Parachute Nylon Hammock Comparison Chart

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.

ManufacturerHammocksTarpsBug NettingSuspension SystemsInsulationOther Hamock-Related Gear?NotesWebsiteMade InLocation
2Q & ZQ Hammock SpecialtiesXXHammock Zipper Mods and accessorieswww.2qzqhammockhanger.comUSA
Anna’s HammocksXhttp://www.annashammocks.com/USAGrand Rapids, MI
Appalachian HammockXXHand-craftedhttp://appalachianhammock.com/USAOut of business
Alpine HammockXXXXOut of business
Amok EqujipmentXXXXX90° hammockhttps://www.amokequipment.comNorway
Arrowhead EquipmentXXXXXXDIY Supplies and Custom Workhttp://www.arrowhead-equipment.comUSAID
Backwoods DaydreamerXMOVED – See “DIY Gear Supply”backwoodsdaydreamer.webs.comUSAOut of business
Bakpocket HammocksXhttp://bakpocket-paks.com/hammocks/Out of business
Bear GryllsXXXXhttp://www.beargryllsstore.comChinaOut of business
Behold Bungee HammocksXXDouble sided, elastic suspensionhttps://www.beholdbungeehammocks.comUSA
Bear Butt HammocksXXhttps://www.bearbuttteam.com
Black Rock GearXhttp://www.blackrockgear.comUSA
Butts In A Sling Hammock GearXXDIY Supplieshttp://www.buttinasling.com/USAOut of business
Byer of Maine HammocksXXXXwww.byerofmaine.comChina
Clark Jungle HammocksXXXXXwww.junglehammock.comUSA
Claytor Mosquito HammocksXXXwww.mosquitohammock.comUSA
Crazy CreekXXXwww.crazycreek.com
DD HammocksXXXXXXwww.ddhammocks.comUKUK
DIY Gear SupplyXDIY Supplieswww.diygearsupply.comUSA
DP Hammock GearXXXXXhttp://www.dplightweightbackpackinggear.comOut of business
Dream HammockXXXXXXCustom Workhttp://www.dream-hammock.com/USA
DutchWareXXDIY Supplieshttp://dutchware.outdoortrailgear.comUSA
Eagles Nest Outfitters (ENO)XXXXXXwww.eaglesnestoutfittersinc.comIndonesia
Elevated MovementXX100% Recycledhttp://www.theelevatedmovement.comUSAOut of business
Enlightened EquipmentXXXXCuben Fiber Quiltshttp://www.enlightenedequipment.comUSA
Exped (Expedition Equipment)XXXXX2011 Gold Winner Outdoor Showwww.exped.comChina
ExtremtextilXDIY Supplies with exotic fabricshttp://www.extremtextil.de
Gargoyle GearXXDIY Supplies and Custom Workwww.gargoylegear.webs.comOut of business
GossamergearXXDIY Suppliesgossamergear.comUSA
Grand TrunkXXXXXXwww.grandtrunkgoods.comChina
Green Armadillo GearXXXXhttp://www.greenarmadillogear.com/index.htmlIndonesiaOut of business
Haiku Hammock SwingsXXXhttp://www.e-hammockswings.com
Hamacas TainoXXhttp://www.hamacastaino.comOut of business
HammeckXXhttp://www.hammeck.comUSAOut of business
Hammock BlissXXXXXwww.hammockbliss.comIndonesia
Hammocks RADAXXXWoven Mayan hammockshttp://mayans.com/index.php?Mexico
Hammock Gear.comXXXXXDIY Supplies and Custom Workwww.hammockgear.comUSA
Handy HammockXhttp://www.handyhammock.co.ukUKOut of business
Harmony HammocksXXRetailershttp://www.harmonyhammocks.com/?CanadaVancouver, Canada
Helsdon Outdoors (Eureka!)XXXXRetailed by Eureka! Canadahttp://helsdonoutdoors.com/ProductsCanadaOut of business
Hennessy HammocksXXXXXXwww.hennessyhammocks.comChinaCanada
Hippie HammocksXXXDIY dyable hammock blankshttp://www.hippiehammocks.comUSAOut of business
Hyperlite Mountain GearXwww.hyperlitemountaingear.comUSA
Infinity OutdoorsXXXDIY Supplieshttp://www.infinityoutfitter.comUSAOut of business
Jacks ‘R’ BetterXXXXXXDIY Supplieswww.jacksrbetter.comUSA
KAMMOKXXXXXXwww.kammok.comChinaTexas
Kampin GearXXhttps://www.kampingear.comChina
Lawson HammockXXXXwww.lawsonhammock.comChina
Little River, Co.XXhttps://little-river-co-2.myshopify.com
Leigh Lo Under QuiltsXleighlounderquilts.webs.comUSAOut of business
MadTree HammocksXXIntegrated hammock and insulationhttp://www.madtree.fi/index.htmlFinlandOut of business
Michigan Gear HammocksXXhttp://www.etsy.com/shop/MichiganGearHammocksUSAMichigan
Mission HammocksXXWoven hammockshttps://www.missionhammocks.comMexicoPennsylvania
Minorswing HammocksXXhttp://www.minorswing.roRomaniaBucharest, Romania
Molly Mac Pack GearXXhttp://www.mollymacpack.com/USA
Mountain Laurel DesignsXXXXCustom Workwww.mountainlaureldesigns.comUSA
MountainGoat GearXhttp://www.mountaingoathatsandgoods.comOut of business
NOVICAXXHand wovenhttps://www.novica.com/hammock/Mexico
New Tribe—Tree Boat HammocksXXXXXXnewtribe.com
NK OutdoorsXXXnkoutdoorgear.webs.comOut of business
Northwoods Hammock CompanyXXXhttp://northwoodshammock.comUSAUnknown
Outdoor Equipment SupplierXXCustom Workwww.outdoorequipmentsupplier.comUSANew York
Outdoor Trail GearX(Not much hammock camping gear here)http://gear.outdoortrailgear.com
Outdoor Wilderness Fabrics, IncXDIY Supplieswww.owfinc.com
Oware Outdoor GearXXXXDIY Supplieshttp://www.owareusa.com/
Pak-it-LiteXXXXhttp://camphammocks.comUSA
Peapod HammocksXhttp://peapodhammocks.com
Planet HammockXXXwww.planethammock.nlIndonesiaOut of business
Quest OutfittersXDIY Supplieswww.questoutfitters.com
Redden Marine SupplyXXDIY Supplieswww.reddenmarine.comOut of business
RALLTXXhttps://www.rallt.com
Ripstop by the RollXXDIY Supplieshttp://ripstopbytheroll.comUSARaleigh, NC
Seaside HammocksXRetailerhttp://www.seasidehammocks.comUSA
SheltoweeXXXInsulated hammockshttps://shellhammocks.comUSAColorado
Navy HammockXXWoven rope commando ropeshttp://www.navyhammocks.comUSA
Sierra Madre ResearchXXXXXhttp://www.sierramadreresearch.comNicaraguaManagua, Nicaragua
Simply Light DesignXXXXhttp://simplylightdesigns.comUSA
Smart OutdoorsXXsmartoutdoors.webs.com
SoCo HammocksXXhttp://www.socohammocks.com/IndonesiaColorado
Southern Hammock CampingXhttp://www.southernhammockcamping.com/Out of business
Split Leaf DesignsXXhttp://www.splitleafdesigns.com/store/p16/Single_Person_Hammock.htmlUSAOut of business
Style Mexican HammocksXXXXAuthentic Mayanhttp://www.stylemexican.comMexicoMexico
Superior GearXXXXInsulated hammockshttps://superiorgear.com/USAMinnesota
Te-Wa Under QuiltsXhttp://www.tewaunderquilts.comUSAOut of business
Tenth Wonder (TW) HammocksXXXXXhttp://twhammocks.co.ukUK
Tingguian Tribe Outdoor Shop PHXhttps://www.facebook.com/pg/TingguianTribeHanger/Phillipeans
TentsileXXXXMulti-person Hammockhttp://www.tentsile.comUKLondon, UK
Terra Rosa GearXCustom Workhttp://www.terrarosagear.comAustralia
Thru-hikerXDIY Supplieswww.thru-hiker.com
Ticket-to-the-Moon HammocksXXXXwww.ticketothemoon.comIndonesia
Therm-a-RestXXXXXXhttps://www.thermarest.com/hammocksChina
Tier GearXDIY Supplieshttp://www.tiergear.com.auAustraliaTasmania, AU
Titanium GoatXDIY Supplies (Not much hammock camping gear here)www.titaniumgoat.com
Tree to Tree Trail GearXXXXXXhttp://www.tttrailgear.comUSA
Trek Light GearXXXXXXwww.treklightgear.comIndonesia
UK HammocksXXXXXCustom Workukhammocks.co.ukUK
Ultralight Gear & SupplyXXDIY Supplieshttp://www.hikelite0.comUSAOut of business
UGQ OutdoorXXXXXXCustom Workhttps://ugqoutdoor.comUSAMichigan
UnderQuilts.comXDIYhttp://underquilts.comUSASPAM / Out of business
VersaShelterXXXXhttp://versashelter.comUSAOut of business
Warbonnet OutdoorsXXXXXwww.warbonnetoutdoors.comUSA
White Mountain HammocksXXXXXXhttp://www.whtmtindsew.com/USAOut of business
WhoopieSlings.comXXXXXXCustom Workwww.whoopieslings.comUSA
Wilderness LogicsXXXXXXCustom Work, DIY Supplieswww.wildernesslogics.comUSAOut of business
Yucatan HammocksXhttp://www.yucatanhammocks.netMexicoAlberta, CAN
Yellow Leaf HammocksXhttps://www.yellowleafhammocks.comMexico
Yukon OutfittersXXXXXMil-spechttp://www.yukon-outfitters.comUSATennessee
Hobo HammocksX
Deckhand Manufacturing
Hammocks		X
ZPacksXXhttp://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.

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45 responses to “Parachute Nylon Hammock Comparison Chart”

  1. Curt Avatar
    Curt

    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!

    Reply
    1. Derek Avatar
      Derek

      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.

      Reply
  2. peter zulkowski Avatar
    peter zulkowski

    Did you forget the ENO Single? It is the DN without the wings 🙂

    Peter

    Reply
    1. Derek Avatar
      Derek

      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!

      Reply
  3. Christine Avatar
    Christine

    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. 🙂

    Reply
    1. Derek Avatar
      Derek

      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.

      Reply
  4. Gail Phillips-Waite Avatar
    Gail Phillips-Waite

    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.

    Reply
    1. Derek Avatar
      Derek

      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!

      Reply
      1. Casey Monsen Avatar
        Casey Monsen

        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.

        Reply
        1. Derek Avatar
          Derek

          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.

          Reply
  5. Rie Pittman Avatar
    Rie Pittman

    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

    Reply
    1. Derek Avatar
      Derek

      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.

      Reply
  6. Rie Pittman Avatar
    Rie Pittman

    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

    Reply
  7. Rie Pittman Avatar
    Rie Pittman

    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

    Reply
    1. Derek Avatar
      Derek

      Yup, that’s a great site. I’ve ordered materials from them before. Thanks!

      Reply
  8. Brad Avatar
    Brad

    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?

    Reply
    1. Derek Avatar
      Derek

      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.

      Reply
  9. Tony Moorhouse Avatar
    Tony Moorhouse

    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

    Reply
    1. Derek Avatar
      Derek

      Thanks Tony! Welcome to the ultimate hang!

      Reply
  10. bodzio Avatar
    bodzio

    Derek please tell me: Lenght of Your longest hammok??

    Reply
    1. Derek Avatar
      Derek

      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.

      Reply
  11. Kevin Avatar
    Kevin

    Hi Derek,
    Do you recommend hammocks with bug nets built in or separate…or do you prefer not using a net?

    Reply
    1. Derek Avatar
      Derek

      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.

      Reply
  12. ENO ProFly Review | The Ultimate Hang

    […] hammocks. Admittedly, the ProFly is designed to fit the ENO line of hammocks, which are some of the shortest on the market at only 101 in (256.5 […]

    Reply
  13. Hammock Bliss Gear Review | The Ultimate Hang

    […] I’m pleased that their products are competitive with regards to weight and pack size when compared with the other parachute hammock brands on the […]

    Reply
  14. Jimmy Avatar
    Jimmy

    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?

    Reply
    1. Derek Avatar
      Derek

      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.

      Reply
  15. Ryan Morgan Avatar
    Ryan Morgan

    i can’t seem to find the 20 ft “mammock” you mentioned. Is is still possible to purchase one?

    Reply
    1. Derek Avatar
      Derek

      The Mammock is sold by Ticket to the Moon.

      Reply
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