come with tree straps, but oftentimes you’ll need to buy these separately. Make sure the straps are at least an inch wide, as material any thinner than that can cut into the bark, damaging the trees.
If you don’t have a few climbing grade carabiners yet, consider buying a couple of those as well. They will usually come with the hammock, but I like to have a couple extra on hand, in case I lose some or need to use them for storage.
Bugs
We can’t talk about hammocks without mentioning the bane of all outdoorsmen: bugs. Since most hammocks don’t have an entryway that seals completely, they generally don’t do much to keep the creepy crawlies on the outside. For those of you who don’t like waking up with a bunch of mosquito bites, there is a helpful solution you can take advantage of during your next night outside.
Bug nets are a lifesaver when you decide you want to sleep outside in a hammock. There are some that cover the top half of the hammock, but the nets that offer 360 degree protection are the best ones to have. Since bugs can still bite through the thin nylon, having a net that wraps all the way around you will protect your back from getting eaten up. Try to get one that’s “no-see-um” too, as the mesh holes are small enough to prevent gnat sized insects from making their way inside.
Best Camping Hammock Reviews
Kammok Mantis Ultralight All-in-One Hammock Tent
- Weight: 2 Pounds
- Weight Capacity: 300 Pounds
- Materials: Nylon
Right off the bat, I love how the Kammok Mantis comes with a built-in bug net. Many of the cheaper hammocks that you can find on Amazon don’t come with this feature, so kudos to Kammok for adding one to their product, even though it doesn’t hang very high above your head. Unfortunately, the net doesn’t wrap around the entire hammock, but it still prevents bugs from entering into your sleeping area. And because it has a pop-up design, there’s no need for extra ropes to keep it suspended off the ground.
The hammock itself is very easy to set up, too. Just tie the ropes around the trees, and connect the hammock to the rope using the included carabiners. The weight limit is 300 pounds, strong enough to support most people and some of their gear without issue.
Considering it comes with a rainfly, and the total weight is only 2 pounds, I think we can forgive the higher price tag on the Mantis. It’s a superb product that can go any place that has trees, making it a comfortable option that’s more than a match for any ultralightweight ground tent.
Pros:
– Built in bug net
– Easy to set up
– Under 2 pounds, and easy to pack away
– Low price for a great product
Cons:
– The carabiners will do the job, but I’d like to use some that are more durable
– The nylon rope gets the job done, but is small enough where it will likely cause some damage to the trees
Sotech Camping Hammock
- Weight: 2.2 Pounds
- Weight Capacity: 660 Pounds
- Materials: Nylon
Earlier, we talked about how important it is to have a rain tarp and bug net to protect you from the elements. This is true whether you’re just spending an afternoon out at the lake, or if you actually plan on sleeping in your hammock on an extended backpacking trip. More often than not, you have to buy these items separate from your hammock, which can be a bit of a hassle.
What I like the most about Sotech’s camping hammock is that all of these accessories come included! The material is really comfortable to sleep on, though the product itself can feel a bit smaller than advertised. Getting soaked will also be a thing of the past, as the rain tarp works just like it should, and comes with all of the bells and whistles you need to set it up properly. And the bug net does it’s job, but it can be a bit of a pain to set up. Bear that in mind while making your decision.
Pros:
– Comfortable sleeping area
– Included rain tarp and bug net
– Durable material
– Ability to flip inside out and use without bug net
– Most of the required accessories are included
Cons:
– The tree straps are basically worthless. They’re too short and aren’t able to wrap around thicker trees. I suggest buying your own, separately.
– The lines for the bug net are messed up, and overall, it’s difficult to use
Easthills Outdoor Camping Hammock
- Weight: 1.5 Pounds
- Weight Capacity: 600 Pounds
- Materials: Nylon
A classic example of “you get what you pay for,” the Easthills camping hammock might be more on the spendy side, but it has everything you’ll want in a camping hammock. The bug net is simple to use, and made from no-see-um mesh, so you don’t need to worry about those smaller insects working their way into your space.
Rain got you down? Stay dry above the mess thanks to the included rain tarp and guylines. The tarp is angled downward in both directions like the roof on a house, so the water will easily roll right off while you lay inside listening to the soft pelting of rain.
There are even 4 internal hanging loops and 2 gear pockets. For all intents and purposes, this hammock is practically a suspended tent…for less than half the price. It’s a product that I would feel confident using in the backcountry, or for a fun day at the lake with some friends.
Pros:
– Built in no-see-um bug net
– Included rain tarp
– Internal gear loops and pockets
– Easy to set up, despite all the bells and whistles
– Daisy chain suspension system makes it easy to attach to trees
Cons:
– Price
– Comes with almost no instructions
Kinfayv Double Hammock
- Weight: 2 Pounds
- Weight Capacity: 600 Pounds
- Materials: Nylon
A camping hammock that claims to have it all, this product by Kinfayv just might live up to that expectation. Not only does it have a bug net and rain tarp (items that are practically standard on this list, at this point), but it also comes with a travel pillow, survival bracelet, and eye mask. Yes, you read that correctly.
While the survival bracelet has practically no use when it comes to your time hammocking, it is a nice added touch for those of you trying to check all the boxes on your 10 essentials. The pillow and mask, on the other hand, are great additions if you don’t have your own already. I’ve found that it can be easy to get a kink in your neck after spending enough time in a hammock, so a pillow is a welcome accessory if you have the same struggle.
Though it folds down nice and compact, the size of this hammock is no joke. It certainly lives up to its name as a double hammock, easily fitting 2 people, and potentially a third depending on their size. If you’re going to sleep by yourself in here, you’ll love the excessive amount of room that you’ll have in this large hammock.
Pros:
– Large and spacious
– Comes with travel pillow, eye mask, and survival bracelet
– Despite how big it is, it only weighs 2 pounds
– A bug net and rain tarp that do their job
Cons:
– While the bug net works to keep bugs out, it isn’t very easy to set up.
– Included instructions are barely adequate
FIRINER Camping hammock
- Weight: 1.4 Pounds
- Weight Capacity: 440 Pounds
- Materials: Nylon
FIRINER’s camping hammock is a more affordable option without cutting back on the basic necessities you want in a small hammock. It still comes with a bug net and rain tarp, though it lacks some of the helpful additions that are present in a few other options listed in this review. There aren’t any gear loops or pockets, and there certainly aren’t any pillows or eye masks, yet it’s hard to complain about the features that are included.
The hammock is quite average, but that’s part of the appeal for me. It makes for a cozy bed, has adequate protection against the elements and insects, and packs down nicely to store in your backpack. There’s nothing excessive, but you still have everything that you need for a nice time in your hammock.
Pros:
– Solidly designed
– Nice tarp and bug net
– Lightweight and portable
– Overall, great value for the price
Cons:
– Bug net is not removable
– Tree straps are a little too short
ENO SingleNest Hammock
- Weight: 1 Pounds
- Weight Capacity: 400 Pounds
- Materials: Nylon
Along with Kammok, I consider ENO (Eagles Nest Outfitters) to be one of the leaders in the hammock camping industry. If given the choice, I would probably purchase my gear from one of those two brands, barring any budgetary restrictions. However, I don’t think budget will be too big of an issue with the ENO SingleNest hammock. It’s a fairly similar price to many of the other products in this review, yet I find it to be superior in a number of ways.
For example, weight isn’t usually a big concern with hammocks, since they’re generally much lighter than any tent that you’ll find. However, the SingleNest takes it a step further by dropping the weight down to one pound. When you consider the other gear you need for hammock camping, like an underquilt, bug net, and rain tarp, the reduction in weight is welcome.
Unfortunately, the straps and suspension system are not included, but those are easy enough to buy separately. The weight capacity is rated for 400 pounds, accommodating most individuals who would be sleeping in it. Setup is also very simple, especially when you’re in the right environment.
Pros:
– Good price
– Durable
– Lightweight
– Packs down well
– Easy setup
Cons:
– Doesn’t come with a suspension system
Hennessy Hammock Expedition Asym Zip Hammock
- Weight: 2.8 Pounds
- Weight Capacity: 250 Pounds
- Materials: Polyester
Durable with an asymmetrical design, the Hennessy Expedition is a well-balanced hammock that works for a wide variety of people. Personally, I find the asymmetrical style to work better for side sleeping, especially when you have your chest facing in toward the center.
It’s not just the hammock that’s asymmetrical either. Even the rainfly is, which improves the amount of coverage that you’ll receive. Overall, it’s a very weatherproof design, making the most out of the adjustability of the ridgeline and the water resistance of the material itself. I would feel comfortable sitting through a thunderstorm inside the Expedition, without ever wondering if I was just a solid wind gust away from getting soaked.
I do appreciate how the Expedition comes with both a rain tarp and a bug net, though I do like nets that wrap all the way around the hammock. As it stands, you’ll probably experience some bug bites coming through the underside of the hammock, unless you’re using an underquilt. Still, if you’re on a budget and want a package deal that will see you through most environments, I’d recommend the Hennessy Expedition any day.
Pros:
– Affordable
– Comes with bug net and rain fly
– Asymmetrical design
– Holds up well in bad weather
– Easy to put together
Cons:
– A tad heavy
FAQ
Can Any Hammock Work for Side Sleeping While Camping?
While any hammock can technically be used for camping, not all hammocks are created equal when it comes to accommodating side sleepers. Look for hammocks with a flat lay and ample width, as well as features like a diagonal lay or asymmetrical design to ensure a comfortable sleeping experience.
What is the Weight Capacity for the Best Camping Hammocks?
The weight capacity of the best camping hammocks can vary, but they typically range from 250-400 pounds.
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Final Thoughts
For campers and non-campers alike, hammocking is a really popular way to enjoy a siesta in the great outdoors. They keep you above the dirt on the ground below, they’re cozy, lightweight, and pack away easily. If you’re tired of tent camping or just want to try something new, hammocking can be a great way to mix things up a little.
The Easthills Outdoor Camping Hammock stole the show for us, as a product you can use for camping or other recreational purposes. It’s an all in one packages, coming with a built in beg net, a rain tarp, and plenty of internal storage opportunities. Unlike many other hammocks, it’s also really easy to set up, and has long tree straps that can attach to almost any type of tree.
