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There’s no way I would have originally thought that a hammock would be an item which you could easily throw into your hiking pack or carry-on, though now it’s an item which I won’t even consider leaving home without. And I’m not talking about the old school American rope style hammocks –  the ones which hurt like hell and leave a horrible imprint on your skin. I’m talking about the new generation of hammocks; those super compact, lightweight and portable, made from a comfy and durable parachute nylon, making them an excellent travel accessory to have in your bag. How to travel with a hammock.

Picture this: hours spent lying in a hammock you’ve strung up between two trees on a picture perfect beach, watching the sunset over the water as you decide it’s finally time to sleep. Or coupling it with a canopy to keep the rain off while spending the night in your luxury digs listening to the sounds of exotic wildlife jump through the jungle. Or quickly throwing it up if you’ve been kicked out of the airport overnight and need a comfy place to hang.

The fact is, hammocks are more comfortable, more enjoyable and far more adventurous than many other forms of accommodation, and traveling with one doesn’t have to be about roughing it or sacrificing comfort – in fact it’s just the opposite. And surprisingly, purchasing a good quality hammock doesn’t have to break the bank. Which hammock should I buy for travel.

After shopping around, Hobo Hammocks have proven to be by far the best value for money, with a few fun added perks thrown into the mix. As such, here are seven reasons you should always travel with a Hobo Hammock.

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Everything You Need to Get Your Hammock On!

When you’re shopping around for a hammock to accompany you on your travels, make sure you’re aware of what’s included. There are a lot of options for portable hammocks out there, though most require you to purchase a suspension system for an additional $14-$40 on top of the $70-$100 you’ve already spent.

Hobo Hammocks however come with everything you need to get your hammock on already included in their much cheaper price. For instance a Hobo Hammocks Double Hammock will only cost you $55, including straps! That means your hammock arrives on your doorstep ready for adventure. And you’re still paying for a high quality product – their competitors use the same materials they use.

Each purchase includes:

  • 1 Parachute Nylon Double Hammock (10 ft x 6.5 ft) with attached pouch;
  • 2 Steel Carabiners, ultra strength design to keep you hanging high;
  • 2 Hobo Straps, each one 10 feet long so you can hang anywhere;
  • 1 Delicious Meal delivered to the hungry in your name (see reason #7 to travel with a Hobo Hammock).

Pro Tip: Use the code “mappingmegan” at checkout to get a hammock for $50 instead of $55.

Attracts Friends

Everyone loves a hammock, and with one you’re bound to attract a wealth of new friends.

The Hobo Hammock can safely take up to 540 lbs – there’s enough weight support in there for you and a couple of friends, or even you and your pet llama! Here’s the video to prove it:

Compact & Lightweight

Hobo Hammocks aren’t going to take a large amount space and weight in your bag. They’re compact and super lightweight, and one of the best features is that the pouch comes attached, so you’ll never loose the bag!

Cheaper Accommodation

Traveling with a hammock obviously gives you the option for free camping – if you’re heading out on an off the beaten path adventure then a hammock provides easy camping with a lot less gear to carry and set up. Stringing up a hammock takes 2 minutes and you’re sorted.

Though if you’re worried about security, a lot of hostels and guesthouses will have an option to allow you to sleep on their grounds at a cheaper price. Call to check in advance that this ok, though can be a fantastic money saver if you’re looking for ways to cut the budget in half.

You’ll Sleep a Lot Better

Sleeping in a hammock is good for you! And it’s so much more comfortable than most accommodation. You’ll likely get a better nights sleep than you’ve ever had camping (because let’s face it, sleeping on the ground absolutely sucks, and floating wins every single time), and you’ll have spent the night breathing in 100% pure fresh air. Trust me, you’ll notice the difference. You don’t have to make the bed, and sleeping in a hammock is actually healthy for you! What hammock is the best for travel.

The Hobo Hammock is a little larger than some of the other hammocks I’ve tried, which is actually more comfortable and easy to sleep in. You’ll fall asleep completely relaxed, and wake up happy, comfortable and totally recharged – never having to worry about tossing and turning because you set up your tent over a tree root or rock. In fact you can set up your hammock over the top of as many rocks and tree roots as you like and still enjoy a comfortable night’s sleep with the added bonus of not having to worry about creepy crawlies or critters.

Doctors say that the best way to sleep is lying on your back with the head slightly elevated 10 to 30 percent.  This is optimal for blood circulation to the brain, and also allows for un-obstructed breathing. Sounds like they’re talking about a hammock to me! Can I travel with a hammock.

Because it’s Not Just a Hammock

Don’t you love traveling with versatile and multi function items? Well, portable hammocks are not just hammocks! Rig them up as a sunshade, as a ground cloth or blanket, or even as a cover for your hiking pack if you’re outside when it downpours.

Ever been to a hotel or hostel where one look at the bedding makes you want to sleep on the floor? Pull those off and roll out the hammock to use as a bed-sheet liner! The parachute silk nylon is super smooth so you’ll sleep comfortably without a worry!

And, a hammock stuffed into it’s pouch is the perfect travel pillow. As we mentioned, the nylon is incredibly soft! So remember to pack it in your carry on, because this beats lying your head up against a hard plane or train window anyday!

Helping the Homeless

Hammocking represents the simplicity in life that we often dream of. It is an escape from responsibilities, deadlines, and stress. Some less fortunate souls out there have become a little too distant from these harsh yet necessary realities and now find themselves homeless.

That’s why for every Hobo Hammock sold the company is providing a hobo with one healthy, delicious meal. So while you’re chilling in your hammock, you can relax knowing that someone out there is eating thanks to you!

The company has also just announced a new hammock recycling program! It’s never been easier to replace an old hammock, and help the homeless all at the same time!

  • Send in your old Hobo Hammock including $20, or any other brand of hammock with $30.
  • The company will send you a brand new Hobo Hammock in the color of your choice!
  • They’ll fix the old hammock, and give it to the homeless so they can sleep better at night!

That’s just another way they are trying to reach out and help the homeless, while getting you an awesome deal at the same time! So what are you waiting for?! Do yourself a favor, and hook a hobo up!

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Megan is an Australian Journalist who has been travelling and blogging since 2007, with the main aim of inspiring others to embark on their own worldwide adventure. Her husband Mike is an American travel photographer, and together they have made the world their home.

Committed to bringing you the best in adventure travel from all around the globe, there is no mountain too high, and no fete too extreme! They haven’t been everywhere, but it’s on their list.

Follow their journey on Facebook, TwitterYouTube, Pinterest and Instagram.

Photo credits: Colorful Hammocks “Cheaper Accommodation” by Bailiwick Studios. Sunset Hammocks courtesy of Hobo Hammocks. Pinterest images courtesy of Mapping Megan and Hobo Hammocks. Homeless man by Karim Corban. Homelessness by Derek Mindler.

    40 Comments

  1. The problem has always been finding those two strategically placed columns or trees from which one can suspend the hammock!

    • Very true! Though these have straps which are 10 feet long so you’re pretty set in the majority of places and can shorten the straps based on the length of whatever you’re using as your posts :)

  2. Looks fun. The Hobo Hammock will even support my weight. Sweet!

    • Woohoo! Maybe even you and a pet llama :D

  3. Such a great idea! I also love that they are socially conscious. We could definitely use one of these for our next camping trip!

    • Isn’t the socially conscious aspect of the company just amazing! I really love that they’re giving back and attempting to make a difference as part of their business model. More companies should lead by this example!

      Definitely order one for your next camping trip – no need to sleep on top of rocks and tree roots when you could be sleeping well above them :D

  4. Everytime I see an hammock, it’s not complicated… I want to get one! :) Now, I need to convince the boyfriend! :)

    • Thats the great thing about them Melissa – you don’t even need any instructions, they’re just super straight forward and simple to throw up! You should tell your boyfriend you’ve got a limited voucher code and can get it for cheap if you buy one right now :D

  5. Oh man, the number of times I’ve spotted the *perfect* hammock location and wished I’d packed one with me is higher than I thought my thoughts about hammocks would ever be.

    I was at this stunning little hot springs (Maji Moto) here in Tanzania last week. It’s surrounded by giant fig and ficus trees just begging to have hammocks strung from them and I had to make do with sitting on a blanket.

    Gonna need to put a hammock on my Christmas list.

    • You and me both! I didn’t realize it was missing in my life until I saw other people using one and went, wait, that’s genius!! Also had no idea they were this portable and compact until I then looked into it more.

      Hammock would have been PERFECT for Tanzania!! Should definitely add that one to your Christmas list – or even reward yourself with a Christmas present in August right now :D

  6. Awesome write-up Meg. I actually just got a hammock and must say I’m pretty happy with it…of course I payed a bit more that just $55 – scraping in at almost $200. Hammocks are super nifty though and, I agree, much better than tent camping.

    The only time I saw a “creepy crawlie” get on someone in a hammock was in Costa Rica. The hostel we were staying at was next to the beach and offered hammocks as bedding. Crabs were crawling everywhere that time of year and before I knew it everyone was woken up by this very loud shriek in the middle of the night…apparently a crab had decided to climb up the post and into a hammock with a fellow bunk mate! hahaha ;-)

    • Glad you enjoyed it Ron! Glad you got yourself a hammock you’re happy with – remind me to be super careful when putting mine up in Costa Rica!! I would definitely be screaming too if a crab had made its way into my bed haha!!

  7. Dare I admit I have never slept on a hammock. I was surprised to read it was so comfortable. Now I actually want to give it a try. However, what I was most impressed with is it’s versatility. As a person who packs light, I love things that are multi purpose. Also super cool that the company gives back. Love the hot meal idea.

    • Oooh Rhonda you’re missing out! Hammocks are the most amazing thing in the world, and it’s so easy to laze back and instantly fall asleep :D They really are just so comfy!!

      Versatility is the biggest thing for me with items I pack for travel too – starting to learn the importance of packing light so really try to invest in as many multi purpose items as I possibly can :)

      Hope you have the chance to enjoy a hammock soon!

  8. You almost made me buy one :-) almost not because I don’t like the product (so cheap for such a great idea) but because our next journey will be to Nepal where I have to carry everything on my back up to Everest Base Camp and there won’t be much trees to hang it up on. I’ll definitely consider it for our trip to Tasmania in Feb though … any idea if we should be able to use it a lot there??

    • Oooh Everest Base Camp sounds fab Antonette! I’ll be sure to follow your blog for updates – it’s something I would love to eventually do also. But yes, hammock in Nepal probably wouldn’t come in that handy.

      Tas would be great though, and Feb is still summer so I would say definitely purchase one for that trip. Weather would be perfect and if you’re doing a lot of hiking there through the forests, you’ve got plenty of trees. Great idea for Tas :) Happy travels!

  9. Another great post Megan!!!! You’ve sold me on it. Can’t believe I’ve never owned a hammock until now. Thanks for your lovely article :) :)

    • Glad you enjoyed it Savannah! Remember to use the discount code “mappingmegan” for a further $10 off at checkout – such a great hammock! Love it!

      Happy hammocking!

  10. Hammocks are quite popular with the North American bike touring crowd and all along PCH1 you might see a couple in each campground. I think I would be worried about the knots being tight enough to support my weight though!

    • The knots are actually surprisingly tight – it’s actually not knots, it’s two 10 foot straps connected to 2 Steel Carabiners, so you wrap the straps around a tree trunk a couple of times and then the steel caribeners keep you swinging up high :) Ultra strength design :D!

  11. Since I’m a big fan of outdoor activities, I agree that hammocks are best for outdoor adventures, not only because of their lightweight features, but because other hammocks are also fitted for a king’s comfort. Have you tried the Serac Hammock? I’ve been using it for some time now, and it’s one of those good quality hammocks that can surely be compared to the Hobo hammock.

    • Thanks for the tip Lace – haven’t looked into the Serac Hammock so will have to check it out at some stage :) Happy travels!

  12. I received exactly what I wished, and it was awesome. Thanks HOBO.

    • Happy to hear! Happy hammocking!

  13. Thank you for the information..

    • Glad we could help :)

  14. I love travelling and seeking new adventures and because of it I have been looking for a small, compact and light hammock (mine has outlived its time, too worn out) that will be easy and efficient to carry. A few camp buddies have recommended the HOBO and one who has it has let me use it. I have to say I fell in love with it. I just needed more confirmation and this post has provided just that.
    Thank you!

    • Glad we could provide you with some more info to follow up on your friends recommendations :) Truly is a great compact hammock, super easy to travel with. ENjoy!

  15. For years as a kid, I thought rope hammocks were the only hammocks. But fabric hammocks like the Hobo ones are so much more comfortable. Once I discovered that, I finally understood the general excitement people had for hammocks. The Hobo looks like a cool option and donating part of the profits is always a nice bonus.

    • Fabric hammocks are definitely a lot more comfortable – I remember being at an eco resort in Costa Rica a couple of years ago and falling asleep in one of their rope hammocks. Because I was in my bikini, I woke up with very distinct patterns from the rope on my back!!

      Can highly recommend Hobo Hammocks if you’re in the market for a comfortable and lightweight fabric hammock. It’s the best! And yes, it’s always fabulous to support a company who gives back to the community. They’re the good guys :)

  16. At first i was not believe that a hobo hammock contains more than 540 lbs ! After wathcing that video i was shocked

    • Absolutely, it’s a great product! Really sturdy and well made :)

  17. WOW ! Before watching the video can’t believe a hammock contains over than 540 Lbs.At 0:29 minutes i am shocked.Anyway Thanks for writing.Bye

    • Absolutely, it’s a great product! Really sturdy and well made :)

  18. Very true, new hammocks manufactured using high quality fabric are more skin friendly and comfy than traditional rope hammocks. Being a passionate adventure junkie, I used to camping, hiking more frequently and I cannot even imagine my trips without hanging hammocks. This post is actually introduced me a new quality hammock, which seems very good to me. Thanks for such valuable information.

    • Glad we could introduce you to the Hobo Hammock Nyk, and yes absolutely, I far prefer a fabric hammock to a rope hammock, much lighter and more compact to travel with as well :)

      Happy hanging!

  19. Definitely need a bug net. Anyone try to drape it over or use one with this hammock? Thanks

    • Should definitely be doable with some DIY clips :)

  20. Where do you put your bags though while you in the hammock? Eg in airports.

    • If it’s too heavy to have with you in the hammock itself (you’d usually only have carryon for instance if you’re in the airport), I would put myself as low to the ground as possible to be able to have either part of the hammock looped through it, ie you could loop the end of your hammock through the handle of a roller suitcase etc, or tie some type of connection which links the hammock or a body part to your bag :)

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