Grab your favorite book, head outside and soak up the sun while enjoying the luxury of a cozy hammock. Lounging in a hammock is a perfect way to enjoy the beauty of nature while taking some R&R time for your-self. Hammocks come in a number of varieties and styles, which has only increased their popularity in recent years. When purchasing a hammock, you want to make sure to buy the right style for you—whether you have the perfect trees in mind or need a hammock with stand that can be use almost anywhere. Keep reading on if you’d like to learn a little more about hammocks as well as accessories you can purchase to ensure maximum comfort while you relax.

What Type of Hammock is Best?

There are multiple types of hammocks to choose from, so figuring out which is “best” is based on a number of factors in regard to your preference, comfort and types of adventures you enjoy. No matter which hammock you choose, you are sure to become one with nature as you take in the breathtaking views from anywhere as simple as your backyard to as adventurous as a backpack camping trip.

Rope Hammocks

When you think of a classic hammock, a rope hammock probably comes to mind. Composed of a cotton or polyester rope net, these hammocks are great for all types of outdoor use, and can even be used for relaxing indoors. Rope hammocks feature a spreader bar on either end, such as a sturdy hardwood spreader bar, which helps keep the hammock flat and prevents it from bunching up. Rope hammocks don’t offer quite as even of support as quilted hammocks, described below, but still allow you to lay back and enjoy the sun on your skin. Similarly, to quilted, rope hammocks can be used with a hammock stand or can be hung from trees. If you are purchasing a rope hammock for outdoor use, look for weather resistant features such as chains and hanging hardware made of rust resistant, zinc plated steel.

Fabric Hammocks:

Fabric hammocks are popular worldwide. (Remember Gilligan’s Island hammock?) Made from a single layer of canvas materials or woven textilene, fabric hammocks have a wide range of styles to choose from. Fabric with rope ends create the comfortable swinging cocoon, or you can choose a fabric hammock crafted with a stretcher bar that creates a swinging fabric platform. Textilene versions dry quickly and last in exposed sun environments, making them a perfect choice for lake or pool side lounging.

Quilted Hammocks

Like the name implies, quilted hammocks are made up of two fabric layers with a type of soft filling in between. This creates a soft hammock bed that’s perfect for extended use, as it is extra padded and comfortable. Quilted hammocks may feature a substantial spreader bar, which makes them feel more like a bed rather than a snug cocoon. They can be used with a hammock stand, or they can be hung up between two posts or trees if you have the right set-up and accessories, including durable hammock tree straps. The fabric of this type of hammock also comes in a number of colors and patterns, sure to play well with any outdoor living space aesthetic. When selecting a quilted hammock for use outdoors, look for high-quality weather-resistant fabrics. For instance, a hammock featuring a DuraCord rope and solution dyed fabric can offer weather resistance and a long lifespan.

Camping Hammocks

If you are someone who enjoys jungle hiking, camping or spending time in the woods, a tree or camping hammock may be the best choice for you. Camping hammocks are sold by many retailers and come in a number of sizes, styles and colors. Many tree hanging hammocks are made of a porous, breathable nylon taffeta, which leads to a cool and comfortable hammocking experience. These hammocks are a good option, whether you are planning to go on a hike or just enjoy a relaxing day in the park. They are very compatible to any outdoor adventure, since they can fit easily in a backpack or travel bag. (Note: Many have mosquito net options.)

Hammocks with a Stand

Enjoy the outdoors from the comfort of your home and beyond by purchasing a hammock with a stand. These hammocks eliminate the need for suitable trees, allowing you to use a hammock in your bare backyard, patio or virtually anywhere. There are a number of different types of hammocks that can be used with a stand. You can either purchase a hammock and stand together, or purchase from a variety of universal hammock stands that can be used with a hammock you already own.

How to Hang Hammock

In order to hang a hammock from a set of trees, you will need hammock tree straps. Hammock straps are often wrapped around the trunk of the tree, at whatever height off the ground you prefer. Hammock straps, often made of nylon, are suitable to all types of weather conditions. They may be used on sunny summer days to rough rainy days at the campsite. In addition to the nylon straps, they also have fitted metal hooks that ensure a snug fit around the tree for a safe and cozy recline for you.

How Far Apart Should Trees be to Hang a Hammock?

When hammocking from trees, there are two main things you want to consider: how far apart the trees are, and how far from the ground you are hanging your hammock. The majority of rope hammocks measure about 13 feet, which means you will want the tree posts to be about 13-17 feet apart. When this is completed, you are able to adjust your straps to ensure maximum comfort in your hammock by making it as tight or loose as you please!

How do I Choose a Hammock Stand?

If you decide to hang your hammock with a stand instead of trees, it’s important to choose a quality stand that will provide you ample support and longevity. When choosing a hammock stand, you want to make sure to get one that will not only work with the hammock you want to use but can also support the weight based off the material it is made from. Many hammock stands are made of steel beams and are very supportive and sturdy, supporting up to 600 pounds. These stands are very easy to assemble and take down as needed. They support a wide range of hammocks, including quilted and rope hammocks, so you can easily switch them out as you please.

Accessories

Believe it or not, there are accessories that come with hammocking. Aside from the basic hammock straps or stand, there are also hammock pillows and hammock storage bags. As you may know already, hammock hooks, hammock straps and stand are a necessity in order to successfully hammock. To maximize comfort in your hammock, you may want to consider purchasing a hammock pillow as well. Hammock pillows are typically made from a hardy, all-weather fabric material, such as acrylic or nylon fabrics, which are resistant to mold, mildew, fading and staining. In addition to being weather friendly, these pillows are made of a soft fabric, which will feel great to the touch. Another accessory that will make for easy storage and travel with your hammock is a hammock storage bag. Choose one that is woven from a hardy, all-weather fabric for extra strength and durability.

Remember hammock safety. Hammocks a free floating and can be a challenge for little ones to get into. Consider the potential users when creating your hammock oasis. Also, make sure the hanging ends are secure and rope ends are kept in good repair for those using hammocks to prevent possible falls.

Hopefully you feel inspired to take a step out of your comfort zone and sink into a versatile and cozy hammock. Whether it’s right outside on your back patio or on a hiking trail in the woods, you are sure to feel relaxed and content in the perfect hammock for you.