Review: ENO DoubleNest Hammock
I’ve owned two ENO DoubleNest hammocks in my life.
I bought my first when I was probably 15 years old. I logged hundreds of hours hanging in it, mostly in the forested low hills around my hometown of Huntsville. It held up extremely well—zero issues—but was eventually stolen in New Zealand during my senior year of college. A few months later I bought another, identical DoubleNest hammock to replace the one that got stolen. I still have that one today.
I went camping in it last weekend at Buck’s Pocket State Park. Here is a picture.
(sorry, i’m sort of hittin’ The Shining vibes here)
I’m being very careful about the products I review and promote here on my personal website. I’m specifically showcasing gear that I’ve not just tested for a few weeks or months, but put through the ringer for years and years. In this case, we’re talking 6-7 anos I’ve had each of these hammocks, and the only reason my original ENO isn’t still kicking is because the first got stolen.
TLDR; ENO hammocks rock, and the DoubleNest is the one you want. They’re the best in the game, at least for casual hammocking, car camping, and other “chill” uses. (More on this later.) You can snag an ENO DoubleNest HERE.
For those who want a bit more info, read on.
Stats at a Glance
Weight: 19 oz / 538 g
Size: About as big as a softball. Or maybe a small cantaloupe.
Price: $75 (plus $30 for straps)
Capacity: 400 lbs
Comfort
Top marks. Obviously, there are some people who just don’t sleep well in a hammock and never will, but for my money, ENOs are the most comfortable hammocks around. The fabric is soft and breathable, and the curve is just right. You don’t feel like a banana. (Or maybe you do. I guess it depends on your view of bananas and the quality of their lifestyles.)
Anyways. I've had great nights of sleep in my ENO.
Durability
I’ve had two ENO hammocks for a combined total of around 13 years, and neither has ever shown so much as a tear or fray. Same with the straps. My tips for keeping your hammock in good shape? Just don’t leave it outside if you aren’t using it. These hammocks aren’t meant to be a permanent fixture in your backyard or on your porch. The sun and rain will kill them in a single season.
Also, make sure to let the hammock dry out before stuffing it into its stuff sack if it’s wet. Third, avoid swinging in it over sharp rocks or anything else that could puncture it. Remember, it’ll sink a little bit when you put your weight into it.
Function
ENOs are extremely easy to set up and take down. Simply wrap the Atlas Straps around two trees (~10 to 15 ft apart), and use the carabiners integrated into each end of the hammock to clip it in. No knots or hitches required. The stuff sack is integrated into the hammock, also so you’ll never lose it, and it’s a nice place to store a phone, wallet, or keys when you’re in the hammock.
Other Stuff You Should Know
Don’t Get the Single
Technically, the DoubleNest is designed for two people. ENO sells a SingleNest Hammock for one perosn. It’s basically just shallower, with lower sides.
But even if you’re dead set on hammocking alone, I recommend the DoubleNest. Yeah, it’s a bit deeper, but I’m a pretty slim dude and I don’t have any issues with feeling swallowed by it. The extra fabric on the sides is nice, you can sort of “bundle” yourself up if it’s windy, and if you wanna share the hammock with a friend (or some gear, or a pup, or whatever) then you have the extra room.
You Need Straps
Don’t just buy the hammock. ENO sells their straps separately, and—for obvious reasons—you need those, too. You can buy “bundles” that come with both straps and a hammock if you want.
Don’t Expect to Backpack in This
I find ENO hammocks to be the best in the game for casual camping and lounging. However, when it comes backpacking, winter camping, or any trip with a questionable weather forecast, a more integrated, streamlined system, with accessories like a bug net and rain fly is ideal.
To be fair, ENO has options for this, and they also sell bug nets, rain flys, and insulation so you can upgrade your DoubleNest as you see fit, but personally, for serious hammock camping I prefer the Kammok Mantis.
Questions People Ask Online about ENO Hammocks
What does ENO stand for?
ENO stands for Egg Nog Obliterator. I never knew that until I decided to write this review. (Just kidding: Eagles Nest Outfitters.)
Are ENO hammocks fireproof?
No, I don’t think so.
Did Jeffrey Epstein Kill Himself?
See above.
How far apart should trees be for an ENO Hammock?
It varies based on how tall you are and how loose or tight you mind hanging, but shoot for 10-15 feet apart. Once you’ve gotten used to using your hammock, you’ll be able to eyeball this pretty easily. The straps make it easy to adjust how your hammock hangs.
Can I put my ENO Hammock in the dryer?
No. Or well, yes, you can, but no, you shouldn’t. The high heat can damage the seams and fabric. Hang it up and air dry it. It’s a hammock. It’s built to hang!
Can ENOs be left outside?
This is the biggest mistake people make with these hammocks: leaving them outside like a permanent fixture in their backyard, porch, or patio. Sure, they’re made to be outside, and I wouldn’t sweat about leaving them outside for a weekend or whatever, but that’s the max. Prolonged exposure to sunlight, temperature changes, and rain will seriously degrade your hammock. It’s a bad move. It takes less than a minute to set up and take down a hammock, don’t be lazy!
