What is the Best Hammock for Side Sleepers? – [Pros & Cons Included]

There are a ton of great hammocks on the market. So many companies are making great camping hammocks regularly that it can be hard to select the best one. If you are a side sleeper looking for the best backpacking hammocks for people like you, you have come to the right place!

Side sleepers can be particular about the way they like things. They usually do not rely on sleeping pads or air mattresses as they have better designs for people who lay flat. To sleep comfortably on your side, you need a special, wider hammock that will follow the shape of your body.

This is where I come in – I have created a list of the four best camping hammocks for side sleepers. I encourage you to go over them and see their characteristics. I do not doubt that you will be able to find one that will fit your needs in the best way possible. 

So, let’s get right into the list and see the hammocks I have selected for this review article!

Best Hammock for Side Sleepers

Are Hammocks Good For Side Sleepers?

Hammocks are an excellent choice for side sleepers. They can be as comfortable as they are for back sleepers if you make a few adjustments. But in general, most hammocks are super comfortable and spacious enough for side sleepers.

It would help if you had a good hammock to get a good night’s sleep, whether on a campsite or in your backyard. Their setup can be tricky at first, but you will have no problem setting them up in a few minutes once you get used to them.

Regarding side sleeping, a hammock with a spreader bar can be a better choice than other hammocks!

If you plan to take the hammock everywhere, it needs to be compact and lightweight. I recommend looking into ultralight hammocks with spreader bars, as they are the best choice for side sleeping positions. The spreader bars can add to the weight, but it will be worth it.

The other things you should look for in a hammock are proper dimensions – the wider and longer, the better! You need excellent ergonomics, durability and quality materials, waterproof or water-repellent fabric, and a bug net for extra protection.

Many great budget options have all these characteristics, some of which I will mention below.

These pointers will help you determine the best hammock for you if you like sleeping on your side. If you want to learn how to make a regular hammock more comfortable for side sleeping, move right into the next section!

How Can Hammocks Be More Comfortable for Side Sleeping?

 Many campers buy hammocks without research, and they get stuck with something uncomfortable. I get it – it can be challenging to think of everything in the heat of the moment. But even if you have an uncomfortable hammock, there is no reason to dwell.

Here are a few interesting ways to make it more comfortable for side sleeping. Let’s get right into the list and see what you can do:

Consider a double camping hammock

Even if you are a small and thin person, you should get a double hammock to feel more comfortable in all sleeping positions. The double hammocks are always wider, more spacious, and longer. This means that you will have more space to maneuver with.

Hand your hammock at a proper angle

Most people have difficulty getting comfortable even in a large hammock, but that can be different. It would help if you hung the hammock at a 30-degree angle. The angle to consider is between the ground and your suspension rope.

There should be a 30-degree slack where your ends are. If you cannot do this by yourself, consider looking over some instructional videos on YouTube, as they can be beneficial in cases like this.

You might need to repeat the process a few times to remember it, but once you master it, you will never have to worry about it again.

Sleep in a diagonal position

You do not need to rely on sleeping pads to get maximum comfort when sleeping on your side. Even though the hammock will influence the comfort level, you should also consider your sleeping position.

Take a large hammock and lay in it in a diagonal position. This will be great for side sleepers as the hammock will not suffocate you during the night. Applying this simple trick will give you more turning space and a better comfort level!

Get a flat hammock

There are a ton of hammocks that can make you sink into them when sleeping. While this is great for back sleepers, side sleepers have better options. You need a hammock that will lay flat when you hang it.

For that purpose, you should consider getting a thick, heavy-duty hammock made of sturdier materials. This kind of hammock will also have a more reliable hang, and it will keep you comfortable all night long. You will even have enough space to turn sideways whenever you want.

Get a hammock with a spreader bar

Finally, get a hammock with spreader bars, as they are better for side sleepers. The hammock's shape makes it great for side sleep and other sleeping positions. So, keep this in mind when going shopping for your next hammock!

Can’t wait any longer? Here is our top pick!

OUR TOP PICK

Lawson Hammock Blue Ridge Camping Hammock and Tent (Rainfly and Bug Net Included)

Lawson Hammock Blue Ridge

EDITORS CHOICE

Snugpak Hammock Cocoon, Fully Encases the Hammock, Insulated with Travelsoft Filling

Snugpak Hammock Cocoon

BEST VALUE

ENO, Eagles Nest Outfitters JungleNest Hammock, Evergreen

ENO Outfitters JungleNest Hammock

OUR TOP PICK

Lawson Hammock Blue Ridge Camping Hammock and Tent (Rainfly and Bug Net Included)

There is no need to take both a tent and a hammock on your next camping trip. You will be good to go with this Lawson Blue Ridge camping tent and hammock in one. The design is impressive and versatile, but this tent hammock is also quite durable and comfortable for side sleeping.

Attached to the hammock tent, you have a bug net that will keep you protected. Since it is a mesh net, you can see through it without obstructing your view.

Another great thing about this hammock tent is that it is pretty spacious. You can attach it to a tree or lay it on the ground – it works both ways. When buying the hammock tent from the company’s official website, you can get it with or without suspension straps. But since they are quality straps that you will need at some point, we recommend getting them.

Pros

  • Quality 2-in-1 hammock and tent
  • Versatile hammock tent for suspended and ground camping
  • Spacious but lightweight design
  • Bug net included
  • Easy setup
  • Waterproof material

Cons

  • Quite an expensive hammock tent
  • Must use a sleeping pad if ground camping

Even though it is a fantastic hammock tent, this Lawson hammock is listed at quite a high price. If you are on a tighter budget, you might be unable to afford it. Still, I recommend giving it a closer look, as it is a great option!

EDITORS CHOICE

Snugpak Hammock Cocoon, Fully Encases the Hammock, Insulated with Travelsoft Filling

The Snugpack cocoon is not so much of a hammock, but you need a hammock to pair it with. Luckily for you, this cocoon is compatible with most hammocks, and you can use it whenever needed. It is an insulation shell that will keep you warm during all your trips.

I like this hammock because it has a full-length zipper that you can use. That means you can store things within the cocoon and keep them protected while you go for a short hike. If you zip yourself in the cocoon, you will also be protected from the cold wind.

The material used in the making is water-repellent and antibacterial, meaning no bacteria will grow on the cocoon. When you decide you do not need it, you can use the compression stuff sack to store it. It packs small and lightweight, so that you will have no problem taking it anywhere with you!

Pros


    • Full-length zipper
    • Water-repellent, antibacterial design
    • Lightweight and compact
    • Great insulation abilities
    • Compatible with many hammocks

Cons

  • Somewhat claustrophobic design
  • Complicated setup that needs getting used to

BEST VALUE

ENO, Eagles Nest Outfitters JungleNest Hammock, Evergreen

This ENO JungleNest hammock is the Editor’s Choice for this article. When going over the best hammocks, I concluded that this is the best hammock for side sleepers. I am considering the comfort and size of the hammock, but I am also mindful of its price and quality.

There are many reasons why this is my favorite hammock on the market. First of all, it has a long and wide body, meaning that you can lay in it in any position you like and still feel comfortable. This large design comes at no extra weight, so the hammock is still very lightweight.

The design of the hammock makes it look somewhat like a tent – it even has a bug net that you can choose to attach or detach whenever you like. The bug net comes with the tent, but you have to buy a suspension system as one is not included in the tent.

Pros

  • Integrated bug net
  • Compact and lightweight design
  • Integrated spreader bad
  • Detailed setup instructions
  • 2-year warranty included

Cons

  • Must buy separate suspension system

If you are a person who likes to go hammock camping often, I recommend that you get this hammock from ENO. I assure you that you will not regret taking a closer look at this ENO JungleNest hammock! It is best for side sleepers who want to feel comfortable throughout the night.

RUNNER UP

FIRINER Camping Hammock with Rainfly Tarp and Mosquito Net Portable Single Double Hammock Tent with Tree Strap Outdoor Hammock Set for Backpacking Hiking Travel Yard Activities Green

As one of the most affordable hammocks on the market, this camping hammock from Firiner is an excellent choice for side sleepers. It is not that wide, but it is quite long. Plus, it has many things you can use to set it up, including stakes, carabiners, tree straps, and so on.

On the hammock itself, you can find a stuff sack that you can use to store things you need to keep close. On the top part of the hammock, you will find a mosquito net that you can open and close using the attached zipper.

The hammock has breathable material, so none of its parts will make you too hot or claustrophobic. Another great thing about the hammock is that it comes with a rainfly that you can hang over it. The rainfly is waterproof, so you can use it over the hammock on rainy days.

Pros 

  • Protective rainfly tarp
  • Easy setup
  • Anti-bug net
  • Lightweight, compact design
  • Comfortable material

Cons

  • The rainfly is quite small
  • Poor instructions provided on bug net setup
  • Not that durable

Even though it has a great design, this hammock is not the most durable one on the market. It can tear after a few uses, while the setup of the mosquito net is quite problematic. Still, it is a great option if you are on a tighter budget.


Andrew Mullen

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