The 8 Best Hammocks of 2024, Tested and Reviewed

For backpacking, backyard lounging, and all types of outdoor relaxation, check out the best hammocks.

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A person lies in a blue Wise Owl Camping hammock

Travel + Leisure / Jodi Espinosa

The best hammocks are perfectly portable ways to ensure you always have a place to kick back and relax. We tested over 21 hammocks and found lightweight favorites for camping, the comfiest loungers to add to your backyard, the best buys fit for two, and much more.

There are many great hammock options out there. Some can be hung in a handful of minutes using straps and sturdy trees, while standalone hammocks may require a separate frame purchase. To choose the perfect one for you, consider factors like weight limits, weather resistance, and how easy the hammocks are to set up and pack away. We’ve included the rundown on each winner below.

Best Overall

Kootek Camping Hammock

Kootek Camping Hammock

Amazon

Our Ratings
  • Ease of Use
    5/5
  • Comfort
    4/5
  • Quality
    5/5
  • Value
    5/5
Why We Love It
  • This versatile hammock is comfortable and easy to slip into carry-ons or backpacks.

What to Consider
  • The nylon material can feel a bit stuffy on very hot days.

Number one on our list is the straightforward Kootek Camping Hammock. Weighing less than a pound and coming with a thin drawstring stuff sack, this hammock is one of the easiest out there for packing into hiking bags or carry-on suitcases. Setup was just as hassle-free as packing thanks to adjustable straps and simple carabiner attachments that allow you to hang it from a wide range of tree sizes without causing damage. During our testing, outdoor enthusiasts with a range of different body shapes and sizes found it comfortable to lounge in the Kootek, which can hold an impressive 500 pounds. We love that a storage bag is attached to the side of a hammock so we could use it as a pocket while lounging and didn’t have to worry about misplacing anything. Also used in parachutes, the durable nylon material is resistant to dirt and tearing, though we did wish it was a bit more breathable on particularly hot days. On top of everything else, this easy-to-use hammock comes in 17 colors ranging from olive green to fuchsia — and at a competitive price to boot.

The Details: Nylon, parachute material | 118.1 x 78.7 inches | 1.8 pounds | 500-pound weight limit

Best Overall, Runner-up

Wise Owl Outfitters Camping Hammock

Wise Owl Outfitters Camping Hammock with Tree Straps

Amazon

Our Ratings
  • Ease of Use
    5/5
  • Comfort
    5/5
  • Quality
    5/5
  • Value
    5/5
Why We Love It
  • The durable material is tough enough for all of your outdoor adventures.

What to Consider
  • It’s similar to our best overall winner, but comes at a higher price and lower weight limit.

Weighing only 24 ounces, this packable hammock folds down to the size of an eggplant and can be easily slipped into a backpack or duffle bag. The single hammock stretches 9 feet long, giving ample room to stretch, and is composed of 210 threads of rip-resistant nylon. It comes with all the straps and hooks you need to hang it in just a handful of minutes, and we were surprised by how supportive it felt given its light weight. We also loved that it was easy to get in and out of and comes with a storage bag that doubles as a pocket when in use. A variety of fresh and bright colors are available.

The Details: Nylon | 120 x 78 inches | 1.5 pounds | 400-pound weight limit

Most Comfortable

Yellow Leaf Handwoven Hammock

Yellow Leaf Handwoven Hammock

Amazon

Our Ratings
  • Ease of Use
    5/5
  • Comfort
    4/5
  • Quality
    5/5
  • Value
    5/5
Why We Love It
  • It comfortably fits two people.

What to Consider
  • Straps are not included with the hammock.

If you’re looking for a hammock that reminds you of the soft feel of Egyptian cotton and fresh linen, this Yellow Leaf hammock is a must. We love that the delicate yarn it’s sewn with is strong enough to support the weight of two people and avoids any wobbling. Once it was set up, the breathable build allowed us to take advantage of breezy weather. In addition to being super soft, the material is resistant to mold and mildew, and the delicate strands won’t fade in the sun. However, we do wish straps were included with this hammock. If you don’t already have a pair to go along with this lightweight pick, we suggest MalloMe’s extra-large set to give you plenty of hanging options.

The Details: Acrylic | 108 x 72 inches | 1.8 pounds | 400-pound weight limit

Best Freestanding

Vivere Double Sunbrella Hammock

Vivere Double Sunbrella Hammock

Amazon

Our Ratings
  • Ease of Use
    5/5
  • Comfort
    3/5
  • Quality
    5/5
  • Value
    5/5
Why We Love It
  • The heavy-duty stand is easy to assemble and durable.

What to Consider
  • It’s better as a backyard fixture than something to take on the road.

Beautiful in a minimalist way, this hammock is perfect for backyards and outdoor vacations. We were able to assemble the heavy-duty steel stand in minutes, and it supports up to 450 pounds. A blend of cotton and polyester creates the perfect combination for comfortable coolness and weather- and fade-resistance. The Sunbrella material — which is available in a multitude of colors — makes us confident the stylish look will last. Although it does come with a convenient storage bag and was super easy for us to disassemble, this hammock is a bit too hefty if you’re packing light.

The Details: Fabric | 94 x 63 inches | 450-pound weight limit

Best At-home

Original Pawleys Island DuraCord Rope Hammock

Original Pawley’s Island Large Meadow DuraCord Rope Hammock

 Amazon

Our Ratings
  • Ease of Use
    5/5
  • Comfort
    4.5/5
  • Quality
    5/5
  • Value
    4/5
Why We Love It
  • It has a classic look and comfortable, durable feel.

What to Consider
  • It needs to be pulled very tightly to avoid sinking, and it doesn’t come with a stand.

The Pawleys Island Hammock has a classic rope design that’s perfect for enjoying the breeze in the comfort of your own yard. It checked all the boxes for us during testing, with a supportive feel, roomy size, and high-quality materials that we expect to last for the long run. Duracorde rope ensures minimal stretching and the comfort of cotton with the strength of polyester, and the spreader bar is made of real oak. Keep in mind that you need at least 13 feet for it to be properly stretched out, and you’ll have to buy a hammock stand separately.

The Details: Duracord | 156 x 55 inches | 450-pound weight limit

Best Chair-style

Y- STOP Hammock Chair Hanging

Y-Stop Chair Hammock

Amazon

Our Ratings
  • Ease of Use
    4.5/5
  • Comfort
    4.5/5
  • Quality
    5/5
  • Value
    5/5
Why We Love It
  • The minimalist design makes it perfect for small spaces.

What to Consider
  • You need to find a sturdy branch or another reliable base to hang it from.

If gently rocking in an upright position is more of your outdoor-sitting style, you’ll love the Y-stop Chair Hammock. Once we found a sturdy tree branch at our local park, it only took seconds to hang the seat up by its S hook. Anti-slip grooves on each side ensure maximum stability, while side pockets serve as perfect resting spots for electronic accessories, snacks, water bottles, or books. The quality of all the materials impressed us, and we loved how easy it was to move with the included carrying case.

The Details: Polyester, cotton | 53 x 38 inches | 3.5 pounds | 500-pound weight limit

Best for Backpacking

Hennessy Hammock Expedition Asym Zip Hammock

Hennessy Hammock Expedition Asym Zip Hammock

REI

Our Ratings
  • Ease of Use
    4/5
  • Comfort
    5/5
  • Quality
    5/5
  • Value
    5/5
Why We Love It
  • It has excellent ventilation and comes with must-haves like a mosquito net.

What to Consider
  • It only fits one person and has a low weight limit.

For those who prefer to spend their nights in nature instead of an apartment or home, the Hennessy Hammock provides ultimate protection and comfort. Composed of waterproof polyester to keep you dry and special no-see-um mesh to prevent pesky mosquitoes, this is a cozy and comfortable environment you can take anywhere. Wind deflector technology helps to fight frigid chills or hot air, and a rainfly is included for inclement weather. The only downfall of this is it can only fit one person, and we know that a lot of nature lovers like to share their adventures with a partner.

The Details: Polyester no-see-um mesh/oxford nylon | 100 x 48 inches | 2.8 pounds | 250-pound weight limit

Best Dual-use

Lawson Hammock Blue Ridge Camping Hammock

Lawson Hammock Blue Ridge

Amazon

Our Ratings
  • Ease of Use
    5/5
  • Comfort
    4/5
  • Quality
    5/5
  • Value
    4/5
Why We Love It
  • It’s great for all terrains.

What to Consider
  • It will sag when hanging.

If you’re looking for the best bang for your buck, we strongly recommend this hammock that also doubles as a tent. Designed for all types of camping, minimal cocooning ensures you will get the best night’s sleep or be able to view the perfect sunset in comfort. A detachable rainfly and bug netting make it ideal for tropical climates, and its ability to connect to any tree or be pitched on the ground thanks to waterproof fabric makes it perfect for many terrains. While it can support up to 275 pounds, it is known to hang closer to the ground when set up. Still, from the fabric to the netting and poles, all of the materials seemed to be of the highest quality, and the light, compact design is perfect for throwing in a backpack.

The Details: Nylon | 90 x 42 x 42 inches | 4.3 pounds | 275-pound weight limit

Other Hammocks We Liked

Eno Double Nest Hammock: This hammock ranked high for us in terms of sturdiness and setup. Unfortunately, the straps are sold separately, a downfall similar hammocks we tested don’t have.

An ENO Eagles Nest Outfitters DoubleNest Lightweight Camping Hammock strung between two trees

Travel + Leisure / Jessica Mahgerefteh

Sunnydaze Striped Rope Hammock With Stand: This hammock ranked high for us in terms of accessibility and ease of setup. However, it did not pass our durability standards. We found it difficult to get in the hammock, and we don’t think the material has enough support.

Our Testing Process

The T+L team tested 21 hammocks to find the best for every outdoor need. We set them up in various settings from local parks, campsites, national forests, and the comfort of our backyard decks. We practiced sleeping in them from quick cat naps to longer periods of sleep and invited our partners to snuggle with us to test durability and space. With size, weight, comfort, ease of setup, and price in mind, the most comfortable hammocks in our testing options were selected for this roundup.

Tips for Buying a Hammock

Look for durability and weather resistance

When searching for a hammock, it’s important to consider general durability and how it will withstand the weather. While materials such as stitching rope or organic cotton can be comfortable, they don’t hold up to natural elements well. In warmer weather, materials like mesh can provide moisture-wicking and help ward off mosquitos.

Think about the attributes of different materials

Every material has its own benefits. You will want to consider factors such as ventilation, strength, irritability to the skin, and environmental factors. For example, polyester hammocks are great for more humid and tropical climates as they are less vulnerable to mold and mildew. Cotton hammocks are great for sleeping or long periods of rest as they mimic traditional bed sheets, but the material is one of the poorest for handling moisture. Considering your environment and the experience you want to have while resting in your hammock is key to picking the right one for yourself.

Don’t forget about packability and measurements

While we all want to relax in comfort, size and weight are also options that need to be considered when selecting a hammock. You want to check travel restrictions in airports, as some hammocks can be cleared in carry-ons while others will need to be checked. You’ll also want to consider if your hammocks need additional accessories such as straps or poles to hang, as carrying large items may not be ideal while you’re hiking in the woods or trekking up a mountain, and a muddy terrain may not be the sturdiest for a hammock that requires poles. Most importantly, you will want to consider measurements — can it fit in your duffle back or backpack? Will it be long enough to set up between two trees? Always consider the ease of access when selecting your hammock.

Frequently Asked Questions
  • How do you hang a hammock?

    A hammock can be hung in multiple ways. To set up many portable hammocks, you’ll start by locating the trees, poles, or structure that you’ll be hanging the hammock on and making sure the distance is correct, typically between 10 to 14 feet apart. It should be long enough that the hammock can be hung with a bit of slack, but not so loose that it will touch the ground when your weight is added to it. You will then wrap one of the straps around the anchor point, feed the loop of the hammock, and secure it. You will repeat this process for the other side and then clip on the hammock. However, each hammock is different and instructions should always be consulted before assembly and use.

  • Can you hang a hammock indoors?

    Hammocks are not limited only to the outdoors. A few things to consider when looking for an indoor hammock are space and anchor points. Most hammocks require 10 to 14 feet of distance to be hung properly, so you may want to consider a sitting hammock as we mentioned above. Anchor points are also extremely important. You want to make sure you tie your hammock to something that can support your weight, so ensure your hammock includes a stand or you have a strong enough base in your home.

  • Are hammocks good for your back?

    Some studies have shown that sleeping in a hammock allows the body to pursue a more natural sleep position, thus relieving some of the stress from pressure points. However, lying in a hammock isn’t for everyone. If you already have back issues, it’s best to talk to your doctor about the specific hammock you plan to use before making any decisions about its safety.

Why Trust Travel + Leisure

Náosha Gregg is a freelance writer from Brooklyn, NY. She has slept on every surface during her travels from cabin bunk beds to car seats and mountain grass, and can vouch that hammocks are by far the better option.

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Updated by
Taylor Fox
Taylor Fox, Commerce Updates Writer at Travel + Leisure
Taylor Fox is a Commerce Updates Writer at Travel + Leisure where she tests, researches, and writes about travel products. Taylor holds a Master’s in Geography and has been a writer and editor for over seven years.
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