The 17 Best Hammocks for Lounging All Summer Long
Vacation vibes, right this way
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How We Chose the Best Hammocks
Beyond considering ourselves semi-professional loungers, we researched the top brands on the market, focusing on reviews and editor recommendations highlighting (a) the quality of the hammock's construction, (b) ease of setup, (c) overall comfort and (d) value. After inspecting 25 top-rated options, we narrowed our list further, focusing on offering a range of styles—hang-up and freestanding models, fringey boho designs and modern, clean-lined ones—and price points.
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How to Hang a Hammock
There are two main types of hammocks: ones with spreader bars, which are the pieces of wood at either end that hold the hammock open, and the traditional gathered-end style, which has no spreader bar. (There are, of course, also ones with frames or stands—which are noted above—but those will only require assembly, not any sort of installation.)
The first thing to do before attempting any hammock installation is to read the instructions carefully and make sure you have any tools needed. If your hammock didn’t come with straps or fasteners, double check that any additional accessories you get support the correct weight.
- Start by measuring your hammock. Include the webbed strings or ropes that help form your hammock (but don’t measure the straps that will be used to hang it). The home improvement experts at BobVila.com recommend adding 2 feet to the total length of your hammock to know how far apart you’ll want to hang each end. Whether you’re hanging it outdoors on trees or posts, or indoors on walls, having each hanging spot about 10 to 15 feet apart is your goal.
- If you're hanging it outdoors: Wrap your tree strap around the tree at about four to five feet high, then follow the instructions for your straps and fasteners for attaching it to your hammock. Test it out: The goal is to have the hammock hang at a 30-degree angle on both sides for proper support. It should be at about seat height, or about 18 inches up, when occupied. This means you can sit comfortably with your feet on the ground if you’re not laying down, and get in and out safely.
- If you’re hanging a hammock indoors (the height of luxury!), use the same measuring info above. You’ll need a stud finder to locate load-bearing parts of the walls you want to hang it from, as well as anchoring hardware to properly secure it. Once you’ve found the studs in your walls, drill or screw your anchors or hardware right into them at a distance of about four to five feet off the ground. Fasten your hammock per instructions. Test the hammock out.
- If you’re hanging a chair hammock indoors, you’ll need to locate the ceiling joists, much like the wall studs, where you’d like to hang it. Pick a spot with at least six feet between the floor and the ceiling, and about three feet from walls in any direction. Using the proper weight-bearing hardware, secure your hook(s) into the ceiling joist. You will need chains or ropes to hang your swing, making sure it sits about 18 to 24 inches off the ground.
- To hang a chair hammock from a tree outdoors, find a strong tree branch at least six feet from the ground. You’ll want to first secure your rope or strap around the tree branch, wrapping it around at least twice and spreading it out to distribute weight. Thread the rope through the chair hanging mechanism(s), then secure it with at least two knots. You’ll want the chair to be about 18 to 24 inches from the ground.
If you want to double check any of your measurements, Derek Hansen, author of The Ultimate Hang: An Illustrated Guide To Hammock Camping, has a handy Hammock Hang Calculator to help you find just the right spot.
How Much Weight Should a Hammock Hold?
Hammocks will hold anywhere from 250 pounds to 800 pounds, according to the experts at Hammock Universe, but most hammocks can safely support between 250 to 500 pounds of weight. A hammock’s weight capacity depends on several factors, including the material, the design and the intended use.
Before you go jumping into your new favorite napping nook, though, it’s important to check each individual hammock’s instructions and specifications.
What Is the Best Length for a Hammock?
Most hammocks fall into the range of nine to 14 feet long, and according to Hammock Living, your hammock should be at least two feet longer than you, so standard lengths should suit most people.
What Is the Best Material for a Hammock?
Some hammock materials are better than others for comfort, durability and overall quality.
- Cotton: Cotton is a popular hammock material because it's soft, breathable and easy to clean. It's also affordable and super common. Cotton hammocks can be prone to mildew, however, and may not be as durable as other materials, so if you’re going that route it’ll need a little extra attention in terms of care and maintenance—keeping it clean and dry, and, if you use it outdoors, storing it when you’re not using it.
- Polyester: Strong, durable, lightweight and with water and UV ray-resistant properties, this synthetic hammock fabric has plenty of pros. But it may not be as breathable or comfortable as natural materials.
- Nylon: Nylon is a popular choice for hammocks because it's lightweight, strong and fast-drying. It's also resistant to mold and mildew, which is important for outdoor use (just one of many reasons this is a popular camping hammock material). However, it may not be as comfortable or quiet as natural materials.
- Canvas: Canvas is known for its durability and strength. It’s a pretty common and traditional hammock material, primarily because its sturdy cotton and synthetic blends give it outdoor-appropriate water resistance. It can, however, also be heavy, not as soft and may take longer to dry than synthetic materials.
- Rope: Rope hammocks are classic for a reason. They’re lightweight and breathable—not to mention it looks retro-beachy-cool. Cotton rope is probably your best bet for the softest feel; polyester or nylon materials, while easy to maintain, won’t be as comfortable. Another option is hemp rope, a natural material that will resist mildew, and rot but might not be as soft.
Sydney Meister
Associate Editor
- Writes across all lifestyle verticals, including relationships and sex, home, finance, fashion and beauty
- More than five years of experience in editorial, including podcast production and on-camera coverage
- Holds a dual degree in communications and media law and policy from Indiana University, Bloomington
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