Best camping hammock for side sleepers in 2023: + tips to get the perfect nights sleep
Our round up of the best camping hammocks for side sleepers
Hammocks are many camper’s number one choice for a good night’s sleep, but when you’re a side sleeper, it can be one of the worst.
The type of hammock you own, the length of your hammock, how you hang your hammock, and whether you use an underquilt all affect the chances of you being able to sleep comfortably on your side.
While many people believe side sleeping in a hammock is unachievable, there are plenty of hammocks and tips out there that WILL allow you to naturally fall asleep on your side.
In a hurry? Here’s our top 3 picks for the best camping hammock for side sleepers.
Best all-round camping hammock for side sleepers
- lay-flat design
- can be used as a hammock or tent
- length: 7.5ft
- weight: 4lbs 15oz
- 15% off with code: bestofcamp15
Ridge Outdoor Pinnacle 180 Hammock
Best budget camping hammock for side sleepers
- ripstop technology
- ultra-lightweight
- length: 11ft
- weight: 28oz
Best for side sleepers looking for something different
- lay-flat design
- dual-sided entrance
- length: 9.5ft
- weight: 4.38lbs
Tips for side sleeping in a camping hammock
Best camping hammock for side sleepers
Lawson Hammock Blue Ridge Camping Hammock and Tent
A high-quality, lay-flat hammock that provides a truly blissful nights sleep
Despite being the shortest hammock on the list, the Lawson Blue Ridge is, by far, the comfiest choice for side sleepers (even for tall campers at 6’3″+).
You only have to read through a couple of the 100+ 5 star reviews to see that it is highly rated by side sleepers.
The spreader bars are what ensure the hammock stays nice and flat, particularly if you lay at an angle. This allows you to easily and comfortably lay on your side without tossing and turning, constantly altering the hang of your hammock, or waking up shaped like a banana.
It’s this superior lay-flat design that means the lack of length doesn’t affect your ability to sleep on your side.
Where most standard hammocks require extra length in order for you to create a stretched-out “sag” to curl up in, the Blue Ridge is so flat (it basically feels like a suspended tent) that the whole of the hammock can be used to side sleep in.
While the Blue Ridge truly shines as a hammock, its bivy-style ground option is also super handy if you’re ever caught without access to trees, or just fancy a night on the ground.
The hammock comes supplied with a built-in no-see-um bug net and attachable rain fly. The included “arch poles” create a solid interior structure that, even with the rainfly on, feels open and spacious inside.
Other notable features include a couple of interior pockets to store small items such as your phone, a loop to hang a small camping lantern or light, and a heavy-duty stuff sack that allows for easy pack up.
One of the only “negatives” of the Blue Ridge is its weight. At 4lbs 15oz, it’s a lot heavier than your usual hammock, so if you plan on going backpacking, the Blue Ridge wont be your best friend. However, for biking, kayaking or car camping trips, you really shouldn’t look anywhere else.
The Blue Ridge is available in different packages, depending on your needs. The hammock only option comes with everything needed minus suspension straps (perfect option if you already own them), the hammock and straps option comes with everything plus straps, and the hammock bundle comes supplied with hammock, straps, and an underquilt.
And if all of that still isn’t enough to convince you, this should. Customer support is second to none. They are friendly, helpful and will go above and beyond to sort out any problems (or even general questions/advice) that you might have.
Buy on lawsonhammock.com (15% off with code: bestofcamp15)
Ridge Outdoor Pinnacle 180 Hammock
A great budget pick for side sleepers entering the hammock game
The Ridge Outdoor Pinnacle 180 camping hammock offers excellent value for money. Despite its budget price tag, the Pinnacle 180 features everything you need to get comfy when sleeping on your side.
While the material is on the thinner side, the hammock still has an excellent diagonal flat-lay. At 11 feet, it’s perfect for anyone from 5’4″ to 6’4″+ to achieve a comfortable sleep position for side sleeping.
Along with its long length and semi flat-lay design, the Pinnacle also features a built-in ridgeline for consistent hanging, so once you’ve found your sweet spot, you can re-hang it knowing that it’s going to be just right.
The hammock also includes suspension straps, a non-removable bug-net, tie-outs on either side, 4 plastic hookups on both ends for under quilt use, zippered entry on either side, integrated stuff-sack, and a couple of mesh storage pockets for storing small items.
And if all of that isn’t enough, this hammock weighs in at only 28oz and can hold up to 400lbs in weight.
The hammock doesn’t come supplied with a rainfly, but a Ridge Outdoor fly can be purchased separately on Amazon here.
Tentsile Una
An eye-catching, jaw-dropping take on the traditional hammock
Possibly one of the most innovative manufacturers in the camping space at the moment, Tentsile provides a range of “tree tents” to fit from one to six people.
Similar to the Blue Ridge, the UNA lays exceptionally flat. Its design focuses on sleep comfort for side sleepers in particular. It features a double-layered, tensioned floor to ensure a stable sleeping surface that allows you to easily sleep on your side.
The double-layered, tensioned floor also provides enough space to slide an air mattress in for even more comfort and warmth.
The UNA features a large hammock bed with mesh pockets on each side, a full no-see-um insect mesh top, a fold-away door, and a fully removable rainfly for unbeatable views.
The rainfly can be pegged out to the ground or attached to branches to create a large 3sqm / 30sqft covered porch area under the tent so you can store more gear and have a dry living space.
If you’re looking for a hammock to fit more than one person while still being suitable for side sleeping, Tentsile’s offerings are made to be comfortable for all sleepers and positons.
From the 2-person Flite to the 3-person Stingray, each sleeping “compartment” is individually tensioned. This ensures that everyone has their own area that isn’t influenced by other sleepers’ body weight or positions.
All of the new generation 3.0 tree tents are also going to be compatible with the new “ground stacks” (available for pre-order now and shipment in May). The kits essentially create a waterproof, walled-in area below your hammock to use as another sleeping, storage, or living area.
