The Wise Owl Outfitters Kit is an affordable, easy-to-setup hammock designed for everyday use. Outdoor Gear Lab praised its comfort and simple end-gathered design that's ready in minutes, while a YouTube reviewer highlighted its spaciousness and ease of use during camping. The hammock features 210-thread count rip-resistant parachute nylon and includes two 9-foot Talon Hammock Straps Lite. However, reviewers noted concerns about the thin carabiners and limited strap adjustment options. This hammock is ideal for casual users seeking a no-fuss, budget-friendly option but may not suit those needing maximum durability or extensive adjustability.
Full review
Comfort in spacious design
The Wise Owl Outfitters Kit delivers a spacious and comfortable sleeping experience, measuring 9' long by 6.6' wide, which allows for a generous single-person setup or comfortable sharing between two people. Trish Matheny from Outdoorgearlab noted that the parachute nylon fabric is stiffer than other hammock materials tested, yet still provides ample comfort within its nylon construction. The fabric's machine washability in cold water on gentle cycle was appreciated, with the material becoming softer after air drying on a clothesline. The hammock's design accommodates both horizontal and seated positions, with users finding that aligning the hammock so feet are slightly above the head increases comfort. The 500-pound weight capacity supports two adults without disconcerting creaking or shifting during use.
Elizabeth Paashaus from Outdoorgearlab echoed similar sentiments, describing the parachute fabric as soft and comfortable against bare skin, with little difference in comfort between the simple end-gathered hammocks tested. The DoubleOwl's dimensions of 10' long by 6.5' wide were noted as spacious enough for comfortable sitting sideways or diagonal laying for napping. The material's feel was described as sturdy and lasting, with triple interlock stitching providing extra strength. However, the hammock's design doesn't fully accommodate two people sleeping comfortably, with one reviewer suggesting it works better for larger individuals or one adult with a child, rather than two adults sharing the space.
Setup simplicity and included accessories
Setup of the Wise Owl Outfitters Kit is straightforward and intuitive, requiring only two appropriately-spaced trees or anchor points to achieve a ready-to-use hammock in minutes. Trish Matheny from Outdoorgearlab emphasized that the end-gathered design is easy to set up without consulting instructions, and the included 9-foot Talon Hammock Straps Lite with D-shaped carabiners make the process effortless. The straps are constructed from material similar to a seatbelt, yet thinner in width, and the carabiners easily fasten without sticking open. The hammock's suspension system allows for five adjustment points for the carabiner on either side, offering enough variety to customize the setup for different preferences.
Shawn from Hikingwithshawn.com also highlighted the ease of setup, stating that the tree strap setup is very easy, with each end of the hammock having a short strap attached with a carabiner. He noted that the process usually takes about 5 to 10 minutes, and after doing it a few times, the setup becomes faster. The hammock's design does not include any rain cover or under quilt, but it is equipped with suspension straps that are easy to use and adjust, making it suitable for both camping and backpacking applications.
Durability and material construction
The Wise Owl Outfitters Kit is constructed from 210-thread count rip-resistant parachute nylon fabric combined with triple interlocking stitches for added strength. Trish Matheny from Outdoorgearlab noted that while the hammock is not the most durable design tested, it effectively withstands the test of time with its rip-resistant fabric and triple-stitched construction. The 500-pound weight capacity supports two adults without disconcerting creaking or shifting, and the tree-friendly 9-foot Talon Hammock Straps Lite included with the purchase are similar to thinner seatbelt material meant to securely hold the weight of two adults. However, the straps' material is described as thinner than that of some other brands, which may lead to decreased durability over time.
Elizabeth Paashaus from Outdoorgearlab also commented on the hammock's construction, noting that the triple interlocking stitching and smooth parachute fabric provide adequate durability for standard use. The straps were described as made of thinner webbing than some other brands, which could mean decreased durability in the long term. The carabiners included were noted as low quality, heavy steel with sticky gates that often require manual closing, and were recommended to be upgraded to light, aluminum, wire-gate carabiners for better performance and longevity.
Portability and packability
The Wise Owl Outfitters Kit is designed for portability, weighing 22 ounces and packing into a compact size of 8 inches tall by 5 inches diameter, making it easy to carry in a backpack or daypack. Elizabeth Paashaus from Outdoorgearlab noted that the hammock's weight is nothing to write home about and is on par with other similar end-gathered models. The compact size allows it to fit in a backpack or even a water bottle holder, and it can be packed in a mesh pocket without being noticeable. The hammock's packability is further enhanced by its ability to be easily folded and packed away, making it ideal for backpacking and camping trips where space and weight are considerations.
Shawn from Hikingwithshawn.com also emphasized the hammock's lightweight nature, weighing 29 ounces, which is considered light for a double hammock. He noted that the hammock is easy to get into its stuff sack, about the size of a large Gatorade bottle, and can be packed in a backpack or even in a water bottle holder. The hammock's portability makes it suitable for day hikes and emergency shelter applications, as it can be easily packed and carried without adding significant weight to the pack.
Adjustability limitations and strap issues
Despite the hammock's ease of setup and comfort, there are notable limitations in adjustability. The included straps only offer five different adjustment points for the carabiner to attach to on either side, which limits customization options. Trish Matheny from Outdoorgearlab noted that while the straps provide enough adjustment for various positions, they are not as versatile as other models that offer 15-18 loops over a longer strap length. The straps are described as a few inches longer than some straps tested but offer only five loops over their 22-inch length, making them less adjustable. This lack of adjustability can be a drawback for users seeking precise height control.
Elizabeth Paashaus from Outdoorgearlab also criticized the straps' adjustability, pointing out that they are a few inches longer than some straps tested but offer only five loops over their 22-inch length. She compared this to other models with 15-18 loops and 59-62 inch straps, noting the versatility lacking in the Wise Owl Outfitters DoubleOwl. The carabiners included were also noted as low quality, with sticky gates that often require manual closing, and were recommended to be upgraded to light, aluminum, wire-gate carabiners for better performance and longevity.
Versatility and user scenarios
The Wise Owl Outfitters Kit is best suited for camping, backpacking, relaxing, and even as an emergency shelter to pack in a day hiking kit. Shawn from Hikingwithshawn.com noted that he wouldn't use it for thru-hiking or longer backpacking trips because hammock camping compatibility is not always guaranteed at every overnight location. However, for shorter backpacking trips or day hikes where the need for shelter arises, the hammock is a good choice. The hammock's versatility is enhanced by its ability to be used as a day-use hammock in city parks or as a backcountry chill spot, with the included accessories such as bug nets, tarps, strap upgrades, and indoor hanging kits available for purchase to step up the hammock game.
Trish Matheny from Outdoorgearlab recommended the Wise Owl Outfitters Kit for those seeking a simple and comfortable hammock that can easily support the weight of one or two people, available for a price that doesn't break the bank. The hammock is described as perfect for everyday use and offers a classic end-gathered design that is intuitive and easy to set up. The included suspension straps and 500-pound weight capacity make it suitable for solo or couple use, while the affordable price point makes it accessible to a wide range of users.
Strengths
- +Affordable price point of $50
- +Easy to set up with included suspension straps
- +Comfortable enough for one or two people with 500 lb weight capacity
- +Spacious design measuring 9' long x 6.6' wide
Watch-outs
- −Thin carabiners raise durability concerns
- −Limited adjustments on the straps with only five different points
How it compares
The Wise Owl Outfitters Kit is the most affordable option, but it's less durable than the Grand Trunk TrunkTech Hammock due to thin carabiners and limited strap adjustments.
Rating sources
Our 4.1 score is the average of the 2 scored reviews above; 2 more reviewed it without printing a score and are not in the average. More about methodology.
