kammok.com $100

The Good: Clean design made with durable materials. Thought-out features like integrated compression stuff sack, gear loops, and the grippy python straps.

The Bad: Material is a bit heavy for hot nights, medium weight fabric can feel bulky for ultralight crowd, but beats a thick air mattress or Z-mat.

The Awesome: The Roo feels like a warm cocoon of support with plenty of room for a companion to snooze during afternoon downtime.

Sleeping well in the woods is one of the most important parts of playing outside. But the elusive Zs are hard to snag sleeping on the rocky ground. Some of the best nights of sleep I’ve had while hiking have been cradled a few feet above the rocks in a nice soft Hammock. The benefit of catching a good round of Zs without having to clear out rocks and avoid roots can’t be understated. Imagine being ready to turn in for the night within minutes by finding a few trees, cinching up a few straps, and tossing in a sleeping bag - that’s hammock camping at it’s best.  Weighing in at only 24oz, the Kammok Roo packs plenty of features into the small package. The Roo package includes burly carabiners, and an integrated compression stuff sack that pushes down small enough to lose in the bottom of your pack. The hammock holds up to 500lbs with triple stitched seams, and nylon ripstop fabric treated with DWR coating for extra durability. With multiple gear loop attachments along both sides, it’s easy to keep gear close at hand. The python straps ($30) provide 18 attachment points for a customized fit without damaging the trees. The ultralight Dragonfly 360 bug protection ($75) fits great and provides full coverage from pests while still allowing the breeze to blow.

We took this hammock out on a few summer hikes here in Northern Cal near Mt. Lassen, and it delivered a good’s night sleep without fail. The deep, roomy sling felt luxurious compared to the typical skinny air mattress, with the added benefit of gently rocking in the breeze. The Roo’s diamond patterned ripstop fabric held in some warmth during the cold nights, but did feel a bit stifling during an afternoon nap. Overall, the bold colors, durable materials, and lightweight packable form combine into an exceptional package for summer hikes.