Choosing the right hammock can be a daunting task – with hundreds of designs, sizes, weights, and materials to choose from. To make the process easier, here’s a complete guide about how to select the best hammock for your needs.
1. Consider Your Space
Choosing the right hammock starts with considering your available space to hang it – both indoors and outdoors. Where do you plan to use the hammock? Do you have enough room? Measure the available space and then purchase a hammock accordingly.
Indoor Spaces
When it comes to indoor hammocks, the biggest consideration is that you need to ensure the ceiling can support the weight of the hammock and the person or people who’ll be using it. Check with your landlord, or if you own the house, consult a structural engineer to ensure it’s safe to hang a hammock indoors.
Outdoor Spaces
Outdoor space needs to factor in the weather. Will you need to contend with strong winds, snow, ice, and sun? Be sure to choose the right hammock material and weight grade that can tackle all types of weather.
2. Pick the Right Type of Hammock
Hammocks come in many shapes and sizes. To narrow down the type of hammock that’s right for you, ask yourself a few key questions. Do you want a more traditional hammock or a camping hammock? Are you looking for one hammock that you can use both indoors and outdoors?
Traditional Hammocks
Traditional hammocks usually cover just one person and typically come with a spreader bar at the end to keep the hammock open. They are designed for cold climates, making them quite durable, and come in different types of cotton and rope webs.
Camping Hammocks
Camping hammocks offer more versatility in various climates and environments – from the beach to the backyard. They also provide more comfort than traditional hammocks and usually cover two people. Camping hammocks are light enough for backpacking and compact for easy travel.
3. Materials & Sturdiness
Different materials translate to different levels of comfort and durability, but they also influence the weight and cost of the hammock. Consider the material of the fabric, the frames, and accessories like pillows, stands, and ottomans.
Fabric Material
Hammock fabric is typically made of cotton, nylon, canvas, weather-resistant fabric, or strong, lightweight webbing. For outdoor hammocks, weatherproof material like synthetic fabric is a great option since it doesn’t wear over time due to UV rays and can be quickly dried if wet.
Frames and Accessories
Hammock frames are usually made of metal, wood, or softwood, where wooden frames are usually more expensive. Pillows, stands, or ottomans are usually made of cotton, faux leather, or weatherproof fabric. Accessories will typically increase the cost of the hammock, so it’s important to decide which ones you really need before making a purchase.
4. Price & Budget
It is important to select a hammock that is within your budget range. Decide on the type of hammock you need and compare different products at different price points. This will allow you to narrow down your options and make an informed decision.
Large Hammock Brands
Some of the large hammock brands are ENO, Lawson Equipment, Grand Trunk, Kammok, and Hummingbird Hammocks. These brands will generally have more expensive hammocks with higher-quality materials and accessories.
Small Hammock Brands
Small hammock brands like Raja Hammocks, Toes Field, Sub7, and Honest Outfitters are also good options if you’re looking for affordable hammocks. These brands offer many affordable models and some even have the same features and quality as the larger, more expensive brands.
5. Comfort & Safety
It’s important to ensure that the hammock you choose is both comfortable and safe to use. You want to make sure it isn’t too tight or too loose, as either of these won’t provide enough support. If you’re concerned about the stability of the hammock, you can invest in a hammock stand.
Hanging Angle
The hammock should hang at a slight angle – not too flat or too steep. The angle of the hammock also needs to be adjusted based on the size of the person using it. The more the person weighs, the wider the angle needs to be for added comfort.
Testing the Hammock
It’s also a good idea to test the hammock before buying it. If the hammock feels uncomfortable when tested, then it’s not worth investing in. Be sure to also check the safety of the hammock. Look for any torn fabric or broken ropes, and check the structure of the frame.
People Also Ask
What Size Hammock Should I Get?
It’s important to measure the available space before choosing the right size of hammock. Traditional hammocks usually cover one person, whereas camping hammocks usually cover two people.
Which Is Better – Traditional or Camping Hammock?
It really depends on your needs. Traditional hammocks are designed for colder climates and usually feature single-person designs and spreader bars, whereas camping hammocks are more versatile and sturdy for outdoor use.
How do I Attach a Hammock?
The most common way to attach a hammock is using strong cords or straps, but be sure to check the weight limit of the cords. Look for strong trees or posts, making sure they can support the weight of the hammock and the person who’ll be using it.
What Materials Should I Look For?
Consider the material of the fabric, the frames, and accessories like pillows, stands, and ottomans. Fabrics are usually made of cotton, nylon, canvas, weather-resistant fabric, or strong, lightweight webbing. Frames and accessories are typically made of metal, wood, softwood, cotton, faux leather, or weatherproof fabric.
What Other Features Should I Look For?
Look for a hammock with comfortable angles and adequate stiffness. Check for any torn fabric or broken ropes, and check the structure of the frame. It’s also a good idea to check the weight limit of the cords used for hanging the hammock.
Final Words
Choosing the right hammock for your needs can be a daunting task given the hundreds of designs, sizes, weights, and materials to choose from. We hope this guide has provided you with some useful tips and tricks to make your hammock shopping experience a more enjoyable one.