Grand Trunk Air Bivy Hammock Kit Review

Bottom Line

With a great combination of comfort, ease of use, and price, the Grand Trunk Air Bivy is an appealing option for those who prefer the convenience of an all-in-one kit. We tested it throughout pine forests in Minnesota during the spring months and got great sleep. 

Although the kit doesn’t come with suspension, we found the included tarp to be high-quality. Not many budget tarps are a hex shape, and the included LineLocs on the attachment cords make setup quick and easy. The rest of the experience was great, with the hammock featuring one of our favorite spreader bars that lend a ton of interior space.

The biggest downsides we experienced were the lack of structural ridgeline and poorly designed gear loft. The ridgeline issue can be somewhat mitigated with careful hanging. The gear loft has very little support, leading to sagging and items falling out. Overall, though, the Air Bivy is a standout option for budget-conscious campers looking to purchase a hammock and tarp together.

For a wider look at the market – including other kits and standalone hammocks – check out our gear guide to the best camping hammocks.

How We Tested

We tested the Grand Trunk Air Bivy during a spring season in Minnesota. We camped in pine forests throughout the state, braving the seasonal thaw to evaluate comfort, features, ease of use, and more. We set up and packed away the hammock and tarp, got to know all of the features, and weighed all of the components (both separately and together) on our scale.

Comfort

In terms of comfort, the Air Bivy is on par with most other 10.5-foot, gathered-end hammocks. Sleeping in the forests of Minnesota during the spring, we had no problem getting a good night’s sleep. For reference, our tester is about 5’11”, which is near the upper limit for a 10.5-foot-long hammock.

That said, we did have some noteworthy complaints, the biggest of which had to do with the gear loft. With any weight in it, the loft sags down into the sleeping area. Additionally, because it’s just a flat piece of mesh with no edges, items slide out easily if you accidentally bump them. In the end, it was frustrating enough that we avoided using it entirely.

Aside from the gear loft, we found the lack of structural ridgeline to be a downside. Typically made of strong cord tied at the ends of the hammock, ridgelines are designed to prevent the hammock body from getting overly stretched lengthwise, which can lead to a “peapod” effect when you’re inside. This helps take some of the structural load off the hammock fabric, leading to a more comfortable experience. We definitely missed having one with the Air Bivy – we had to be more careful about setting it up to ensure a good sag. 

Features

Since this is a hammock-and-tarp kit, there are a few more features at work. All of the adjustable tarp cords have LineLoc buckles for easy tensioning, which makes staking it down easy. These cords are a nice length and feature plastic hooks on the end for looping around trees or other natural features if the ground is too hard or rocky for stakes. 

Most cheap hammock kits use square tarps to cut down on costs, but Grand Trunk opted for a hex-shaped design that shaves weight while maximizing coverage. The tarp itself is made of 20-denier silnylon that strikes a good balance between weight and durability.

The hammock body has a built-in, no-see-um bug net that zips open on one side. The netting is held away from the interior with two spreader bars at the head and foot ends, as well as a tensioning cord that runs to the trees. The system works really well, creating a spacious and comfortable interior (aside from the aforementioned gear loft).

Weight

At 3 pounds, 5 ounces for the hammock body and tarp, the Air Bivy isn’t winning any weight awards but is totally reasonable for its size and level of comfort. The body alone weighs 2 pounds, 2 ounces, and the tarp is 1 pound, 3 ounces. Grand Trunk offers basic daisy chain straps for another 12 ounces, or you could use standard webbing and a Becket hitch (the included carabiners make this easy). 

Ease of Use

With a relatively basic and straightforward design, the Air Bivy is quite easy to use. From the included LineLoc tensioners to the smooth zipper and sturdy spreader bars, nothing about the setup – other than the gear loft – was frustrating. That said, the system doesn’t include a structural ridgeline, so you’ll want to be mindful of dialing in the proper hanging angle. 

Should You Buy the Grand Trunk Air Bivy?

If you’re just getting into hammocking and want a quality kit that doesn’t break the bank, we wholeheartedly recommend the Air Bivy. Although it doesn’t nail everything, it gets enough right to keep most campers and backpackers happy for many seasons. The value proposition here is good, and we applaud Grand Trunk for making a product that is high-quality, reasonably lightweight, and approachable in price.

If you’re a more seasoned hammock enthusiast looking to upgrade, this probably isn’t the pick for you. There are plenty of lighter-weight, more feature-rich options available if you can spend slightly up. Alternatively, if you don’t mind purchasing a tarp separately, assembling your own setup comes with clear performance advantages, too – you can tailor each component to suit your preferences.

What Other Hammocks Should You Consider?

If the Air Bivy isn’t quite right for your needs, check out the alternatives below. Otherwise, our best camping hammocks gear guide covers the full gamut.

Onewind Tempest Review: If you don’t mind buying a tarp separately, you can piece together a cheaper, lighter, and more comfortable kit with the Tempest as your base. The Tempest has a structural ridgeline, a stuff sack that doubles as an interior pocket, and a bug net that can be stashed when not in use. 

Kammok Mantis UL Review: If the idea of an all-in-one kit appeals to you and you don’t mind spending up for improved performance, the Mantis UL is a standout. With our favorite hammock fabric and all-around excellent quality, the Mantis was quick to win us over. It’s significantly lighter than the Air Bivy and more comfortable to boot.

Hennessy Expedition Zip Review: The Expedition could be a better option for those who are rough on their gear. It features a sturdier 70D fabric and manages to check in lighter than the Air Bivy at 2 pounds 11.9 ounces. However, the Air Bivy gets the edge in usability and comfort, which are the more important considerations for many campers.