When you are on an adventure, good sleep at night is very important to enjoy your trip. Good sleep is entirely dependent on which camping shelter you are using. Basically, there have two types of shelter for camping- hammock, and tent.
Here a tent is the ancient one. Many people say hammock is the best for camping and the others say a tent is more comfortable than a hammock.
This hammock vs. tent camping is a very common debate nowadays. That is why for knowing which is actually the best shelter, I have experimented with these shelters in different areas. Now here in this article, I’m going to share, which is actually the best. Let’s end this debate.
Hammock vs. Tent Camping: Setting up a baseline
Everything is this universe has some right side at the same time, some wrong sides. Nothing is perfect here. The hammock and tent both also have some good sides as a shelter and some wrong sides also.
In this article, we are going to compare hammock to the tent and find out which’s terrible side is less than another. I have used both of the shelters for camping in the last month. Now it is time to find out the best one. Here we will establish some benchmarks and then compare them. Let’s start.
Tent Camping
Tents are the only option when you are camping in the winter or a rainy day. They are great for camping anywhere you want. Tents keep you safe from rain, mist, and many other things like these.
Practicality
Tents are by default made for the family trip. It also has the option to increase and reduce its size. However, it is easy to set up but complex pack. Just find a good place to set up.
Comfort
Tents are comfortable in many ways. It protects you from bugs and keeps you warm. If you can choose a good surface and take a mattress with you, surely you will get a great experience sleeping in a tent.
Set up
Tents are very simple to set up than hammocks. Even if you don’t have any experience to set up, you will easily be able to do it. Finding the right place is also more comfortable than finding a place of a hammock.
Size and Weight
The size and weight of tents can be varied. You will get all in one combination that means if you can buy good quality and featured a tent, you can change its size as your wish. You will also get a different weight tent.
Price
The tents market is very competitive, and that is why their price range is also affordable. Experienced hikers generally find a light-weight tent with the utmost performance.
If you want to buy a full set up tent (sleeping bag, ground pad, tent), it will cost $250 to $1000. If your group member is more, then you have to spend more money there.
Limitations
Tents are limited in many ways. You have to set up your tent in only in the areas with a sensitive ecosystem. It is also limited in the rocky, rooty, and uneven areas.
You will not be kept in touch with nature by using this shelter like a hammock. Besides, there have a lot of places in many countries where tent camping is restricted. At that time, a hammock is the only option.
Hammock Camping
The hammock is one kind of open shelter with a steep learning curve, which is great for camping in the summer. In my usage, indeed, I have got a great experience. But there have some disadvantages also that irritated me a lot.
Practicality
It’s a must say that I love the practicality of hammock. This shelter is too relaxing than a tent. If you want to travel lightly, a hammock is the best option for you.
They are incredibly light-weight, and you can carry them even on your shoulder. But this shelter is less protected. I said it before that it’s an open shelter and you have to sleep here direct under the sky.
Comfort
Hammocks are definitely very comfortable if you have the right size. If you are camping with your partner or spouse, it would be best for you. A hammock will help you to cuddle. But if you want to squeeze two people in a single, it will not be comfortable for you.
Set up
Its setup is also easy but comparing to tents is more complex and time-consuming. You need to find two trees in the perfect position to set up. Finding this place will take a significant amount of time.
Size and Weight
You will get different sized hammock according to your choice. The weight of this shelter is very light, and obviously, you can carry it very easily with you.
Price
The price of this shelter is a little bit less than a tent. Typically, it depends on quality. Its price range starts at $200 and ends at $1000 or more. If you want the lightest, smallest, and at the same time high-performance hammock, you have to spend more.
Limitations
Hammocks are restricted in many areas. They are vulnerable to cold and rainy weather. You have to find the correct distanced trees, and if you hang it wrong, it can damage the trees. Besides these limitations, if you want to have fun and be relaxed, it is the best option.
Hammock vs. Tent Camping Comparison
Here I’m giving you the key point I’ve got after my experiment. One can easily understand the comparison between hammock and tent by seeing this at a glance.
| Hammock | Tent |
| More comfortable, relaxing | Less comfortable |
| Not protected well | Protected shelter |
| Affordable | Higher price than a Hammock |
| Easy to set up | Less easy |
| Not appropriate for rainy or wet weather | Appropriate for every weather |
| Ideal for lightly traveling | Not ideal for lightly traveling |
These are mainly the main difference between them. If you want to know more about these shelters, you can check out See Out Door.
Hammock vs. Tent Camping: Final Thoughts
If you want to have fun and at the same time get a comfortable camping experience, then you should try hammock for at least one time. In summer, it can be the best choice for you, but in the rainy season or winter, it will not be comfortable for you.
Besides, on a trip, you may not find any trees which are in the perfect position for a hammock. In that case, you must use a tent. For most camping trips, ultimately, the hammock vs. tent choice is yours.
Anyways, in this article, we have conducted a detailed discussion about hammock vs. tent camping. I hope you have understood the comparison. If you have any further queries, leave a comment below and let me give you the best answer.
I’m a 20-something stay-at-home mother and wife. I have an amazing husband, a beautiful daughter, two loving dogs, and a lazy cat. I wouldn’t change my life for anything! I love to read, listen to music, cook and blog!
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