Beginner's Guide to Hammocks for Backpacking

Pros & Cons of Hammocks

Pros	Cons
Better than tents when the ground is sloped, uneven, muddy, swampy, rocky, or covered with brush More comfortable than sleeping pads in tents No condensation Can be used as a chair More compact than most tents	Requires trees with appropriate spacing Steeper learning curve than most tents Takes longer to set up than most tents Colder and less rainproof than tents Can’t store much gear in them More components than tents Only fits 1 person if a single hammock; only fits 2 people if a double hammock Most hammocks (except ultralight hammocks) are a little heavier than most tents

Components of a Hammock System

Hammocks for backpacking typically have the following components:

Hammock
Suspension system
Structural ridgeline (not in all hammocks)
Tarp
Top quilt or sleeping bag
Underquilt and/or sleeping pad
Bug net

Single vs Double Hammocks

Most hammocks are single hammocks for one person.

Double hammocks theoretically fit two people. I’ve never tried sharing one with another sleeper, but I hear it’s uncomfortable. You can use a double hammock just for yourself for added space and comfort, but it will add weight and bulk to your backpack. A double hammock probably isn’t a good choice for budget backpackers.

Gathered-end Hammock

In a gathered-end hammock, the fabric is bunched up into a point at each end. Gathered-end hammocks are shaped like a banana, with a curved sleeping surface that’s low in the middle and high on the ends.

Bridge Hammock, aka Spreader-bar Hammock

A bridge hammock has a spreader bar at each end to prevent it from bunching into a point. Bridge hammocks have a flat sleeping surface and a rectangular shape.

Pros & Cons of Gathered-end vs Bridge Hammocks

	Pros	Cons
Gathered end	Lightweight Compact Easier to set up Don’t require as much space between trees Affordable	Uncomfortable for side sleepers and stomach sleepers Less space
Bridge	Comfortable for all sleeping positions More space	Heavy Bulky Harder to set up Require more space between trees

Structural Ridgeline

Most backpacking hammocks have a structural ridgeline, a cord attached from one end of the fabric to the other. It lets you control the amount of hammock sag independently of the suspension.

Tarp

A waterproof tarp is hung over the hammock to keep out rain.

Underquilt and/or Sleeping Pad

An underquilt hangs under your hammock to keep you warm. Many underquilts are designed to fit specific hammock models.

Instead of using an underquilt, you can put a sleeping pad on top of the hammock. However, it might not be as warm as a high-end underquilt, and it might not fit comfortably in your hammock.

Bug Net

The bug net for your hammock should have:

No-see-um netting with fine enough mesh to keep out gnats
360-degree protection, meaning that it hangs underneath the hammock to prevent insects from biting you through the hammock.

Storage Accessories

Peak Loft (aka Peak Shelf)

A peak loft, or peak shelf, is a hammock-shaped mesh pocket attached to the ridgeline and the peak of the hammock. It is used for storing gear. Some companies call this accessory a gear sling, which can be confusing because there is a different accessory called a gear sling, described below.

Gear Sling

A gear sling is a mini-hammock that hangs below the hammock. It is used to store gear such as shoes, water, and other items you want to keep off the ground but outside your sleeping area.

Ridgeline Organizer

A ridgeline organizer is a multi-pocketed pouch that hangs from the ridgeline. It is used to store small gear items like phones, headlamps, and glasses.