Should I Get A Single Or Double Hammock? – How To Choose The Right One?

Don’t you love going out to a remote place in nature, being able to set yourself up in a nice little spot, and then enjoy your surroundings in comfort?

I have always been an outdoors person, and when I first started camping, I wanted to get everything that I would need to have the best trips possible.

That is when I learned about hammocks and the benefits of taking one with you wherever you go.

Hammocks are comfortable beds that are usually made out of canvas or some rope. You can attach them to two supports using straps or cords and then use them to chill.

The best thing about hammocks is that they are the best travel buddies. Most of them are very lightweight, they pack small, and you can take them with you whenever you go outdoors.

My picks when I need single and also double hammock:

ENO, Eagles Nest Outfitters DoubleNest Lightweight Camping Hammock, 1 to 2 Person, Special Edition Colors, Emerald/Khaki
  • Hammock for two: The DoubleNest is versatile, durable, and compact, making it perfect for camping, hiking, or lounging around with a friend
  • Adventure ready: Weighing only 19 ounces, the DoubleNest stuffs easily into attached storage bag; Packed Dimensions: (L x W) 5" x 5"; Unfolded Dimensions: (L x W) 9' 4" x 6' 2"
  • Trustworthy material: Falling is not an option, unless it's to sleep; made from 70D High Tenacity Nylon Taffeta, this breathable, quick drying nylon supports up to 400 pounds; hammock straps not...

Nowadays, there are a lot of things to consider when choosing a hammock. You can select the material of the hammock, the color, the suspension type, and the size. In this guide, I will focus on the different hammock sizes to help you decide whether you need to buy a single or a double one!

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hammock camping

Is a double hammock too big for one person?

So, let’s say you plan to go backpacking solo, but you only have a double hammock. Does that mean that you should not take it? Will it be too large for you? The answer is no – it might be double, but you can also use it by yourself!

Double hammocks are usually a bit more spacious than single hammocks. After all, they can hold two people, but that does not mean that you can sit in it by yourself and fill the rest of the space with some things that you might need. You can put a small pillow, a blanket, or even a change of clothes on it!

Another great thing about double hammocks is that they can provide you with more privacy if you sit in them by yourself. The extra material on the sides will cover you up, while it will also shield you from the warm summer sun or the wind. So, you will be able to take a nice little nap while you are in your hammock.

Are double hammocks comfortable?

Double hammocks can be very comfortable, but only if they fit well. Nowadays, many quality companies create hammocks of different widths and lengths, so you have enough options to choose from. This goes for both single and double hammocks.

It might seem like single hammocks are appropriate for one person only, and double hammocks are suitable for two people. Yet, this is not always the case. Double hammocks are an excellent choice for a taller, heavier person who likes to have more space when they chill.

It would help if you consider your height when purchasing a hammock – that is how you can make sure that you feel comfortable in it. If you are under 6 feet and around 200 pounds, a single hammock can fit you well. But, if you are taller and a bit heavier, you should get a double hammock that you will use only for yourself.

Hammocks on trees in the forest

What hammock should I buy?

Before buying a hammock, you have to think about a lot of things. What material would you want your hammock to be? Should it be lightweight or not? Are you planning on sleeping in it or not?

You see, there are many things to consider and among those things, you have to also think about whether you want it to be single or double.

If that is bothering you and you still cannot decide on it, I want to help you out! I will give you the benefits of double and single hammocks to help you decide which one is the best fit for you!

single hammock

Single Hammock

Single hammocks are most suitable for people that are under 6 feet tall and under 200 pounds. This type of hammock is ideal for one person only – if you try to sit in it with a second person, chances are you will be very uncomfortable.


You can choose between cotton, polyester, rope, quilt, and many other materials for your single hammock when it comes to the material. Still, you should know that this type of hammock is not suitable for overnight trips or sleeping.


The single hammock is great for short naps on short trips. It does not give that much privacy, but it is still an excellent choice for visiting the local park or maybe even your backyard!


Carrying a single hammock with you will not be a problem as most of them are pretty light. Hanging them up is also not going to be a problem since they are pretty small, and there is not much fabric to stretch or deal with.


As for the suspension, make sure to buy a hammock that comes with good straps or chains that you can wrap around trees. You should not use ropes to secure the hammock as that can damage the tree and cause it to die.

Did you know that some parks forbid people from putting up hammocks because of the damage they can do to trees? This is something you have to know, so if you are still searching for a good hammock, please choose one with tree-friendly straps!

double hammock

Double hammocks

Double hammocks are more suitable for people taller than 6 feet and a bit heavier than 200 pounds. You can choose the size of your hammock to be right for you or ideal for two people simultaneously. If you prefer to go camping with friends, you could use a hammock on the larger side.

One difference between a double hammock and a single hammock is that the former is suitable for overnight sleeping. They are usually made from more durable, more comfortable fabric that can easily stretch, and the suspension can hold heavier weights for a lot longer.

When purchasing a double hammock, you should look for a lighter with solid suspension and with a bug net included. If you plan to use it as a bed and sleep in it, you should also look for one that has insulation underneath.

I recommend this type of hammock even for solo campers because it can provide you with more comfort and more space to put your things in. The price difference is not that big between the double and single hammock, so I say go for one that will help you enjoy your trip more!

Wrap Up

Now that I have covered all this information on single and double hammocks, you should not have a problem deciding which one you want for yourself. Go over all the things I mentioned, think them over, and then search for the hammock you want to buy.

Always remember this – hammocks are not a one-size-fits-all type of thing. They are like clothing – you have to select the one that fits you best. So, take your time and make a wise decision because only then can your hammock be your best travel buddy for life!

Andrew Mullen

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