5 Best Hammock Rain Flies for Your Carefree Outdoor Sleep (Spring 2023)

Hammocks are convenient for campers and hikers because they are light in weight, have a smaller footprint than tents, and are easier to set up. Including a rain fly for your hammock to your camping gear grants you not only more privacy, but also protective coverage against natural elements, such as rain, snow, sun, and wind, for comfortable outdoor sleep.

In our quest to select the best hammock rain fly, we reviewed some essential features you need to evaluate to ensure you get maximum value out of your purchase. Among the factors we evaluated are design, weight and dimensions, material, additional accessories, and other features. The size and weight of the hammock rain fly determine its portability, storage and the amount of coverage it will provide while its construction material will influence its performance and durability.

Our extensive research based on feedback from verified buyers, experts and authoritative sites resulted in this resourceful review which compiles the best hammock rain fly models, along with a detailed analysis of their features, pros and cons. In addition to the comparison table below which ranks the top models, we have incorporated an all-encompassing buying guide to provide you with a valuable reference on the most important features of a hammock rain fly and equip you with the tips and tricks you need to set it up and maintain it. This is followed by an FAQ segment and a summary of our top three picks.

Top 5 Hammock Rain Flies Review 2023

Tips on how to set up a hammock rain fly

• When attaching the ridgeline, ensure it is high enough for proper ventilation and low enough to extend past the hammock and cover it sufficiently.
• Note the direction of the wind so you can set the long side into it and keep the sides low.
• Pitch the rain fly taut with stakes and guy lines to prevent accumulation of water and buffer it against the wind.
• Setting up the rain fly over water sources and deep ridges or on mountain peaks is alluring because it appeals to our sense of adventure. However, it could quickly turn fatal in case of an accidental fall. Ideally, the hammock should be positioned a few feet above the ground.
• Confirm that the area below you has proper drainage that will not form a puddle around you and check for sharp objects on the ground underneath you.

Features to consider while choosing a hammock rain fly

The following are the features that will help you select the best hammock rain fly for your needs and personal preferences. We have included examples of models that will give you a better understanding of these features.

Material

A rain fly should be made of durable material that can withstand the natural elements as well as prevent tears and punctures that can cause leakage. It should also be light in weight for convenient portability, assembly, and storage.

Nylon and polyester are the main types of material used to make a hammock rain fly due to their light weight, durability, and affordability. They are coated with either silicone or polyurethane to make them waterproof.  Polyurethane coatings block harmful UV rays as well. To make the nylon or polyester stronger, the fabric may also be reinforced with fibers woven in a rip-stop pattern. The pattern also stops expansion and fraying of existing tears.

Nylon has a tendency to stretch when it is wet so you may have to keep adjusting the guy lines to keep the rain fly taut. You will also find PU-coated nylon more affordable than silicone-coated nylon.

Other materials used to make a hammock rain fly are polyethylene which is durable and inexpensive but heavy and noisy, and Cuben fiber which is the lightest material but the least common due to its high pricing. Cuben fiber is completely waterproof.

Weight and dimensions

With coverage being the main priority, it is important to evaluate and compare the dimensions of both the hammock and the rain fly to get the right size that will ensure maximum protection. It is recommended to go a size up on the rain fly so it can be larger than the hammock. For double hammocks, choose models such as RainFlyEvolution Bug Net or Hammock RAIN Fly Tent TARP and Roman Ventures Rain Fly for Hammock which are specifically designed to cover two hammocks.

Design

Rain fly models come in various styles and shapes which vary in coverage, configuration and number of anchor points. Common shapes include rectangle, diamond, hexagonal and catenary.

Rectangular shapes are bulky but better for extra coverage while diamond shapes are lighter and easier to assemble but provide the least coverage. Hexagonal designs have a wider surface area but they are pricier as well. Your choice will ultimately depend on the intended usage and your individual preference.

Accessories included

• Stakes: Although most models include them in the package, some may require a separate purchase. Aluminum is mostly used in stake construction because it is sturdy and light in weight.
• Guy lines and ridge lines: Guy lines secure the rain fly to the hammock while ridge lines support and shape the rain fly.
• Tensioners: They come with fasteners which allow quick adjustment of tautness for quick
• Survival kit: This equips you with additional resources that improve your outdoor experience. For instance, Rain Fly Evolution Bug Net or Hammock RAIN Fly Tent TARP comes with a 5-in-1 kit with a compass, whistle, flint firestarter, knife tool, and a 10.5-foot long paracord rope.
• Storage compartment: This could be a pouch, case, or a sack that keeps your rain fly safe from dust and moisture when in storage and makes it easier to transport it.
• Bug net: Models like the RainFlyEvolution Bug Net or Hammock RAIN Fly Tent TARP include a bug net for additional protection.

Warranty

An extended warranty can give you an insight into the quality of your intended rain fly and the lifespan you can expect from it. Some sellers will also offer money back guarantee for up to 90 days so you can test the model.

Extra features

• Stitches: Ensure that the seams are double-stitched and sealed or taped to prevent tears and leakage.
• Reinforced corners: Corners bear most of the brunt resulting from anchoring pressure so your intended rain fly should be fortified with triple stitching and a double material for an additional layer of protection against ripping and punctures.
• Reflectors: They improve visibility in dark or dimly-lit environment for assembly or to prevent tripping over the ropes. Foxelli Rain Tarp and Roman Ventures Rain Fly for Hammock are examples of models with reflective properties.
• Multiple guy points: They give you more options to configure your rain fly in different ways to suit your taste and needs. Legit Camping Rain Fly Camping Tarp has nine guy points which provide several options to assemble the rain fly to match the hammock and the environment.
• Grommets: They are convenient because they allow you to hang the guy lines and minimize the complicated knots. Ensure they are reinforced with triple stitches to prevent tears and rips.
• Color: If you are camping in the wild or woods where there might be wildlife, neutral tones are preferable for camouflage in order to On the other hand, bright colors will help you stand out on the beach or in snowy surroundings which is convenient in case you ever need to be rescued.

FAQ

Our Verdict

PYS Hammock Rain Fly Waterproof Tent Trap was our choice for the best rain fly for hammocks and tents due to its versatility, reasonable pricing, light weight, sturdy construction, and multiple tie-down points which give you a wide array of alternative configurations.

Rain Fly Evolution Bug Net or Hammock RAIN Fly Tent TARP comes as a complete package with tons of accessories as well as a resourceful 5-in-1 kit which equips you with survival tools for the outdoor environment. It provides expansive coverage for two hammocks and effective protection against rain, wind and UV rays. Stability is enhanced by the durable fabric, corners that have been reinforced with double layer technology and heavy-duty grommet.

Our budget choice, Foxelli Rain Tarp, ranked among our top three favorites of the best hammock rain fly models because it does not skimp on quality. Its popularity with buyers is attributed to its effectiveness and other convenient features, such as laminated stitching, LED flashlight, and extra-long guy lines and centerline. It is also the lightest model on our list.