Every year, a group of my friends like to head out to the North Carolina coast and end the summer camping on the beach. It’s hot and sandy, but always a lot of fun. In order to sleep well, I’ve been looking for a good portable, folding hammock to take out there. My Eno DoubleNest is a great option for camping in the woods, but the beach doesn’t have trees to hang it up on. So I’ve been looking into some other options. The benefit of a good portable folding hammock is that it does not require trees or posts, and can be set up anywhere.
How To Choose A Folding Hammock
Folding hammocks need to fit your needs properly, and the hammock you end up choosing will likely depend on why you want one and what you’re using them for. If, like me, you’re planning on using the folding hammock while car camping on the beach, weight isn’t necessarily as big o a deal to you as it would be if you’re taking it backpacking. Consider these features when researching your foldable hammock purchase:
- Weight – How heavy is this foldable hammock?
- Pack Size – Is this a portable hammock I can easily take with me, or is it more permanent?
- Shade – Does it come with a cover or shade to protect me from the sun?
- Rain Fly/Bug Net – Do I need a hammock that comes with or allows me to attach a rain fly, tarp, or bug net?
- Comfort – Is this foldable hammock comfortable enough to sleep on multiple nights?
Foldable Hammocks for Beach Camping
Kijaro Coast Portable Beach Breeze Hammock
This is the ultimate folding hammock for the beach, equipped with two cupholders and a pillow so you can lounge in the sun all day. This hammock weighs only 17lbs, so it’s easy to pack and go as needed. It doesn’t come with a shade or canopy, though, so you’ll want to make sure you put on lots of sunscreen.
Giantex Portable Folding Hammock
This Giantex Portable Folding Hammock is a good option if you’re on a bit of a budget. It doesn’t have all the same features as the Kijaro, but it’s half the cost and it it still only weighs 19 pounds. It’s a great option for a light use, day lounger, but maybe not suitable for overnight trips.
Mac Sports Portable Fold Up Hammock
Here’s a hammock that will keep you safe from the sun. The Mac Sports Canopy hammock comes with a pillow and detachable shade. You can use the canopy or remove it if you want more sun. I also love the mesh caddy underneath to help store books, phones, and other beach essentials. At 34 pounds, this fold up hammock is a little less carry-friendly, but is still great for car camping.
Eno Roadie Car Stand Hammock System
The last option I’m considering is the Eno Roadie Car Stand. Eagles Nest Outfitters is my preferred hammock supplier, and though this car stand system isn’t foldable, it works with my existing hammock and is great for the beach. All you have to do is drive your car over the base of each stand, and your hammock hangs off parallel to your car. I like the setup because your car acts as a wind-blocker if you set it up the right way. It’s more expensive, but you can often find it on sale.
Folding Hammock Wrap Up
So, these are the portable folding hammocks I’m considering to make my beach camping experience a little more comfortable and help keep me out of a tent. Some are lighter than others, but they all have their pros and cons. Do your research on these and other options, and decide which foldable hammock is going to best suit your needs.
