Let me tell you a secret.

The BEST sleep you will ever experience is sleeping on air.

But is this trending sleep system right for you?

Let us explain.

Have you ever been on a hammock?

Backpackers and campers have included hammocks as an alternative sleep system for years, but they have now taken it to a new level.

Hammock tents are no longer simply a camp luxury they are not an alternative. But is leaving the camping tent at home and hanging in the trees the right option for you?

Anyone who has ever slept in a hammock will attest to how comfortable they are, almost as if you are floating on air.

Let us help explain what tent hammocks are, what you need to look for when shopping for your own and even provide our choices for the best models available.

Best Hammock Tents on the Market Today

What is a Hammock Tent?

Everyone knows what a hammock is but what is a hammock tent? Well, not to be to overly simplify things but it is exactly what it sounds like – a traditional style hammock with incorporated accessories to provide additional protection from weather, bugs, temperature etc. while also offering increased warmth when needed.

Backpackers have been using hammocks for years, due mainly to their light weight and easy of set up but were limited to mild, sunny weather. Some where along the line users started erecting flies to provide additional protection and eventually flies, bug screens and insulation were added. The hammock tent was born.

What are the Advantages of a Hammock Tent?

Although one of the main draws to hammock camping was the reduced weight and ease of set up, that is only the beginning of possible advantages.

Weight Set Up Anywhere Fast & Easy Set up No Trace Camping Increased Comfort Greater Protection from the Elements Because they lack poles or stakes and are a fraction of the size when compared to regular tents hammock tents allow for a great reduction in overall weight. Of course, there is also a reduction in packed size as well. Tents require a wide open, level and debris free area for set up. Not so when using a hammock tent. All you need is a couple of trees close enough together and you are ready to go. Ridge line, side of the trail or off the beaten path ( & away from the crowds) With no poles, stakes or ground clearing involved setting your hammock tent can save a lot of time. Find two suitable trees, attach your suspension system and you are ready to go. Plus, you can set you the hammock tent the same way time after time for increased comfort. A growing number of users are reluctant to continue traditional camping due to environmental concerns. While it may not appear to damage the natural surroundings setting up a camp involves tramping delicate plant life, leaving a cleared area that can take seasons to fully recover. Hammock tents greatly reduce the tramping of ground cover and is you use web straps for suspension will not harm trees either. One of the biggest advantages of hammocks is the level of comfort you experience. Being off the hard ground allows for a more peaceful, comfortable rest than you have ever experienced before. You can also use the hammock as a daytime camp seat when you just want to get off your feet for a little bit. Although it may seem like sleeping in a hammock would leave you more exposed using a hammock tent actually provides increased protection. The tent /fly protects from rain, the netting against bugs and being off the ground lets you get off the wet or cold ground.

What are the Disadvantages?

Yes, nothing is 100% positive and that includes hammock tents. There are disadvantages and limitations but if you know what they are before hand you can plan accordingly.

Suitable Trees Required Limited Space Available Learning to sleep curve Far More Restrictive Inclement Weather Comfort Obviously you need 2 suitable trees in close proximity and of sufficient strength. While many parts of the country provide excellent conditions for hanging your hammock tent they are not suitable for open spaces such as the plains of the Mid West or deserts of the South West. Most hammock tents are single user designs, even those capable of holding 2 people attempting to go tandem will probably not work out very well. You also need to consider the fact that gear storage will not be possible either. When sleeping in a hammock there is a curve, literally. Once you are accustomed to this and learn how to set up your hammock tent with the optimum spacing your will soon be sleeping like an angel on a cloud. Until then there is a bit of a learning curve, which can only really be overcome through trial and error. Sleeping in a hammock is by its very nature more restrictive than laying flat in a wide-open tent. Although most users will quickly get used to this some, especially those who are claustrophobic, will find this difficult to overcome. If set up properly, and used with the proper accessories, a hammock can provide optimal 3 season camping. But, like with many pieces of equipment, there are limitations. Heavy rain or extreme wind can be overcome but it will take practice, and probably result in some wet, chilly night along the way.

What Features to Look For

Selecting the right hammock tent is the key to enjoying your time in the field. As with most camping equipment there are a wide range of accessories and features available.

Some are essential to getting the most out of your hammock tent, some are nice but not required and others are simply for marketing & provide little real advantage for the average user.

Here are some of the more popular features and accessories as well as when they are needed.

Rainfly Bug Net Suspension System Cold Weather System A hammock tent already incorporates a built-in shelter but that may not be enough in every situation. Just like when you use a tent you will want to add a separate fly for best protection from sun and rain. Not all hammock tents incorporate a bug net and not all users will need one, but if you camp in areas with buzzing camp invaders this should be at the top of you “must have” list. If you select a model without netting it can be added but this will increase weight and set up time. The ideal suspension system is nothing more than two web straps and a couple carabiners but not all systems are created equal. Straps that are too narrow will reduce weight capacity and are likely to slip. Cheap carabiners may open unexpectedly or fail under tension. You should look for straps 2 or more inches wide and carabiners that lock closed. Some hammock tents do not include a suspension system and will require you purchase or put together your own separately. Most hammock tents are constructed of light weight (thin) materials that offer little insulation against the cold. Even during late spring or early fall additional protection may be needed during the evening or overnight. A quality cold weather system will provide increased insulation and is a must have in all but the height of summer.

Our Top Selections

So, now that you know what a hammock tent is, the available accessories and their advantages it is time to see what the perfect one looks like. Below are some of the most popular models available.\

Clark NX-270 Four Season Camping Hammock – Best All Weather

The Clark NX-270 offers something few hammock tents are capable of – true four-season camping. Whether climbing the winter peaks or exploring the swamps of Florida this hammock tent will provide you a perfect resting place. During cold weather the pocket system allows for easy addition of the insulation pads, close the WeatherShield cover and snuggle in for a warm winter nap.

When the temperature climbs fold down the cover and the No-See-Um bug netting keeps you safe from late night buzzing visitors. Furthermore, it includes some of the most versatile and innovative design features on the market.

When not used for insulation then 6 underside pockets provide perfect storage for boots, extra clothing or similar gear while two inside pockets allow you keep your phone, flashlight or valuables close at hand.

Flexible exterior fly poles allow for maximum roominess and along with the 300lb weight capacity allow for use by larger campers.

PROS Built in weather shield and bug netting allow for use without need for additional accessories.

Ability to add insulation allows for extended use during colder temperatures.

Plenty of storage allows for safe keeping of smaller gear items.

Larger size and weight limit makes it a good choice for larger users or those who do like confined spaces. CONS Exterior poles, necessary for use of weather shield & bug net, does require additional set up time and experience.

Silk like material is not as durable as you might want and not the most suitable for extreme use.

Despite larger size length does not comfortably accommodate taller users.

Lawson Blue Ridge Camping Hammock – Most Versatile Hammock Tent

Where most hammock tents are a sometimes-awkward combination of sling hammock with built in weather fly the Lawson Blue Ridge is a unique hybrid. The patented design dual tent/ hammock tent use and provides a flatter, more natural sleeping experience.

When used as a tent you get a small, single user backpack style tent.When used as a hammock tent the combination of suspension system & spreader bars provides a flatter, natural sleeping surface perfect for those who dislike the curve of a traditional hammock.

The attached rainfly and bug netting also include some design features that increase both comfort and ease of use. The incorporated arch poles not only provide a roomie, wide open feel but eliminate the need for additional anchor points necessary when these accessories are installed separately.

PROS Vaulted design provides a roomie, open sleep area

Flatter surface allows for more natural sleeping experience

Including hammock, rainfly and netting in one there is no need to purchase or set up separate components.

Can be used as a tent as well. CONS The spreader bars and arch poles increase overall weight to almost 4 lbs.

Hook and loop attachments do not always hold tarp as securely as needed.

Flat design increases the chances of tipping during the night or while entering/exiting.

Hennessy Hammock Expedition Series – Best All Around

Are you looking for a light weight camping or survival shelter? Are you thinking a hammock tent might be the solution? If so, the Hennessy Hammock Expedition Series should be at the top of your list.

The Hennessy Expedition Series is a complete, engineered shelter system in one package, for one price. You will receive a top of the line hammock constructed of tightly woven, durable fabric with both a detachable rainfly and bug net and all the necessary components for a hassle-free suspension system including support ropes, ridge line and web straps.

The hammock is rated for 250 lbs and support lines are all rated at least 6x stronger. Additional features that help take this to the next level include mesh gear pockets, ridgeline storage, glove hooks, carabiner loops and two points of entry (bottom or side).

PROS Asymmetric design provides for increased comfort without need for footbox.

Bug netting protects when needed but can be easily folded out of the way when not needed for unobstructed view.

Packed weight of 2 lbs. 13 oz. makes it excellent choice for trail or camp.

Large rainfly can be tilted, rolled down or even used separately for maximum versatility. CONS Does not include any insulation, although it can be added via sleep pad. This reduced ability to use in dropping temperatures.

Additional lines/stakes may be necessary if using fly during high winds.

Included cinch sack is small and repacking can be difficult as well as time consuming.

Grand Trunk Skeeter Beeter Pro – Best Budget Pick

Everyone has their own demands when it comes to getting the most from their camping experience. If you camp in an area also enjoyed by buzzing, biting, flying insects one of those demands is protection from pesky visitors.

Unfortunately, many of the bug proof hammock tents on the market fall short by either failing to keep bugs out or by achieving that protection with a confining, uncomfortable sleeping experience. Not the Skeeter Beeter Pro. As the name suggests bug protection was a top goal but so was comfort.

The no-se-um netting and two-way zipper provides protection from even the smallest, most determined insect and the multiple exterior tie out points keep that netting from smothering you in your sleep. Plus, at 10’6” x 5’ with a capacity of 400 lbs. it is larger and roomier than most hammock tents.

As complicated at this may sound it is shipped ready to hang with all the necessary carabiners, starter rope kit and separate net suspension kit included.

PROS No bugs allowed. This hammock tent is built to specifically keep bugs at bay.

Included hanging kit allows for easy, out of the box use.

Nautical grade carabiners and triple-stitched parachute nylon provides for a secure, light weight experience.

2 year manufacturer warranty CONS Increased weight capacity is good for heavier users, but length is a bit tight for taller ones.

Storage pockets are not very useful and difficult to reach.

Suspension system includes nylon ropes rather than web straps.

Conclusion

There you have it – the down and dirty, the good and bad when it comes to switching to and using a hammock tent, what you need to look for when selecting one and even our selection of the best of the best.

Whether you are looking for a hammock tent you can use during all 4 seasons, that is light weight and easy to pack or designed to protect you from anything that flies, buzzes or bites they are each represented here.

Hammock tent camping is more than a fad, it is a viable and comfortable alternative to traditional ground camping – but we even provided you with an option that doubles as a tent as well.

Select one of our favorites or use our guide to find your own perfect hammock tent, either way you need to seriously consider ditching the traditional tent and hanging a hammock on your next trip!

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