ENO JungleNest Review

Our testers enjoyed their time in the Junglenest and feel like ENO has made a good move towards high-end overnight hammock design. Previous ENO models tended to be comfortable but heavy, or light but restrictive, or somehow just not quite right for backountry use. The Junglenest offers features sought after by the most experienced hammock campers. Read on to see how ENO has stepped up their game.

Performance Comparison

The temperatures were chilly and we still had some snow on the ground but our tester stayed warm in her cocoon of down, swinging above the wet dirt.

Photo: Elizabeth Paashaus

Comfort

The design of the Junglenest is a standard end-gathered one. It is about average in length at 10-feet and a little narrower than some of the wide day-use models but on par in width with most backcountry models. Therefore it's comfort ranks with some of our other favorite end-gathered models. It's large enough to get a nice diagonal position for a fairly flat lay but there are no special features that add to the comfort.

Something we really love is the combination of a ridgeline and a spreader bar on the bug netting to open up the interior space. You still can't really sit up fully, pretty common in hammocks, but the space feels so open that rainy evenings inside the hammock are going to be a lot less confining. Because of the ridgeline, the Junglenest can also be used without the bar if you want to drop an ounce or so.

Weight

The Junglenest weighs 20 ounces for the hammock and bug net plus another 4 ounces for the Helios suspension straps. If you pair that with an 18-ounce tarp like the ENO Profly Sil you'll come in right around 42 ounces, similar to the ENO Sublink system, Warbonnet Blackbird, and Sea to Summit Pro Double system.

You'll find room in the stuff sack to add in your Helios suspension straps but your tarp will need to be packed separately.

Photo: Elizabeth Paashaus

Ease of Set Up

The Helios straps make suspending the Junglenest a breeze, that is, assuming you have the Helios straps. An aluminum toggle on each end of the 'mock slips into a small loop at the end of the whoopie-sling style straps. Without this specific suspension systems, you can tightly thread a carabiner through the small amount of spare cord at the toggle and hang with another type of suspension strap, but it's not ideal. We always wish that the suspension straps were included when the hammock is designed to integrate specifically with that system.

Durability and Protection

We rated the Junglenest above average for its durability and protection. The integrated bug net with ridgeline offers respite from insects while still giving you space to move about inside. While the hammock shape works well with the ENO under quilts, there aren't any clips to keep the underquilt in place and we found ourselves wiggling out of it in the night and having to unzip the net, reach out, and pull the insulation back into place.

The Junglenest is a lightweight hammock and therefore needs gentle care and warm hugs. The fabric is not as fragile as some of the ultralight models we tested but you want to be careful of snagging it on sticks or anything sharp that might make its way into the hammock with you.

Paired with a cozy underquilt and a lightweight tarp from ENO or another brand, the Junglenest makes a protective cocoon for your all-weather camping trips.

We don't know how this tear happened but it's a reminder that lightweight hammocks are prone to snags and need to be treated kindly.

Photo: Elizabeth Paashaus

Versatility

Our favorite kind of hammock bug netting is one that zips on and can be fully removed or at least tucked all the way back for wide-open access and views. The bug net on the Junglenest can't be removed but does unzip all the way down both sides and tucks into the stuff sack at the end making a weird little bubble.

While you won't have the flexibility to leave the bug net behind or remove the ridgeline for unimpeded chilling, we feel that the extra comfort offered over the Sublink without incurring any extra weight in the entire system makes up for this lack of versatility for most backcountry users. However, if you want to be able to pop the hammock in your fanny pack for a quick trail run followed by a nap, the Junglenest isn't going to be compact enough for that.

A 300-pound weight capacity makes it about average among end-gathered backcountry models. The Junglenest should be able to support lounges with a friend granted you only invite your smaller buddies around.

Tucking the netting away in the attached stuff sack makes the Junglenest feel more approachable for lazy days in the backyard and easier to get in and out of on trips where bug don't come buzzing around.

Photo: Elizabeth Paashaus

Value

Is this the best hammock out there with all the top features? No, but it gets extremely close and for a much lower price tag so we feel the value of the ENO Junglenest to be especially high. Comparable models that offer a few extra features, added length, or additional customization start around $50 higher. Keep the Junglenest on your research list if you are looking for a budget model that has most of the features and comfort you'd want in a backcountry shelter hammock.

Conclusion

On the whole, we think ENO did a bang-up job with their newly designed Junglenest hammock. If we had to sum it up in as few words as possible, we would say "on-par". The comfort ranks average among similar models, it incorporates a ridgeline for better tensioning and livable space, and the bug net that tucks fully back adds to the versatility. Other specialized hammock brands have been making models like this for some time and can offer additional features or customization options but only the Hennessy, while lacking versatility, can touch the price of the Junglenest. If you are looking for a light hammock for overnight use that keeps the price low and the comfort and versatility fairly high, take a close look at the ENO Junglenest.

If you are handy with a needle and thread, you could add a few hooks to the sides and secure your underquilt in place for a hassle free night's sleep.

Photo: Elizabeth Paashaus