What To Look For
Hammock tents with a mesh top and separate waterproof rain fly will provide the best flexibility for variable weather conditions. Hammock tents like the Lawson Hammock Blue Ridge tent include poles, giving some extra interior space, and allowing them to double as bivies, a very useful trait when hiking in the desert or other areas where trees are limited. Storage pockets will keep your gear organized. Hammock tents typically weigh between 1 ½ and 5 lbs., and fit just one person. Guyouts on the sides will stabilize you while you sleep, preventing flipping. Most hammock tents are three-season, but some like the Clark NX-150 are four-season.
Common Pitfalls
Make sure the hammock tent fits your needs. Hammock tents are great for forested environments with plenty of trees, but on high-alpine hikes, deserts, beaches and other environments where trees are few and far between, a traditional hammock tent may not be functional. In this case, you'd be better off looking at lightweight tents, bivies and shelters. Remember that while you can sit up, play cards and hang out in a tent, you're more cramped and limited in a hammock.
Where To Buy
Hammock tents are more of a specialty item than family or car camping tents, and can be found at outdoor sporting goods retailers that carry backpacking and camping gear. You'll find hammock tents through retailers including REI, Backcountry and Campmor. Amazon also stocks a good selection of hammock tents, and allows you to quickly find and compare competing models. You also can purchase hammock tents directly from manufacturers, including Hennessy, Grand Trunk, Lawson, and Clark.
Cost
Hammock tents tend to be less expensive than ultralight backpacking tents and shelters. The tents start at around $100 and cost upwards of $400. Many are available in the $100 to $250 range.
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