6 Bargain Hammocks For Ultralight Camping That Don’t Skimp on Comfort

You’ve just crested the final ridge after a long day on the trail, and your legs are burning. The sun is dipping low, painting the sky in shades of orange and purple. Instead of fumbling with tent poles on uneven ground, you find two perfectly spaced trees, pull out a bundle the size of a softball, and in three minutes, your shelter is ready. This is the magic of ultralight hammock camping, and it doesn’t have to cost a fortune.

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Defining the Ultralight Bargain Hammock Category

So, what exactly are we talking about here? An ultralight hammock is generally one that weighs under a pound—often well under—for the hammock body itself. The "bargain" part means it delivers this low weight without a triple-digit price tag, typically landing under $100.

This category is all about hitting the sweet spot on the gear triangle: weight, cost, and durability. You’re trading the absolute lightest, most exotic materials for a product that is still exceptionally light, far more affordable, and often more durable than its super-specialized cousins. Think of it as smart, efficient backpacking.

These hammocks are perfect for weekend trips in a national forest, a fast-and-light overnighter along a river, or even a section hike of a long trail. They prove that you don’t need to spend a month’s rent to significantly lighten your pack. The key is understanding that a few extra ounces can save you a lot of money and sometimes even add peace of mind on the trail.

Grand Trunk Nano 7: The Original Ultralight Deal

If you’ve been watching lightweight gear for a while, the Nano 7 is an old friend. It was one of the first widely available hammocks to truly push the weight barrier, coming in at a scant 7.4 ounces. For years, it was the go-to for ounce-counters on a budget.

Its minimalist design is its greatest strength and its primary tradeoff. The "7" in its name refers to its shorter, 7-foot length and narrow width. This makes it incredibly compact but means it’s best suited for smaller-statured hikers or those who prioritize packability above all else. Taller folks might find it a bit constricting for a full night’s sleep.

Consider the Nano 7 for trips where every single gram counts. It’s an excellent choice for a dedicated summer setup, a "just-in-case" shelter for ambitious day hikes, or for a bikepacking rig where space is the ultimate currency. It’s a specialized tool that does one thing exceptionally well: it disappears in your pack.

Kammok Roo Single: Unbeatable All-Around Value

Imagine you need one hammock that can do it all—from a lazy afternoon in the park to a week-long trek in the mountains. The Kammok Roo Single is that hammock. It strikes an incredible balance between weight (10.2 oz), comfort, and bombproof construction, making it a true workhorse.

Kammok uses their Gravitas™ 40D diamond ripstop fabric, which feels softer and more substantial than many ultralight competitors while still being highly breathable and strong. Its generous dimensions provide plenty of room for a comfortable diagonal lay, which is the key to sleeping flat in a hammock. This is the kind of comfort that makes a difference after a 15-mile day.

This is the hammock to recommend to a friend who is serious about getting into backpacking. It’s light enough to satisfy the ultralight ethos but comfortable and durable enough to handle years of use and abuse. It’s a fantastic investment that will serve you well across almost any three-season adventure.

Wise Owl SingleOwl: Top Budget Pick with Straps

Getting started in hammock camping can feel intimidating, with hidden costs for suspension systems. The Wise Owl SingleOwl smashes that barrier. It’s a solid, comfortable hammock that comes bundled with a set of basic, tree-friendly straps, all for an astonishingly low price.

Let’s be clear: at around 16 ounces for the hammock alone, it’s at the heaviest end of our "ultralight" spectrum. But for someone leaving behind a 4-pound tent, the weight savings are still massive. The included straps add weight, but they offer a complete, ready-to-hang system right out of the bag. This is its killer feature.

This is the perfect entry point. It’s for the curious day-hiker who wants to try an overnight, the car camper looking to upgrade their comfort, or the student on a tight budget. It gets you outside and sleeping comfortably in the trees without a big financial commitment, and that’s a huge win.

ENO Sub7 Hammock: Trusted Brand, Featherlight Design

Eagles Nest Outfitters (ENO) is arguably the brand that brought hammock camping to the masses. The Sub7 is their answer for the dedicated minimalist. Weighing a feathery 6.5 ounces, it’s one of the lightest hammocks you can buy from a major, well-established brand.

Crafted from a lightweight 30D ripstop nylon, the Sub7 feels airy but secure. Like other hyper-light models, it achieves its low weight through smaller dimensions, so it’s best for those under six feet tall. You’re trading a bit of spaciousness for a truly remarkable packed weight and size.

Choose the Sub7 when you want the absolute lightest option backed by a rock-solid warranty and a huge dealer network. It’s ideal for a thru-hiker looking to shave every possible gram or for an adventure racer who needs a reliable, fast-deploying shelter that weighs next to nothing.

Dutchware 11′ Netless: Customizable UL Comfort

For those who have spent a few nights in a hammock and are ready to dial in their comfort, look no further than Dutchware. This is a beloved brand in the cottage industry, known for innovation and quality. Their 11′ Netless hammock is a gateway to customized, ultralight bliss at a bargain price.

The 11-foot length is the magic number for many experienced hangers, allowing for a much flatter and more comfortable diagonal lay, which is crucial for side-sleepers. What makes this a "bargain" is the ability to choose your fabric—from the gossamer-light Cloud 71 to the more durable Hexon 1.6—to perfectly match your weight and durability needs without paying for features you don’t want.

This is the hammock for the backpacker who knows they love hammocking and wants to upgrade their sleep system. It offers the comfort of a high-end, customized hammock for a fraction of the price. It requires you to know what you want, but the payoff in trail comfort is immense.

Hummingbird Single: The Ultimate in Packability

When you hold a Hummingbird Single in its stuff sack, it feels impossibly small and light. Made from FAA-certified parachute ripstop nylon and weighing just 5.2 ounces, this hammock is a marvel of engineering. It packs down to the size of a coffee cup, making it the undisputed champion of packability.

The secret is the high-tech, incredibly thin-but-strong fabric and the integrated soft shackle suspension connections, which are lighter than traditional carabiners. The feel of the fabric is unique—it’s slick and technical, a constant reminder of its high-performance design.

This is a specialist’s tool. It’s the perfect hammock for a bikepacker with zero extra space, an adventure traveler who wants a "just-in-case" bed, or the hardcore ultralight trekker counting every single gram. While it’s at the top end of our bargain price range, its unique weight and volume savings put it in a class of its own.

Suspension Systems: Completing Your UL Hammock Kit

Your ultralight hammock is only half the equation. Pairing it with a heavy, bulky suspension system defeats the purpose. Thankfully, upgrading your suspension is one of the easiest and most cost-effective ways to shed significant weight.

The goal is to connect your hammock to the tree securely and with minimal impact. Your options generally fall into three categories, each with its own tradeoffs:

• Daisy Chain Straps: These are common in beginner kits. They are heavy but incredibly simple to use, with pre-sewn loops for clipping in.
• Whoopie Slings: This is the ultralight standard. Using a cord-within-a-cord design (a "bury"), they are infinitely adjustable and incredibly light. They are typically paired with a lightweight, tree-friendly strap.
• Knot-Based Systems: For the ultimate minimalist, a simple length of webbing and a knot like the Becket hitch provide a secure, featherlight connection with no extra hardware. This requires practice but is the lightest method of all.

Your choice of suspension is a critical part of your sleep system. Moving from a basic daisy chain setup to a whoopie sling system can easily save you half a pound or more. Don’t overlook this crucial component when building your ultralight kit.

In the end, the numbers on the scale are less important than the experiences you have on the trail. Each of these hammocks offers a fantastic pathway to lighter, more comfortable adventures without emptying your wallet. Pick the one that best fits your goals, pair it with a decent suspension, and get out there. The best gear is the gear that’s getting used.