A quintessential prop strung between two bending palms in pirate movies since the earliest days of cinema, hammocks surely don’t have a role in modern travel do they? Actually, they do, with modern portable versions of the Caribbean invention (it’s called hamaka in Taíno) rapidly becoming a popular alternative for tents, chairs, and beach blankets.

What’s with this change of heart from campers and lovers of the great outdoors? For one thing, the best portable hammocks do not suffer the main problem with tents – lumpy, uneven, and sloping ground, giving users a better night’s sleep. But portable hammocks are also lightweight and can be used wherever you can find a couple of trees or other supports – which is nearly everywhere!

What are you waiting for then? Check out our pick of the crop of the best portable hammocks!

Hennessy Hammock Expedition

Quick Answer: The Best Portable Hammocks

Product
Description
BEST LIGHTWEIGHT PORTABLE HAMMOCK
Wise Owl Outfitters SingleOwl
BEST LIGHTWEIGHT PORTABLE HAMMOCK

Wise Owl Outfitters SingleOwl

  • Price > $
  • > Very lightweight
  • > Single portable hammock
BEST POTABLE HAMMOCK FOR TWO
ENO DoubleNest
BEST POTABLE HAMMOCK FOR TWO

ENO DoubleNest

  • Price > $$
  • > 400 lb maximum capacity
  • > Packs down to 5 x 5 inches
BEST PORTABLE HAMMOCK WITH STAND
Campart Travel Folding Portable Hammock
BEST PORTABLE HAMMOCK WITH STAND

Campart Travel Folding Portable Hammock

  • Price > $$
  • > Doesn’t require external supports
  • > Easily transportable and storable
BEST PORTABLE BEACH HAMMOCK
YSBER Double Hammock
BEST PORTABLE BEACH HAMMOCK

YSBER Double Hammock

  • Price > $
  • > Shipping weight of just 400g
  • > Perfect for a day at the beach
BEST PORTABLE HAMMOCK FOR CAMPING
Easthills Outdoors Double Camping Hammock
BEST PORTABLE HAMMOCK FOR CAMPING

Easthills Outdoors Double Camping Hammock

  • Price > $$
  • > Integrated mosquito net
  • > Designed for camping
BEST PORTABLE HAMMOCK WITH MOSQUITO NET
Hennessey Expedition Hammock
BEST PORTABLE HAMMOCK WITH MOSQUITO NET

Hennessey Expedition Hammock

  • Price > $$$
  • > All-in-one portable hammock
  • > Quick to put up
BEST PORTABLE HAMMOCK FOR BACKPACKING
Terra Hiker Camping Hammock
BEST PORTABLE HAMMOCK FOR BACKPACKING

Terra Hiker Camping Hammock

  • Price > $
  • > Compact in size
  • > Quick-drying nylon
BEST PORTABLE HAMMOCK CHAIR
LYL-Swings Nordic Style Deluxe Chair Hammock
BEST PORTABLE HAMMOCK CHAIR

LYL-Swings Nordic Style Deluxe Chair Hammock

  • Price > $$
  • > Fun style
  • > Comfortable

Top Pick Best Portable Hammock

Best Lightweight Portable Hammock

Wise Owl Outfitters SingleOwl

Wise Owl Outfitters SingleOwl
Wise Owl Outfitters SingleOwl is our top pick for the best lightweight portable hammock

Are you heading out with a backpack on your shoulders? In that case, weight is probably going to be your major concern and you’re going to want the lightest portable hammock you can find. The US-based company Wise Owl Outfitters produces the SingleOwl, a portable travel hammock with a weight of little more a 1 lb! But more than that, the SingleOwl portable hammock comes with a pair of carabiners that have been specifically weight tested, and a loop of nautical-grade rope too, meaning that you have all you need to enjoy a night out as soon as your package arrives!

Pros
  • Very lightweight
  • Respectable US brand
  • Single portable hammock
  • Everything you need provided
Cons
  • Carabiners rather than hammock straps
  • Lacks a mosquito net
  • No internal pockets
  • Made from nylon

Is the Wise Owl Outfitters SingleOwl for me?

When weight is of primary concern, how can you overlook the SingleOwl by Wise Owl Outfitters, given its superb weight of roughly 1 lb? As well as being lightweight, the SingleOwl is also easy to set up and comes with all the equipment you need straight from the packet. It’s our top-rated portable hammock for good reason!

For this portable hammock review, our team really put this thing through its paces. They loved many things about it but the combination of being super light whilst being mega easy to put up and adjust just hits all the right points when it comes to “hammocking”!

Best Portable Hammock for Two

ENO DoubleNest

ENO DoubleNest
ENO DoubleNest is our top pick for the best portable hammock for two

There are an increasing number of double hammocks on the market, leaving no need to erect two separate single hammocks and offering a warm and cosy night’s sleep for two, or enough space for a single camper to stretch out. Despite the extra nylon material required, the ENO DoubleNest still manages to come in at 19 oz! It also shrinks from its hung size of 9 x 6 feet to being packed into a stuff sack of just 5 x 5 inches. It has a maximum weight capacity of 400 lbs, and promises structural integrity through its use of nautical-grade line, aluminium carabiners, and snap linkers of stainless steel. Straps are sold separately, which is good and bad: you’ve got to order those, but you’re not tied down to using Eno brand straps.

Pros
  • Weight of 19 oz
  • Packs down to 5 x 5 inches
  • 400 lb maximum capacity
  • High-quality attachments
Cons
  • Straps sold separately
  • Relatively low maximum weight for a double hammock
  • Can get chilly for single users
  • No mosquito net included

Is the ENO DoubleNest for me?

Using really high-grade materials from the hammock itself to its carabiners and other attachments, the ENO DoubleNest is sure to survive more than just a couple of nights of use. Lightweight and packing down to a small size, this is a very good option for a couple looking for a portable hammock for two.

Our team rated this a top small portable hammock for two as they felt it offered a decent amount of room without becoming too bulky. They also found this hammock really easy to put up and told us it took “30 seconds” to put up and just a tiny bit longer to put it away and compress it back down! This is great because sometimes double hammocks can be more fiddly.

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Best portable hammock with stand

Campart Travel Folding Portable Hammock

Campart Travel Folding Portable Hammock
Campart Travel Folding Portable Hammock is our top pick for the best portable hammock with stand

No trees or other supports for a traditional portable hammock? No worries! The Campart Travel Folding Portable Hammock comes with its own stand! Its tri-form stand simply and easily folds down for transportation, carrying, and storage when not in use. Made from powder-coated steel, it is both protected from the elements and infinitely washable to keep clean. The dimensions of the hammock itself are 280 x 87 x 76 cm, making it generously proportioned compared to many of its competitors. What’s more, the Campart Travel Folding Portable Hammock has a unique locking feature to ensure there’s no risk of collapse when you slip into its comfy cloth.

Pros
  • Doesn’t require external supports
  • Easily transportable and storable
  • Quick to keep clean
  • Good dimensions
Cons
  • Heavy compared to standard portable hammocks
  • Maximum weight capacity of 150kg
  • Single-person hammock
  • Not for camping adventures

Is the Campart Travel Folding Portable Hammock for me?

If you’re looking for a comfortable and well-dimensioned portable hammock that has its own stand and therefore doesn’t require any external support structures, we think the Campart Travel Folding Portable Hammock is a great option. Easy to transport and keep clean, it promises simple relaxation wherever you may be!

Our team rated this as their best folding hammock due to the stability of the supports and how well they pack back down. They felt it was a little harder than some others to assemble, but that’s because you’ve got the support to put up too, but once up the extra effort pays off in comfort and strength.

Best portable beach hammock

YSBER Double Hammock

YSBER Double Hammock
YSBER Double Hammock is our top pick for the best portable beach hammock

That idyllic image of a hammock slung effortlessly between two palms can be yours with the Ysber Double Hammock! This stress-free portable beach hammock not only comes with all you need to head straight to the beach – including carabiners, rope, and stuff sack – but also a refund or replace option, making it free from worry. This double hammock also offers a good capacity of 300 kg, yet has a shipping weight of under 400g! There’s an exterior pocket, which is a further useful addition, and has a reputation for being extremely simple to put up and take down – ideal for a day by the beach!

Pros
  • Includes all you need
  • Refund and replace option
  • Shipping weight of just 400g
  • Perfect for a day at the beach
Cons
  • Maximum capacity of 300kg
  • Not a single person hammock
  • No internal pocket
  • Lacks rain proofing as intended as day hammock

Is the Ysber Double Hammock for me?

A portable hammock adds great freedom to a day on the beach, and the Ysber double hammock is no exception to this. Ready to use straight out of the packet, it weighs less than 400g and is very easy to set up. It also boasts an external pocket, a useful addition for storing all those little extras you need while enjoying the sands.

Our team loved how chilled this hammock was from putting it up to lying at the beach on it and then putting it back. No one wants a relaxing afternoon at the beach ruined by an overly complex hammock that leaves you sweating! Our team felt this was one of the most simple to use especially as a double.

Best portable hammock for camping

Easthills Outdoors Double Camping Hammock

Easthills Outdoors Double Camping Hammock
Easthills Outdoors Double Camping Hammock is our top pick for the best portable hammock for camping

Hardcore campers will be looking for a little extra from any portable hammock they buy, which is why we recommend the Easthills Outdoors Double Camping Hammock! It has two long tree straps with 16 adjustable loops, all the equipment required, an integrated mosquito net, and an optional rainfly cover too! The hammock itself is composed of high-strength yet breathable 210T taffeta parachute material with triple-stitched seams for extra sturdiness. As a double camping hammock, it is obviously designed with enough space for two adults to occupy the hammock together and has a maximum capacity of 700 lbs. Two internal gear pockets seal the deal!

Pros
  • Designed for camping
  • Integrated mosquito net
  • Optional rainfly
  • Triple stitched seams
Cons
  • Double person hammock
  • Weightier than single person hammock
  • Attached stuff sack
  • Asymmetric style

Is the Easthills Outdoors Double Camping Hammock for me?

Looking for the best portable hammock for camping? Not any longer! Specifically designed for camping, the Easthills Outdoors Double Camping Hammock has all you need for a successful few nights under the stars, from carabiners to mosquito net and rainfly! What’s more, as a double hammock, there’s plenty of space for one or enough space for two campers to share!

Our team rated this as one of the best portable hammocks for camping due to its lightweight construction and the awesome level of protection it offers in the wilds. With the addition of the rain fly and the net, it’s perfect for camping. Our team also felt it was still really easy to put up given these extra features.

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    Best portable hammock with mosquito net

    Hennessey Expedition Hammock

    Hennessey Expedition Hammock
    Hennessey Expedition Hammock is our top pick for the best portable hammock with mosquito net

    We’ve already brought you one portable hammock with an integrated mosquito net – the Easthills Outdoors Double Camping Hammock – and here’s another! Not any old portable hammock, the Hennessey Expedition Hammock lays claim to being the hammock that started the turn away from tents. The Hennessey is another all-in-one portable hammock and is made from a high-density bottom of nylon, a ripstop polyester rainfly, and an integrated mosquito net. It also has a unique way of entry – through a self-sealing Velcro bottom. Despite all these extras, it remains lightweight at roughly 3 lbs, can be set up in the time it takes to make a cup of tea, and has a maximum weight capacity of 250 lbs.

    Pros
    • All-in-one portable hammock
    • Integrated mosquito net
    • Rainfly
    • Quick to put up
    Cons
    • Middle-range weight
    • Single-person hammock
    • Bottom entry
    • A little claustrophobic for some users

    Is the Hennessy Expedition Hammock for me?

    Hennessey has been making outdoor equipment for more than 40 years, and it shows! Incredibly strong and durable thanks to its high-density nylon and ripstop polyester combination construction, it also has that all-important ‘no see ‘em’ mosquito net, which stops even the smallest of bugs from enjoying a free meal!

    Our team loved how sturdy and tough this hammock felt even after some heavy usage. They also felt it offered great space and was an ideal solution for those who want to give a hammock a go but might be worried about feeling a bit hemmed in.

    Best portable hammock for backpacking

    Terra Hiker Camping Hammock

    Terra Hiker Camping Hammock
    Terra Hiker Camping Hammock is our top pick for the best portable hammock for backpacking

    Ideal for backpacking – when both space and weight are always at their premium – the Terra Hiker Camping Hammock is extremely compact in size and lightweight to boot. As with many of the portable hammocks we have reviewed up to this point, this hammock by Terra Hiker is an all-in-one, meaning everything you need to successfully camp is included in this one bundle. The hammock also comes with a handy external pocket, while weighing just over 800g. Constructed from high-grade, breathable, and quick-drying nylon, it has three-step quilted seams and a maximum weight capacity of 300 kg. Even so, this camping hammock still manages to pack down to a compact size, as we’ve already mentioned!

    Pros
    • Compact in size
    • Lightweight
    • All-in-one hammock
    • Quick-drying nylon
    Cons
    • Pocket doubles as stuff sack
    • No integrated mosquito net
    • Single person hammock
    • Lacks a rainfly cover

    Is the Terra Hiker Camping Hammock for me?

    While the lack of a rainfly may well put some backpackers off, if you’re heading off to somewhere warm and dry, the Terra Hiker Camping Hammock offers all you could need in a portable hammock for backpacking. It’s compact in size and lightweight, fitting into its own stuff sack and coming with all you need to enjoy your time without rushing around camping stores looking for those missing extras.

    Our team loved how versatile this hammock was and how that makes it perfect for not just camping but for any other place you’d want to take it to. They loved the addition of things like the utility line for storing gear, the additional beach blanket, the sunshade and the carrying pouch. All these add together to make it super useful bit of camping gear.

    Best portable hammock chair

    LYL-Swings Nordic Style Deluxe Chair Hammock

    LYL-Swings Nordic Style Deluxe Chair Hammock
    LYL-Swings Nordic Style Deluxe Chair Hammock is our top pick for the best portable hammock chair

    Not convinced by a traditional lie-in hammock? How about a portable hammock chair instead? With a fun design, the LYL-Swings Nordic Style Deluxe Chair Hammock is suitable for anyone from the age of three and up, making it a great option for families. Taking the form of a single hanging seat, it is both comfortable enough to relax on and breathable for those warmer days. Designed to be robust and long-lasting it has a good weight capacity and strong rope supports. It’s easy to keep clean by washing, and simple to dry should it get wet in an unexpected rain shower.

    Pros
    • Fun style
    • Comfortable
    • Breathable
    • Durable
    Cons
    • Single person seat
    • Not meant for wilderness camping or sleeping
    • Long delivery time
    • No rainfly

    Is the LYL-Swings Nordic Style Deluxe Chair Hammock for me?

    A great alternative to a standard lie-down portable hammock, the LYL-Swings Nordic Style Deluxe Chair Hammock is a clever choice for families looking for child-friendly seating for the outdoors. Not only does it look good, but it is durable, breathable, and – most importantly perhaps – comfortable to use too!

    Our team just love how fun this hammock is! But it’s not just a gimmick either, they loved that this hammock allowed them to sit upright rather than just laying down. It’s a great addition to any camp set-up if you want to sit on your laptop or read a book whilst chilling out! They found it to be a super comfortable alternative to a camp chair.

    Best of the rest

    Eastshinings Portable Hammock

    Eastshinings Portable Hammock
    Eastshinings Portable Hammock

    The Eastshinings Portable Hammock is a good alternative portable hammock to the Terra Hiker Camping Hammock we have already reviewed. It has a good introductory price point and is made from durable and waterproof parachute nylon which has a maximum weight capacity of just under 700 lbs. Triple-needle stitching ensures the seams will hold without issue. Lightweight, this portable hammock has a total weight of around 600g, and is resistant to mildew and rot. It is also quick drying, and breathable, and easy to clean to keep in tip-top condition from season to season. With an approximate area of 270 x 140 cm, this portable hammock is also capable of supporting two adults and has an easy setup thanks to the inclusion of straps rather than ropes.

    Pros
    • Made with waterproof nylon
    • Weight capacity of 700 lbs
    • Lightweight
    • Big enough for two
    Cons
    • Large for a single user
    • No integrated mosquito net
    • Not as light as some hammocks we’ve reviewed
    • Not ideal for wilderness camping

    Is the Eastshinings Portable Hammock for me?

    This brilliantly priced portable hammock from Eastshinings is an ideal introduction to the world of camping with hammocks. Made with durable weather and condition-resistant materials, it’s large enough for two adults while lightweight and compact enough to suit almost anyone’s travel plans!

    Our team rated this as another great lightweight portable hammock especially given how strong it feels. They also felt it was super comfortable with a soft inner material that made it a great spot for a good night’s sleep.

    NatureFun Ultralight Travel Camping Hammock

    NatureFun Ultralight Travel Camping Hammock
    NatureFun Ultralight Travel Camping Hammock

    This symmetrically-styled portable hammock incorporates highly durable materials and heavy-duty double zips on the integrated fold-down mosquito net. The hammock and all its required pieces of equipment are not only included as an all-in-one package but also comes in at a total weight of just 760g. Having a maximum capacity of 300kg, NatureFun claims its Ultralight Travel Camping Hammock is one of the strongest on the market, with support ropes that have been tested to the weight of three adults, and a main body comprising military grade 210T parachute nylon.

    Pros
    • Symmetrical style
    • Durable and heavy duty
    • All-in-one
    • Lightweight
    Cons
    • Mosquito net not fully detachable
    • No rainfly
    • Middle-range in weight
    • Maximum capacity of 300kg

    Is the NatureFun Ultralight Travel Camping Hammock for me?

    Incorporating many of the finest features of the best portable hammocks around at present, the NatureFun Ultralight Travel Camping Hammock includes a fold-down integrated mosquito net in its durable and heavy-duty design. Coming with all you need to head from day one, it is also a good lightweight example of a portable hammock!

    Our team were super impressed by how strong and durable this hammock felt in use for how light it felt in the backpack. They also loved how comfortable it was when set up felt it could even work for two people if needed.

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    How to Choose the Best Portable Hammock

    Before you make your final choice of portable hammock, here are a few tips to keep in consideration to find the best for you and your specific needs.

    What do you want it for?

    As you will already have realised, these days there are a whole range of different styles of portable hammock on the market. Our review covers all the main styles, so to determine which will be the best portable hammock for you, you need to ask what you’re most often going to use your hammock for.

    If you’re planning to use your portable hammock for relaxing in the sun during the day, on the beach or in your garden, you’re going to want to opt for a very different hammock than if you’re planning to head out into the wilderness for a few days of adventure camping. Will you need a mosquito net, and rainfly cover, or are you looking for a simple place to lie your head? In either case, the weight will also play a part in your final decision!

    Single or double?

    Portable hammocks come as both single- and double-person hammocks. If you travel alone, you’ve still got to decide between the two; it’s common to go for the double just to have that extra space. But if you’re travelling with a partner, do you want two single-person hammocks, or perhaps a double-person hammock instead, or even TWO double-person hammocks? It’s well worth carefully considering the potential positives and negatives of both sizes.

    Where are you going to use it?

    An odd question perhaps, but another worth considering. If you’re heading out into the desert or another area without any trees or other external supports, for example, you’re probably going to want a portable hammock that has its own stand and support!

    If you’re not worried about mosquitoes, skip the net. If you won’t be hammocking in the rain, skip the tarp (though we really wouldn’t).

    Remember also, a cheap portable hammock isn’t always the best one! Ya’ll don’t want to be falling out in the middle of the night!

    How We Tested To Find The Best Portable Hammocks

    To test these hammocks out, we basically got our paws on them, strapped them around the suitable nearest tree (we always use protection!) and went for a bit of a snooze! It’s hard work but someone’s got to do it!  

    Of course, there was a bit more to it than that.

    We paid attention to how heavy each hammock felt to carry, how well they fitted into our backpacks and how easy we found them to actually erect and then take down again afterwards. We also flung two of the heftiest members of our team on the hammocks, taking their lives in their hands to see how much weight these bad boys could take!

    FAQ about the Best Portable Hammock

    Still have some questions? No problem! We’ve listed and answered the most commonly asked questions below. Here’s what people usually want to know:

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      The best portable hammock for you!

      Found the best portable hammock for you? You must have after checking out our review of the best portable hammocks around! Our tips are meant to find the best portable hammock for you. Start planning your next adventure with the ideal gear!


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