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The Hammock Gear Standard Hammock is a lightweight easy to set up hammock that you can also easily attach a bug net and insulation layer too. With a large amount of choices for mesh pocket add ons and a ridge line built in for mounting a tarp off if you need to this is a very inexpensive and lightweight addition to any light hiker/ camping kit list.

Full Review

When it comes to hiking or trail running in the Summer in the USA I haven’t used a tent now for 2 years. The hammock option for camping gives me a much more modular set up to allow me to keep weight and pack size down whilst tailoring only what I need for that overnight stay. In the height of the summer with no rain I can be minimalist and take only the bug net and hammock, and in bad or colder weather opt for an additional tarp and outer insulation too.

When using a hammock I recommend considering having a tarp with you in case it rains, it also helps keep the dew from forming on you in the early mornings. You may also be interested in my Multi Day Kit List guide and Wild Stealth Camping Guide where I cover this and other aspects of camping in more detail.

Advantages of a Hammock

The advantages of a hammock over a tent in the USA are noticeable. Firstly on rocky or uneven terrain you no longer need to find an area of flat clear ground, and you can even set up on a slope or over a stream! By using a hammock you avoid having your gear laying down on a damp cold ground too. Using trees to support the hammock also means you are likely to gain extra shade and shelter from the trees and it gets rid of the need to bring an inflatable sleeping mattress.

Summer and Winter Hammock

From a temperature and comfort point of view I think a hammock really excels in the summer. By being off the ground more of you body gets a cooling airflow/breeze around it at night keeping you cooler and the available Bug Net for the Hammock means you can still keeps bugs out without feeling claustrophobic because the tarp ridge line keeps the shape of the mesh away from your face.

In the winter I would suggest being more cautious because your body is going to need more insulation beneath you as there is no ground to provide shelter from the wind. In this case you can attach an insulation Quilt Beneath and add a Tarp above to keep the rain or snow off.

Fabric

The Hammock Gear Hammock comes in a few color choices but I opted for the moss green version which provides good all year round camouflage. The lightweight but strong 40 denier fabric is made of ripstop nylon and I tested it with a low temperature machine wash and hang dry without any issues.

The fabric is breathable and soft to the touch without feeling clammy. The hammock itself is a whopping 11ft long so will accommodate even the tallest person and is about 55 inches wide. It has a weight limit of 350lbs too.

The outside and edges of the hammock are double stitched and there are 4 plastic hook points to attach an insulation layer in the winter or when its colder overnight.

Ease of Set Up

This set up may be the easiest I’ve ever had for a hammock and its mainly because it comes with everything you need all ready to go. The hammock is already gathered at both ends with a carabiner clip ready to go. I recommend looking for trees roughly 12 to 15 feet apart and using healthy trees with main trunks at least the width of your hand span. Look out for any rotten branches above.

Double End Stuff Sack

The hammock comes with a generous sized double ended stuff sack with enough room to easily store the bug net as well as the hammock.

Daisy Chain Straps

The daisy chain straps work better than rope for hanging hammocks. By having the daisy chain loops throughout you can simply thread the straps through one of the loops once you’ve run the strap round the tree and you are ready to go. I recommend setting the straps up at around head height with an aim to have the strap coming off the tree at a downward angle of about 30 degrees.

If You Hate Knots You’ll Love Daisy Chain Straps

Trying to remember Bowline knots , Prusik Knots and a whole list of others… If you find the idea of trying to remember what knot to use you’ll love using Daisy Chain Straps instead and instead of a complex system of heavy ratchets you can simply move the carabiner clip up or down a few daisy loops to lock off or tighten the tension across the hammock. I recommend aiming to have the hammock sitting about 12 to 18 inches off the ground with your head end slightly lower than the feet end.

Bottom Entry Bug Net

There is also a Bottom Entry Bug Net add on you can get to use with the Hammock. Its designed to go round the entire hammock and hang off the hammock ridge line and clip to the ends of the hammock going round underneath. The idea is that you climb in from underneath through a round hole that you can pull closed once you are inside.

I actually preferred setting the bug net up lying on the hammock and hanging off the ridge line rather than also round the underneath of the hammock.

Packed Weight and Size

The stuff pack and straps comes in at under 14 oz and can be squashed down to the size of a few cans of soda in your pack.

Gripes

I really don’t have any main criticisms for the hammock, the build and features are impressive for a hammock that’s under $60.

Closest Contender

I’ve reviewed the Lawson Blue Ridge Hammock which takes longer to set up and is much much heavier, and you could also consider a 1 person mesh house but both alternatives are heavier and more expensive overall options. The only time the mesh house might be be choice would be when I know Ill be planning to sleep in areas with very few trees.

Verdict

The Hammock Gear Standard Hammock is a lightweight easy to set up hammock that you can also easily attach a bug net and insulation layer too. With a large amount of choices for mesh pocket add ons and a ridge line built in for mounting a tarp off if you need to this is a very inexpensive and lightweight addition to any light hiker/ camping kit list.

PURCHASE $59.99

Features and Specs

Specs:

Width – 58 inches

Length – 11 ft (132 inches)

Fabric – Nylon Single Layer (40 denier)

Weight Limit – 350 lbs. 

Weights:

Nylon Hammock Body = 11.75 oz

9 ft Daisy Chain (pair) = 12.5 oz

10 ft Ultralight Daisy Chain (pair) = 3.88 oz

Whoopie Slings (each) = 0.775 oz

Continuous Loops (each) = 0.105 oz

HG Carabiner (each) = 0.7 oz

Dogbone (Spectra) = 0.55 oz

Dogbone (Zing-It) = 0.18 oz

About Hammock Gear

Established in 2009, Hammock Gear is a small manufacturing company based just outside of Columbus Ohio. We pride ourselves on using the highest quality materials available on the market, to produce our line of ultralight backpacking products. Many of our craftspeople have been active in their respective fields for decades.

Drawing on the expertise of our team members, as well as the experience of our customers, we are constantly striving to improve our line of products preferred by hammock and ground campers alike. This combination of expertise and high expectation is the foundation of our mission as a manufacturer of outdoor recreational gear.