Kootek Portable Review

Kootek designed a well-constructed hammock with triple interlocking stitching, soft parachute fabric, and a voluminous 9.8 feet x 6.5 feet of lounging space. The included heavy-duty webbing straps offer a lot of adjustability, allowing you to sling long and short tree spans. This purchase is a no-brainer for the value you receive at such a low price.

Performance Comparison

Comfort

With end-gathered hammocks, comfort equates to size, which relates to how you pitch it. In the large size we tested, the Kootek hammock is one of the best double-wide hammocks in the bunch, albeit by narrow margins. It is the widest hammock we tested at 6.5 feet, beating the competition by anywhere from 1 to 5 inches. It's also one of the longer hammocks we tested, measuring a whopping 9.8 feet.

The fabric of the Kootek is the same soft parachute fabric we found in similar models. When you get into the lightweight end-gathered hammocks, you start to see more fabric variation. They typically save weight by using thinner material and smaller cuts. We like this parachute fabric for its soft feel on our skin.

The most comfortable reclined position is on a diagonal line rather than end to end. With a large hammock like the Kootek, it is easy to find a variety of comfortable positions. In smaller hammocks, the limited length confines your feet and shoulders and may even cut into the skin when you apply weight or pressure on the ridgeline.

In our tests, we had plenty of room to relax sideways, add in a friend, or two, or three kids. The width of this model allows the user to sit sideways with head support and plenty of fabric to spare. Overall, the Kootek's comfort rating remains at the top of its category.

Ease of Setup

One thing we like most about the Kootek is the inclusion of straps and integrated carabiners. These are high-quality, heavy-duty webbing straps with triple bar-tacked loops. Other models at even higher prices do not include straps of this quality (or at all). For day-use hammocks, this type of strap is our favorite; they are quick to set up and adjust, durable and confidence-inspiring, and wide enough to protect tree bark.

The Kootek Portable straps have 18 loops to attach the hammock to, compared to ENO's Atlas Strap at 15 loops, giving the Kootek slightly more adjustability. A few extra inches in strap length increase the versatility of your hang more than a couple of extra loops because it adapts to a greater range of tree sizes and extends the distance of how the hammock hangs weighted and unweighted.

The Kootek Portable uses a carabiner on either end to connect the hammock to the straps. The carabiners are fairly basic, inexpensive steel but easily support heavier weight loads.

At times, the carabiner gate would stay open without forced closure, but not frequently enough that it became a problem. These are always replaceable if you're more interested in a higher-end wire gate carabiner.

Durability and Protection

An open, day-use model will naturally rank lower in protection than an expedition hammock that comes with bug netting and a rainfly. However, there are still a few factors to consider when comparing this model and similar models.

Hammocks with wider fabric, like the Kootek, allow you to cocoon up inside, offering some protection from bugs and maybe a drizzle. Regarding waterproofing, the Kootek is water resistant, not waterproof. When doused with water, it soaked through completely, but the fabric only took roughly 10 minutes to dry in the sun. On hotter summer days, it is likely to dry more quickly.

The parachute fabric of the Kootek Portable is thicker than that of some ultralight models, so it can cut a bit of breeze while remaining pretty breathable. While this is great for summer days, it's not exactly insulating on colder days, so you may want to add in a blanket or pad to cut the chill.

If you are looking for a hammock to shelter in anything but the perfect weather, you'll want to add a bug net and tarp. Kootek Portable doesn't offer accessory options, but those from many other brands will work just fine.

We carefully inspected the stitching and construction in the hammocks we tested to determine a difference between the similarly designed, end-gathered day models. We expected to see more durable construction in the higher-priced models, but they all appeared to be pretty much the same. The Kootek and similar models all share triple interlocking stitching and parachute fabric that feels and appears to be of the same quality.

Versatility

A large end-gathered hammock is always a versatile camp item. They are often used for lounging and reading a book, watching a sunset with friends, or even napping at camp. The 500-pound weight capacity makes this hammock versatile for a few friends or kids to all pile into.

You can sit, lay, and lean in various positions in the Kootek, making it very multi-functional. Once you add a tarp and bug net to the setup, you will have a pretty heavy system that wouldn't be ideal for carrying on a backpacking trip. But it still has excellent potential for car camping and other trips where weight is not critical.

Weight

The Kootek Portable is nothing special weight-wise. At 23 ounces (not including straps), it is on par with other end-gathered, day-use models. And weighing only 37 ounces for the hammock and tree straps, we found it to be an acceptable weight and size for day use.

Due to its bulkier size, we probably wouldn't throw the Kootek in our packs for a multi-day backpacking adventure. Still, we will happily tote it around on day trips, down to the river, and even on overnighters where weight isn't as critical.

Should You Buy The Kootek Portable?

Even if the Kootek Portable were more expensive, we would still rank it up there with other industry-leading brands. Its quality and size are on par with more prominent models at a fraction of the cost. It is one of the few day-use models with tree protection straps included, saving you the effort and the additional cost of purchasing suspension straps separately.

What Other Hammocks Should You Buy?

If you're looking for a hammock to give you a comfortable place to relax at an affordable price, the Kootek Portable is one of our favorite options for day use. However, it is still marginally different from other similar models. The popular ENO Doublenest lives in a similar price bracket and offers a comparable level of performance in terms of comfort, ease of use, and durability. Another option worth checking out is the Grand Trunk Nano 7 if you're considering the affordable price tag along with a lightweight design that's easy to use. Just be aware that this hammock is limited in comfort, durability, and versatility.