Guide to Hammocks for Leisure & Adventure

Whether you want to sleep at home under the stars in the garden or take lounging outdoors in comfort to a whole new level, a hammock is what your gear stash has been missing.

Ideal for setting up as a reading station at home on the patio, between two trees in the garden for a backyard campout, between two vehicles at the beach or on the trail for an elevated sleeping solution in warm conditions – the humble hammock will surprise you with its versatility.

Relax by the water in your hammock. Image: Sea to Summit

What’s so great about sleeping in a hammock?

1. Fresh air

You won’t be cramped inside a tiny hiking tent or stuffy camping shelter. Instead, you’ll be able to experience the freedom of fresh air, and fall asleep to the twinkle of the stars.

2. Your sleeping setup is streamlined

You can simplify your gear when sleeping in a hammock, as you can pack a lighter sleeping mat just for a layer of insulation, or you can forego one altogether if the weather is warm.

3. Less maintenance

No poles, no pegs, and no-hassle – so less can go wrong when you’re out in the field, plus you won’t have to keep spare parts with you either.

A hammock is an eco-friendly choice when set up properly. Image: Sea to Summit

4. Impact on the environment

Instead of a tent, which has to be pitched on the ground using pegs, and a groundsheet – a hammock won’t leave as much impact at your chosen campsite, provided you use it with tree protectors.

5. It will improve your sleep

There have also been studies conducted by French and Swiss scientists on the rocking motions produced by sleeping in a hammock, and how it can help you get to sleep quicker while also helping to improve your quality of sleep. Yet another reason to head outside for a refreshing afternoon siesta to help you rest up after a long stressful day.

If you think this is what your set up is missing, then read on for our breakdown of the best options for backyard use, camping, hiking and more below.

Sleeping in a hammock may even improve your sleep. Image: Adrian Krawczyk

Hammocks for your deck or backyard

OZtrail Double Hammock with Timber Rails

With enough space for two people, the Double Hammock with Timber Rails OZtrail makes it easier to lounge with your favourite person in the comfort of your own backyard.

This design is made from a soft cotton-polyester blend fabric which is comfortable, hard-wearing, and easy to keep clean. It also features timber rails which stops the fabric from wrapping over the top of you, plus it gives you more freedom to stretch out.

To set it up, just find your two strongest trees, grab a drink and a book/ kindle, and you’ll be ready to relax.

This double hammock is perfect for your yard. Image: OZtrail

OZtrail Anywhere Hammock Double with Frame

The whole fam will be queuing up to lounge on the OZtrail Anywhere Hammock Double with Frame on the deck.

What’s great about this model is that it comes with a sturdy, easy to assemble frame so you can set it up anywhere you want to relax, whether it’s at home or at the campsite.

With this hammock, you’ll be ready to lay back and let your imagination take you away to a tropical paradise.

Everyone will love the Anywhere Hammock. Image: OZtrail

Hammocks for camping

Coleman lightweight hammock – light and easy to transport

If your camping setup needs something a bit sleeker and easy to transport, the Lightweight Hammock from Coleman will tick those boxes.

This hammock is rated to a sturdy 180kg, yet weighs only 0.5 kg. It also has an affordable price tag too so it’s a win all around.

String it up between two trees at your favourite camping spot to give the kids or adults somewhere to unwind.

This lightweight choice is great for camping or hiking. Image: Coleman Australia

OZtrail Anywhere Hammock – versatile and stylish

For longer stays at the campsite, set up the Anywhere hammock for some much-needed downtime if the family tent gets too crowded.

This hammock has a super simple design that’s easy to fit in with the rest of your camping essentials in your vehicle. It features a durable soft-touch cotton/polyester surface for comfort, requires no assembly and comes with a carry bag.

With a single and double size available, you can find the option that will suit your setup.

The Anywhere Hammock is easy to transport. Image: Eric Clark

Hammocks for lightweight adventures

As an alternative to a traditional tent, a hammock can be a lightweight and complete sleeping solution when you’re exploring trails below the treeline.

Gram-counting hikers can now enjoy something different to relax in, as hammocks now come in minuscule lightweight packages so that you don’t have to compromise your setup.

Save on space and weight with a hammock. Image: Sea to Summit

Sea to Summit Ultralight Hammock – lightest on the market

One of the lightest hammocks on the market, with the packed size of an orange – the Sea to Summit Ultralight Hammock takes compact to a whole new level.

It’s made from ultra-breathable fabric to prevent you getting overheated while you snooze on balmy nights. Despite the whisper-light package, this hammock features triple bar-tacked webbing loops and a weight rating of 135kg.

Just add the separately available suspension straps and to keep bark from being stripped, tree protectors, and your hammock will be ready to sleep in.

This design ticks all the boxes for lightweight trips. Image: Sea to Summit

Sea to Summit Pro Hammock – durable without excess weight

Perfect for setting up for an arvo in the sun, or when you want to save on space and weight when sleeping in warmer conditions, the Pro Hammock double is ideal for travelling couples.

This design is made from high tenacity, yet soft ripstop nylon, with strong steel-plated buckles. It easily packs away into a compression bag for storage in your rucksack.

It’s also quick and easy to set up. You just need the additional suspension straps and you can add the tree protectors as an optional extra.

This hammock is durable and easy to set up. Image: Sea to Summit 

Hammock accessories for a complete sleeping solution

These accessories designed by Sea to Summit for their compatible hammocks, are a prime example of how you can tailor your hammock setup to suit all kinds of adventures.

Hammock gear sling – easy convenient storage

When you’re all snuggled up and ready to go to sleep in your lightweight hammock setup, the last thing you need is to capsize while reaching for your phone or snack in your rucksack.

That’s where the hammock gear sling comes in. Just set it up under your sleeping setup and Bob’s your uncle! You’ll have easy access to all your essentials from the comfort of your hammock.

Easy to set up and adjust and constructed from the same durable and lightweight fabric as the hammocks,  this gear sling is the simple and practical solution for storing your phone, headlamp, water bottle or other necessities, in arm’s reach.

A gear sling is a clever storage option. Image: Sea to Summit

Hammock tarp to shield your setup from the wind

While an impeded view of the sky probably isn’t what you envisioned for sleeping in your hammock, sometimes Mother Nature has other plans.

To add extra coverage to your shelter, check out the Hammock Tarp from Sea to Summit. Constructed from light, yet super strong Ultra-Sil fabric with tapered ends. One with a single tie-out point and the other two tie out points – you can protect yourself while cooking or sitting comfortably in your hammock.

For colder and breezier days, this tarp is the perfect shelter solution for your hammock setup.

Protect yourself from the wind and make it easier to cook with a tarp. Image: Sea to Summit 

Hammock Bug Net for insect protection

In tropical conditions when the insects are out in full force, you don’t want mozzies, sandflies or midges from harassing you all night long when you’re trying to get a good night’s sleep in your hammock.

This net is constructed from high visibility mesh without a ridgeline, so you can still stargaze in protected comfort from pesky insects. It also has a spreader pole to keep the mesh off your body and a wide zippered opening for easy access.

This net will give you that extra peace of mind that you’ll get uninterrupted sleep while lying out under the stars.

 

Have you ever slept in a hammock? Let us know in the comments.