Hammock Camping or Tent Camping? (How To Choose)
Have you wondered whether you should be hammock camping or tent camping for your next camping trip? Both styles of camping have their pros and cons. This post will help you determine which is better for you based on your personal needs.
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How To Choose Hammock Camping Or Tent Camping
Hammock camping & tent camping both have their pros and cons. Considering the price of gear needed, weight of gear, your sleeping comfort, type of camping & location will help you determine which is a better option for you.
Here is a quick overview of the pros & cons for both hammock & tent camping:
| Pros of Hammock Camping: Off wet ground Quick to set up More comfortable than ground More aware of surroundings More campsite options Great for summer camping | Pros of Tent Camping: Shelter from wildlife & elements Privacy Family can sleep together Keep gear dry Room for mattress Able to sleep on your side or back Easier to keep warm in |
| Cons of Hammock Camping: Cold to sleep in Requires extra gear Need sturdy trees Gear is exposed Possibility of falling No room for pets | Cons of Tent Camping: Bulky to pack Time to set up can be longer Condensation builds up Can get stuffy in the summer Limited campsite options Need a flat surface |
Price of Hammock Vs. Tent Camping Gear
One big thing to consider when you’re choosing between hammock camping & tent camping is the gear you will need. (Here’s a comprehensive checklist for hammock camping).
There are a lot of factors that will determine which gear is needed for your trip, but in general this is the gear you might need and the average price for each item:
Hammock Camping:
- Hammock – $30
- Tree Straps & Carabiners – $15
- Rain Tarp – $30
- Bug Net – $25
- Under Quilt – $60
- Top Quilt – $120
- Stuff Sack or Gear Sling – $20
Tent Camping:
- Tent – $100
- Tent Footprint – $15
- Sleeping Bag – $60
- Sleeping Pad – $50
Depending on which season you are camping in, you’ll need more heavy-duty gear. Obviously, you can spend more or less on the gear, but this gives you an idea of the average prices for each item.
If you decide to go hammock camping with all of the necessary gear such as a suspension system, rain fly, insulation, & bug netting, you could be spending around $300.
For tent camping, on average you would be spending about $225 on your tent & sleep system, like an air mattress and sleeping bag.
Weight of Hammock Vs. Tent Camping Gear
If you’re backpacking and need to consider the weight of your camping gear, then this might help you choose between hammock vs tent camping.
In general, your basic hammock gear (hammock, straps, hammock tarp, & bug net) are going to weigh anywhere from 2-5 pounds together. Keep in mind that this weight doesn’t include your hammock quilts (or sleeping bags).
For tent camping, a one-person, high-quality tent usually weighs about 2.5-4 pounds. This doesn’t include the weight for the sleeping pad & sleeping bag that you would also need to bring for your tent camping trip.
While these weights are not very different, you need to consider the sleep system that will be required with each type of camping. If you’re sleeping in mild or colder temps in a hammock, then you’re going to want to bring a top quilt, under quilt, sleeping pad, or sleeping bag (or maybe all of them!).
If you’re tent camping, you’re going to need to bring a sleeping bag, sleeping pad, & possibly a pillow. Although you can opt for lighter weight items, it will still add to your overall gear weight.
Because you need more insulation when sleeping in a hammock, it might end up being more weight once you have all of the hammock gear packed together.
Sleeping Comfort In Hammock Vs. Tent
Knowing that you’ll get a good night’s sleep is really important when you’re camping. Between a hammock and tent, there are several factors to consider when determining your sleeping comfort.
In general, people say that sleeping in a hammock is more comfortable than sleeping in a tent. This is because the soft fabric is not pressing on your pressure points, the rocking motion, & free floating position you are in allows you to get into a deeper sleep opposed to sleeping on the hard ground in a tent.
On the other hand, if you’re a side sleeper or stomach sleeper, then you might have trouble getting comfortable in a hammock. There can also be a lot of heat loss in a hammock since you are suspended above the ground. A tent might be a better option if you have trouble staying warm while you sleep.
Tent campers have the luxury of sprawling out in their tent and sleeping in any position that they find most comfortable while being protected from the elements. This might sound like the better option, but it all depends on where your tent is. It is hard to get comfortable in a tent if you’re sleeping on rocky, uneven ground.
Overall, you’ll have to decide what is going to give you better quality of sleep based on your personal preference & location.
Hammocks:
- Rocking motion
- No pressure points bothered by soft fabric
- Great for back sleepers
- Harder to stay warm
Tents:
- More space
- Warmer
- Better for side and stomach sleepers
- Helps to find soft ground to sleep on
Type of Camping For Hammock Or Tent
There are so many different types of camping, but in general you’re probably either going car camping or backpacking.
Car camping means you’re driving your gear to a campsite and setting up right there by your car. Backpacking is when you hike all of your gear to a secluded area for the night. (Read this comparison post to determine if car camping or backpacking is better for you).
You have the option to sleep in a hammock or tent for either type of camping, but one might work better for you.
In general, car campers bring a tent with them to sleep in. There are a lot of reasons that tent camping is more common for car campers. Typically, they are with a larger group, therefore they can bring a larger tent. They can also set up a tent right around their car and don’t have to worry about finding perfectly spaced trees. (Read here to find out how much it really costs to go car camping).
Hammock camping by your car would also be a great choice if the weather is nice & there are trees around your campsite to get set up in.
If you’re backpacking, you also have the option of either hammock camping or tent camping. It might be more common to have a hammock for backpackers, because typically you’re only carrying gear for yourself (a one-man tent or a hammock). If you know you’ll be on a trail surrounded by lots of trees (like the Appalachian Trail), then you’ll easily be able to set up your hammock each night for sleeping.
You might also consider that a tent is the best option for you while backpacking, depending on the time of year you’re in or the location of the trail. A tent will provide you with more warmth & keep you more dry if you’re backpacking in cold weather or heavy rain.
Hammock:
- Good for one person backpacker or camper
- Great for backpacking on trails with trees
Tent:
- Easier for camping families & groups
- Better for backpacking in colder weather
Location For Hammock Vs. Tent Camping
Knowing if your camping location is better for hammock or tent camping is going to be really helpful.
Hammock camping relies on sturdy trees. Are you going to be in an area with a tree line? Then, you might want to hammock camp!
Tent camping relies on flat ground & open space. If you know there is plenty of level ground in the area that you want to camp in, then tent camping will be no problem.
Knowing the surroundings of your camp area is going to be one of the best ways to determine if you should be hammock camping or tent camping.
Hammock:
- Requires nicely spaced trees
- Needs sturdy, healthy trees
Tent Camping:
- Requires a flat, open space
- Need to avoid things like rocks, tree stumps, & anthills
Climate For Hammock Vs. Tent Camping
If this is your first time camping, climate is also going to be a big indicator of whether you should be hammock camping or tent camping.
Hammock camping is easier when the temperatures are moderate to warm. This is because it is harder to stay warm in a hammock that is suspended above the ground compared to a tent.
You also want to make sure that you have a bug net and tarp for your hammock if you suspect bugs or rain will be an issue. (You might opt for a hammock tent to keep you covered).
Tents are better for colder climates or wet weather. The tent will offer you a little more protection from strong winds, rain, & bugs. (Read here to learn tips & tricks to help you stay more warm in a sleeping bag).
Hammock:
- Great for moderate to warmer weather
- Make sure to have bug net, tarp, & insulation to protect you from the elements
Tent:
- Easier to keep warm and dry in
- Safer from wildlife
Other Things To Consider For Hammock & Tent Camping
- There is a learning curve when setting up a hammock and figuring out how to sleep comfortably in it
- Hammock campers need to make sure they can be protected from all types of weather with their gear
- Two-person hammocks are not really comfortable for two people
- If you go to the bathroom often in the middle of the night, will a hammock or tent be easier for you?
- Most people find that setting up a hammock takes less time (although, we really love this quick pop-up tent!)
- Your tent set up can also give you a place to protect your gear from the elements
- Hammocks don’t have a place to securely store gear
- You might feel safer in a tent when it comes to wildlife
Conclusion
Both hammock camping & tent camping are great ways to enjoy the great outdoors. With these factors, you can determine which is going to be better for you to give you the best camping experience.
Our Favorite Must-Have Camping Gear
Gazelle T4
Hub Tent
Jackery Solar
Generator
Qomotop Self-Inflating Mattress
THERMACELL MOSQUITO REPELLER
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Basic Camping Packing List
If this is your first time camping, or you need a refresh, then here is a free download for our Basic Camping Packing List. It is a full list of the basic items you need to bring for a successful camping trip.
