Bear Butt Double Hammock Review: Best Budget Camping Hammock Under $50

I've spent countless nights sleeping in everything from ultra-light backpacking hammocks to deluxe double-nest models over the past decade. After testing more than 20 hammocks across multiple seasons, I've learned that price doesn't always correlate with comfort. The Bear Butt Double Hammock caught my attention because it addresses the biggest complaint I hear from beginners: most affordable hammocks don't include the straps you need to actually hang them.

The Bear Butt Double Hammock is the best budget camping hammock under $50 for beginners who want a complete kit with straps included. Unlike competitors that charge extra for suspension systems, Bear Butt gives you everything needed to start hanging right out of the bag. After 45 days of testing across three different camping seasons, here's my complete review.

This hammock has become my go-to recommendation for friends getting into hammock camping. It delivers surprising quality at a price point that won't make you hesitate to actually use it. I've personally logged over 30 nights in this hammock, and I'm ready to share the good, the bad, and the honest truth about what it's really like to live out of this budget-friendly suspension system.

At a Glance: Bear Butt Double Hammock

Specification	Detail
Weight Capacity	400 pounds
Material	210T ripstop nylon
Dimensions	10 feet long x 6.5 feet wide
Total Weight	1.8 pounds (28.8 ounces)
Strap Length	9 feet each (2 included)
Carabiners	2 included
Packed Size	Baseball-sized bundle

What is the Bear Butt Double Hammock?

The Bear Butt Double Hammock is a complete camping hammock system with 9-foot tree straps and carabiners included, designed for two people with a 400-pound capacity. Founded in Utah, Bear Butt positioned itself as a direct-to-consumer brand cutting out retail markup to offer quality gear at accessible prices. Their philosophy centers on getting more people outdoors without requiring premium equipment budgets.

What sets this hammock apart is the "complete kit" approach. Most budget hammocks in the $20-30 range are just the hammock body. You then need to spend another $15-25 for straps and carabiners. Bear Butt includes everything in one package, which I appreciate because it eliminates the confusion beginners face about compatibility between different strap systems.

The double nest design means you get more fabric than single hammocks. At 10 feet long and 6.5 feet wide, there's enough material to diagonal lay properly. This diagonal position is crucial for comfortable hammock sleeping. It keeps your body flat instead of curved like a banana. I've found that the extra width also helps contain your sleeping pad if you use one for insulation.

Key Features and Build Quality

210T Ripstop Nylon Construction

The hammock body uses 210T ripstop nylon, which has become the industry standard for camping hammocks. This material balances durability with weight effectively. The "ripstop" designation means the fabric has a grid pattern woven into it. If you get a small tear, this grid prevents it from spreading across the entire hammock.

During my testing, I intentionally put stress on the fabric. I sat on it with my full backpack (about 45 pounds extra). I also spent a rainy weekend in it. The nylon dried surprisingly fast, showing up within an hour after a heavy morning dew. Quick drying is essential for hammock comfort because wet fabric against your skin steals body heat rapidly.

The fabric breathes well compared to cheaper alternatives. I've tested 190T nylon hammocks that feel like sleeping in plastic wrap. Bear Butt's 210T material allows enough airflow to prevent that clammy feeling, even in humid summer conditions. This breathability makes a noticeable difference during warmer months.

Triple-Stitched Seams

Seam construction often fails on budget hammocks. Bear Butt addresses this with triple stitching at all stress points. I examined the seams under magnification and found consistent stitching with no loose threads. The attachment points where the suspension lines meet the hammock body get reinforced with multiple layers of fabric.

I've put significant weight on this hammock during testing. At 185 pounds myself, plus occasional gear stored alongside, I've approached the 300-pound mark in use. The seams show no signs of stress after a season of use. This gives me confidence in the 400-pound rating, though I always recommend staying 20% below rated limits for longevity.

Attached Storage Bag

One feature I genuinely appreciate is the integrated storage bag. It attaches directly to the hammock so you can't lose it. The bag is generously sized compared to competitors. Stuff sacks that are too tight make packing frustrating, especially when your fingers are cold or you're rushing to break camp.

The bag compresses the entire system to roughly baseball size. This packs down small enough for backpacking but remains accessible. I've used other hammocks where the stuff sack seems like an afterthought. Bear Butt clearly considered the actual packing experience. The drawstring closure is sturdy, and the bag material matches the hammock's durability.

Suspension System Included

The included suspension consists of two 9-foot tree straps with attachment loops and two wiregate carabiners. The straps are 1-inch wide nylon webbing with multiple attachment points. This width is adequate for most trees but could be wider for better tree protection and weight distribution.

The carabiners are functional but basic. They're rated for climbing use, though I wouldn't trust them for actual rock climbing. For hammock suspension, they're perfectly adequate. However, experienced hammock campers often upgrade to lighter carabiners. The stock carabiners add about 1.9 ounces each to the total weight.

Performance in the Field

Sleeping Comfort Analysis

I've spent 30 nights testing comfort across different scenarios. Solo sleeping is genuinely comfortable. The diagonal lay position works well, and I wake up without the back pain that plagued my early hammock camping attempts. The fabric has just enough give to conform without feeling saggy.

Temperature regulation surprised me. The breathable nylon prevents the sweat-fest I've experienced in cheaper hammocks. On a 65-degree night, I was comfortable in a light baselayer. When temperatures dropped to 45 degrees, adding an underquilt made the system viable. The hammock itself doesn't provide insulation, but it doesn't actively work against you like some less breathable options.

Two-Person Reality Check

Here's the honest truth about two-person capacity: technically yes, realistically maybe. At 400-pound capacity, the hammock can physically hold two average adults. I tested this with my partner (combined weight about 320 pounds). It works, but it's intimate. You're definitely sleeping closer together than in a queen bed.

Two adults in this hammock means compromise on positioning. Neither person can achieve the ideal diagonal lay. You'll both sleep more curved, which isn't ideal for spinal alignment. For lounging during the day, two people work fine. For overnight sleeping, I recommend separate hammocks for adults unless you don't mind close quarters.

The sweet spot for two-person use seems to be one adult plus a child, or two teenagers. My 10-year-old and I shared it comfortably on a camping trip. We had room to adjust positions without constant readjustment. If you're buying this specifically for two-adult overnight camping, you might want to consider two single hammocks instead.

Long-Term Durability Assessment

After six months of regular use, the hammock shows minimal wear. I've used it in conditions ranging from summer thunderstorms to crisp autumn days. The nylon hasn't faded noticeably, and the seams remain intact. The carabiners have developed some scratches but function perfectly.

The strap system has held up well. The attachment loops show no signs of fraying, even after repeated setup and teardown. I've hung on various tree types, from smooth-barked birch to rough oak. The straps have accommodated all surfaces without damage. The only wear item I've noticed is slight fuzzing on the strap ends, which is purely cosmetic.

I did notice one area of potential concern. The suspension attachment points on the hammock itself use a simple knot system rather than whipped channels. This is typical for budget hammocks but less refined than premium options. After extended use, these knots can loosen slightly and require occasional retightening. It takes 30 seconds to check and adjust, but it's worth monitoring.

Setup and Ease of Use

The setup process is straightforward, even for complete beginners. I've taught three friends to hang this hammock, and all succeeded on their first try. The included straps eliminate the most confusing part of hammock camping for beginners.

1. Find two trees: Look for healthy trees 10-15 feet apart with at least 6-inch diameter trunks
2. Wrap straps: Loop each strap around a tree at roughly head height (5-6 feet up)
3. Clip hammock: Attach each end of the hammock to the straps using the carabiners
4. Adjust height: Target a seated height where your feet barely touch the ground
5. Test stability: Sit down gently first, then gradually put your full weight in

The entire process takes about 3 minutes once you've practiced. My fastest time was 2 minutes and 15 seconds, but I wouldn't recommend rushing. Proper setup affects comfort and safety. Taking an extra minute to ensure good tree selection and strap positioning pays off in better sleep quality.

Taking down the hammock is even faster. The integrated storage bag makes packing straightforward. I can have the entire system stowed and ready to go in under 90 seconds. This quick teardown is appreciated during rainy weather or when breaking camp in a hurry.

Pros and Cons

What I Love:

• Complete kit included: No extra purchases needed to start hanging immediately
• Excellent value: Hard to find a complete system at this price point
• Lightweight total system: At 1.8 pounds complete, it's backpacking-friendly
• Quick setup: Takes about 3 minutes from bag to hanging
• Generously sized: 10 x 6.5 feet provides good solo sleeping space
• Attached storage bag: Can't lose it, and it's sized appropriately
• Comfortable diagonal lay: Proper width allows flat sleeping position
• Decent weight capacity: 400 pounds accommodates most users

What Could Be Better:

• Basic carabiners: Functional but heavier than premium options
• Strap width: 1-inch straps could be wider for tree protection
• Tight for two adults: Two-person capacity is marketing, not reality
• Limited colors: Fewer color options than some competitors
• Knotted suspension attachment: Less refined than whipped channels
• No rain fly included: Requires separate purchase for weather protection

How Does Bear Butt Compare to Competitors?

Feature	Bear Butt	ENO SingleNest	Wise Owl Outfitters
Price	~$35 (complete kit)	~$60 (hammock only)	~$30-40 (varies by model)
Straps Included	Yes	No (extra $20-30)	Some models
Weight	1.8 lbs complete	1.2 lbs (hammock only)	1.5-2.0 lbs
Capacity	400 lbs	400 lbs	400-500 lbs
Material	210T nylon	210T nylon	210T nylon

Compared to ENO, the industry leader, Bear Butt offers comparable materials at significantly lower cost. ENO charges premium prices and doesn't include straps. By the time you add ENO's suspension system, you're spending over $90. Bear Butt delivers 90% of the experience for 40% of the price.

Wise Owl Outfitters is Bear Butt's closest competitor in the budget space. Their hammocks are similarly priced, but strap inclusion varies by model. Bear Butt's consistent inclusion of straps gives them an edge for value seekers. Wise Owl offers more color options, if aesthetics matter to you.

The trade-off with Bear Butt is refinement. Premium brands like ENO use whipped channel suspension attachments that distribute stress better than Bear Butt's knot system. Premium carabiners weigh less. The stitching might be slightly more refined. For most users, these differences won't matter. For ultralight backpackers counting every ounce, they might.

"The best hammock is the one you actually have with you. Expensive gear that stays home because you're afraid to damage it provides zero comfort."

- Hammock camping philosophy I've learned through experience

Frequently Asked Questions

Final Verdict: Is the Bear Butt Double Hammock Worth It?

After extensive testing, I can confidently recommend the Bear Butt Double Hammock for specific users. If you're a beginner looking to try hammock camping without investing $100+, this is your best starting point. The complete kit means you won't face the frustration of getting your hammock and realizing you can't hang it.

Backpackers on a budget will appreciate the 1.8-pound complete system weight. Yes, you can save ounces by upgrading carabiners or choosing fancier straps. But for the price, the included gear performs adequately. I've carried this system on weekend trips without feeling burdened by the weight.

The hammock shines for casual use too. Backyard lounging, festival camping, and occasional overnight trips are its sweet spot. The included straps make setup quick enough for spontaneous hangs. I keep mine in my car trunk for impromptu relaxation stops during road trips.

Who should skip this? Serious ultralight backpackers might prefer lighter options. Experienced hammock campers who want to customize every aspect of their suspension might find the fixed kit limiting. If you're over 6'2" or weigh over 250 pounds, you might want a longer, wider hammock for truly comfortable sleeping.

My final assessment: The Bear Butt Double Hammock delivers exceptional value. It's not the fanciest or lightest option, but it provides everything needed for comfortable hammock camping at a price that won't make you baby your gear. For most users, that's the sweet spot. The hammock you use beats the premium hammock that stays home because you're afraid to damage it.

Would I buy it again? Absolutely. In fact, I've purchased two more as gifts for friends who wanted to try hammock camping after seeing mine. That's probably the strongest endorsement I can offer.