Disclosure: Some links on TrailCraft are affiliate links. If you buy through them, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Our reviews are always our own honest opinion — no one pays to get ranked. Learn more.

Buyer's Guide

How to Choose a Camping Hammock

Six questions that narrow down the right hammock — body style, bug net, suspension, insulation, weight, and budget.

Written by William • Updated July 2026 • 7 min read

Hammock selection comes down to six variables, and getting them in the right order produces a cleaner decision than starting with brand comparisons.

  1. 1

    Body style

    Gathered-end hammocks (ENO, Kammock) are the classic, widely available style with a simple diagonal lay. Bridge or asymmetric hammocks (Warbonnet Blackbird) use structural elements to enable flatter, side-sleeping-friendly positions at the cost of more complex setup.

    Gathered-End vs Bridge HammocksBody styles compared in depth
    Read Guide →
  2. 2

    Bug protection

    Integrated bug nets (Kammock Roo, Hennessy Expedition) mean one less thing to rig and no gaps. Separate or no bug net setups save weight for hikers in low-insect conditions or already carrying a compatible net.

    Bug Net Styles ExplainedIntegrated vs separate netting
    Read Guide →
  3. 3

    Suspension

    Some hammocks include tree-friendly webbing straps in the kit; others sell the hammock body only, requiring you to buy compatible suspension separately. Factor this into total cost and weight, not just the listed hammock price.

  4. 4

    Insulation needs

    A hammock alone provides no insulation from below — cold air moves freely underneath your back. For anything below about 60°F, an underquilt or a sleeping pad inside the hammock becomes necessary, not optional.

    Underquilt vs Sleeping PadWhich insulation method to choose
    Read Guide →
  5. 5

    Weight budget

    Ultralight hammock bodies alone can be under 6oz; complete kits with straps, bug net, and tarp commonly run 24-32oz all together. Decide whether you're weighing the body alone or the full system before comparing numbers across brands.

  6. 6

    Budget

    Budget complete kits run $35-65 (Bear Butt, Serac, Yukon Discovery). Mid-range integrated systems run $130-180 (Hummingbird Single+, Hennessy Expedition). Premium and specialty designs run $160-220+ (Warbonnet Blackbird XLC, Lawson Blue Ridge).

Quick Recommendation by Use Case

Use CaseRecommendationPrice
Best all-around complete kitKammock Roo Single+$139
Best valueENO DoubleNest$70
Best for side sleepersWarbonnet Blackbird XLC$220
Lightest testedHummingbird Single+$135
Best flat-lay hybridLawson Hammock Blue Ridge$220
Best rock-bottom budgetBear Butt Double Hammock$36

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a bug net for hammock camping?
It depends heavily on season and location — for spring through fall in most of North America, yes. For cold-weather trips with no insect activity, many hikers skip it or remove a zip-off net to save weight.
Is hammock camping colder than tent camping?
Air moving underneath an unsupported hammock pulls heat away from your body faster than a sleeping pad on the ground does, so hammock camping without an underquilt can feel colder at the same temperature than tent camping with a good pad.
What's the single most important spec to check?
Whether suspension and a bug net are included or sold separately — the listed hammock price can be misleading if you need to add $40-60 in accessories to have a complete usable setup.
How much should I spend on a first hammock?
$40-70 is a reasonable starting budget for a first hammock to determine whether the sleeping style suits you, before investing in a premium integrated system.