Camping Hammock vs Tent: Which Is Better for Backpacking?
It's one of the most debated questions in backpacking: should you carry a tent or a hammock? Both have real advantages depending on where you're going and how you camp. Here's the honest breakdown.
Weight & Pack Size
Winner: Hammock
A quality ultralight camping hammock weighs around 500–600g and packs down to the size of a grapefruit. A comparable tent starts at 1.2kg and takes up far more space. For long-distance hikers watching every gram, a hammock wins every time.
Setup Time
Winner: Hammock
A hammock with tree straps takes 2 minutes to set up — find two trees, clip in, done. A tent requires a flat surface, stakes, poles, and a rainfly. In the dark after a 20km hike, the hammock wins again.
Sleep Comfort
Winner: Tent (in cold conditions), Hammock (in warm weather)
In warm weather, sleeping in a hammock is genuinely enjoyable — the sway, the breeze, the view of the stars. In cold weather (below 10°C), you need an underquilt for a hammock to be warm enough. Tents naturally trap heat better.
Terrain Flexibility
Winner: Tent
Hammocks require trees — at least two, spaced 4–6 metres apart. In open desert, alpine terrain, or beach camping, there are no trees. A tent works anywhere.
Which Should You Choose?
If you're camping in forested areas with warm-to-mild weather: go hammock. Lighter, faster, and far more enjoyable. If you're camping in open terrain or cold mountains: go tent.
Many experienced backpackers carry both — a hammock for most trips and a tent for exposed or cold expeditions.
Our Recommendation
The Yaams Ultralight Camping Hammock weighs under 600g, includes tree straps, holds 300kg, and sets up in under 2 minutes. At $34.99 with free worldwide shipping, it's one of the best-value hammocks available. Use code FIRST15 for 15% off your first order.