Which width actually fits how you camp
Doubles are wider and let you lie flatter on the diagonal, even solo. Singles are lighter and pack smaller. Here's how the top 2026 picks compare across both.
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Quick answer: Our top pick for single vs double camping hammocks is the ENO SingleNest Hammock (Best Single Overall). If you're looking for best double overall, the ENO DoubleNest Hammock is a strong alternative.
Single hammocks run about 4-5 feet wide and double hammocks run about 6-7 feet wide, but the split isn't really about how many people fit -- most solo campers end up buying doubles anyway. The extra width lets you lie at a flatter diagonal angle, which is the main reason double hammocks feel more comfortable than the name suggests.
The trade-off is weight and pack size. A single hammock is typically lighter and compresses smaller, which matters most for backpackers counting ounces. Doubles run a few ounces to a couple pounds heavier and take up more room in a pack, but carry a higher weight capacity (often 400-500 lbs vs. 300-400 lbs for singles) and more room for a partner, kid, or pet.
If you're over 6 feet tall or over roughly 200 lbs, a double is usually worth the extra weight even solo. If every ounce in your pack counts and you're camping alone, a single-width hammock like the SingleNest or a diagonal-lay design like the Hennessy Explorer Deluxe closes most of the comfort gap without the added bulk.
| Product | Best For | Price | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| ENO SingleNest Hammock | Best Single Overall | $50 - $65 | 4.6/5 |
| ENO DoubleNest Hammock | Best Double Overall | $60 - $75 | 4.7/5 |
| Wise Owl Outfitters Double Camping Hammock | Best Budget Double | $20 - $30 | 4.5/5 |
| Hennessy Hammock Explorer Deluxe | Best Single for Backpacking | $140 - $170 | 4.6/5 |
A compact single-width hammock built from the same durable ripstop nylon as the DoubleNest, sized for one camper who wants a lighter pack weight without a wider, heavier build.
A diamond-ripstop nylon double-width hammock with enough fabric to lie flat on the diagonal solo, or fit two people sitting up, and it still packs to about the size of a loaf of bread.
A parachute-nylon double-width hammock rated to 500 lbs that ships with tree straps and carabiners included, an affordable way to try the extra width of a double before spending more.
An asymmetrical single-person backpacking hammock with a built-in bottom-entry bug net and integrated rainfly, designed to sleep flat on a diagonal despite its narrower single-width body.
Most solo campers end up buying doubles anyway -- the extra width (6-7 feet vs. 4-5 feet for a single) lets you lie at a flatter diagonal angle, which is the main reason double hammocks feel more comfortable than the name suggests, not because they're meant for two people.
Doubles typically run 6oz to a couple pounds heavier than a comparable single and take up more pack space -- worth it for car camping, a real consideration for backpackers counting ounces. The ENO SingleNest stays lighter and more packable specifically for weight-conscious solo backpackers.
Singles commonly top out around 300-400lbs, while doubles are usually rated 400-500lbs -- factor in your own weight plus any gear you keep in the hammock with you. The Wise Owl Outfitters Double is rated to 500lbs despite being one of the more affordable options.
Yes -- an asymmetrical single hammock designed to be hung and slept on the diagonal, like the Hennessy Hammock Explorer Deluxe, gets close to double-hammock flatness without the extra width and weight. It's pricier than a basic single, but the full setup still weighs under 3lbs.
If you're over 6 feet tall or over roughly 200lbs, a double is usually worth the extra weight even camping solo, since a single hammock's narrower width and straighter lay becomes noticeably more cramped at that size.