Field notes by Ben Hammockin · Tree-safe always

Up Your Hammocking Game.

I'm Ben Hammockin — trail-buddy teacher, tester of every hammock I can clip a carabiner to. Honest field notes and original videos so you find your perfect hang the first time. No fluff. No gatekeeping.

▶ The flagship field test — 43K views on the channel

38 honest reviews & guidesEvery one field-tested in real trees
7 original videos · 80K+ viewsSetups & reviews on YouTube
Tree-safe, alwaysWide straps & Leave No Trace
No fluff, no gatekeepingWho it's for — and who it isn't
The short list

Ben's Top Picks

Full guide →
Best for backpacking

Hennessy Hammock

The do-everything backpacking hammock. Integrated bug net, asym lay, and the ZIP entry is worth every…

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Most comfortable

KLYMIT Traverse Double Hammock

The most comfortable fabric I've ever slept on — 75D woven polyester like luxury sheets, 400 lb…

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Best for lounging

Draumr Amok 3.0 Hammock And Rain Fly

The flat-lay king. Sleep on your side or stomach, then cinch it into a hanging chair for sunset. The…

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Straight from the channel

Latest Field Tests

All videos →
43K views · Field test

Hennessy Hammock // Jungle Expedition Zip // SETUP + REVIEW

The full field test of the hammock I'd grab if I could only keep one — setup, the double bubble pad, and why the ZIP is worth it.

7.6K views · Field test

Klymit // Traverse Double Hammock // SETUP + REVIEW

Single-panel 75D polyester that feels like hotel sheets. Watch the hang, the pack-down, and the seam check.

4.9K views · Field test

OneTigris // Kompound Hammock // SETUP + REVIEW

The tactical hammock that sets up fast and dries faster — full setup walk-through and honest pros and cons.

Fresh from the trees

Latest Field Notes

Camping Hammock Reviews

OneTigris Hoppy Camper Dog Pack Review

Functional, tough, and your dog carries their own kibble. Fits medium dogs well — size up carefully and check…

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Camping Hammock Reviews

KLYMIT Traverse Double Hammock Review

The most comfortable fabric I've ever slept on — 75D woven polyester like luxury sheets, 400 lb capacity,…

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Quick answers

Hammock Camping FAQ

What is the best camping hammock overall?

After a full season of field tests, Ben's overall pick is the Hennessy Jungle Expedition Zip — integrated bug net, asymmetrical lay, and a zip entry that beats velcro every time. For pure comfort it's the Klymit Traverse Double, and on a budget the OneTigris Kompound.

Is sleeping in a hammock actually comfortable?

Yes — if you rig it right. Hang with a loose 30° strap angle, lie slightly diagonal to the centerline, and cross your ankles. Done properly, a camping hammock relieves pressure points and many campers sleep better than they do on the ground.

Do hammocks damage trees?

Thin ropes can. Wide tree-safe straps (1–2 inches) spread the load and leave no mark — it's the first thing Ben checks in every review, and the webbing-wrap method takes about 90 seconds to learn.

What do I need to start hammock camping?

A camping hammock (not a backyard rope hammock), wide tree straps, a tarp for rain, a bug net in summer, and an under-quilt or pad once nights drop below about 65°F. The full gear checklist covers it all.

Are cheap camping hammocks worth it?

Under $60 you can absolutely get a real camping hammock — Ben's budget roundup lists 12 that passed field testing. You're trading some weight and fabric refinement, not safety, as long as the straps are tree-safe.

Deeper answers live in the guides: what hammock camping is, how to sleep in one, and how to choose yours.