The 5 Best Hammocks of 2025: Staff Picks

Whether you’re looking to put up your feet in the local park or camp in the trees, score some hang time in our 5 favorite hammocks for camping, backpacking and more—plus accessories.

Heidi Wachter| Ryan Wichelns| Updated March 27, 2025

74 reviews with an average rating of 4.1 out of 5 stars
A person lounges in a red ENO DoubleNest hammock between tall trees next to a body of water.

Not only is hammocking a great way to soak in the health benefits of spending time outside in your own backyard or local park, these sleek slings are also becoming prized over tents by hikers, campers, back- and bikepackers, and kayakers for their durability and portability. Because even a solo tent can weigh you down, a lightweight hammock can be a game changer, so consider shedding the extra ounces (and bulky tent poles) in your boat or pack by hammock camping.  

Choosing the right hammock means selecting the right size, materials, intended uses and required hardware. There are lightweight rigs that disappear inside a pack and burlier setups designed to keep bugs and precip at bay. Some are at home at camp and others do a good impression of backyard furniture. Knowing exactly which one is best can be tricky, but thanks to these REI Co-op Member and staff recommendations, you'll be swaying in no time.

Here are our 5 favorite hammocks available at REI, based on factors like pricing, comfort, durability, ease of setup and packability. We also share our favorite hammock stand and rain tarp.


The 5 Best Hammocks of 2025: Staff Picks

For quick recommendations, check out the results of our round-robin here, or scroll down for in-depth reviews.


The Best Hammock Accessories


A blue tent strung between two trees near a cabin.
Photo credit: Joel Hopkins


The do-it-all ENO DoubleNest hammock has a lot going for it, so it’s ranked as the best all-around hammock—and according to REI Camp merchandise buyer Jeffrey Schmidt, this hammock is a best-seller both at the co-op and industrywide.  

First, it stuffs down to the size of a grapefruit, making it highly packable and easy to take to the park or campground. An easy-breezy setup gets you into the swing of hammocking quickly. Attach the straps (not included) to a couple of healthy tree trunks with a slip knot, then clip the DoubleNest to each with the affixed carabiners. Zhuzh the tension to your liking and you’re good to go in minutes.  An REI customer-reviewer in North Carolina said: “Lightweight, super easy set up & take down, strong comfortable. They will always be in our backpacks.” 
If hammocking with a friend is your jam, the DoubleNest’s generous dimensions have you covered. At 76 inches wide, this palatial sling fits a pair comfortably—and those XL dimensions also make the DoubleNest a bit more luxurious if you're hanging solo. If so, lie down diagonally across the thing to minimize the taco effect from the taller walls (it's 16 inches wider than the SingleNest) or lie perpendicular across the middle with your feet dangling off the side, like a captain's seat. The taller wall creates a perfect headrest. 

Other than that, the DoubleNest boasts all the hallmarks folks have come to associate with ENO hammocks: sturdy aluminum carabiners; easy storage; and ultrabreathable, soft (read: crinkle-free) 70-denier nylon taffeta FreeWave™ fabric. And it's bluesign®-approved 

One REI customer-reviewer in Rhode Island said, “Very lightweight, strong, comfortable and attractive. This is my second DoubleNest (an ex has my first one) and I'm pleased to report the quality is still what it was 10–15 years ago.” Buy here.

Required accessories (not included): Straps like the ENO Atlas Hammock Suspension System ($29.95) 



The ENO SkyLite is the hammock that feels most like your bed. Rather than the standard "bundled end" hammock design, it has flat ends held apart by removable spreader bars, creating a flatter, more even surface without necessitating diagonal sleeping. That makes it the hammock of choice for folks who have a hard time sleeping in a standard hammock (like side sleepers). Note that the downside of spreader bars is egress—the SkyLite feels tippy. 

But one customer-reviewer in North Carolina said, “I have always been a tent camper after trying a hammock a few times and never feeling comfortable. This hammock was great. I was able to sleep in just about any position I wanted. I was even able to completely roll without flipping the hammock.” 

This roomy 7-foot-long hammock is constructed of specialized ripstop fabric that adds durability. Interior pockets and accessory loops let you keep your valuables and headlamp nearby. An integrated bug net with a tentlike door means you can snooze away from insects, but the SkyLite is not compact. It takes up more space than a single-person tent when bundled with straps and a tarp or fly (both sold separately), so limit it to car-accessed hangouts. Buy here. 

Required accessories (not included): Straps like the ENO Atlas Hammock Suspension System ($29.95) 


For the solo tent campers and backpackers who want just about everything (except for the constraint of gravity), we present to you the Kammok Mantis. This complete system includes a hammock, mesh canopy, rainfly and straps, plus a bevy of features targeted to overnighters like internal pockets, guyout points and tent stakes. It even has a tie-back design that lets you fold back the rainfly for stargazing.  

While it is highly portable and weighs next to nothing as far as tents go—just 2 pounds, 3 ounces—there are some downsides. For one, the Mantis is pricey, and the most expensive portable sling in our roundup. Secondly, confines are tight. However, one member-reviewer from Utah notes, “I have owned the Kammok Mantis Ultralight Hammock Tent for four seasons of weekend backpacking trips. I am 5’ 8” and weigh roughly 165 lbs. I have never had any issues with this product. It is very easy and simple to set up and to get a perfect pitch.”  

After a good night’s rest, the Kammok Mantis makes early morning teardowns a snap allowing you to get back on the trail in no time. Buy here.

Required accessories (not included): None 


Sleep in the air with the Hennessy Hammock Expedition Asym Zip. Like a one-person shelter that hangs off the ground, this portable treehouse includes a hammock, integrated mesh canopy and separate rainfly. Combine all that protection with the Expedition's superior comfort, and you’ll see why our staff consider it the best option for campers looking to get off the ground. “Hennessey Hammocks are bombproof,” says REI Camp merchandise buyer Jeffrey Schmidt. Schmidt also says the one downside is you have to tie a hitch, so you need to have trees available to hoist it.  

The Expedition owes its plus sleepability to a unique asymmetrical shape that allows the sleeper to lie flat when diagonal across the sling and avoid “taco-ing.” A structural ridgeline in the hammock helps it maintain its flat bottom, no matter the distance between the trees, while tie-down points on each side of the hammock function like guylines, keeping it taut. The mesh isn't removable, so this hammock isn't the best option on our list for more social lounging. 

The whole system (with the fly and included straps and rigging system) packs into a stuff sack the size of a flour bag (considerably lighter, though). The hammock can also serve as a traditional tent when paired with a set of hiking poles. That means ambitious backpackers could certainly consider toting it on remote adventures, but practice rigging it before you venture out: The hanging setup requires tying knots. 

The spacious hammock is roomy enough for those up to 6 ft. and 250 pounds and is designed with one end wider for shoulders. One customer-reviewer from Alabama said, “Just try it, your back will thank you later. After using mine for over 10 years, I can confidently say it’s one of the most reliable and comfortable hammocks I've used. I sadly ‘outgrew’ my original one. But after picking up a new one this summer and using it in the BWCA [Boundary Waters Canoe Area], I can confidently say it's the same great quality.”  

One important consideration is that the fly protects against light precip, it may not create a fully enclosed, tentlike fortress. Sideways rain may be a problem. However, one Florida customer-reviewer who replaced his old version—which was “worn out after five years of heavy use”—says the model’s design has improved for the better: “[T]he modifications make access easier, and the hammock more spacious. It has been in use every day since it arrived. I've stayed dry during very severe thunderstorms in Florida, and it is much more comfortable than the bed in my RV!” Buy here. 

Required accessories (not included): None 


If you want to hang out in a budget-friendly hammock loaded with features, consider the TravelNest Hammock + Straps Combo—a great value in part because the straps are included, making it “a one-shot deal,” says REI Camp merchandise buyer Jeffrey Schmidt. 

The quick set-up and take-down is simple enough for even the most gear-challenged. 

No knots are needed thanks to those durable tree-friendly straps that come pre-attached to stainless-steel carabiners. Fine-tuning a perfect fit is easy thanks to 10 adjustment points. A spacious 9 feet long, this tent also happens to be the largest capacity one-person tent on the list: The max weight is 400 pounds. But it won’t weigh you down. The TravelNest clocks in at just under 2 pounds, making it also one of the lightest in the round up. When you’re ready to head home from the beach or get back on the trail, the entire setup packs into an integrated stuff sack that compresses down to just slightly larger than a 32-ounce Nalgene. 

One REI customer-reviewer in Hawaii who loves how cute their colorful TravelNest looks hung up says, “I take it with me on almost every adventure, and I like to lay in it and read.” However, they say, only those who really like cuddling should attempt to fit two people inside. Buy here. 

Required accessories (not included): None 


The Best Hammock Accessories


You can escape work for a few days, but you can’t escape the weather. A good fly or tarp can help you be prepared, and the ENO is one of the best water-protectors around. The polyurethane-treated ripstop nylon provides quality, durability and top-notch water-shedding capabilities. 

It’s simple to put up and take down. The rectangular shape and six attachment points provide security and ample coverage. Reflective stripping on the guy lines will make sure you don’t trip over the guy lines in the dark. When you’re ready to leave camp, stash everything into the provided stuff sack.

While it’s designed for ENO hammocks (sold separately), it works well with other brands’ slings as well. You can also use it independently to protect your gear, camp kitchen, and even your dog from the sun or rain. 

“I tested this when I went hammock camping with a friend. This was easy to set up, and it performed well in the rain. The sides are long enough that it provides nice privacy in the hammock,” said one Illinois customer-reviewer. Some reviewers note that coverage may not be sufficient for longer hammocks or if you want extra room to cover your hammock and gear together: If you need a little more overhead, opt for the ProFly XL Hammock Rain Tarp, which measures 156 inches by 110 inches. Buy here.


Want to go from zero to relaxed in no time? The Swiftlet Hammock Stand from Kammok is designed to support your hammocking desires—without any trees in sight. Quick-release buttons and push pins make the no-tools-required setup easy and intuitive. Converting it to chair mode reduces its footprint by half providing extra seating in cramped places or those you might not have thought of using a hammock before. A perfect companion for tailgating, beach days and backyard setups, the Swiftlet is also a nice option for car camping. 

One Midwest customer-reviewer calls this stand a game changer that they use almost every day: “[I]t’s gone to the beach, we took it to an Airbnb for the deck, we’ve set it up parks, in our living room, and now it lives 24-7 in our backyard (covered under gazebo).” Customer-reviewers also love that they can move their hammock around their campsite too: from tent-side to next to the picnic table to in front of the campfire in a snap. 

The rust-resistant aluminum frame is compatible with all Kammok hammocks (sold separately) and holds up to 300 pounds. Several reviewers noted they add sandbags to the bottom of the frame for extra support. A padded travel bag and internal straps are included so you can store or take the frame with you. Buy here.



Shop All Hammocks


Buying Advice

A bright orange hammock set up between two trees, with a white rainfly over it.
Photo credit: Joel Hopkins
Photo credit: Joel Hopkins

The type of hammock you choose will depend on how you're using it: For example, if you're setting it up in a park or the backyard, weight likely won't matter as much as if you're hauling it on a backpacking trip. If you're planning to share it with someone else, you'll want to make sure it can accommodate you comfortably—both in terms of size and capacity. Below, we discuss various factors involved in selecting a hammock: size, use case and the necessary accessories. For more detailed information, visit How to Choose a Hammock.


Size

Hammocks don't vary a lot in length. The main thing to decide is if you want to be able to accommodate a second person or not. If you do, opt for a two-person hammock like the ENO DoubleNest. You can always hang solo in a double hammock (though the walls will be taller).


Use

If you plan on backpacking with your hammock, consider a lightweight model like the ENO DoubleNest or TravelNest Hammock Straps Combo (in mild weather) or the Kammok Mantis Ultralight All-in-One Hammock Tent (in spicier weather). If you plan on sleeping in your hammock, consider a tent hammock with bug net and rainfly like the Kammok Mantis Ultralight All-in-One Hammock Tent or Hennessey Hammock Expedition Asym Zip Hammock.

Any of these hammocks work great for lazy lounging, so if you're just looking for a recreational rig, price isn't a bad deciding factor. Our budget-friendly choice is the ENO TravelNest Hammock Straps Combo, which has the necessary straps included.


Accessories

Hammocks rarely come with anything more than the sling itself, and unfortunately, they're all but useless without straps. We've included a recommended suspension system for each model here that doesn't include one.

Beyond the straps, there are a handful of extras you can try. Get a bug net if you plan on swinging in skeeter season or a rainfly if you plan on camping with your hammock. To that end, there are a whole bunch of accessories for overnighters like gear slings, organizers and underquilts.



Related articles:


Methodology

A dark green tent set up among red pine trees, with a dark green rainfly over it.
Photo credit: Joel Hopkins


Our gear buyers, in-store sales specialists and community of customer reviewers have strong opinions about hammocks, so we turned to them to find the best available at REI. We also laid out a range of categories to meet the needs of readers in different situations, whether you're headed into the backcountry or just to the backyard. Some of the hammocks here are longtime favorites for lounging; others are built for more technical overnight adventures off the ground. We also included some of our favorite hammock accessories to help you complete your setup.