Hammock FAQ

Choosing your Hammock
Which type of Hammock should I choose?
What are speader bars and do I need them?
Can I sleep in my Hammock overnight? Which style is best for that?

Hammock Care and Hanging
Care and hanging instructions by Hammock style
How much room do I need for hanging?
How high should I hang my hammock?
How much weight can my Hammock hold?
Will hammock hooks cause tree damage?
How do I install posts to hang my Hammock?
I have a Hammock Chair, how do I hang it?

Hammocks* – Imperative Dos and absolute Don’ts
8 Imperative Rules for Hammock Safety

PLEASE NOTE: For durability and longevity, we recommend storing any hammock after use. Unnecessary exposure to the elements will reduce its life span.

View Rope Hammocks
View Quilted Hammocks
View Mayan Hammocks
View Brazilian Hammocks
View Nicaraguan Hammocks
View Poolside Hammocks
View Camping Hammocks

View all Hammocks

View Hammocks with Stands

Rope Hammocks
Rope hammocks are similar in design to quilted hammocks, but feature rope stitching between the spreader-bars. These are the classic hammocks that most people associate with island castaways lounging under palm trees. Spreader bars keep the lounge bed open for easy access, and the rope stitching offers both support ant flexibility.

Rope hammocks are either cotton or polyester, and each has its advantages. Cotton rope hammocks are more flexible than polyester, but polyester styles are less susceptible to humidity, mildew and mold. It’s a good idea to consider nylon if you live in a very humid climate.

Whether you sling your rope hammock between two trees, on a stand or between posts, it’s important to pre-measure your chosen spot. Most rope hammocks measure 13-feet, so your hanging source (posts or trees) should be from 13 to 17 feet apart. You can always get a hammock stand if such a spread isn’t available to you.

Though quilted and rope hammocks are similar in appearance, the large gaps in the weave of rope hammocks makes them potentially dangerous for little ones, since there is a chance a hand or food could get stuck between the ropes.

Quilted Hammocks
Quilted hammocks are so named because of the filler material between fabric layers, which offers quilted softness, comfort and extra warmth. Quilted hammocks are ideal for cooler climates and easy to flop into, since they come with spreader bars that offer stability and keep the bed area wide open and accessible. They offer the added attraction of being reversible, so you get two hammocks in one – usually a pattern on one side and a solid color on the other. Sling your quilted hammock between two trees or purchase an easy-to-use stand. These hammocks are normally made of solid fabric, meaning no rope holes or stitching gaps. This makes them a great choice for families and young kids.

Mayan Hammocks
Mayan craftsmen weave their brightly colored hammocks using either cotton or nylon in thin threads, with a stitch that is both breathable and flexible. These softer hammocks flex easily with movements and adapt to body shape and size.

Cotton-weave Mayan hammocks are made of all natural materials and require protection, such as a hammock sock, if stored outdoors, whereas the nylon weaves are more durable under humid weather conditions and not as susceptible to mildew. Nylon might be a better choice since the sheen of the thread used in weaving adds vibrancy to bright colors used in weaving.

The Mayan weave and lightweight materials make these hammocks easy to carry, so they’re a favorite among campers, jungle trekkers and outdoor types. No spreader bar also means less to carry, so they provide a great place to sleep no matter where you are.

Mayan hammocks are similar in appearance to Nicaraguan hammocks, but the looser stitch makes them more breathable and flexible. Though the strings are deceptively strong, they can be easily damaged by snagged buttons or zippers, so for those who want a little more durability with the same airy, flexible Mayan design, the thicker stringed version is the best choice.

Brazilian Hammocks
Brazilian hammocks come in a variety of lively colors, and are hand woven using thick cotton, great for keeping warm on cool evenings. They normally come without spreader bars, so you can cocoon into your own snuggly universe. Some feature unique and elaborate fringe work that has a luxurious look.

The Brazilian weave is very solid, so there’s no chance you’ll snag your clothing when you’re curled up or stretched out. This solid, snuggly quality makes it great for families with kids, and a great choice for cooler climates.

Though Brazilian hammocks are typically not spreader-bar hammocks, there is a special model with spreader-bars that combines the open-bed comfort of a rope hammock with the snuggly thick cotton weave of the Brazilian style.

Nicaraguan Hammocks
These double-weave beauties are comfortable and easy on the eyes, and often feature fringing that makes them even more inviting. Nicaraguan hammocks are tightly stitched but breathable cotton hammocks. This means you’re not going to get your buttons or zippers stuck in between stitches. Nicaraguans normally belong to the non-spreader-bar class of handmade sleeping hammocks.

Nicaraguan hammocks can be enjoyed indoors and outdoors, slung between trees, beams, rafters or custom stands. Make sure to get a hammock sock or other protection if you plan on leaving your hammock outdoors for extended periods.

Poolside Hammocks
As the name indicates, these hammocks are ideal for relaxing near water, because their fabrics are designed to be fade-resistant and water tolerant. They are the best choice for a beach outing or a nap beside the pool. Poolside hammocks are typically designed with spreader bars for easy access right from the water, and can either be hung from stands or between trees.

Poolside hammocks are most popular in warm climates and seaside locations due to their tolerance of wet and dry conditions. Their fade-and-water-resistant fabric makes them a little less comfortable than other designs, but the trade-off is a hammock that loves you, wet swimsuit and all.

Not only are poolside hammocks extra durable, they’re easy to clean: all you need is liquid soap and warm water. An occasional dunking in a solution of diluted bleach will keep your poolside hammock free of any mildew.

Camping Hammocks
Whether you’re cycling, backpacking or just backyard camping, choose these portable hammocks for safe and comfortable outdoor sleeping. Because they are made of super lightweight material and fold extremely small, so they save space and won’t weigh down your pack.

Camping hammocks get you up off the damp or hard ground, which gives you more sleeping options than a tent. They are normally slung between trees, though some come with portable stands.

What are spreader bars and do I need them?
Spreader bars are wood planks that serve the purpose of keeping the hammock open and the bed flat. The classic American-style hammock with which most of us are familiar has spreader bars, but ultimately it’s a matter of taste. Rope and poolside hammocks, as well as quilted hammocks, usually have spreader bars, which gives them that classic hammock look. Spreader bars can also make hammocks more susceptible to tipping, again a matter of preference – some people perfect the art of balance!

Can I sleep in my hammock overnight? Which style is best for that?
Hammocks are perfect for overnight sleeping! (We recommend Mayan, Nicaraguan and Brazilian hammocks, since spreader bar hammocks are not as tolerant of sleep movement.) Millions of people around the world sleep in hammocks every night, including of course, Nicaraguans, Mayans and Brazilians, who have used hammocks as beds for generations.

CARE AND HANGING INSTRUCTIONS BY HAMMOCK STYLE
Mayan Hammocks

- Getting In:
NOT feet first! Get into a sitting position, the same way you would sit in a chair, then spread the fabric out behind you with your arms to evenly distribute your weight across the fabric. Now you can lay back and relax.

- Layn at an Angle:
Laying at an angle offers great back support and more evenly distributes your weight across the hammock, dminishing fabric tension. Have fun finding your favorite position - you may have several!

- Indoors:
Ceiling beams or wall studs make ideal indoor hanging posts - just make sure they provide at least 12 feet of distance. Screw your hooks into the middle of the stud or beam using a power drill. Use lengths of chain or rope to compensate for extra distance: never hang hammock loop ends directly from the hooks.

- Outdoors:
Mayan hammocks can be hung from anything with solid footing, such as sturdy fence posts, trees, garage studs, balcony or patio beams- at a recommended distance of 12 feet. We recommend hanging the hammock approximately 6 feet above the ground. Use lengths of chain or rope to compensate for extra distance. Never hang loop ends directly from hooks.

- Care for your Mayan hammock:
* Cleaning: hand wash using mild detergent or soap
* Avoid tangles by tying up arms
* Storage: hang both ends from a single hook (fig. 1)
* Avoid friction by looping chain or rope from hanging hooks through the hammock loop (fig. 2)
* In case of thread fraying or breaking, tie up both ends to avoid holes

 

Rope Hammocks

- Care and maintenance:
Although our rope hammocks are extremely durable under indoor and outdoor conditions, certain precautions can be helpful. Regularly waxing the natural wood spreader bars will not only enhance the beauty of the wood, but prevent moisture damage over time. Hammock cord can be a favorite nesting material for rodents and other gnawing animals, so keep your stored hammock out of reach of their sharp teeth.

- Hanging:
Sling your rope hammock between two solid structures for optimum support, such as trees, solid posts or an appropriate hammock stand. These structures should be separated by the same length as the hammock or a bit more – though slightly less is workable. Our stands are longer than the hammocks by approximately 3 feet, and feature chains that bridge the gap. Always make sure your attachments are secure and the location is safe. If using trees, for instance, make certain that your hooks are deeply screwed into the wood rather than just the bark. Also make sure not to hang your hammock too close to a precipice like a patio edge. This way you can avoid potential accidents if someone exits the hammock in an uncontrolled way. To compensate for settling (all good hammocks react to body weight with some “give”), install your hooks at least 4 feet from the ground and adjust the hammock tightness to avoid "scraping bottom".

Brazilian Hammocks

- Care and maintenance:
Our Brazilian Hammocks are super durable. If left outdoors the sunlight will cause the colors to fade like a favorite pair of jeans. Avoid mildew by making sure your hammock is dry before storing. Never use washing machine: hand-wash with mild detergent and hang dry.

- Hanging:
Hang your Brazilian Hammock in the same style as a Mayan Hammock, assuring a deep "U" curve. The best way to rest in a Brazilian Hammock is diagonally for optimum back support & relaxation.

How much space do I need for hanging?
Regardless of your space restrictions, there should be a solution for hanging your hammock. If you have less than 10-15 feet (the recommended distance for hammock hanging) available to you, simply raise the hooks to compensate. If you have two trees that are more than 15 feet apart, our hammock hanging accessories give you options. We also offer flexible hammock stands that can be easily moved and adjusted. When selecting your hammock, consult the product screen to find the hanging distance required or your specific hammock (also shown in the graph below).

How high should I hang my hammock?

* RED: Not Recommended
* Distance measured from loop end to loop end

How much weight can my hammock hold?
Hammocks have varying weight capacities, but at a minimum can hold 1 heavy adult. Each individual hammock capacity can be viewed in the "product description" area on our product pages.

Will hooks damage my trees?
Hooks aren't likely to damage large trees, but rather than subjecting your trees to potential risk (and leaving holes), we recommend considering our tree-safe hanging accessories.

How to install posts?
Metal or wooden posts are a solid and permanent solution to hanging your hammock. You will have to bury the poles to a depth between 1.5 and 2 feet, and then cement them in place according to the instructions on the cement mixture package.

I have a Hammock Chair, how do I hang it?
Choose a solid beam or heavy tree limb and test its capacity to hold a large amount of weight.