Our favorite, the Yellow Leaf Signature Hammock, is easy to hang, made of soft, weather-resistant yarn, and has a weight capacity of 400 pounds. Here are the best hammocks available online. What do buyers say? 300+ Yellow Leaf Hammocks reviewers rated this 5 stars. Most rope hammocks come equipped with a free, uncomfortable tattoo—AKA, that waffle imprint left where gaps meet gravity. Not the Yellow Leaf signature hammock. Their triple-weave construction combines 150,000 ultra-soft loops for a completely weightless embrace. What’s more, unlike its cotton counterparts, the weather-safe materials mean you can leave the hammock outdoors without fear of mold or mildew creeping in. It’s also super versatile and can be hung between trees or on a hammock stand (sold separately). This cozy hammock comes in many colors and possible customizations, and each one is handmade and signed by the weaver. Pawley’s Island has introduced a DuraCord version of their original cotton rope hammock that extends the life of their products even further. The synthetic blend balances the softness of cotton with the weather resistance of polyester—in fact, all elements of the hammock are bolstered with elements like marine-grade varnish or zinc to protect from rot, mold, mildew, and rust. Moreover, the oak spreader bar is naturally resistant to rot and insect infection. Margaritas are sold separately. It also comes complete with two long, adjustable tree straps, two wiregate carabiners, four guylines, and four aluminum stakes—everything you need for setup. Inside, you’ll find four internal hanging loops and two gear pockets for small personal items. This hammock supports up to 700 pounds, so it’s perfect for snuggling with a partner or relaxing with a friend.
Measurements
How long should your hammock be? That depends on where you want to hang it. It’s important to decide where you’re going to hang your hammock before you buy one so you can get the right measurements. You’ll want to measure the length between the two trees or structures you want to hang it from and buy one that is long enough to accommodate the distance. Each hammock will also have a weight limit. Make sure that if you’re buying one that will hold several people, it can handle it.
Portability
Some hammocks are very portable—just throw it in a bag and take it to the next pair of trees. This is perfect for camping or for someone who likes to change things up. There are hammocks made to be more portable than others and this may be exactly what you need. You may not need the portability because you plan on putting the hammock up in one place, securing it, and then enjoying it. In this case, you can look for a hammock that lends itself to a more permanent setup.
Material
You should highly consider the amount of moisture and wind your hammock will be exposed to when selecting the material. Synthetic materials, such as polyester and nylon, will withstand the elements much longer than natural materials, such as cotton. Traditionally, rope hammocks are made with cotton, but a cotton blend, such as Pawley’s Island DuraCord, has been engineered with man-made materials to maintain the softness of cotton while providing a more durable, color fade-resistant rope. In addition, rope hammocks are often treated with a varnish or zinc to protect them from rot, mold, mildew, and rust. A woven hammock, such as the Vivere Double Cotton Hammock, is available in double weave cotton, or a more resilient blended fabric, but is connected to polyester ropes for added durability. Portable hammocks for hiking and camping are made of lightweight nylon which is breathable and quick to dry, such as the ENO SingleNest Hammock.
Why Trust The Spruce?
Jessica Joblin is a writer and scholar with six years of experience in the home space. For this roundup, she considered dozens of popular hammocks, evaluating criteria such as comfort, durability, breathability, portability, style, price, and maintenance requirements. She also consulted reports from experts, customer reviews, and avid backpackers. When installing a hammock more permanently, you’ll need to follow the instructions accompanying your particular hammock, locate the appropriate hardware, and—if hanging the hammock at your home—stick to wooden studs (no metal studs!). Something else to consider is ridgeline length, or the amount of curve or sag you want in your hammock, which will be determined by the distance between the two ends of your hammock. The conventional ridgeline length is between 8 and 9 feet. Healy also suggests that hammock campers use a sleeping pad: “This is where closed-cell foam pads come extra handy but any sleeping pad will do,” she says. “Rather than just adding extra comfort, this will ensure your underside doesn’t get too cold while sleeping.” All told, occasional snoozes in hammocks are nothing to fret about, but if you are considering substituting a hammock for a bed, it’s best to consult your physician first.
