2021’s Best Outdoor, Garden & Backyard Hammocks

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How to Pick the Right Hammock

It’s not easy to pick out a perfect hammock, especially because there are so many to choose from these days, but whether you’re looking for a backyard hammock, camping hammock, backpacking hammock or some other version, this Guide to Amazon’s Top-Rated Hammocks for 2021 is sure to please.

We’ve reviewed all of Amazon’s top sellers, scoured through Amazon’s verified reviews, and compiled this list of the ten best hammocks for 2021 to help prevent you from making any mistakes while shopping for your next hammock.

Woman in Blue Tank Top Lying on Blue and Green Stripped Hammock

Below you’ll find our list of the best-reviewed hammocks for 2021, then a detailed explanation of what hammocks are, where they came from, and what sorts of options are available to modern shoppers. You might be surprised to find out just how varied hammocks can be!

To help you navigate through this content quickly, here’s a breakdown of the most important content areas covered by this post:

Table Of Contents

Amazon’s Top Rated Hammocks

1.  Newdora Parachute Nylon Hammock

Overall Score: 4.6/5

Pros

The Newdora Parachute Nylon Hammock is a versatile, lightweight (17 ounces) hammock that can be used for hiking, camping, and even in your own backyard. Made from super strong and easy-to-clean materials, this hammock can accommodate up to 2 adults comfortably and even comes with a storage pouch that can double as a bag for carrying small items like keys, sunglasses, and water bottles.

Cons

While definitely a great value, some users have reported less than ideal quality control from this specific Hammock. However, with 24-hour customer service and a 1-year warranty, if you do receive a hammock that is not up to your standards, you can easily request a return or exchange.

  • Value: 5/5
  • Comfort: 5/5
  • Weight: 4/5
  • Portability: 5/5
  • Strength: 4/5
  • Capacity: 4/5

2.  Anyoo Garden Cotton Hammock

Overall Score: 4.7/5

Pros

Made from 100% pure cotton and featuring a sturdy steel frame and an easy-care polyester pad and pillow, the Anyoo Garden Cotton Hammock is one of the best backyard hammocks money can buy. Light enough to move to any spot in your backyard and strong enough to support up to 450 lbs., this hammock definitely deserves your consideration.

Cons

The lightweight nature of this hammock makes it susceptible to tipping over, so it’s best to be careful while getting into it. Also, it would be a good idea to secure it during times of bad weather, as high winds might move it to a different location in your yard.

  • Value: 4/5
  • Comfort: 5/5
  • Weight: 5/5
  • Portability: 5/5
  • Strength: 4/5
  • Capacity: 5/5

3.  MsForce Double Camping Hammock

Overall Score: 4.6/5

Pros

The MsForce Double Camping Hammock is made from ultra-strong, ultra-light 240T nylon that’s waterproof, windproof, and capable of supporting up to 1,500 lbs. Because of its lightweight build (1.43 lbs), the MsForce Double Camping Hammock can be taken anywhere and can double as both a camping tent and tarp when needed. Finally, this hammock also happens to be one of the easiest hammocks to set up and comes with 2 heavy-duty Carabiners and 2 long Tree Straps, which add to this product’s versatility!

Cons

Because this hammock places such an emphasis on versatility and durability, some areas, such as comfort, are not up to par with other items on this list. That being said, versatility is still a huge selling point for this item.

  • Value: 5/5
  • Comfort: 3/5
  • Weight: 5/5
  • Portability: 5/5
  • Strength: 4/5
  • Capacity: 5/5

 

4.  Hammock Sky Brazilian Double Hammock

Overall score: 4.6/5

Pros

Built with tightly woven, long-lasting cotton threads, this hammock truly gives the customer the feeling of being in a “cocoon of weightlessness”. Built-in the Brazilian style, this hammock features a lifetime warranty and is child and pet-friendly. As a bonus, this hammock also comes with a free bag for easy transportation.

Cons

While supremely comfortable, this hammock is not quite big enough for 2 average-sized adults. So, if lounging with a friend or a significant other tops your list of “things you want to do on a hammock”, you might be better off picking a larger hammock from this list.

  • Value: 5/5
  • Comfort: 5/5
  • Weight: 5/5
  • Portability: 5/5
  • Strength: 4/5
  • Capacity: 3/5

5.  Sorbus Brazilian Double Hammock

Overall Score: 4.7/5

Pros

This Brazilian-style hammock is super easy to relocate and is big enough to fully accommodate two healthy-sized adults. Made from a colorful blend of polyester and cotton, the Sorbus Brazilian Double Hammock is not only comfortable but also durable enough to not stretch or rip under pressure.

This hammock offers one of the best values for shoppers looking for hammocks that offer a “cocoon” effect while lounging.

Cons

Some users have reported receiving faulty hanging ropes with their hammocks that were prone to breaking. Because of this, we recommend inspecting the ropes when your hammock arrives to ensure structural integrity.

  • Value: 5/5
  • Comfort: 4/5
  • Weight: 5/5
  • Portability: 5/5
  • Strength: 3/5
  • Capacity: 5/5

6.  Lazy Daze Hammock

Overall Score: 4.6/5

Pros

With its expertly welded steel stand, the Lazy Daze Hammocks are one of the largest, most robust, and sturdy hammocks on this list. Big enough for 2 full-sized adults (and perhaps a child or pet), these hammocks are sure to be a family favorite for years to come.

Cons

While the base is made of sturdy steel, some users have reported some quality concerns with the welding, as some units have demonstrated susceptibility to rusting at the joints.

  • Value: 4/5
  • Comfort: 4/5
  • Weight: 4/5
  • Portability: 5/5
  • Strength: 5/5
  • Capacity: 5/5

7.  ENO Camping Hammock

Overall Score: 4.9/5

Pros

The Eagles Nest Outfitters DoubleNest Hammock is a durable, versatile, and ultra-lightweight hammock that’s perfect for camping and hiking. Made from 70D High Tenacity Nylon Taffeta and weighing in at only 19 ounces, you can take this great hammock with you anywhere.

Cons

One important thing to note about this hammock is that Eagles Nest Outfitters uses “every bit of fabric available in production” to create its hammocks. This means each hammock will have some aesthetic differences between them, so you’ll never quite know what you’re getting. However, this practice ensures that no materials go to waste during the making of each hammock, so the trade-offs are well worth it.

  • Value: 4/5
  • Comfort: 4/5
  • Weight: 5/5
  • Portability: 5/5
  • Strength: 4/5
  • Capacity: 5/5

9.  SunnyDaze Décor 2 Person Quilted Fabric Hammock

Overall Score: 4.4/5

Pros

This quilted hammock features polyester material that is dye-treated for UV-resistance and hardwood spreader bars for stability and style. This hammock also fits 12 or 15-foot hammock stands and can be hung in spaces ranging from 11-15 feet. Included with your purchase are great accessories like a detachable pillow and zinc-coated 9-inch chains and two 2 inch S-hooks.

Cons

Some users have reported issues with the cord fraying after only a few uses, which is not ideal. However, this hammock is still a tremendous value for what you get — just be sure to check to cords from time to time to see if they need to be returned or replaced.

  • Value: 4/5
  • Comfort: 4/5
  • Weight: 4/5
  • Portability: 5/5
  • Strength: 3/5
  • Capacity: 4/5

10.  TOUCAN OUTDOOR Cotton Rope Hammock

Overall Score: 4.4/5

Pros

Hand-woven from soft cotton and high-quality UV-resistant polyester rope, this hammock is one of the lightest and most comfortable hammocks on our list. This hammock also comes with hardwood spreader bars to help provide extra security and stabilization.

Cons

While definitely comfortable, some users might not appreciate the open design of this hammock. Also, this hammock does not come with its own stand, so if you’re looking for an all-in-one solution, this might not be the hammock for you.

  • Value: 5/5
  • Comfort: 4/5
  • Weight: 5/5
  • Portability: 5/5
  • Strength: 4/5
  • Capacity: 4/5

What is a Hammock?

When people envision a hammock they generally associate it with a loose, comfortable, hanging, and inviting type of bed, or at least a great place to lie down and relax. The biggest difference between a hammock and a bed comes in the form of suspension.

While beds typically sit on box springs or some other ground-based support, a hammock is suspended in mid-air to simulate a rocking or swinging motion. Hammocks are able to be suspended in mid-air because they are supported by a series of connected cords attached to a base.

Traditionally, people almost always think of a hammock base as being 2 trees or some other type of vertical posts to be used as attachment points, especially for outdoor hammocks, but this isn’t always the case. Hammock bases can include all sorts of things, from trees to metal stands, or basically anything else that’s strong enough to support the weight of the person or people in the hammock.

Interestingly, the tree base is where the hammocks name originated from; the Hamack Tree.

So a hammock is a type of suspended bed that hangs between attachment points that allows you to lay down comfortably, swing from side to side if you like, and relax. The best hammocks also feature a curved top and bottom section to the cocoon part, which is designed to prevent
pillows, blankets and the occupants of the hammock from moving around or falling off.

Who Invented Hammocks?

Hammocks have been a part of human history for a long time. The hammock originated from the indigenous peoples of the Caribbean and Central and South America.

While the ancient Mayans are thought to be the inventors of the hammock bed, they weren’t exposed to more advanced civilizations until Christopher Columbus brought them back to Spain after his notorious journey to the New World.

To the native people’s credit, the hammock was a brilliant invention, especially for sailors, or for people living in wilder environments.

Since hammocks are suspended in mid-air, they protect anyone laying in them rolling out of bed due to wave action experienced on long seafaring voyages, but they also keep poisonous snakes, ants, rats and other pesky sleep intruders away.

What are the Benefits of Hammocks?

Hammock benefits revolve around health. Since a hammock elevates your upper body, it allows for better blood circulation to the head. This is why hospital beds are designed to lay a patient on their back with their head slightly elevated. Not only does a hammock help with blood circulation, but it also reduces toxins in your body by getting rid of congestion and improving blood pressure by reducing constricted breathing.

Since high-quality hammocks have zero pressure points, they also help your body to relax in a natural way. This is especially useful for people experiencing lower back pain. In fact, chiropractors regularly recommend that their patients with back pain sleep in a hammock, as this reduces stress on back muscles, helping to alleviate back pain of all types.

Pair of Red-and-white Low-top Sneakers

Better memorization and retention of information can also be contributed to a hammock. Research shows that lying in a hammock improves concentration because the swaying motion triggers the prefrontal cortex of the brain. As your focus is naturally intensified, this can be a major benefit to cognitive purposes like studying, so hammocks are perfect for students, or anyone else who needs to retain something in memory, like while reading a long or complicated book.

Hammocks have also been shown to help people fall asleep both faster and in a deeper way. The textbook way to put a baby to sleep is to wrap them tightly and rock them gently, and this same motion is simulated by a hammock.

Numerous studies show that hammocks not only influence falling asleep faster but falling into a deeper, more restful sleep, again, due to the rocking nature of the hammock itself. The rocking motion encourages the second stage of sleep, known as N2.

Being in this state boosts the immune system, allowing the body to restore energy and repair itself far faster than it otherwise could. Sleeping in a hammock can directly influence your body to feel more refreshed and energetic upon waking up.

What are the Different Types of Hammocks?

There are a variety of different types of hammocks, including some made to be used indoor, some made to be used outdoor, as well as hammocks created using different materials, structures and suspension systems. The following content walks through the different types of hammocks to help you determine which specific kind of hammocks will work best for you.

Indoor vs. Outdoor

Depending on how you want to use your hammock, we highly recommend picking between an indoor or outdoor hammock. Read the following sections to determine which type if going to suit your needs best.

Indoor Hammocks

Indoor hammocks are increasingly being used as an alternative to a bed. Why? Because not only do they offer both comfort and health benefits, but they also take up much less space than a traditional bed. But if you don’t want to downsize, have no fear, because indoor hammocks can range in size from a large chair to bigger than a California king mattress.

Indoor Hammocks are usually secured by drilling anchor points into the ceiling or wall studs, and one thing to keep in mind is that it is extremely important that the integrity of the structure being drilled into is strong, so do not anchor your hammock into drywall or you could wake up on the floor in massive amounts of pain.

Another popular way to secure an indoor hammock is by installing the hammock on a stand or support beam. This option does not require any drilling into the walls because hammock stands are completely self-supporting, so this is a great option for non-permanent installations.

Additionally, stands and hammock support beams are more portable, so if you want to be able to move your hammock around, then this is another benefit to choosing this sort of installation.

Finally, indoor hammocks also regularly come in the form of a chair rather than a bed, which is often referred to as a swing chair, and is used for sitting, lounging, reading, watching TV, etc.

Outdoor Hammocks

Outdoor hammocks are almost identical to indoor hammocks, except that they’re often made in a more rugged material so that they won’t wear out or get destroyed by exposure to the elements.

Oftentimes, outdoor hammocks are also larger, and some of them are so large that you could fit an entire group of people comfortable into the hammock, allowing a whole family to enjoy the feeling of being suspended in the air.

The most popular way to mount an outdoor hammock is also the most traditional, and simplest, and involves securing both ends of the outdoor hammock to a tree or other vertical post of some sort.

The most important part of securing your outdoor hammock this way is making sure you have enough room off of the ground and in between the trees, as you definitely need to make sure that there’s room to spread out, and to prevent your hammock from sagging so low to the ground that you’re no longer suspended in the air.

Though this is the most typical way to hang a hammock, there are also several other ways to set up an outdoor hammock, including the use of hammock stands, support beams, straps or other sorts of suspension systems.

Hammock Styles

In addition to indoor vs. outdoor hammocks, you can also break down the different types of hammocks within each category, and this is typically done by looking at the materials used in the hammock’s construction, or in the way that the hammock itself has been put together.

Below, we’ll detail all the different types of hammocks, explaining which ones are best for certain purposes. Review the following information and you’re sure to do a better job of selecting the proper hammock for your specific needs.

Brazilian Hammocks

Brazilian hammocks resemble the traditional hammocks that South Americans have been sleeping in for literally hundreds, but perhaps thousands of years.

Brazilian hammocks mimic a deep pitch, leaving out the spreader bars you might find on other types of hammocks, which makes them a great option for people who don’t want to lounge on a flat, or flatter surface.

These hammocks are much more like cocoons or pouches that you lay within, rather than swinging beds, and they’re perfect for people who want to snuggle up into their hammocks. Brazilian hammocks are basically perfect for anyone who wants to feel like they’re being hugged by the hammock.

Today, Brazilian hammocks are known for their vibrant colors and their use of 100% cotton fabric, typically constructed in a tight and durable weave, woven tightly, which allows them to block cold air from seeping through, and which makes them a great choice for colder climates.

However, being made of 100% cotton does mean that Brazilian hammocks do come with a downside. If left outside and not protected or cleaned properly, over time the hammock may build up mold, mildew, or simply start wearing out, due to exposure to the elements.

Rope/Spreader Hammocks

Rope hammocks are constructed just as they sound, from either cotton or polyester stitched ropes, weaved together into a large and typically relatively flat surface.

This is the classic hammock associated with Caribbean islands, hung between palm trees, and it’s the type of hammock that most people are likely to think about when considering a backyard or garden hammock.

These hammocks are perfect for warmer climates, as air can flow through the rope construction with ease, but one thing you should also consider about that benefit is that things can be easily dropped through the gaps in the rope, so if you’re looking to lounge on a surface that lets you hold lots of little things on it with you, then a rope hammock may not be your best option.

The big trademark of the rope hammock is that it features something called spreader-bars, which are used to keep the hammock’s surface spread relatively flat, making it easier to get on and off the hammock, and allowing you to put more people on a hammock of the same size as the Brazilian type since there’s more surface area to lay on.

One other thing to think about when it comes to considering a rope hammock is that they can be quite unstable because of the spreader bar, making them subject to tipping over, whereas the other pouch type hammocks would be far more likely to simply sway back and forth, rather than flipping.

Fabric/Poolside Hammocks

Polyester is a common material used for poolside hammocks since it has the ability to last longer against fading from sun exposure.

In addition, the polyester material shakes off the water very well, making it one of the best options for a hammock that you’re going to place by a pool and get into without drying off ahead of time.

Poolside hammocks come in many decorative designs that cater to both luxury and comfort, so if you’re interested in getting a poolside hammock, the nice thing about them is that you’ll have all sorts of options to choose from.

One of the biggest benefits to poolside hammocks is that the quilted materials used in their construction are typically going to be both warm and soft, which means they’re good for virtually any environment.

Many poolside hammocks also feature two or more layers of fabric, allowing for extra design versatility, with two totally different colors or patterns on each layer of fabric.

If you have trouble choosing a particular color or design, then a poolside hammock may be just the thing you need to help settle the debate.

Many poolside hammocks also use the spreader-bar design that we explained in the rope hammocks section above, so keep that in mind when you’re shopping for just the right hammock.

Camping, Backpacking, Hiking & Jungle Hammocks

Camping hammocks have grown incredibly popular in recent years, as more and more people have begun taking them along on camping trips, backpacking trips, and all other sorts of travel.

The biggest benefit to camping hammocks is that they’re small, light, and highly portable, allowing you to set them up, enjoy them, take them down and move them around, without worrying about having to spend tons of time on the setup or take-down process.

Another huge benefit to a camping or backpacking hammock is that they allow you to avoid sleeping on unforgiving, sloped, rocky, hard, or cold ground that you’d normally be forced to deal with when using a traditional sleeping bag and sleeping pad setup.

Hammocks made for camping and backpacking are almost often of the ultra-light and outdoor-friendly variety, meaning that they’re not just comfortable, but also incredibly convenient.

Some of these hammocks even weigh less than a pound and can be compressed into a tiny little package that easily fits within the limited compartments of your backpack.

And while tons of people are terrified to use a hammock while camping or backpacking because they’re afraid of rain or inclement weather, you may be pleased to learn that you can simply hang a tarp over the hammock in order to shield yourself from the cold wind, rain or any other type of bad weather.

When hammocks have a rain-tarp hung over them, they are oftentimes referred to as a “Jungle Hammocks”, or “Venezuelan Hammocks”.

Hammocks for camping can also be made far more protective by including mosquito nets and a gear loft for your belongings.

Camping hammocks typically don’t use rope, because it’s heavy and bulky, but are much more likely to utilize straps looped around trees to secure the hammock.

While camping hammocks don’t typically sleep multiple people, it is possible to get larger ones that fit two or more people, so don’t let capacity prevent you from selecting a camping hammock, as there are all sorts of options out there on the market these days.

Remember too that sleeping above ground in a hammock means that you’ll have much better protection from snakes, rodents, ants, and other pests, just as the original hammocks were intended to do.

Hammock Chairs & Swings

Hammock chairs and swings are a little bit different from the typical hammock, as they’re not made for laying down, but for sitting suspended in the air.

These hammocks are almost always positioned as a chair that swings back and forth, giving the user an incredibly comfortable sitting/lounging experience.

Hammock chairs can come in different sizes, allowing you to pick one for just yourself, or that will fit two or more people, and they’re an especially good idea for those cases where there simply isn’t enough room to mount a traditional hammock.

Another benefit to hammock swings is that they are generally more stable than a traditional hammock, especially ones with spreader bars, making them a great option for small children.

The setup for hanging a hammock chair or swing is usually quite similar to traditional hammocks, except that they often only require a single point of suspension.

Hammock chairs can be hung from tree branches, the ceiling, or stand-alone frames, giving them tons of flexibility and adaptability.

Since hammock chairs and swings are also pretty popular with modern designers and high-end decor, it’s typically easy to find one in just the right design or color scheme for your bedroom, living room or patio.

Hammock Materials

In addition to the different designs used for types of hammocks, they also come in all sorts of different materials. Use this section of our guide to help decide which material you should get depending on where you want to hang your hammock, how comfortable you want it to be, how warm you need it to be, etc.

#1 Rope

Hammocks that are made out of rope are an excellent choice for warmer climates as they have open pockets that allow air to flow through them with ease.

Since these hammocks are made of rope, they naturally conform to your body, making them quite comfortable, especially if they aren’t stretched too tightly. Additionally, almost all rope hammocks are made with spreader bars and are composed of one of three materials: cotton, polyester, or Duracord.

#2 Nylon

Nylon hammocks are typically going to be the best camping hammocks, so if that’s what you’re shopping for, then you almost certainly want to look for nylon materials. Nylon hammocks are typically lightweight, water-resistant and breathable too, which are all excellent features for hammocks in virtually any type of weather.

These hammocks usually come in the parachute style and offer a deep pocket. Since nylon is light and thin, nylon hammocks can be rolled or folded up into a little ball, making them the perfect blend of convenience, functionality, and portability.

#3 Cotton

Cotton is known to be the softest and most comfortable material for clothing, all sorts of other textiles, and especially hammocks. The cotton fabric also comes in tons of different bright colors and intricate patterns too, giving you all sorts of options for finding a design and color scheme that matches whatever you’re trying to match.

Cotton is often the material of choice for Mayan and Brazilian hammocks, as it is a very durable fabric, making it a great option for people who want their hammocks to last for a long time. However, it is important to keep a cotton hammock clean and dry as it is susceptible to mold and mildew over time.

If you’re going to leave your hammock outside all the time and you live in a wetter environment, then you may want to think about covering it with some kind of protection.

#4 Polyester

Polyester is a synthetic fabric that is incredibly resilient, making it a great material for use in long-lasting hammocks. This is why outdoor hammocks tend to be made of polyester, as that allows them to last a long time without fraying, fading, or weakening.

Polyester hammocks are a great choice for anyone looking to combine softness and strength. Since polyester is water-resistant, this fabric is woven from tight polymers also inhibits the growth of mold and mildew, making it a great option for poolside hammocks, or outdoor hammocks in wet environments.

Furthermore, polyester is incredibly stain-resistant compared to natural fibers, but it also holds dye well, so you don’t have to sacrifice your desire for a great design. Hammocks made of polyester fade less because they can withstand UV rays better than cotton.

#5 Duracord

Duracord is a premium fabric developed as a performance yarn for applications that involve heavy outdoor use, making it an excellent material for hammocks, and especially outdoor or camping hammocks.

This man-made material is as soft as cotton, yet far more durable. Duracord hammocks are quick-drying and offer excellent UV ray protection to withstand the degrading effects of the sun. Though hammocks made of Duracord are more expensive, this material won’t fade or get moldy, and it comes in a vast variety of colors, so it’s an excellent material for anyone who wants a long-lasting, outdoor hammock.

Hammock Capacities

Hammocks come in all sorts of capacity these days, though the traditional 1-person hammock definitely still appears to be the most popular size. If you’re looking for a larger hammock that can fit two, three or more people, though, don’t give up, because you can absolutely find something that’ll suit your needs.

1-Person Hammocks

Single-person hammocks are popular for travel as they are generally smaller and lighter. However, hammocks that fit one person can also be found in the bedroom, living room and patio.

Single occupancy hammocks are not limited to the traditional hammock style made to lie down in either, as they’re often available in the chair style as well.

2-Person Hammocks

Double hammocks or 2 person hammocks are made to fit two people comfortably inside the hammock for either sleeping or leisure activities.

These hammocks are also quite popular as backyard or garden hammocks and tend to be good options for families as they offer much more versatility compared to single-person hammocks.

As for camping, it is not uncommon for a single occupant to sleep inside a double hammock either, because it gives all sorts of options for moving around to find the most comfortable position.

In fact, even if you never plan on sharing your hammock with anyone else, you may want to pick up a double occupancy hammock anyway so that you’ve got more flexibility in finding comfortable sleeping positions.

3-Person Hammocks

3 person hammocks can be found in a backyard or campsite as well, but these are much rarer than the single-person or two-person variants.

If you’re looking for a three-person hammock, you’re not going to have anywhere near as many options and may want to consider getting a couple of two-person hammocks instead, as that’ll give you far more options for designs, colors, etc.

In the backyard, 3 person hammocks are generally just wider double hammocks. As for camping, hammocks for three people are usually designed as wider double hammocks, but they can also come in a triangular shape that offers more space for everyone.

Hammock Suspension Systems

As we said earlier, there are a variety of ways to suspend a hammock, from tying it between trees to attaching it to the ceiling or using a free-standing hammock stand. Below we’ll detail a couple of the most popular options for hanging a hammock, as well as their main benefits and drawbacks.

Hammock Stands

Not everyone’s backyard has 2 trees within 15 feet of each other, so for anyone who lacks that feature, a hammock stand may be needed. Hammock stands or support beams are free-standing fixtures designed to support a hammock.

Since stands are not reliant on trees, this makes for a more portable hammock as you can simply move the hammock around by changing the location of its stand, moving between sun and shade, taking it around your yard to change the view, or even moving it between indoors and outdoors depending on the weather.

Hammock stands are fairly easy to set up and takedown, but they do usually require some light assembly, so keep that in mind if you’re not a handy person.

Hammock stands also come in a variety of materials too, including steel, wood, wicker and other sources, so you should be able to find just the right stand to suit your design scheme.

Hammock Straps

Hammock straps are an integral part of a hammock’s suspension system and are typically used for smaller hammocks, like camping hammocks or portable hammocks.

Hammock straps are the main component of the suspension system responsible for attaching each end of the hammock to a supporting object, like a tree, pole, or some other support anchor.

Investing in high-quality hammock straps is essential to your safety and peace of mind, and really the only way to ensure that your hammock isn’t going to fall down and potentially hurt you or whoever was in it when it collapsed.

Picking the Right Hammock for You

There is no “best hammock” because everyone’s needs and desires are different.

If you want an indoor hammock, you’ll be looking for completely different things than someone seeking a camping hammock. The same goes for people who want a 1 person hammock vs those who want a 3 person hammock.

But the good news is that there are a few consistent variables you can look at when attempting to choose the best hammock for you, and we’ve outlined them below to help you make a better decision.

1. Price

Hammocks can vary drastically in price. The price of a hammock really depends on what you intend to use the hammock for.

It can be worth making a one-time investment in a better quality hammock that will be used extensively rather than buying another hammock down the line, and this is especially true for camping, where you would be in big trouble if your hammock failed during the middle of an adventure.

Keep in mind though that for leisurely usage, and around the house stuff, a cheaper hammock is likely to work just fine.

2. Weight

One of the biggest factors you should consider when purchasing a hammock revolves around weight because lighter hammocks are going to be way more convenient and flexible than heavier ones, but the heavy ones are likely to last longer, be more comfortable, and support more people.

Obviously, a hammock that weighs more is going to be less portable, but what is not obvious is that even a few extra ounces can become a big deal for those taking a hammock camping or backpacking, where you’re going to end up carrying whatever you purchase.

Even if you are not hiking, a hammock stand that is too heavy will do no good for portability in your backyard either, meaning that you’ll be stuck using it only when conditions are just right (when it’s in the shade, or the sun, or while it’s not raining, etc.).

The lighter your hammock, the more flexibility it’ll provide, so if you’re looking for something ultra-versatile, then we’d recommend going with something light.

3. Size

Like price, hammocks vary in size too. Given enough space, there are almost no boundaries to limit the size of a hammock, and you can even find novelty hammocks that would fill an entire bedroom!

  • A family or 3 people hammock is a hammock with a width of more than 180 cm (5 ft 11 in), which is basically huge, but what you have to remember is that these large hammocks also need large distances between anchor points. On average, a 5ft 11 in hammock is going to need at least 360 cm (11 ft 10 in) between the two ends, so unless you’ve got a huge area to hang this hammock, you may want to choose a smaller size.
  • Double hammocks typically start when the fabric’s minimum width hits 160 cm (5 ft 3 in). Double hammocks are very popular due to their comfort, portability and because of the fact that they don’t take up too much space. A double hammock will typically require about 310 cm (10 ft 2 in) between the two anchor points.
  • The single hammock is the most compact hammock and requires the smallest amount of space, for obvious reasons. Single hammocks are usually about 140 cm (4 ft 7 in) wide, and typically require a minimum distance of 270 cm (8 ft 10 in) between the two attachment points.

4. Strength

It is crucial to adhere to the weight recommendations the manufacturer suggests for their hammock as serious injury can be caused if the hammock snaps.

Likewise, durable material is an important component of a hammock as it is exposed to all sorts of exposure. Do not sacrifice quality to save a few bucks, especially when purchasing an outdoor hammock.

5. Comfort

As this is usually one of the first criterions a buyer considers, a hammock’s comfort level depends on the intended purpose of the hammock. A general rule of thumb is the wider the hammock, the higher level of comfort.

Certain hammocks thrive in better environments due to the material they are made out of. If you are camping, you do not want to be bringing a cotton hammock as this material is made for indoor or casual outdoor use.

As far as sleeping in a hammock goes, the ultimate comfort level is achieved when sleeping at a slight angle inside the hammock. If you sleep with your feet on one edge while your head is on the diagonal corner, you will be laying almost flat avoiding being scrunched up like a banana.

The keyword is “almost” flat, since your head will still be slightly lifted, you will still experience health benefits like blood circulation to the head and less congestion.

Frequently Asked Questions

If you have any questions about hammocks, from which type would work best for you, to questions about individual hammocks you’re considering purchasing, please feel free to leave them in the comments section below.

  1. What’s the best material for a hammock?

Do you plan on taking your hammock into the great outdoors? If so, you’re going to want a hammock that is made out of a durable, yet lightweight material like nylon. While not as comfortable as cotton, nylon dries fast and won’t take up too much space in your backpack. If you’re looking for a hammock for your backyard, UV-treated polyester or cotton blends are your best bet since weight isn’t as much of an issue.

  1. What kind of hammock stand do I need?

Hammock stands typically in two styles: metal and wood. Deciding which is best for you is entirely a personal decision. Wood can be more pleasing to look at, but it can also be much heavier and not as strong as steel frames. Besides looks, you’re going to want to make sure that your stand is compatible with your hammock.

  1. What’s a Brazilian-style hammock?

Brazilian-style hammocks are typically referred to as “cocoon” hammocks since the fabric has a tendency to wrap around the person as they lie down.

  1. Can hammocks be used inside?

Absolutely! So long as you have the proper space to install it, many customers use hammocks as bed replacements.

  1. How do I clean my hammock?

Depending on the materials of the hammock, most hammocks can either be hand washed or machine washed. When in doubt, check the instructions that come with your hammock for more detail.

  1. How much weight can my hammock hold?

Most hammocks are built to accommodate 2 full-sized adults, or up to 400lbs. However, just to be sure, make sure you check with the instruction booklet that came with your hammock for more detail.

  1. Are all hammocks pet-friendly?

Hammocks are definitely pet-friendly, though, if you happen to have a cat that likes to scratch things, it might be best to keep them away from your nylon hammocks as their nails might create holes in the fabric.

  1. Are all hammocks weather-resistant?

Just like patio furniture, most hammocks are built with the elements in mind, so you can count on them to be quick-drying and resistant to sun damage.

  1. Are hammocks safe for children?

Hammocks are safe for children when under supervision from their parents, and not so safe without it. Therefore, it’s best to keep a close watch on your kids as they attempt to use the hammock to prevent any unwanted falls.

  1. What is a free-standing hammock?

A free-standing hammock doesn’t need to be tied up between two structures; instead, it comes with a frame made of either wood or metal that supports the hammock.

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