Wise Owl Outfitters Camping Hammock Review

Overview

The Wise Owl Outfitters Camping Hammock is a gathered-end parachute-nylon hammock sold as a complete kit: hammock, 9 ft tree straps, carabiners and an attached stuff sack. It comes in a single and a double size, and it is aimed at first-time hammockers, casual campers and backpackers who want a dependable hang without spending ENO money. The trade-off is weight and polish. It is a bargain, not an ultralight piece of kit.

Key Specs

Spec	Details
Weight	624–907 g depending on size
Fabric	210T rip-resistant parachute nylon
Seams	Triple interlocking stitches
Single size	9 ft x 4.5 ft, 400 lb capacity
Double size	10 ft x 6.5 ft, 500 lb capacity
Included	9 ft Talon tree straps, carabiners, attached stuff sack
Typical price	Roughly $35–50 on Amazon, depending on size and sales

Performance

Setup. This is where the Wise Owl earns its reputation. Outdoor Gear Lab’s testers set up the double-size kit without consulting instructions: girth-hitch the 9 ft straps around two trees, clip in the carabiners, done. Owners who have hung it for backpacking put the process at five to ten minutes at first, shorter once the right height becomes second nature. One reviewer reported hanging it between trees about 12 to 15 feet apart. The straps use friction rather than knots, and a long-term double-size owner says they have never slipped on the bark.

Comfort. The gathered-end design gives the usual banana-shaped lay, and the cut is generous. A 5’8” reviewer found the single big enough to stretch out, nap on his side and stomach, and wrap into a cocoon against wind. Outdoor Gear Lab’s testers found the double comfortable for two people, and it supported 500 lb without creaking or shifting. The fabric is the less flattering part: testers described the parachute nylon as stiffer than that of other hammocks in their test group. Some reviewers also say the single feels snug for larger users, and that naps are less comfortable without padding.

Weight and packing. At 624 g for the single and 907 g for the double, this is not a gram-counter’s hammock. A reviewer who has backpacked with the double for years called it light enough for most backpackers but potentially too much for the strictly ultralight. Because the straps and carabiners are included and heavy-ish, there is little to save by swapping in lighter suspension unless the owner already has it. The attached stuff sack keeps everything together and compresses small enough to disappear into a pack.

Durability and quality control. The 210T nylon and triple-stitched seams have held up for repeat users, with one backpacker reporting years of use without a seam complaint. The weak points are in the hardware and consistency. Outdoor Gear Lab flagged the thin carabiners as a durability concern, though a long-term owner reports no trouble with them. Another review site notes occasional stitching defects, with quality control less consistent than at ENO or Grand Trunk. Anyone buying one should load-test it at home, not at mile 40.

What it doesn’t do. There is no built-in bug net, no rain protection and no attachment points for a quilt. Outdoor Gear Lab noted the interior is large enough for a sleeping pad or underquilt, but nothing secures a bag if the wind picks up. Suspension adjustability is limited to the strap loops. For three-season hammock camping, it is a canopy only: a tarp, bug net and underquilt are separate purchases and separate weight.

Choosing a Version

Standard (624 g). The 9 ft x 4.5 ft single with a 400 lb rating is the pick for solo hikers. It is 283 g lighter than the double, and it packs smaller. Reviewers report that it is roomy for one person, though bigger users and restless sleepers may want more width.

Double (907 g). At 10 ft x 6.5 ft with a 500 lb rating, the double is the version to buy for couples, for anyone who wants a flatter lay, or for those who like space to spread out. A single sleeper benefits from the extra width, since a wider hammock can be hung with a flatter diagonal lay. The cost is nearly 300 g, which is the weight of a decent headlamp-and-stove combination. Solo backpackers counting ounces should skip it.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Complete kit: straps, carabiners and stuff sack are all included
• Fast, intuitive hanging with no knots required
• Generous cut in both sizes; the double fits two
• High capacity ratings (400 lb single, 500 lb double)
• Low price, and it won Outdoor Gear Lab’s Best Buy award for budget hammocks
• Strong owner satisfaction, with a 4.8 average across tens of thousands of Amazon reviews

Cons

• Heavy by ultralight standards, especially the double
• Stiffer fabric than pricier hammocks
• Thin carabiners and limited strap adjustment
• Reports of inconsistent stitching quality
• No bug net, no quilt attachment points, no rain cover

Who Should Buy This

First-time hammock campers, weekend backpackers, and anyone who wants a backyard-to-trailhead hammock for around $40 will be well served, and so will couples who want a double that costs less than a premium single. The single also makes a reasonable trial run before committing to a full hammock-camping system. Dedicated thru-hikers and ultralighters should look elsewhere: a purpose-built hammock with a bug net and adjustable suspension will weigh less per function and offer better sleep systems.

Verdict

The Wise Owl delivers easy setup, a roomy cut and a price that is hard to argue with, which is why it keeps winning budget lists. It is held back by weight, a stiff fabric and uneven quality control. Buy the single for casual trips and a first hammock; buy the double for two people. Anyone building a serious ultralight hang should spend more.