Hammock Camping On A Budget Of Less Than $150

If you’re looking for a relaxing camping trip that’s affordable, hammock camping is definitely the way to go! Not only is it a great way to get outdoors and enjoy nature, but it’s also an incredibly inexpensive way to camp.

Setting up a hammock is simple, convenient, and doesn’t require hundreds of dollars in equipment. Throughout this article I have listed out all the essentials you’ll need for a great hammock camping trip on a budget, as well as pointed out some of the extraneous gear you can skip without sacrificing quality.

Essential Gears For Hammock Camping

When going hammock camping, you’ll need to bring a few essentials with you. Here are some suggestions for what to bring:

Hammock

The most important piece of hammock camping equipment is, you guessed it, a hammock. When purchasing a hammock for your next camping trip, look for one that is both comfortable and affordable. 

However, distinguishing between a cheap and a reliable one is not always easy. Here are some pointers on how to select the best hammock for your budget and needs.

A high-quality hammock:

The long-term success of a hammock camping trip is determined by how well you sleep. If you wake up in the middle of the night with a cramp in your legs or arms, you are probably not relaxed. 

A good quality hammock should be able to support you without breaking down. It doesn’t have to be fancy, but it does have to be capable of supporting you in all positions.

The materials of a hammock are what will protect you from mosquitos and their bites while you sleep; choose a hammock made of breathable and lightweight materials such as nylon and parachute silk.

The extra length is ideal if you are tall, or if you simply enjoy hanging out in your hammock and taking advantage of the extra space. A hammock of this length is also heavier than most, so it may not be suitable for camping if you need to pack light.

When choosing a camping hammock, you need to make sure that the ropes are strong enough to withstand tension. The hammock should also have proper support so the canvas won’t sag below the hammock itself. It’s also important to consider how heavy your hammock is, as well as the weight capacity of the hammock.

The hardware you need for hanging the hammock is an important factor. This hardware ensures the hammock hangs correctly and you stay safe. The most common types of hardware are metal rings, hanging straps, and tree hooks. Hammocks that come with tree hooks or metal rings to hang between two trees or two posts are the easiest to set up. 

The hammocks that come with hanging straps are more versatile. They are designed to be tied to trees, poles, or other objects, which allows for a greater number of installation options. Overmont camping hammock is one such hammock that meets all of these requirements while remaining reasonably priced.

Hammock Straps

Choosing the right straps is often more of a personal preference than anything else. However, there are some factors that you should be aware of when making your decision.

The first is how heavy you are. If you’re looking for something lightweight, then any type of strap will do, but if you’re looking for something less likely to break under pressure, then choose something with slightly thicker straps.

The second factor is how tall you are; if the distance between the hammock and the tree branch or beam that it’s attached to isn’t too high off the ground then thicker straps won’t provide many advantages over thin ones.

Otherwise, thick straps will help keep your balance and reduce your fall risk. Check out these Foxelli Hammock Straps, which are both affordable and durable.

Bug Net

A bug net is an essential component of any hammock camping setup that will keep you safe from insects while you sleep, and they don’t have to be expensive to be effective.

There are many types of bug nets available for purchase, ranging in price from under $10 up to over $150 for larger models, but it’s important not to get too caught up in price when buying one because they all offer protection against mosquitoes and other bugs.

Bug nets are useful for keeping bugs out of your bedding and hair, but they do have some disadvantages. For instance, it can make your hammock harder to set up because they require more space for the suspension points. 

They also make it more difficult to sleep flat on one’s back which is how most people prefer to sleep in their hammocks. If you’re planning to use your hammock in places where bugs are not a big concern, you can definitely go with a lighter and smaller net.

That being said, most hammocks include a mosquito net, but if it doesn’t, you should definitely get one.

Hammock Rain Tarp

A hammock tarp is a lightweight, inexpensive piece of fabric that can be used to provide a protective shelter for a hammock. The fabric usually has grommets or loops at the corners and is wrapped around the hammock to create a protective enclosure.

A tarp is an essential part of hammock camping. It offers protection from the elements, helps you keep your gear dry, and can have multiple purposes to boot. There are many different types of materials that can be used to make a hammock tarp.

Most tarps are made from nylon or polyester, while some tarps are made from cotton or cotton-polyester blends. There are numerous reasons to purchase a tarp for hammock camping. The tarp’s primary function is to shield you from rain and wind while also providing some privacy from onlookers.

These tarps are made specifically for use with hammocks, which means that they will be the right size and shape for this particular purpose. The hammock tarp from Unigear is ideal for this situation.

Sleeping Pad

Sleeping pads are much less expensive than under quilts and provide nearly the same amount of insulation from the cold.

They are much more adaptable and serve more purposes; for example, if you want to go tent camping in the future, you can use them under your sleeping bag for added insulation as well. There are mainly 3 types of sleeping pads:

One tip for a more comfortable sleep is to slightly underinflate your sleeping pad. Your sleeping pad will lose some air after a few uses regardless and will slip less as compared to being fully inflated.

However, one disadvantage of them is that they tend to leave open cold spots around you, which means that while you sleep, some parts of your body will become cold because sleeping pads only provide insulation from underneath. The EJsoyo sleeping pad is a good choice for this.

Top Quilt

The top quilt is the layer that will be on the outside of your hammock. Top Quilts are available in two different styles: open-front and closed-front.

The open-front style has a zipper in the front to allow you to get in and out more easily when it’s cold out.

The closed-front style has a zipper on the side for easy access to your hammock when it’s warm outside

The design makes it easier to fall asleep, as the material allows you to stay cozy and warm all night long.

A top quilt is typically made of down or synthetic insulation (for those who prefer not to use down) and comes in multiple sizes with different temperature ratings, so finding one that fits your needs should be easy.

If you’re going camping in the summer or in moderately warm weather, you can forego the top quilt entirely because an underquilt will suffice. However, if your plans are for the winter, I strongly recommend going for one.

Equipment You Can Ignore When Camping In A Hammock

Here are some items you can leave at home if you’re going hammock camping:

Sleeping Bag

It is not necessary to bring a sleeping bag with you when hammock camping. Some people recommend using a sleeping pad for hammock camping, but there are risks associated with doing so, unstable ground, etc.

A sleeping bag is one of the gears you will not need when it comes to hammock camping. It might seem strange because you would think that you need a sleeping bag to keep warm and comfortable at night, but that’s not the case.

Sleeping bags are designed for use on the ground with a pad or mattress beneath it. They are not designed for hammocks which can result in more dangers like slipping out of your hammock or feeling cold at night.

Under Quilt

An under quilt is a layer of insulation that goes on the bottom of the hammock. The goal of an under quilt is to prevent heat from escaping from the hammock as well as keep warm air near you as you sleep.

This can help to provide a more enjoyable and comfortable sleeping experience. They are typically made from insulation material with an outer layer of breathable fabric that allows moisture to escape while keeping cold air out.

The insulation comes in many forms including down, synthetic, or a mix of both.

Synthetic insulation is made up of synthetic fibers that are designed to be very lightweight and easy to use. They can stand up to water and wind, which makes them a good option for outdoor gear. They don’t compress over time as natural materials do, so you’ll get just as much warmth from them year after year.

Down provides the best warmth-to-weight ratio and is less expensive than synthetic insulation but it loses some insulating abilities when wet so you need to always have a down bag liner or an ultralight bivy sack if you plan on being out in the rain.

Underquilts are usually not necessary for camping in temperatures above 65 degrees Fahrenheit (18.3 °C). To use an underquilt, you have to have a hammock or tree straps that are wide enough for you to lie diagonally in them while lying on your back.

Lantern

Lanterns are great for those who camp with tents or sleep on the ground, but they can be a nuisance when it comes to hanging in a hammock. A bonfire, in most cases, will provide adequate lighting at night for reading and other activities.

The only time this may not be true is if you are camping during the monsoon season or if you are too far from it. You can also use your smartphone to read, fix any problems with your hammock, or find your way around the campsite by using it as a makeshift flashlight.

Pillow

There isn’t much to say about it; it’s entirely up to your personal preference, but if you’re strapped for cash (don’t worry, we’ve all been there), you can use your extra clothes as an improvised pillow instead.

Tarp Poles

Tarp poles are used to keep the tarp in shape while also increasing living space and wind resistance, but they are optional; you can easily skip them without sacrificing comfort.

Tent

Yes, you do not need a tent to camp in a hammock. Believe it or not, this is actually a much more practical option than setting up a tent. It is less expensive and easier to set up and break down. You can also keep gear stored in your hammock for easy access.

If you’re worried about your gear, you can simply use a tarp as a ground cloth to keep it dry. Alternatively, a simple sheet of plastic will work too.

Here’s A List Of Everything You’ll Need For A Budget-Friendly Hammock Camping Trip

Items	Cost ($)
Camping hammock (bug net included)	30 – 45
Hammock rain tarp	25 – 30
Sleeping pad (for winter camping)	20 – 25
Top quilt (For cold weather)	40 – 55
Misc. (tarp stakes, hammock straps)	10 – 15
Total (Range)	125 – 170

*This list doesn’t include items such as food, medicine, clothing, or anything other than necessary camping instruments

Final Thoughts

So, there you have it! This list will help you get the best hammock camping experience without breaking your bank. You now know that it is possible to travel light and enjoy a peaceful night under the stars using a hammock.

All you need to do is plan ahead and prepare for everything the outdoors can throw at you… that’s what makes an amazing adventure such as this so fun!

And as always, stay safe and happy adventuring!