With summer in full swing, you may start to see a lot more hammocks hanging between trees or posts. Some types of hammocks are called “swings” based on their shape and design, but in general, the concept is pretty universal.

There are a variety of designs out there, but we’ll explore the best ones according to our standards.

 

Best Overall

Honest Outfitters

Honest Outfitters produces what many would describe as the simplest and most mainstream design of hammocks. This particular design is constructed of parachute-quality nylon and comes in two sizes-108″x55″ and 118″x78″, with different colors for both.

The 108″x55″ supports 1 person up to 400 lbs while the 118″x78″ supports up to 500 lbs, with the latter being only a couple dollars more expensive. All in all, the Honest Outfitters hammock is our choice for the best overall hammock. With durable material and stitching underneath, you can rest assured you’ll be safe and comfortable. Click here to check the current price.

 

EZFull

The EZFull hammock is very similar to the Honest Outfitters hammock except that it only comes in one size-118″x78″. Its made out of similar heavy-duty nylon material but holds up to 660lbs, a noticeable jump in capacity compared to other 118″x78″ hammocks.

The main difference between the EZFull hammock and others is the mosquito net. Mosquitos commonly carry West Nile Virus and Malaria, so if you’re traveling into heavy bug infested areas, this is probably going to be the preferred hammock for you. The mosquito net is on one side of the hammock, but you can flip it over to use the other side the normal way. Click here to check the current price.

 

Eagle Nest Outfitters

This Eagle Nest Outfitters (ENO) SingleNest hammock is a single person hammock that’s more form fitting than usual. Its 112″x55″ dimensions mean that only a single person can fit in it at a time, but still hold up to 400 lbs. The SingleNest comes in a variety of colors, so you can pick the one that best fits your personality.

It’s not as wide as other hammocks, so you can pack it down real compact into its travel sack. It has a pretty stable price for a single-person hammock and whose weight capacity is up there with the rest of them. The only downside is that your purchase does not include suspension straps. Click here to check the current price.

 

Best Choice Products

Best Choice Products (BCP) produces a cotton lounging hammock with a different construction than most. This hammock, because of its construction and the fact that it comes with metal stand, makes it more suited for the level backyards and even indoors rather than the wilderness.

With dimensions of 115″x48″, this cotton hammock can hold up to two people and support weights of up to 450 lbs. The wider than average frame allows both occupants different seating arrangements with no problems whatsoever. Click here to check the current price.

 

Eagle Nest Outfitters

The next ENO product we have isn’t actually a complete hammock but rather a secondary skin. The Ember 2 hammock is constructed with a polyester filling, so it keeps you warm when temperatures drop as low as 50°F. This under quilt fits underneath hammocks like the SingleNest (above) and just about any other hammock it fits under. Its one of the smaller hammocks in ENO’s catalog at 95″x45″, and only allowing room for one person.

You probably won’t need this under quilt on a warm summer night, but out on the trails and national parks, it will definitely come in handy when the sun goes down. Click here to check the current price.

 

Sorbus

The Sorbus hammock is the widest bed on our list, due to the spreader bar stretching out the hammock’s ropes. With dimensions of 75″x55″, you’ll be able to spread yourself out beyond the confines of a normal, cocoon-like hammock.

The heavy cotton fabric that makes up the hammock is also rated against UV rays. This prevents the hammock from heating to unbearable temperatures especially if a certain part of it is exposed in the sun. Like the BCP hammock, its perfect for the backyard or indoors if you have space. Click here to check the current price.

 

How to Pick a Hammock

If you plan on traveling into the great outdoors, you can probably assume you’ll be looking for a very specific type of hammock. When encountering lower temperatures, hammocks like ENO’s single nest are going to be preferable because they surround your body and trap heat. If the temperatures are moderate to warm, a hammock like the one from Honest Outfitters will work best and give you room to stretch your limbs.

Cotton hammocks like the ones from Sorbus and BCP are not as durable as the true outdoorsmen ones, and must be treated with care. However if you keep them out of the elements and maintained they can last you a long time.

Trekking poles are one of the most underrated tools in an outdoorsman’s arsenal. Just as walking sticks are still used in various manners today, trekking poles are still a mainstay of hiking and backpacking.

Here are the best trekking poles on the market:

 

Black Diamond Trail Pro

The Trail Pro pair of poles are popular for their strength and simplicity. They have two flick locks on each pole allowing them to extend anywhere from 27″-55″. The carbide tips at the ends of the poles are also interchangeable. Hiking and backpacking enthusiasts will know that even the toughest poles eventually wear out some time.

Regardless, the Trail Pro’s are built to last. Their light weight means you can shift your weight at any time and the poles will still support you.

Click here to check the current price.

 

Carbofox

Carbofox’s carbon fiber poles are cheap but extremely durable. Weighing in at less than a pound total between them, they’re the premier tool if you’re already packing a lot of weight on your back. They’re only a bit smaller than the Trail Pro’s, as their total length extends anywhere from 24″-51″. Their smaller extension makes them perfect for children and teenagers as well.

Not only do these poles have a cool color scheme, but the flip locks are painted a bright red so you can be sure they’re locked and ready.

Click here to check the current price.

 

Black Diamond Distance Z

The next set of Black Diamond poles that we like are the Distance Z’s. The Z’s are a little different than your average poles. They don’t have collapsable heights (no flip locks) but rather fold up at three points for easier transport. The Z’s come in a handful of different sizes so they can apply to people of different heights.

The oxide black version has a 100% aluminum construction. The carbon version is slightly lighter but utilizes a carbon fiber construction. You’ll spend a little bit more money on the carbon fiber version if you prefer that construction. Both versions are remarkable durable regardless of where you shift your weight.

Click here to check the current price.

 

 

Cascade Mountain Tech

The Cascade Poles come in two different types-cork or EVA foam grip. The grip is actually pretty important for long-term comfort and how well the poles adjust to your weight. The cork version helps to dissipate sweat and is just as comfortable if not more so than the EVA grip.

Despite the rubber additions and large flip locks, both poles weigh in at less than a pound. With your purchase of the Cascade poles, you also get a snow basket, boots (for the poles), and rubber feet. These interchangeable items allow the poles to adapt to different terrain and weather conditions. In our opinion, these poles are a steal with the additional items you get.

Click here to check the current price.

 

 

Kelty Range 2.0

Kelty’s Range 2.0 poles have a slightly different construction than the average pair. For better shock absorption, they have built-in springs that will definitely help out in rough terrain. Similarly, the carbide tips are non-slip so you get a firm plant with every step you take.

The grips on the 2.0’s are a combo of cork and EVA foam grip. As you saw with the Cascade poles, cork grips are popular for their feel and their ability to keep your hands dry as you sweat. The 2.0’s extend anywhere from 27″-53″ via two locks near the bottom. We like the Range 2.0’s because they combine comfort, power, and durability.

Click here to check the current price.

 

 

Hiker Hunger

Similar to the Range 2.0’s, the Hiker Hunger poles have a cork/EVA foam grip for maximum comfort and sweat dissipation. The constructions are 100% carbon fiber, so you can be assured of their durability and strength over time. These poles extend anywhere from 24″-54″, which is about the average for trekking poles of all types and constructions.

While slightly more expensive than carbon fiber poles of similar extension, the Hunger poles are popular for their dual carbon and EVA grips. There are plenty of companies that combine all of these materials, but luckily, Hiker Hunger provides them at a relatively stable cost.

Click here to check the current price.

 

York Nordic

The York Nordic poles are the most unique devices on our list. They sport three flip locks that extend the poles from 22″-57″, which is also the largest length range on our list. Perhaps the most interesting aspect about these poles is that the tops of the grips are completely flat. This enables you to mount action cameras on them, or any camera you are able to fit.

Don’t let their simplicity deter you. They are constructed of carbon fiber and have angled rubber feet at the bottoms. These feet are the quintessential shock absorbers for everyday walking.

Click here to check the current price.

 

How to tell the difference between trekking poles

Most trekking poles are built and are operated the same. They have foam or cork grips, looped handles that go around your wrists, and carbide tips at the very ends. The biggest difference in the industry is that some are collapsible while others are not. The preference is definitely for those that are collapsible since people will adjust the length according to their height or the terrain they encounter.

 

Final Take

When I hiked the Grand Canyon, trekking poles were my best friend. They helped soften the blow of the thousands of steps down into the canyon and eased the pressure on my quads and calves when hiking up. While shorter and more level hikes can do without poles, you should include them on any long-term or multi-day trip. Not only will they help you avoid running out of energy too quickly, but they’re excellent for balance and focus as the day wears on.

 

 

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