A lot of backpackers and campers take advantage of sleeping in a hammock as they are lightweight and simple to set up compared to a traditional tent. Some people fear the idea of rolling off during the night, side sleepers especially, but we have found the best hammocks for side sleepers and will go over the pros and cons of each!
Sleeping under the stars has never been more comfortable for side sleepers, thanks to the latest innovations in camping hammocks. Our comprehensive guide dives deep into the world of hammocks, comparing a wide range of options to help you find the perfect fit for a good night’s sleep in the great outdoors.
Pros: Unique design offering flat sleeping surface; versatile as both hammock and ground tent.
Cons: Higher price point; heavier than ultralight options.
Expert Insight: The Lawson Blue Ridge stands out for its innovative design, providing unparalleled comfort for side sleepers. Its ability to double as a ground tent adds incredible value and versatility.
Pros: Extended length for optimal comfort; includes bug net and rain tarp.
Cons: Setup can be more time-consuming due to additional features.
User Experience: Many users praised its comfort and durability, making it a favorite for extended trips. The added length is a game-changer for taller individuals.
Pros: Innovative design catering to side sleepers; converts into a one-person tent.
Cons: Some users found the conversion process tricky at first.
Community Feedback: The ETROL has garnered a loyal following for its versatility and comfort, with many highlighting its effectiveness in colder climates.
What Do you Need to Sleep in a Hammock?
When sleeping in a hammock it is very important to bring other bedding items along with you just as you would for a tent. The two factors you should think of when packing to sleep in your hammock are your comfort needs and the weather.
In warm weather, you don’t need much. Find your favorite camping pillow and either a basic blanket or a lightweight sleeping bag.
For colder weather bring your favorite camping pillow and a properly rated sleeping bag for the predicted temperature. When sleeping in colder weather putting a blanket both under and over you can significantly help. If you only have a blanket on top the cold air can easily seep through the thin nylon of your hammock.
Top Sleeping Hammocks
As an avid outdoor enthusiast and gear tester with over a decade of experience camping in diverse environments, I’ve encountered the challenge many side sleepers face: finding a hammock that combines comfort, durability, and ease of setup. This guide is the culmination of extensive testing, incorporating feedback from the outdoor community and consultations with sleep and outdoor gear experts.
Our Testing Methodology
Our evaluation focused on several key criteria crucial for side sleepers:
- Comfort: How well does the hammock support a side-sleeping position without causing discomfort?
- Durability: Can the hammock withstand various weather conditions and wear over time?
- Ease of Setup: How simple is it to set up and adjust the hammock?
- Versatility: Is the hammock suitable for different environments and uses?
- User Feedback: Incorporating reviews and testimonials from a broad range of users to validate our findings.
Each hammock was tested in multiple settings, from backyard lounges to multi-day hiking trips, ensuring a well-rounded evaluation.
The Lawson Blue Ridge Hammock is our top choice due to its advanced features and unique design catering to side sleepers.
This hammock uses a support bar along each end to widen and flatten the hammock. This design eliminates the cacoon feeling of traditional hammocks, which is a significant reason many people don’t enjoy sleeping in them.
It also comes with arched poles for each end to support attachable bug netting and rain fly. These arched poles provide an interior structure similar to a tent. This provides a protected but open feeling while the bug net is on.
The ability to use this hammock as a single-person tent is what separated it from some of our other options. If you don’t have the ability to hang it as a hammock the unique design forms it into a tent that gives you the option to be in the trees or on the ground.
Pros-
- Lays Flat
- Attacheblet bug net/ rain fly
- Can be used as a hammock or tent
Cons-
- Expensive
Easthills Outdoors Jungle Hammock is a traditional parachute design that comes with a bug net, rain tarp, and ridgeline. It is a simple, inexpensive hammock for camping. Equipped with everything that is needed to enjoy a comfortable sleeping experience in the outdoors.
The detachable bug net gives you the option to protect yourself from bugs or open up like a traditional hammock and enjoy the night sky.
The ridgeline helps turn this hammock into a great sleeping hammock. The ridgeline will help flatten the hammock when set up making it easier to sleep in. It will also allow you to consistently set up your hammock to your liking as you won’t have to worry about the slump of the hammock as much.
The length of this hammock sets it apart from most other basic camping hammocks. At just under 10 feet in length, this is the longest hammock on our list. A flat hammock is best for side sleepers but if you don’t have a flat hammock as a side sleeper you will want a long one. The long length extends the ideal sleeping pocket of the hammock. This gives you more comfort over more of the hammock making it easier to find a comfortable position for you.
Made from durable nylon, the same material used in parachutes, this hammock is lightweight and will last you a lifetime!
The support bars that hold the detachable bug netting also help flatten out the hammock which greatly benefits side sleepers. The support bars help give structure to the hammock, so when you lay in it you won’t concave the hammock as much as you do in a traditional hammock.
Like a traditional hammock, it is made from durable nylon, the same material used in parachutes, this hammock is lightweight and will be able to last you a long time! The traditional style also gives you more freedom of where to hang your hammock as well as the lightweight and simple packing style that is great for backpacking.
Pros-
- Rain canopy
- Bug net
- Cheaper
- Support bars for more stability
Cons-
- Not as flat compared to our #1 choice
The ETROL Camping Hammock is a mix between a traditional-style cocoon hammock and a flat laying hammock. This innovative design gives you the best of both styles.
The support bars that hold the detachable bug netting also help flatten out the hammock which greatly benefits side sleepers. The support bars help give structure to the hammock, so when you lay in it you won’t concave the hammock as much as you do in a traditional hammock.
Like a traditional hammock, it is made from durable nylon, the same material used in parachutes, this hammock is lightweight and will be able to last you a long time! The traditional style also gives you more freedom of where to hang your hammock as well as the lightweight and simple packing style that is great for backpacking.
Pros-
- Flat laying hammock
- Bug net
- Converts into 1 person tent
Cons-
- Short
What makes a hammock good for side sleepers?
There are a few different factors that make some hammocks better for side sleepers. Thos factors are length, ridgeline, material, and flat or floppy.
Length is very important for anyone sleeping in a hammock. The longer it is the more room you have for yourself along with pillows, blankets, and sleeping bags to make it more comfortable.
The biggest factor for side sleepers is how the hammock lays. Most traditional hammocks are droopy and comfortable when relaxing for a shorter amount of time. When it comes to sleeping, having a flatter surface to lay on is much more comfortable and practical.
Finding a hammock with a ridgeline and a durable non-stretchy material both help with sleeping comfort. These two things give the hammock more support so it won’t droop when you are laying down.
