Sleeping off the ground changes backcountry camping. No rocks or roots in your back, no hunting for flat ground, and — once you dial it in — some of the best sleep you’ll get outdoors, gently swaying between two trees. But a backpacking hammock is a system: the hammock is just the start. Here are the best hammocks for the backcountry, plus everything you need to actually sleep in one.
The hammock that made hanging mainstream — tough, comfy, affordable, and endlessly compatible with straps and accessories.
Check Price on Amazon →Before You Buy: A Hammock Is a System
A hammock alone won’t get you a good night out. Plan for four parts:
- The hammock — your bed.
- Tree straps — wide, tree-friendly webbing (protects the bark and is easier to hang). Most hammocks don’t include good straps.
- Bug net — essential where mosquitoes and no-see-ums bite (see keeping bugs away).
- Tarp — rain and wind protection overhead.
- Bottom insulation — an underquilt (best) or sleeping pad to beat “cold butt syndrome” in anything below ~70°F.
Our Top Picks
| Hammock | Type | Weight | Best For | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ENO DoubleNest | Nylon gathered-end | ~19 oz | Best overall | Amazon |
| Kammok Mantis | All-in-one system | ~35 oz | Complete kit | Amazon |
| Hennessy Hammock Expedition | Bug-net system | ~2.9 lb | Full sleep system | Amazon |
| Sea to Summit Ultralight | Ultralight nylon | ~5.8 oz | Ultralight | Amazon |
| Wise Owl Outfitters | Budget nylon | ~26 oz | Best budget | Amazon |
1. ENO DoubleNest — Best Overall
Type: Gathered-end nylon | Weight: ~19 oz
The ENO DoubleNest is the hammock that made hanging mainstream, and it’s still the best all-around pick: tough 70D nylon, comfortable for lounging or sleeping, a generous size, and a massive ecosystem of compatible straps, bug nets, and tarps. The lighter SingleNest trims weight for solo backpackers. Add Atlas straps (sold separately) and you’re hanging in seconds. The easy recommendation for most people.
2. Kammok Mantis — Best Complete System
Type: All-in-one | Weight: ~35 oz
The Kammok Mantis bundles the whole system into one package: hammock, built-in bug net, tree straps, and a rain fly, all integrated. For backpackers who want a ready-to-go setup without piecing together accessories, it’s the cleanest option — pitch it, get in, and you’re protected from bugs and rain. Heavier than a bare hammock, but you’re carrying a complete shelter.
3. Hennessy Hammock Expedition — Best Full Sleep System
Type: Integrated bug-net hammock | Weight: ~2.9 lb
A backcountry classic, the Hennessy Expedition comes with an integrated bug net, tree straps, and a tarp, and its asymmetric design lets you lie flatter and more diagonally for better sleep. The bottom-entry design keeps bugs out. It’s a proven, all-in-one backpacking shelter that’s put thousands of hikers to sleep in the woods. Add an underquilt for cold nights.
4. Sea to Summit Ultralight — Best Ultralight
Type: Gathered-end nylon | Weight: ~5.8 oz
At under 6 ounces, the Sea to Summit Ultralight is for gram-counters who still want to hang. It packs down to the size of an apple using ultralight 15D fabric, yet holds real weight. You’ll add straps, net, and tarp separately, but as the core of a minimalist hang system, it’s about as light as a comfortable hammock gets.
5. Wise Owl Outfitters — Best Budget
Type: Nylon gathered-end | Weight: ~26 oz
The Wise Owl Outfitters hammock is the budget entry point — it comes with tree straps included for well under half the price of premium hammocks, and it’s plenty comfortable for lounging and casual overnights. Heavier and less refined than an ENO, but a great, low-risk way to find out if hammock camping is for you.
The Accessories That Make It Work
- Tree straps: wide webbing (≥0.75") protects bark and is required in many parks. Don’t hang on bare rope.
- Underquilt: the key to warmth — hangs beneath the hammock, insulating without compression. The single best cold-weather upgrade.
- Bug net: essential in mosquito country if your hammock doesn’t include one.
- Rain tarp: a must for any chance of rain — pitch it before you get in.
Hammock Camping Tips
- Hang the right angle: aim for straps at about a 30° angle from horizontal, with the hammock hanging in a comfortable curve — too tight is uncomfortable.
- Lie diagonally for a flatter, more comfortable sleep.
- Insulate underneath for anything below ~70°F — this is the #1 beginner mistake.
- Practice at home first — dial in your hang in the backyard before you rely on it in the backcountry.
- Leave No Trace: use wide straps, don’t damage trees, and pick durable, established spots (Leave No Trace).
The Bottom Line
- Best overall: ENO DoubleNest — comfy, tough, endlessly compatible
- Complete system: Kammok Mantis — bug net + tarp + straps in one
- Full sleep system: Hennessy Expedition — integrated net and tarp, sleeps flat
- Ultralight: Sea to Summit Ultralight — under 6 oz
- Budget: Wise Owl Outfitters — straps included, easy entry
Get the hammock, add straps, a net, a tarp, and an underquilt, and you’ve got a shelter that turns any patch of forest into the comfiest bed in the backcountry.
Related Guides
- 📚 Ultralight Backpacking Gear Guide — the complete guide
- Best Ultralight Tents
- Best Sleeping Bags for Backpacking
- How to Keep Bugs (and Ticks) Away
- How to Choose a Campsite
Go Light. Go Far. Hang Loose.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a hammock better than a tent for backpacking?
How do you stay warm in a hammock?
What else do you need besides the hammock?
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