Comparing 1-Person Tents, Hammocks: Price, Weight

[dejoha]

I recently updated a post I wrote earlier this year that compares a variety of 1-person tents and hammocks. I did this research to see what a consumer is presented with when making a purchase decision, but also to get a pulse of what is out there.

> The Truth About Hammock Camping: Claim #4 – Hammocks are Less Expensive Than Tents

For tents, I cherry-picked a variety of vendors, looking to find known brands that spanned the spectrum. There are enough out there that I think those I chose faithfully represent the category.

For hammocks, I first looked for "all-in-one" kits that would be faithfully comparable to tents. This means camping hammocks that have bug netting, straps, and a tarp.

The result is pretty damming: hammock camping is more expensive. Remember, this was taken through the lens of a consumer. DIY is not even considered.

To encourage me, I also added a table looking at a-la-carte options. In the second table, you'll see what the price point is if you mix-and-match the least expensive options for a particular brand. For example, if you stopped over at ENO and pieced together their least expensive hammock, tarp, straps, and bug net.

Perhaps not surprising, the a-la-carte option isn't much better.

The last option I show is Amazon.com, which isn't really an equal comparison based on my criteria, but it at least shows a one-stop-shop solution. This is the least expensive, but it also scraps together lower-quality gear. Good enough for a beginner, perhaps.

This leaves me with a fundamental question: _is_ hammock camping _that_ much more expensive than tenting? It seems to me that tents (in most cases) require more R&D and manufacturing than a hammock. A hammock is elemental, and while you can get fancy with asym-cut bug netting, manufacturing can be very simple. Tarps are equally simple, yet my research indicates that across the board, hammock camping is expensive (and this doesn't even include looking at hammock-specific insulation options).

[The Old Boot]

Yea BUT...

Did you include any cost in there for comfort or ease of use.

The price for not sleeping on rocks, twigs, sloped ground and rain seepage is just about priceless and that's before we talk about not having to crawl in and out of the tent on my old knees. Factor that in and we're talking absolutely totally priceless.

I'm one of those that wouldn't even be out there if it weren't for a hammock. I quit ground dwelling 30 years ago because of the discomfort and the only way I'm back at it is cause I found there were better ways of doing things.

Good article, as usual, btw!!

[Awkward Sportsman]

Yea BUT...

Did you include any cost in there for comfort or ease of use.

The price for not sleeping on rocks, twigs, sloped ground and rain seepage is just about priceless and that's before we talk about not having to crawl in and out of the tent on my old knees. Factor that in and we're talking absolutely totally priceless.

I'm one of those that wouldn't even be out there if it weren't for a hammock. I quit ground dwelling 30 years ago because of the discomfort and the only way I'm back at it is cause I found there were better ways of doing things.

Good article, as usual, btw!!

Yeah, what he said. Although I do agree that the prices seem to get up there faster than I would like. That being said, I will gladly pay double or triple for the comfort of my hammock. Also the extra cost is well worth it for the companies that we support here in the states. Once again I will pay double or triple to buy an American made product from a small company with great service. Hammock camping is worth every penny I spend on it to me.

[dakine]

Very nice article.

The cheapest tent you list is $90. However, there are a huge number of tents available for half that price. I camped in a $20 "junior tent" from k-mart for years. No way can a hammock, suspension, bug net, and tarp be produced for $20.

[Bubba]

Good article. For me comfort trumps the cost and with the added comfort comes a more enjoyable outdoor experience.

[fishbait]

Yea BUT...

Did you include any cost in there for comfort or ease of use.

The price for not sleeping on rocks, twigs, sloped ground and rain seepage is just about priceless and that's before we talk about not having to crawl in and out of the tent on my old knees. Factor that in and we're talking absolutely totally priceless.

I'm one of those that wouldn't even be out there if it weren't for a hammock. I quit ground dwelling 30 years ago because of the discomfort and the only way I'm back at it is cause I found there were better ways of doing things.

Good article, as usual, btw!!

Although this is true for most of us, there are a few who can't adjust to sleeping in a hammock. My solo tent, ground pad and sleeping bag all came in under $75.00 Mind you that I have just as easily put together a full hammock setup on the cheap as well. So it is possible to do.

[Hillbilly Deluxe]

I started hammock camping with this:
walmart hammock:25$
Blue Tarp (Hardware store) 10$ at most
Sleeping bag (goodwill) 30$
Sleeping bag liner (Gndr Mtn) 10$
Blu Diamond Braid rope 5$

Grand total: 80$

Very comfortable summer set up at a price I couldn't even get a trustworthy tent for let alone something as light weight. I don't include hiking pack cause to actually start camping this way or any other way a hiking pack isn't necessary. While I agree that hammocking can get really expensive if you want all year around camping I'm not sure price can compare. Great article though

[Wisp]

I just purchased my latest one person tent (because yes, I will sleep on the ground when there are no trees). The Six Moon Design Skyscape X (cuben fiber - 15 oz) came in at $550. At this time, my tenting expenses have probably equalled my hammock, UQ & tarp expenses. I have a Dream Hammock, HG Cuben Fiber tarp with doors and a HG 3/4 underquilt. My tent, pad and bag are perhaps a bit lighter in weight. I love both systems and am happy just to get out and hike.

[Cali]

For Hennessey, why did you list one of the most expensive hammocks, the Survivor at $320. There are several lower priced ones like the Explorer Deluxe for $220 or the Expedition at $160.

[Short White Guy]

This leaves me with a fundamental question: _is_ hammock camping _that_ much more expensive than tenting? It seems to me that tents (in most cases) require more R&D and manufacturing than a hammock. A hammock is elemental, and while you can get fancy with asym-cut bug netting, manufacturing can be very simple. Tarps are equally simple, yet my research indicates that across the board, hammock camping is expensive (and this doesn't even include looking at hammock-specific insulation options).

I think the increased expense for hammocks boils down to sheer economy of scale. Tents are in much higher demand than hammocks, there are more manufacturers with more competition and a higher volume of production. All of those things can drive down the costs of a tent, and if the demand for hammocks was comparable, I suspect that they would be much cheaper than tents for the reasons you already described.