Sweet dreams

Ticket to the Moon Lightest Pro Hammock £140

Hammocks. I love ’em for relaxing in, but for backpacking? Well, I’d never really thought about it. The TTTM range of backpacking kit has very definitely changed that. The ‘Lightest Hammock’ option that recently won an ISPO Gold Award weighs just 228g and fits in your palm, but for me the Lightest Pro option with a bug net was a pretty essential addition for warm summer nights – and still weighs just 550g. It’s made from parachute silk nylon and ethically handmade in TTTM’s own factory in Bali. To set up you need to find some trees pretty close together (3-4.5 metres for a comfy hammock position), but once you do it only takes a couple of minutes to hang with the Moon Straps (sold separately at £28 and weighing 216g). The hammock has an adjustable ridgeline, with a pocket pouch for keeping your phone and headtorch to hand. You’ll still need a sleeping mat unless you’re swinging between palm trees on a beach, as the compression under the sleeping bag can made your back cold in a hammock even when it’s quite mild, but essentially you can go lighter for cheaper compared with a backpacking tent set-up. Plus you can use it in the garden for chilling in. Or, with it being so portable, take it on holidays too. And if you’re worried about the unpredictable British weather, TTTM also produces a Lightest Tarp (£140, weighing 412g) that is designed to work with the hammock and keep you dry.

Verdict

A lightweight and more budget-conscious option for backpackers and those serious about relaxing. It comes with a 10-year guarantee too.

USED BY Jenna Maryniak, Trail deputy editor USED FOR 2 months