Today I’ve got something really important to share…
A Complete Guide Finding (& Using) Hammock Tents For Survival
Because at the end of the day, nothing feels better than kicking off your boots and settling in for a good night’s sleep.
That goes double in a survival situation where you’ve been moving all day!
That’s why your choice of survival shelter makes a big difference.
But a survival tent isn’t always a viable option in wet conditions, on uneven terrain, or tight spaces.
For those reasons, I’ve been testing out hammock tents for the past few years.
They combine the best features of both hammocks and tents.
TOPICS IN THIS GUIDE… ↓(click to jump)
Want a free 54 item survival gear checklist?
Click here to instantly download this Complete Checklist PDF. No purchase necessary.Best Hammock Tents On The Market Today
↓ ENO Junglenest Hammock: Goodbye Tents
The Crua Hybrid System includes 4 essential sleep systems in one bundle:
- Hammock
- Tent Cover
- Sleeping Pad
- Sleeping Bag
The Crua Hybrid Kit is built to last.
It uses Aero-grade aluminum poles, 5000mm HH Rip-stop Nylon Rainfly for waterproofing, two vents to prevent condensation, built-in mosquito netting, and groundsheet.
This all-in-one-package makes it an excellent backpacking option!
↓ Crua Hybrid Tent Hammock Setup
The Hennessy Expedition Hammock is another integrated tent and hammock system.
It has a really unique “ bottom entry” design. It helps to keep bugs out while you’re getting into the tent, which everyone can appreciate!
It’s a bit lighter weight than other options.
So as a backpacking tent, this is a good option if that’s a critical factor for your survival plans.
However, it’s only rated for up to 250 lbs, so this is NOT rated for 2 averaged sized adults
↓ Best Hammock? Hennesy Review + Quick Setup Tips
This is no ordinary hammock it's got a built-in mosquito net and a rain fly to keep you dry during those unexpected downpours.
And let me tell you, the mosquito net is a game changer.
No more pesky bugs ruining your camping trip.
You can sleep soundly knowing you're protected from those bloodsuckers.
Now, let's talk about the rain fly.
This bad boy is made of ripstop polyester and is coated with waterproof polyurethane, so you can rest assured that you'll stay dry even in the heaviest of rains.
This tent is ultra-lightweight and compact, making it easy to carry with you on all your outdoor adventures.
And it's also super easy to set up, so you'll be lounging in no time!
↓ Nigh Cat Hammock Review
I said to keep it simple, but I have to throw one of these Tentsile Ultralight 3-legged hammocks in here.
Why? Because they’re interesting and could be useful in some situations.
They provide much more “floor” space than any other hammock design and feel much more like a traditional tent. This model IS built for 2 people with independent doors for each.
↓ How To Setup A Tentsile Stingray – 3-Person Tree Tent
Best Hammock Tent Features
With the explosion of options available, there are plenty to choose from.
I’ve even seen them on display at home improvement stores!
But the full range of options means that many of those hammocks aren’t what you’re looking for.
Let’s look at the features you need:
Lightweight
If it’s not lightweight, you won’t want to carry it anyway.
We’re talking a couple of pounds total, which is on par with a single-person backpacking hammock.
Compact
A compact design keeps the pack space devoted to your shelter to a minimum and allows you to carry a smaller pack.
You can compress my favorite ones down to the size of a softball.
Adding in the tent and all the lines for rigging, it’s still smaller than my water bottle!
Durable
If it’s not durable, you can guarantee that it will fail when you need it most.
Look for clean, even seams and quality materials to set your mind at ease.
Reinforced attachment points and multiple rows of bar stitches mean added durability.
This is especially crucial for longevity in harsh conditions.
Look for one with ripstop nylon to prevent tears in the wilderness.
Easy To Use
There are lots of intricate tent hammock designs out there that have tons of options.
Some of them look like a multi-room tents suspended from 3 or more trees.
But they take longer to set up and add to their weight and volume.
Go for a simple design that you can set up with minimal effort.
You’ll appreciate the ease when you’re stumbling around in the dark with a headlamp!
Protected
A survival hammock isn’t made just for lazy days in the backyard; you have to feel safe and secure to doze off.
This means a well-rigged rainfly for protection from the elements.
You also might want an integrated bug net system to keep the insects from eating you alive.
Comfortable
At the end of the day, none of these other things matter if you aren’t comfortable enough to get a good night’s sleep.
Look for a tent large enough to fit you (roughly 2ft longer than you are tall), and try it out with your sleeping bag and pad.
Many manufacturers offer quilted outer wraps if you want to use them in cold weather.
Look for this feature to make for a warmer winter sleeping setup.
For even more tips on setups, check out this introduction video from Survival Know-How:
↓ Hammock Camping Done Right: Tips And Required Gear
Want a free camping essentials checklist?
Click here to instantly download this Complete Checklist PDF. No purchase necessary.Best Tips, Tricks & Upgrades
Once you’ve selected a hammock tent, take some time to get used to the setup before you use it in the field.
I’ve found a few of these things to be really helpful for me.
↓ I Wish I Knew This Sooner About Hammock Camping!
Tension
Try rigging it at different tensions and see what feels most comfortable.
I’ve found that I like to set up VERY tight to minimize the sag in the middle.
This allows me to sleep with less of a bend, and my back feels better in the morning.
However, you might like looser rigging if you enjoy the gentle swinging action.
Overhead Line
Spending a night in the hammock meant a lot of managing small items like my water bottle and headlamp.
They quickly get lost or pressed against you if you tuck them alongside you.
If you rig a line under the rainfly, it gives you a place to clip these things, so they’re always within arms reach.
Height
Depending on the weather, I change the height at which I hang my hammock.
I set it up as low as possible in windy and rainy conditions to minimize my exposure.
I set up a little higher in hot, dry conditions to enjoy as much breeze as possible.
Rainfly Pitch
If you have a separate rainfly, try experimenting with the pitch to see what works best.
In bad weather, I stake the edges closer to the hammock.
This provides a steeper rainfly angle to let the rain and snow roll off and keep the wind out.
When it’s hot, I use the rainfly for shade; I stretch it as flat as possible to maximize the shaded area underneath.
Doormat
When it comes time to get in and out, it helps to keep your feet clean and not track dirt in.
Sitting in the hammock while getting dressed and putting your boots on is difficult.
That’s why I’ve found a simple “doormat” that makes this task far more manageable.
Even a small piece of tarp, about 2’x3’, works as a clean place to stand when wet ground.
Staying Warm
Since you’re sleeping up off the ground with more air moving around you, it’s often a colder night than in a tent.
Adding a reflective mylar blanket around your sleeping bag will trap your body heat.
The TACT Bivvy is an easy upgrade for increased warmth in frigid conditions.
The TACT Bivvy is actually a lightweight emergency sleeping sack.
It’s a device you should have in the glove box of your car in case you get trapped in a blizzard.
Now take this simple, effective emergency blanket and wrap it around your sleeping bag.
This combination of a sleeping bag, TACT Bivvy, and hammock makes for a warm slumber on even the coldest of winter nights.
Also, many manufacturers make quilted “cocoons.”
These wrap around the outside of the hammock like a sleeping bag.
This quilt isn’t compressed under you; it retains loft and provides better insulation.
Here are a few more mistakes to avoid:
↓ Hammocks – The Three Big Mistakes People Often Make
Final Thoughts
Yes, camping hammock tents are more intense than throwing up some cloth between two trees.
However, they can really expand and improve your sleeping options.
In a survival situation, this flexibility allows you to set up camp anywhere and get a good night of sleep.
Now, just for fun, go look up “port-a-ledges.”
Some people REALLY have to depend on a suspended tent system for their lives.
It’ll make setting up between two trees seem like a walk in the park!
↓ What It Feels Like To Sleep On The Side Of A Mountain
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