Snugpak Tropical Hammock review: a useful and versatile bushcraft hammock

The Snugpak Tropical Hammock is a simple but practical hammock for use in multiple outdoor scenarios

Snugpak Tropical Hammock
(Image: © Snugpak)

Advnture Verdict

A good compromise is struck between simplicity and neat features here, making this a useful and versatile bushcraft hammock.

Pros

  • +

    Easy adjust suspension system

  • +

    Simplicity

Cons

  • -

    Stuff sack is tight when it comes to repacking

  • -

    Tarp and mosquito net required to make it insect and weatherproof

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First impressions

The simplicity of its design, toughness and versatility make the Snugpak Tropical Hammock one of the best hammocks for lightweight, multi-day bushcraft trips in landscapes where you can be confident of finding suitable trees or other supports.

The hammock’s length is adequate for all but the tallest of users, whilst its generous width takes a mat easily and makes lying on the diagonal with all your sleeping gear straightforward.

You’ll need a light tarp or rain fly for weatherproofing, and the lack of a bug net might test your mettle in some locations, but overall this is a practical set up for beginner and more experienced hammock camper camper alike. If you need tips on hammock hanging, check out our guide on how to use a hammock

Specifications

• RRP: £45 (UK)
• Weight: 600g / 21oz
• Size: 275cm x 140 cm / 108in x 53in
• Suspension system: Tree savers, paracord with loops and carabiners
• Fabric: Parachute nylon
• Accessories included: Integral stuff sack
• Accessories available: Hammock quilt; hammock under insulation; hammock cocoon
• Colors: Olive green

In the field

Snugpak’s olive green is my favoured colour for stealth camping, whilst its other features all make for a good bushcraft hammock.

The skin fabric has a reassuring heft that will take a lot of use and, probably, even a bit of misuse. The ladder loops and snap-in carabiners suspension system might cost a few extra ounces over ropes and knots (see: the best knots for camping and hiking), but it proved well worth it; I was able to centre the hammock quickly and adjust its height far faster than with hitches, giving me a perfect hang within a few minutes of shaking it out of its bag.

Like many designs the Snugpak’s integral stuff sack hangs off one long side when the hammock is suspended making it a useful storage pocket for small items, like a torch, that might be needed in the night.

Jasper Winn

After a wild childhood in west Cork, Jasper Winn began embarking on long cycles, walks, horse journeys and kayak trips across five continents – adventures he’s decanted into books, magazine articles, radio and television documentaries. Keen on low-tech but good gear, Jasper is an advocate of slow adventures by paddle, pedal, saddle, boot and sail. He has circumnavigated Ireland by kayak and cycled across the Sahara. Twice. Having ridden north-to-south across Algeria he discovered the only way to get back was to turn round and pedal north again.