What To Look For
For camping purposes, you want a light, portable and easy to set up hammock. Look for a hammock made from parachute silk or a Mayan hammock made of a fine net. It's up to you whether or not you choose to get a stand for your hammock. If you choose not to get a stand, you should consider getting tree straps so that you can easily set up and take down your hammock without impacting the environment. If you prefer a hammock stand, get one that's light and folds up easily. You could also consider getting a hammock tent that has a zip-up cover to keep you protected from the rain and bugs.
Common Pitfalls
When sleeping with a hammock tent, remember that the hammock tent won't keep you warm. Although you'll be protected from the cold coming up through the ground, a hammock tent on its own won't be enough to keep you warm at night, so consider bringing some insulating materials along with you for warmth.
Where To Buy
Most outdoors and sporting goods stores have a good selection of hammocks suitable for camping and hiking. REI is a particularly good option since the store encourages employees to try out the gear. If the selection seems a little slim at your local REI you can also place an order online through their website. For a good selection of both hammocks and hammock stands online, also consider Hammocks.com.
Cost
Hammocks can vary in costs. You can get a hammock for less than $50. However, a good quality hammock will usually cost somewhere between $100 and $200. Ropes or hanger kits will usually range from $15 to $20, while a separate rain cover could add an additional $50 to $100 to your purchase. A separate hammock stand can add another $100 to $200 to the sales price.
Accessories
With just a hammock and no accessories, you can probably attach your hammock to two trees using hardware. The easier and less invasive method is using tree straps that wrap around the tree trunk and are solid enough to hold the weight of a person. Hammock stands are good if you can't find a spot with trees the right distance apart. Portable stands are made from steel. Look for a hammock made of low gauge steel (ideally 12-gauge), which has a higher weight capacity. High gauge steel tends bend and break.
