Lawson Blue Ridge Camping Hammock and Tent

Until recently, most people probably thought of a hammock as simply somewhere to chill out and relax, and of course, they are perfect for that. But more and more people are seeing them as ideal for camping, and manufacturers responded by designing hammocks that also work as a tent.

It might seem a little like a compromise, but designing a hammock that also performs as a tent can save weight and packed-down size for hikers. Hammocks tend to be very comfortable and certainly better than sleeping on hard ground. 

Let’s look at the advantages and disadvantages of the Lawson Blue Ridge Camping Hammock and Tent in more detail.

Description of the Lawson Hammock Blue Ridge Camping Hammock and Tent

The Lawson Blue Ridge Camping Hammock and Tent offers a hybrid tent-hammock in one small, convenient package. Instead of carrying a tent and a sleeping mat separately, you just need the Blue Ridge in your backpack. Weighing only 4.25 pounds and measuring just 22 inches by six, it is perfect for hikers that want to wild camp. The only extra thing you need is the hanging straps sold separately, but you can use paracord or something similar if you don’t want to buy the straps.

Constructed from rugged ripstop nylon and polyester, the Lawson Blue Ridge Hammock Tent is built to last. Durable aluminum arch poles support the two ends to give a comfortable internal height of 42 inches, while spreader bars support the base of the hammock.

With just two tent poles and two spreader bars to fit, the hammock tent is very easy to set up, particularly if you buy the optional suspension system. The no-see-um bug screen is built-in, while the waterproof rainfly fixes directly to the hammock for security and ease of use.

Advantages

• Combines sleeping hammock and tent in one package
• Waterproof rainfly
• No-see-um bug screen built-in
• Easy to setup
• Seven and a half feet long internally

Disadvantages

• Less stable than a tent on the ground
• Small entrance
• More expensive than a simple hiking tent

Hammock Tent Buyers Guide

Hammock Size

Hammock tents are available in various lengths and widths. Narrow hammocks are available as singles, but doubles are also an option. However, you’d need to be very friendly with your sleeping companion if you use a double hammock. The base won’t be rigid enough to stop you from rolling together in the middle, which could lead to an uncomfortable night’s sleep. If you want a double hammock, carefully check how the design will stop you from rolling together.

Assuming a single hammock is more practical, then the length is the most crucial factor. Trying to sleep in a hammock with your legs curled up will be an uncomfortable and sleepless time. Make sure the hammock is long enough to accommodate you laying down. Some cheaper versions will reduce the length to save money. The Blue Ridge hammock tent is 7.5 feet long, so it should suit most people.

What will you use it for?

If you intend to go backpacking with a hammock tent, then the most critical factors will be size and weight. For general camping and just hanging out, the strength and durability of the materials will be paramount.

Material

When you check the material, look for the denier value, although not all manufacturers quote this. The higher the denier figure, the more robust material. If the denier value is missing, then check the weight capacity of the hammock tent. The Blue Ridge camping hammock tent does not quote the denier but states that the hammock has a maximum weight capacity of 275 pounds.

Suspension

In most cases, manufacturers sell the suspension system separately. You can hang the hammock without a suspension system using a paracord or something equivalent. Would you please ensure the cord is wide enough not to damage the tree bark if you suspend your hammock from trees?

When buying a suspension system, the most crucial factor is the weight capacity. It must be at least as much as your hammock tent. Some suspension systems offer pulley-style systems, others just a simple connection to the post. 

Comfort

As supplied, the Blue Ridge doesn’t have any kind of padding on the base. This is fine if you use it as a hammock, but it’s not the most comfortable if you erect the tent on the ground. There is plenty of space for a sleeping mat, and many people use them. We wouldn’t recommend anything thick or fluffy, as it may make entering and leaving the hammock more difficult.

Waterproofing

Depending on how you intend to use the hammock, this may or may not be necessary. Clearly, the hammock tent is designed for mild weather, but rain can occur even in the middle of summer, so it pays to be prepared. Most hammock tents will be supplied with a rain fly, but check the specification if you expect to be out in all weathers. Some rain flys will only be weather resistant, whereas more expensive materials will be waterproof.

Mozzie net

A mozzie net is essential in many places worldwide, and most hammock tents, including the Blue Ridge, come supplied with one. The best nets will keep out the dreaded no-see-ums, the minute biting insects that can get through standard mozzie nets.

Alternative to the Lawson Hammock Blue Ridge Camping Hammock and Tent

Crua Outdoors One Person Tent Hammock

At twice the Lawson Blue Ridge price, the Crua Outdoors tent hammock needs to offer something exceptional to rival the Lawson version. At first glance, it’s very similar, with a 10 pound greater weight capacity, at 260 pounds, built-in no-see-um bug screen and a waterproof rainfly, and an internal length of 7.5 feet.

The Crua is also supplied with a mattress and sleeping bag and offers some additional features. For example, inside the rainfly is aluminum lined to retain heat in cold weather and reflect the sun’s heat in the hotter months. Additionally, if you enjoy camping with friends, then you can zip multiple Crua hammock tents together when used on the ground. 

Setting the Crua up is just as easy as the Blue Ridge, with arch poles at either end of the hammock to support the bug screen and the rainfly if used. Strong spreader poles are supplied to keep the hammock base as flat as possible when suspended.

One downside to the Crua design is the sloping roofline. At the head end, the height is similar to the Blue Ridge, but it is only about one foot high at the foot end. Although it doesn’t affect your comfort too much, it does reduce the available storage and ease of access.

Overall, the Blue Ridge offers better value for money, but the additional features may justify the cost for some.

Advantages

• Includes a mattress and sleeping bag
• Aluminum lined rainfly 
• Connects to other Crua Outdoors hammock tents

Disadvantages

• Price
• Sloping design reduces space at the foot end of the tent

FAQs

Conclusion

The Blue Ridge Hammock Tent is an excellent alternative to carrying a standard tent and sleeping mat. It is relatively light, packs into a small bag, and has everything you need for wild camping. Add to that a waterproof rainfly, a built-in no-see-um bug screen, and you should have a comfortable night’s sleep. The only real downside is the price, but even that’s not too