Grand Trunk Nano 7 Review
Cons: Not large enough for taller sleepers, narrow throughout, rip stop nylon not as durable as parachute nylon
Manufacturer: Grand Trunk
Our Verdict
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Grand Trunk Nano 7 | |||||
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Price | $54.95 at Amazon | $155 List | $210 List | $160 List | $80 List |
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Star Rating | |||||
Pros | Light weight, compact, fairly durable | Spacious, comfortable, easy to set up and use, integrated bug net, customizable | The comfiest/flattest sleeping surface, optional integrated bug net and double layer bottom, large gear pockets | Versatile, ultra customizable, comfortable | Lightweight, spacious, easy set up, versatile for day use or backcountry shelter |
Cons | Not large enough for taller sleepers, narrow throughout, rip stop nylon not as durable as parachute nylon | Suspension sold separately, can't remove bug net completely | Suspension sold separately, not for the lightweight crowd, vulnerable to tipping | Can get pricey depending on options, ridge-line not removable | All components sold separately, can only use branded suspension system, pricey for the full system |
Bottom Line | The ultralight crowd will enjoy this uber-lightweight, simple, and portable model | This hammock gives you everything you want from a lightweight backcountry shelter | A creative design makes this model a great choice for folks who struggle to sleep in traditional hammocks | Design your own hammock and choose just the features you want for a versatile hammock that is comfy and adapts to any conditions | This hammock shelter is an excellent balance of versatility, comfort, and low weight |
Rating Categories | Grand Trunk Nano 7 | Warbonnet Original Blackbird | Warbonnet Ridgerunner | Dutchware Chameleon | Sea to Summit Pro Double |
Comfort (40%) | |||||
Weight (20%) | |||||
Durability And Protection (20%) | |||||
Ease Of Set Up (10%) | |||||
Versatility (10%) | |||||
Specs | Grand Trunk Nano 7 | Warbonnet Original... | Warbonnet... | Dutchware Chameleon | Sea to Summit Pro... |
Capacity (weight) | 300 lbs | 350-400 lbs depending on options selected | 200-250 lbs depending on options selected | 350 lbs | 400 lbs |
Hanging Straps Included? | No | no, can add onto purchase for extra $ | No, can add onto purchase for extra $ | No | No |
Hammock Size | 9' x 4' | 10' x 5.25' | 10'1" x 3' | 10'8" x 4'10" | 10' x 6'2" |
Size Compact | 5" x 3.5" | 10" x 4" | 15" x 7" | 12" x 6" | 4" x 6" |
Connectors | Wiregate carabiners | Whoopies/straps or buckle/webbing (sold separately) | Whoopies/straps or buckle/webbing (sold separately) | Beetle Buckle with webbing straps or whoopie slings with tree huggers (sold separately) | Buckles |
Material | Ripstop Nylon | 40D or 70D Nylon (depending on options selected) | 1.1oz/30D Nylon Double Layer | Hexon 1.0, 1.6 or 2.4 | 70D nylon ripstop |
Construction | Single panel, triple-stitched anchor loops with connector threaded directly through loop. | End gathered, asymmetric hammock, single or double layer fabric, zipper along 1 side, integrated bug netting. Storage shelf and foot box | Bridge style hammock made with one or two layers of 30D Nylon, bug net optional. | 1.6 oz Hexon, end gathered, continuous loops | Ripstop nylon, double interlocking stitching |
Sizes / Colors | 2 colors | 27 colors, 3 fabric layering configurations | 12 colors, 2 fabric layering options | 2 sizes/9 colors/3 fabrics, 31 printed patterns | 2 sizes, 4 colors |
Measured Weight - Package (ounces) | 7.5 oz | 27 oz hammock, bug net, webbing/buckle suspension | 36 oz hammock, whoopie sling suspension, bug net | 37 oz (double layer hammock, bug net, suspension) | 16 oz |
Measured Weight - Hammock Only (ounces) | 7.5 oz | 26 oz hammock, bug net, webbing/buckle suspension | 35 oz hammock, whoopie sling suspension, bug net | 25 oz (dbl layer) | 16 oz |
Measured Weight - Hammock and Suspension (ounces) | N/A | 26 oz hammock, bug net, webbing/buckle suspension | 35 oz hammock, whoopie sling suspension, bug net | 25 oz (dbl layer, webbing and beetle buckle suspension attached) | 19 oz |
Measured Weight - Shelter System (no stakes) | N/A | 42 oz with Mini Fly tarp | 52 oz with Mini Fly tarp | N/A | 42 oz (hammock suspension, bug net, tarp) |
Capacity (height) | Not stated | 6' | Up to 6' 4" | Not stated | Not stated |
Accessories (compatible, not included) | Hanging straps, rain flys, bug nets | Rain flies, bug net, carabiners, fish hooks, under quilts, top quilts, suspension systems | Rain flies, bug net, carabiners, fish hooks, under quilts, top quilts, suspension systems | Suspension straps, rain fly, bug net, top cover, side car pockets, ridgeline pockets | Suspension straps, Rain fly, bug net, gear sling, wider tree protection straps, |
Accessories (included with hammock) | Aluninum wiregate carabiners | Guylines, bugnetting, storage shelf, continuous loops (for attaching suspension system to), stuff sack | Stuff sack, continuous loops (for attaching suspension system to) | Continuous loops, ridgeline | Continuous loops |
Extra Accessories Tested | None | Mini Fly tarp, webbing with buckles suspension, | Mini Fly tarp, bug net, double layer fabric, whoopie slings, tree straps | Body layer 2, Beetle Buckle suspension, asym bug net | Rain fly, ultralight suspension straps, bug net |
Our Analysis and Test Results
The Grand Trunk Nano 7 was one of the lightest hammocks we reviewed, at only 7.5 ounces. Made from rip-stop nylon, we genuinely liked this compact piece of equipment and recommend it to backpackers who are 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. By design, it is very thin and narrow, which helps shed weight. That said, after a hard day of hiking or travel almost any hammock is "comfortable enough," and when shaving ounces counts, the Grand Trunk Nano 7 may be worth it. Campers over 6 feet tall may find their feet falling off the side when sleeping at a diagonal, which is the most comfortable and appropriate way to sleep in a hammock.

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 excess 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, 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 a 4-foot-wide hammock is difficult to wrap around yourself. Without a pad or a sleeping bag, an average-sized person could cocoon decently enough to avoid harsh sunlight or a gentle breeze for a short period of time. However, rain and a cold night mean that there is not much in between you and the elements. Overall, the Nano 7 offers fine protection for summer or fair weather but is lousy in a storm or poor conditions.
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, and 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 moderately priced, though it's not going to be for everyone. However, those looking to shave every ounce off of a heavy pack or jam a fun accessory into a carry-on will appreciate the small size and minuscule weight.
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.
— Penney Garrett & Maggie Brandenburg