A camping hammock has to do two things at once: carry you safely and pack down small. Weight and packability are the deciding factors, and they are the numbers most worth checking before you buy. This guide shows what to look for, how to hang one between trees and how to compare listings in our hammock range, which includes a large group of camping hammocks.
What Makes a Hammock a Camping Hammock
A backyard hammock is made for comfort and look. A camping hammock is made to be carried. That usually means a lighter fabric, a smaller packed size and a hang system that goes up fast between two trees.
Our hammock range lists camping as its own product type, and the materials across the range include nylon and polyester as well as cotton. Cotton is heavy and slow to dry, so it is rarely the choice for a hike. Lightweight nylon and parachute-style fabrics are the usual camping materials. One example in the range is the Premium Double Size Camping Hammock, a lightweight travel hammock in a parachute-style fabric.
Fabric Types for Camping
Nylon and parachute-style fabric is thin, light and quick to dry. It packs small, which is why it is the common camping choice. It can feel slippery and may be cooler on a cold night.
Polyester is also light and dries quickly. Our range has many polyester products, and polyester copes with sun and rain better than cotton.
Cotton is soft and comfortable, but it is heavy, slow to dry and bulky when packed. It suits a backyard or a car-camping base more than a long hike.
Canvas is tough and heavy. It suits a campsite you drive to, not a trail you walk.
If you are choosing between a lighter fabric that packs small and a softer one that is comfortable to lounge in, think about how far you carry the hammock and how long you stay in it.
The Numbers to Check
Open the product page and look for these four numbers before anything else.
| What to check | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Weight capacity | Sets the limit for you and your gear. Listed in kilograms on each page. |
| Hammock weight | Heavier hammocks cost you on every kilometre. |
| Packed size | Decides whether it fits in your pack or your daypack. |
| Dimensions | A longer hammock gives a flatter lay and more room. |
Specs vary by model, and we have not listed them here for every hammock. Use the table as a checklist and read the figures on the page for the exact hammock you are considering.
Single or Double
A single is lighter and smaller. A double is wider, gives you room to turn and can hold two people if the rating allows. For solo trips, many people choose a double for the extra room, and for a pair, check the weight capacity first.
Do not assume a double can hold two adults. Add up the combined weight, and compare it with the listed capacity.
Weight and Packability
Every gram counts when you walk. When you compare, add up the whole kit, not just the hammock: hammock, straps, carabiners and any cover. A light hammock with heavy hardware can weigh more than a slightly heavier hammock that includes light fittings.
Packed size matters too. A hammock that rolls into a small stuff sack leaves room in the pack for food and water. Check whether the listing includes a carry bag.
Matching the Hammock to the Trip
Day hike or a picnic: a single or a light double in a thin fabric. You may only need it for a few hours, so pack size matters more than comfort details.
Overnight on a trail: a hammock you can sleep in, with straps, a tarp and insulation. Check the weight of the complete kit.
Car camping or a caravan park: weight matters less, so you can choose a larger or softer hammock, or even a freestanding setup with a stand.
Beach or river: look for fabric that dries quickly, and be careful about the trees you use, since salt and sand wear straps faster. Our range also includes water hammocks, which are a different product for floating.
Festival or backyard camping: a freestanding hammock with a stand may be easier if the ground has no good trees.
Choosing Straps
You need a way to hang the hammock without damaging trees. Wide straps spread the load and protect the bark. Our tree straps are 153 cm long and 4 cm wide, made from weather-resistant nylon and rated to 200 kg, and the kit includes carabiners. Browse our tree straps and check the spec on each one.
A tree-strap kit also removes the need to tie knots in the dark or in the rain. Wrap the strap around the trunk, thread the ring end through the loop and pull it tight.
How to Hang a Camping Hammock
- Find two trees about 3 to 4 metres apart.
- Check them. Pick living, solid trees, and look overhead for dead branches before you settle in.
- Wrap the straps at about head height.
- Clip the hammock to the straps with carabiners.
- Check the hang angle. Aim for about 30 degrees, with the seat about as high as a chair.
- Test it by sitting first, with your feet on the ground.
Our full guide on how to hang a hammock covers heights, spacing and fixes in more detail.
Weather, Rain and Insects
Check the fabric for how it copes with rain, since many lightweight fabrics dry fast but offer no shelter. A separate tarp over the hammock keeps rain off, and an insect net helps in summer. These are separate pieces of gear, so check what your hammock includes and what you need to bring.
Australian conditions vary a lot. Humid tropical areas, dry inland areas and alpine areas each need different planning for rain, heat and cold. Check the forecast for where you are going.
Sleeping Warm
A hammock exposes your back to the air, so on a cool night, cold can get through the fabric from below. Campers often add insulation under the hammock or a sleeping pad. Plan for the lowest temperature you expect, and check what your gear suits.
Rules and Etiquette
Before you hang a hammock, check the local rules. Some campgrounds and national parks restrict where you can hang, and some ask you to use straps rather than rope to protect trees. Wide straps are generally the safer choice for the tree. Leave no trace, and take down your gear when you leave.
Packing Your Hammock
Pack the hammock and straps together in one bag so you do not leave the straps behind. Put the hammock near the top of the pack if you may need it in a hurry. Keep a small set of spare carabiners, and clip the bag to the pack with a loop so it does not get lost.
If the hammock is wet, put it in a separate bag, and dry it out at your next stop. A damp hammock packed away for days can develop mould and a smell that is hard to remove.
Common Mistakes
Buying on price alone. A cheap hammock with no listed capacity is a gamble.
Using thin rope on a tree. It cuts into bark and can slip. Use wide straps.
Hanging too tight. A flat hammock loads the straps and anchors more. Keep a gentle sag.
Ignoring what is overhead. Dead branches fall. Check before you settle in.
Skipping a test sit. Always sit in first, with your feet on the ground.
Forgetting the rain plan. Bring a tarp or check the forecast.
Camping Hammock Checklist
- Hammock with a listed weight capacity above your weight and gear
- Wide tree straps and carabiners, rated above your weight
- A tarp for rain, if the hammock does not include cover
- An insect net, if the season needs it
- Insulation for cool nights
- A small repair kit and spare cord
- A carry bag or stuff sack
Setting Up Without Good Trees
Some campsites have no suitable trees. In that case you have three options. You can choose a freestanding hammock with a stand, you can use a lightweight stand that packs down, or you can use another solid anchor such as a sturdy post, with wide straps and a rating you have checked. Do not hang from fences, signs or anything that was not built for the load. If you are not sure an anchor is safe, choose another spot.
Care and Repair
Dry the hammock fully before you pack it, because damp fabric can go musty. Shake out sand and grit, and check seams and loops for wear. Wash with mild soap and water when needed, and check the care notes on the listing. Keep sharp objects away from lightweight fabric.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best hammock for camping in Australia? It depends on your trip, but look for a lightweight fabric, a packed size that suits your pack and a weight capacity above your weight and gear.
How much weight can a camping hammock hold? It varies by model and is listed on each product page. Check the figure and the strap rating too.
Do I need tree straps? Wide straps protect the tree and make setup simple. Our straps are 4 cm wide and rated to 200 kg.
How far apart should the trees be? About 3 to 4 metres for a standard hammock, with the straps at head height.
Can two people use a camping hammock? Only if the listed capacity covers the combined weight. Check the product page.
Can I leave a hammock in the rain? Check the fabric. Many camping fabrics dry quickly, but a tarp keeps you dry while you are in it.
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