The Truth About Hammock Camping: Claim #1 – Hammocks Are Lighter Than Tents

Are hammocks really that amazing? I thought it would be interesting to do a series and play devil’s advocate by punching through some of the more popular claims about hammocks as they relate to camping. After all, I’ve had my fair share of misery in a hammock: cold butt syndrome, shoulder squeeze, mosquito bites, leg hyperextension, and more. Through it all, however, I keep going back to hammocks as my primary overnight outdoor accommodations, so while I’ll be brutally honest about the downsides of hammock camping, I’ll share some of my own solutions.

Tentsile Hammock
This prototype hammock tent from Tentsile is a beast at 40 lbs (18 kg)—not something you want to carry far.

Claim #1: Hammocks are lighter than tents.

The Truth Is: A simple, gathered-end hammock can indeed be light, but to be compared with a tent, you’ve got to add a bug net and a protective rain fly. Hammocks also require adequate suspension and tree-saving straps. The ounces really add up, especially considering that most hammocks are designed for only one occupant. All-in-one, purpose-made camping hammocks can be some of the heaviest camping kits available, rivaling three-person tents. If you routinely share a tent with a partner, there are only limited comparable hammock equivalents.

Here are some of the heaviest* kits (hammocks with bug net, tarp, and suspension):

Honorable mention: New Tribe Treeboat Hammock – 5.4125 lbs (2.45 kg), and that’s only the hammock and tarp, no bug netting.

*Yes, this list isn’t fair. Most hammocks are designed for single occupancy. The Tensile and Vertex are multi-person hammocks and should probably have their own category. I’ve deliberately picked out some of the heaviest kit hammocks to honestly acknowledge they exist. However, to compare gear on weight alone is a gross generalization and should be taken very lightly. Weight may be an important consideration to a backpacker, but it isn’t the only thing that matters. I happen to love my Tentsile hammock and Clark Vertex hammocks.

†I’ve personally reviewed these hammocks and you can find my reviews on this blog.

The Solutions

Shop around. I’ve collected a thorough list of hammock manufacturers (am I missing any? Let me know!) to help make the process easier. There are hammocks in nearly every weight range, just like tents. Hennessy, for example, also sells hammock kits that are only 1.9 lbs (860 g).

Lightweight Jungle Hammock Examples

These hammocks are just a small selection for demonstration purposes only. To make the list, these hammocks have to have an attached bug net and included tarp.

  • 25.6 oz (726 g) — Hennessy Hammock Hyperlite (hammock with integrated bug net, silnylon aysm tarp, suspension)
  • 33 oz (930 g) — DD Travel Hammock/Bivi
  • 34.2 oz (969.2 g) — AntiGravityGear Quicksilver System (hammock, bug net, silnyon hex tarp, 4 Ti stakes!, suspension)
  • 63.5 oz (1.8 kg) — DD Hammock Jungle Hammock (hammock with integrated bug net, poly tarp/under cover, suspension)

Mix and match components. If you’re looking for something lightweight, I recommend putting together your own kit. You could assemble a hammock kit for only 13 oz (367 g)! In my opinion, this is one advantage hammocks have over tents: modular components. You can shave ounces with a smaller tarp, or if you have the money, purchase a full-size, 6.5 oz tarp made of space-age Cuben Fiber (complete with doors!). Pick up a separate bug net that can be removed when bugs aren’t a problem. Lightweight yet as-strong-as-steel Dyneema can be made into ounce-cutting Whoopie Sling suspension lines, replacing heavier cordage on stock hammock kits. You get the idea.

Know what you want (and need). Most hammock users will tell you that comfort is the number one criteria for choosing a hammock (see Claim #2), and will argue that weight is less of an issue when you know you are going to get a good sleep at the end of the day. Also consider that not everyone is backpacking or thru-hiking the AT either. A lot of hammocks are used by weekend campers who “plop-and-drop” from a vehicle, so weight isn’t a problem.

When I’m backpacking and counting grams, I pick a lightweight hammock like the Grand Trunk Ultralight (about 10 oz/283 g) with Whoopie Sling suspension. Bugs typically aren’t a problem in northern Arizona where I live, but when they are, I like the HUG bug net, which I can easily make for less than 3 oz (85 g). For a tarp, I like the 7 oz (198 g) GoLite Poncho Tarp, which makes a great multi-use asymmetric rain fly, similar to the popular stock Hennessy tarps. All told, my shelter hovers around 20 oz (567 g), which is pretty lightweight, even by ultralight tent standards.

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98 responses to “The Truth About Hammock Camping: Claim #1 – Hammocks Are Lighter Than Tents”

  1. jrs Avatar

    Derek, great start of a discussion or overview, speaking from my own experience from over 55 yrs camping and long wilderness backpacks, i have another observation. I’ve used tents and pads, very good ones, and some were light and shared weight when I wasn’t soloing, then several yrs back I matriculated to Hammocks, in the 60s i had used mountaineering hammocks on climbs which left a lot to desire as comfort, and when I first began to look into usable comping hammocks, I was skeptical at best, i.e. backsleeping and in a banana shape held little appeal, then on a trip I usually take each year I was in Glacier NP, and a couple, sadly didn’t even get their names, introduced me to the new hammocks, as I’ll call them, and showed how to lay flat, I’ve never looked back, But to my point of why no looking back, comfort, which provides rest and my body refreshed for the next days movement. I stopped backing for yrs because i went trail blind, just trudging the miles and forgot the reason i was out in the beauty of nature, and the fatigue, mostly caused by poor sleep, and falling asleep because your bone tired doesn’t translate to refreshed body and mind. So while weight is important, what oz price for a truly rested trail body, i know the hammock has revitalized my life of getting out and more importantly enjoying the trip. sorry so long, but the hammock and gear give added value to the adventure, my 1/2 cent, jim ps your book is better than great, as are your illustrations , we’re blessed with your talent

    1. Derek Avatar
      Derek

      Well, now that I’m not playing devil’s advocate, I can let you know I completely agree with you. When I do hammock presentations, I often hear claims about hammocks and I thought it would be interesting to look objectively at some key points.

      I hope the point I get across is that, yes, hammocks can be lightweight — even lighter than tents when you want it. But hammocks can be heavy too. It’s not a good or bad thing, just reality.

      The other reality is that hammocks are comfortable, which is why we prefer them, especially to the ground.

      However, more on that next week when I take the argument against and see what we find.

    2. Erik Avatar
      Erik

      That’s a really awesome insight thankyou

    3. Jeff Avatar
      Jeff

      Great reponse, thanks!

  2. Leon Avatar

    My hammock weighs the same as my lightweight tent, although using the hammock I end up taking a lot less gear ( like mat, pillow, small hammer, pegs) so the weight and space advantages of a hammock really add up when I’m cycle touring.

    1. Derek Avatar
      Derek

      That is a good point. In fact, one thing I didn’t mention are all those “extras” that people bring to feel comfortable sleeping on the ground. In many ways, it tips the scales (again) in favor of hammock’s simplicity.

      I often read that, for ground dwellers, the difference between a good sleep and a bad one are two extra-strength Tylenol. While funny from a certain perspective, it also relates the unfortunate reality of lightweight backpacking and the observation that there really is a lot of pain involved. Masking the pain with drugs, in my mind, isn’t doing your body any favors.

      1. bertenvdb Avatar

        I disagree.
        These biased arguments make no sense at all, imho. It’s like saying for hammock camping you need to bring along two poles in case you don’t have trees. Or a ladder, to be able to set up the hammock…

        A small hammer? Really? I have never seen any hiker carrying one, I would definitely remember that 🙂 Just use the proper pegs, or when the ground is too hard to drive in the pegs there always is a rock nearby to act as a hammer.
        A pillow? Just put your clothes in your fleece and make a knot with the sleeves to make a pillow. According to Claim #2 hammockers need a neck and knee pillow…
        A mat? According to Claim #2 (and my personal hammocking experience) you need something similar to prevent Cold Butt Syndrome.

        I love my hammock, but when I’m embarking on a physically enduring hike, I’ll always prefer my tent to ensure a good rest. When there’s lots of rain or wind, I’ll also won’t doubt to take my tent, to have the comfort of cooking or do other stuff without having to cope with wind or rain.

  3. BikerDad Avatar
    BikerDad

    While weight is a valid concern for many, I personally think the outdoors industry is going a bit overboard on the subject. Admittedly, I may be biased. I’ve got a motorcycle to handle the weight. On the other hand, there seems to be little attention paid to VOLUME, except as an incidental.

    So, perhaps hammock evangelists could pay some real attention to the subject. I’m looking at hammocks as an option because of the limited packing space I have on my motorcycle.

    I’m hoping that in your “Truths About Hammock Camping”, you’ll address space. A second issue is how do hammocks do in wind and rain? I’m talking about the sort of winds that blow down some tents. It appears to me that if the wind is whipping around from point to point, it will blow right “down the tunnel” and soak me.

    1. Derek Avatar
      Derek

      Volume, or “bulk” as it is also referred to, is a major concern, as you clearly point out. Typically, when pack weight is reduced, so is volume. For example, a 20°F-rated sleeping bag filled with synthetic fiber will be heavier and bulkier than a similarly-rated down-filled bag. Down is not only lighter, it packs down smaller (I also contend that down is warmer).

      Weight and bulk usually correlate. The heavier an item, the bulkier it tends to be. Looking for low-bulk items will also get you low weight items.

      I think you’re right on target if you’re considering hammocks for their low-bulk. There are many options that will work for you.

      Now to your question about wind and rain. Wind and rain are both combated with your tarp, although a good bug net can also serve as a moderate wind block. Some hammock tarps, such as those that come stock with most Hennessy models, are parallelograms, or asymmetrically cut. These tarps offer minimal wind and rain protection, but are viable in many cases. If you are looking for exceptional wind and rain protection, get a larger tarp that offers full coverage. With larger side panels, you can even add side pull-outs that will add structural support against a prevailing wind.

      You can get a cuben fiber tarp with long side panels and peak doors that weighs under 7 oz (<198 g) and packs down to the size of a burrito.

      1. Don McNaughton Avatar
        Don McNaughton

        Derek, again as a newbie to hammocks, I am gravitating to a larger fly for the Hennessy Ultralite Backpacker I am purchasing. Hennessy sells an 18.6 oz Hex 30D silnylon tarp. I imagine I am not tied to getting a Hennessy tarp (modular — the beauty of hammocks, as you say!). Could you recommend a tarp that is equivalent (more or less) in size, but weighs less?

        1. Derek Avatar
          Derek

          Yes, but I may exceed your budget 🙂 Cuben Fiber hex tarps from HammockGear.com, mountain laurel designs, zpacks and others are around 7 oz with doors! For more reasonable price on sil, check out Arrowhead Equipment. Jacks R Better has a great utility tarp. The Warbonnet SuperFly is also popular.

        2. Lys Avatar
          Lys

          DD Hammocks ( a British company) make the Superlight range and claims the lightest hammock ever. They are a great company and supply the British Army and Scouts. They are very reasonably priced too.

          1. Derek Avatar
            Derek

            Yes. The DD line is a great value brand.

    2. BivouacBradley Avatar

      Agreed. I switched to hammocks more for the space reason over weight. My hammock setup weighs about the same as my tent when you factor in everything you need (tarp, suspension, quilts, etc) but it’s the space savings that convinced me to switch. Plus not having to try and find a spot for tent poles in my bag makes packing far less stressful.

      1. Derek Avatar
        Derek

        Do you include your pad, bag, and ground sheet when you factor the weight of a tent? If you remove those items in common with both methods (e.g., insulation) hammocks can be very competitive in the weight category. But, just like tents, results vary by shelter type.

    3. justin elam Avatar
      justin elam

      biker dad, just curious since your reply is a few years old, what did you end up settling for? Im searching for motorcycle friendly 2up camping shelter. Thats affordable.Ya i know you get what you pay for: but thats what brought me to this page in the first place.

  4. Clémentine35 Avatar
    Clémentine35

    Nice review! I personally use a Ticket To The Moon hammock: double to lie down perfectly. They are very comfortable and lightweight: 200g for a double hammock. I also use a TTTM hammock tarp (900g). I prefer sleeping in a hammock because you avoid wet and sloping grounds but also insects.Moreover, it is faster to set up and take down.
    Check on their website: http://www.ticketothemoon.com/en/parachute_hammock.html

  5. A. Dent Avatar
    A. Dent

    “Hennessy, for example, also sells hammock kits that are only 1.9 lbs (860 kg).”

    Should that not be “860 gram” and not kg…. just saying 🙂

    a little heavy for my family….

    1. Derek Avatar
      Derek

      Wow, great catch! I just corrected this error.

  6. […] hammock performance in rainy conditions and the belief that they are inherently lighter than tents (busted here). And do do they inevitably suck in the winter? ExpeditionMarc has a video about a fatbike/hammock […]

  7. Cory Avatar
    Cory

    Well it’s been almost a year since your last reply. Looking at your list of hammocks I noticed an excellent brand missing. Have you looked at http://www.warbonnetoutdoors.com
    I friend turned me on to them last fall. The total weight with fly, net, and hammock and strapings/caribiners was just at 3 pounds. No squished shoulders, plenty of feet room and even has a compartment to store stuff. I don’t feel like a banana in it either. Worth a gander. Sounds like an ad, but I’m just a recent purchaser. Only used it for naps so far but getting ready for an excursion next month.

    1. Derek Avatar
      Derek

      Cory, thanks for your post! Yes, I am familiar with Warbonnet. In fact, I know the owner, Brandon, and have even done some reviews on his excellent gear. The short list of hammocks I mentioned on this post was to highlight some of the heaviest kits available. Warbonnet didn’t make the list because they are fairly light in comparison, and good examples of well-balanced hammocks with all the features Brandon sneaks in there. I agree: the Warbonnet Blackbird is a fantastic hammock! I keep an up-to-date list of hammock manufactures on my website if you want to see more vendors that are available.

      1. Nana Bee Avatar

        I am looking for a hammock for my son .. the one who has everything when it comes to camping.. but I figured if I got him a hammock he either would want a second one or love the one I got him and use that instead.. 🙂 Have you checked out ROO hammocks.. as in kangaroo. well .they claim to be only 24 oz.. I know…. sounds hard to believe.. but I am getting my son one for Christmas.. it is a double one.. hope he likes it.

        1. Derek Avatar
          Derek

          Yes, I’m familiar with the Roo. Greg and his team make great products and I’ve done a review if you’re interested.

  8. Cory Avatar
    Cory

    Thanks Derrick! I found your list about 10 minutes after I posted. I stumbled across your blog while testing my hammock in the back yard and debating on which fly I really need. This next trip I take will be my first hammock hike. I’m very excited to think the one part of the trip I dread most (sleeping) might actually be pleasant. Brandon really has done great work with the hammock. I’ll be reading over your blog for tips! Thanks again.

    1. Derek Avatar
      Derek

      Thanks! My best wishes with your hike. I’m with you: sleeping on the ground can be miserable. Hammocks make it fun, relaxing, and comfortable. You might also be interested in my book on hammock camping.

  9. puzso23 Avatar

    The reason why I prefer tents is that I am affraid of widowmakers. One of my worse dreams is that a branch will drop on me during my sleep.

    1. Derek Avatar
      Derek

      Well, tents offer no more protection from widow makers than hammocks unless you camp in an open field, and then you become a lightning rod 🙂 you just have to be wise about your camp spot no matter what shelter you choose.

  10. blazbm Avatar

    How do you stay warm in the cold AZ nights?? I’m needing this info immediately 🙂 I’ve been looking and searching the web for ideas and have a few, just picking your brain!

    1. Derek Avatar
      Derek

      The desert is deceptively cold! Arizona can see diurnal temperature shifts of 40+ degrees, dropping from 120°F down to 70°F, which will feel extremely cool. I used regular camping pads for years, and many folks still swear by them. In fact, I still use them on occasion for lightweight backpacking. Under quilts are really nice because they don’t impact the lay of the hammock and insulate around the shoulders as well. You can make under quilts with a surplus military poncho liner for cheap. Send me a PM if you have further questions about staying warm.

  11. […] to see that hammocks are being recognized as a lightweight shelter solution, they are by no means the lightest shelter category. Let’s be clear: weight is only one of many subjective measures that matter, and it […]

  12. Ranjana Avatar
    Ranjana

    Hi Derek, really great review. I am trying to buy a hammock for my boyfriend who loves camping! I just wanted to know if you still recommend the Grand Trunk Ultra lightweight hammock with the whoopie sling suspension. I know you wrote this article in 2012 and I just wanted to make sure it is still your top pick of hammock. It is really reasonably priced and I would like to buy it if you still believe its the best 🙂 . My boyfriend is 5″11 and has a slender build. We live in Trinidad (Caribbean) so it pretty hot. Thanks so much in advance for all your great help. This is a big help for people who know nothing of camping hammocks. Best Regards, Ranjana

    1. Derek Avatar
      Derek

      Trinidad! Awesome! Yes, the grand trunk ultralight would be great. He is just the right height as well. Make sure to get some good tree straps. I would go with the kammok python straps or the ENO atlas. It makes setup easy.

      1. Ranjana Avatar
        Ranjana

        Thanks for your quick response Derek! Will definitely buy one of those straps to go with the hammock. Trinidad has some lovely hikes to go on. If you are ever in Trinidad and Tobago, my fellow scout boyfriend would gladly take you everywhere and anywhere you want to go hiking wise. Thanks again for all your help 🙂 You are a life saver.

  13. Mike Avatar
    Mike

    I am probably asking this in the wrong place but at 317 pounds I wonder how safe a 300lb rated Hennessey hammock tent would be? I have it available and would like to try it but that line through the tent looks so tiny. I know I’m overweight for it so that’s why I’m asking. I don’t have the funds or another option I could use some advice before I’m forced out of the house I’m in.

    1. Derek Avatar
      Derek

      Mike,

      The weight rating is for the safe working load, taking into account dynamic strain, etc. The fabric and suspension lines are rated at much higher breaking strength. That said, you can easily replace the Hennessy suspension if you want to upgrade to something more robust, say a 1/8″ Amsteel line with Whoopie Slings.

      As for the hammock, Hennessy does sell hammocks that are rated for more weight, such as the Safari.

      1. Mike Avatar
        Mike

        I know I can upgrade. It’s just an immediate problem and a lack of funds that drove me to ask.

  14. Jordan Avatar
    Jordan

    Have you ever looked into Sierra Madre Research products, namely the Pares hammock and Nubé hammock shelter? What do you think of both pieces, and the bulk/weight of them together?

    1. Derek Avatar
      Derek

      Yes, I’m aware of them but I haven’t tested them so I can’t speak too directly about them. On appearances they look cool, but I don’t know much more about them.

      1. Jordan Avatar
        Jordan

        Received my Pares hammock recently. I’m very impressed thus far. It’s large, and relatively light, packing up pretty small. I’ll have to wait and see about the Nubé.

  15. Jami Avatar
    Jami

    Derek,
    I just read all the posts above, I’m thrilled to run across all this info and you. My husband and I are backpacking (2 yr plan) through central and South America. I KNOW it’s wet, hot, and totally infested with flying biting bugs. I have looked into so many hammock tents and I don’t know a single person who’s had one so it’s hard to get all the info like what you’ve given, gratefully! Can you recommend 1 or 2 that would be well fitted for our upcoming adventure? We leave this coming Oct 3rd.
    I’m so grateful to come across this page! Thanks again!
    Jami

    1. Derek Avatar
      Derek

      Jami! Sounds like you have an exciting trip coming up. Let’s chat offline about your needs and I’ll help you the best I can.