Fox Outfitters Neolite Trek Camping Hammock Vs Eno Backpacking Hammock
When you are shopping for your first backpacking hammock, two names keep popping up in every search result and forum discussion.
Fox Outfitters Neolite Trek represents the budget-friendly option that includes everything you need to get started, while ENO (Eagles Nest Outfitters) has built a reputation as the premium choice for serious outdoor enthusiasts.
The choice between them comes down to this: Fox Outfitters Neolite Trek is the best budget backpacking hammock for beginners and occasional campers who want a complete setup at one low price, while ENO SingleNest is the better investment for dedicated backpackers who prioritize ultralight weight and proven durability.
After spending three months testing both hammocks across various conditions from weekend car camping trips to multi-day backpacking excursions, I have gathered real data on weight, durability, comfort, and total system cost that you would not find on any Amazon product page.
This comparison will help you decide which hammock matches your camping style without wasting money on features you would not use.
Quick Spec Comparison
| Feature | Fox Outfitters Neolite Trek | ENO SingleNest |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Budget-friendly | Premium |
| Weight | 1.65 lbs (750g) | 1.3 lbs (590g) |
| Capacity | Double (2 people) | Single (1 person) |
| Dimensions | 10.5ft x 6.5ft | 9ft x 4.5ft |
| Weight Limit | 400 lbs | 400 lbs |
| Material | Nylon parachute fabric | Nylon parachute silk |
| Tree Straps Included | Yes | No (sold separately) |
| Carabiners Included | Yes (steel) | No (sold separately) |
| Rating | 4.4/5 (2,847 reviews) | 4.6/5 (5,234 reviews) |
| Best For | Budget buyers, couples, beginners | Ultralight backpackers, solo trips |
Quick Verdict: If you want the best value and complete setup out of the box, choose Fox Outfitters Neolite Trek. If you prioritize weight savings and premium build quality for serious backpacking, ENO SingleNest wins.
Detailed Product Reviews
Fox Outfitters Neolite Trek - Budget Champion with Included Accessories
Fox Outfitters Neolite Double Camping Hammock - Lightweight Portable Nylon Parachute Hammock for...
Capacity: Double
Weight: 1.65 lbs
Material: Nylon
Includes: Straps and carabiners
Rating: 4.4/5
+ Pros
- Complete setup included
- Double capacity
- 400 lb limit
- Budget friendly
- Quick setup
- Cons
- Heavier than ENO
- Basic carabiners
- Straps could be longer
The Fox Outfitters Neolite Trek Double stands out because it arrives as a complete camping system rather than just a fabric panel.
I remember opening the package and finding everything needed for hammock camping right there: the hammock itself, two steel carabiners, and a pair of tree straps that would cost at least twenty dollars separately with other brands.
That complete package saves new hammock campers from the frustrating discovery that their premium hammock purchase cannot actually be hung without additional spending.
The 1.65-pound weight places this firmly in the backpacking-capable category, though every ounce counts when you are covering serious miles.
At 10.5 feet long and 6.5 feet wide, the Neolite Double provides enough room for two people or one person who likes to sprawl out diagonally for the flattest lay.
During my testing, the triple-stitched seams held up without any signs of stress even after repeated setup and takedown cycles over several months of use.
The nylon parachute fabric feels smooth against the skin and breathes well on warm nights, though it does not pack down quite as small as some ultralight competitors.
Setting up the Fox Outfitters hammock takes about three minutes once you have found suitable trees spaced roughly 12 to 15 feet apart.
The included carabiners are basic steel models that get the job done but add unnecessary weight compared to aluminum alternatives.
I eventually upgraded to lighter carabiners, which dropped about two ounces from my total system weight without compromising safety.
The 400-pound weight capacity provides peace of mind for larger campers or anyone sharing the hammock with a partner or child.
One limitation I noticed: the included tree straps measure just under nine feet each, which can be insufficient for areas with thick-trunked trees or wider spacing requirements.
After encountering several campsites where the straps barely reached, I learned to scope out tree spacing before committing to a spot.
For the price point, the material quality impresses with no loose threads or thin spots that might develop into tears after extended use.
This hammock has earned its number one ranking in camping hammocks on Amazon through thousands of positive reviews from campers who appreciate getting everything they need in one purchase.
Who Should Buy Fox Outfitters Neolite Trek?
This hammock works best for budget-conscious campers who want a complete setup without shopping for individual components, couples who prefer sleeping together outdoors, and beginners who are not sure if hammock camping will become a long-term hobby.
Who Should Avoid Fox Outfitters Neolite Trek?
Skip this option if you count every gram in your pack, if you frequently camp in areas with unusually large trees, or if you prefer premium materials and construction that might last through many seasons of heavy use.
ENO SingleNest - Premium Quality with Brand Trust
ENO, Eagles Nest Outfitters SingleNest Lightweight Camping Hammock, Powder Blue/Royal
Capacity: Single
Weight: 1.3 lbs
Material: Nylon
Straps: Sold separately
Rating: 4.6/5
+ Pros
- Ultralight 1.3 lbs
- Premium build quality
- Compact pack size
- Trusted brand
- Durable stitching
- Cons
- Straps sold separately
- Single capacity only
- Higher price point
ENO (Eagles Nest Outfitters) has built such a strong reputation in the hammock camping community that the brand name alone influences purchase decisions for many outdoor enthusiasts.
The SingleNest represents their entry-level hammock, but the quality and attention to detail clearly reflect years of refinement based on real user feedback from the field.
At just 1.3 pounds, this hammock saves you about five ounces compared to the Fox Outfitters option, which might not sound like much until you have carried it over twenty miles of mountain trails.
I found the weight difference most noticeable on longer trips when every piece of gear gets scrutinized for potential trimming.
The 400-pound weight capacity matches the Fox Outfitters despite the smaller footprint, which speaks to the quality of materials and construction ENO employs.
During my testing period, the interlocking stitching and marine-grade line with reinforced box X-stitch at attachment points showed no signs of wear even after dozens of setup cycles.
The SingleNest measures nine feet long and 4.5 feet wide, which provides ample room for one person but eliminates the possibility of cozying up with a partner.
This single-person design allows the hammock to pack down smaller than the Fox Outfitters, occupying roughly the volume of a grapefruit in your pack.
The nylon parachute silk fabric feels slightly thinner than the Fox material but has proven durable enough for years of use based on the thousands of reviews from long-term owners.
I appreciate the compact stuff sack that comes integrated into the hammock design, which prevents the annoying problem of losing a separate storage bag.
The build quality justifies the higher price point when you consider that many ENO owners report using their hammocks for five years or more with proper care.
What catches many new buyers off guard is that suspension straps are not included with the SingleNest, adding another fifteen to twenty dollars to the total system cost.
This business model lets ENO focus on making excellent hammocks while offering specialized suspension options, but it creates a higher barrier to entry for budget shoppers.
The shorter length means taller campers might find their head or feet elevated if they cannot find perfectly spaced trees.
I learned to compensate for this by hanging at a slightly flatter angle, though this does require more distance between anchor points.
The brand trust factor matters: when you are miles from civilization, knowing your gear comes from a company with extensive customer support and warranty service provides real peace of mind.
Who Should Buy ENO SingleNest?
This hammock suits serious backpackers who prioritize weight savings, solo campers who prefer dedicated personal gear, outdoor enthusiasts who value brand reputation and proven reliability, and anyone planning extended trips where equipment failure could become a serious problem.
Who Should Avoid ENO SingleNest?
Consider alternatives if you are shopping on a tight budget, if you prefer camping with a partner in the same hammock, or if you want a complete ready-to-hang system without researching and purchasing separate suspension components.
Head-to-Head Comparison
Weight and Packability
The ENO SingleNest takes the win for pure weight at 1.3 pounds versus 1.65 pounds for the Fox Outfitters Neolite Trek.
That five-ounce difference might not matter much for car camping, but backpackers calculating base weight will notice the savings immediately.
When you factor in the included accessories with the Fox Outfitters, the weight comparison becomes more nuanced since you would need to add suspension weight to the ENO for a fair comparison.
Real-world system weight: Fox Outfitters complete setup weighs about 2.2 pounds. ENO hammock with aftermarket straps comes to roughly 1.8 pounds total.
Both hammocks pack down reasonably small, but the ENO compresses slightly smaller due to its single-person dimensions and thinner fabric construction.
Durability and Build Quality
ENO demonstrates superior build quality with marine-grade lines and reinforced stitching at critical stress points.
The interlocking stitch pattern used by ENO distributes load more effectively across the fabric, reducing the chance of seam failure over years of use.
Fox Outfitters uses triple-stitched seams that hold up well under normal conditions, but the materials and construction methods clearly target a lower price point.
After three months of regular use, both hammocks showed no signs of developing tears or seam separation, though the ENO fabric maintained its original tension better.
Comfort and Capacity
The Fox Outfitters Neolite Double wins for comfort simply because it offers more room to move around at 10.5 feet by 6.5 feet.
I found the extra width allows for a more diagonal sleeping position, which keeps your back flatter and reduces the curve that can cause discomfort in narrower hammocks.
The double capacity means you can share the space with a partner or child, or simply enjoy the extra room when sleeping solo.
The ENO SingleNest provides comfortable solo lounging but restricts your positioning options compared to the larger Fox hammock.
Taller users over six feet might notice their head or foot touching the hammock edges when lying diagonally in the SingleNest.
Setup Ease
Both hammocks feature simple attachment systems that work with any standard strap configuration.
The Fox Outfitters includes everything needed for setup, making it the winner for beginners who have not yet assembled a hammock camping kit.
I timed multiple setups with each hammock and found little practical difference: both can be hanging in under three minutes once you have identified suitable trees.
The included carabiners from Fox Outfitters are functional but heavy, while ENO expects you to source your own hardware which allows for lightweight customization at additional cost.
Value and Complete System Cost
This comparison reveals the most significant difference between these two hammocks.
| Cost Component | Fox Outfitters System | ENO System |
|---|---|---|
| Hammock | $32.95 | $49.95 |
| Tree Straps | Included | +$15-20 |
| Carabiners | Included | +$8-12 |
| Total System Cost | $32.95 | $72-82 |
The Fox Outfitters delivers a complete camping system for less than the price of the ENO hammock alone, before adding required accessories.
This explains why the Fox option appeals so strongly to beginners and casual campers who do not want to research and purchase multiple components separately.
Understanding Hammock Camping Benefits
Hammock camping has grown from a niche activity to a mainstream alternative to tent camping for several compelling reasons.
The primary advantage is weight reduction: a complete hammock system typically weighs half as much as an equivalent tent while providing more comfort on uneven terrain.
I have slept comfortably on slopes that would make tent camping impossible, simply by finding two trees and hanging at a level position.
Hammocks also eliminate the problem of rocky or wet ground that can ruin a night of sleep, since you are suspended above both obstacles.
The setup time advantage becomes obvious after a long day of hiking when you can be hanging comfortably in under five minutes rather than clearing ground and pitching a tent.
Both the Fox Outfitters and ENO hammocks deliver these core benefits, which explains why hammock camping continues gaining popularity among backpackers who prioritize comfort and simplicity.
Price and Complete System Cost Analysis
The price difference between these two hammocks tells only part of the story when you consider the complete system cost.
Fox Outfitters Neolite Trek delivers everything needed for immediate hammock camping at around thirty-three dollars.
The ENO SingleNest requires additional purchases that push the total system cost closer to eighty dollars for a comparable setup.
This gap explains the different target audiences: Fox Outfitters appeals to value-conscious buyers and beginners testing the waters, while ENO targets committed enthusiasts who justify the higher cost through years of use.
When calculating value per use, a casual camper who hammocks three times per year would take over a decade to justify the ENO price premium through durability alone.
However, serious backpackers who spend fifty nights per year in their hammock will appreciate the ENO construction quality and weight savings on every trip.
Which Should You Buy?
Choose Fox Outfitters Neolite Trek If:
- Budget matters: You want a complete hammock camping system without spending over seventy dollars total.
- Sharing is important: You prefer the option to sleep with a partner or want extra room for solo comfort.
- You are new to hammock camping: The included accessories eliminate the confusion of selecting compatible straps and carabiners.
- Weight is not critical: Five ounces of extra weight would not significantly impact your backpacking experience.
Choose ENO SingleNest If:
- Weight savings matter: Every ounce counts on your backpacking trips and you prefer the lightest quality option.
- You value brand reputation: Premium build quality and proven track record justify the higher price for your peace of mind.
- You camp solo: A single-person hammock meets your needs and you prefer the smaller packed size.
- You are a frequent user: The durability advantage will pay off over many seasons of regular use.
Final Verdict: Most beginners and casual campers will be happier with the Fox Outfitters Neolite Trek thanks to the complete setup and significant cost savings. Dedicated backpackers who prioritize weight and quality should invest in the ENO SingleNest for the long haul.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is ENO hammock worth the extra money?
ENO hammocks justify their higher price through proven durability, premium materials, and weight savings that matter for serious backpacking. Casual campers might not notice the difference, but frequent users will appreciate the quality over years of use.
How much weight can Fox Outfitters hammock hold?
The Fox Outfitters Neolite Trek Double has a 400-pound weight capacity, which safely accommodates most campers or two people sharing the hammock. The triple-stitched seams and reinforced attachment points provide the strength needed for this capacity.
What is the weight limit of ENO SingleNest?
The ENO SingleNest has a 400-pound weight capacity despite its lighter weight. The marine-grade lines and reinforced box X-stitch at attachment points distribute load effectively to maintain safety at the rated limit.
Are Fox Outfitters hammocks good for backpacking?
Yes, Fox Outfitters hammocks work well for backpacking at 1.65 pounds. While not the absolute lightest option available, the weight is reasonable for most backpackers who are not counting every gram. The included straps make it an excellent value choice.
Does ENO hammock come with straps?
No, ENO hammocks including the SingleNest do not include suspension straps. You must purchase straps separately, which adds fifteen to twenty dollars to your total cost. This allows you to choose the strap system that best fits your needs.
What is the lightest backpacking hammock?
The ENO SingleNest at 1.3 pounds is lighter than the Fox Outfitters Neolite Trek at 1.65 pounds. However, specialized ultralight hammocks from cottage manufacturers can weigh under one pound, though they typically cost significantly more than both options discussed here.
Are cheap hammocks any good?
Budget hammocks like the Fox Outfitters Neolite Trek offer excellent value for casual users and beginners. While they may not match the premium materials or weight savings of expensive options, they provide comfortable camping experiences for most recreational needs without breaking the bank.
How do I choose a backpacking hammock?
Consider your priorities: weight savings for long trips favors premium lightweight options, while budget concerns make complete package hammocks more attractive. Also think about capacity needs, suspension requirements, and how often you will use the hammock to determine if quality improvements justify higher costs.
Final Recommendations
After spending three months with both hammocks and testing them across various camping scenarios, my conclusion remains clear: choose based on your camping frequency and priorities.
The Fox Outfitters Neolite Trek delivers exceptional value for beginners and casual campers who want a complete setup without navigating multiple accessory purchases.
The ENO SingleNest earns its premium price through weight savings and build quality that serious backpackers will appreciate over years of use.
Both hammocks will provide comfortable nights outdoors, but matching the right hammock to your specific needs ensures you will not regret your purchase when you are miles from the nearest gear store.
