Lily relaxing in the Hummingbird Hammocks Single+ in the backcountry of Yellowstone National Park.

Introduction

Hummingbird Hammocks offers a variety of Made in the USA hammocks and accessories including three hammocks, two hammock tarps, a bug net, and other accessories. They have some unique features such as Button Links that eliminate the need for carabiners and integrated tree straps with whoopie slings which simplify the suspension system and make setup very easy. They also offer what is likely the lightest hammock on the market – the Single Hammock, which weighs a scant 5.6 oz. Can the lightest hammock also be the most comfortable?

Features and Specifications

SINGLE HAMMOCK

Features:

• Built-in Button Links for easy connection to straps
• Durable lock stitching on seams at head and foot
• Sewn-in stuff sack

Specifications:

• Materials (body): uncoated 1.1 ripstop nylon – PIA-C-44378 T4 Certified Reserve Parachute Fabric
• Materials (cord): 1500 lb Spectra Cord
• Weight: 5.6 oz (159 g) measured; manufacturer claim: 5.2 oz (147g)
• Measurements: 104 in x 47 in (264 cm x 119 cm)
• Capacity: 300 lb (136 kg)
• Cost: $64.95

SINGLE+ HAMMOCK

Features:

• Built-in Button Links for easy connection to straps
• Durable lock stitching on seams at head and foot
• Sewn-in stuff sack

Specifications:

• Materials (body): uncoated 1.1 ripstop nylon – PIA-C-44378 T4 Certified Reserve Parachute Fabric
• Materials (cord): 1500 lb Spectra Cord
• Weight: 7.7 oz (219 g) measured; manufacturer claim: 7.6 oz (215g)
• Measurements: 116 in x 63 in (295 cm x 160 cm)
• Capacity: 350 lb (158 kg)
• Cost: $69.95

HUMMINGBIRD HAMMOCKS SUSPENSION SYSTEM

Features:

• Tree Straps available in two sizes and feature Integrated tree webbing and adjustable whoopie slings
• Tree Strap Extensions with button link system add a combined 12 ft of reach

Specifications:

• Tree safe Mil Spec Type IV webbing (Tree Straps)
• 1500 lb Spectra Cord (Tree Straps, Extensions)
• Tree Straps: 1 in wide by 100 in. long each; 2.5 oz (71 g) with stuff sack; $29.95
• Tree Straps+: 1.5 in wide by 152 in. long each; 5.7 oz (161 g) with stuff sack: $39.95
• Tree Strap Extensions: 72 in long each; .8 oz (24 g): $19.95

PELICAN RAIN TARP

Features:

• Hexagonal tarp with door flaps for full hammock coverage
• Quick Adjustor ridgeline adjustment system
• Ten reinforced perimeter tie-outs
• Four panel tie-outs
• SilNet seam sealer included
• Sewn-in stuff sack included
• Optional Guyline Kit with 80 ft of cord, 4 titanium stakes, and 8 glow friction adjustors: 3.7 oz (105 g) $29.95

Specifications:

• Materials: .9 oz Silpoly silicone polyester fabric
• Weight: 13.6 oz (387 g) measured- seams sealed; (manufacturer claim: 12.8 oz (363g)
• Measurements: 137 in x 112 in (348 cm x 285 cm)
• Cost: $169.95

WARBLER BUG NET

Features:

• Full bug protection
• Included ridgeline cord
• Ultralight side zipper for easy entry
• Reinforced end closures with adjustable cord and cordlocks
• Sewn-in stuff sack

Specifications:

• Materials: .6 oz No-See-Um netting
• Materials (cord): 1500 lb Spectra Cord
• Weight: 6.4 oz (182 g) measured; (manufacturer claim: 6.3 oz (179g)
• Measurements: 110 in long x 51 in high (280 cm x 130 cm)
• Cost: $39.95

Review Context

I have used hammocks as a backpacking sleep system for many years. More recently, I have also been interested in using hammocks as an Ultralight Luxury item – something to provide relaxation and comfort in camp during more relaxed or family trips. These hammocks were reviewed with versatility in mind: both as a sleep system and as a luxury item in camp. For me, a versatile hammock needs to meet the following criteria:

• Comfortable for both relaxation and overnight sleeping
• Modular, with removable bug netting
• As light as possible – less than 12 oz (340 g) including suspension system, or less than 16 oz (454 g) with bug netting
• Easy to set up, adjust, and take down

Description of Field Testing

These hammocks were used on multiple trips over a 10-month period. Our family used these on an 11-day canoeing and backpacking trip in Yellowstone National Park, while backpacking on the coast of Olympic National Park, and camping through multiple states on a month-long road trip adventure. In addition, the hammocks were used at home for extended periods. Each hammock was used overnight by both children and adults.

The author relaxing in the Single+ hammock in Yellowstone’s Bechler Area, using the optional Tree Straps and Extenders.

Performance Assessment