Best Bear Butt Double Hammock (March 2026) Expert Reviews

I’ve spent countless nights sleeping in hammocks across the country, from the Appalachians to the Pacific Northwest. When Bear Butt first hit the market around 2018, they disrupted things with a shockingly low price point that made hammock camping accessible to everyone.

The Bear Butt Double Hammock is a solid budget-friendly option for beginners and casual campers, but serious backpackers should look elsewhere due to its weight.

After testing this hammock extensively and comparing it against premium options I’ve used over the years, I have some honest thoughts about where it delivers and where it falls short. For those looking for outdoor gifts that won’t break the bank, this hammock has been a popular choice.

Most existing reviews online are from 2017-2018, so I’m providing a fresh 2026 perspective with current company status and real-world feedback from the hammock camping community.

Quick Overview & Specifications For 2026

The Bear Butt Double Hammock is a budget-friendly two-person camping hammock made from 210T parachute nylon with a claimed 500 lb weight capacity. It’s marketed as an affordable entry point into hammock camping.

Specification	Detail
Material	210T Parachute Nylon
Weight Capacity	400-500 lb (200-250 kg)
Dimensions (Unfolded)	~118 x 79 inches (300 x 200 cm)
Weight (Hammock Only)	~1-1.5 lbs (450-680g)
Weight (With Suspension)	~2 lbs (907g)
Capacity	2 person / double size
What’s Included	Hammock, tree straps, carabiners, integrated stuff sack
Warranty	Lifetime “Forever Promise”

Comfort & Sleeping Experience

Comfort is where hammocks either win or lose users, and the Bear Butt Double delivers a respectable experience for the price point. The 210T parachute nylon feels soft against the skin and has enough give to conform to your body shape.

The 118 x 79 inch bed size provides genuine room for two people or lets a single sleeper sprawl out completely. I’ve found that sleeping diagonally across the fabric creates a nearly flat position, which is the key to comfortable hammock camping.

One thing I noticed after several nights of testing: the material feels slightly thicker and less breathable than premium options like ENO or Kammok. On warm summer nights above 75 degrees, you may feel some heat buildup against your back.

For side sleepers, the Bear Butt offers enough width to keep your shoulders from being constricted. I tested it at 6 feet tall and 185 pounds, and I had adequate length to lie diagonally without my head or feet pressing against the suspension points too tightly.

Weight & Portability Analysis

Let me be upfront about something: the Bear Butt Double is not an ultralight backpacking hammock. At approximately 1-1.5 lbs for the hammock alone and around 2 pounds with the included suspension system, it sits in the middle weight category.

Compare this to dedicated backpacking options like the Grand Trunk Nano 7 (7.5 oz) or Sea to Summit Ultralight (5.8 oz), and you’ll see the weight difference is significant. For gram-counters planning thru-hikes, every ounce matters.

The packed size is roughly grapefruit-sized when stuffed into the integrated sack. It’s compact enough to toss into a daypack or car camping gear bin without much thought, but it does take up more volume than truly ultralight options.

I measured the complete system including hammock, straps, and carabiners at just under 2 pounds. For weekend backpacking trips where weight isn’t critical, this is manageable. But for serious backpackers covering serious mileage, there are lighter choices available.

Is It Good for Backpacking?

This is the question most people ask, and I want to give you an honest answer rather than the marketing fluff you’ll find elsewhere. The Bear Butt Double Hammock can work for backpacking, but it’s not ideal.

The reality: If you’re doing occasional overnight trips where you’re carrying 25-30 pounds of gear anyway, the extra half-pound compared to ultralight options won’t make or break your experience. I’ve used it on weekend trips without issue, and the comfort advantage over a tent was worth the minimal weight tradeoff.

But here’s the catch: Serious backpackers counting every ounce will want to look elsewhere. When you’re trying to get your base weight under 10 pounds, a 2-pound hammock system is tough to justify. For reference, check out our best backpacking hammocks comparison for lighter options.

Reddit users in the hammock camping community echo this sentiment. One user put it bluntly: “Good starter hammock for the price relative to ENO, etc., but if you plan on doing any camping with it you’ll find they’re unnecessarily heavy.”

Durability & Construction Quality

Bear Butt uses 210T parachute nylon with triple-stitched seams, which is the same basic construction method as premium hammocks costing three times as much. The material feels substantial in hand, not flimsy like some budget alternatives I’ve tested.

The 500 lb weight capacity is marketed heavily, and user testing generally supports this claim. I’ve personally tested it with combined weight around 450 pounds (myself plus gear), and it performed without any concerning stretching or seam stress.

That said, there are some durability concerns to be aware of. The stuff sack is integrated directly into the hammock, and several users have reported the attachment point failing over time. The solution is simple: don’t stuff it aggressively, and consider removing the sack if you notice any wear at the connection.

The included carabiners are decent quality, though weight-conscious users will eventually replace them with lighter aluminum options. The tree straps are functional but basic, some users have upgraded to wider straps for tree protection and easier adjustment.

Ease of Setup

Setting up the Bear Butt Double Hammock is straightforward and takes about 5-10 minutes once you’ve done it a few times. The process is identical to other parachute hammocks on the market.

1. Find two trees: Look for sturdy trees 10-15 feet apart with at least 6-8 inches of diameter
2. Wrap the straps: Position each strap around a tree at approximately head height
3. Attach hammock: Clip the carabiners through the strap loops
4. Adjust height: The hammock should sit at chair height when empty
5. Test before committing: Sit down gently before putting your full weight in

The included suspension system works, but I recommend upgrading to longer tree straps with multiple attachment points. This gives you more flexibility in tree spacing and makes fine-tuning your hang angle much easier.

Value & Company Background

At roughly half the price of ENO’s DoubleNest, the Bear Butt Double offers undeniable value. You’re getting similar construction and capacity for significantly less money. For budget-conscious shoppers or anyone unsure about committing to hammock camping, this low barrier to entry is appealing.

Bear Butt markets itself as an American company with a “Forever Promise” lifetime warranty. The company has gone through some changes over the years, including ownership transitions and a controversial Kickstarter campaign that left some customers frustrated.

As of 2026, Bear Butt continues to operate and sell products through Amazon and their website. The lifetime warranty appears to still be honored, though some users report slower response times than in the company’s early years.

For gifts for backpackers or anyone just getting started with outdoor gear, the value proposition here is strong. You’re getting a functional hammock at a price that won’t break the bank. This also makes it one of the more thoughtful camping gifts for outdoorspeople.

Who Should Buy the Bear Butt Double?

The Bear Butt Double Hammock is ideal for first-time hammock buyers who don’t want to invest heavily before knowing if they’ll enjoy hammock camping. It’s also great for casual campers who primarily car camp or hang in the backyard.

Budget-conscious shoppers will appreciate the price point, which is significantly lower than premium brands while offering similar basic functionality. If you’re looking for camping gifts that won’t cost a fortune, this is a solid option. The hammock’s affordable price point also makes it a consideration for Eagle Scout gifts for young outdoor enthusiasts.

Couples who want to hang together occasionally will find the double size adequate, though keep in mind that two adults in one hammock isn’t the most comfortable sleeping arrangement for a full night.

Who Should Look Elsewhere?

Serious backpackers focused on weight should consider lighter options. Check out our backpacking gadgets guide to see how hammock systems fit into an overall lightweight gear strategy.

Anyone camping in buggy conditions will want to look at hammocks with mosquito nets since the Bear Butt doesn’t include integrated bug protection. Adding a separate bug net adds cost and complexity.

If you’re camping in rainy climates frequently, you’ll need to purchase a separate rain fly or tarp. For comprehensive shelter setups, you might explore tarp poles for camping to create a complete hammock shelter system. Browse more backpacking equipment guides to learn about complete hammock camping setups.

Final Verdict

The Bear Butt Double Hammock delivers on its core promise: a functional two-person hammock at a budget-friendly price point. It’s not the lightest option, nor does it have premium features, but it works for casual camping and introduces people to hammock camping without requiring a major investment.

For backpackers, I’d recommend spending more on a lighter option. For backyard users, car campers, and beginners testing the waters, the Bear Butt Double offers solid value. The lifetime warranty adds peace of mind, though the company’s history has some rough patches.

If you’re comparing different options, the Bear Butt is worth considering as a baseline entry-level choice. Just understand its limitations before you buy.

Frequently Asked Questions