Providing you with a convenient, comfortable place to rest and relax, a hammock is a great way to upgrade your outdoor space both at home, and while camping. With their simple, lightweight designs and effortless portability, these popular products epitomize the essence of outdoor leisure and their range of styles means there is a perfect option to suit every budget and need. But while hammocks may seem like a somewhat standard item there is actually a fair bit of variation that exists among them, and before you begin the shopping process you’re going to first want to understand what exactly you’re looking for. Are you an avid outdoor enthusiast who requires a dry, supportive area for sleeping? Or are you picturing somewhere to sprawl out by the pool while you read your book and sip a drink? To ensure your hammock selection aligns perfectly with your outdoor aspirations, this comprehensive buying guide will walk you through all of the nuances you might encounter, and will help you to understand the different styles, materials, and features so you end up with that perfect option for your outdoor space. 

Hammock Styles & Materials

Once you start browsing all of the colorful, unique hammocks that exist on the market, one of the immediate differences you’re going to initially notice is all of the various styles that they are available in. From parachute hammocks to traditional rope designs, portable to stationary, the world of hammocks is overrun with diversity and you’ll need to understand what each type offers in order to make an educated decision and find the right solution for your situation. To get started, some of the main styles of hammocks you will need to be aware of include:

As for the materials they are crafted from, hammocks tend to either come in a fabric, rope, or nylon versions, and when deciding between those 3 you’ll mainly want to focus on typical use. Fabric hammocks, for example, are what you want to opt for when you’re seeking a leisurely experience in your backyard or by your pool, and they will be the most plush and comfortable designs that can even be filled with extra padding and might include a removable pillow. Perfect for stringing up between two trees, or attaching to a metal stand, fabric hammocks are best used on sunny, summer days when you want to lounge around care-free and focus on tanning. 

Similar to fabric hammocks, rope-style hammocks are also ideal for warm days where you want to sway gently alongside a summer breeze, and these are most frequently seen dotting the shorelines of tropical beaches. Rope hammocks can also be a fun choice for indoor use if you want to include one as part of your living room or bedroom decor. However, while they do have a very classic look, this style won’t be the most comfortable for long-term lounging, and they tend to be preferred for the aesthetic rather than being practical. 

Finally, nylon hammocks are the go-to option for outdoor adventure seekers who require something lightweight, durable, and resistant to the weather. Able to handle wind and rain with ease, these options are great when you’re camping or hiking, and because they are so portable they won’t take up much space in your gear. Nylon hammocks will usually come equipped with straps and carabiners so you can easily string them up between trees, as well as an included stuff sack that makes it easy to pack up and store when not in use. 

Understanding Sizing

Hammocks are certainly not a one-size-fits-all type of product, and beyond the different styles and material choices, you will also need to look at the physical size of each one to see what it’s capable of supporting. Do you plan on setting your hammock up in your backyard so you can relax by yourself and read a book? Or do you and your partner love camping and you’re looking for a hammock you can both cozy up in? With both single and double versions available, the size of the hammock will have a big impact on how you’re able to use it, and beyond just the physical size, you’ll also need to look at weight limits. 

Just because a hammock is listed as being large enough to accommodate two individuals doesn’t necessarily mean it will be able to support your combined weight, and the last thing you want is to climb in, only to have it rip and you fall out. To avoid this potential hazard, one of the key things to look for is a listed weight capacity, which should be around 300 to 400 lbs for a single, and 400 to 500+ lbs for a double. Hammock chairs, on the other hand, tend to have much lower weight limits due to their single suspension point, and you can expect them to max out at around 250 lbs. 

Stands vs. Tree Straps

When you picture a hammock, the main image that probably comes to mind is a long piece of fabric strung up between two trees, and while this classic setup certainly embodies the quintessential hammock experience, there's more to consider when it comes to choosing how to hang yours. Two perfectly spaced trees isn’t always going to be a realistic set-up in your environment, and if you’re planning on lounging comfortably in your backyard or near a pool, then you’re likely going to have to opt for a hammock stand. Instead of using trees as your anchor points, a stand is a metal contraption that allows you to set up your hammock virtually anywhere you desire, and they are incredibly convenient when you don’t have access to sturdy trees. Giving you precise control over both height and positioning, these portable stands can support most styles of hammocks, and they are perfect for creating a personal oasis anywhere you’d like. 

However, if you’re an active nature lover who can’t wait to get outside and spend time amongst the trees, then opting for a hammock that can support tree straps will be the way to go. These minimalist, eco-friendly accessories will allow you to set up your hammock between two trees or any other sturdy anchor points, and their small, compact size means you can throw them in your backpack without losing out on too much gear space. Equally as secure as a metal stand, tree straps provide a much more authentic hammock experience and then can enable you to get higher off the ground if necessary. Ultimately, which works best for you will really be dictated by the environment you plan to spend time in, as both options offer unique advantages for you to enjoy. 

Accessories

Hammocks are a great purchase completely on their own, but if you’re looking to elevate your experience and make it more comfortable or protective, then you may want to consider looking for options that include some additional accessories. From a weatherproof rain fly to a luxurious bedding pad, some of the potential accessories you may find beneficial could include:

For those who plan on using their hammock while camping, a rain fly can be an important component that will work to keep you warm and dry, even on those cold, rainy nights. By attaching to your hammock, these extra pieces of material will prevent moisture from dripping down onto you while you rest, and they will provide an essential barrier between you and the elements. 

Similar to a rain fly, a mosquito net is also a piece of material that will attach to your hammock in order to encase you inside. However, instead of working to keep out moisture, its job will be mainly to keep out bugs. From buzzing mosquitoes to persistent spiders, this netted add-on will ensure you don’t have any unwanted visitors while you lounge, and still allow you to fully enjoy the sun and breeze without compromise. 

Designed to give you extra neck and head support while you relax, hammock pillows are a favorite among shoppers and they can add an extra layer of comfort and enjoyment to your lounging experience. Frequently encased inside a weatherproof material, these hammock-specific pillows can be left outdoors all year round without damage and you won’t ever have to worry about them getting wet or dirty. 

Also known as an underquilt, a bedding pad is a smart investment if you plan on using your hammock for overnight activities such as camping or hiking, as it can help to keep you warm, even on cold nights. By preventing the outside air from creeping in underneath you, this extra padding will insulate your hammock instantly and will also supply some extra cushioning for added comfort while you rest. 

Although accessories are completely optional they can make a big difference, especially for long-term use. Depending on your preferences, budget, and situation, they may be worthwhile add-ons that can upgrade your hammock from an occasional lounging location into a preferred place to hang out and sleep. Just like with all other factors, though, it’s always best to think about how you plan on using your hammock, and where you will be setting it up, as these key points will be the main determining factors that guide you throughout the purchasing process.