Watch This Before Buying / Using a Hammock - Pros and Cons 

I'm a hammock guy. I would say that the upper end of hammock technology has become comparable in weight to a new high end free standing tent. A single wall trekking pole tent will always be the lightest. In the rocky trails of PA the hammock is a real benefit due to fewer flat spots. After using an under quilt with my hammock I will never go back. Using pads or mats in a hammock changes the whole dynamic and is much less comfortable. My 30 degree synthetic top and under quilt together weigh about the same as my older synthetic 30 degree bag. With hammocks you have suspension and with tents you need a pad. Good comfortable pads can be heavier than a good suspension system, and way more expensive. I'd say a tarp is comparable to the fly on the tent. It does take more skill to set up a hammock but the comfort is far better. My ridge line pockets handle all my devices and pocket gear just fine, including a water bottle. With a trekking pole holding up one corner of the tarp the visibility is better than a tent. I get a panorama from the lifted side. Condensation is NEVER a problem unless you put a non-breathable mat under you. I will say that cooking from a hammock is sketchy. You have to hang out and set your stove in arms reach away from your quilt. One area a tent usually wins is privacy. Hard to change your clothes out of sight standing under your tarp. All in all, the proper use of a hammock offers those of us in the eastern woods who will invest time and money into the proper setup will find it the most comfortable way to sleep in the woods. You western desert folks stick to the tent.

I like hammock camping also during rainy seasons. In a rain the hammock is off the ground is less likely to get muddy and dirty. Also in a rain I can pitch the roof such that I can sit on my hammock and watch the rain, instead of strained in the tent.

Here in the backwoods of Northern Europe where I live, it´s just pine forests and lakes. Nothing better than setting up a hammock with a view on the lake. No condensation, no crawling on the ground. I´ve never considered hammock camping to be any kind of magic solution. Just a different way of camping.

Bridge hammocks is a growing option. Privacy issue get a tarp with doors. Shug brews his coffee from his hammock. That said I cook away from my sleep shelter for safety.

I have found that here in South Carolina I can use my hammock all year round and find that I get a better nights rest than my bed. But like you said only if you set it up right which does take practice. For me sleeping on the ground does not work any more. This was another great video Luke.

I prefer the hammock because there is nowhere near me that is flat. I live in the north Pennines though so I’m probably an edge case

Clearly trying to troll and slow the popularity of hammocks for some illogical reason, Hammock use is absolutely exploding. I've seen more in the last three years along the east coast than ever before. Entire cottage industries rising to meet demand with up to six month lead times being completely commonplace.

Hammock hands down more comfortable for me. Another pro, you pack up faster, no damp / wet floor to dry out like a tent.

I am a hammock lover, I do have many tents, but I do like to sleep in a hammock over a tent. plus I find that I carry less to hammock camp then to tent camp.

It is in all ways and at all times about the right tool for the right job. Tents are useful in many situations. Hammocks, in many others. For backcountry woodland adventures I prefer hammocks!

Hammock all the way just started last year like you said tents have there place but 95% of the time I'm in my hammock with a 3X3 DD tarp talking about DD hammocks they have a 2n1 hammock/ground bivy its pretty cool also warbonnet hammock are awesome as well as dream hammocks if you like total customization all great options

Nice video Luke. Unless I missed them, I wanted to add a couple things. With hammocks, you always have a nice comfortable place to sit or lounge. For me, that can’t be overstated. I’m not a 20 mile a day sort of guy, I like to get to camp and enjoy it there. So having a comfortable place to relax is important. And there’s nothing better than waiting for the rain to stop as when you’re in a hammock. You also feel much less trapped and less stuffy.

Awesome info! Just started with hammocks this year. Don't ever see me going back to a tent. Got a DD Frontline XL with the 4x4 tarp. Love it. Probably add a sparrow or chameleon next year. Variety never hurts. 😁

I've been hammock camping since the 90's - before any commercial solution existed. I have always found a hammock to be more versatile in back country conditions. Trail people should stick to tents.

Hammock all day everyday. I don't like going to ground. I will gladly deal with all the so called cons.

On trails I have been in Pennsylvania I have seen more hammocks in recent years not less. Properly set up hammocks will be more comfortable than a tent for most people. Using an under quilt instead of a pad makes a big improvement but I used pads in hammocks for several years and that still was way better than in a tent. Check out Shug's channel for expert hammock information.

Wow....there is so much misinformation here.

Hands down, gimme my hammock. If my bladder permits, I can sleep for twelve hours in a hammock. My back/hips scream at me to get out of bed after eight hours... even on a high end mattress. I'll pass on the birth canal systems, side entry is for me. A GOOD tarp can provide you with the privacy you elude to losing by using a hammock. You're biased towards a tent and want to compare the best in scenarios for tents, and low end scenarios for hammocks. If anyone wants to learn how to succeed with hammock use, Shugemery is the RU-vid channel you want to watch.

With the considerations of a bad back including scoliosis and damage from heavy machinery operation (years of sitting and poor suspension) I will take a hammock ALL DAY LONG!! This video feels to have some bias against hammocks. Please don't take all of this video's content as doctrine. Go check out dedicated hammock users and get more information. There are several good content creators who have broken the pros and cons down with out this much bias and omitted information.

Dude my hammock system is good to 15 degrees and is just over 6 pounds. If I switch to a Dyneema tarp I could drop that to 4 pounds. That includes hammock, underquilt, topquilt, tarp, suspension and tarp lines. I store my my pack on the suspension and all my other gear in ridgeline bags in the hammock. You need to watch Shugemery he cooks from his hammock all the time as do I. I really don't think you are qualified to talk about hammocks.

Now can we get someone that is not biased to give a opinion or get someone that likes hammocks to give their review, maybe Frozen

I’ll choose a hammock over a tent every time. I have no problem cooking from my hammock.

I use hammock occasionally. I live in the alps and most of the time I sleep in a bivvi above the treeline. In the winter, in lower altitudes I like my hammock/underquilt setup in a forrest.

I'm a hammock guy ever since I tried my first Hennessey birth-canal. Now I use a side entry with a OneTigris UQ and my mummy bag as a TQ. Tents have their uses, but I sleep much better suspended than on a mat.

This has to be Luke's attempt at a comedy reel .

Can you take a look at the dd jungle hammock it can dubbble up as ether a tent or hammock

Hiyas Luke , couple points , I use to take just a tarp and make my bed in the mountains like injuns . Very cool and almost invisible to all. Then a war bonnet traveler and a tarp . Then a cot and a tarp. The key for me and how I was raised is visibility . In a tent you have 0% visibility and you're trapped. ,easy pickings . And you need a pad , a sleeping bag ,etc etc Most versatile is still making your bed ,wool blanket ""real one""" and a good tarp. My tarp has 23 tie off's so I can go freaky Getting off the ground is the key. The ground will suck the life out of you. Tent would be my last choice every time. Now in my older years I use a cot 100% , a teton pad , and a teton xxl bag 0* degree , a flat sheet , and a wool blanket just in case ,and a tarp .10x12 . Bring it on. And I can see everything all the time. And I'm warm and comfortable Rain you say ,just lower the tarp idjut. Peace.

I don't agree with your take on this topic-and I'm a regular viewer of your reviews! Over the last few years, I've seen more than a few serious camping people I know switch from tents to hammocks. The reasons they switched often boiled down to the following. They had leaking tent experiences; so they decided if they have to carry an extra tarp they may as well add the hammock. They regularly had difficulty finding ground level enough to offer a good night's sleep. Many times they found themselves faced with sites that would not accommodate the footprint of the tents they were carrying. As they aged they found it increasingly difficult to crawl around in and/or enter a backpacking tent.

“Hammocks have become less and less popular”. Couldn’t be more wrong.

Hammock all the way, side entry Dutchware Warbonnet DD Hammocks love them all

I prefer the hammock because I get the best sleep in my hammock, I had no idea bottom entry hammocks existed, I've camped all over North Carolina and I would say I love my hammock. Both tents and hammocks have their good and bad points. I love sitting in my hammock in the rain, it's almost like therapy. I am also strange when it comes to camping. The worse the weather, the more I enjoy it. Thanks for the awesome videos Luke.

A lot of his cons really aren’t. I have an under hammock gear sling for my hammock. No problem to lean over and grab what I need. I also have a pouch that hangs from the integrated ridge line in my hammock. Great place for chargers and such. There is also pocket on the side and a small storage area by my head. As for cooking? All that lovely space under my tarp stays dry. I can either sit under there or lean out depending on how I pitched it. With just an under quilt and top quilt (equivalent to bringing 1 sleeping bag) I can sleep comfortably down to around 30 degrees F.

As a backcountry mountain hunter, side entry hammocks all the way. I was a convert after having to hike at least a mile further on a ridgeback then I wanted to, just to find a decent place to pitch a tent. Hammocks require a bit more skill/knowledge then a tent, but it's totally worth it. I routinely hammock camp all summer, up until late Sept,or early Oct, at around 8,000 to 9,000 ft elevation. I sleep almost as well in a hammock as I do my bed at home, no condensation, no bugs, BUT...you have to do it right. Do it right, its awesome. Do it wrong, and it sucks. Side notes - Have an electronics bag. Shove your phone and charger in that, sleep with it inside your bag. - Klymit makes an inflatable glassing pad. Also works great as a "door mat" when getting into your hammock and kicking off your boots. - always use some kind of inslation layer in the hammock, otherwise you'll be cooling there from convection like a piece of meat. - Tarp is great to cook under while it's raining. Also keeps your gear dry. AND it provides shade. Combine ready made shade with the open air of a hammock, and your rarely sweltering during the summer. - Leave your pack under your hammock. Makes a great "night stand" to put objects on you want to keep within reach, but not inside the hammock due to sharp edges. - 9 ft hammock works best for finding a camp location, Those real nice 10-11 footers I think would be harder to find a site to camp on. - Dry sack with your extra socks/layers, put that under your knees or upper thighs at night. Alleviates or solves any hyper extending on your knees. Also makes it easier to change your socks. I could go on, but I've seriously grown to love hammock camping. I can camp on the side of a steep slope in some aspins or pines, and sometimes glass for elk or deer at or near where I camp. Saves me a ton of energy and time.

I use a hammock it’s great!

Hammock sleeping is the only time I wake up with no pain!

I'm usually on board with most of your opinions Luke but we take different paths here. You said its more difficult to find suitable places for a hammock over a tent. My hiking buddy uses a tent. I use a hammock. Its much much much harder to find a suitable place for a tent. Tents require level terrain. Hammocks just need trees within your length of tree straps. I hike the Appalachian trail often (in the Virginia, Maryland, and Pennsylvania area). Its a 50/50 split between hammocks and tents in my experience. I recently did a video/hike to McAffees Knob. There were way more hammocks than tents. Storage definitely is better in a tent. I agree, circumstances are everything. I will say in my experience, I sleep better in a hammock. Thats going to be a individualized thing. I will say for those backpacking, I can easily save a lot of weight by using a hammock. I appreciate your video and always respect your opinion. I was just a little surprised here. Thanks man

Pros of Hammock: Easier Setup / take down in Bad Weather More usable shelter space Better protection for gear More campsite options sub alpine No Pad to deal with in peak summer No condensation issues Better visibility into campsite More comfortable to lounge in Better gear organization Built in clothes line Cooler in summer Keeps everything clean No crawling on the ground Can’t be flooded by rain Better Sleep - subjective*** Pros of Tent: Can handle high winds better Handle cold easier and cheaper Likely handle snow loads better Potentially less weight Allows to share with another person Flat place to sit inside Setup in place without trees Gives you a pad to use for shelters

I prefer hammocks, because I sleep better in a hammock. I am a side sleeper, and by the time I get a pad thick enough to be comfortable for me, it is too heavy for backpacking. If the overnight temps will be below freezing -- then a 4 season tent is my preference. I like hammocks and tarps in light to medium rain -- it is trivial to put up the tarp first in all cases. That gives me a large dry space to finish the setup. Fly first is possible with some tent designs -- but not all. Depending on the forecast, I can bring a tarp large enough to reach the ground on all sides - or go with a smaller tarp. Tarps do offer slightly less privacy than a tent. But, I also like being able to stand up when changing clothing. I have never been good at changing clothes laying down. I also like being able to have a "porch mode" and sit in the hammock and enjoy the view. A hammock gives me a bonus "chair" when backpacking. While it is possible to have a lighter setup with a tent, I am generally not willing to spend the $$$ on a lightweight tent to make that happen. In the $500 (ish) "all in" price for a shelter & sleeping system, the weights of hammock setups and tent setups tend to be very similar. Also, it is common for the lighter weight tents to require trekking poles or other "non included" hardware to setup. The "as ready for bed" setup weight is often higher than what is commonly quoted. Tents do to scale better when you start adding people. A hammock setup is limited to single occupancy. It is straight forward to get two or three people into a tent -- and often possible to split the weight of the tent between people -- body, fly & foot print, poles & stakes. If you have 6 to 8 people in your group, finding a backcountry site with enough good hang points can be tricky.

I CANNOT sleep on my back....ever. I need a 3" thermarest on the ground.

Wow you really are misinformed on many of you cons. I have seen people hammock in -40F. I watch many people have breakfast from the hammock. I have had breakfast from the hammock. I also think 1 or 2 man tent are much more claustrophobic compared to a hammock. This is really a poor review of hammocks.

80% hammock, 20% tent. No trees or too cold, tent. Everywhere else, hammock. It's more about comfort and packability for me. A 10oz softball sized bag is perfect for taking on a motorcycle ride.

Up to the 3 minute mark, there is good info. After that, it's mostly opinion, not fact. As many other people are noting in the comments, tons of people cook from hammocks, have lighter setups than tents, have plenty of storage in their hammock for small items, etc. If anyone watching this wants to learn more about hammocks without bias, go to Shug's channel or Adventures with the Marine.

And then my comment disappears? I mean, you don't go to a Ford mechanic to work on a Lamborghini. The Ford guy might know a bit about the mechanics of working on a high end car, but I wouldn't want him working on it.

Great overall review, but off in some aspects. Hammocks have also improved over time. I'm primarily a hammock camper. My Warbonnet XLC has ample storage for boots, pants and other large items. My ridge line storage catty stores my phone, cables and extra batteries. The ridge line phone holder from Hammock gear holds my phone while watching movies at night. My zero degree over and under quilt, hammock and accessories weight little over 6lbs. Much less than any tent, sleeping bag, matt, and other items. I do use tents in the winter mostly above tree line and where trees are limited. My Nemo Chogori 2P (8.7lbs) and Hilleburg Nammath 3GT (10lbs w/footprint) both great tents, but are much heavier. berth canal" hammock are not used as much now.

Have always loved tents and have only recently started using a hammock. Much better physical recovery for me when using a hammock and a greater feeling of connection to the surrounding bush. I’m in my late 50s and my old sports injuries sometimes make tent camping quite painful after a long hike. Anyone else experience the joy of being hit by severe cramps simply bending down to crawl into the tent?? I actually do a fair amount of stretching now before getting ready for sleep when I’m using a tent just to minimise the unexpected screaming. Knees never have to bend too far past 90 degrees when getting into and out of a hammock. Have not had cramps nor been forced to hobble around for the first 15mins in the morning. And the early morning bladder relief process is so much more convenient in a hammock!

Luke, I am a hammock guy. love them!! I have several tents as well as many hammocks. I am not opposed to a tent or tarp shelters, but generally very stiff by morning. Have several different strap systems as well as a couple of home made suspension systems. tarp configurations allow for many set ups. I don't back pack any more so the weight issue is moot.

I prefer tents. I bring my kamprite tent cot mostly when I go Jeep camping. My hammock is pretty much only for mid day naps lol

I like the space of a tent, but I can go lighter and more compact with a hammock. For me, it all depends on your setup. Down quilts, lightweight tarp with enough coverage to hang out underneath in the rain, and lightweight hammock (Dutchware, Warbonnet, Dream …), etc. Getting there can be pricey, however. I’m good with either depending on what I’m in the mood for. If I had to choose among all the options, I prefer just tarp camping.

I think the best use of a hammock is bikepacking. I mean in reality its only a few extra pounds. And I am willing to do that to hammock camp.

I use a hammock full time at home So comfy. My favorite thing camping is breakfast from the hammock. I do use a tent quite often too. But it is easier and lighter to keep my pup warm when I use a hammock. Although, sleeping with a 40 pound dog laying across your bladder is not for everyone :). It is easier to set up and take down my hammock when it is raining, and I can enjoy the rain instead of worrying about a tent flooding. My main forest type where I hike is spruces, which makes for decent hanging. I can also DIY a hammock and tarp on the cheap. I do agree that one has to consider the terrain and having decent trees available. I have never used a bottom entry hammock; that does seem weird to me.

I think for me the big plus for hammock camping is that I am only on my knees for as long as it takes to fasten my rucksack up after I have packed everything away.

I've been rocking a hammocks for 50 years and they beat tents in most cases. I have never had a problem finding a place to hang, unless above the tree line. Cold weather hammomocking is the best.

I'm pretty sure hammocks are gaining in popularity and haven't been on a trip when I didn't see people using them.

Hammoch, side entry. I have the Warbonnet XLC with the top cover, underquilt protector zipped together as a cocoon. Also have the wookie underquilt. Sleeps great! Cover with superfly or my smokehouse mini hot tent. Great four season setup.

I have a DD Superlight Jungle Hammock, which is something of a compromise on the tent v. hammock debate, since I can pitch it as either. Since I live and play in the desert (Great Basin), I have fewer options to use my shelter as a hammock, and if I know I am going somewhere without trees at all, I will usually just take my Snugpak Ionosphere instead.

The biggest pro for me is im more comfortable without the need for a sleeping pad. If layed properly its the best night sleep youll get. Cons are the privacy that you loose when coming from a tent

I always thought hammock camping was for staying off the ground in places with dangerous snakes/insects.

7:30 It seems dodgy to assert that something is "a fact" when all you've offered to support this claim is one person's anecdotal observations... Not to say that your assertion is false, but such a strong statement would benefit from data, imo. That said, thanks for all you do for this community. Keep em coming 👍

tent here...! Thx Luke... I know if it's cooler that 75 degrees, you'll need an underquilt!

I have no need for hammocks in my desert camping but I love hearing and learning about all stuff you teach. In the desert it's not that there are no trees, but it's common to have winds at day or night to 30-45 mph. I prefer to be in a good staked down tent with earplugs when wind can make enough noise to keep me awake. Also I would not wa mb t to be tossed and turned In a hammock in those conditions. Desert camping , if primitive should be tent only. I've had great experiences tent camping in desert with high winds. Be aware high winds in desert in ca, can wake you up from tent rattling and make you think there is an earthquake. Also high winds In desert at night if you wake up can make weird noises that sound like creatures are roaming around by tent at night. It gets creepy but I love extreme weather and mild weather desert camping when 37 to 72 degrees. Hope my Info helps someone.

Set up a tent in the rain vs. Set up a hammock vid would be fun

For having so much experience in hammocks you seemed to mis a lot or mis represent a lot. 1. Storage. Hammocks IMO have way better organization than tents because the Ridgeline is right above you and in reach. You somehow didn't mention a Ridgeline organizer that often have 6 to 8 pockecks and is right above you, a peak loft above your head and many hammocks now have side pocket options. This is one of the biggest things when I converted is how much I could bring into my hammock and how accessable it all was. In tents you can toss more in but it's not as clean. Then it's also not hard to hang your pack, outside, under or off your lines. 2. Tent vs hammock add ONS You kept talking about the weight of a hammock going up as you add gear to stay warm. This is the same in a tent. Often tent campers have a ground cloth to protect their tent, sleeping bad and pad. In a hammock you dont need a pad. You have an under quit and over quilt. So that part isn't really more than a tent. 3. Cold Weather Hammocks can handle just about any temp out there, yes the ultra cold weather gear is expensive, but I've seen people hammock camp down around -40f. 4. Going to ground. If you know you are camping where trees might be an issue you can set up on the ground with tracking poles to hold up your tarp and Ridgeline. This isn't the best but it's doable. So you have more flexibility in a hammock than you gave credit. 5. Rain. Hammocks are far better in the rain. You are off the ground, so wet ground or water running under you doesn't matter. You and your gear can stay dry. Also setting up, tarp first and you keep your sleeping quarters dry while you set up. If you set up a tent in the rain, it's not easy to keep it dry. There is more but this is long enough. This video, if you have the hammock experience you say you do seemed very bias and dishonest.

I would love to use a hammock, but I live in desert terrain which means trees are few and far between and honestly I think that is the biggest limitation of hammocks as primary shelter. Yes you can set them up on ground in a pinch or simply use the tarp instead but that kind of negates any positives from carrying it.

You really need to get a better hammock if you're lacking storage space.. Ive been exclusively hammocking for years, year round in the Canadian Rockies, and have never had trouble storing any gear in my hammock. A simple ridgeline organizer (which is pretty standard on any half decent hammock) makes storing anything you'd need very convenient.

Definitely prefer a hammock, and side zip. I cook from my hammock using my stove all the time. One of my favorite things in the world is breakfast from the hammock. For your small items, put a small bag on your ridgeline or hanging on side of hammock. I use my hammock from warm summer temps all the way down to -40f. It's not any more difficult staying warm in a hammock than it is in a tent. You need a well insulated pad or an underquilt, same as you need that same pad in a tent. I only use a tent if going above treeline or somewhere where there arn't trees. I even bring tensa solos with me to hang without trees in areas where that is an issue.

Actually in Polish forests the hammocks are more preferrable by the authorities than the tents. The reasoning is that the tents are more likely to damage the forest floor.

Man you are full of it. I don't know why you would be lying so much about hammock camping. I use hammocks and tents. I find more places to hang a hammock then pitching a tent. If your forest is so over grown, how can you set up a tent? It doesn't even make since. I'd rather swing my feet out and stand up then crawl out of my back packing tent. For storing gear, that's what tarps are for. Give me a break. Hammock camping is growing exponentially. I know you do tent testing a lot and may have reasons to promote your channel. I have bought a tent on your recommendations. I like it but you are so one sided in this argument. The beauty about hammock camping is developing the art of hanging and developing skills for knot tying for me.

Hammock, side entry.

Hey Luke! I have 2 summer tents, 1 4-season tent and 1 hammock (Amok Draumr XL) and I prefer hammock, as I don't wake up with a sore back. I'll keep the tents for locations where trees are too small (boreal forest) but lower in Québec province, I'll stick to hammock

I like both, but a tent is the more practical choice 90% of the time. That said, I have more fun hammock-camping, just because it feels more like an adventure, and you can look for camp spots on hillsides, over rivers etc.

With 20 years of experience in the camping industry, hammocks are good beds. The biggest problem is: hammocks are just beds and cannot provide the living space of a tent-changing, privacy, storage, cooking, etc... 20年的露营行业从业者经验,吊床是很好的床, 最大的问题是: 吊床只是床, 无法提供帐篷的起居空间----更衣,隐私,储存,烹饪等等……

Thank you Luke for all the great videos. Please keep them coming.

This wasn't exactly an unbiased review, Luke. You didn't have many good things to say about hammocks. I have a Warbonnet Ridge Runner bridge-style hammock and I wouldn't go back to tents for all the tea in Lipton. You are correct that the colder the weather gets, you do need more robust under-quilts and perhaps an insulated Thermorest pad, but the same is true in a tent. And tents are so much more expensive. And crawling around on a hard, sloped ground is very unappealing. And finding a flat, level, stone-free, root-free piece of ground to pitch a tent can be nigh-on-to impossible in some places. I've been a ground dweller as a Boy Scout, and I've been a hammock lounger as an adult and I prefer hammocks any day. Cooking? If you set the hammock at the correct height close enough to the ground, in the sitting position, I can set up my Soto Windmaster and a canister stove and cook anything I like in full comfort. And, sitting in the hammock to read, or to lollygag, eliminates the need to pack in a camp chair. If I set my tarp in the porch mode, I can watch nature and observe the sunset, the starry sky, or the passing fauna. Can't do that in an enclosed tent shelter. Bad weather? Rehang the tarp and "close the doors" and you are snug and comfortable. Trees not at the optimal distance, back your 4x4 Tundra close to a convenient tree and hang the hammock from the truck to the tree. And, in wet weather, tent dwellers must carry a ground cloth to keep the water from seeping in (which it frequently does anyway especially in hard rain if you haven't sealed the seams). And, finally, condensation is much less of a problem in a hammock because it is naturally ventilated. In some tents, when you are in full-weather-onslaught, the condensation can be like camping in a terrarium. Bottom line, if I can't use my hammock because the trip is, as you say, above the tree line, or in the desert, I'll stay home rather than become a ground-dweller again....just saying. Keep up the great, unbiased, reviews because we, all your loyal subs, love you guys and depend on your thoughtful analysis to make our day great.

You should probably try updating your hammock set-up before judging hammock camping.... Your 30 yo setup ( Hennessey), while excellent for the time, does not represent today's hammocks.. Weights are comparable for all seasons when you add up all the weight factors. Bottom quilt weight is comparable to a sleeping pad used in a tent. Top quilt is the same for both. Despite your " poll" it seems like more than 15% of the comments here are pro hammock... Maybe a rethink.. Look up people who actually have a clue about hammocks. Try "Shug" on RU-vid .

I started using the Amok Draumr 5.0, truly awesome hammock. I’d love to see a review in the future to see your thoughts!

Should retitle this video to “Why I incorrectly think hammocks suck.” 30 seconds on the Pro’s and 4 minutes on the con’s. And you say “hammock’s are becoming less and less popular…. It’s a fact.” Really? Do you have any data to back up that claim, or is that just your observation? I’ve made several trips to the BWCA and spend every night in my hammock, and up there, hammocks are EVERYWHERE! BTW, my entire systems packs into a school sized backpack, not heavy, not bulky. Gear storage isn’t a problem if you know what you’re doing. I could go on and on. I think Shug Emery would like to have a conversation with this guy.

Hi, have you ever considered a selk'bag (sleeping bag with arms and legs).for hammock camping? It would seem ideal to me. Whats your thoughts? If you have time. Thanks. UK

47 years as a, ground dweller, for me it's a side entry hammock. I use the DD frontline and DD nest hammocks at the moment, preferred hammock is the frontline. Ground dwelling for me now is too hard on the joints, but in the hammock, most of those pressure points are less affected. During dry weather, the ability to look through the bug net at the tops of the trees and around me are the reason I had to try it out. The nest hammock, it's OK i guess if draughts are a bit of an issue, with a bug net window each side. For me it depends on the weather, as to which I choose to take out with me

I got away from using tents and prefer sleeping in a hammock years ago. This is how I made my Warbonnet XLC hammock more versatile - for using as a tent: Any well built hammock should do, but I use a double bottom of the Warbonnet XLC hammock. A 10x13 Aqua Quest Defender tarp, a German surplus ground cloth (8' long x 3.5' wide), amsteel cordage, 550-cord, shock cord and titanium tent pegs (these are with me no matter if I'm hanging or on the ground). The only real modifications to the hammock is by sewing 550-cord loops on the bottom 4 corners and 1 at the center points for tent pegs and then 550-cord loops sewn on the 4 corners of the bug netting to keep it raised. The ground sheet is obviously to protect the floor just like with any tent, or for my gear and boots when I'm hanging. The double fabric bottom is also great to keep a sleeping pad from sliding around. If camping from my truck, I set my hammock up on a Sunnydaze universal H.D. steel hammock stand.

Last day after 4 month on a mountain in the alps with limited download volume. First video watching and about my system. ;) Spend a night on about 2000 meters in the winter. Hammock, Snuggpack matt (formed like the top of an old koffin) and a Carinthian 600 sleeping bag (goes under 20 degrees Celsius): totaly warm and comfy. No underquilt. (sry for my english. Native german from austria)

I never had a problem with 90% of the so-called cons mentioned here. Also, the Hennessy hammock shown in the video is not an example of a quality 11 ft ultralight hammock. Try Dream Hammocks or Trailheadz Hammocks. I use my hammock setup down to well bellow freezing - weighing at 2.1 lbs for the hammock and tarp combined, plus about1.5 lbs for a 10F underquilt. That's lighter than most cold weather tent setups, plus way more comfortable (to me)

Many good points. I would love a review of Draumr from Amok. It solves many of the cons mentioned. Although it’s still in the somewhat heavy category, and that can be a con.

I hate the cold no matter what I'm in and I have come to HATE sleeping in tents, I HATE the set up, I HATE pads, I HATE cots... If I ain't swinging I ain't going. All your cons are easily addressed, and you're shaving ounces at a massive loss in comfortably. I love how people talk about underquilts as if its apart of the shelter, like, oh, you count sleeping bags as apart of your tent??? 🙄🙄✌

Trekking or motorcycle camping in the summer? Definitely hammock + light fly setup. This summer, I used my Helikon Tex Swagman Roll as an underquilt. All three ar so light and compact that I didn't even need a backpack! Tried the same last summer (on foot and on the bike) with 1 person tent. Naaah! It's almost a bivouac, which is essentially a body bag (at least it felt that way) 🤣 With hammock, there are no tent poles, hated guylines, pegs, mats... So, if it's not some extreme stuff but leasure trek or bike trip, it's a hammock!😊

I was pro for the Warbonnet Hammock for the AT. The hammock seemed to have a quick and easy set up. Included, I was going the use an Aqua Quest Tarp. I cannot find anything better than the Defender Series tarp for waterproofness. Helleberg’s tarp was to expensive. If I went tent, I would not use an ultra light. What is given up in weight is not practical for me. I need strength and durability. I need a 40D or higher floor and rain fly. I need a 2000m or higher rain fly and flooring to handle handle rain. Besides the Hilleberg, Terra Nova tents have that spec. There are others too. Thanks for the info. It was very helpful. Best wishes.

Got you beat.. First time I used a hammock was on the AT in the early 70's.. I know many hangers who have small dogs that sleep in the hammock with the owner. My Lab Mix ( 150 lbs ) sleeps under my hammock if it is raining or off the side if the weather is nice. Hammocks have not gotten less popular. Many hammocks have storage pouches in side the hammock or you can get a Warbonnet Blackbird that comes with a storage shelf ( I have been using BlackBirds since 2009 )

It sounds like most of your observations around hammock camping revolve around a tiny tarp. My 10x10 and 10x12 tarps absolutely have dry room to store gear under the tarp (they even make gear hammocks ) and there is absolutely room to cook from under the tarp if you choose. I've had three tent dwellers hang out with me under my tarp in a rainstorm to have dinner and play cards. A certain juggling hammock hanger (Shug) is known for breakfast from the hammock. Tiny tarps have their place with hammocks if you're trying to minimize weight and pack size. With the advent of newer and lighter materials, the 3 or 4 ounce difference just isn't worth me giving up my palace. The same goes with wind. A big tarp can be staked flush to the ground or even under a snow anchor. If the prevailing wind is constant, that's all you need. If I anticipate swirling winds and cold or wet, I just bring my hammock sock. It weighs less than the 4 season conversion kit you previewed and accomplishes the same. That being said, I still see quite a few hammocks being used. They're usually using vegetation as added windshields and privacy, and you won't see them on balds. They're all over at Mt. Rogers, Linville Gorge, the Smokies....in all four seasons. I use hammocks when I can, tents when I must. For me, it's just a comfort issue. I'm much better rested and less sore after a night in a hammock than sleeping on a pad on the ground.

Absolutely fantastic review of Hammock pros n cons... You're spot on... I love my hammock but mostly I love putting it up for a day lazing in the woods n cooking ... Not necessarily overnighting

Paul Barrett. I have used Hammocks for 20 years, from Ray Mears eco system, Hennessy birth canal, ENO double hammocks, DD hammocks and love them all, I have herniated discs in my back with nerve impingement so getting down on the floor is difficult but a hammock and a flat lay I get a great sleep every time, I do use an under quilt and a UGQ. top quilt. Good video, take care.

Here in the Pacific Northwest, i wont use a tent anymore unless with my family Winter camping in our hot tent. I have been in 2 rainstorms and one VERY INTENSE wind storm, and my Chameleon Hammock and Warbonnet Superfly handled it all with ease. A 12ft tarp leaves you plenty of room to sit in a chair to relax and cook, regardless if its raining or not. I stow my pack and boots underneath my hammock and everything stays dry without a problem.

Hammock (with side entry)! Very confortable, leaves no trace, stays dry,... ! I will buy a tent only for mountain treks :) Hammocks require some practice to find multiple tricks to improve details, (tools are attached to a string just under the tarp, adaptation for the distance between trees, ...). Thx for this video ;)

I prefer hammock while camping (Ontario, Canada). It's more comfortable, versatile, lighter, takes less space in a backpack, breathable, and you have a much much better view of what's going on around you, while in it. I still bring the same sleeping bag that I take when I go with a tent, so I am not exactly sure how a hammock setup can be heavier and/or bulkier than a tent.

I've spent quite some time comparing setups before I did my next purchase and came to some conclusions: 1) Yes, tents can be lighter. But we're now talking about ultralight setups with the common downsides of extreme UL and the hefty price tag. 2) Yes, hammocks aren't the cheapest options. But they don't need to be at the high end of the price spectrum. A good setup is pretty much on par with a midrange tent setup 3) Hanging above the tree line is obviously impossible but further down with the exception for desert or toundra like regions. With the rest it's not harder to find a good spot than it would be for a tent. With a hammock you don't need level ground, you don't care about rocks and roots nor will you worry much about mud. All of those factors have a big impact on tent spots - we all have spent at least one night on a root digging into our backs. As long as there are trees in the area, I'd reckon it's easier to find a good hang than it is to find a good spot to pitch your tent - unless you are restricted to a very small area (i.e. camp grounds). 4) I don't see why hammocks would require more gear? You'll need your hammock, a tarp, an underquilt or sleeping pad and a top quilt or sleeping bag. Both setups require guy lines, possibly stakes. There's no real difference here. 5) Many of the more advanced hammocks come with pockets, pouches, storage nets, etc.Think of peak shelves and ridgeline organizers. Plenty of storage space. Your bag can easily be hung underneath your hammock therefore being off the ground and protected. 6) There are stove systems you can hang by a wire. If you haven't pitched your tarp too low, you can use that from your hammock. For the real fancy ones you could go with something like an Amok Draumr, adjust the hammock into a chair and cook on the ground. As long as there are trees and you don't want to go the extreme UL route (getting close to the stupid UL region) it's really just a matter of preference. Obviously, tents are superiour above the tree line and in tree-less regions. Imho the pros and cons are: Pro: -basically always a near horizontal lay without rocks and roots lowering comfort -away from mud especially when it's wet -away from insects and small animals -comfort (well, for most, depending on preferences) Con: -less protection in heavy rain, let alone storms -less privacy (might not be an issue for some) -almost always single person only (there are options for double hammocks but it's never great - if everyone needs their own solo setup, price becomes an argument again) -no real options above the tree line, in deserts or in toundras.

I have camped *_exclusively_* for 18 years. Started with a bottom-entry Hennessy from REI. They had no competition. I wore it out. Literally the velcro on the bottom quit holding. Then I got a Warbonnet Blackbird. That has been my go-to ever since. The only time I have camped and not used my Warbonnet since getting it was desert camping in Coconino NF, and the Secret Mountain Wilderness. I slept on a lot of narrow cliff edges at the bottom of buttes and halfway up to some mesas where there were no trees. Other than that, it's been hammock all the way. Canoe camping trips. 3 day kayak runs. Lakeside fishing weekends. Serious backwoods hikes. On my own property too many times to count. In car camping campgrounds. At Bonnaroo three times. My Blackbird has been a reliable old friend. I do have an oversized rainfly. It is ridiculously over sized and has save my butt so many times I truly have lost count.

I'm 50/50. Sometimes ill just bite the bullet and take both out. Hammocks NEED trees/support so there's that. For Hammock storage get a ridgeline organizer for your phone and little bits.

Southeast Asia, tropical rainforest environment (dry or rain season), 20-30++⁰C (elevation dependant). Prefer hammock over tent. Plenty of trees to set up, lighter, wont get as dirty, not stuffy, off the ground from creeping & crawling things and the heat sucking forest floor.

I love hammocks. My hammock has 4 internal pockets keeping your items safe. I use a gear sling under my hammock to put my backpack. It keeps it out of wet weather and useful directly under you. I am only 5’6 and weight 210 lbs. Tents are very uncomfortable for me. I love my hammock

i usually like your content, but I feel like you really didn't do justice to hammocks. I live in the Mid-Atlantic and frequent the AT up here and I see hammocks used in many of my outings. You showed your personal bias in this video much more than ever. And sorry, but you're completely wrong on your assessment that hammocks are becoming less popular. Just as an example, the major hammock companies (Dutchware, Hammock Gear, Warbonnet Outdoors) are all growing at strong rates, and newer cottage hammock companies are popping up. You only showed very minimal tarps, there are now multiple full coverage tarps, many made of DCF, that offer just as much protection as a full floorless tent. I absolutely prefer a hammock. It's much more versatile than a tent, moisture management is easier, and quite frankly a good winter setup is much warmer than on a ground pad. You mentioned rain issues, and with a full coverage tarp, a hammock system allows me to setup my tarp first and then my hammock helping to keep me dry. I never even have to open my pack until the tarp is up because my tarp is on the outside pocket of my pack. I've even used it for a quick shelter during a flash heavy rainstorm (for multiple people). You can't do that with a tent. As for cooking: with wide open sides and a higher peak, I never have any issues running a stove under my tarp. What's even better is I can sit in my hammock while using the stove in many situations. In a tent, you're always sitting on the ground, no ways around it. That goes for getting in and out of your tent as well. There's very few, if any, lightweight backpacking tents that allow you to walk inside your tent. I may have to bed over, but I'm never on my knees getting under my tarp and climbing into the hammock. Can't do that in a tent.

Never used a hammock, mainly due to thinking I'm gonna be laying bent up like a banana..... but I've seen a company called Haven which seems to be a fairly rigid/flat set up, unfortunately they're not available in the UK.....

I bought a hammock but quickly realised even with the wind blowing it gets mighty cold underneath. So then I researched on getting an under-quilt or mat for colder environments, then a tarp.......aaannnd..... nup. I decided then and there it wasn't worth it for hiking/camping. I still love laying in the hammock and will take it where I have room for the option, but it's just not viable for camping.