• Hammocks offer a relaxing way to get some rest whether it be in your backyard, while camping in the backcountry, or anywhere else it’s able to be strung up.
  • We tested hammocks designed for a variety of use cases, including those that work well for at-home use, or protection against insects, as well as a budget model and one that’s light enough to pack along on backpacking trips.
  • Our top pick, the Wildhorn Outfitters Outpost Camping Hammock, is great for kicking back during a lunch break or even spending a restful night of slumber, and won’t break the bank at just $40.

The word hammock comes from the Spanish term hamaca, which itself was co-opted from the pre-Columbian Arawakan group of languages shared by many cultures native to South and Central America. Hammocks had been common among people living in the Americas for hundreds of years before the first Europeans arrived in the late 15th century, but were essentially unknown throughout the rest of the world.

That all changed within a few short decades. Following the first New World contact, navies and merchant fleets around the globe began using hammocks as sleeping quarters for sailors at sea. Hammocks were soon adopted as leisure items for the wealthy and used as cheap, convenient bedding for the frontiersman, farmer, or itinerant.

In the modern era, hammocks are often seen swinging in backyards, campsites, frat houses, and teenagers’ bedrooms. They’re prized for the comfort they offer when unfurled and for how well they fold up for transport and storage when the R&R session is over.

How to shop for a hammock

Not all hammocks are a one-size-fits-all piece of outdoor equipment, however. In other words, the hammock you string up in your back yard looks and functions entirely different than what you’d grab for a backpacking trip.

To help, we tested models from some of the most well-respected hammock makers in the industry. There are a few key things to consider before deciding which to buy.

Consider the who, when, where, why, and how

First, who exactly is looking for, and planning on using, the hammock? If you'll be sharing or lending it out, then you need to think about the other people who might also use it. Some hammocks can accommodate many hundreds of pounds, while some are rated and sized for a single user.

When will you use your new hammock? This issue is a bit more nuanced than you might think. Sure, saying "I'll probably use it on Saturday afternoons" might be the right answer, but you should also consider the season (temperature and insects can be factors in choosing) and if you will be using the hammock overnight.

Where you install the hammock is also a big question. Will you use it while camping in the wilderness or only on the patio beside the pool? Is it going to be hung in the basement playroom or in a bedroom? Will you want to set up and take down the hammock frequently and in various locations, or leave it as a semi-permanent installation? Not only do these allow you to select the right hammock but make sure you're getting the most out of which one you ultimately decide on.

As to why you should get a hammock, well, have you ever been in one? If yes, then you know all about it. If no, then get ready for one of life's simplest pleasures.

And finally, how will you use your hammock? As a bed while camping? As a spot to read or relax at the end of the day? For tanning in the summer sun? Many are designed for specific use cases and using them improperly can significantly impact the experience.

Each hammock on our list shares a couple of key characteristics in that they hang from two fixed points and support a person or two. This doesn't mean comparing various types of hammock can't become an apples-to-oranges situation, though. It's important to always think through where you'll use your hammock, how you'll set it up, and who might be sharing or borrowing it. Now, go get yourself a great hammock and enjoy.

Here are our picks of the best hammocks:

Updated on 7/29/2020 by Rick Stella: Updated the how to shop for a hammock section, checked the availability of each recommended hammock, and updated the prices and links where necessary.

The best hammock overall

The Wildhorn Outfitters Outpost Camping Hammock measures 11-feet long, so you can achieve an almost flat sleeping position when spread out on a diagonal.

Most hammocks feel great when you first climb in. Your body feels almost weightless as you ease yourself into a gentle curve and rock back and forth in the breeze. But should you want to shift out of that initial position of supine repose, you're basically out of luck. That's because many hammocks are only comfortably enjoyed on your back and in near-total stillness.

With the Wildhorn Outfitters Outpost hammock, you have the room and support you need to shift positions and move about as you search for that ideal arrangement of your body's various parts. The 11-foot span of the Outpost allows you to stretch out fully, with room to spare, and creates a nearly flat space when you lie in it diagonally - provided you're able to secure the ends of the hammock tautly and far enough apart.

At one pound, 10 ounces, this isn't the lightest parachute nylon hammock, but it's still light and compact enough for use on overland treks or during climbs. The generous size and comfort of the hammock more than compensate for those few extra ounces. Speaking of ounces, the hammock is tested to support up to 1,000 pounds, though its safety rated at a maximum of 400 pounds.

Pros: Long hammock for ideal sleeping comfort, easy to set up and adjust strap system, high-quality materials

Cons: Slightly bulky when packed, not made with ripstop fabric

The best affordable hammock

Foto: Source: Newdora

The Newdora Parachute Cloth Ultralight Hammock weighs just 17 ounces, supports up to 600 pounds, and costs less than $30.

There are a lot of positive attributes worth noting about the Newdora Parachute Cloth Ultralight Hammock, but let's get right to the point: This hammock costs less than dinner at a casual dining restaurant. It's yours for less than 30 dollars (a bit more if you want the mosquito net) yet in terms of design and material quality, it's far from a cheap hammock.

The Newdora Ultralight hammock is perfect for the hiker or climber who needs a place to snooze while taking a break from the adventure. It quickly sets up and is just as easy to take down and pack away, minimizing the amount of time you spend making or breaking camp. At just over a pound, it doesn't add notable gear weight, so you can bring one along even if you'll spend the nights in a tent and sleeping bag and just want a spot to relax.

The Newdora Ultralight measures 8.75-feet long and 5.4-feet wide. Given those dimensions and its excellent weight capacity, two adults can share it for some cozy relaxation. If you're going to sleep in this hammock, though, we recommend doing it solo. The attached stuff sack doubles as a handy pocket while the hammock is set up, giving you a spot for a headlamp, phone, snack, and so forth. Speaking of setup, that part is easy thanks to the included tree ropes and steel carabiners.

Pros: Very low cost, large weight capacity, lightweight and compact

Cons: Inferior rope included with hammock, no setup instructions

The best hammock for use anywhere

Foto: Source: Best Choice

Thanks to the included stand, you can set up the Best Choice Products Cotton Double Hammock anywhere, no trees required.

As the name suggests, the Best Choice Products Cotton Double Hammock is made from soft, woven cotton. You sink into the material, enjoying comfort and support ideal for an afternoon nap, a break from the yard work, or while disappearing into the pages of a great book. Add a blanket and this hammock keeps you warm and cozy in colder weather. It's a good choice for summertime, too, as the breeze drifts over your stretched-out body.

Perhaps the best part about this hammock is that it comes with a modular steel stand. The stand can be assembled (or disassembled) in a matter of minutes and both the stand segments and the hammock tuck away into a carrying case.

That means you can set up this Best Choice Products Cotton Double Hammock in the yard, on the porch, at a campsite, at a tailgating party, or anywhere else you want - no trees, fence posts, or wall anchors required. As the stand is resin-coated to be weather resistant, you can also set it up in a permanent location.

Oh, and you'll also like the multiple color and pattern options available.

Pros: Sets up anywhere, lightweight hammock and stand, all-season comfort

Cons: Not actually large enough for two adults, expensive, prone to tipping over with vigorous swinging

The best hammock for insect protection

Foto: Source: G4Free

The G4Free Portable Hammock with Mosquito Net creates a safe, insect-free shelter, keeping you protected from the nuisance and the real dangers of bug bites.

Bug bites and bee stings are up near the top of the list of things that are no fun. While most insect bites are merely annoying, causing an itch or a bit of pain, mosquito-borne illnesses like the Zika virus, dengue fever, malaria, and more can be deadly serious issues.

Whether you're traveling to an area known for endemic insect-borne diseases or you're just tired of having flies buzzing around you while you try to relax, the G4Free Portable Hammock with Mosquito Net is a great solution.

The hammock itself is made from smooth, supportive parachute-style nylon and generously accommodates a single adult user. Two hoop-shaped wireframes hold the insect netting up and out of the way, creating a large interior area in which you can sit up and move about without constantly touching the mesh. The netting can also be detached and moved out of the way when not needed.

The materials used to construct the hammock, mesh, and the supporting roping are all mildew and rot-resistant, making this insect shelter hammock a great choice for use in jungles, on beaches, and in various tropical locations. Your back might protest after multiple nights of sleeping in it, though, as it does dip noticeably when in use.

Pros: Protects the user against insects, versatile design, low price point

Cons: Not comfortable enough for multi-day use, netting rips easily

The best hammock for backpackers

Foto: Source: Hummingbird Hammocks

Weighing just 7 ounces, the Hummingbird Ultralight Single Hammock folds down to fit inside a pocket or bag.

Editor's note: Due to fluctuating stock, this hammock is currently out of stock or subject to backorders. We will update this when stock is replenished.

Several of our recommended products are ideal for backpacking but when you're shedding as much weight as you can, the Hummingbird Ultralight Single Hammock is the best choice. It's comparable to our overall pick in many ways but at $65, it's pricey, which is why it didn't nab the top spot. However, you can't deny the lightweight and its military-grade build quality makes it very durable.

When we reviewed the hammock, our writer found it "much easier to carry than a bulky folding chair," considering that it folds into a bag that's smaller than the size of your palm. The size and weight are important if you're doing a multiday backpacking trip.

Another consideration for using a hammock when backpacking: Due to the way it cradles the body, sleeping in a hammock is better for your spine than lying on rocky ground. Of course, a tent offers protection from the elements but when the opportunity allows, give a hammock a try.

Overall, the Hummingbird Ultralight Single Hammock is easy to set up. It supports a weight limit of 350 pounds, and there is an extra-long version of the hammock for taller folks (it adds 3 ounces to the overall weight) and a double version to fit two people (max weight is 300 pounds). And, the company offers a lifetime warranty. - Les Shu

Pros: Easy to set up, comfortable, durable, lightweight, compact

Cons: Pricier than similar hammocks

Read our full review of the Hummingbird Ultralight Single Hammock

The best classic rope hammock

Foto: Source: Hammock Source

For idling away the hours of a summer afternoon, there's nothing like a classic woven rope hammock like the Pawleys Island Original hammock.

The name of this hammock comes from Pawleys Island, South Carolina, where hammocks were first mass-produced in the United States back in the late 19th century. Not much differs between this hammock and the ones produced more than 125 years ago, too.

It features a double-woven bed made from more than 1,000 feet of braided cotton rope, solid oak spreader bars, and steel hardware. It has a few modern updates, too. The steel is zinc-plated to help it resist corrosion and the oak bars are dipped in a marine spar varnish to enhance their weather-resistance.

This classic rope hammock is at its best when one or two people are lying on their backs and doing nothing at all, though reading a book and/or sipping a cocktail or glass of lemonade are also acceptable. This style of hammock tends to be hard to get in and out of, and others might find the rope less comfortable than a solid weave or parachute fabric.

The open rope design is inarguably ideal for a hot day, though, as it promotes excellent airflow. This hammock belongs strung up between two elm trees in a suburban backyard or between two palms on the beach. Mine currently resides in the yard of its third residence, the hammock having moved around Southern California and then clear across the country with me.

Pros: Classic style, large enough for two adults, weather-resistant components

Cons: Additional hardware needed for setup, rather expensive