The cool thing about slacklining is that all you need to get started is a slackline kit and two trees. Slacklining is basically a tamer and safer version of walking a tightrope, but with less tension in the line (hence the name). Regular slacklining can improve your balance and coordination, strengthen your core, and help straighten your posture. Plus, it’s fun and can be super relaxing.

A slackliner (or “slacker”) walks across a 2-inch wide “mainline” that’s usually 50 feet long and suspended between two trees. When you’re just starting out, you can ease into the sport by using an overhead training line with a strap called an arm trainer looped over it that you hold with one hand on either end. Before you head out to the park to slackline, contact your local parks department to make sure it’s permitted—and always use tree protectors.

These slackline kits include everything you need to start slacklining (including those tree protectors I just mentioned), and most can be used by beginner and experienced slackers alike.

Best slacklines

Gibbon, Flow Line Treewear Slackline Set — $115.00

The German company Gibbon has been a big factor in making slacklining more accessible over the years—not just an activity for experienced climbers. They’ve even created a free slacklining app, the Gibbon Slacklines App (available for both iPhone and Android), which offers instructional videos, product guides, workouts, and even ways to connect with other slackliners. This slackline set is appropriate for beginners and beyond and includes a 25-meter mainline and two Treewear straps to protect the trees you use. Gibbon has made the webbing blue on one side and yellow on the other to make it easy to prevent twists when you’re getting things set up.

Pros

• Versatile for all experience levels
• All-inclusive (ratchets, lines, and tree protectors)
• Ergonomic ratchet handles
• App-compatible

Cons

• Heavy

ZenMonkey Infinity Slackline Kit — $79.00

Designed for intermediate and advanced slackliners, this slackline kit promises that at 100 ft. it’s the longest slackline out there. (With a mainline beyond that length, you’re considered to be “longlining,” which isn’t something to jump into if you’re a newbie.) This kit consists of the mainline, XL Ergo ratchet, tree protectors, a ripstop bag to carry everything, and an owner’s manual. Because the ratchet straps are more than eight feet long, trees with big trunks are no problem.

A happy customer wrote, “My first Zen Monkey slackline is in its fourth summer of being up constantly and is showing no signs of giving up. I expect much the same from the new infinity line.”

Pros

• Affordable
• All-inclusive (ratchets, lines, tree protectors, and bag)
• Extra long length
• Wide ratchet straps for wider trees

Cons

• More difficult for beginners

Sunnyglade, 50ft Slackline Kit — $37.00

This affordable slackline kit is designed for all skill levels and is easy to set up with the included step-by-step instructions. Included in the set is a 50-foot mainline, overhead training line and arm trainer, tree protectors, instruction manual, and bag to carry it all. An arm trainer is a short strap to hold onto that goes around the training line, which is the line suspended above your head that aids in developing your balance.

One of the many 5-star customer reviews includes this praise: “Amazing fun for the price and all equipment is heavy duty and very easy to assemble. Well worth it!”

Pros

• Beginner-friendly
• All-inclusive (ratchets, lines, tree protectors, and bag)
• Affordable
• Includes an arm trainer
• Easy to set up

Cons

• Some reviews say the line slips after frequent use

Gibbon, Independence Kit Classic — $405.00

Yes, this option is pricier than the typical slackline kit, but that’s because its stand-alone design includes two stainless steel A-frames to suspend the slackline from. You can set this up anywhere, whether or not any trees are nearby. Ground screws keep the A-frames secure. The structures are weather-resistant, so you can leave the whole setup installed permanently if you like. Included in the kit are two Slackframes, a Classic 15-meter mainline, and setup manual. (You can also buy the A-frames separately for $128 each.)

One of the many 5-star reviews notes, “This is a great way to set up lines in your backyard without the need for trees and or any other anchors. It’s an all inclusive kit and you can, literally, get off the ground quickly!”

Pros

• Portable
• No trees required

Cons

• Expensive
• More difficult to install

Barefoot Slackline, 50ft Kit — $25.00

Barefoot Slacklines was founded in Switzerland by a “network of climbers and adrenaline [lovers],” and they focus on a single product—this slackline kit, which comes in three neon colors. (Don’t worry, you don’t have to be an adrenaline lover to slackline!) This kit has everything you need to try slacklining: a 49-foot mainline, 1-inch overhead training line (which helps you balance as you’re learning), tree protectors, a how-to booklet, and a handy drawstring bag that fits it all.

One reviewer noted, “It only took about five minutes to set up and figure out how everything worked. … [Then] we did it for hours! It is so much fun.”

Pros

• Beginner-friendly
• Affordable
• All-inclusive (ratchets, lines, tree protectors, and bag)
• Bright patterns help identify twists
• Includes a training line
• Easy to install

Cons

• Some reviews say the ratchets lose quality over time

Best slacklines for beginners

ZenMonkey, Slackline Kit with Overhead Training Line — $72.00

This slackline for beginners works well for those new to the sport, as it includes an overhead training line and arm trainer strap to help you learn to balance and get your sea legs, er, slackline legs. The kit also includes a slackline, tree protectors, setup instructions and owner’s manual, and carry bag. At 60 feet, the mainline is 20 percent longer than what you’ll find in the typical slackline kit. Plus, the ratchet straps can accommodate thick tree trunks.

A happy customer shared, “I have used this hundreds of times within the past few months. … I set it up at parks all around my city and my friends and I have had a blast using it. …It’s very functional to use and a great activity to bring to a family gathering or with a group of friends at the park.”

Pros

• Beginner-friendly
• All-inclusive (ratchets, lines, tree protectors, and bag)
• Includes a training line and an arm trainer
• Ratchets can fit wider tree trunks

Cons

• Some reviews say the lines bleed color
• Some reviews say the ratchets lose quality over time

Exposed Gear, Slackline Kit with Tree Protectors — $40.00

At 60 feet, this slackline for beginners is longer than the usual 50 feet. The kit, which is a great choice for new and advanced slackliners, is available in blue and green, and its repeating print makes it easy to spot any twists in the line. In addition to the mainline, it includes tree protectors, a ratchet bag, drawstring storage bag, and instructional manual.

A reviewer who was very happy with their purchase wrote, “The build quality itself is stellar. It was very easy to set up, and brought loads of fun to my park day. Would highly recommend this slackline to anybody interested in trying out a new fun outdoor activity.”

Pros

• Affordable
• All-inclusive (ratchets, lines, tree protectors, and bag)
• Easy to install

Cons

• Doesn’t include arm trainer or training line

Oumers, Beginner Slackline Kit — $46.00

Newbies can get started with this affordable slackline for beginners right away, thanks to its easy setup. It includes a 50-foot mainline, overhead training line, tree protectors, an instructional manual, and a bag to carry it all. Plus, unlike a lot of slackline kits, this one has a few color choices to choose from: blue, orange, and green.

One reviewer noted, “First test run went really well and is nice having the training line above to catch your balance with. Had 3 different sized people use it. 110 lbs, 170 lbs and 260 lbs and worked great for everyone.”

Gibbon Slacklines, Travelline — $105.00

If you’re looking for a lightweight and compact slackline for beginners that you can easily carry in a backpack, the TravelLine from Gibbon could be the perfect fit (no pun intended). Included in the kit is a 49-foot mainline, treewear (to protect trees), and setup guide. (The free Gibbon Slackapp has even more info.) Bonus: The repeating print on the slackline makes it easier to tell if there’s a twist after you’ve set everything up.

A satisfied slackliner wrote a review to share, “This slackline was great for me to start on and work up to longer and thinner lines for highlining [slacklining at great heights]. The webbing is super nice and you can rig it anywhere!”

Pros

• Beginner-friendly
• Portable
• All-inclusive (ratchets, lines, and tree protectors)
• Easy to install
• App-compatible
• Bright patterns help identify twists

Cons

• No arm trainer or training line

Get Out! Slackline Beginner Kit — $37.00

Here’s an affordable slackline for beginners—and for those who have passed that stage. It includes a 50-foot mainline, overhead training line, tree protectors, and a drawstring bag to make everything easy to carry to your slacklining spot. Bonus: Get Out! is a U.S.-based, family owned company. (Also, every time you glance at the bag at home, the brand name will maybe encourage you to give your couch a break and “get out” there.)

Here’s one of many 5-star reviews: “The kit came with everything you need except the trees. My family loves using this when we go camping and what a great way to get everyone active and not just sitting there. I would recommend this to everyone that thinks they are in shape cause this is a core killer. I cannot recommend this enough.”

Pros

• Accommodates different experience levels
• Affordable
• All-inclusive (ratchets, line, tree protectors, and bag)

Cons

• Some reviews say ratchets lose quality over time

Zen Maestro, Slackline Kit 65ft Complete with Tree & Ratchet Protectors — $49.00

One of the nice things about this slackline for beginners is that you have two options: The green one doesn’t include an overhead training line and arm trainer, and the yellow one ($53) does. Once you’ve developed your skills enough, you can ditch the training wheels. Both kits contain a 65-foot mainline, tree protectors, ratchet protector, instruction booklet, and ripstop drawstring bag to carry it all.

One of the many 5-star reviews reads, “We found the set up to be very easy if two trees or posts were available. We have used this slack-line at home, on picnics, and camping. It’s great for many ability levels from beginner to advanced. … We love it and purchased a second one for our son going away to school.”

Pros

• Versatile for different experience levels
• All-inclusive (line, ratchets, tree protectors, and bag)
• Affordable
• Easy to install

Cons

• Some reviews say it broke due to cold weather

Hyponix, Slackline Kit for Kids — $50.00

While it’s marketed for kids, this slackline for beginners is perfect for both child and adult newbies. At 70 feet, it’s also much longer than average, although you can set it up to be much shorter than its maximum 65-foot line length. In addition to the mainline, you’ll get an overhead training line and arm trainer, ratchet cover, tree protectors, instruction manual, and a bag to carry it all. Bonus: The kit includes a 2-year “It breaks, we replace” guarantee—no questions asked.

A parent reviewer wrote, “It’s been up for over a month and we are happy with how it has held up outside in the sunshine and rain, and keeps tension. The kids play on the line daily and I appreciate the guide line at the top that goes along with it.”

Pros

• Beginner-friendly
• All-inclusive (ratchets, line, tree protectors, and bag)
• Bright patterns help identify twists
• Easy to install
• 2-year warranty

Cons

• Not suitable for intermediate/advanced users

Trailblaze, Complete Beginner Slackline Kit — $60.00

A 1-year warranty is just one of the great features of this popular slackline for beginners, which includes a high-visibility 60-foot mainline, overhead training line and arm trainer, ratchet cover, instruction manual, and a durable storage bag. Once you no longer qualify as the “complete beginner” named in the title, you can skip the training line and show off your skills.

A beginner slackliner wrote to share, “This is a fantastic option for a beginner slackline. We’ve been taking it camping these last few weeks and it’s been a hit! The lead line that you can put above the main line is really nice for those who haven’t yet tried this fun activity.”

Pros

• Versatile for different experience levels
• All-inclusive (ratchets, line, tree protectors, and bag)
• Includes a training line
• Easy to install
• 1-year warranty

Cons

• Some reviews say the tree protectors don’t hold up

Zero Gravity Slacklines, Slackline Kit — $53.00

One thing that stands out about this slackline for beginners from Utah-based company Zero Gravity Slacklines is the quality of the storage bag. Instead of a simple drawstring bag (which, granted, does the job fine), you’ll get a nylon, weather-resistant bag with a handle and zipper closure. The QR code on the front takes you to several handy instructional videos. The high-visibility mainline is 52 feet, and an overhead training line and arm trainer are included (but not in the “Normal” kit that’s $10 less).

One of the more than 150 5-star reviews states, “This slackline seriously has every feature you could want. I can tell that this will be the last slackline I’ll ever need to buy. I highly recommend this slackline to anyone who wants a great slackline at an affordable price!”

Pros

• Beginner-friendly
• All-inclusive (ratchets, line, tree protectors, and bag)
• App-compatible
• Easy to install

Cons

• Arm trainer and training line available separately

Flybold Slackline Kit — $65.00

With more than 1,700 5-star reviews, this slackline for beginners is a #1 bestseller at Amazon. The complete kit is pictured above, but the “essential kit” is also available for $40; the difference is that it doesn’t include the overhead training line, arm trainer, and ratchet protector. With both kits, you’ll get a mainline, tree protectors, instruction manual, and storage bag.

Here’s one of the many 5-star reviews: “This has been the best purchase for summer! Our entire family, parents, teenagers and preteens love using it. It’s a big hit when friends come over as well. Everything seems very sturdy, my husband weighs 300+ lbs and he’s been on it as well. We look forward to lots of fun with it, maybe even walking without the trainer one day.”

Pros

• Versatile for different experience levels
• All-inclusive (line, ratchets, tree protectors, and bag)
• Easy to install
• Affordable

Cons

• Arm trainer and training line available separately

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