Whether you’re sleeping in a hammock under the stars, or just relaxing in your backyard on a hot day, hammock accessories are extremely useful. There is a wide variety of accessories designed specifically for hammocks. The question is, what do you really need? Which accessories will make being in a hammock both safe and fun?
We’ll be answering those questions, and recommending our favorite products for each category. From tree straps, to cup holders, we’ll point you in the right direction.
The bottom line up front: we highly recommend purchasing some strong hammock straps to ensure your hammock stays up all night. The RALLT Hammock Tree Straps are super-strong and durable.
We also recommend:
- Sorbus Outdoor Beverage Drink Holder Stakes – ideal for easy access to useful items
- Sunnydaze Hammock Pad and Pillow – a cozy, comfortable pillow and blanket; attach these to your hammock to avoid losing them during the night
We’ll be looking at:
- The various types of hammock accessories, and our top recommendations for each category
- Some frequently asked questions regarding hammock accessories
- Which accessories are our favorites, and why
Table of Contents
Let’s start by looking at what hammock accessories are.
What are hammock accessories?
Hammock accessories are designed to make camping in a hammock tent or just lounging in a hammock much easier. From items designed to improve the strength of your hammock, to fun additional features like hammock coolers, there are countless products out there that are both clever and practical.
A note on compatibility – these products are typically designed to be universal and should fit the majority of hammocks. However, it’s always a good idea to check the product descriptions carefully, just in case they aren’t compatible with your particular style of hammock.
Now, let’s take a look at our top hammock accessories. We’ll recommend a few in each category, including their pros and cons, so you can decide what you’ll need for your next camping trip!
Tree Straps and Clips
Designed with safety in mind, spare straps and clips are always a good idea. The straps wrap around tree trunks, while the clips attach the straps securely to loops on the hammock itself.
If you’re not happy with the quality of the straps and clips provided with the new hammock, you can replace them with your own. Alternatively, you may want to purchase some spares, just in case one of your straps or clips breaks mid-trip. This is particularly important if you’re hammock camping – you don’t want to be stuck without a tent!
Look for straps that are exceptionally strong and have triple-stitching, you won’t have to worry about them wearing out or breaking. Clips (or carabiners) are usually made from stainless steel and can be used for clipping your valuable items together, or hanging items from your backpack.
Here are a few we’d recommend:
MalloMe XL Hammock Straps – Easiest to Use
The MalloMe XL Hammock Straps are excellent if you want to replace your current straps for stronger ones. Designed to support up to 2,000 pounds (907.18 kilograms) in weight, they’re ideal for hammock camping. With their triple-stitched seams, you won’t have to worry about them rubbing or snapping. You can use these to hang single or double parachute hammocks.
They are notably easy to use. It takes 4 steps to attach these straps to your hammock, and you won’t have to worry about tying knots, or anything tricky like that. You can use them to anchor points over 25 feet (7.62 meters) apart, so it’s great if you’re camping in a wide clearing.
The straps come with 2 carabiners and a bag to keep it all together, too. The carabiners are fairly stiff to use, in the event that you have difficulties with hand strength.
Pros
- Can support up to 2,000 pounds (907.18 kilograms) in weight
- Very tough and strong stitching
- Can be used to anchor points over 25 feet (7.62 meters) apart
- Comes with carabiners and bag
Cons
- Carabiners are a bit stiff to use
RALLT Hammock Tree Straps – Toughest Straps
The RALLT Hammock Tree Straps are remarkablystrong, durable, and tough. This kit includes 2 straps and carabiner loops. They are ultralight, but strength tested, and include reflective stitching to protect you from tripping over at night. They have a load capacity of 2,697 pounds (1223.33 kilograms).
With a setup time of 1 minute, they’re easy to use – no knots or difficult steps. Each strap can span distances of over 20 feet (6.09 meters), but you could also attach multiple straps to create a greater reach over longer distances. The downside is that the carabiners are more flimsy than the straps and may not be as durable.
It comes with a stuff sack to keep everything together, too.
Pros
- Can support up to 2,697 pounds (1223.33 kilograms)
- Easy to use
- Straps are very durable
- Comes with carabiners and straps
Cons
- Carabiners are less durable than the straps
RALLT Hammock Carabiners – Best Strong Carabiners
The RALLT Hammock Carabiners are strong and tough. They’re bulky to hold and feel durable, and they can hold up to 2,697 pounds (1223.33 kilograms). They come in a variety of colors including black, red, gunmetal gray, and blue.
These clips are easy to use and can be opened with one hand. If you struggle with hand strength, you won’t have to worry about these being too stiff to use. They’re quite thick, meaning that you may struggle to fit them through smaller loops.
Pros
- Can support up to 2,697 pounds (1223.33 kilograms)
- Easy to use
- Durable
- Come in a variety of colors
Cons
- Thick and chunky, may not fit through small loops
PANSNG Colorful Quick Link Chain Carabiners – Best Multipurpose Carabiners
The PANSNG Colorful Quick Link Chain Carabiners are strong but small enough to be used for multiple purposes – such as: chain links; keeping pet ropes secure; hanging items securely from the ground when camping; and, of course, for hammocks. They’re small and colorful, and each pack comes with 6, meaning you’ll have some spares, if needed.
They can hold up to 2,000 pounds (907.18 kilograms), making it pretty strong, and they have a vacuum coating, that’s excellent for rust resistance. Because they’re smaller and they use a nut closure rather than a clip closure, they’re a little more tricky to use.
Pros
- Can support up to 2,000 pounds (907.18 kilograms)
- Strong
- Rust-resistant
- 6 carabiners included in pack
Cons
- A little more tricky to use
Mosquito Nets
Mosquito nets are essential for avoiding bug bites, and ideal if you want to laze around outside on a warm day. You can convert your regular hammock into a hammock-tent with a mosquito net; or, go a step further and combine this with a tarp for rainy weather, but more on that later.
Look for a net that has a very fine mesh. This will allow you to stargaze, while keeping even the smallest insects away.l. For additional privacy, look for no-see-um mesh – this allows you to see out, without others being able to see in.
Here are some of our recommendations:
Foxelli XL Hammock Net – Best Large Hammock Net
The Foxelli XL Hammock Net is large enough to give you plenty of coverage, even for a double hammock. It provides you with 360º-degree coverage, but is breathable and well ventilated, making it ideal for hot temperatures. It’s one of the biggest hammock nets on the market, meaning you won’t have to worry about it not working with your current hammock.
It’s large, but lightweight to carry and folds into a small stuff sack, making it perfect for packing into your backpack. It comes with a strong rope for hanging, and takes just moments to set up. The downside is that you may need a sturdier bag than the one they provide, as it is too flimsy for use.
Pros
- Keeps even the smallest insects out
- Good ventilation
- Very large size
- Packs down small
Cons
- Stuff sack is easily damaged
Wise Owl Outfitters Hammock Bug Net – Good All-Rounder
The Wise Owl Outfitters Hammock Bug Net is great for both hammock camping and lounging in your hammock on a warm day. Made from fine mesh, great for keeping mosquitos out, while still allowing you to stargaze at night.
It’s large enough to cover both a single and a double hammock, and folds small into a bag. It comes with a durable rope to hang with, and a durable double-sided zipper. The downside is that it’s quite heavy to carry.
Pros
- Keeps mosquitos out
- Good ventilation
- Covers both single and double hammocks
- Durable
Cons
- Heavy to carry
Hammock Tarps
Hammock tarps are designed to fit neatly over the top of a hammock, protecting you from any potential rainfall. They tend to be made from nylon, great for preventing rain from getting into your hammock. (You can see how to attach a tarp to a hammock camping setup in this video).
Look for a hammock tarp that folds small, making it easier to carry around. Tarps typically come with tie lines and stakes which you drive into the ground, as well as adjustable heights to keep it secure. These will also need to be carried.
Here are 2 of our favorites:
Wise Owl Outfitters Rain Tarp – Good for Backpacking
The Wise Owl Outfitters Rain Tarp is a heavy-duty, durable tarp that is ideal for backpacking. Made from ripstop waterproof nylon, so if it does produce a hole at any point, that won’t get any bigger. It has taped seams, meaning you won’t have to worry about rain getting in at the edges.
With a little practice, it’s easy to set up; however, because it can be tricky, it’s a good idea to make a few attempts before you take it out for the first time. It folds small into a stuff sack, making it easier to carry.
Pros
- Good at keeping rain out
- Durable
- Folds small
Cons
- A little tricky to put together
MIS Hammock Rainfly – Most Versatile
The MIS Hammock Rain Fly is useful for a variety of reasons: it can be used as a rainfly; a tent footprint (a waterproof surface to go under your tent for extra waterproofing); a makeshift sunshade; and a picnic mat.
It has a 2,000mm hydrostatic head measurement, this measures the amount of water that can pool on top of a surface before it begins to leak – 2,000mm is a good sign that it will keep the rain out. The rainfly has taped seams to stop the rain from getting from the sides, and it’s made from tough ripstop nylon, making it very durable.
It can be packed very small, making it ideal for a backpack. It also comes with a carabiner, so you can attach it to the side of your backpack if you’d prefer.
It’s a little tricky to set up,so if you can, it’s a good idea to practice before you take it out for the first time. It folds small into a stuff sack, making it easier to carry.
Pros
- Good at keeping rain out
- Versatile
- Tough and durable
- Folds down small
- Includes carabiner to attach to backpack
Cons
- Difficult to put together the first time
Cup Holders
This sounds like a small feature, but whether you’re hammock camping or just lounging on a warm day, having a place to rest your tumbler or water bottle is really useful to have.
There are different types of cup holders available: some cup holders are in the form of stakes, which you drive into the ground with adjustable height settings, so you can have your drink exactly where you want it; while others are designed to hang onto your hammock, making it easy to rest a drink can or water bottle right next to you.
Here are 2 different cup holders we’d recommend:
Hammock Sky Portable Drink Holder – Best Hanging Drink Holder
The Hammock Sky Portable Drink Holder is a useful and versatile cup holder. You can attach it wherever you want by tying a knot – placing it exactly where you need it. You can also attach it to your backpack, or use it to hold other items, such as your phone or keys.
It’s made from a stretchable polyester and is designed to fit snugly around water bottles. The drink holder is on the smaller side, so large drink bottles may not fit. It’s waterproof, durable and is lightweight, making it easy to use if you’re backpacking.
Pros
- Easy to use
- Versatile
- Fits snugly around most standard-sized water bottles
- Waterproof and durable
Cons
- Won’t fit large-sized drinks
Sorbus Outdoor Beverage Drink Holder Stakes – Best Value
The Sorbus Outdoor Beverage Drink Holder Stakes is a set of 4 drink holders that you can drive into the ground using the stakes at the bottom. The poles are easy to adjust, meaning you can have your drinks, or other items, at different heights. Because it comes with 4, you can share them, or strategically place them near your hammock to ensure everything you need is within reach.
They’re portable, but they do take up room, so they’re not as useful if you’re backpacking. They’re made of tough stainless steel with a powder coating, protecting them from corrosion.
Pros
- Durable
- Good value
- Adjustable
Cons
- Not as portable
Comfort Items
To make your hammock as comfortable as possible, you can add pillows and quilts. Ideal for snuggling in on a cooler day, these items will make your hammock tent feel like a home away from home, and are a good alternative to sleeping bags.
There are a couple of items we’d recommend:
Sunnydaze Hammock Pad and Pillow – Best Quilt and Pillow Set
The Sunnydaze Hammock Pad and Pillow is a comfortable and attractive quilt and pillow set. It comes in a variety of colors and patterns, and is made from polyester, meaning it’s water resistant and durable. It’s a great choice for hammock camping.
It comes with side loops, allowing you to attach it securely to your hammock, as well as a 1-year warranty. The downside is that polyester isn’t very breathable, so it may be uncomfortable on hot evenings.
Pros
- Comfortable
- Pretty patterns available
- Waterproof
- Attaches to hammock easily
Cons
- Not breathable fabric
LINIL Hammock Pillow With Tie – Best Hammock Pillow
The LINIL Hammock Pillow With Tie is a great pillow for your hammock. It comes with 2 ties to securely connect your pillow to the hammock – regardless of whether you move around at night, you won’t have to worry about your pillow falling to the ground.
The polyester cover is waterproof and removable. If it does get wet or dirty, you can remove it and wash it easily. It has a durable zipper too. The downside is that it’s not very breathable, so there may be some discomfort during warmer nights.
Pros
- Comfortable
- Cover is waterproof and removable
- Durable zipper
- Ties to hammock easily
Cons
- Not breathable in warmer temperatures
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are a few frequently asked questions about hammock accessories:
How much can I attach to my hammock?
As much as your hammock allows – each hammock has a maximum weight capacity. If you attach additional accessories, you’ll need to take into account the weight of each one, plus the weight of yourself as you sleep in it.
Are hammocks safe to sleep in?
There are pros and cons to hammock sleeping. Whether or not you’ll be comfortable is a case of individual needs – some people might find body aches in the mornings, while others may find hammocks offer a welcomed relief from pressure points.
As long as they are securely attached, they’re safe to sleep in at night. You can find safety tips for more ideas on how to camp securely in a hammock.
Are hammock straps bad for trees?
If installed incorrectly, hammock straps can harm the bark on trees. Look for wide straps that allow for an even distribution of pressure across the tree trunk, and make sure to attach them carefully. Look for mature trees that can handle the weight easily, rather than younger trees, that may bend under the pressure. If you’re concerned about this, you can find more information in Growing Magazine’s guide on How to Protect Your Trees When Hanging a Hammock.
To Sum Up … What Are The Best Hammock Accessories?
Safety first – we’d recommend grabbing some tough hammock straps, such as the RALLT Hammock Tree Straps. They’re handy to have around even if you’re happy with your current hammock straps, you never know when you might need them.
We’d also recommend the Sorbus Outdoor Beverage Drink Holder Stakes if you want to keep your drinks close by. You can strategically place them to ensure that any desirable belongings, like your phone and water bottle, are within easy reach.
It’s also worth considering Sunnydaze Hammock Pad and Pillow. If you want to feel cozy and comfortable without the risk of your pillow and blanket falling on the floor, these are a good alternative.
If you have any hammock camping tips, let us know in the comments – which accessories do you use?
We hope this has helped you improve your hammock camping experience. If it has, please feel free to share this guide with your family and friends!
