Sleeping in a hammock is very comfortable. I vividly remember the first time I brought a hammock for a camping trip. I originally brought it to take a nap during the day, but I was so comfortable that I ended up using it for the entire duration of the camping trip.
So, when my friends called me for another 5-day camping retreat, I figured that I might want to bring my hammock instead of a tent. That way, I can pack lighter and still feel very comfortable on the trip.
After all, it was a summer camping trip, so I was pretty sure that it wouldn’t be too cold to camp in a hammock, but I still brought a liner for my hammock to keep the hammock warm.
However, this time around, the trip was longer, so it got me wondering: Is sleeping in a hammock bad for your back?
After some research (and personal experienced from camping trips), I learned that no, sleeping on a hammock isn’t bad for your back. That being said, you still need to take your individual circumstances into account as if you have a bad back, it’s probably not a good idea to use a hammock.
To help you decide whether or not hammock camping is a good idea for you, in this article, we’ll go over the benefits and the downsides of sleeping in a hammock, as well as suggest a few products that can make your sleep in a hammock more comfortable.
By the way, The Camping Air Conditioner is sponsored by readers. When you buy through one of our links, we may earn an affiliate commission at no extra cost to you.
Are Hammocks Good for Your Back?
However, hammock sleeping is still an uncharted territory for many campers, and for that reason, many campers looking to sleep on a hammock ask if hammocks are good for your back.
Unfortunately, there isn’t a definitive answer to this question. And I’m speaking both from experienced and having done a ton of research on the topic.
If you have back pains or other conditions that require you to sleep as comfortably as possible, then it’s probably best to avoid hammocks. As someone who doesn’t suffer from any back-related issues, I find sleeping on a hammock particularly relaxing.
Here are a few suggestions to make your hammock sleep more comfortable.
- Get a hammock suitable for the weight and size of your body
- If camping in the cold, bring along a blanket
- If camping in a humid area, get a mosquito net
Below, I’ll share a few of the benefits and drawbacks of sleeping on a hammock.
The Benefits of Sleeping in a Hammock
Hammock sleeping is more comfortable than you could imagine (provided you do it right). Below, I’ll go over some of the benefits that I’ve personally experienced while out camping.
Deeper Sleep
Whenever I go camping in a tent, I find that I don’t sleep as well. I’m not entirely sure why this is, but I guess I’m just not as comfortable in a tent as I’d want to be. But when I laid down in my hammock, the subtle and gentle swaying motion was able to knock me out right away. And to be honest, it was some of the deepest sleep I ever had on a camping trip.
I’d wake up and feel so refreshed that I ask myself why I brought the propane coffee maker in the first place since I didn’t really need coffee to wake up from my sleep.
Spinal Alignment
The reason most people feel back pain when they wake up is the wrong sleeping position. If your spine is misaligned while sleeping, you’ll have some pain in the morning. But since a hammock cradles you, you are less likely to move to a position that misaligns your spine and causes trouble.
That said, this also depends on the type of hammock and the person’s weight. Generally, heavier people would need to get heavy-duty hammocks as standard hammocks may not be able to support their back enough which could end up misaligning their spine.
If you’re on the heavier side or want more stability while sleeping, here’s a great hammock that you should consider.
- Made from 80% cotton and 20% nylon
- Extremely soft and durable
- 880 pounds weight capacity
- Backed up with a 1-year manufacturer's warranty
Zero Pressure Points
The Downside to Sleeping with a Hammock
That said, hammock camping isn’t for everyone. For one, you are more exposed to everything nature has to bring. So, if you’re camping on a beach in the winter, using a hammock might not be the best idea.
Additionally, hammocks aren’t the best option for people with bad backs. If you have back troubles and issues, sleeping in a hammock can worsen the symptoms. On top of that, you need to ensure that you have the right hammock for your weight, build, and body type to ensure that your spine remains aligned and supported.
Lastly, you also have to make sure you set up the hammock properly. Incorrect setup can result in uneven weight distribution, and it could even cause the hammock to fall. This can be dangerous, which is why it’s important to understand how to set up a hammock before laying it down in one.
Conclusion: Is It a Good Idea to Sleep in a Hammock?
If you don’t have any pre-existing back conditions, I highly recommend sleeping in a hammock. For short camping trips, hammocks could be a great way to get comfortable and feel free. However, keep in mind that they aren’t for everyone or all camping trips.
Hammocks can make the symptoms of back pain and other back issues worse for some people. So, keep that in mind before packing one up for a camping trip.
Additionally, make sure you have the right hammock for your weight and build so that you have the best experience possible. If you consider all of this, then you have a much higher chance of enjoying your camping trip!
