Business Insider India has updated its Privacy and Cookie policy. We use cookies to ensure that we give you the better experience on our website. If you continue without changing your settings, we\'ll assume that you are happy to receive all cookies on the Business Insider India website. However, you can change your cookie setting at any time by clicking on our Cookie Policy at any time. You can also see our Privacy Policy.
The best hammocks you can buy for camping or backyard
The best hammocks you can buy for camping or backyard
Steven JohnMay 8, 2019, 19:30 IST
Insider Picks writes about products and services to help you navigate when shopping online. Insider Inc. receives a commission from our affiliate partners when you buy through our links, but our reporting and recommendations are always independent and objective.
A good hammock provides comfort anywhere you can find a couple of stout trees or fence posts, a wall that supports mounted hooks, or a dedicated hammock stand.
The word "hammock" comes the Spanish term "hamaca," which itself was co-opted from the pre-Columbian Arawakan group of languages shared by many cultures native to South and Central America. Hammocks had been common among people living in the Americas for hundreds of years before the first Europeans arrived in the late 15th century, but were essentially unknown throughout the rest of the world. All that changed quickly, of course, because hammocks rock.
Within a few short decades following the first "New World" contact, navies and merchant fleets around the globe were using hammocks as sleeping quarters for sailors at sea. Hammocks were soon adopted as leisure items for the wealthy and used as cheap, convenient bedding for the frontiersman, farmer, or itinerant.
In the modern era, hammocks can be seen swinging in backyards, campsites, frat houses, and teenagers' bedrooms. They are prized for the comfort they offer when unfurled and for how well they fold up for transport and storage when the R&R session is over.
Advertisement
How to choose the right hammock for you
If you're looking for a hammock, before you choose which one you'll buy, first consider the classic questions of who, what, when, where, why, and how.
First, who is looking for a hammock? Why, you are! If you'll be sharing this hammock, or lending it out, then you need to think about the other people who might also use it. Some hammocks can accommodate many hundreds of pounds, while some are rated and sized for the single user.
Next, what are you hoping to buy? A hammock! Got it. Moving on.
When will you use your new hammock? This issue is a bit more nuanced than you might think. Sure, saying "I'll probably use it on Saturday afternoons" might be the right answer, but you should also consider the season (temperature and insects can be factors in choosing) and if you will be using the hammock overnight.
Where is a big question here: Will you use your hammock while camping in the wilderness, or only on the patio beside the pool? Is it going to be hung in the basement playroom or in a bedroom? Will you want to set up and take down the hammock frequently and in various locations, or leave it as a semi-permanent installation?
Advertisement
As to why you should get a hammock ... well, have you ever been in one? Then you know all about it.
And finally, how will you use your hammock? As a bed when you're camping far afield? As a spot to read or relax at the end of the day? For tanning in the summer sun?
All of the hammocks on our list share a couple of characteristics, in that they hang from two fixed points and support a person or two. But that doesn't mean comparing various types of hammock can't become an apples-to-oranges situation. So think through where you will use your hammock, how you will set it up, who might be sharing or borrowing it, and so forth, then get yourself a great hammock and enjoy.
Disclosure: This post is brought to you by the Insider Picks team. We highlight products and services you might find interesting. If you buy them, we get a small share of the revenue from the sale from our commerce partners. We frequently receive products free of charge from manufacturers to test. This does not drive our decision as to whether or not a product is featured or recommended. We operate independently from our advertising sales team. We welcome your feedback. Email us at insiderpicks@businessinsider.com.
Most hammocks feel great when you first climb in. Your body feels almost weightless as you ease yourself into a gentle curve and rock back and forth in the breeze. But should you want to shift out of that initial position of supine repose, you're basically out of luck. That's because many hammocks are only comfortable enjoyed on your back and in near total stillness.
With the Wildhorn Outfitters Outpost hammock, you have the room and the support you need to shift positions and move about as you search for that ideal arrangement of your body's various parts. The 11-foot span of the Outpost allows you to stretch out fully with room to spare and creates a nearly flat space when you lie in it diagonally, provided you were able to secure the ends of the hammock tautly and far enough apart.
At one pound, 10 ounces, this isn't the lightest parachute nylon hammock ever made, but it's still light and compact enough for use on overland treks or during climbs. The generous size and comfort of the hammock more than compensate for those few extra ounces. Speaking of ounces, the hammock is tested to support up to 1,000 pounds, though its safety rated at a maximum of 400 pounds.
Among Amazon customers, the Wildhorn Outfitters Outpost hammock has a 4.6-star rating. Many praise the ease and speed of its setup thanks to the cinch buckle system. One said it "takes two minutes or less to set up," while another said he was "super pleased with the quality of the product."
A gear reviewer with All Camping Stuff said he got the Wildhorn Outfitters Outpost hammock "fully set up in a matter of seconds," while a video reviewer with SHEFF loved how the Outpost let him "stretch out" and how the strap system allowed for easy adjustability during the hanging process.
Pros: Long hammock for ideal sleeping comfort, easy to set up and adjust strap system, high-quality materials
Cons: Slightly bulky when packed, not made with ripstop fabric
There are a lot of positive attributes worth noting about the Newdora Parachute Cloth Ultralight Hammock, but let's get right to the point here: This hammock costs less than a dinner entree at a casual dining restaurant. It's yours for less than 20 dollars (a bit more if you want the mosquito net) yet in terms of design and material quality, it's far from a cheap hammock.
The Newdora Ultralight hammock is perfect for the hiker or climber who needs a place to snooze while taking a break from the adventure. It can be quickly set up or taken down and packed away, minimizing the amount of time you spent making or breaking camp, and maximizing your time for chilling out. At just over a pound, it doesn't add notable gear weight, so you can bring one along even if you'll spend the nights in a tent and sleeping bag and just want a spot to relax.
The Newdora Ultralight measures 8.75-feet long and 5.4-feet wide. Given those dimensions and its excellent weight capacity, two adults can share it for some cozy relaxation, though if you're going to sleep in this hammock, best to do it solo. The attached stuff sack doubles as a handy pocket while the hammock is set up, giving you a spot for a headlamp, phone, snack, and so forth. Speaking of setup, that part is easy thanks to the included tree ropes and steel carabiners.
Most people who own this hammock love it. The Newdora enjoys a 4.3-star rating on Amazon. RelaxingHammock.com called the Newdora Ultralight "soft and silky" in feel and praised its portability. A video review from Life with the Fosters demonstrated the amazing ease of setup in real-time.
Pros: Very low cost, large weight capacity, lightweight and compact
Cons: Inferior rope included with hammock, no setup instructions
As the name suggests, the Best Choice Products Cotton Double Hammock is made from soft, woven cotton. You sink into the material, enjoying comfort and support ideal for an afternoon nap, a break from the yard work, or while disappearing into the pages of a great book. Add a blanket, and this hammock will even keep you warm and cozy in colder weather, though it's a good choice for summertime, too, as the breeze drifts over your stretched-out body.
But the best thing about this hammock is arguably not the hammock itself, but the fact that it comes with a modular steel stand. The stand can be assembled (or disassembled) in a matter of minutes, and both the stand segments and the hammock tuck away into a carrying case.
That means you can set up this Best Choice Products Cotton Double Hammock in the yard, on the porch, at a campsite, at a tailgating party, or anywhere else you want, no trees, fence posts, or wall anchors required. As the stand is resin-coated to be weather resistant, you can also set it up in a permanent location.
Oh, and you'll also probably like the multiple color and pattern options available and the fact that the whole package costs only a little more than sixty bucks.
With more than 1,500 customer input logged on Amazon, the hammock has a 4.2-star rating. One commenter said, "I love how easy the stand was to assemble." Another noted the 450-pound weight limit, calling it "sturdy enough for you and a friend."
If you prefer to take it from the experts, then trust Momma's Little Reviews when a writer there says this hammock was a "fantastic addition" and that required "very little assembly" and that she "can easily move it around [the] yard."
Pros: Sets up anywhere, lightweight hammock and stand, all-season comfort
Cons: Not actually large enough for two adults, prone to tipping over with vigorous swinging
Bug bites and bee stings are way up near the top of the list of things that are no fun. While most insect bites are merely annoying, causing an itch or a bit of pain, mosquito-borne illnesses like the Zika virus, dengue fever, malaria, and more can be deadly serious issues.
Whether you're traveling to an area known for endemic insect-born diseases or you're just really tired of having flies buzz around you and ants crawl over you while you try to relax, the G4Free Portable Hammock with Mosquito Net is a great solution.
The hammock itself is made from smooth, supportive parachute-style nylon and can generously accommodate a single adult user. Two hoop-shaped wire frames hold the insect netting up and out of the way, creating a large interior area in which you can sit up and move about without constantly touching the mesh. The netting can also be detached and moved out of the way when not needed.
The materials used to construct the hammock, mesh, and the supporting roping are all mildew and rot resistant, making this insect shelter hammock a great choice for use in jungles, on beaches, and in varied tropical locations. Your back might protest after multiple nights of sleeping in it, though, as it does dip noticeably when in use.
The G4Free Portable Hammock with Mosquito Net has an average rating of 4 stars out of 5 on Amazon, with customers commenting about how the hammock is "surprisingly easy to set up" and how lightweight yet sturdy it is.
Outsider Pursuits called the G4Free hammock "versatile" and able to "keep out the smallest bugs, including no-see-ums and midges." All Around Camping appreciated that it offered "enough room to comfortably stretch out."
Pros: Protects user against insects, versatile design, low price point
Cons: Not comfortable enough for multi-day use, netting rips easily
For idling away the hours of a summer afternoon, there's nothing like a classic woven rope hammock like the Pawleys Island Original hammock.
The name of this hammock comes from Pawleys Island, South Carolina, where hammocks were first mass-produced in the United States starting back in the late 19th century (Popular Mechanics call it a "go-to name for many when it comes to hammocks"). Not much differs between this Hammock Source hammock and the ones produced more than 125 years ago.
It features a double-woven bed made from more than 1,000 feet of braided cotton rope, solid oak spreader bars, and steel hardware. But it has a few modern updates: The steel is zinc-plated to help it resist corrosion, and the oak bars are dipped in a marine spar varnish to enhance their weather-resistance.
This classic rope hammock is at its best when one or two people are lying on their backs and doing nothing at all, though reading a book and/or sipping a cocktail or glass of lemonade are also acceptable. Some people find these hammocks hard to get into or out of, and some people might find the rope less comfortable than a solid weave or parachute fabric.
The open rope design is inarguably ideal for a hot day, though, as it promotes excellent airflow. This hammock belongs strung up between two elm trees in a suburban backyard or between two palms on the beach. Mine currently resides in the yard of its third residence, the hammock having moved around Southern California and then clear across the country with us.
Amazon customers gave the Hammock Source Pawley Island Original an average 4.1-star rating, with one person calling it "big and comfy." A video review noted the "soft feel of the cotton," while Art of the Home pointed out the hammock's "hand-tied bowline knots that tighten with use keeping your hammock from sagging."
Pros: Classic style, large enough for two adults, weather-resistant components
Cons: Additional hardware needed for setup, rather expensive
