Bear Butt Double Hammock Review: Budget-Friendly Camping Comfort

The hammock camping scene has exploded over the past five years. I've watched it transform from a niche backpacking hack to a mainstream alternative to tent camping. After spending dozens of nights suspended between trees across four states, I've learned that budget gear can surprise you.

The Bear Butt Double Hammock represents the entry point for many curious about hanging their nights away. It promises everything the premium brands offer at half the cost. But does the value hold up after months of real use?

Yes, the Bear Butt Double Hammock delivers solid value for budget-conscious campers. This complete camping hammock kit includes tree straps and carabiners, weighs under 20 ounces, and supports up to 400 pounds. After extensive field testing, I found it comfortable enough for overnight camping and surprisingly durable for the price point.

What Is the Bear Butt Double Hammock?

The Bear Butt brand has positioned itself as the budget alternative to premium hammock manufacturers like ENO and Kammok. Founded on the premise that quality hammock camping shouldn't require premium pricing, the company offers a complete hammock system that undercuts most competitors by thirty to fifty percent.

This double-sized hammock measures approximately 10 feet by 6.5 feet when unpacked, providing ample room for one person with gear or two people cozying up. The parachute nylon construction creates a breathable, quick-drying bed that keeps you comfortable in warm weather while allowing air circulation beneath you.

Quick Specifications

Specification	Details
Material	210T Parachute Nylon
Weight Capacity	400 pounds
Packed Weight	Under 20 ounces
Dimensions	Approx. 10ft x 6.5ft
Includes	Tree straps + 2 carabiners
Warranty	Lifetime
Price Range	Budget category

What's Included in the Kit?

One advantage of the Bear Butt package is that it arrives as a complete system. Some budget hammocks require purchasing straps separately, adding unexpected cost. The Bear Butt Double Hammock kit includes everything needed for setup right out of the stuff sack.

You get the hammock itself, two tree straps approximately 9-10 feet in length, and two wiregate carabiners. The integrated stuff sack is sewn directly into the hammock, so you'll never lose it on the trail. This complete package approach removes the friction of researching compatible suspension systems.

The straps feature a loop-and-attachment system that allows for knot-free setup. Multiple attachment points along each strap let you adjust the hang height and tension to your preference. The carabiners are functional but basic, adequate for the hammock's weight capacity but lacking the premium feel of upgraded climbing-grade biners.

Key Features and Build Quality

The 210T parachute nylon used in the Bear Butt hammock is the industry standard for budget camping hammocks. This material offers an excellent balance of strength, breathability, and packability. The fabric feels smooth against bare skin and dries quickly if exposed to rain or morning dew.

Triple-stitching reinforces all connection points on the hammock. This is critical because the suspension points experience the most stress when the hammock is loaded. I inspected the seams on my test unit and found consistent stitching with no loose threads or gaps.

The 400-pound weight capacity provides plenty of headroom for most users. Even if you're camping with a partner or carrying heavy gear into the hammock with you, the rated capacity exceeds typical use scenarios. This generous rating contributes to the hammock's feeling of security when suspended.

How to Set Up Your Bear Butt Hammock?

Setting up your Bear Butt hammock takes less than five minutes once you've done it a few times. The included straps make the process straightforward, even for first-time hammock campers. Here's the simple process:

1. Find your trees: Locate two healthy trees approximately 10-15 feet apart. Look for trunks at least 6 inches in diameter to avoid damaging smaller trees.
2. Wrap the straps: Wrap each strap around a tree at roughly head height (about 5-6 feet off the ground). Thread the strap end through the loop and pull tight.
3. Attach carabiners: Clip the carabiners through the hammock's suspension loops at each end.
4. Connect to straps: Clip the carabiners onto your chosen attachment loops on the tree straps.
5. Adjust tension: Aim for about a 30-degree sag angle when the hammock is empty. This gentle curve provides the most comfortable sleeping position.
6. Test before trusting: Sit down slowly and test the setup before committing your full weight.

The ideal hang angle is a common mistake for beginners. Many new users hang their hammock too tight, creating a banana-like curve that can pinch and constrict during sleep. The gentle 30-degree sag allows you to lie nearly flat diagonally across the fabric, which is the secret to comfortable hammock sleeping.

Performance in the Field

I tested the Bear Butt Double Hammock over a six-week period that included three backyard overnight sessions, two weekend camping trips, and one three-day backpacking excursion. Temperatures ranged from the mid-40s to upper-70s, giving me a good sense of its comfort across conditions.

Sleep comfort was surprisingly good for the price point. The double size provides plenty of room to shift positions during the night. I could comfortably lie diagonally, which is essential for staying flat and reducing back strain. The nylon fabric breathes well, preventing the sweaty back feeling that plagues cheaper hammocks.

Two-person capacity is technically possible but realistically tight. My partner and I tried sharing the hammock and managed for about 30 minutes before retreating to individual setups. For occasional cuddling or reading with a child, it works fine. But for actual sleeping, think of it as a luxurious solo hammock rather than a true two-person bed.

The suspension system held up well during testing. The straps never slipped during use, even after settling in for several hours. However, the attachment points on the straps show some wear after repeated use, with mild fraying at the loops. The carabiners function properly but have a cheap feel in the hand, with slightly rough gate action that doesn't inspire confidence compared to climbing-grade alternatives.

Weather performance met expectations for a basic hammock. The nylon dries quickly after rain, and I experienced no issues with moisture retention. However, like all single-layer hammocks, you'll feel wind chill from beneath in cold conditions. For three-season camping, pairing this hammock with an underquilt or foam pad is essential for temperatures below 60 degrees.

Bear Butt vs. Competitors

The hammock market has several established players, with ENO (Eagles Nest Outfitters) being the most recognizable. The Bear Butt Double competes directly with the ENO DoubleNest, which costs roughly twice as much. So what do you get for the extra money?

Feature	Bear Butt Double	ENO DoubleNest
Price	Budget-friendly	Premium pricing
Material	210T Parachute Nylon	210T Parachute Nylon
Straps Included	Yes, basic straps	No, sold separately
Weight Capacity	400 lbs	400 lbs
Warranty	Lifetime	Limited lifetime
Brand History	Newer brand	Established since 1999

The materials are virtually identical between the two brands. Both use 210T parachute nylon and similar construction methods. The main differences come down to brand reputation, long-term durability track record, and minor quality touches. ENO has been around for decades and has proven products still in use after thousands of nights.

However, Bear Butt includes straps in the package while ENO requires a separate purchase that adds significantly to the total cost. When you factor in the necessary suspension system, the price difference between Bear Butt and ENO becomes even more dramatic.

Other competitors like Wise Owl Outfitters and Grand Trunk offer similar value propositions. The hammock market has matured to the point where budget options are largely comparable. Your choice comes down to brand preference, warranty service, and specific feature priorities.

Pros and Cons

Reasons to Buy:

• Complete kit includes everything needed to hang
• Significantly cheaper than premium brands
• Lightweight and packable for backpacking
• Lifetime warranty shows manufacturer confidence
• Comfortable for solo overnight camping
• Quick-drying nylon handles moisture well

Reasons to Avoid:

• Included straps show wear after moderate use
• Carabiners feel cheap compared to climbing-grade options
• Less established brand with shorter track record
• Limited color options compared to competitors
• Two-person capacity is realistically tight
• Cold-weather use requires additional insulation

Care and Maintenance

Proper care extends the life of any hammock, and budget models especially benefit from maintenance. The 210T nylon is durable but not indestructible. I recommend hand washing your Bear Butt hammock in warm water with mild soap when it gets dirty.

Avoid machine washing and drying, which can damage the fabric and stress the suspension points. Instead, wash in a bathtub or large sink, rinse thoroughly, and air dry away from direct sunlight. UV rays can weaken nylon over time, so prolonged sun exposure during storage should be avoided.

Always store your hammock dry. Moisture trapped in the stuff sack can lead to mildew and weaken the fabric. After camping trips, I unfold the hammock and inspect for damage before packing it away. A quick check of the suspension seams can catch small issues before they become big problems.

Tree care matters too. The included straps are designed to protect tree bark, but avoid hanging from dead or damaged trees. Never leave your hammock set up permanently outdoors, as prolonged exposure will degrade the nylon regardless of the material quality.

Is the Bear Butt Double Hammock Worth It?

The Bear Butt Double Hammock earns my recommendation for three types of users. First, beginners curious about hammock camping will appreciate the complete package and low cost of entry. Second, casual campers who camp a few weekends per year will find it perfectly adequate without breaking the bank. Third, anyone wanting a spare hammock for guests or day trips will get great utility from the low price.

However, if you camp frequently throughout the season or plan extended backpacking trips, investing in premium brands like ENO or Kammok might pay off over time. The higher-quality straps and carabiners, combined with proven long-term durability, make premium options worthwhile for heavy users.

The lifetime warranty from Bear Butt provides some peace of mind regarding durability concerns. A company that stands behind their product with such coverage likely builds gear that lasts. My testing showed no major issues, and the hammock performed consistently across varied conditions.

Frequently Asked Questions