The Best Hammocks of 2024: Tested
No better time for hanging than the present. Free yourself from the constraints of gravity and set up your hammock off the trail or at camp, in your backyard or in your living room, and get busy lounging.Of course, the number of choices you have when it comes to selecting the perfect sling for you is surprisingly big. Hammocks range in size and materials and intended uses. There are lightweight rigs that disappear inside a pack and burlier setups designed to keep bugs and precip at bay. Some are at home at camp and others do a good impression of backyard furniture. Knowing exactly which one is best can be tricky.To make it easier, we sent each of the hammocks available at REI out to a dozen co-op member-testers for an old-fashioned throwdown. Our testers kicked their feet up across the country, evaluating each sling's comfort, packability, setup and breakdown, durability and features, relative to its intended use. Below, find their favorites for every type of tree swinger. It's time to hang.Test ResultsFor quick recommendations, check out the results of our round-robin here, or scroll down for in-depth reviews.Best All-Around Hammock & REI Co-op Editors' Choice Award Winner: ENO DoubleNestBest Hammock for Camping: Hennessy Hammock Expedition Asym ZipBest Hammock for Backpacking: Kammok Roo Single UltralightOther Top PerformersENO SingleNestENO SkyLiteKammock Mantis Ultralight All-in-One Hammock TentENO SuperNestSL Required accessories (not included): Straps like the ENO Atlas Hammock Suspension System ($29.95)Required accessories (not included): NoneRequired accessories (not included): Straps like the Kammok Python 10 Ultralight Hammock Straps ($39)Other Top PerformersRequired accessories (not included): Straps like the ENO Atlas Hammock Suspension System ($29.95)Required accessories (not included): Straps like the ENO Atlas Hammock Suspension System ($29.95)Required accessories (not included): NoneRequired accessories (not included): Straps like the ENO Apollo Suspension System ($49.95) or a stand like the ENO SoloPod XL ($349.95)Shop All HammocksBuying AdviceWhen choosing a hammock, consider the following factors.SizeHammocks don't vary a lot in length. The main thing to decide is if you want to be able to accommodate a second person or not. If you do, opt for a two-person hammock like the ENO DoubleNest. You can always hang solo in a double hammock (though the walls will be taller).UseIf you plan on backpacking with your hammock, consider a lightweight model like the Kammok Roo Single Ultralight (in mild weather) or the Kammok Mantis Ultralight All-in-One Hammock Tent (in spicier weather). If you plan on sleeping in your hammock, consider a tent hammock with bug net and rainfly.Any of these hammocks work great for lazy lounging, so if you're just looking for a recreational rig, price isn't a bad deciding factor.AccessoriesHammocks rarely come with anything more than the sling itself, and unfortunately, they're all but useless without straps. We've included a recommended suspension system for each model here that doesn't include one.Beyond the straps, there are a handful of extras you can try. Get a bug net if you plan on swinging in skeeter season or a rainfly if you plan on camping with your hammock. To that end, there are a whole bunch of accessories for overnighters like gear slings, organizers and underquilts.How to Choose and Use a HammockMethodologyWe sent 12 co-op member-testers into local parks, forests, remote wilds and, yes, their backyards to try out the best hammocks sold at REI. They hung out in the hardwoods on overnight fishing trips in Maine, defied gravity in Montana's Beartooth Range, went solo slinging in Wyoming's Wind River Range and snoozed in California's redwoods to zero in on the best hammock for every tree swinger. After testing each hammock in as many different configurations, uses and locations as possible, each tester graded every hammock lounged in on its comfort, packability, setup and breakdown, durability and features, relative to its intended use. We averaged those scores to give each hammock an overall grade out of 100.At the end of our test, the ENO DoubleNest, Hennessy Hammock Expedition Asym Zip and Kammok Roo Single Ultralight scored the best within their respective subcategories. The ENO SingleNest, ENO SkyLite, Kammok Mantis Ultralight All-in-One Hammock Tent, Kammok Sunda 2.0 Hammock Tent and ENO SuperNest SL each scored high in some—but not all—metrics. They are ideal options for specific users.Photography by Joel Hopkins.
