JustBeginning
Beginner's guide

So you're getting into hammock camping

Hammock camping converts tent campers who try it once. The system is more modular than a tent, setup takes under 5 minutes when dialed, and sleeping in the trees is genuinely better than what it replaces. The catch: the insulation system is non-obvious. Here's exactly what you need.

By Colin B. · Published May 31, 2026 · Last reviewed August 7, 2026
person in black pants lying on orange hammock

Photo by Ali Kazal on Unsplash

The 60-second version

If you only buy 3 things to start:

  1. ENO DoubleNest Hammock — The hammock that got most people into this: durable, forgiving, backed by a lifetime warranty.
  2. ENO - Eagles Nest Outfitters Atlas Hammock Straps, Suspension System — Buy these with the hammock. Leave-no-trace compliant, 400 lb rated, and the first strap almost everyone recommends.
  3. ENO ProFly XL Rain Tarp — Your first tarp, designed to pair with ENO hammocks and straightforward to pitch once you've done it twice.
Budget total
$150
Typical total
$450
A hammock and straps gets you started for $100–150 in summer. A full three-season system with tarp, underquilt, and top quilt runs $400–600.

We earn commission on qualifying Amazon purchases — see our affiliate disclosure. Price tiers and budget totals shown above are editorial estimates; actual Amazon prices vary.

At a glance

Our top pick in each category

The fastest path through this guide — each best-starter pick by category. Scroll for the budget and upgrade alternatives.

CategoryTop pickPriceWhere to buy
HammocksENOENO DoubleNest Hammock$$ See on Amazon →
Rain TarpsENOENO ProFly XL Rain Tarp$$ See on Amazon →
UnderquiltsENOENO Ember UnderQuilt$$$ See on Amazon →
Top QuiltsKammockKAMMOK Firebelly 30° Trail Quilt$$$ See on Amazon →
Suspension StrapsENOENO - Eagles Nest Outfitters Atlas Hammock Straps, Suspension System$ See on Amazon →
Before you buy anything

A few things worth knowing first

You need trees. Check that your campsites have hardwood trees 12–16 feet apart with trunks at least 8 inches in diameter. Hammock camping doesn't work above treeline, in most desert campgrounds, or in sites with only small saplings.

The underquilt is non-optional below 60°F. In a tent, your sleeping bag insulates underneath you. In a hammock, cold air circulates under your back and a sleeping bag compresses flat, losing its loft. An underquilt hangs below the hammock and solves this. Without one, you'll be cold.

Start with just a hammock and straps before buying the full system. One or two backyard hangs will tell you whether the diagonal lie works for your body before you spend $400 on insulation.

The gear

What you actually need

black hammock under green trees

Photo by Tobias Tullius on Unsplash

Hammocks

The hammock is the foundation of your system, and gathered-end nylon hammocks are the default for 90% of hammock campers. You want: enough width to sleep at a 30° diagonal (most double hammocks are 9–10 feet), durable ripstop nylon rated to at least 400 lbs, and a lifetime warranty from a real brand. Don't buy the cheapest thing on Amazon. The difference between $35 and $70 is a warranty that matters.

Hammocks — what's the difference?

A few common shapes, each making a different trade.

Gathered-end (standard)

The default. A 30° diagonal lie makes it flat and comfortable.

Learning curve
Low, one technique to master
Bug net
Separate purchase
Weight
1.0–1.5 lbs typical

Best for First-time hammock campers, most campground setups

Tradeoff Requires learning the diagonal lie; a few hangs to dial in

↓ See our pick
Bridge hammock

Flatter lay out of the box. Better for side sleepers.

Learning curve
None, flat from the start
Bug net
Usually integrated
Weight
1.5–2.5 lbs typical

Best for Side sleepers, bad backs, people who hate fiddling

Tradeoff Heavier and more expensive; requires spreader bars

Double-layer gathered-end

Two fabric layers create an insulation sleeve for underquilts.

Learning curve
Same as gathered-end
Bug net
Separate purchase
Weight
1.5–2.0 lbs typical

Best for Three-season campers building a full quilt system

Tradeoff Heavier than single-layer; less useful for summer-only use

ENO DoubleNest Hammock Best starter
ENO

DoubleNest Hammock

$$

Our rating

ENO is the brand that introduced most North Americans to hammock camping, and the DoubleNest is why. Wide enough to sleep diagonally without squirming, durable ripstop nylon with a track record for years of abuse, backed by a lifetime warranty. At 9.5 × 6 feet with a 400 lb rating, it accommodates nearly anyone. Buy this and Atlas straps before committing to anything else.

What we like

  • Lifetime warranty: ENO replaces defective gear no questions asked
  • 9.5 × 6 ft gives real room to find your diagonal lie
  • Ripstop nylon survives years of use on rough bark and branches

What to know

  • 1.5 lbs is heavier than ultralight options for backpackers
  • No integrated bug net; budget extra for buggy sites
See on Amazon →
Wise Owl Outfitters Camping Hammock Budget pick
Wise Owl Outfitters

Camping Hammock

$39.91 as of Jun 22, 2026

Our rating · In Stock

Under $35 and the gathered-end experience is close enough to the ENO to matter. Same style, similar dimensions, rated to 400 lbs. If you're not sure hammock camping will stick, this is the sensible way to find out without spending $70 first.

What we like

  • Under $35, the lowest-risk way to try hammock camping
  • Same gathered-end style as premium hammocks; technique transfers

What to know

  • Thinner fabric shows wear faster at hang points
  • No lifetime warranty; likely replaced within two seasons of regular use
See on Amazon →
Kammock Roo Double Hammock Upgrade pick
Kammock

Roo Double Hammock

$94.95 as of Jun 22, 2026

Our rating · Only 16 left in stock - order soon.

The Roo Double is what you buy when you know hammock camping is your thing. Integrated bug net that zips closed, a gear pocket for phone and keys, and Kammock's construction quality is noticeably above the entry-level field. The integrated net alone removes one more gear decision from your kit.

What we like

  • Integrated bug net zips closed, no separate net to rig
  • Gear pocket keeps phone, headlamp, and keys accessible at night
  • Kammock's build quality is noticeably above ENO tier

What to know

  • Heavier than bare hammocks due to the integrated net
  • Premium price; save it for after you're committed
See on Amazon →
a tent in a tree

Photo by Jan Canty on Unsplash

Rain Tarps

A tarp is non-optional for any overnight hammock trip, even on forecast-clear nights. You rig it above the hammock, pitched low on the windward side for weather protection. Look for at least 11 × 9 feet of coverage and multiple attachment points for guy lines. The tarp is the piece most beginners under-buy.

ENO ProFly XL Rain Tarp Best starter
ENO

ProFly XL Rain Tarp

$$

Our rating

Designed to work with ENO hammocks: the attachment points line up, the coverage is right, and the hex cut gives you headroom without extra fabric. At 11 × 8.5 feet, it handles serious rain. Ripstop nylon with taped seams, stakes and lines included. The sensible first tarp for ENO users.

What we like

  • Designed to pair with ENO hammocks, attachment points match up
  • Stakes, lines, and stuff sack included, ready to pitch out of the box
  • Hex cut gives headroom at center without excess flapping fabric

What to know

  • Heavier than silnylon tarps, noticeable on multi-day backpacking
  • No doors or end panels; pitch it low for wind protection
See on Amazon →
Wise Owl Outfitters Camping Tarp Budget pick
Wise Owl Outfitters

Camping Tarp

$

Our rating

Under $50 and covers the basics for fair-weather camping. Multiple attachment loops, stakes included, pitches fast. Not what you want in a real downpour, but fine for three-season use when rain is possible but not guaranteed.

What we like

  • Under $50 with stakes and lines included
  • Multiple attachment loops let you configure the pitch angle

What to know

  • Coverage is smaller than ENO's ProFly, fine for calm rain
  • Seams are not taped; can seep in sustained heavy rain
See on Amazon →
ENO HouseFly Rain Tarp Upgrade pick
ENO

HouseFly Rain Tarp

$169.95 as of Jun 22, 2026

Our rating

When the weather is genuinely serious, the HouseFly's 11 × 9.5 ft coverage and 8 attachment points let you build a real shelter. Pitched low in driving rain with sides staked out, it keeps everything dry. Also doubles as a ground tarp. The one to buy if you camp in the Pacific Northwest or shoulder seasons.

What we like

  • 11 × 9.5 ft creates serious weather protection in driving rain
  • 8 attachment points work with nearly any tree spacing
  • Doubles as a ground tarp, useful beyond hammock camping

What to know

  • Heaviest tarp in the ENO lineup, a real weight penalty for backpacking
  • Overkill for summer camping where afternoon showers are the worst
See on Amazon →

Underquilts

An underquilt hangs beneath your hammock and insulates the side your sleeping bag can't reach. Without one, you'll be cold below 60°F; the compressed sleeping bag underneath loses its loft in the hammock's curve. The underquilt is the most important and most misunderstood piece of hammock-specific gear. Buy one rated 10–15°F below your expected low temperature.

ENO Ember UnderQuilt Best starter
ENO

Ember UnderQuilt

$119.95 as of Jun 22, 2026

Our rating · In Stock

Designed to pair with ENO hammocks and covers three-season camping down to 40°F. Synthetic insulation keeps working even when damp, unlike down, which collapses when wet. Simple hang system clips to the hammock suspension. The right first underquilt for most campers who aren't planning winter trips.

What we like

  • 40°F rating covers three-season camping in most US climates
  • Synthetic fill stays warm when damp, forgiving for beginners
  • Hang system clips directly to ENO hammock suspension

What to know

  • 40°F rating means cold spring and fall nights need extra layers
  • Synthetic fill is heavier than down for the same warmth rating
See on Amazon →
OneTigris Hammock Underquilt Budget pick
OneTigris

Hammock Underquilt

$49.98 as of Jun 22, 2026

Our rating

OneTigris punches above its price in the hammock accessory space. Their underquilt works with any gathered-end hammock, costs about half what the ENO does, and the universal hang system takes 10 minutes to dial in the first time, then works reliably. A smart choice if you're not sure about insulation yet.

What we like

  • Roughly half the price of brand-name underquilts
  • Universal hang system works with any gathered-end hammock

What to know

  • Warm-season rating only, limits you to summer camping
  • Hang system takes longer to dial in than brand-specific options
See on Amazon →
Kammock Bobcat Trail Quilt 45° Upgrade pick
Kammock

Bobcat Trail Quilt 45°

$229.95 as of Jun 22, 2026

Our rating

The Bobcat is where you go when you want down insulation instead of synthetic. Down packs smaller and lofts better than synthetic fill at the same weight, and Kammock's build quality shows: the hang system is more refined than budget options, the stitching holds up, and the stuff sack packs it tight. If you're serious about backpacking weight, this is the upgrade.

What we like

  • Down fill packs 30% smaller than synthetic at the same warmth rating
  • Kammock's hang system is more refined than budget options
  • 45°F rating covers three-season camping in most US climates

What to know

  • Down loses loft when wet; protect from rain more carefully than synthetic
  • Premium price; hard to justify over synthetic until weight matters
See on Amazon →
a woman sitting in a hammock with a bottle of beer

Photo by Lucas Canino on Unsplash

Top Quilts

A top quilt replaces a sleeping bag for hammock campers. It drapes over you instead of surrounding you, which works because the underquilt handles bottom insulation. Top quilts are lighter, more packable, and easier to adjust at night than a sleeping bag. Match your top quilt rating to your underquilt: a 40°F underquilt pairs with a 40°F top quilt.

KAMMOK Firebelly 30° Trail Quilt Best starter
Kammock

KAMMOK Firebelly 30° Trail Quilt

$309.95 as of Jun 22, 2026

Our rating · Only 18 left in stock - order soon.

The Firebelly is Kammock's top quilt designed for hammock campers: 30°F rating with a closeable footbox, down fill that packs tight, and construction quality that holds up to real backpacking. Pairs well with the Bobcat underquilt as a matched cold-weather system.

What we like

  • Designed to pair with Kammock underquilts as a matched system
  • Closeable footbox keeps toes warm without a sleeping bag
  • Packable enough for backpacking, not just car camping

What to know

  • Runs narrow; broad shoulders may experience edge gaps in cold
  • Premium price for a quilt you can't try before buying
See on Amazon →
ENO Ignitor TopQuilt Budget pick
ENO

Ignitor TopQuilt

$$

Our rating

ENO's dedicated top quilt for hammock use. Rated to 40°F, synthetic fill, and sized to drape over a hammock without the tuck-and-fight you get with a sleeping bag. The footbox closes with a snap. If you already own ENO gear, this rounds out the system without adding a new brand.

What we like

  • Designed as a hammock top quilt: footbox, drape, and shape all correct
  • Synthetic fill stays warm when damp; more forgiving than down

What to know

  • Heavier than down-fill options at the same temperature rating
  • 40°F rating; not for shoulder-season use without a warmer underquilt
See on Amazon →
OneTigris Featherlite Hammock Quilt Upgrade pick
OneTigris

Featherlite Hammock Quilt

$67.98 as of Jun 22, 2026

Our rating · In Stock

Better temperature rating for the price than most brand-name options. The footbox snaps closed, the fill lofts better than budget quilts, and for campers who want genuine shoulder-season capability without paying Kammock prices, this is the honest choice.

What we like

  • 40°F rating at mid-range price, better value than brand-name options
  • Closeable footbox included at this price point

What to know

  • Shipping times vary; check Prime before ordering for a trip deadline
  • Less brand prestige; resale value lower than Kammock
See on Amazon →

Suspension Straps

Tree straps attach your hammock to trees, and they matter more than most beginners expect. You need straps at least 1 inch wide; anything narrower can damage bark and is banned at many campgrounds. Length matters too: 8–10 feet per strap covers most tree configurations. Always buy straps with your hammock. The hammock itself never ships with them.

ENO - Eagles Nest Outfitters Atlas Hammock Straps, Suspension System Best starter
ENO

Eagles Nest Outfitters Atlas Hammock Straps, Suspension System

$

Our rating

The default recommendation from every hammock camping forum. One-inch Leave No Trace-compliant webbing, 9 feet per strap for most tree configurations, rated to 400 lbs, and the loop attachment clips and adjusts fast. Buy these with your hammock. You can't hang without straps.

What we like

  • 1-inch webbing is LNT-compliant and allowed at virtually every campground
  • 9 feet per strap handles most tree spacings without improvising
  • Fast clip-and-adjust loops, under 2 minutes to hang

What to know

  • Fixed attachment loops limit micro-adjustment of hang angle
  • 9 ft may fall short for very wide tree gaps
See on Amazon →
Wise Owl Outfitters Tree Straps Budget pick
Wise Owl Outfitters

Tree Straps

$23.99 as of Jun 22, 2026

Our rating

Under $20 and honestly close to the ENO Atlas experience for most setups. One-inch webbing, multiple loops, rated to 400 lbs, and long enough for most trees. The right answer if you're already buying the Wise Owl hammock and want to keep total spend under $55.

What we like

  • Under $20, keeps the complete starter kit under $55
  • 1-inch LNT-compliant webbing at this price point

What to know

  • Carabiner hardware is lighter gauge than ENO; inspect before use
  • Loops are spaced farther apart, giving coarser hang angle adjustment
See on Amazon →
Kammock Python Straps Upgrade pick
Kammock

Python Straps

$39.95 as of Jun 22, 2026

Our rating · Only 3 left in stock - order soon.

Ten feet of 1.5-inch tree-friendly webbing with more attachment loops than the Atlas, meaning finer control over hang angle. Kammock's hardware is bomber, the extra length solves wide-tree-gap problems, and the straps handle cold weather better than thin webbing. The upgrade hammock campers buy after two seasons.

What we like

  • 10 ft handles wide tree gaps that ENO Atlas straps can't
  • More attachment loops = finer hang angle control
  • Bomber carabiners, noticeably more solid than ENO's

What to know

  • Heavier than ENO Atlas for what is functionally the same task
  • Overkill until you've outgrown Atlas straps after a season or two
See on Amazon →
Going deeper

Your first weekend of hammock camping

Most beginners overthink the setup and underthink the insulation. Here's what actually matters in your first 48 hours — and what to ignore until later.

Read the guide →
Save your money

What you don't need yet

Beginners get pressured to buy a lot of stuff that doesn't help them play better. Here's what we'd skip on day one.

  • A hammock stand — Unless you camp in treeless areas, you don't need one. Find two healthy trees 12–15 feet apart. They're everywhere in most US camping.
  • A separate bug net — Many hammocks include integrated nets. And shoulder-season camping often doesn't need one at all. Wait until a bug-heavy trip tells you it's necessary.
  • Whoopie slings — Custom adjustable suspension used by experienced hammock campers. ENO Atlas straps handle everything a beginner needs and then some.
  • A sleeping pad — Sleeping pads in hammocks are awkward to keep in place and shift when you move. An underquilt solves the same problem correctly.
  • A structural ridgeline — An optional cord that sets a consistent hang angle between your attachment points. Useful eventually. Learn to set your angle by eye first.
First week

Your first seven days

A short, real plan to get from gear-on-doorstep to actually playing.

  1. Order a hammock and Atlas straps: these two items get you your first hangs. · Buy
  2. Hang the hammock in your backyard or a local park before your first overnight. One practice session dials in the angle and the process. · Action
  3. Learn the diagonal lie. In a gathered-end hammock, lying at a 30° angle to the centerline gives you a flat, comfortable position. It feels unnatural the first time and obvious by the third. · Learn
  4. Find a campsite with good trees: 12–15 feet apart, at least 8 inches in diameter, healthy hardwoods. Check the campground's hammock policy before you go. · Action
  5. Don't skip the tarp on your first overnight, even with a clear forecast. Weather in the woods changes fast, and an untarped hammock in a rain shower is a miserable night. · Action
  6. If camping below 60°F, add an underquilt before the trip, not after one cold sleepless night. · Buy
FAQ

Common questions

Do I really need an underquilt?

Yes, for camping below 60°F. In a hammock, cold air circulates beneath you and your sleeping bag compresses flat, losing the insulation it relies on. An underquilt hangs below the hammock and fills that gap. Without one, you'll be cold regardless of what's on top of you. Above 60°F at night, a light sleeping bag or top quilt alone is fine.

How far apart do trees need to be?

Aim for 12–15 feet between trunks for a comfortable hang angle. You can make 10–18 feet work with strap adjustments. Closer than 10 feet puts you too low; farther than 20 feet starts to stress attachment points. Trees should be at least 8 inches in diameter so you're not damaging saplings.

Is hammock camping lighter than tent camping?

A hammock-only summer setup is lighter than a tent. But a full three-season hammock system with tarp, underquilt, and top quilt is comparable to or heavier than a tent and sleeping bag combo. The weight advantage is real in warm weather when you can skip the underquilt.

Can I hammock camp above treeline?

No. Hammock camping requires trees 12–15 feet apart, which rules out alpine zones, desert camping, and most ocean-front sites. If your style takes you regularly above treeline, a tent is the right tool.

Do I need a bug net?

Depends on location and season. For shoulder-season camping or bug-light areas, no. For summer camping in the Southeast, Great Lakes, or anywhere with real mosquito pressure, yes. Many higher-end hammocks include integrated nets; others sell them separately.

How do I find good hammock campsites?

Hammockforums.net has trip reports organized by region, the best source for site-specific hammock intel. Most established forest campgrounds in the eastern US have good trees. Check the campground's hammock policy before arrival; some sites near sensitive ecosystems restrict hammock use.

Going further

Where to next

Related hobbies

Browse by category

Authoritative sources

  • Hammock Forums — The definitive community for hammock camping. Trip reports, gear reviews, and build threads for DIY gear. The place to research any specific site or gear question.
  • The Ultimate Hang — Derek Hansen's comprehensive reference site. The clearest explanation of hang angles, insulation systems, and suspension mechanics anywhere.
  • Leave No Trace — Hammock-specific guidance on tree protection: strap width, trunk diameter, and campground rules. The 1-inch strap standard comes from here.
  • r/hammockcamping — Active subreddit. Good for gear recommendations, trip reports, and beginner questions. Search before posting; most starter questions are answered in the wiki.
man sitting under tree

Photo by Priscilla Du Preez 🇨🇦 on Unsplash

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