Best Hammocks for Backpacking
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Quick answer: The Warbonnet Blackbird XLC is the best hammock for backpacking for most people: flat asymmetric lay, footbox, integrated bug net and a proven track record. Want a modular, lighter setup? Pick the Dutchware Chameleon. Side sleepers should consider the Warbonnet Ridgerunner bridge hammock, and if you want an easy all-in-one you can buy on Amazon, look at the Hennessy Hyperlite Asym Zip, ENO SubLink or Kammok Mantis.
The best hammocks for backpacking give you a flat, comfortable lay, keep bugs out, and pack light enough to carry for days. That rules out a lot of the cheap parachute-nylon hammocks built for lounging. Below we compare the backpacking hammocks that come up again and again in owner reports and long-trail kits, from cottage asymmetric designs to off-the-shelf all-in-one systems.
Remember that the hammock is only part of your sleep system. You will also need an underquilt, a hammock top quilt, a tarp and suspension. Our hammock gear checklist lists everything.
Best backpacking hammocks compared
| Hammock | Type | Bug net | Approx. weight (hammock + net) | Price tier | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Warbonnet Blackbird XLC | Asymmetric gathered-end | Integrated, zip | ~1.5-2 lb | $$ | Best overall |
| Dutchware Chameleon | Asymmetric, modular | Zip-on module | ~1-1.5 lb | $$ | Modular/ultralight |
| Warbonnet Ridgerunner | Bridge | Integrated | ~2-2.5 lb | $$ | Side sleepers |
| Hennessy Hyperlite Asym Zip | Asymmetric, all-in-one | Integrated | ~2 lb incl. fly | $$ | Complete system out of the box |
| ENO SubLink Hammock System | Gathered-end, ultralight | Sold separately | ~1 lb hammock + suspension | $-$$ | Budget ultralight |
| Kammok Mantis | All-in-one (hammock, net, tarp) | Integrated | ~2.5-3 lb total | $$-$$$ | One-purchase setup, can pitch as a ground bivy |
Weights depend on fabric, options and which suspension and tarp you include. Cottage makers in particular offer many fabric weights, so treat these as rough ranges and check the current listing.
How we chose these hammocks
We research rather than lab-test. For each hammock we looked at published dimensions and weights, fabric and weight capacity, bug protection, how the suspension works, and, most importantly, what long-term owners report about the lay: whether you can get flat without calf ridge or shoulder squeeze. We favored designs that have been around long enough to build a solid reputation, and we left out lounging hammocks that are too short or too stretchy for real overnight use. Prices and specs here are approximate.
The best hammocks for backpacking
Best overall
Warbonnet Blackbird XLC
- Length
- ~11 ft, asymmetric with footbox
- Weight
- ~1.5-2 lb depending on fabric
- Price tier
- $$
- Best for
- Backpackers who want a proven, flat-lying hammock with built-in bug net
The Blackbird XLC is the longer, roomier evolution of a design that has been a hammock-forum favorite for years. Its asymmetric cut and footbox let you lie flatter than in a standard gathered-end hammock, and a built-in shelf holds gear. The integrated bug net zips open and can be stowed, and the structural ridgeline sets the sag consistently every time. Owners consistently describe it as one of the most comfortable gathered-end hammocks available.
Pros
- Very flat, comfortable lay
- Footbox and gear shelf are genuinely useful
- Integrated bug net
Cons
- Heavier than minimalist hammocks
- Best paired with Warbonnet-specific underquilts
Best modular / ultralight
Dutchware Chameleon
- Length
- ~10.5-11 ft, asymmetric
- Weight
- ~1-1.5 lb depending on fabric and modules
- Price tier
- $$
- Best for
- Hikers who want to swap bug net, top cover and fabric by season
The Chameleon is built around zip-on modules: add a bug net in summer, swap to a top cover in winter, or run it open on cool, bug-free nights. You can choose fabrics to balance weight and durability. That flexibility lets one hammock cover four seasons, and it is popular with ultralight hikers who tune their kit trip by trip.
Pros
- Truly modular for year-round use
- Light fabric options
- Asymmetric lay
Cons
- Configuring options takes some research
- Modules add cost
Best bridge hammock
Warbonnet Ridgerunner
- Type
- Bridge hammock with spreader bars
- Weight
- ~2-2.5 lb with net
- Price tier
- $$
- Best for
- Side sleepers and people who dislike the banana shape
The Ridgerunner uses short spreader bars to create a flatter, bed-like lay that suits side sleepers. It needs a little more care when hanging and is heavier than the Blackbird, but many people who could never sleep well in a gathered-end hammock report sleeping soundly here. Warbonnet's Wooki underquilt is designed to fit it.
Pros
- Flatter, side-sleeper-friendly lay
- Integrated bug net
Cons
- Heavier, more complex pitch
- Generic underquilts fit poorly
Best all-in-one classic
Hennessy Hyperlite Asym Zip
- Type
- Asymmetric hammock with integrated net and included rainfly
- Weight
- ~2 lb including fly (approx.)
- Price tier
- $$
- Best for
- Buyers who want everything in one box
Hennessy has been making asymmetric camping hammocks longer than almost anyone, and the Hyperlite Asym Zip is its lighter backpacking model. It arrives with the hammock, bug net, ridgeline, a fitted asymmetric fly and tree straps, so you can hang it the day it arrives. The included fly is small, though, and many owners upgrade to a larger tarp for storms.
Pros
- Complete system, no piecing together
- Long, proven design history
- Widely available, including on Amazon
Cons
- Stock fly is small for bad weather
- Shorter than some modern asymmetric hammocks; tall users should check sizing
Best budget ultralight
ENO SubLink Hammock System
- Type
- Gathered-end with integrated suspension and ridgeline
- Weight
- ~1 lb (hammock and suspension)
- Price tier
- $-$$
- Best for
- Light, simple setups and first-time hangers
The SubLink is ENO's lightweight backpacking hammock, with a built-in structural ridgeline and integrated suspension so setup is fast and the sag is consistent. It is a big step up from ENO's lounging DoubleNest for overnight use, while staying affordable. You will need to add a bug net, tarp and insulation separately; ENO sells matching pieces.
Pros
- Light and simple
- Ridgeline and suspension included
- Easy to find at retail and online
Cons
- No built-in bug net
- Not as flat as asymmetric designs
Most versatile all-in-one
Kammok Mantis
- Type
- All-in-one: hammock, bug net, tarp and suspension
- Weight
- ~2.5-3 lb total system
- Price tier
- $$-$$$
- Best for
- Hikers who want one purchase and the option to pitch on the ground
The Mantis bundles a hammock, integrated net, rainfly and suspension, and it can be pitched as a ground shelter when there are no trees, which is a real advantage on mixed terrain. It is heavier than a piece-by-piece ultralight setup but saves the research and compatibility guesswork. Kammok also makes a lighter variant; check current models before buying.
Pros
- Complete system with a full-coverage tarp
- Ground-pitch option above treeline
Cons
- Heavier than modular setups
- Less flat lay than the Blackbird XLC
How to choose a backpacking hammock
Length and width decide comfort
Overnight comfort comes from lying on a diagonal, which flattens the hammock. That needs length: around 10-11 ft for most adults, and closer to 11 ft if you are tall. Width of roughly 55-62 inches helps too. Short lounging hammocks are why many people decide "hammocks aren't for me". If you are new, read hammock camping for beginners first.
Gathered-end, asymmetric or bridge?
- Standard gathered-end: lightest and simplest, works with almost any underquilt.
- Asymmetric: cut to encourage a flatter diagonal lay; often includes a footbox. Some need specific underquilts.
- Bridge: flattest lay and good for side sleepers, but heavier and more complex.
Our gathered-end vs bridge hammock comparison goes deeper.
Weight capacity and fabric
Ultralight fabrics save ounces but have lower weight limits and stretch more. If you are a larger person, choose a heavier fabric and check the rated capacity with some margin. Stretchier fabrics also change the lay over the night.
Bug protection
Integrated nets are the simplest and most bug-proof. Zip-on modules (Chameleon) or separate nets give flexibility for cold seasons. Either way, in most US forests you will want one from spring through fall.
Total system weight
A complete hammock system (hammock, net, suspension, tarp, top quilt and underquilt) often weighs about the same as a light one-person tent with a sleeping bag and pad. If shaving ounces is the goal, our ultralight hammock setup guide shows where weight actually goes.
Buy now or build later?
If you are unsure whether hammock camping suits you, an all-in-one system or the SubLink is a low-risk start. If you already know you love it, a cottage asymmetric hammock plus a separately chosen tarp and insulation almost always ends up lighter and more comfortable, and each piece can be upgraded on its own.
Suspension, tarp and accessories
Most backpacking hammocks ship with some form of suspension, but it is worth understanding what you have. Tree straps at least 1 inch wide protect bark and are required in many parks under Leave No Trace guidelines. Whoopie slings and continuous loops paired with a toggle or buckle are the lightest adjustable systems; cinch buckles and daisy-chain straps are heavier but simpler for beginners. Whichever you use, practice at home until you can hang at the right sag in a couple of minutes.
The tarp is the other big decision. All-in-one systems like the Hennessy and Mantis include one, but asymmetric and diamond flys are small. For exposed sites and long trips, a hex or rectangular tarp of about 10-11 ft along the ridgeline gives far better storm coverage and lets you pitch the edges low against wind, which also keeps your underquilt warmer. In winter, consider a tarp with doors and a top cover or hammock sock to trap warm air.
Useful extras include a structural ridgeline organizer for headlamp and phone, a drip line on each suspension so rain does not wick into the hammock, and a small stuff sack or snakeskins for fast packing.
Who should not choose a hammock
Hammocks are not ideal everywhere. Above treeline, in deserts, and in sparse scrub you may simply not find two suitable anchor points about 12-16 ft apart, which is why ground-pitchable systems like the Mantis exist. Some people never sleep well suspended, especially strict stomach sleepers. And in deep cold, keeping a hammock warm takes more insulation than a tent on a good pad. If any of that describes your trips, a tent with a backpacking quilt may serve you better.
Insulation: the part most people forget
Every hammock above will be cold below about 65-70°F without insulation underneath. Budget for an underquilt (see best underquilts) or at least a pad, plus a top quilt with a footbox. Our hammock insulation guide explains how to size both.
Hang height and sag matter as much as the hammock. Aim for a suspension angle around 30 degrees and use a structural ridgeline if your hammock lacks one; you will get the same lay every night.
Some links on this page are affiliate links. Cottage hammocks from Warbonnet and Dutchware are linked straight to the makers. Specs and prices change, so verify before you buy.
Frequently asked questions
What length hammock is best for backpacking?
For a flat, diagonal lay, most adults are happiest in a gathered-end hammock about 10-11 ft long. Shorter 9 ft hammocks are fine for lounging but often feel cramped overnight, especially if you are over about 5'10".
Is a hammock lighter than a tent?
Not always. Once you add a tarp, suspension, bug protection and an underquilt, a hammock system often weighs about the same as a lightweight one-person tent. The appeal is comfort and site flexibility rather than big weight savings.
Do I need a bug net on my hammock?
In most of the US from spring through fall, yes. Choose a hammock with an integrated or zip-on net, or add a separate net. Check the hammock gear checklist for the full kit.
Are bridge hammocks better than gathered-end hammocks?
Bridge hammocks lie flatter and suit side sleepers, but they are usually heavier and need more precise hanging. Gathered-end hammocks are simpler and lighter. See gathered-end vs bridge hammock.