Activate relaxation mode. Photo: Rebecca Parsons
There’s nothing better after a long surf or hike than posting up between two trees in a hammock. Grab a beer, a book, some shade, and it’s pure bliss. Hammocks have been a camping and beachfront staple for years. Once upon a time, hammocks came in one straightforward design, but these days they’ve got pockets, mosquito nets, quick tie-down straps, and everything you never knew you needed. Here, we’ve rounded up seven of our favorite hammocks for hanging, whether that’s at the beach, the campsite, or your own front porch. For more information, be sure to check out our Comparison Table and Buyer’s Guide.
The Best Hammocks of 2023
Best Overall: ENO DoubleNest Hammock
Most Versatile Hammock: Hennessy Expedition Asym Zip Hammock
Most Sustainable: Kammock Roo Double Recycled Hammock
Best Budget Hammock: Klymit Traverse Double Hammock
Best Stationary Hammock: Layback Cotton Canvas Hammock
Best Overall
ENO DoubleNest Hammock ($75)
Pros: Lightweight, durable
Cons: Pricey
Weight: 20 oz.
Capacity: 400 lbs.
If you stroll down to any beach park or campground, you’ll likely see an ENO hammock strung between two trees. ENO has been our tester’s hammock choice for years – they’re simple, comfortable, and pack down small. Available in 13 different color options, the DoubleNest offers lots of room to move around for a single rider or just the right amount of space to snuggle up with your partner or chill with your kids. Featuring breathable and fast-drying FreeWave fabric and exclusive crinkle treatment, the DoubleNest is a testament to quality and comfort.
Weighing in at just over a pound, the DoubleNest is lightweight and packs down into a convenient stuff sack. The hammock comes with carabiners that attach with any ENO straps, but we wish the straps were included with the hammock (you have to purchase them separately). Finally, the hammock features time-tested, trip-stitched seam construction that makes it ultra-durable and prevents rips and tears – our tester has not been gentle on her ENO and it’s still going strong years later.
Most Versatile Hammock
Hennessy Expedition Asym Zip Hammock ($170)
Pros: Allows you to lie level, breathable mesh bug net, versatile
Cons: Pricey
Weight: 45 oz.
Capacity: 250 lbs.
Hennessy’s Expedition hammock will keep you covered through rainstorms, buggy tropical locations, backcountry trips, beachside hangs, and everything in between. The Expedition features a unique, patented asymmetrical design that allows you to lie level on the diagonal while supporting your lower back and knees, resulting in the comfiest hammock sleep of your life. The hammock features a side entrance and a breathable mesh to provide protection from bugs, which is a huge plus for us.
Included with the Expedition is a waterproof ripstop rainfly that can be tilted, rolled up, removed, or used separately, so it covers all your bases. Other fun features include gear pockets, a suspension system, and complementary polyester webbing straps. This shape-shifting hammock also folds into an open-air lounger/chair or can be converted into a tent with your hiking poles.
Hennessy Expedition Asym Zip Hammock ($170) is designed for maximum comfort for those up to six feet and 250 pounds, so if you’re on the taller side it might not be as comfy of an option. Although this hammock is a bit on the pricier side, it is extremely versatile and comes with all the bells and whistles to keep up with whatever adventure you throw its way.
Most Sustainable
Kammock Roo Double Recycled Hammock ($85)
Pros: Lightweight but can support up to 500 lbs, fun accessories
Cons: Straps must be purchased separately
Weight: 18 oz.
Capacity: 500 lbs.
Made from 100 percent recycled GravitasX 40-denier diamond ripstop fabric and bluesign approved, the Roo is a hammock you can feel good about laying back in. Ten feet long and capable of holding up to 500 pounds, the Roo offers plenty of space for two. Weighing in at just over a pound itself, the Roo is lightweight, simple, comfortable, and includes built-in gear loops for attaching carabiners and accessories.
Unfortunately, the Roo doesn’t include straps, so you must purchase those separately if you don’t already own them. On the flip side, Kammock has lots of fun, compatible accessories like hammock stands, bug nets, and insulated pads, so you can easily tailor the hammock to your needs. Available at an affordable price, the Kammock is a solid option for chilling at the beach or in the backcountry.
Best Budget Hammock
Klymit Traverse Double Hammock ($40)
Pros: Soft fabric, comes with two 100-foot straps
Cons: A little tight for sleeping
Weight: 29 oz.
Capacity: 400 lbs.
Lightweight and comfortable, the Traverse Double Hammock is a straightforward design that’s perfect for relaxing at the beach or the campground. Capable of supporting 400 pounds and weighing in at one pound, 14 ounces, the Traverse is a great option for two people or one person that enjoys a lot of space. The fabric features a subtly cool stone art print and is incredibly soft, making it perfect to snuggle up in.
The Traverse comes with two aluminum carabiners and two, 11-foot tree straps, so it’s easy to string up anywhere, and easier on your wallet than some options that don’t come with straps. Made from 75-denier polyester, the Traverse features a single-panel design that helps prevent stretching and snagging, allowing you to enjoy your hammock for years to come. Can you go cheaper? Yes. Do we recommend a $25 dollar hammock? Not really. The sacrifices in quality simply aren’t going to deliver a piece of gear that will last.
Best Stationary Hammock
Layback Cotton Canvas Hammock ($75)
Pros: Fun patterns, comes in backpack style bag
Cons: Heavier than other options
Weight: 53 oz.
Capacity: 250 lbs.
Featuring fun, playful patterns and tropical prints, the Layback Cotton Canvas hammock works well as a backyard fixture or as an addition to a beach-day set up. At three pounds, five ounces, it’s not as portable as some other options, so it’s best suited for car camping or hanging at home — but it does come in a convenient backpack style bag to help make transportation easier. Made from a sturdy, recycled cotton canvas, the hammock features industrial-grade brass eyelets and braided twill ropes that make it easy to string up. Capable of supporting 250pounds, the Cotton Canvas hammock is a fun option for close to home adventures.
Best of the Rest
Sea to Summit Pro Single Hammock Set ($80)
Pros: Unique interlocking strap system
Cons: Straps a little tricky to figure out at first
Weight: 20 oz.
Capacity: 400 lbs.
Made from 70D Ripstop Nylon, the Sea to Summit Pro Single Hammock Set is a lightweight, breathable hammock fit for every adventure. The hammock features plated-steel buckles that are triple bar-tacked to webbing loops to ensure they withstand the test of time. The hammock comes with included straps that have a unique interlocking system with the buckles.
At first, the hooks are a little funky to figure out, but once you do, they’re super easy to set up and make adjustments. The hammock packs down small into the built-in compression sack that includes just enough room to hold the hammock and the straps. The material is super soft and comfy and can hold up to 400 pounds.
ENO SuperSub Hammock ($85)
Pros: Lightweight, packable
Cons: Straps not included
Weight: 9.8 oz
Capacity: 300 lbs.
To create the SuperSub Hammock, ENO took all of the features we know and love from their DoubleNest Hammock to create a hammock that’s half the weight. Made from 30D ripstop nylon, the SuperSub weighs in at just 9.8 oz. but can still support up to 300 pounds. The fabric is strong and durable while simultaneously being breathable and quick-drying.
The SuperSub easily packs down into the included stuff sack, making it perfect for backpacking and other weight conscious adventures. The SuperSub doesn’t come with straps, but you can purchase the Helios straps separately–they’re lightweight and they work great (but they are pricey).
Chillbo Shwaggins Inflatable Couch ($40)
Pros: Don’t need to strap to anything
Cons: Can be tricky to set up without wind
Weight: 2.64 lbs.
Capacity: 440 lbs.
It’s not exactly a chair or a hammock, the Chillbo Schwaggins Inflatable Couch falls into its own category of awesome. But when you lay in it, it has a similar feel to a hammock, which is why we included it on this list.
As the name suggests, the inflatable couch is an inflatable style “hammock.” But unlike most inflatables, it harnesses the power of the wind to inflate. Getting the couch set up can be tricky at first but Chillbo has an instructional video on their website that is super helpful. It’s much easier to set up when there actually is wind, but it’s still doable without.
Thoughtful features include elastic anchor loops (which are super helpful in windy conditions) and large side pockets for stashing essential items. Made from ripstop polyester, the inflatable couch is incredibly durable and easily rolls into a convenient travel bag at the end of the day. The couch is super comfy and you can lay in it alone or sit side by side with friends. Available in 13 fun patterns, there’s a print for everyone.
Comparison Table
| Hammock | Price | Weight | Weight Capacity | Features |
| ENO DoubleNest Hammock | $75 | 20 oz | 400 lb | Packs down small |
| Hennesy Expedition | $170 | 45 oz | 250 lb | Asymetrical design, weather cover |
| Kammock Roo Double Recycled Hammock | $85 | 18 oz | 500 lb | Lightweight, built in gear loops |
| Klymit Traverse Double Hammock | $40 | 29 oz | 400 lb | Carabiners and straps included |
| Layback Cotton Canvas | $75 | 53 oz | 250 lb | Recycled cotton |
| Sea to Summit Pro Single Hammock Set | $80 | 20 oz | 400 lb | Interlocking strap system |
| ENO SuperSub Hammock | $85 | 9.8 oz | 300 lb | Lightweight |
| Chillbo Schwaggins Inflatable Couch | $40 | 42.2 oz | 440 lb | Elastic anchor loops, side pockets |
Post surf hammock time at San Onofre in the Sea to Summit Pro Single Hammock Set. Photo: Rebecca Parsons
How We Tested
In order to test these hammocks, you guessed it, we hung out. Literally. But also, we took some setting them up, noting any special features, lounging in them, and packing them up. We carried them around in backpacks to see just how portable they are. Our lead tester is a regular at her local beach and has been backpacking for over a decade, so she’s slept in her fair share of hammocks.
Editor’s Note: This review originally ran in May of 2023. We updated it in October of 2023 and added in a couple new hammocks and some additional details like weight and load capacity for each hammock to bring you as detailed information as possible.
The ENO Doublenest is comfortable and durable. Photo: Rebecca Parsons
Ratings Table
| Hammock | Overall | Durability | Portability | Comfort | Price |
| ENO DoubleNest Hammock | 4.75 | 5 | 4.5 | 5 | 4.5 |
| Hennesy Expedition | 4.6 | 5 | 4.5 | 5 | 4 |
| Kammock Roo Double Recycled Hammock | 4.5 | 4 | 5 | 4.5 | 4.5 |
| Klymit Traverse Double | 4.25 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 5 |
| Layback Cotton Canvas | 3.75 | 3 | 3 | 4 | 5 |
| Sea to Summit Pro Single Hammock Set | 4.4 | 4 | 4.5 | 5 | 4 |
| ENO SuperSub Hammock | 4.4 | 4 | 5 | 4 | 4 |
| Chillbo Schwaggins Inflatable Couch | 4.5 | 4 | 4 | 5 | 5 |
Buyer’s Guide
Hammocks tend to be pretty straightforward, but there are a few things we look for in a good one. We want a hammock that’s durable, portable, comfortable, and available at an affordable price.
Durability
We know you should take your hammock down between each use and store it in a cool, dry place. But if our tester strings it up in her backyard, you bet it’ll be out there for weeks weathering sun, storms, and anything else Mother Nature decides to throw its way. That being said, we want a durable hammock that can withstand the elements (and lazy habits).
The Sea to Summit Pro Single Hammock Set packs down small into the attached compression sack. Photo: Rebecca Parsons
Portability
Don’t get us wrong, we love front-porch fixed hammocks. But when we’re looking for a hammock, we want something that we can hang in our yard and pack along for surf trips, camping, beaching, and everything in between. We look for a hammock that packs down into some sort of sack and comes with straps that make it easy to set up.
Comfort
If a hammock isn’t comfortable what’s the point? When we buy a hammock, we want it to be the epitome of comfort because we plan on napping, relaxing, and watching the waves from mine.
Price
Some hammocks cost $20 at a flea market, while others will run you a Benjamin Franklin (or two). We want one that delivers everything we’re looking for, while still offered at an affordable price.
Featuring a straightforward design, the ENO DoubleNest is simple, comfortable, durable, and packs down small. Available in 13 different color options, there’s something for everyone.
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Editor’s Note: For more gear reviews and features on The Inertia, click here.
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