Grand Trunk Nano 7 Review
Our Verdict
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Grand Trunk Nano 7 | |||||
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Awards | ![]() | ![]() | |||
Price | $70 List $54.95 at Amazon | $170 List $169.95 at REI | Check Price at Backcountry Compare at 3 sellers | $40 List $28.99 at Amazon | $30 List $29.95 at Amazon |
Overall Score ![]() |
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Star Rating | |||||
Pros | Ultralight, compact, soft fabric | Comfortable asymmetric design, budget friendly, package includes full shelter system | Spacious, comfortable, durable material, many colors and options | Comfortable, large, easy to use, versatile, surprisingly low cost | Affordable, lightweight, comfortable |
Cons | Narrow, less durable than some | More complicated set up, small rain fly, bug net is not removable | Suspension not included, fairly pricey | Not the lightest, sticky carabiner | Limited durability and protection, only moderately sized |
Bottom Line | A fantastic option for minimalist and ultralight campers where space and weight are the top concerns | The trimmed-down design of the Expedition offers a comfortable asymmetric shape and keeps both the weight and the price low | This time-tested hammock continues to be a comfortable, lightweight, and durable option for lounging and even backpacking | A great way to save money but still find all the comfort, simplicity, and webbing suspension straps that you expect from top hammock brands | A very affordable and easy-to-use hammock that provides a great entry point to try out hammocking without breaking the bank or the scales |
Rating Categories | Grand Trunk Nano 7 | Hennessy Expedition... | ENO DoubleNest | Kootek Portable | Grand Trunk Ultrali... |
Comfort (40%) | |||||
Weight (20%) | |||||
Durability and Protection (20%) | |||||
Ease of Set Up (10%) | |||||
Versatility (10%) | |||||
Specs | Grand Trunk Nano 7 | Hennessy Expedition... | ENO DoubleNest | Kootek Portable | Grand Trunk Ultrali... |
Measured Weight - Package (ounces) | 6.7 oz | 42 oz | 19.1 oz | 23 oz | 14.6 oz |
Measured Weight - Hammock Only (ounces) | 5 oz | 30 oz (hammock, bug net, suspension) | 17.7 oz | 23 oz | 10.3 oz |
Measured Weight - Hammock and Suspension (ounces) | N/A | 30 oz (hammock, bug net, suspension) | 31 oz with atlas straps | 37 oz | N/A |
Measured Weight - Shelter System (no stakes) | N/A | 42 oz (hammock, bug net, tarp, suspension) | N/A | N/A | N/A |
Capacity (weight) | 300 lbs | 250 lbs | 400 lbs | 500 lbs | 300lbs |
Hanging Straps Included? | No | Yes | No | Yes, 10' straps | No |
Hammock Size | 8'11" x 3'11" | 10' x 4.92' | 8'9" x 6'3" | 9'10" x 6'6" | 8'9" x 4'8" |
Size Compact | 5" x 3.5" | 9" x 7" x 4" | 8.5" x 5" x 4.25" | 9.8" x 7.4" | 8" x 4" x 4" |
Connectors | Wiregate carabiners | Polyester rope | Wiregate carabiners | Steel carabiners | Nautical grade carabiners |
Material | Ripstop Nylon | 70D Oxford Nylon | 70D High Tenacity Nylon Taffeta | 210D nylon | King Rhombic RipStop Polyester |
Construction | Single panel, triple-stitched anchor loops with connector threaded directly through loop. | Single panel double-stitched seam connection to zipper and 30D polyester No-See-Um netting. 3mm integrated ridgeline. 5mm cord connected to hammock anchor point to tie around tree strap. Dual stretch cord attachments to pull hammock body away at sides. | Three triple-stitched body panels, triple-stitched anchor loops with 7mm cord to connector. | Triple interlocking stitching | Mildew resistant, tear resistant |
Sizes / Colors | 2 colors | Multiple other sizes/configurations available under other Hennessy product names | 3 sizes, 59 colors/patterns | 1 size, 5 colors | 1 size, 3 color options |
Capacity (height) | Not stated | 6' | Not stated | Not stated | Not stated |
Accessories (compatible, not included) | Hanging straps, rain flys, bug nets | Tree straps, larger rain flys, insulation, "snakeskin" stuff sacks | Aluminum wiregate carabiners | None | Trunk strap, aluminum carabiners, stand |
Accessories (included with hammock) | Aluninum wiregate carabiners | Tree straps, 70D polyurethane coated polyester ripstop rainfly, integrated bug net | Aluminum, wiregate carabiners | Tree straps, steel carabiners | Stuff sack, carabiners |
Extra Accessories Tested | None | None | Atlas straps | None | None |
Our Analysis and Test Results
The Grand Trunk Nano 7 is one of the lightest hammocks we reviewed, at only 7.5 ounces. Made from rip-stop nylon, we genuinely like this compact piece of equipment and recommend it to backpackers looking for the lightest gear possible.
Performance Comparison
Comfort
Comfort is one of the places this hammock couldn't help but fall short of the rest of the pack. While it is a highly subjective matter, we did not enjoy spending nights in this hammock. It is very narrow, only 3 feet, 11 inches, which helps shed weight but reduces your ability to maneuver your body on the diagonal and achieve a flatter position. That said, after a hard day of hiking or travel, almost any hammock is "comfortable enough," and when shaving ounces counts, the Nano 7 may be worth it.
Weight
There is a reason why rip-stop nylon is found so often in lightweight backpacking gear. Whether a tent, backpack, or a sleeping bag, the low weight, thin material is ideal for the rigors of life in the outdoors. In addition to the material, the Nano 7 weighs so little because of a few key features that stand out from other lightweight hammocks. Instead of being designed with cord at the ends, the Nano 7 has wiregate carabiners passed through the gathered fabric, which reduces weight and bulk.
One of the tenets we found with hammock camping is that a good hammock doesn't so much answer the question "Why bring it?" but more appropriately answers "Why not bring it?" Being able to squirrel the hammock away in a back pocket or the lid of a backpack means that there is almost no inappropriate time to bring the Nano 7 along.
Ease of Set-up
The Nano 7 doesn't come with a suspension system, so even though set up is as simple as clipping carabiners into an anchor, without knowing what that anchor will be for you, it's hard to properly judge how easy the whole process will end up being. Because this hammock is not particularly long and the carabiners are attached to the ends of the fabric rather than extending out further with a piece of cord, it can sometimes be challenging to find good anchors when everything available is far apart. It's not a bad idea with this hammock to bring long, adaptable suspension system, which of course will add weight to your final package.
Durability and Protection
A plastic spoon is a fine instrument until it comes time to scoop out some very frozen ice cream. In the same sense, the Nano 7 does the job of a light and compact travel hammock extremely well, but if used incorrectly or in the wrong setting, you may be on the receiving end of some woes. Despite multiple nights in varying conditions, we were unable to find flaws in the construction, seams, or stitching, and though heavy use will inevitably cause a few tears or runs in any fabric, we were very satisfied with the performance of the rip-stop nylon build.
Wind is an issue when lounging or sleeping in the Nano 7, as an almost 4-foot-wide hammock is difficult to wrap around yourself and any breeze will be felt through the thin fabric.
Versatility
The versatility of the Nano 7 is not nearly what it is with the ultra-durable, highly comfortable parachute nylon double hammocks. When cutting weight down to a minimum, there are going to be losses in other areas. In this case, the limited size and lower weight capacity of 300 pounds mean that barring fairly small couples that don't mind being very close together, this is a one-person hammock. In addition, the thinner material, though plenty durable for a mature backpacker, is not a great piece of gear to let kids play in. However, an ultralight hammock also isn't meant to be the most versatile thing in the world. It's meant to serve a particular purpose, and the Nano 7 serves that purpose quite well.
Value
The Nano 7 is not the least expensive option out there but for those looking to bring along a hammock for added comfort on a backpacking trip without piling too many ounces into the pack, it is worth its price.
Conclusion
If you are one of those hikers or bikers that cut your toothbrush in half and have a spreadsheet with the weight of every article in your backpack, this might be the right hammock for you. For the rest of us, the Nano 7 is an amazingly light piece of niche gear that can add a lot of fun to anything from a day hike to an extended expedition. However, for serious weather and cozier lounging, you may want to upgrade to a larger model or add accessories.
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