Should you use a hammock or tent?
Hammocks are easy to set up but don’t help with rain. The tents are warmer but can take some time to set up.
The debate about which is better for camping, hammocks or tents, is never-ending and riddled with opinions and fewer facts.
Before you decide on a side, it’s a good idea to familiarize yourself with the pros and cons of both.
We will discuss the strengths and limitations of both options to help you make an informed decision.
Table of Contents
What is a Hammock?
Simply put, a hammock is a bed made of ropes, netting, or fabric suspended between two points (primarily trees).
Hammocks are used for sleeping, resting, and swinging.
Their popularity can be credited to their extensive use in El Salvador, Venezuela, Mexico, and India in the early days.
Types of Hammocks
While modern hammocks are built to be more functional and comfortable, they still sport the classic design of their predecessors.
Typically, there are about five types of hammocks: Mayan, rope, poolside, Brazil/Nicaragua-inspired, and quilted hammocks.
Camping hammocks will mostly be light and compact for more accessible transportation and mobility.
They will also be made of sturdy, flexible polyester, cotton, nylon, etc.
Tree-suspended versions will make more sense for camping.
However, if you are more into glamping and have the luxury of space, you may consider hammocks with stands, swing chairs for relaxation, portable foldable hammocks, teardrop hammocks, and canopies.
That said, hammocks are the perfect choice for areas where pitching a tent would not be feasible, for instance, on rocky, steep terrains.
Other arguments for hammocks are discussed below:
Why You Should Go for a Hammock
Before arguing whether a hammock or tent is the fairest, let’s examine some factual and empirical comparisons that give hammocks an edge over ground camping.
Off-the-Ground Sleeping
Hammocks are usable regardless of weather conditions or terrain.
Suspend the system by two points, and you are set.
They offer the best possible experience for above-the-ground sleeping.
You stay protected from creepy crawlies and ground moisture, which allows you to doze off to the starry sky and nature sounds.
No rodents, bugs, or pests will dare disturb you, as they would if you were sleeping on the ground.
Quick Setup
Staying true to the Leave No Trace Principles, hammocks occupy a tiny footprint compared to tents and other forms of camping.
The hammock bundle is pretty lightweight, foldable, and easily portable.
If you are a backpacker, you will also benefit from the minimalist bundle that hammocks pack into, leaving you with more space for other camping essentials.
Likewise, the setups are pain-free compared to the cumbersomeness of dealing with tent poles and stakes.
With tents, you must find and prepare the area and fumble with the tent’s many components to set it up.
If suitable rocks, boulders, or trees surround you, you can set up your hammock whenever and wherever.
Gone will be the long nights of readjusting your sleeping bag on the ground due to a sudden rock or root protrusion.
In addition to the relatively fast setups, you can easily set up the hammock similarly throughout your camping trip.
This is unlike tent camping, where the campgrounds set the ground rules.
That said, setups can be complicated for first-timers for several reasons.
The tarp and hammock needing to be set up autonomously, the hang angle of the hammock being hard to master, and the tasking nature of estimating the tree size and distance to do the knots accordingly (where necessary) are a few of the pain points associated with hammocks.
However, you will quickly get the hang of it, and your setups will be much faster and more consistent than tent build-ups.
Related Article: 8 Expert Tips for Comfortable Hammock Camping
Relatively Affordable
If your budget dictates whether to choose a hammock or tent for camping, hammocks are generally cheaper as they may not require many accessories.
Tents act as the shell of the outdoor shelter; therefore, all the in-house items must be acquired.
However, hammocks will be the cheaper option for warm, dry-weather camping as wet climates demand that you have under quilts, which can be very expensive.
Comfortable
Hammocks provide a comfy, flat surface that is very comfortable to lie on compared to tent camping, where rocks, sticks, and roots may interfere with your good night’s sleep.
Subjectively, hammocks have been purported to ease back problems for most hikers and backpackers.
They also cradle your body and offer adequate support that is impossible in a tent.
Objectively, we consider comfort to provide warmth and uninterrupted sleep, perfected by hammocks.
The above-ground sleeping system effectively keeps cold and bugs out.
Most avid campers can also attest that hammocks sleep cooler in hot climates and have zero condensation issues compared to drippy tents.
Researchers have found that campers fall asleep quicker and sleep more soundly in hammocks thanks to the gentle rocking motion.
Added Benefits
In addition to the above benefits, hammocks offer extras such as stargazing opportunities, exposure to fresh air, and relaxation pods.
You may also use your hammock as a dry chair while waiting or taking your meals.
Additionally, you may channel your inner child by rocking or swinging yourself to sleep or relaxing in pristine environments.
Another underrated benefit is having better visibility in hammocks than in tents.
Animals or unexpected visitors can be easily spotted in a hammock, as it’s easy to sit up and peer out, whereas in a tent, you’d have to get out.
Lastly, hammocks are more durable than tents due to their single-piece construction.
You have a single piece of fabric sewn on both ends, devoid of the points of weaknesses in tents.
There are no broken poles, jammed or split zipper systems, or punctured flooring.
Disadvantages of Hammocks
Mostly Ideal for One Person
While there may be two-person and family-size options, hammocks mostly hold one person.
The sagging may cause a lot of discomfort when used by more than one person.
Two-person hammocks are best suited for relaxing and lounging, unlike tents.
Additionally, you can’t bring your gear inside your floating abode as it’s meant for sleeping only.
This leaves your gear open to water damage and theft, which would be significantly minimized in a tent.
Poor Protection Against the Elements and Animals
Hammocks generally perform well in calm, warm, and dry weather conditions.
Otherwise, you’re better off with a tent.
Winds can sway the hammock considerably, causing slight discomfort; a slight change of direction could quickly spoil your night.
Additionally, hammocks require expensive under-quilts to reduce heat loss during cold nights, and tarps or rain flies to shield against rain and other falling elements, such as leaves.
While you may be suspended safely from menacing rodents, you are more prone to insect and mosquito bites in a hammock than in a tent.
That said, hammocks with inbuilt nets are available today.
Hammocks Require Suspension Points
Hammocks need well-spaced stationary objects like trees and rocks, so camping in the desert is out of the question.
Camping above the treeline may also be suited for tents and bivy sack/sleeping bag combos.
Not Suited for Sleeping
Hammocks were mainly used for relaxation and lounging on the beach or other suitable areas.
Therefore, they may need to be better equipped for sleeping purposes.
Side sleepers will especially have a rough time sleeping in a hammock, and back sleepers may also wake up with an aching back if the hammock is not taut enough.
Like a skit out of a slapstick comedy, it’s also possible to fall out of a hammock.
This may be due to the straps breaking or the straps winding due to vigorous swings.
Difficulty in Maneuverability
The rocking motion is not always a welcome feature for many, and it may make seemingly simple tasks very challenging.
Due to the fidgety nature of the ropes and webbing, changing clothes or getting out of bed becomes harder.
Not to mention, hammocks do have a steep learning curve when setting up, unlike tents.
Still, there are fewer manufacturers of hammocks, and thus, there are fewer options to consider.
Tips on Making the Best Out of Your Hammock
Your ideal hammock setup should include a hammock, suspension points, tree hugger straps and toggles, under-quilt and top-quilt, rain tarp or rain fly, sleeping bag, and mosquito net.
Consider getting some stakes. Hammocks have tie-outs as part of their suspension systems.
A hammock with an inbuilt mosquito net is more than recommended.
Clips under the hammock can help you hang your hiking backpack or other camping gear underneath.
That aside, you also need to learn how to hang your hammock.
Key things to consider include the following:
The distance between the two suspension points is typically 13-17 inches apart, but it depends on the size of your hammock.
The length of the Hammock ridgeline is between the two ends of the hammock, exclusive of the straps.
The size determines the sag; you should adjust it to your preferred option.
The height and strength of the two objects and strong trees measuring at least six inches in diameter would be a good starting point.
How high does the hammock sit above the ground?
You don’t want your back touching the ground as you sleep or too high to make getting on and off the bed difficult.
The ideal height is the average chair height, 18 inches above the ground.
Preferably, ensure the straps are about 30 degrees relative to the ground below to allow optimal sag.
Also, the ridgeline should be approximately 83 percent of the overall hammock length, excluding the straps.
You need not worry about the math; most manufacturers will include an instructional manual with the calculations.
Hammock or Tent: Reasons to Choose a Tent
Tents have aged well and are the go-to shelter for camping and emergencies.
They are favored over hammocks for their spaciousness, comfort, and sturdiness.
New and seasoned campers are spoilt for choice among the many styles, sizes, and shapes of tents available today.
The tents are classic ridge/A-frame, geodesic, pyramid, dome, cabin shapes, multi-room, and inflatable.
I have a dome and a cabin tent that I use depending on the need for space.
Glamping is also not left behind, thanks to the plush-looking bell and tepee tents.
Tents offer a homey approach in sheltering you against the elements in the great outdoors.
It’s not a camp if it doesn’t have a tent.
Aside from the classic appeal and nostalgic effect of tents, here are some arguments for tents over hammocks.
Perfect for Sheltering More People
Tents are designed to accommodate as many people as possible if you can tolerate the added weight and limited portability.
You can get a two-person tent or even a family-sized version, allowing you to sleep comfortably next to your spouse, friends, or kids.
This isn’t possible with hammocks.
Reliability and Convenience
Tents are easy to set up, lightweight, and reliable, hence their continued usage.
You can set them up anywhere, even without trees, as long as it’s on suitable terrain.
Open fields, meadows, or even deserts are available for tent campers.
Ground camping makes for an easy and natural transition since you’re already used to sleeping on mats, pads, and mattresses.
The tents will shield you from the elements and bugs.
Tents also offer great convenience regarding maneuverability within the structure and routine tasks like changing clothes.
Additionally, there’s more privacy in a tent than in a hammock.
Tents Are More Spacious
You should always opt for tent camping if you need extra space to store your camping gear or hiking boots.
Your items will be within arm’s reach inside the tent and well protected from water damage or theft.
Depending on the size of your tent, you may improve your sleeping comfort by adding a camping cot, sleeping pad, or even an air mattress.
Warmer Environment
Tents offer more insulation than hammocks.
Despite the slightly thin tent material, the enclosed space entraps heat to keep you warm through cold nights.
With tents, you can quickly get away with a sleeping bag and save yourself some money and payload.
That isn’t possible with hammocks.
Practicality
While mastering the art of site selection and tent setups will take time, clearing an area of rocks and sticks beats hunting for suitable rocks or trees to suspend your hammock.
Tents, from their inception, were designed to be quick and foolproof.
Tents are the most practical option when camping in the cold or boondocking.
Their added insulation and simple setups make them the best option for all levels of campers.
Related Article: 6 Simple Steps to Effortlessly Set Up Your Tent: A Beginner’s Guide
Challenges of Tent Camping
Time to Pitch the Tent
Pitching a tent will take more time than suspending a hammock.
It may be a two-person job involving hitting stakes and delicately handling the tent poles to avoid breaking or bending them.
The tent poles form the tent’s skeleton.
They occupy considerable space in your pack and can be challenging to work with.
If you are unfortunate enough to break or bend one, it can compromise the tent’s sturdiness and may even puncture the tent fabric.
I have torn tents before pushing through the poles. Ugh!
The teardowns can be time-consuming, especially with the tensed tent poles.
Finding a Suitable Site to Set Up
To avoid puncturing your tent floor or having lumps poking as you sleep, you need to find a level surface to pitch the tent.
The area should have no rocks, humps, or roots and be away from where rainwater pools.
Being on the ground also makes the tents susceptible to washout from heavy downpours.
Plan and stay up-to-date on weather updates for the area where you intend to camp.
Size and Weight
Tents may be bulkier than hammocks and may significantly impede portability.
While a hammock can be fitted compactly into a stuff sack, the tent components require more storage space and a giant bag for more accessible transportation.
Other Tenting Issues
Tents tend to get hot inside due to the limited breathability provided by the tent material.
Condensation is a significant problem with tents, and they may not be suited for light traveling or backpacking.
They also require extensive care and maintenance to prolong their life, including adding tent footprints or tarps, general repairs, and seams re-waterproofing.
Choosing Between a Tent or Hammock Summary
The tent or hammock battle boils down to a few aspects: comfort, price, size, weight, and ease of setup.
My pick leans on the tried-and-tested tents as shelters due to their homey features, warmth retention, and relative ease of setup.
Hammocks seem more tailored for casual relaxation and warm conditions, whereas tents offer a more rounded purpose.
As nature lovers, hammocks seem to be the best implementation of the Leave No Trace movement.
They offer alternative camping options to reduce the impact on popular campsites.
As with tents, hammocks don’t smother or crush plants and vegetation below them.
To further the movement, make sure to use wide tree straps to protect the bark of the trees.
Aside from the apparent pros and cons of the two, there are limitations that either of them won’t circumvent.
Firstly, hammocks may be prohibited in most national parks and campgrounds due to their specific rules and regulations.
Some parks require that hammocks be free-standing and not hanging from trees or structures so that a tent would be the best choice.
Hammocks will also be limited to areas with suitable trees and rocks for attachment.
The distance between these trees and rocks can further complicate things.
Additionally, hammocks perform terribly in cold, windy weather, even with a good-quality under quilt.
Tents also have limitations; for instance, some campgrounds only permit pitching tents in existing campsites to reduce the environmental impact.
Also, the surface to pitch the tent shouldn’t be rocky, sloped, uneven, or filled with twigs and root protrusions.
Tents and hammocks will also do little to protect you against wildlife, so RV camping would be the way to go if you have animal concerns.
Luckily, if you still can’t choose, why not enjoy the best of both?
After all, a hammock is lightweight and portable enough to add to your gear.
Use the hammock for relaxation or interchangeably with the tent as a shelter/sleeping system.
Final Thoughts
When choosing a tent or hammock, remember they are designed for different uses.
I recommend that you try both before settling for either.
I prefer the tent, but I do have a hammock to use when relaxing at the campsite.
It’s all about having a great experience while camping. Always be careful and thoughtful when camping.
Enjoy living the outdoor life!!!
