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Wise Owl Outfitters Kit Review

This simple and affordable hammock is comfortable enough for two, easy to setup, and the suspension straps are included with your purchase
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Wise Owl Outfitters Kit Review
Credit: Trish Matheny
Price:  $35 List
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Manufacturer:   Wise Owl Outfitters
By Trish Matheny ⋅ Review Editor  ⋅  May 23, 2024
75
OVERALL
SCORE


RANKED
#8 of 20
  • Comfort - 40% 8.0
  • Ease of Setup - 20% 9.0
  • Durability and Protection - 20% 5.0
  • Versatility - 10% 7.0
  • Weight - 10% 7.7

Our Verdict

The Wise Owl Outfitters Kit is an affordable hammock that offers a classic end-gathered design that is intuitive and easy to set up. Simply locate two trees or anchor points and your hammock will be ready to go in a matter of minutes. The parachute nylon construction is rip-resistant and dries quickly when wet, while the triple-stitched design increases strength and durability. Though not the most versatile of the bunch, it is perfect 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.
REASONS TO BUY
Affordable
Easy to setup
Suspension straps included with purchase
Relatively lightweight
Comfortable enough for two people
500 pound weight capacity 

REASONS TO AVOID
Thin carabiners raise durability concerns
Limited versatility
Limited adjustments on the straps

Compare to Similar Products

 
Awards Best Buy Award
Best Bang for Your Buck
Top Pick Award
Best for Extra Soft Comfort and Versatility
   
Price $35 List
$29.99 at Amazon
$67.93 at REI
Compare at 2 sellers
$40 List
$19.99 at Amazon
$20.00 List
$21.99 at Amazon
$30 List
$29.95 at Dick's Sporting Goods
Overall Score Sort Icon
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Bottom Line This affordable design is perfect for day use thanks to a rip-resistant parachute nylon construction that features triple interlocking stitches for increased durabilityButtery soft ripstop fabric combined with durable climbing grade carabiners and Dyneema cord prioritize comfort without sacrificing too much durabilitySave money but keep all the comforts and ease of use of industry-leading models with this one-stop budget hammockThough this hammock provides a highly affordable option with suspension straps that are included with your purchase, the design lacks versatility and durabilityA 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 Wise Owl Outfitters... Kammok Roo Double Kootek Portable Anyoo Garden Cotton Grand Trunk Ultrali...
Comfort (40%)
8.0
8.0
8.0
7.0
4.0
Ease of Setup (20%)
9.0
9.0
9.0
9.0
9.0
Durability and Protection (20%)
5.0
6.5
5.0
4.0
4.0
Versatility (10%)
7.0
8.0
7.0
4.0
5.0
Weight (10%)
7.7
8.0
7.3
6.2
8.1
Specs Wise Owl Outfitters... Kammok Roo Double Kootek Portable Anyoo Garden Cotton Grand Trunk Ultrali...
Measured Weight - Hammock and Suspension 30 oz (double hammock, straps) 24 oz (hammock and straps) 37 oz (hammock, tree straps) 59 oz (hammock and straps) 22 oz (hammock, straps)
Measured Weight - Shelter System N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A
Maximum Capacity (Per Manufacturer) Weight: 500 lbs (double);
Height: Not stated
Weight: 500 lbs;
Height: Not stated
Weight: 500 lbs;
Height: Not stated
Weight: 660 lbs;
Height: Not stated
Weight: 300 lbs; Height: Not stated
Hammock Size (Per Manufacturer) 10'L x 6'6"'W 10'L x 5'10"'W 9'10"L x 6'6"W 8'10"L x 4"11"W 8'9"L x 4'8"W
Dimensions in Carry Case 9"L x 5"W 4"L x 5" W 10"L x 7"W 1'4"L x 6"W 8"L x 4"W
Suspension System Components (Included) Nylon cord and carabiners Dyneema Racer Slings and carabiners Steel carabiners Polyester rope and 2 carabiners Nautical grade carabiners
Construction Materials 210 thread, rip-resistant nylon GravitasX 40D diamond ripstop nylon, 100% recycled, bluesign® approved with DWR waterproofing + crinkle treatment 210D Nylon 70% cotton, 30% polyester King Rhombic ripstop polyester
Design Style End-gathered with 9 foot suspension straps End-gathered with dyneema cord, DWR waterproofing and crinkle treatment Triple interlocking stitching Tightly-woven cotton with wear resistant knots and nylon straps Mildew resistant, tear resistant
Sizes / Colors 3 sizes, 18 colors 1 size, 7 colors 1 size, 5 colors 1 size, 10 colors 1 size, 3 colors
Hanging Straps Included? Yes No Yes Yes No
Accessories (Included) Built-in stuff sack, suspension straps, storage sack, 2 carabiners Built-in stuff sack and carabiners Built-in stuff sack, tree straps, steel carabiners Carry bag, carabiners, and suspension straps Stuff sack, carabiners
Accessories (Compatible, Not Included) None Suspension straps, extenders, sun shade, bug net, portable stand, cup holder, gear sling, hammock sleeve, hammock organizer, hammock hanging kit None None Trunk strap, aluminum carabiners, stand
Extra Accessories Tested (Not Included) None Python 10 Suspension straps None None None

Our Analysis and Test Results

The Wise Owl Outfitters Kit features a traditional, end-gathered design constructed from 210 thread count rip-resistant parachute nylon. Along with triple interlocking stitches, it is strong and comfortable enough to support the weight of one or two people. The design also includes two 9-foot Talon Hammock Straps Lite with your purchase. These straps and the attachment points for the design are constructed from material similar to that of a seatbelt, yet thinner in width. This hammock is very easy to set up once you find two appropriate trees or anchor points, and it easily supports up to 500 pounds without any disconcerting creaking or shifting. If you're after a simple, affordable, everyday hammock design, the Wise Owl should be at the top of your list.

Performance Comparison


No complaints from our testing team, this hammock is comfortable and makes it easy to relax solo or with your significant other.
Credit: Trish Matheny

Comfort


The Wise Owl Outfitters Kit design features a strong parachute nylon fabric that we found to be stiffer than other hammock fabrics we tested. This spacious hammock measures 9' long x 6.6' wide, allowing for a spacious single-person setup or enough room to easily share the hammock with your sweetheart. While the suspension straps only offer five different adjustment points for the carabiner to attach to on either side, we found it was enough to offer a variety of positions so that you can still customize the setup.


The parachute nylon fabric is machine washable in cold water on the gentle cycle, and we found that washing the material increased the softness of the fabric after air drying it on the clothes line. Just be sure to remove the carabiners before attempting to wash. We also found that aligning the position of the hammock so that our feet were a little above our heads increased the comfort of the design, allowing for both horizontal and seated positions, depending on your preference. While not the softest material, the Wise Owl offers ample comfort within its nylon construction.

wise owl outfitters kit - this hammock is spacious enough to comfortably fit one or two people...
This hammock is spacious enough to comfortably fit one or two people thanks to its generous size and 500 pound weight capacity.
Credit: Trish Matheny

Ease of Setup


The Wise Owl Outfitters Kit features a simple end-gathered design that is easy to set up and ready to go in a matter of minutes. This hammock design is equipped with two 9' Talon Hammock Straps Lite that are constructed from material that resembles a traditional seatbelt, along with two D-shaped carabiners that easily fasten to the provided suspension straps without sticking open and reducing the strength of the carabiner.


While setting this hammock up during our spring testing period, we never felt the need to consult instructions, nor did any of the process encourage frustration. The Wise Owl Outfitters Kit simply requires two appropriately-spaced trees for its 9', tree-friendly suspension straps that can be girth-hitched to each tree before attaching the carabiners to the straps. If you're looking for an affordable design with a no-muss, no-fuss setup, this hammock won't disappoint.

This end-gathered design is simple and easy to setup.
Credit: Trish Matheny

Durability and Protection


Though the Wise Owl Outfitters Kit is not the most durable design we tested, it allowed enough space for two adults without any disconcerting creaking or shifting when swaying side to side. The design is secured by thick triple interlocking stitches combined with a 210-thread count rip-resistant parachute nylon fabric to provide increased durability meant to withstand the test of time.


The tree-friendly 9' Talon Hammock Straps Lite (included in your purchase) is similar to that of a thinner seatbelt material meant to securely hold the weight of two adults, thanks to its 500-pound capacity. The same material creates the attachment points of the end-gathered design for additional strength and durability. While the suspension straps, rip-resistant nylon fabric, and carabiners didn't show very much wear and tear during our spring testing period, the carabiners didn't inspire much confidence in their durability due to their compact size, which is not rated for climbing. That being said, if you're simply after a day use hammock that's available for an affordable price, this one can't be beat.

The thin suspension straps feature nylon material similar to that of...
The thin suspension straps feature nylon material similar to that of a seatbelt while the carabiner is rather minimal compared to other models that we tested.
The thin and flexible suspension straps are comprised of material similar to that of a seatbelt, while the carabiners are rather minimal compared to other models we tested.

Versatility


The Wise Owl Outfitters Kit is not the most versatile of the testing group. It does not have any extra attachment points for accessories sold separately, nor does it offer any option to convert into a backcountry shelter. This is more of a classic day-use design with an integrated stuff sack that can transition to being used as a pocket for small items but, unfortunately, cannot be closed entirely.


Though the hammock is big enough to accommodate a sleeping pad or underquilt inside the spacious interior, there are no attachment points to secure the sleeping bag or quilt should the wind pick up. Though not a hammock option that shines when it comes to overall versatility, it is the perfect affordable day-use option that comes in two separate sizes and nineteen different color options so that you can lounge in your favorite color.

wise owl outfitters kit - the suspension straps offer limited adjustability in regards to...
The suspension straps offer limited adjustability in regards to attachment points while the shorter length requires you to locate smaller and more closely spaced trees for setup.
Credit: Trish Matheny

Weight


Though the Wise Owl Outfitters Kit isn't the lightest double hammock design we tested, it is relatively lightweight and simple. Weighing in at 30 ounces, including the hammock and straps, it is light enough to throw in your daypack without weighing you down. The suspension straps are more flexible and packable than some of the other designs we tested, and at only 9 feet long, they require a little less space in the stuff sack.


Though this hammock is light enough to haul into the backcountry for an overnight mission, we found it best for day or backyard use, as it requires a little more space within our backpacks. The 8.5" x 5" packable dimensions were wider than some, though they remained relatively lightweight. Though not the lightest weight nor the most packable, the Wise Owl Outfitters Kit will easily fit into your daypack, or you can store it inside your vehicle for your next afternoon snooze.

wise owl outfitters kit - though the design is not the lightest that we tested, the hammock...
Though the design is not the lightest that we tested, the hammock and straps pack down to a compact size that is similar to a Nalgene bottle.
Credit: Trish Matheny

Should You Buy the Wise Owl Outfitters Kit?


The Wise Owl Outfitters Kit is perfect for those seeking a day-use double hammock that offers high value in exchange for its affordable price tag. The rip-resistant parachute nylon fabric combines with triple interlocking stitches to create a comfortable canopy for one or two people, with enough durability to last for multiple uses. The 9-foot-long suspension straps are included with your purchase and easily girth hitch around the tree while offering just enough options to customize your hang. The end-gathered design is intuitive and easy to set up while remaining quite packable, whether lounging around the campsite or simply hanging in your backyard. For the price, this hammock doesn't disappoint.

wise owl outfitters kit - this hammock is a great option for those seeking affordable...
This hammock is a great option for those seeking affordable performance in a variety of color options.
Credit: Trish Matheny

What Other Hammocks Should You Consider?


If the highly affordable design of the Wise Owl Outfitters Kit piques your interest, but you're keen on suspension straps with more adjustability, check out the Kootek Portable. This hammock is another favorite of our testing team when it comes to affordable performance. It also offers thicker suspension straps that supply more adjustability so you can better customize your setup. Another great option for your consideration is the Kammok Roo Double, which supplies a sleek and thoughtful design with a noticeably softer canopy, thanks to its GravitasX 40D diamond ripstop nylon. The fabric not only prioritizes comfort but is also 100% recycled and Bluesign-approved, meaning it is designed without any harmful dyes or chemicals near your skin. Looking for hands down, top-notch comfort in a backcountry shelter? Check out our favorite, the Warbonnet Ridgerunner. Though more of an investment, this hammock provides backcountry comfort that sets it apart from the rest.

wise owl outfitters kit - though not the lightest hammock that we tested, the design easily...
Though not the lightest hammock that we tested, the design easily fits into our 40 liter day pack for an afternoon in the great outdoors.
Credit: Trish Matheny

Trish Matheny