Parachute nylon hammocks are arguably the most popular types of hammocks in the market today, judging by the variety sold by different manufacturers. The fabric is recognizable based on its “crinkly” appearance. The name is somewhat of a misnomer as real parachute material is thinner, lighter, and has a square ripstop weave. “Parachute nylon” hammocks are really a sort of crinkle taffeta nylon, running around 2.0 to 3.0 oz per square yard (50 to 60 denier), and lacks a ripstop weave. It is one of the stronger fabrics used in hammocks, with most manufacturers listing 400 lb. (181 kg.) load capacity, and it has a fairly soft texture. Parachute nylon fabric also features a moderate stretch, which some hangers prefer to achieve the best comfort.
But not all parachute nylon hammocks are created equally, and despite similar naming conventions (e.g., “Single” and “Double” hammocks), each manufacturer varies in product dimension, construction, and packaging.
If you have a parachute nylon hammock not listed here, please contact me so I can append this list.
Manufacturer | Hammocks | Tarps | Bug Netting | Suspension Systems | Insulation | Other Hamock-Related Gear? | Notes | Website | Made In | Location |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
2Q & ZQ Hammock Specialties | X | X | Hammock Zipper Mods and accessories | www.2qzqhammockhanger.com | USA | |||||
Anna's Hammocks | X | http://www.annashammocks.com/ | USA | Grand Rapids, MI | ||||||
Appalachian Hammock | X | X | Hand-crafted | http://appalachianhammock.com/ | USA | Out of business | ||||
Alpine Hammock | X | X | X | X | Out of business | |||||
Amok Equjipment | X | X | X | X | X | 90° hammock | https://www.amokequipment.com | Norway | ||
Arrowhead Equipment | X | X | X | X | X | X | DIY Supplies and Custom Work | http://www.arrowhead-equipment.com | USA | ID |
Backwoods Daydreamer | X | MOVED - See "DIY Gear Supply" | backwoodsdaydreamer.webs.com | USA | Out of business | |||||
Bakpocket Hammocks | X | http://bakpocket-paks.com/hammocks/ | Out of business | |||||||
Bear Grylls | X | X | X | X | http://www.beargryllsstore.com | China | Out of business | |||
Behold Bungee Hammocks | X | X | Double sided, elastic suspension | https://www.beholdbungeehammocks.com | USA | |||||
Bear Butt Hammocks | X | X | https://www.bearbuttteam.com | |||||||
Black Rock Gear | X | http://www.blackrockgear.com | USA | |||||||
Butts In A Sling Hammock Gear | X | X | DIY Supplies | http://www.buttinasling.com/ | USA | Out of business | ||||
Byer of Maine Hammocks | X | X | X | X | www.byerofmaine.com | China | ||||
Clark Jungle Hammocks | X | X | X | X | X | www.junglehammock.com | USA | |||
Claytor Mosquito Hammocks | X | X | X | www.mosquitohammock.com | USA | |||||
Crazy Creek | X | X | X | www.crazycreek.com | ||||||
DD Hammocks | X | X | X | X | X | X | www.ddhammocks.com | UK | UK | |
DIY Gear Supply | X | DIY Supplies | www.diygearsupply.com | USA | ||||||
DP Hammock Gear | X | X | X | X | X | http://www.dplightweightbackpackinggear.com | Out of business | |||
Dream Hammock | X | X | X | X | X | X | Custom Work | http://www.dream-hammock.com/ | USA | |
DutchWare | X | X | DIY Supplies | http://dutchware.outdoortrailgear.com | USA | |||||
Eagles Nest Outfitters (ENO) | X | X | X | X | X | X | www.eaglesnestoutfittersinc.com | Indonesia | ||
Elevated Movement | X | X | 100% Recycled | http://www.theelevatedmovement.com | USA | Out of business | ||||
Enlightened Equipment | X | X | X | X | Cuben Fiber Quilts | http://www.enlightenedequipment.com | USA | |||
Exped (Expedition Equipment) | X | X | X | X | X | 2011 Gold Winner Outdoor Show | www.exped.com | China | ||
Extremtextil | X | DIY Supplies with exotic fabrics | http://www.extremtextil.de | |||||||
Gargoyle Gear | X | X | DIY Supplies and Custom Work | www.gargoylegear.webs.com | Out of business | |||||
Gossamergear | X | X | DIY Supplies | gossamergear.com | USA | |||||
Grand Trunk | X | X | X | X | X | X | www.grandtrunkgoods.com | China | ||
Green Armadillo Gear | X | X | X | X | http://www.greenarmadillogear.com/index.html | Indonesia | Out of business | |||
Haiku Hammock Swings | X | X | X | http://www.e-hammockswings.com | ||||||
Hamacas Taino | X | X | http://www.hamacastaino.com | Out of business | ||||||
Hammeck | X | X | http://www.hammeck.com | USA | Out of business | |||||
Hammock Bliss | X | X | X | X | X | www.hammockbliss.com | Indonesia | |||
Hammocks RADA | X | X | X | Woven Mayan hammocks | http://mayans.com/index.php? | Mexico | ||||
Hammock Gear.com | X | X | X | X | X | DIY Supplies and Custom Work | www.hammockgear.com | USA | ||
Handy Hammock | X | http://www.handyhammock.co.uk | UK | Out of business | ||||||
Harmony Hammocks | X | X | Retailers | http://www.harmonyhammocks.com/? | Canada | Vancouver, Canada | ||||
Helsdon Outdoors (Eureka!) | X | X | X | X | Retailed by Eureka! Canada | http://helsdonoutdoors.com/Products | Canada | Out of business | ||
Hennessy Hammocks | X | X | X | X | X | X | www.hennessyhammocks.com | China | Canada | |
Hippie Hammocks | X | X | X | DIY dyable hammock blanks | http://www.hippiehammocks.com | USA | Out of business | |||
Hyperlite Mountain Gear | X | www.hyperlitemountaingear.com | USA | |||||||
Infinity Outdoors | X | X | X | DIY Supplies | http://www.infinityoutfitter.com | USA | Out of business | |||
Jacks 'R' Better | X | X | X | X | X | X | DIY Supplies | www.jacksrbetter.com | USA | |
KAMMOK | X | X | X | X | X | X | www.kammok.com | China | Texas | |
Kampin Gear | X | X | https://www.kampingear.com | China | ||||||
Lawson Hammock | X | X | X | X | www.lawsonhammock.com | China | ||||
Little River, Co. | X | X | https://little-river-co-2.myshopify.com | |||||||
Leigh Lo Under Quilts | X | leighlounderquilts.webs.com | USA | Out of business | ||||||
MadTree Hammocks | X | X | Integrated hammock and insulation | http://www.madtree.fi/index.html | Finland | Out of business | ||||
Michigan Gear Hammocks | X | X | http://www.etsy.com/shop/MichiganGearHammocks | USA | Michigan | |||||
Mission Hammocks | X | X | Woven hammocks | https://www.missionhammocks.com | Mexico | Pennsylvania | ||||
Minorswing Hammocks | X | X | http://www.minorswing.ro | Romania | Bucharest, Romania | |||||
Molly Mac Pack Gear | X | X | http://www.mollymacpack.com/ | USA | ||||||
Mountain Laurel Designs | X | X | X | X | Custom Work | www.mountainlaureldesigns.com | USA | |||
MountainGoat Gear | X | http://www.mountaingoathatsandgoods.com | Out of business | |||||||
NOVICA | X | X | Hand woven | https://www.novica.com/hammock/ | Mexico | |||||
New Tribe—Tree Boat Hammocks | X | X | X | X | X | X | newtribe.com | |||
NK Outdoors | X | X | X | nkoutdoorgear.webs.com | Out of business | |||||
Northwoods Hammock Company | X | X | X | http://northwoodshammock.com | USA | Unknown | ||||
Outdoor Equipment Supplier | X | X | Custom Work | www.outdoorequipmentsupplier.com | USA | New York | ||||
Outdoor Trail Gear | X | (Not much hammock camping gear here) | http://gear.outdoortrailgear.com | |||||||
Outdoor Wilderness Fabrics, Inc | X | DIY Supplies | www.owfinc.com | |||||||
Oware Outdoor Gear | X | X | X | X | DIY Supplies | http://www.owareusa.com/ | ||||
Pak-it-Lite | X | X | X | X | http://camphammocks.com | USA | ||||
Peapod Hammocks | X | http://peapodhammocks.com | ||||||||
Planet Hammock | X | X | X | www.planethammock.nl | Indonesia | Out of business | ||||
Quest Outfitters | X | DIY Supplies | www.questoutfitters.com | |||||||
Redden Marine Supply | X | X | DIY Supplies | www.reddenmarine.com | Out of business | |||||
RALLT | X | X | https://www.rallt.com | |||||||
Ripstop by the Roll | X | X | DIY Supplies | http://ripstopbytheroll.com | USA | Raleigh, NC | ||||
Seaside Hammocks | X | Retailer | http://www.seasidehammocks.com | USA | ||||||
Sheltowee | X | X | X | Insulated hammocks | https://shellhammocks.com | USA | Colorado | |||
Navy Hammock | X | X | Woven rope commando ropes | http://www.navyhammocks.com | USA | |||||
Sierra Madre Research | X | X | X | X | X | http://www.sierramadreresearch.com | Nicaragua | Managua, Nicaragua | ||
Simply Light Design | X | X | X | X | http://simplylightdesigns.com | USA | ||||
Smart Outdoors | X | X | smartoutdoors.webs.com | |||||||
SoCo Hammocks | X | X | http://www.socohammocks.com/ | Indonesia | Colorado | |||||
Southern Hammock Camping | X | http://www.southernhammockcamping.com/ | Out of business | |||||||
Split Leaf Designs | X | X | http://www.splitleafdesigns.com/store/p16/Single_Person_Hammock.html | USA | Out of business | |||||
Style Mexican Hammocks | X | X | X | X | Authentic Mayan | http://www.stylemexican.com | Mexico | Mexico | ||
Superior Gear | X | X | X | X | Insulated hammocks | https://superiorgear.com/ | USA | Minnesota | ||
Te-Wa Under Quilts | X | http://www.tewaunderquilts.com | USA | Out of business | ||||||
Tenth Wonder (TW) Hammocks | X | X | X | X | X | http://twhammocks.co.uk | UK | |||
Tingguian Tribe Outdoor Shop PH | X | https://www.facebook.com/pg/TingguianTribeHanger/ | Phillipeans | |||||||
Tentsile | X | X | X | X | Multi-person Hammock | http://www.tentsile.com | UK | London, UK | ||
Terra Rosa Gear | X | Custom Work | http://www.terrarosagear.com | Australia | ||||||
Thru-hiker | X | DIY Supplies | www.thru-hiker.com | |||||||
Ticket-to-the-Moon Hammocks | X | X | X | X | www.ticketothemoon.com | Indonesia | ||||
Therm-a-Rest | X | X | X | X | X | X | https://www.thermarest.com/hammocks | China | ||
Tier Gear | X | DIY Supplies | http://www.tiergear.com.au | Australia | Tasmania, AU | |||||
Titanium Goat | X | DIY Supplies (Not much hammock camping gear here) | www.titaniumgoat.com | |||||||
Tree to Tree Trail Gear | X | X | X | X | X | X | http://www.tttrailgear.com | USA | ||
Trek Light Gear | X | X | X | X | X | X | www.treklightgear.com | Indonesia | ||
UK Hammocks | X | X | X | X | X | Custom Work | ukhammocks.co.uk | UK | ||
Ultralight Gear & Supply | X | X | DIY Supplies | http://www.hikelite0.com | USA | Out of business | ||||
UGQ Outdoor | X | X | X | X | X | X | Custom Work | https://ugqoutdoor.com | USA | Michigan |
UnderQuilts.com | X | DIY | http://underquilts.com | USA | SPAM / Out of business | |||||
VersaShelter | X | X | X | X | http://versashelter.com | USA | Out of business | |||
Warbonnet Outdoors | X | X | X | X | X | www.warbonnetoutdoors.com | USA | |||
White Mountain Hammocks | X | X | X | X | X | X | http://www.whtmtindsew.com/ | USA | Out of business | |
WhoopieSlings.com | X | X | X | X | X | X | Custom Work | www.whoopieslings.com | USA | |
Wilderness Logics | X | X | X | X | X | X | Custom Work, DIY Supplies | www.wildernesslogics.com | USA | Out of business |
Yucatan Hammocks | X | http://www.yucatanhammocks.net | Mexico | Alberta, CAN | ||||||
Yellow Leaf Hammocks | X | https://www.yellowleafhammocks.com | Mexico | |||||||
Yukon Outfitters | X | X | X | X | X | Mil-spec | http://www.yukon-outfitters.com | USA | Tennessee | |
Hobo Hammocks | X | |||||||||
Deckhand Manufacturing Hammocks | X | |||||||||
ZPacks | X | X | http://zpacks.com/ | USA |
LEGEND
Side Panels: The width of the extra strip of fabric on either side of the main hammock body.
Rope Length: The total length of the hammock, including the rope suspension.
EDIT 7/4/12: I own each one of these hammocks and the measurements are my own, not pulled from catalogues or websites, so what is listed here is a field measurement that may differ slightly from a manufacturer’s website. Also, I incorrectly listed the weight in pounds where it should be ounces (can you imagine a 23-pound hammock? Yikes!). Thanks to Ellis who brought this to my attention.
*Technically speaking, these hammocks are not made from parachute nylon (crinkle taffeta), but I added them here for my own convenience. The KAMMOK ROO is made from a proprietary diamond ripstop nylon. Anna’s Hammock is made from taslan. Its 100% nylon but spun so its has a softer feel than ripstop.
EDIT 11/26/12: I have completed a thorough hammock camping comparison database chart that includes all camping hammocks, tarps, insulation options, and suspension kits available.
Great chart, Derek! I’ve got a couple of versions of this in folders somewhere, but I can certainly delete them now as this is easily the most complete chart I’ve seen anywhere.
It confirms my findings that nobody is making a longer (11′) parachute hammock. I really think it would be a winner! 60-64″ wide and 11′ long for about a pound? I’d order it in a second.
Thanks for sharing this with the hammock community!
Thanks Curt, and you’re welcome. This chart has been a while in coming. I started it months ago but got tied up in projects. I’m going to add MSRP later today.
Did you forget the ENO Single? It is the DN without the wings 🙂
Peter
I didn’t forget it, I simply don’t have one 🙂 I only tested hammocks I own and the ENO Single hasn’t made my inbox yet. It’s on my list!
Cool chart. I would suggest adding the Grand Trunk Ultralight. I’m not sure of the weight as packaged (I guess I could Google it – I have changed up the suspension on mine), but it would be a good one to add to your chart. 🙂
I own the Grand Trunk Ultralight — it’s one of my favorites, but I left it off this list because I was trying to list and compare only parachute nylon hammocks (the ultralight is polyester). I may expand it to include all camping hammocks, but right now I want to keep it focused.
Have you made a homemade hammock? My husband was just made scoutmaster and his boys are just not excited about camping. I think the hammock camping is a wonderful idea and a great new skill they would love to learn. The problem for us is cost. I’d love to find some really good instructions for making these camping hammocks and see if we can make this a possibility.
Yes, I’ve made several hammocks. The basic design is easy: just get some fabric (ripstop nylon or polyester works best) that is 5×10 feet (1.5×3 m) in dimension. I roll-hem the long edges first and then sew channels in the ends. Triple-stitch the channel seams and you will be good for strength. You can also whip the ends of the hammock for a no-sew option.
I’m getting ready to post the instructions I drew up for our scout troop when we sewed our own zippered bug net hammocks. Stay tuned!
Literally started learning about hammock camping this week. Very interested if you ended up completing this project with your scouts. My wife hates bugs. Only chance I’ll get her out is if she has a good bug net.
There are several hammocks available that come with integrated bug netting with zippers, and even tarp flies. Check out Hennessy Hammock, Clark Jungle Hammock, DD Hammocks, and Lawson Hammock.
I am interested in purchasing, the same fabrics that Grand trunk is using on their hammocks (Parachute Nylon). I also would be interested in the lighter weight fabric. I believe you said it was polyester. Where can I purchase these materials to make my own hammock? Thanks for your info and caparisons, it’s great to find a community that appreciates hammocks.
Rie
Rie, getting polyester can be difficult, at least that’s what I’m finding. Nylon on the other hand is easy. It’s also known as crinkle taffeta nylon. You can pick some up from DIY Gear Supply and from Tablecloth Factory.
Derek,
I appreciate you timely response. Assuming that you have purchased materials for hammocks from these suppliers, is there one you prefer? Did their products meet your expectations for making a quality durable hammock? I.E. do their fabrics compare to what Grand Trunk might purchase? Thanks again for the links..
Rie
Derek,
Your readers might also be interested in this website I came across that I have used in the past. http://www.questoutfitters.com They also have a good selection of materials, for do it yourself projects.
Rie
Yup, that’s a great site. I’ve ordered materials from them before. Thanks!
Derek – quick question in terms of comfort and quality. I have narrowed my options down to Byer, Trek Light and Grand Trunk. Any words of wisdom?
All three of those options are equal in quality, but comfort is subjective. If you can, see if you can try one out. In my opinion, longer hammocks are more comfortable. I really like the new Grand Trunk pattern hammocks for that reason.
Hi Derek
Great blog and i agree with many of your comments as i supply ticket to the moon products in Thailand and the UK @ http://www.northernmonkeyleisure.com . Thanks for your time and charts as above are very usefull . Regards
Thanks Tony! Welcome to the ultimate hang!
Derek please tell me: Lenght of Your longest hammok??
I have one of Ticket to the Moon’s “Mammocks” that is about 20 ft (6 m) long. It is crazy! For my “normal” hammocks, 11 ft (3.3 m) is about as long as I have.
Hi Derek,
Do you recommend hammocks with bug nets built in or separate…or do you prefer not using a net?
I like them all, for different reasons and conditions. When I lived in Virginia, having an integrated but net was mandatory. Where I live now in northern Arizona, mosquitos are not much of a problem, so I rarely need a bug net for that, but I still like using a mosquito net on occasion.
A basic, open air hammock is the most versatile of all types available. You must measure your own goals and priorities when making the decision. Cost, weight, and bulk are all factors to consider too.
If I were forced under pain of death to choose a camping hammock, I’d probably pick one with a bug net attached because it is ready to go to the outdoors out of the box.
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Good list. I’ve found your website to be quite informative. The parachutes are nice for warmer weather but what about fall and spring camping and even winter camping? Will the parachutes hold up under those colder conditions?
Thanks Jimmy. Just like camping in tent when temperatures get cool, you’ve got to insulate in a hammock. A pad, sleeping bag, or quilt will keep you warm. I sleep in my hammock year-round and enjoy winter camping a lot. I’ve got a post in the works that describes some basics of winter hammock camping. My book also has a lot of details.
i can’t seem to find the 20 ft “mammock” you mentioned. Is is still possible to purchase one?
The Mammock is sold by Ticket to the Moon.
Great, I love this one, Have Fun
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Thank you for making this extensive chart! Can you tell me which one you think would be best for kids? A lot of teenagers around here have ENOs, but I don’t want to spend that much money. Most importantly, I want it to be safe. My 8 year old and 5 year old love these things.
The least expensive might be the Grand Trunk ultralight, but you could make one for even less. https://theultimatehang.com/2013/10/make-hammock-3-minutes/
Hi Derek, I must say I was looking for a site like this. Now I have a question: I am looking for a hammock. Mostly for a yacht (only me) or for a one day hike with my lady. I am not planning to do any survival in Patagonia, but I wouldn’t like it to be extra heavy as well. Honestly, are ENO, TTTM and GTG rather similar taking under consideration my goals?
Yes. Each of those brands will suffice for your needs. Another you might like is Therm-a-Rest. Their slacker single is comfy.
Which hammock did you like better? The Kammok or the Grand Trunk Double? They seem pretty comparable but I’m having a hard time deciding. Thanks
The KAMMOK has better fabric and larger dimensions. The overall build is better. But if you are cost conscious, the grand trunk will do fine.
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Thanks for putting this together Derek! Seriously such a great chart, does KAMMOK manufacturer their own rip stop nylon fabric?
What makes some fabrics so much better than the others?
You’re welcome. Yes, KAMMOK engineered and designed their own fabric. It’s great. Fabric is the core of a hammock and most people largely ignore it, I think in part because they don’t know what’s out there available to them.
What make some fabric better? That’s a loaded question because it can depend on what you want out of it. More comfort, more Breathability, more water resistance? There are a lot of options when you look.
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Oh, an awesome listing. You are really exceptional in this regard Derek. I am a hiking enthusiast and fond of hammock camping. Thanks for the detailed list and information.