Choosing a Hammock have become serious hangout gear for the outdoors. Sightings of these colourful slings hovering between trees are becoming more and more common. For some, a hammock is the ultimate chill-out spot. For others, it takes sleeping under the stars to a whole new level. If you’re thinking about getting a hammock, we can help.
When choosing a hammock, consider the following factors:
Size: The main difference here is single vs. double; most people choose a double for comfort, not necessarily because they plan to hang with a friend.
End use: For backpacking, weight is the key consideration; for camping and hangout time, durability matters most.
Accessories: You need a suspension system (straps) to set it up; other popular options include an underquilt for cold temps, a tarp for rain and a net for bugs.
Hammock tents and sleep systems: Hammock tents usually include a hammock and all the accessories needed for sleeping overnight. You can also build your system, starting with a hammock. Then adding accessories later to create your backcountry or camping shelter.
Hammock Sizes and Specs
One of the key decision factors when buying a hammock is whether you want a single or a double.
Here are tips for choosing between single and double hammocks:
Single hammocks: Most singles have a width in the 4- to 5-foot range. Getting a single-wide saves weight (a plus for backpackers) over a double, with the tradeoff being that the single offers a less spacious lounging or sleeping experience. Singles’ weight limits range from 300 to 400 pounds, with ultralight capacities closer to 250 pounds.
Double hammocks: Most models have a width in the 5- to 6-foot range. In addition to offering a more spacious lounging or sleeping experience than a single one, a double gives you the option of two people sharing hammock time. Doubles have capacities from 400 to 500 pounds, with ultralight models closer to 350 pounds.
Hammock Length: Hammock lengths vary much less than widths, and, unless you’re extra tall, you won’t need to worry about this dimension. A rule of thumb for camping and lounging hammocks is to look for a hammock. That’s at least 2 feet longer than your height, which turns out to be most hammocks for most people.
Hammock fabric: Another spec that can be useful, though not all models list it, is “denier.” Heavy-duty fabrics have higher denier numbers than ultralight fabrics. ENO hammocks, for example, use 70-denier fabrics in more robust models and 30-denier in lightweight models. The tradeoff for low weight is that rough use will wear out a low-denier fabric more quickly than the same type of fabric with a higher denier number.
“Choosing a Hammock“