Hammocks can be the perfect solution for relaxing, camping, or a permanent sleeping solution. They save space, and are lightweight, as well as very low impact when used outdoors. Finding the right hammock is key to your enjoyment, and depending on your intended use, the hammock buying guide will guide you to the proper hang.
Things to consider are styles, location, permanence, and available space.
We are here with information on all of the considerations above. If you have any questions about your hammock after choosing it you can check out our Hammock Buying Guide FAQ section below.
Hammock Styles
There are many styles of hammock out there, the most popular being: American, Brazilian, Mayan, and Quilted.
American style hammocks (like this) are typically hammocks that are designed for lounging and regularly utilize spreader bars. Spreader bars are great for back yard or patio hangs as they allow for ease of use, making the hammock flatter when occupied and more exposed to the sun… perfect for a permanent to semi-permanent hammock.
Most American hammocks are designed for one to two people.
Brazilian hammocks (like this one) are typically made with a cotton or polyester fabric without spreader bars. These hammocks make great sleeping hammocks and are fairly lightweight making them a great option for the beach. They can wrap you up, so they are ideal for a snooze rather than an exposed hammock lie.
Brazilian hammocks are easily machine washable and stand up to the elements well.
Mayan hammocks (like this one) are usually hand-woven hammocks in either a natural white or a hand dyed bright multi-color. Mayan hammocks are super breathable allowing for lots of ventilation during use. Designed with a permanent sleeping solution in mind.
Mayan hammocks come in all sizes, including ones that can sleep a family!
Quilted hammocks are (depending on your preference) the most comfortable hammocks out there. Think of it as a floating comforter; some kind of fill insulation between two swathes of fabric. Quilted hammocks typically feature spreader bars, making them easy to get in and out of, and are usually reversible so you could potentially get two styles of hammocks in one.
Recommended use for Quilted hammocks is indoors, or outdoors with removals during inclement weather. Quilted hammocks are not meant to be frequently exposed to the elements, according to hammock buying guides.
Hammock Material / Fabrics
Rope
Rope hammocks are the oldest known fabrications of the hammock. Traditionally they were made with available materials, and in relatively recent times… that material has become either cotton or polyester.
Cotton is more traditional, and natural. It is, however, more susceptible to mildew and is slightly heavier than synthetic options, making it a good idea to store your hammock during times of bad weather.
Polyester stands up better to the elements and makes for a very low maintenance option. Poly can be either woven into rope or utilized as a fabric to give a solid surface hammock. It is resistant to mold and mildew, but still should be stored when not in use to allow for a very long life.
Hammock Bed Sizes
The Hammock Bed refers to the usable portion of the hammock and does not include the tether points. The difference in “Bed Size” refers to the width of a hammock, and how comfortably it can accommodate one, two, or even more people. Our hammock buying guide breaks these into single, double, queen, and king sizes.
Single
Single hammocks are exactly that… suitable for one average sized adult. Bed sizes typically range from 39 to 50 inches in width. Average length of a single hammock is 76 inches to 79 inches.
Double
Double hammocks are large enough house two adults comfortably, ranging from 52 inches to 60 inches in width, with a similar length to a single at 74 to 79 inches long.
Matrimonial/Queen
Matrimonial or “Queen” sized hammocks are even larger allowing for two (or more) occupants at 69 inches wide by 79 inches long. That’s almost 10 inches wider than a Queen-sized mattress!
Family/King
Family or king-sized hammocks are very large. They are fabricated as a square and are designed to accommodate two to three average sized adults. King sized hammocks can be as large as 79 inches wide by 79 inches long.
Hammock Buying Guide FAQ
What type of hammock should I buy?
Q: Can I put two people in my hammock?
Q: How do I hang a Hammock?
Q: What is the biggest available hammock?
Want more information? Check out the ultimate hammock buying guide, a book called ‘The Ultimate Hang’ here.
