ENO DoubleNest Review

The ENO DoubleNest remains one of the most popular hammocks on the market. The fairly small packing size fits easily in a pack, and the generous width is comfortable for extended naps and overnights. It's a basic hammock without any of the frills of some of the other models we tested, but, like comfort food, there's a reason you keep wanting to go back for more.

Performance Comparison

Comfort

Wider and longer hammocks are often more comfortable, and the DoubleNest is no exception. The parachute nylon fabric feels great, even against bare skin, and the added width, compared to most models we tested, makes cocooning in the hammock easier. While we don't love sleeping as a couple in any hammock, we found that lounging as a pair is easy and enjoyable in the DoubleNest. When hammock camping with a significant other, our testers enjoy being able to wake up and sip coffee in a double together and curl up in our sleeping bags at sunset before crashing in individual hammocks. The real beauty of a wide hammock is in the ability for one or two people to lounge in it and one person to sleep.

The only thing that lowers the comfort score of the DoubleNest is the length; at 8 feet, 9 inches, it isn't short but is shorter than the somewhat agreed-upon industry ideal length of 11 feet. While it is certainly a satisfying place to relax, the gathered ends are closer to your feet and head, restricting space more than they would if the fabric were longer. An asymmetric design could also help achieve a flatter lay but would then reduce its versatility.

Weight

At 19 ounces, the DoubleNest is a reasonable weight for a hammock so large. It's not as heavy as some, but there are certainly lighter options that are just as comfortable. The included aluminum carabiners are a nice touch that not only reduces the weight when compared to the cheap, heavy steel carabiners included with many less expensive but similar end-gathered models but also adds to the value of your purchase. Folks who plan to use the DoubleNest primarily as a day hiking, campout, backyard hammock with occasional backpacking trips should have no concern about the weight. But if you are looking for a primary backcountry shelter, once you add in the straps, tarp, and bug netting, the DoubleNext can get a bit weighty.

Durability and Protection

An open model hammock like the DoubleNest can only provide so much protection from the elements by itself. It's no match for an expedition set up that comes with a bug net and rain fly, as well as the hardware to set it all up. But in warmer months, with a sleeping pad and bag, you can get cozy, and the benefit of a double model is that, with only one person in it, there's extra fabric available to wrap up in like a cocoon. Narrow ultralight models don't have that luxury.

A great upgrade that ENO offers for all of its hammocks is the OneLink Shelter System. When you get this system, your hammock comes in a larger stuff sack with suspension, a bug net, and a tarp - so you're ready to go in more serious weather but can leave those elements behind when you don't need them.

As far as durability goes, this is a well-made hammock with three triple-stitched body panels and triple-stitched anchor loops. With proper care, we see no reason why the DoubleNest won't last you for years, making it a great casual starter hammock that can be upgraded if you decide to venture out in more serious terrain and weather.

Ease of Set Up

Setting up the DoubleNest, as with the set up of most end-gathered hammocks, is uncomplicated and dependant more on the suspension system you choose than the hammock itself. The 'mock needs to be simply clipped into your straps. ENO does not include a suspension system with their hammocks. They do, however, offer a variety of hanging options that you can upgrade to. They have straps with sewn loops that you can simply clip the included carabiner to, whoopie slings that allow for sliding tension adjustment without unclipping, and even indoor hanging hardware.

Versatility

A wide hammock is always a versatile product, even though we would not recommend sleeping as a pair in one. Many times, hammocks are used in camp for lounge activities such as sitting and watching the sunset or reading a book under a tree, as well as for sleeping. For these uses, the DoubleNest is great, and the 400-pound capacity makes it ideal for kids to play in and for a few friends to pile into.

So long as upgrades are purchased for weather or bugs, this hammock is one we would have no problem recommending for three or four-season use, as it easily holds a variety of sleeping bags and pads. Upgrading to a package is also a fantastic idea if you plan to push into more varied environments or cooler months. Only its weight holds it back in terms of versatility. It won't be able to go along with folks who are trying to reduce their pack weights.

Value

The ENO DoubleNest used to be very competitive in the hammock market, but you can get parachute hammocks for much less from many manufacturers these days. Though not all hammocks are created equally, we feel it's worth noting that the ENO DoubleNest maintains a durable material and construction that won't fall apart after a single season of use. If you're looking for an open, double hammock from a tried and true brand, the ENO DoubleNest might be the right choice for you. However, if you're hoping to save a few bucks aren't married to the brand, you may want to shop around to find a very similar option at a fraction of the price.

Conclusion

The ENO DoubleNest is a deservedly popular hammock that is comfortable for a single camper to sleep in or for a couple to get cozy and stargaze. The weight and size are small enough to make it a viable backpacking shelter when paired with a tarp, yet its size and comfort allow it to also be your favorite spot to relax in the front country.

Other Versions and Accessories

ENO offers many sizes, colors, and accessories that will suit the needs of diverse users, from casual backyard loungers to long-distance hikers counting their ounces.