The 7 Best Hammocks for Ultimate Relaxation
By Corrie Pelc
There’s nothing quite like relaxing in a hammock and feeling the cool breeze rocking you gently as you sip on a refreshingly cold beverage and watch the puffy white clouds in the sky go by.
The beautiful thing about today’s hammocks is that while there are still traditional options that you have to tie to two trees to enjoy, there are a ton of options that come with their own frame. That means you can enjoy a hammock anywhere, without needing a tree to affix it to. We’ve rounded up the best hammocks, whether you’re planning your next camping trip or want to furnish a backyard oasis.
Top Picks
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Best Rope Hammock: The Original Pawleys Island DuraCord Rope HammockA quality rope hammock crafted the same way for over 100 years.
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Best Hammock with Stand: Sunnydaze Cotton Rope Freestanding Hammock with Portable Steel StandLounge the day away anywhere with this portable hammock and stand kit.
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Best Double Hammock AND Best Poolside Hammock: Vivere Double Hammock With StandThe best double hammock and poolside hammock available today.
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Best Camping Hammock: ENO DoubleNest HammockAn excellent camping hammock that you won't even realize you're carrying.
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Best Hammock Tent: Hennessy Hammock Ultralite Backpacker Asym Zip HammockA hammock tent that is weatherproof and easy to set up.
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Best Hammock Chair: Y-Stop Hammock Chair Hanging Rope SwingAdd a change of pace to your relaxation time with this comfortable hammock chair.
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Best Hammock Stand: Sunnydaze 550-Pound Capacity Universal Multi-Use Heavy-Duty Steel Hammock StandDon't miss out on the fun of a hammock — use this universal hammock stand.
What Is a Hammock?
In the simplest of terms, a hammock is a piece of fabric with something at either end — like a rope or chain — that can be connected to two strong and sturdy elements, like trees or metal poles. When the hammock's ends are attached, the hammock suspends in the air, providing a place for you to lie down.
Types of Hammocks
There are lots of different types of hammocks on the market today. Here's a look at some of the main ones:
- Rope Hammocks: Rope hammocks are the most traditional hammock. Using either cotton or polyester rope on either end, these hammocks can be tied to a tree or a stand.
- Hammock with Stand: If you do not have any trees that would work for a hammock, a hammock on a stand is a great option. Stand materials range from metal to wood and come in a variety of sizes and colors. We also have a great option for a hammock stand below if your hammock doesn’t come with one.
- Double Hammock: Want to enjoy your hammock with another person? Double hammocks are made to have room for two people.
- Poolside Hammocks: Poolside hammocks are hammocks on stands, however, the material used for this hammock should be able to handle getting wet.
- Camping Hammocks: Extremely lightweight and compact, camping hammocks are a great option for those who may not want to sleep on the ground while camping, or just want a hammock for relaxing. Camping hammocks are either designed to be attached to trees or may come with a portable stand.
- Hammock Tent: Another option for campers is a hammock tent, which is a hybrid of a hammock and a tent (imagine a hammock with a covering over it to protect you while you're sleeping). Camping and tent hammocks can also have an underquilt added to them for extra warmth, which we talk more about in detail below.
- Swing Hammock: A swing hammock is like a traditional hammock but with one side up so you're sitting in a "chair." This makes it more like a swing than a hammock.
Factors We Considered When Finding the Best Hammocks to Buy
With so many hammock options available, how do you pick the best one for you? Here’s a look at the test factors we used to determine the best hammock in each category:
- Price: Hammocks come at all different price points.
- Hammock Type: What type of hammock is this?
- Length: The length of the hammock will tell you what height of a person it can accommodate.
- Width: The wider a hammock is, the more space there is to relax. Very wide hammocks can normally accommodate two people, depending on their weight capacity.
- Weight: How much does the hammock weigh? This is especially important for camping and tent hammocks, as they’ll likely be carried around.
- Hammock Material: What type of material is the hammock made of?
- Hanging Connector: How is the hammock connected? Rope? Chain? Another way?
- How It’s Hung: Does the hammock need to be hung on trees, or does it have its own stand?
- Weight Capacity: How much weight the hammock can hold.
- Spreader Bar: A spreader bar is a bar made of metal or wood that runs on either end of the hammock. Its purpose is to keep the hammock's fabric spread out, making it easier to get in and out of the hammock.
- Warranty: Does the manufacturer back the quality of its product?
Without further ado, let’s take a look at our top-rated hammocks!
Best Rope Hammock: The Original Pawleys Island DuraCord Rope Hammock
First made back in 1889 by a South Carolina riverboat captain, The Original Pawleys Island DuraCord Rope Hammock is still made with the same craftsmanship, but with some modern additions. This handwoven rope hammock is constructed from DuraCord — a weather-resistant synthetic blend that encompasses the softness of cotton and the durability of polyester. The hammock features an oak spreader bar to help the hammock lay flat when you're laying on it, and rust-resistant zinc-plated hardware for attaching the hammock to a tree or stand (not included). The Original Pawleys Island DuraCord Rope Hammock is available in nine different color options and has a weight capacity of 450 pounds.
Pros
- DuraCord material is all-weather proof
- Oak spreader helps the hammock lay flat
- Zinc-plated hanging hardware is rust-resistant
Cons
- Does not include a stand
Best Hammock with Stand: Sunnydaze Cotton Rope Freestanding Hammock with Portable Steel Stand
There’s no need to worry about needing trees with the Sunnydaze Cotton Rope Freestanding Hammock with 12 Foot Portable Steel Stand and Spreader Bar. Available in nine colorful patterns, this hammock is a combination of rope and cloth, and on top is a comfy hammock pad and pillow made from a quick-drying polyester fabric that is easy to clean. The hammock also includes a 12-foot metal stand made of heavy-duty steel that is rust-proof and resistant to whatever the weather brings. The Sunnydaze Cotton Rope Freestanding Hammock is easy to put together and comes with all the hardware required.
Pros
- Rope and cloth hammock in one
- Comes with a heavy-duty steel stand
- Easy to assemble
Cons
- Low weight capacity
Best Double Hammock AND Best Poolside Hammock: Vivere Double Hammock With Stand
The Vivere Double Hammock With Stand is such a great hammock, it won two awards on our list: best double hammock and best poolside hammock. For starters, as the name implies, this hammock is built for two and can accommodate up to 450 pounds. The hammock comes with a sturdy nine-foot steel stand that assembles quickly without any tools. What makes this a great poolside hammock is its available fabrics—in addition to 100% cotton, the hammock is also available in a woven polyester fabric that is weather-, mildew- and rot-resistant. Or choose Sunbrella fabric, which is also immune to anything the weather can throw at it and keeps the hammock's color dyes from fading. All versions of the Vivere Double Hammock With Stand are available in a slew of color and pattern options, and hammocks also come with a canvas carrying bag for taking it on the go.
Pros
- Hammock built for two
- Choose from three fabric types
- Tons of color and pattern options
Cons
- Tree straps sold separately
- No spreader bar
Best Camping Hammock: ENO DoubleNest Hammock
When it comes to camping hammocks, two things are key: how much it weighs and how tough it is. The ENO DoubleNest Hammock hits both marks dead-on with a lightweight, super-strong hammock that weighs only a pound and folds down to be the size of a grapefruit. This hammock is constructed with a very soft and breathable nylon taffeta fabric that is also quick-drying. The hammock’s triple-stitched seams mean it can take a beating, and its aluminum wiregate carabiners can be easily clipped to any anchor points. Able to comfortably sleep two people, the ENO DoubleNest Hammock also comes in an array of colors and includes a built-in "stuff sack" so you can tuck away items while you're sleeping.
Pros
- Super lightweight and portable
- Made from tough, breathable nylon fabric
- Can accommodate two sleepers
Cons
- Suspension system sold separately
Best Hammock Tent: Hennessy Hammock Ultralite Backpacker Asym Zip Hammock
If you require a bit more coverage in your hammock when camping, consider the Hennessy Hammock Ultralite Backpacker Asym Zip Hammock. This hammock tent is extremely lightweight — weighing just a little over 1 pound — and can fit anyone up to six feet tall and up to 200 lbs. The hammock's structural ridgeline helps to make sure it lies flat, and its patented asymmetric shape means you can lie down diagonally and completely flat in the hammock. The hammock's body is made from a high-tenacity nylon fabric with a reinforced bottom fabric and is suspended through spectra-reinforced ropes that are covered in polyester. And the hammock tent comes with a rainfly that only weighs an additional 8 ounces for additional protection from the weather.
Pros
- Extremely lightweight and durable
- Asymmetrical design lets you lie down completely flat
- Included rainfly for extra weather protection
Cons
- Only for those up to 6 feet tall and under 200 lbs
Best Hammock Chair: Y-Stop Hammock Chair Hanging Rope Swing
With almost 6,800 reviews and 4.5 stars on Amazon, there's no surprise as to why the Y-Stop Hammock Chair Hanging Rope Swing makes our list for the best hammock chair. This hammock chair combines the fun of being suspended in the air that a hammock brings, with the option of sitting up and relaxing while reading, watching TV, or enjoying a frosty beverage. Able to be used both indoors and outdoors, the hammock chair is made from cotton with a padded bottom and two pillows for extra comfort. It also has a built-in side pocket for storing books, phones, tablets, and any other small items. The Y-Stop Hammock Chair Hanging Rope Swing is available in four colors and comes with all the hardware required to install it safely and properly.
Pros
- Can recline or sit up
- Use indoors or outdoors
- Convenient built-in pocket for storing books, phones, and tablets
Cons
- Only 30 days to return
Best Hammock Stand: Sunnydaze 550-Pound Capacity Universal Multi-Use Heavy-Duty Steel Hammock Stand
Even though a hammock may not come with a stand, most can still be attached to one if you don’t have any trees nearby. If you're in need of a quality hammock stand, we recommend the Sunnydaze 550-Pound Capacity Universal Multi-Use Heavy-Duty Steel Hammock Stand. Able to fit 9- to 14-foot long hammocks with a 550-pound capacity, this hammock stand comes in three color options and with the chains and hardware needed to attach a hammock to it. Designed to be used either indoors or outdoors, the hammock stand is constructed of powder-coated steel to make it rust-resistant, and has four plastic feet so it won't scratch up whatever flooring you place it on. The Sunnydaze 550-Pound Capacity Universal Multi-Use Heavy-Duty Steel Hammock Stand assembles without the use of any tools, so you can be on your way to relaxing in no time.
Pros
- Assembles without the use of tools
- Fits hammocks from 9-14 feet in length
- 550-pound capacity
Cons
- Requires you have a hammock to hang on it
How to Take Care of Your Hammock
As most hammocks are not cheap, they are designed to last for a long time as long as you care for them properly. Here are some tips on how to get the most mileage out of your hammock:
- Keep It Clean — As nine times out of 10 your hammock will be outdoors, make sure to keep it clean by wiping it down per the manufacturer's directions and letting it dry properly after cleaning.
- Keep An Eye Out for Damage — Before getting in your hammock, give it a quick once-over for any tears in the fabric or connectors. Any issues with the connectors can be a major hazard as you certainly don't want to fall out of your hammock or have it disconnect from the tree or stand it's hanging on to.
- Know the Weight Capacity — While it may seem like your hammock is big enough for two, it may not have the weight capacity to handle two full-grown adults. Make sure you know your hammock's weight capacity and abide by it.
- Store it Properly — When you're not using your hammock, make sure it's disassembled and stored in a clean, dry place. Many hammocks today come with a carrying or storage case — if yours does not, you can pick one up for pretty cheap from most big-box retailers.
Do you have a hammock that is your favorite place to relax? Tell us all about it in the comments below!
Frequently asked questions
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