The Best Portable Hammocks You Can Take Anywhere

Nine months into pandemic life, and we know the drill: We’re wearing masks, washing our hands, and staying 6 feet apart whenever possible. But at this point, one thing many of us could probably benefit from is socially distancing from our homes (or more precisely, couches) while still remaining safe. That’s why we’ve been turning to our hammocks more than ever. Unlike the ones made to stay put in your backyard, a portable hammock can go where you do, and we found seven great options so you can focus on finding the perfect spot to hang out.

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Features of a Portable Hammock

Most portable hammocks use the Brazilian design, with a nylon sling that gathers together at each end and uses carabiners and tree straps to stay suspended. Because there’s not much to it, this style is highly packable, lightweight, and usually budget-friendly. Many Brazilian hammocks have a stuff sack sewn onto the sling that doubles as a pocket when the hammock is suspended at the recommended 30-degree angle. Companies sometimes include tree straps with their hammocks but not always. If the model you like doesn’t come with them, you can find tree-friendly universal webbing straps for less than $20. Use straps at least one-inch wide so they won’t bite into any bark.Portable hammocks are available in one- and two-person models with capacity limits between 250 and 500 pounds. A single hammock is a fine choice for most people, but double hammocks are also popular for solo use. The right hammock for you will be large and strong enough to support you and anyone else in the sling. It’s worth considering the weight of the packed hammock and suspension components, too. The lighter they are, the easier and more comfortable it will be to throw it in a day pack and tote around until you arrive at your destination. For cold weather use, we recommend also packing an underquilt or a packable blanket to stave off the chill.

How We Selected

To find the best portable hammocks, we researched the market, spoke with product managers, and relied on our own categorical expertise. We considered the capacity, dimensions, construction, features, and cost of 15 models. We’ve had the chance to use some in our backyards, at local parks, and even on overnight camping trips. For those, we also verified or debunked the manufacturer’s weight claims with our own scale and gauged how small each packed down compared to its unpacked size. For models we haven’t tested yet, we read customer and expert reviews from sites such as OutdoorGearLab and Wirecutter. In the end, these seven stood out.