The Complete Hammock Buying Guide
The Complete Hammock
Buying Guide
Every type, material, size, and setup — with honest trade-offs and our expert picks. We sell hammocks every day. Here's what we'd tell a friend.
Every hammock in our catalog is chosen for a reason. These are the six things we evaluate before we carry anything.
Comfort
Materials
Construction
Durability
Weather Resistance
Overall Value
Each style has a different feel. The right one depends entirely on where you'll use it and how you like to relax.
Rope hammocks
Open weave lets air through freely — noticeably cooler on hot days. Polyester rope handles outdoor exposure well. Cotton rope is softer but store it when wet.
Shop Rope →
Quilted hammocks
Padded surface means no pressure points — ever. You can stay in it for hours. Most popular backyard choice by a wide margin, and for good reason.
Shop Quilted →
Brazilian & Mayan hammocks
Fabric that wraps around you as you settle in — warm and cocoon-like. Mayan hammocks are hand-knotted mesh that breathes beautifully. Both ideal for covered spaces.
Shop Brazilian →
Camping hammocks
Under a pound, packs smaller than a water bottle. For overnight camping below 60°F, add an underquilt — you lose heat from below faster than above in a hammock.
Shop Camping →
Hammock chairs
All the sway in a seated position. One overhead hang point — beam, branch, ceiling joist, or chair stand. Great for reading corners, balconies, kids' rooms.
Shop Chairs →Lie diagonal. Not straight.
This is the single tip that changes how every hammock feels. Most people climb in and lie straight from end to end — that's actually the wrong position. The hammock curves up around you, your spine is bent, and you wonder why everyone says hammocks are so comfortable.
Shift your body 20–30° off-center diagonally across the hammock. The fabric flattens out, your weight distributes evenly, and it feels completely different — close to lying on a flat surface.
48–52"
Good for camping and compact spaces. Most backyard buyers wish they'd gone bigger after a few uses.
55–60"
Room to go diagonal solo. Fits two casually. Right for 90% of buyers. When in doubt, choose this.
65"+"
Two adults lying flat, or maximum solo stretch-out room. Needs 15+ ft of hanging space.
Cotton
Softest feel. Covered patios & indoors. Store when wet.
Polyester
Best for outdoors. UV & moisture resistant.
DuraCord®
Near-cotton soft + outdoor durability. The upgrade.
Nylon
Camping only. Lightest option, dries instantly.
Rope
Breathable & classic. Polyester rope handles outdoors well.
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30° hang angleStraps should drop at 30° from horizontal — not nearly flat. A visible, relaxed curve is correct. Tight = uncomfortable.
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10–15 ft between treesTrunks at least 6 inches in diameter. Use straps at least 1 inch wide — thin rope cuts into bark over time.
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Attach at 4–5 ft heightThe center of the hammock will rest ~18 inches off the ground when loaded. Easy to get in, safe to get out.
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No trees? Get a stand.Steel stands work on any flat surface — patio, deck, grass. A stand costs less than the frustration of a return.
"The best hammock is the one that fits naturally into your life — and the one you actually reach for every afternoon."
— Hammocks.comWe only recommend hammocks we'd use in our own homes and on our own adventures. Here's what we'd point family toward.
Best entry-point rope hammock we carry. Wide, classic look, handles outdoor use well.
Woven rope with beautiful color — handles outdoor exposure well with a more refined look than standard rope.
Classic natural tone that works in any backyard. Same woven rope quality, timeless look.
Sunbrella fabric is the gold standard for outdoor textiles. The quilted hammock we'd buy for our own backyard.
Great everyday quilted, includes pillow. Our most popular hammock by units sold.
Same great comfort in a fresh colorway. Looks sharp in any backyard.
Complete setup, works on any flat surface. Relax the same day it arrives.
Soft-spun rope is noticeably gentler. Complete outdoor setup that handles the elements.
Wood stands look significantly better in a landscaped backyard. The setup that gets compliments.
Ready to find yours? Browse by type or explore the full catalog.
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