How to Choose the Right Hammock
How to Choose the
Right Hammock
Answer five questions and you'll know exactly which hammock fits your space, your setup, and the way you actually relax.
This single question narrows it down the most.
The environment determines everything — material, style, and whether you need a stand.
Weather Resistance matters here
For outdoor hammocks, polyester and DuraCord resist UV and moisture far better than cotton. The environment determines the material.
Durability depends on where it lives
A hammock stored indoors can be cotton. One that lives outside permanently needs a weather-resistant material.
Measure before you buy.
You need two anchor points 10–15 ft apart, with trunks at least 6 inches in diameter. If you don't have that — a stand is the easy answer.
Overall value includes the right setup
A great hammock on the wrong setup — wrong tree spacing, wrong strap width, hung too tight — won't feel great. Getting the hang right is part of the value. See the full setup guide →
This is the question most guides skip.
There's a real difference between lying flat and being cocooned. The style you choose determines which feeling you get.
Lie flat & stretch out
Quilted, rope, or wide Brazilian. Open, firm surface. Best for long naps and afternoon lounging.
Cocooned & wrapped in
Brazilian or Mayan. Fabric conforms to your body — warm and nest-like. Deeply comfortable.
Seated & swaying
Hammock chair. All the sway in a seated position. Perfect for reading, coffee, small spaces.
Trail & overnight
Camping hammock. Built for portability and quick setup, not extended lounging.
Comfort is our first filter on every hammock we carry
We ask one question before adding anything to our catalog: does it actually feel great to spend an afternoon in? The style you choose should match how you plan to spend that time.
Most people size wrong — and lie in it wrong.
"Double" doesn't mean two people. It means more fabric — and more fabric means the diagonal position works better.
Always lie diagonal.
Shift your body 20–30° off-center diagonally across the hammock. The fabric flattens, weight distributes evenly, and any hammock feels dramatically more comfortable.
This is the tip most buyers never hear. Most back pain complaints in hammocks disappear when people try this.
48–52"
Good for camping. Most backyard buyers wish they'd gone bigger.
55–60"
Room to go diagonal solo. Fits two casually. Right for 90% of buyers.
65"+"
Two adults lying flat. Needs 15+ ft of hanging space.
Material determines longevity outdoors — and how it feels.
The right material for where it lives matters more than most buyers expect.
Cotton
Softest feel. Covered patios & indoors. Store when wet.
Polyester
Best outdoors. UV & moisture resistant.
DuraCord®
Near-cotton soft + outdoor durability.
Nylon
Camping only. Lightest, dries instantly.
Rope
Breathable & classic. Polyester rope handles outdoors.
Materials we look for
We evaluate quality fabrics and fibers before carrying anything. Every material choice is intentional — not just what's cheapest to source.
Construction we look for
Material quality only matters if the construction holds up. We look for thoughtful details — stitching, end loops, hardware — designed to last.
"The right hammock isn't the most expensive one — it's the one that fits naturally into your life."
— Hammocks.com
Our Promise
We only recommend hammocks we would use in our own homes and take on our own adventures. Every pick below is here because it delivers on what matters — not because it's easy to stock.
Comfortable, padded, includes pillow. Our most popular hammock by a wide margin.
Complete setup, works anywhere flat. Easiest way to start relaxing the same day.
Softest material we carry. Perfect for covered patios and indoors. Store when it rains.
Ready to browse? Shop by type or explore the full catalog.
Browse all hammocks →