Alexandra Ramirez
1. Eagles Nest
Best Overall Hammock
5/5 Product Rating
It is big enough that two people can fit in it comfortably or have plenty of space left over and just lay in it by yourself.
The DoubleNest stores easily by fitting into its compression sack easily. You can take it anywhere and set it up in mere seconds.
This strong, safe hammock can support up to 400 pounds. The construction of the hammock is 70d high tenacity nylon taffeta that features triple interlocking stitching. The included aluminum wiregate Carabiners and nautical grade line with the stainless steel snap links enable users to hook it to trees, poles, boat masts or even the wall.
This DoubleNest hammock is versatile, durable and long lasting. It is the perfect addition for camping, hiking, traveling, boating or just hanging out in your own backyard. The hammock suspension straps are sold separately.
– Jonathan Maxwell
2. Best Choice Products
Best Overall Hammock – Runner Up
4.9/5 Product Rating
It holds up to 450 pounds and measure 135” x 55” from end to end. The bed length itself is 75” x 55”.
Hammocks are extremely soothing and relaxing places to rest, take a nap or just enjoy the weather, reading.
Assembly is required but you get everything you will need for that including: the hammock itself, a detachable pillow, sturdy suspension rings, S-hooks with 12” chains for easy setup. The stand is not included but can be purchased separately.
This hammock makes the perfect gift for a friend or family member that loves to spend time outdoors just relaxing. It doesn’t get much more relaxing than this. This stylish hammock will add to the great looks of any yard.
– Jonathan Maxwell
3. GOLDEN EAGLE
Best Budget Hammock
4.6/5 Product Rating
Made from soft and breathable parachute nylon fabric, the triple seamed stitches are strong and resistant to tearing.
Load capacity of this comfortable and attractive hammock is a whopping 600 pounds which makes it very secure when two people want to be in it at the same time.
It has an attractive Swiss Design and is ISO 9001 certified producer. If you want, you can purchase separately the hammock tree straps that each have 128 loops for the ultimate in security as well.
The 100% polyester is non stretchy so it won’t lose its shape. The silky soft feel is very appealing and the material offers plenty of breathability to keep it comfortable while you are lying on it. Users can set up the Golden Eagle hammock in just 2 minutes. It comes with carabiners and 10 nautical grade ropes that are 8mm and have loops already affixed.
Golden Eagle offers consumers who purchase the hammock a 100% money back guarantee that is no questions asked within 60 days. There is a lifetime warranty as well that takes care of manufacturer’s defects and problems with workmanship.
– Jonathan Maxwell
Hammock Buying Guide
What is a Hammock?
Hammocks are inexpensive outdoor furniture that sometimes uses a stand (sold separately) to hold the hammock. Hammocks can also be attached to trees and other solid structures as well. Even though all hammocks are similar, they will vary in style, attachment method and construction.
There are several things to consider when purchasing the right hammock for your needs. We will go over these considerations so you can sort through all of the choices and make the decision that is right for you.
Hammocks are used for indoor and outdoor relaxation and they come in many different varieties and sizes. There are even hammocks for babies. There are studies that show that both babies and adults fall asleep faster in hammocks and there are some additional health benefits that a user can derive from lying in one.
The Benefits of Lying in a Hammock
As we mentioned above, there are many benefits that you can enjoy by lying in a hammock on a regular basis.
- Stress Release – The sway of a hammock is very soothing and calming. Rocking is a motion that we often use for babies but it appears that adults have the same primal reaction to it as well.
- Better Sleep – The modern sleep studies that have been conducted have verified that hammocks provide the user with longer, deeper sleep. Since sleep deprivation is very common, being able to get better sleep is a huge plus.
- Comfort for the Body – There are no pressure points on the body when lying in a hammock. The body is able to completely rest or “hang”. Sleeping in a hammock is very much like sleeping on air.
- No Beds to Make – When a hammock is your bed of choice, there are no beds to make when you get up. Some people really love this fact.
- Affordable – Many people, desperate for a good night’s sleep, will spend thousands for a bed that they can sleep well on. A good hammock is a fraction of the cost of a high quality bed and you will probably sleep better on the hammock.
Things to Consider When Purchasing a Hammock
Hammocks have many differences from one to the other. There can be differences in:
- Suspension method
- Materials used in construction
- Different colors and patterns
- Different sizes
These are just a few of the differences that hammocks can have. Choosing the right one for your needs is largely determined by personal preferences of the ones that will be using it.
Where will it hang? – The first thing you will think about when purchasing a hammock is where you are going to put it. Choices include: indoors attached to solid beams, outdoors between two trees, between two fixed points like walls or posts, or on a free standing stand.
How Many People will be Using it? – There are several different sizes of hammock available to choose from: single, double and jumbo. If you want to be comfortable in the hammock and only one person will be using it, consider a double. Singles are fine but if the user is large framed or very tall, a double will be much better.
Jumbo sized hammocks have room for multiple people. Most hammocks have a weight rating of anywhere from 250 up to 1000 pounds. Do not exceed the recommended weight of the hammock. While it’s possible that it can hold it, the likelihood of it breaking without warning is very high.
Hammock Types
There are many different types of hammock to choose from as well. Let’s go through a few of them.
- Spreader Hammock – A new addition to the hammock family is the spreader hammock which is a hammock that distributes the weight evenly and allows easy access onto and off the hammock. The fabric is wide and attached to metal poles on either end of the hammock at the head and foot. The spreader design is most often seen in double and jumbo sizes. The suspension tends to be less stable and can cause rolling which is not comfortable at all. Most spreader hammocks are suspended between two trees or fixed points or attached to a stand. They are generally made of robe or fabric.
- Inline Hammock – These traditional style hammocks have also been called jungle hammocks or tropical hammocks. This type of hammock is not very easy to get in and out of. The benefits are that it is very stable and a lot more comfortable. The fabric that inline hammocks are made of can include polyester, Dacron, nylon and other non-stretchy materials.
- Travel/Camping Hammocks – Portable, travel or camping hammocks are usually inline in design because there are less parts to worry about traveling with. Portable hammocks typically come with a carry bag and are popular with campers, hikers, sailors and hunters. It is a very lightweight thing to travel with. Some portable hammocks even have mosquito netting. Depending on the manufacturer, they may even have a zippered bottom for an easier time getting into and out of them.
Hammock Materials
There are many different types of materials that can be used to make a hammock. Some materials are more popular than others depending on where the hammock will be set up and used.
- Rope – Rope hammocks are most often part of the spreader style of hammock. The rope is typically made of cotton or polyester. Of the two, cotton is very comfortable and will stretch and shape itself to the body. It doesn’t dry quickly so if the hammock is outside, it can take a long time to dry and mildew can start growing. Polyester lasts longer than cotton does and resists mildew. It stands up to the elements much better including salt water air, UV rays, high humidity and more. Even though polyester is not as stretchy as cotton is, it feels just as comfortable and lasts a lot longer.
- Quilted – Quilted hammocks are warm and comfortable and good choices for cooler weather. They are found in the spreader style as well. The construction of the quilted hammock is two layers of fabric with batting in the middle to make it feel just like a comforter. Sometimes, for outside models, the fabrics used to make a quilted hammock can be fade resistant and even waterproof to handle being used outside. They are a good choice for children because there are no gaps for the child’s leg or arm to fall through.
- Poolside – Poolside hammocks are in the spreader style and uses materials that are able to handle wet outdoor elements. The materials are also fade resistant and will rarely mold or mildew. Poolside hammocks will dry quickly and are very durable but they are also less comfortable. They can be installed between two trees, two fixed points or can be on a free-standing stand.
- Parachute Nylon – This is a popular material for some hammocks. It is smooth to the touch and easy to keep clean. Parachute nylon is most often an inline hammock design. They can come in a wide variety of colors and are good for cooler temperatures.
Hammock Installation Materials
Hammock stands can be made in a number of different materials. The most common types of stands include:
- Steel
- Aluminum
- Wood
The stands can be painted or stained if they are made of wood, to protect them against the elements. If the hammock is a spreader style, it may be a free standing stand or it may be an installation kit that you attach between two trees or posts. Just make sure that when putting a hammock up, the end points that you attach each end of the hammock to are high enough and far enough apart that you get a good level of hang. To install properly you may have S hooks, screw-in eyelets, hanging chains and tree straps.
Conclusion
Hammocks are a very enjoyable piece of outdoor furniture that makes people think of relaxing evenings in the summertime, gentle swaying in the breeze while you nap. They have gotten so popular as a means of relaxation that they can be used inside as well as outside.
If you are looking for a good quality hammock, it is important that you are aware of the different choices available so you can choose the right one for your specific needs. Since there are so many different types of hammocks, materials, types of stands and other factors, if you don’t know the difference between them you could end up choosing the wrong one for your needs.
With the information in this guide, you will be able to sort through all of the choices and options and purchase the hammock that fits your needs, lifestyle and personal preferences the best.
Resources
- Eagles Nest – https://www.eaglesnestoutfittersinc.com/
- Best Choice – http://bestchoiceproducts.com/
- Golden Eagle – http://www.goldeneagleoutdoor.com/
