Warmer weather is finally upon us. That means it’s time to turn off the heaters, go outside, and enjoy some fresh air. What better way to do this than relaxing in a hammock while a warm breeze blows in your hair? If you don’t have a hammock outside, then you’re seriously missing out. Maybe you think hanging a hammock is impossible or complicated. Luckily, we’re here to help.
A hammock is an extremely versatile piece of outdoor furniture. You can leave it stationary on your property or bring it with you when you go fishing, camping, or hiking. It’s a lot easier to safely hang a hammock outdoors than you may believe. With a few simple guidelines, you can become an expert in the field of comfort and relaxation.
Are you ready to learn more about properly hanging a hammock? First, you need to understand that all hammocks are not created equal. Let’s talk about how you can be sure you purchase the right hammock for your needs.
Important Considerations When Buying Your First Hammock
If you’re late to the party and haven’t purchased a hammock yet, then we can help there too. We’ve compiled a list of some of the most important considerations to keep in mind when shopping for a hammock. Various elements of the design, such as the size and material, will impact how safe, comfortable, and durable your new hammock is. The first factor to consider is the material.
- Choosing a Hammock Material
There are three standard materials that we utilize to manufacture high-quality hammocks. Each material has its advantages and disadvantages that you need to understand. It’s important to consider where you plan to use your hammock, what type of weather it will endure, and what qualities are most important to you.
Material 1: Polyester – This is a great choice for people who want to balance affordability and durability. Polyester is made from a synthetic resin that is easy to produce and able to withstand outdoor environments for many, many years.
Material 2: Cotton – If comfort is your primary concern, then cotton is the way to go. It’s soft, warm, and the perfect material for relaxing outdoors. It will have a shorter lifespan than polyester in tough outdoor environments, but it’s still very affordable and easy to replace.
Material 3: Olefin – Consider this a combination of the previous two benefits. Olefin is a synthetic fiber that is both comfortable and durable. It may not be quite as soft as cotton or quite as durable as polyester, but the balance between the two means you’ll still be comfortable and your hammock will last for a long time with some hammock care.
- Choosing a Hammock Style
Traditionally, a hammock is shaped like a canoe or a banana peel. It’s the picture we all imagine when someone mentions a hammock. However, we also have alternate styles available that stand out. The classic hammock chair is a favorite among many of our customers. Hammock chairs hang in a similar fashion to standard hammocks, but they are shaped like a chair instead of a boat. The major advantage of this style is that you can sit up comfortably instead of laying down. Which style is right for you is entirely up to personal preference.
- Choosing a Hammock Size
One final factor to consider is the size of the hammock. If you aren’t aware, we offer a variety of hammocks in many different sizes. We offer single-person hammocks, hammocks for couples, and hammocks large enough to hold a few extra friends or family. All of our products are manufactured with the same attention to detail, quality, and durability regardless of size.
Bonus: Choosing a Hammock Spot
This isn’t necessarily a feature of the hammock that you need to consider, but the spot can ultimately influence what type of hammock is best for you. Some people even install hammocks indoors so that they can enjoy the comfort without leaving their homes. You may want to hang your hammock on the porch, in the backyard, in the shade, or near a lake. The good news is that a hammock doesn’t have to be a permanent accessory. Depending on how they are installed, they can be easily moved from one location to another.
How Will You Hang Your Hammock?
We want to cover the many different ways that you can hang your hammock depending on your preferred location. Each method has certain pros and cons that are worth considering. Some methods are easier to move and some can hold significantly more weight. It all depends on where you want to hang your hammock, how many people it needs to hold, and whether you want it to remain highly portable.
Method 1: Hang Your Hammock With Specialized Hardware
Hammocks have been around for a very, very long time and there have been many different types of hardware developed specifically for hanging them. Certain hardware may take away from that completely natural outdoor look that some people prefer, but it can also bring extra layers of strength and durability that would be difficult to achieve otherwise. Specialized hardware can make hammock installation simple, reliable, and adjustable. Unfortunately, certain hardware can also damage trees over time.
Pros:
- Extremely strong hold
- Fast and easy to install
- Can easily adjust to the distance between posts
Cons:
- Certain hardware can harm trees over time
Method 2: Hang Your Hammock With a Knot
The knot has been the preferred way to hang a hammock for centuries. It can be a tough skill for some to learn but it is worth it even if you decide to use specialized hardware at home.
Pros:
- Can be easily adjusted to many different lengths
- Temporary and portable solution
- Valuable skill to learn
Cons:
- Takes to time to master the perfect knot
Method 3: Hang Your Hammock With a Hammock Stand
A hammock stand is a specialized form of hardware that doesn’t require any trees or posts. You can hang your hammock in virtually any environment that has enough space. It is technically a portable solution, but it dismantling and moving the stand takes time.
Pros:
- Hang your hammock in any environment
- Portable
- Doesn’t damage trees
Cons:
- Set-up and take-down is time-consuming
Method 4: Hang Your Hammock With Tree Straps
Specialized tree straps are the perfect solution for campers who want a portable, reliable hanging method. Tree straps don’t require large hardware, extensive setup, or highly technical skills. Straps are also much easier on the environment. Unlike portable hardware, straps do not cause any long-term damage to the trees.
Pros:
- Ultra-portable and lightweight
- Easy to set up and take-down
- Affordable and durable
Cons:
- Requires trees
How To Hang Your Hammock Between Two Trees
Traditionally, a hammock is hung between two trees with rope. Whether you choose to use rope knots, tree straps, or hanging hardware; you will face some of the same considerations when hanging a hammock. You’ll need to consider the distance between the trees, their size, their age, and whether they will be able to support the intended number of people. It’s always a good idea to bring a hammock when camping because you’re bound to find a variety of cool, shady spots when it’s the warmest.
How Far Apart Should the Trees Be?
The required distance between trees can vary somewhat depending on the style and size of the hammock. On average, a traditional-sized hammock will require between 10 and 15 feet to work properly. That number can be adjusted up or down to vary the amount of slack on the hammock. Certain types of equipment will require much smaller ranges to work properly.
How High Should You Hang Your Hammock?
The target height for a hammock should be around 18 inches. This is a very standard sitting height for chairs in America. It allows you to lay back comfortably as well as sit upright with your feet on the ground. The hammock will need to be attached to the tree at a higher height. You should aim for a suspension angle between 25 and 30 degrees on the rope. Aim for a minimum height of at least 4 feet for the anchors.
You Can Hang a Hammock on the Porch
Who doesn’t love the idea of relaxing in a hammock on their own front porch? As long as you have an overhead beam for support, then you can attach a hammock with ease. Wrap two straps or ropes around the support beam for suspension. Attach the suspension ropes to either side of the hammock and it’s ready to use. How you attach your suspension is up to you. Rope knots and strap hooks are the most common.
You Can Even Hang a Hammock From a Vehicle
If you’re setting up a temporary campsite and there’s only one tree available, then you may consider using your vehicle as the secondary support structure in place of the tree. This will only work with vehicles that can support the weight with their roof. You will need to test for yourself and consider reading your owner’s manual to determine if it is possible.
Assuming your vehicle’s roof can support the weight, the next step is to park opposite the first tree at the distance required by the hammock. Tie the suspension ropes or tree straps around the roof of the vehicle and attach the ropes to the eye of the hammock. You can test the distance from the ground and move the vehicle if necessary.
A Few Pointers
Spreader bars are specialized equipment that makes hanging hammocks incredibly simple. If you’re not using this type of equipment, then you have a little more control over the angle and curve of your hammock. By giving the hammock a loose curve you can get flat and comfortable for a nice, long nap.
The curve of the hammock is often referred to as the sag. As you spend more time in your hammock you’ll want to get that perfect sag or curve. If there isn’t enough sag, then the hammock will be stiff and less comfortable. If it is too much, then the hammock will sink too low and provide no support. Take time to experiment with the angles until you find the perfect sag for your hammock.
Don’t forget to consider where your hammock will hang when you choose a suspension type. Tree straps are the best option for temporary sites, such as campsites, or when hiking a trail. If you plan to camp for several days or set up a long-term campsite, then a suspension stand is a great idea. It’s not as portable as tree straps but provides a reliable long-term solution that can be moved with some work.