Wise Owl Outfitters DoubleOwl Review

Wise Owl offers another solid end-gathered hammock. Amongst the plethora of similar hammocks on the market, we selected this one to test because of its included tree straps, low price, and good feedback from users.

We found it to be every bit as comfortable as models like the ENO Doublenest and Kootek Double, with wide, soft parachute fabric. The included straps make the already low price even better, but their lack of adjustability, with only five loops, isn't as appealing as some other options out there. Overall, we highly recommend the DoubleOwl as an alternative when looking for your perfect color combo at a low price.

Performance Comparison

Comfort

As with other end-gathered hammocks, the comfort comes down to the size and pitch of the hammock. The DoubleOwl measures in the upper end of the hammocks we tested at 10' long by 6.5' wide.

This model is plenty spacious enough to comfortably sit sideways or get a nice diagonal lay for napping. The soft parachute fabric feels nice against even bare skin. During testing, we found very little difference in the comfort of the simple end-gathered hammocks.

Weight

The DoubleOwl's weight is nothing to write home about. It weighs 22 ounces, on par with other similar end-gathered models we tested. Once you add in a tarp and bug net for protection, it's going to make a pretty hefty package. It probably isn't the hammock to choose for longer backcountry adventures when weight is critical. But for short overnights, days at the crag, or lounging in the park, we wouldn't hesitate to throw it in the bag.

If you are looking for an ultralight hammock, check out some of the minuscule models in our review.

Durability and Protection

The protection provided by a standard end-gathered hammock with no additional accessories is, of course, not going to be as good as that provided by the expedition models we tested. The voluminous fabric, however, does provide some protection from the sun, bugs, and a drizzle if you cocoon up in it.

Along with their comfy hammocks, Wise Owl offers a line of affordable accessories to step up your hammock game from day-lounging to overnight sheltering.

Like all the other similar models, the DoubleOwl is constructed of a smooth parachute fabric with triple interlocking stitching. We tried but really couldn't discern a difference between the fabrics and construction of any of the standard end-gathered hammocks.

The straps from Wise Owl are made of a thinner webbing than those from some brands, and so they might be a little less durable in the long term.

Ease of Set Up

Included straps make the DoubleOwl a breeze to set up. They make use of the popular style of webbing with sewn-in loops for quick and easy adjustment. A carabiner on either end of the hammock allows you to clip into these loops and get right to relaxing.

The carabiners were of a similar low quality to those of the other budget hammocks in our review. They are heavy, steel carabiners with a sticky gate that often requires closing manually. We recommend upgrading to a light, aluminum, wire-gate carabiner that you can get from your local climbing shop.

Versatility

A 400-pound weight capacity gives you the option to invite a buddy in without the fear of rejection.. we mean rejection by the hammock, we can't speak to your friend's interest in sitting in a hammock with you.

One thing we aren't enamored with about the DoubleOwl is the versatility of the straps. They are a few inches longer than some straps we tested but offer only five loops over their 22" length, making them less adjustable. Compare this to the 15-18 loops and the 59-62 inch straps of other models, and you will certainly find the versatility lacking. The Wide Owl straps had us frequently trying to hang the hammock, just to discover that it was too loose, but we were out of adjustability and couldn't easily tighten it. Wise Owl offers longer straps with more loops for an additional cost.

For overnight excursions, Wise Owl offers bug nets and tarps at a lower cost than many top brands, though we didn't test these.

Value

The DoubleOwl is inexpensive enough to give it a try even if you aren't sure you will like hammocking. With a bargain price for both the hammock and straps we find it to hold a lot of value, but feel that the Kootek offers more value with better straps and a lower price.

If you can't find the color you want from another brand or just love the cute little owl on the logo, give Wise Owl a try. It offers just as much comfort as any other standard end-gathered hammock we have tested.

Conclusion