Hammocks are often preferred in very warm climates as they allow air to circulate around the sleeper helping to keep them cooler. Likewise, being up and off the ground helps to keep any ground moisture away from the sleeping person and their bedding. Hammocks can also be a great sleeping solution for young children as they can be gently rocked to sleep and can’t roll off like they can in a portable bed or on sleeping pad. In locations that are known for creepy crawly insects and dangerous critters like poisonous snakes, many people prefer to sleep suspended, up off of the ground to avoid waking up to an unwelcome bed mate.

Hammocks have the distinct advantage of being extremely lightweight and compact compared with sleeping bags and pads. Hammocks can easily be hung between any two sturdy objects (like two adjacent trees) and can be tented with a tarp to create shade and provide protection from the elements. If and when they do get soaked, they dry extremely quickly and are not easily damaged by water or much else.

Hammocks can be used with or without other sleeping gear like sleeping bags or blankets and because of their small size and virtual weightlessness, they also make a good secondary bedding option that can be carried in addition to a sleeping bag and pad. In fact, most hammocks can be rolled up right inside of a sleeping bag pad and carried on the outside of your pack.