Affiliate Notice: We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.
Need a break from the hostel life? Bed bugs got you looking for a new way to sleep? Try a travel hammock! For around $30 you could have a portable bedroom that's probably even more comfortable than the dirty top bunk you're used to while traveling.
We've done a ton of research during our three years of travel to find the best portable travel hammocks for any traveler looking to get a bit closer to nature without sacrificing comfort.
The BEST: The Bear Butt Camping Hammock
Overall
The Vitals
Summary
$35.97 (normally $59)
1.19 lbs
Best Hammock we've ever tested
Super portable
Graded to hold 2 people (500lbs)
Most comfortable option
Great for taller people
Free returns no questions asked
COMFORT:
Over the years I've tested about 8-9 travel hammocks. One thing that has consistently bothered me is comfort. Almost every hammock I've tried feels like it's about to flip over.
Then I found the Bear Butt Hammock and I can testify that I've never felt this comfortable in a hammock. Ever. Bear Butt is a new company owned by just two guys that set out to make the most comfortable hammock possible so what you're getting here is true craftsmanship. It's feels like the difference between eating at McDonalds and getting a homemade burger fresh off the grill.
You can feel the attention to detail by noticing how they looped the rope in such a way to keep it from flipping over easily. This gives the hammock a sense of stability I've never felt before. It comfortably fits both me and my any GF so sleeping under the stars has become a nightly ritual thanks to this bad boy. The material they made it with is smooth and breathable, no sweaty back in the morning so far. And most of all it's a breeze to set up and take down - something most other hammocks tend to take issue with.
Value for $$$:
Can we give this a 6 stars rating for value? Cause after using it literally just one night you'll be saving $50 an average hostel would cost for two people. So for a one time cost of $35 you'll have a free bed anywhere you go in the world. What's a better deal than that?
Durability:
This thing will last forever. The company created a triple stitching method that helps prevent tearing and deterioration. But even if you somehow manage to damage it they provide a 'no questions asked' return policy for life that even lets you keep the hammock in the event of a refund! How crazy is that.
The Lightest: Gonex Ultralight travel Hammock
Overall:
The Vitals
Summary:
$34.99 (normally $95)
9 ft x 4.5 ft unfolded
0.93 lbs
ONLY .93 lbs! The lightest available
Weighs less than a smartphone
Graded to hold 400-600 lbs
Size does not compromise comfort
Comes with free carabiners for stability
Comfort:
Ok seriously when this came in the mail packed into a small baggie big enough to hold my cell phone I was blown away. The Gonex is a dream in that you can now carry your bed in your pocket. We truly live in the future my friends.
When you take it out of the small bag you'll notice that it's just as great as any other travel hammock with enough space to fit two grown adults. The secret to the lightweight form comes from their parachute grade nylon that's reported to be tear proof just like the Bear Butt.
Gonex really didn't cut any corners when it comes to design, sleeping in this feels the same as sleeping in any of the similar larger options with plenty of room for my 6' 5" monster body. The fabric is highly breathable and sturdy, and it packs away quite effortlessly in the included attached pouch (a rare feat for most hammocks this size).
Value for $$$:
You have to keep in mind that this model usually costs $95 and for good reason. When you're buying ultralight equipment you usually have to pay a huge premium. But now that it's only $35 you really have no excuse. Get one now!
Durability:
It really feels like it will last forever when you're using it. The fabric is triple stitched for added durability and the breathes quite well for added airflow. Although we haven't owned it long enough to say for sure, based on other reviews it's clear that this will last many years of regular use.
The Cheapest: E-Joy Ripstop Travel Hammock
Overall:
The Vitals
Summary:
$19.99
500 lbs capacity
Cheapest option at $20
Ropes instead of straps - less sturdy
Great sturdy material
Weak color selection
Great for the price
Comfort:
Alright so, we're including the E-Joy because it was absolutely the best we could find for under $20. There's true quality here with a very sturdy design that makes me feel confident it will last for years even with semi-regular use. I felt like it could do to be a little bit larger, but we were able to fit two adults in although it was a tight squeeze.
Hanging is nice but there is a tiny bit of sagging going on here, we recommend you pull the ropes as tight as you can to prevent from getting too close to the ground. Sometimes sagging can be nice as it can help cradle you to sleep, so if you find yourself sagging a bit let the wind rock you to sleep.
Value for $$$:
Come on, for $20 you'll not only have a portable bedroom but also a nice activity to do with the kids/ friends on weekends. There's really nothing like reading a book by the lake or taking an afternoon nap with your better half on a Sunday. For $20 this hammock is way better quality than I expected and will be a core part of your camping gear.
Durability:
The one thing we'd say to look out for is the included ropes which over time may begin to show wear and tear after rubbing against trees. However after about a month we can safely say that they'll be fine for a couple years at least. And for $20 that's a deal indeed.
