Just like with tent camping, hammock camping requires additional items to make your experience more comfortable. You will need different Hammock accessories depending on whether you are camping in the cold or the heat.
Some accessories, however, you may need all the time. Below I will be going over the many items you can purchase for your hammock.
Disclosure: Some of the links in this post are ‘affiliate links’. This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission.
What You Will Need All the Time
Strap System
You can’t go without the strap system, otherwise, you will be sleeping on the ground. Most lower-end hammocks actually come with the system. Brands like Eno and Sea to Summit you will have to purchase them separately. Always check to see if the Hammock comes with the strap system.
I absolutely love the Eno Atlas straps. This suspension system has never broken when I have used it, and that’s with 4 people in my hammock all at once. The atlas straps in the picture above are also the easiest system I have used. You can look into cheaper brands of straps such as; MalloMe XL Hammock Straps, Bear Butt Kodiak Hammock Straps, or PYS Outdoors.
Camping pillow
If you want a goodnight’s sleep, you may want to invest in one of these. This could be the difference between restful sleep and a restless night while camping in your hammock.
My husband and I again, vouch for the Eno brand, but there are many other good brands. Trekology, Teton, and Overmont are other, cheaper, brands you can check out. We looked up and down for cheaper camping pillows, but none seemed to be as comfortable as the Eno listed above.
Carabiners
Most Hammocks already come with carabiners, but it’s a good idea to bring extras along just in case. I’ve had a few brands snap on me (they were cheap ones from Walmart).
These are important to buy from a trusted brand, so you know you can trust your gear. My husband and I love the Black Diamond brand listed above. Xinda, Mad Rock, and Omega Pacific are a few other good durable brands.
What you Will Need Sometimes
Hammock pad
I actually haven’t used a hammock pad before, mainly because we haven’t been cold weather camping yet.
You do need to get a pad specifically for hammocks, otherwise, it will slide around. These pads have the sides on them like the one listed above.
I have to mention Eno again, just because we trust this brand and have loved everything we have purchased from them. KLYMIT is also another good brand and is known to keep you warmer in colder weather.
Rain Fly
The weather is very unpredictable when hammock camping. You need to make sure you have all the necessary equipment to fight against the elements, even if the weather channel says otherwise.
Having a rain tarp over your hammock will keep you dry when it decides to randomly down poor. Rain Fly Evolution is pictured above and comes with everything needed to set up for a dry camping experience. If you don’t like that one then check out Ryno Tuff or PYS Outdoors.
Hot Weather Camping
Bug Net
If your anything like me, then every bug knows your in town and comes to visit. There’s nothing more annoying than scratching all the welts those mosquitos gave you when you are trying to fall asleep.
Invest in a bug net, and that will 100% solve your problems. The two bug nets we have used (pictured above) were Equip and Wecamture.
Cold Weather Hammock Camping Accessories
Under Quilt
Under quilts are essential accessories when you are cold-weather hammock camping. Hammocks are a lot colder than tents and should have more protection against the chill.
Keep in mind that not all quilts are made to withstand weather past certain temperatures. Make sure you are always looking at what temperature they will protect against. Ayamaya, Eno, and Onetigris Hideout are some good brands to check out.
Sleeping Bag
Along with the under quilt, you need to have a great sleeping bag. This is where you need to buy an extreme temperature resistance bag. One of my favorite types of sleeping bags is the Rioyalo brand because of their super comfortable pongee lining on the inside. You can also trust brands such as Coleman and Hike and Bike.
Socks
I know this may sound somewhat unnecessary, but you will think otherwise when your feet are freezing all night. You need to get the right type of socks that won’t make your feet sweat. You can buy them in men’s or women’s sizes.
Other Interesting Accessories for Hammock Camping
Hammock Stand
You can’t really pack these on a hiking trip as they are too heavy. They are great for chilling out in the backyard, especially if you don’t have many trees. Sunnydaze will hold about 550 lbs., but brands like Best Choice Products and Ohuhu have cases that make them easily portable.
Snake Skin
Snakeskins are for protection against rain or sunshine. It will keep your hammock dry if you decide to leave it out for long periods of time. Wise Owl Outfitters and Hammock Bliss both offer good options.
Tandem Hammock System
This system is good for two hammocks hanging on the same trees. It will keep the two hammocks separated by fixing a pole to both ends of the hammocks.
This will keep you and your friend from piling on top of each other. Eno offers some sturdy poles and is considerably lightweight. We actually have a pair and they work wonderfully.
Conclusion to Hammock Accessories for Camping
I hope you found out some great buys for your hammock. Let me know about the hammocking trips you have been on and which accessories proved to be the most important to you. If you would like to read more about which hammock to buy click here.
