Hammock buying guide
Whether you’re backpacking, camping in the woods, or hanging out in your backyard, hammocks are great for resting and taking it easy. They come in many different types, fabrics, colors and sizes. Explore the different options to find the best hammock for you.
Traditional Tree Hammocks
Rope Hammocks
If you envision a basic hammock, you’re probably thinking of a rope hammock with wooden spreader bars suspended between two trees. The ropes can be made of cotton or polyester, and the spreader bars make the hammock easier to get in and out of by keeping the two sides of the hammock separated. A rope hammock doesn’t have to have spreader bars though — without them, the hammock will take up less room and be easier to store. Besides the aesthetic appeal, rope hammocks are great because they’re affordable, low maintenance and flexible.
There are a few different types of rope hammocks, which have more tightly woven ropes and don’t utilize spreader bars. You might see them referred to as Nicaraguan or Mayan hammocks.
Canvas and Other Fabric Hammocks
If you want to recline in a hammock but find a woven-rope construction uncomfortable, consider a canvas or fabric hammock instead. Fabric hammocks are sturdier than rope types. They’re also lightweight and easy to travel with, particularly if they don’t have spreader bars.
Hammocks can be made of a wide variety of fabrics. Quilted hammocks are made from layers of polyester that make them thicker and potentially more comfortable. Some hammocks are made from light, breathable cotton or polyester threads that are woven together. They don’t have spreader bars.
Hammocks for Two People
Many hammocks are made for a single person. If you’re tired of your loved ones trying to squeeze into your single-person hammock with you, consider a double, or two-person, a hammock that’ll more comfortably fit two people. There are double hammocks available in rope and fabric styles, intended for relaxation, and also camping hammocks that can fit two people.
Freestanding Hammocks
Not having trees in your backyard doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy a hammock. Freestanding hammocks are just regular hammocks attached to a hammock stand rather than trees. You can buy sets that include a hammock and a stand or find a separate stand that works with a hammock you already have. Stands come in different colors and materials. Such as steel or wood, so you can coordinate with your other outdoor furniture. Be sure the stand you choose is the right size and style for the hammock you plan to hang from it — and check the weight capacity, too.
Hammock Swings and Chairs
A hammock swing or chair is a slightly different take on the traditional hammock. These kinds of hammocks are made to hold just one person in a less-reclined position than a typical hammock. These can be made of soft fabric suspended from a frame via cords or strings, or they might have a more molded and stiffer chair that’s used with cushions. They’re great in small spaces, like a balcony or porch. A hammock chair can either be hung from a stand or suspended from a ceiling or overhang via a chain. Some can also be hung from tree branches, using a strong rope.
Camping Hammocks
Like other gear you take with you on your outdoor adventures, camping hammocks are made to be sturdy, packable, lightweight and easy to clean. For some people, sleeping in a hammock while camping is more comfortable than sleeping on the ground. A hammock is also easier to set up and take down, lighter, smaller, and easier to store and transport than a tent. Some camping hammocks even come with an insulated pad, rain fly and bug net to keep out the elements.
Camping hammocks are typically made of nylon, which is sturdy and resistant to moisture and dirt, and they don’t have spreader bars. When camping, you’ll want to attach your hammock to trees and have it high enough to keep you above potential wildlife at night. But these hammocks can feasibly be attached to a stand for a more casual, backyard experience as well. Some nylon hammocks come with a storage bag to protect them from the rest of the belongings inside your bag.
Hammock Accessories for the Most Relaxing Experience
Once you’ve chosen the best hammock for you, find all of the accessories you need to create your own suspended oasis. If you’ve chosen a tree hammock, you’ll need a hanging kit or tree straps to secure your hammock to the trees. If you’re installing a hammock chair, you may need a chain hanging kit to attach it to a ceiling or overhang. Cushion your head for reading or napping with an outdoor pillow or choose a pillow and pad set that’ll make your hammock extra cozy. To use your hammock in a variety of conditions, consider picking up a mosquito net or weather cover.
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