Is there anything more relaxing than swinging back and forth in a hammock? Maybe one thing – swinging back and forth in a hammock while camping. There’s absolutely no better way to enjoy the great outdoors than a nice hammock, but packing one up can be kind of annoying. You deserve to be able to bring a hammock along on your camping trip without it taking up all of your packing space, so you can really have the full camping experience and still enjoy the sway of your hammock in the great outdoors.
We want you to find a convenient, portable hammock that has a nice collapsible stand to go with it. Folding hammocks are an amazing way to easily pack a hammock for your big weekend getaway. That’s why we’ve made this list of the best folding hammocks, so you can find the perfect hammock that will be easy for you to pack up and bring on the road to help you relax as much as possible on your next big camping trip or weekend in the country.
Carry on reading to see our full list of the best folding hammocks, followed by a recap breaking down what makes each product on our list stand out. Or jump straight to our number #1 pick on Amazon here.
- What Should You Look For in a Portable Folding Hammock?
- Here’s How We’ve Determined the Best Portable Folding Hammocks
- #1: Vivere Double Cotton Hammock (Best Value – All-Purpose)
- #2: Zenithen Limited Red Folding Hammock (Best Product)
- #3: Kamp-Rite Kwik Set Hammock (Best for Light Packers)
- #4: Giantex Portable Folding Hammock (Best Low Cost)
- #5: MacSports Portable Fold Up Hammock with Removable Canopy (Best for Staying Out of the Sun)
- How Do I Set Up a Portable Folding Hammock?
- Verdict: Your Best Portable Folding Hammocks
What Should You Look For in a Portable Folding Hammock?
Before making any purchase, you want to be smart and have all of your information and priorities in order. What separates the good folding hammocks from the bad ones? Luckily, it’s pretty intuitive, and assessing which hammocks – folding or otherwise – are best isn’t exactly rocket science, nor is it something you need to be an expert to understand. But just to speed up the process a little and save you some time and stress, we’ve listed out our criteria for evaluating the best holding hammocks below, so that you can have a rubric for our list and make the best decision as quickly as possible.
Criteria #1: Comfort – A good, comfortable hammock can be one of the most relaxing things in the world. A bad or even average hammock just falls completely flat. Unfortunately, it’s a little hard to gauge a hammock’s comfort without actually using it, but there are some methods that are more reliable than others. This is when it’s best to look at the user reviews and check what kind of material a hammock is made out of, so you can feel like you’re floating in the clouds on your next camping trip or just a relaxing Saturday in the backyard.
Criteria #2: Durability – Nobody wants to buy something that isn’t durable. There are two main factors to how durable a hammock is – its weight capacity and how long it will last. Luckily, most hammock manufacturers will clearly state the weight limit of their products, so even if you exhibit some caution and shave a few pounds off of the stated limit, you’ll at least know what you’re getting yourself into. Just as with comfort, we can also check the lifespan of a hammock from the material it’s made from and from user reviews.
Criteria #3: Extra features – You might think that if you’ve seen one hammock you’ve seen them all, and we’d forgive you for that assumption, but you’d be wrong. As soon as you start exploring the market, you’ll realize that the best folding hammocks have some amazing features that you’ve never even thought of. We want to make sure that your folding hammock has all of those extra bells and whistles to give you the best experience imaginable. Those little extra features can go a long way.
Criteria #4: Price – We’re not here to make you spend a ton of money for no reason. Meeting this criterion is less about being cheap and more about justifying your price. We’d rather buy an expensive product that’s cheaper than it should be than waste money on a cheaper product that isn’t worth the money and that will just break on you or not perform well. Luckily, we managed to stay pretty affordable on this list, so even if you splurge for the more expensive choices, you won’t be spending too much money.
Here’s How We’ve Determined the Best Portable Folding Hammocks
We measured the specs of the top products on the market against our listed criteria to see how they held up and if they’re worth buying. We then checked customer reviews, blog posts, and “best folding hammocks” articles to see if the products on our list performed as advertised. We will also make sure that there’s proper variation in our hammocks so that everyone can find a product that’s absolutely perfect for them and for their specific tastes and needs.
And without further ado, here is our list – tailored to your specific needs – of the best folding hammocks.
#1: Vivere Double Cotton Hammock (Best Value – All-Purpose)
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Vivere gets our list started off with their large and comfy double cotton hammock. This folding hammock is sure to satisfy almost any customer, no matter what you’re looking for. The double lining of cotton gives this hammock a strong foundation that boasts a weight capacity of up to 450 pounds and that will stay in good shape for years on end. That massive weight limit means you can easily fit two people in this hammock, so a couple can relax and enjoy the outdoors together.
The included hammock stand is made of heavy-duty steel and requires zero tools to assemble or disassemble it, so you can pretty easily bring the stand along with you on a trip without taking up too much room. Of course, if you’re trying to keep your packing as light as possible, a little ingenuity and some trees will let you leave the stand at home. But it’s a great option if you’re going somewhere like the beach where there won’t be any conveniently located foliage.
The length of the Vivere Double Cotton Hammock is about 7’4″, so unless you’re Yao Ming, you should fit in this double hammock with plenty of wiggle room. Our number-one portable folding hammock also comes with a carry bag, so you can make sure everything is packed as efficiently as possible and just throw this fold-up hammock into the back or trunk of your car and be on your way.
As a nice bonus, this folding hammock has patented Sunbrella fabric that can stand up to intense UV rays without the fabric getting ruined or the color fading. So if you live in a really sunny area, this Vivere double hammock is a must.
The Vivere Double Cotton Hammock folding hammock comes in dozens of different color schemes, so you can pick the one that suits your tastes and enjoy a portable hammock that blends in with the scenery. Plus, our top-ranked double hammock is nice and affordable, so you don’t need to splurge to get this incredible, high-quality folding hammock, hammock stand, and carry case bundle.
Besides being featured on multiple blog posts of the best folding hammocks, the Vivere Double Cotton Hammock has a whopping 17,000 reviews on Amazon, and they’re all absolutely glowing. One customer titled their review “Don’t plan on getting anything done ever again!” Another claimed that this portable hammock can double as a bed.
If you need an affordable, comfortable, large, and stylish folding hammock, you’ll have to buy the high weight-capacity Vivere Double Cotton Hammock.
#2: Zenithen Limited Red Folding Hammock (Best Product)
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The Vivere Double Cotton Hammock earned our number one spot because it’s affordable and because it has all of the standard features that will satisfy most customers. But if you’re willing to splurge a little more and have some specific features that you’re looking for, the Zenithen Limited Red Folding Hammock may be a better hammock overall even than the Vivere double hammock. For those of you who will settle for nothing but the best, here are some of the key features that make the Zenithen Limited Red Folding Hammock the favorite of any serious connoisseur.
Reason #1 to Choose This Fold-Up Hammock: The Retractable Canopy
Sometimes there’s nothing better than a relaxing nap in your hammock. Enjoying some sun is always nice, but if the sun is coming in at the wrong angle, it can really get annoying. Especially if you’re trying to read or nap, you obviously don’t want the sun shining in your eyes at the wrong time. Zenithen knows that there’s a time and a place for everything, including the sun, and that’s why they’ve included the incredible retractable canopy that’s sure to give you some shade during those afternoon hours. With the Zenithen Limited Red Folding Hammock’s retractable canopy, you’ll always have a beach umbrella on hand.
Reason #2 to Choose This Fold-Up Hammock: Cup Holder
I don’t think you’ll ever meet someone who hears about a hammock with a cup holder and thinks “Nah, that’s a bad idea. I don’t want that feature.” Maybe the only thing that can improve a relaxing break in your hammock is an ice-cold drink to keep the summer heat at bay. Of course, then you usually end up running into the problem of where to put your drink, but not with the Zenithen portable folding hammock. This fold-up hammock has a cup holder and a mesh pocket at both ends of the hammock, so you can keep your current drink close to you and the next one at your feet. The mesh pocket is also perfect for keeping items like your phone close at hand so you can be available if necessary, or turn on do not disturb mode and enjoy some ambient music while you relaxingly sway back and forth. Everything you need will be within the perfect distance with the Zenithen Limited Red Folding Hammock.
On top of the amazing retractable canopy and the fantastic and convenient cupholders, this portable folding hammock features a net underneath the hammock that serves as the perfect location for your bags or some other objects you may want nearby but not necessarily right next to you.
The Zenithen Limited Red Folding Hammock also has a powder-coated steel frame that’s guaranteed to last, and while it doesn’t have a carry bag, it doesn’t need one. This hammock zips into itself so you always have your carry case with you. Just like with our first hammock, the hammock stand is included with this product, and you don’t need any tools to set it up.
The biggest drawback of this hammock is that it doesn’t have the same weight capacity as the Vivere Double Cotton Hammock. It can only support up to about 250 pounds, so if you really need that high weight capacity, then you should definitely stick with our top-rated product.
Of course, since we’ve included only the best folding hammocks on our list, the Zenithen hammock has received nothing but rave reviews. Customers praised this portable fold-up hammock for being comfortable, convenient, easy to set up, and easy to put away.
If you prefer to pull out all the stops and you want the most convenient experience possible from your hammock, then you need to buy the Zenithen Limited Red Folding Hammock. You’ll wonder how you ever traveled without it.
#3: Kamp-Rite Kwik Set Hammock (Best for Light Packers)
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It’s standard for folding hammocks to come bundled with a hammock stand. This obviously adds to the value of your hammock, and it’s certainly good business, but factoring this steel-frame hammock stand into your packing might make things a bit tricky. That is, of course, unless you decided to buy the Kamp-Rite Kwik Set Hammock as your portable fold-up hammock. This hammock is the best portable folding hammock out there for anyone who needs to limit their packing.
The reason this hammock is so great for light travelers is that its steel-frame hammock stand might do a better job of compressing and folding up than any other hammock stand on the market. Plus, the actual hammock measures at 52″ long x 11″ wide x 7″ high, when it’s folded up. This folding hammock also comes with a pillow attached, which will both add some comfort to your lounging time and help you save room by leaving your pillow at home. In addition, this hammock comes with a carry bag to help you keep things moving without having your hands fill up too quickly.
As far as the hammock itself, the Kamp-Rite Kwik Set Hammock boasts a weight capacity that goes above the standard 250 pounds, and it’s made from synthetic polyester material.
Customers loved how easy it was to set up this hammock, and the amazing design of the steel-frame hammock stand is guaranteed to keep things nice and simple. Customers were also very fond of the durability of the frame. One user called this product the perfect hammock, praising it for its size, comfort, and easy use.
It’s a bit heavy, but it stays compact. So if you’re concerned about space than weight, that’s not an issue. If you want a hammock that you can set up quickly and easily fit in your already over-stuffed car, the Kamp-Rite Kwik Set Hammock is the perfect hammock for you.
#4: Giantex Portable Folding Hammock (Best Low Cost)
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We’ve managed to keep our list pretty affordable so far, so you should realize that you really don’t need to splurge for a top-tier traveling hammock. But I know that everyone has a different budget, and you may be trying to keep things as cheap as possible. Well, if that’s the case, then the Giantex Portable Folding Hammock is what you’re looking for.
On a list of decently cheap portable hammocks, this hammock is the cheapest of the cheap, and it’s the best portable hammock for anyone trying to save some money. It comes with a sturdy powder-coated steel frame that’s easy to collapse and set up, and it also includes a carry bag. The Giantex hammock features the standard 250-pound weight capacity, and it’s made from a long-lasting and water-resistant oxford fabric. Giantex boasts that this affordable hammock is easy to pack, easy to assemble, durable, and comfortable.
The biggest drawback of this budget hammock is that it’s not very long. Taller users complained about not fitting, and one customer went so far as to say that if you’re taller than 5’5″ (165cm) then you shouldn’t bother buying this hammock. But if you happen to be on the shorter side and want to keep things cheap, then the Giantex Portable Folding Hammock is the best choice to help you keep things cheap and simple.
#5: MacSports Portable Fold Up Hammock with Removable Canopy (Best for Staying Out of the Sun)
We already showed you the Zenithen Limited Red Folding Hammock – our best overall hammock – with its amazing retractable canopy that covered the head of the hammock, but if you’re really concerned about not getting too much sun exposure, then there’s absolutely no hammock for you except the MacSports Portable Hammock with Removable Canopy, which is the best choice of anyone with fairer skin who burns easily.
Instead of a canopy that just covers your head, this hammock provides you with a long canopy that will cover your entire body in shade and make sure that you come back from your relaxing trip with your skin still intact and the same shade it was when you left, instead of the blistering red of a cooked lobster. Of course, this canopy provides more utility than just stopping you from getting sunburned, and it’ll help you take some amazing naps without being woken up by the sun in your eyes.
Besides the awesome canopy, this hammock has the same convenient netting underneath as the Zenithen hammock, so you’ll always have a nice place to keep your belongings. The hammock features that same standard 250-pound weight capacity we’ve come to expect, and customers reported being 6’1″ tall and having no problem with the weight of this luxurious canopy hammock.
The powder-coated steel frame hammock stand will collapse without a problem and save you some space when traveling, and this hammock comes with a carrying case so you’ll always be ready to go.
Customers praised this portable hammock for being sturdy, easy to set up, and comfortable. The last hammock on our list is unfortunately pretty expensive, but it’s pretty understandable where your money is going once you see that wonderful canopy. This Mac Sports portable hammock really pulls out all the stops.
If you’re willing to splurge for the best and you need that under-net and the incredible canopy that will make you feel like royalty, the Mac Sports Portable Hammock with Removable Canopy is the best portable hammock for you.
How Do I Set Up a Portable Folding Hammock?
Because all of your portable hammocks come with their own hammock stand, there’s not too much to go over in terms of setup. The steel stand will usually have a clear hook or similar mechanism to use to attach your portable hammock, and then you’re ready to go.
Things get a little trickier if you want to leave the stand at home to save some space, in which case you’ll need some conveniently located poles or trees to get the job done. Depending on the ends of your hammock, you’ll want to go about using the environment differently. If you’re feeling more toolsy, you could simply bring a few metal stakes and a hammer and turn any sturdy, tall surface into the perfect frame for your hammock.
Verdict: Your Best Portable Folding Hammocks
We’re reaching the end of our list, and I hope that at least one of our hammocks has caught your eye. It’s possible that you’re still torn between a few of our options, and I understand that it’s hard to make your decision right away. That’s why I’m going to recap all of our products and focus on the standout features of each hammock. This will help you focus on the key traits and know what to expect from each hammock we’ve reviewed.
If you want the best value for money, pick the Vivere Double Cotton Hammock.
This double hammock is sure to give you the most comfortable outdoor naps you can imagine. It boasts a high weight capacity of up to 400 pounds and a long length that will be fine for even the tallest customers. It comes with a carry bag and a sturdy frame, so everything is completely included. You’re getting all of this for a great price, which makes this the best value buy, no matter what you’re looking for, and the best choice for almost any customer.
If you need cupholders and peak comfort, pick the Zenithen Limited Hammock.
A real relaxation expert knows that the comfort of the hammock bed is only half of the equation. If you want your hammock to deliver five-star service then you need the Zenithen hammock with its pair of cupholders and mesh pockets, so you can enjoy your hammock with everything you need within a short reach. Have an ice-cold drink or two and keep your phone or kindle on hand with this luxurious portable hammock. You might just never leave or get up again.
If you want to keep the spending cheap, pick the Giantex Portable Folding Hammock.
Even though we managed to keep our hammocks pretty cheap, we know that money is important, and a hammock might just not be a luxury you’re willing to spend too much on. If that’s the case, then you need the Giatnext Portable Hammock. This budget product has the standard weight capacity of most other travel hammocks, and it has a sturdy steel frame for its stand. You won’t find a cheaper product of this quality, but it is pretty short. If you’ll fit in it, it’s the best way to save money on your hammock. Of course, it also comes with a carry bag.
We’re coming to a close, so we hope that recap helped you make your decision and pick the best hammock for your needs. If the highlighted products above weren’t what you were looking for, you may be more interested in the convenient and efficient Kamp-Rite Kwik Set Hammock, or the amazing and luxurious Mac Sports portable hammock that will help you avoid coming home with a sunburn.
Remember to think about what feature is most important to you, and maybe even write it down. This will really speed up the buying process as you’ll quickly realize that only a few of the top hammocks on the market actually have the feature most important to you.
That’s all for now, we hope you enjoy the new hammock and the great outdoors!