Whether you’re setting up camp, finalizing your backyard patio, or looking for ways to bring the outside into your own home, there are tons of different hammock options to fit your exact needs. Hammocks come in different sizes, materials, and weight capacities to fit different purposes. The best hammock for you depends on where you will place it. Outdoor hammocks must be able to stand up to the elements, says Joe Demin, CEO of Yellow Leaf Hammocks. “[Look for hammocks that are] made to take a beating from the sun without fading and won’t get moldy or mildew in a humid climate,” Demin says. “[Someone buying an indoor hammock] will want to choose something that’s beautiful, reflects your personal style, and adds some texture to the space.” We’ve identified the 10 best hammocks for camping, reading, or simply lounging around the backyard. Our pick for the best overall hammock is the Yellow Leaf Hammocks Signature Family Size Hammock because of its durable yet stylish design that allows it to work on camping trips, in your backyard, and even as a statement piece in your home. Keep reading to find our full list of recommendations. Keep in Mind: Given the quality of the materials, this hammock is more expensive than other options on our list. Whether you’re going on a camping trip, looking to create a cozy space to enjoy your backyard, or adding a hammock somewhere inside your house, this versatile option from Yellow Leaf Hammocks works great for a variety of purposes. Handwoven from extra-soft weatherproof yarn, the Signature hammock is durable enough to hang up outdoors without getting damaged or faded, yet stylish enough to install inside your own home. It’s designed to be ultra comfortable for napping, reading, and more thanks to its tightly woven ropes that eliminate pressure points and expand to accommodate up to three people—perfect for families. You can choose to hang it outside between two trees, suspend it from the ceiling inside your home, or attach it to a hammock stand (though you’ll need to purchase these attachments separately from the manufacturer). An included storage case keeps the hammock tightly rolled up for traveling. Plus, purchasing the Signature hammock helps to create sustainable jobs for women on the other side of the world. Every hammock is handmade in Thailand by a female weaver, providing her with a sustainable, equitable Product Details: Capacity: Three people | Weight Capacity: 550 pounds | Dimensions: 11 x 9 feet | Material: Weatherproof yarn Keep in Mind: Although this hammock is weather and rust resistant, the cushions don’t dry easily, so you’ll want to keep it out of the rain as much as possible—or wait for it to dry after a rainstorm before use. If you don’t have suitable trees in your yard for hanging up a hammock, finding a trustworthy (and sturdy) hammock stand is a great alternative. The Harrington Double Hammock comes with its own metal frame, allowing you to set it up wherever you please. At just over 6 feet long and 4.5 feet wide, this hammock provides lots of space to relax, and its lay-flat design prevents you from being cocooned inside the way you might in a camping hammock. It also has a weather-resistant mattress pad for added plushness, protecting you from the uncomfortable knots digging into your back that rope hammocks have. You’ll be able to purchase it in blue, green, brown, or red, depending on the color scheme you’ve chosen for your backyard patio. It even comes with an extra-long pillow to rest your head against while you sunbathe. Setting up this hammock is extremely easy. Follow the included directions to put together the A-frame hammock stand, which simply requires attaching the pieces and adding screws to secure them in place. Then, attach the hammock to each end of the stand using the S-hooks. Designed to hold up against weather conditions, the hammock and stand are resistant to rust and fading, allowing them to maintain their quality and brightness over time. However, you’ll want to take down your hammock or bring it indoors during the winter months and during extreme weather to prolong its lifespan. Product Details: Capacity: Two people | Weight Capacity: 450 pounds | Dimensions: 74 x 55 inches | Material: Metal, steel, and polyester Keep in Mind: Unlike freestanding or camping hammocks that can be set up and taken down easily, this hammock requires more permanent installation. Enter vacation mode no matter what time of year it is with a cozy hammock chair that is designed for both inside and outdoor use. The Y-Stop Hammock Chair is made from a soft cotton and polyester blend and padded with plush pillows on the seat and backrest, allowing you to kick back and relax without being completely cocooned in fabric. It’s designed to be hung from the ceiling, a tree branch, or a hammock stand using the hammock’s included rope suspension system and a few metal parts that arrive with your purchase. It’s relatively easy to assemble—you’ll just want to make sure that whatever you choose to hang it from is strong enough to hold up the weight of a person sitting in the chair. The hammock itself is 56 inches high by 18 inches wide through the seat, with enough tension at the top to provide a comfortable headrest as you sit. There’s even a handy side pocket on the hammock for storing books, a water bottle, or your phone. If you’re considering purchasing this hammock for your home, it’s important to keep in mind that you’ll need to either purchase a hammock stand to suspend it or install a hook in one of the beams in your ceiling. Since appropriately hanging your hammock helps ensure that no one gets hurt while using it, you may want to consider hiring a professional to perform this part of the installation. Product Details: Capacity: One person | Weight Capacity: 330 pounds | Dimensions: 56 x 40 inches | Material: Cotton and polyester Keep in Mind: This hammock doesn’t come with a suspension system, so you’ll need to purchase the tools to hang your hammock separately. If you’re planning a camping trip in the future but you don’t want to spend your nights sleeping on the hard ground, setting up a sturdy hammock to snooze in can be a great alternative. Since weather and terrain can be unpredictable, you’ll want to look for weatherproof, durable options that can hold up against scratches, dirt, and moisture while still remaining comfortable. That’s why the ENO DoubleNest Hammock is our top recommendation for camping—it’s made from high-tenacity nylon that’s sturdy enough to support up to 400 pounds, yet breathable enough to keep you cool on humid summer nights. The fabric is designed to dry quickly when exposed to moisture, so if it rains at your campsite, your hammock will be nice and dry in no time. We also love how spacious the ENO DoubleNest hammock is. At 9 feet long and 6.5 feet wide, it’s big enough to share, but the added roominess also makes it great for sitting or lying solo. Plus, the DoubleNest hammock easily folds up to approximately the size of a grapefruit, making it easy to store inside your backpack. This hammock relies on sturdy aluminum carabiners to suspend itself, meaning you won’t have to worry about tying knots in order to keep your hammock in place. Just keep in mind that you’ll need to purchase the suspension system that attaches your hammock to the trees separately. There’s also a bug net available to keep mosquitos at bay. “I’ve had this hammock for over three years, and it still looks brand new,” says Laura Miller, senior editor at Better Homes & Gardens. “It’s light enough to throw in a daypack while hiking, but I often just use it in my backyard for reading and relaxing. Setup is quick, too—it takes less than three minutes to hang it between two trees with ENO’s suspension straps.” Product Details: Capacity: Two people | Weight Capacity: 400 pounds | Dimensions: 9 x 6.5 feet | Material: Nylon taffeta Keep in Mind: This hammock is smaller than other models on this list, making it more of a snug fit for users who prefer extra space. When you’re packing for a hiking trip or you simply don’t want to sacrifice a ton of space (or weight) in your bag, it’s important to find a hammock that can condense easily while traveling. We like the Hummingbird Hammocks Ultralight Single+ Hammock for this very reason. It only weighs 5 ounces, and when packed properly, it’s only 4 inches in diameter. However, you don’t have to sacrifice quality for portability with this model. It’s made from FAA-certified reserve parachute fabric—the backup parachute that skydivers rely on in emergencies—so it’s more than capable of suspending you in a tree without tearing. The hammock also doesn’t use any metal parts or clunky carabiners; instead, it relies on an intuitive button link system to secure it in place. Because it’s so lightweight, this hammock may not be the right choice for a user who prefers added room in their hammock for stretching out. The Ultralight Single+ hammock is 9.5 feet long and a little over 5 feet wide, but when suspended, the tension on each end makes it a very snug fit for tall users. You’ll also need to purchase the tree straps separately to hang this hammock. Product Details: Capacity: One person | Weight Capacity: 350 pounds | Dimensions: 116 x 63 inches | Material: Nylon Keep in Mind: It can only hold up to 250 pounds, which is less than other hammocks on this list. Though hammocks can be an extremely comfortable place to nap, read, or spend time outside, let’s be honest: They aren’t always the most attractive outdoor furniture. This boho-inspired hammock swing combines comfort, practicality, and aesthetics into one by offering cozy outdoor seating that adds decorative flair to the yard. With knotted rope sides, a thick fabric seat cushion, and a large pillow as a backrest, it’s a great place to curl up with a book, whether you install it outside or inside your home. The fabric-wrapped steel armrests offer sturdy support for the four suspension ropes. The ropes connect with a metal ring that hooks into a carabiner, which you can easily attach overhead (just make sure that whatever you’re suspending it from can hold a person’s weight). All of the material is weather- and UV-resistant, so if you do choose to hang the hammock chair outside, it’ll last through the season without looking any worse for wear. Because this hammock is designed for both decorative and functional purposes, one area where it lacks a bit is its weight capacity. It’s only designed to hold 250 pounds, which is much less than many other hammocks on the market, so it can’t hold some heavier users or multiple people at the same time. Product Details: Capacity: One person | Weight Capacity: 250 pounds | Dimensions: 32 x 31 x 44 inches | Material: Steel and cotton Keep in Mind: This hammock doesn’t come with a pillow, so you’ll need to provide your own headrest. Add a pop of color to your living space with this sunshine yellow hammock that offers both function and beauty. Anthropologie’s Saratoga Hammock is made from cotton with a fringed crocheted hem. It’s weather resistant for outdoor use, but it’s also stunning enough to complement your indoor decor. At 6.5 feet long and a little over 3 feet wide, it’s one of the smaller hammocks on the market, which allows it to fit inside your home without commanding too much space. There’s still plenty of room to lounge in it, too; multiple rope straps at each end help distribute the tension, allowing the hammock to stay open more easily than a camping hammock. To suspend it, you’ll want to invest in either a hammock stand or have a professional install sturdy hooks in the studs of your home’s walls or ceiling, depending on how permanent of a fixture you’d like this item to be. You may also want to add one or two decorative pillows to your hammock, as it doesn’t come with a headrest. Product Details: Capacity: One person | Weight Capacity: 265 pounds | Dimensions: 78.75 x 39.5 inches | Material: Cotton Keep in Mind: At nearly 12 feet long when set up, this hammock takes up a lot of space if used indoors. While there’s no research around hammocks and sleep quality, some people claim they get into a deeper sleep and experience better pressure point relief by sleeping in a hammock instead of on a mattress. If you’ve been wanting to test this theory out for yourself, this quilted double hammock is a great starting point. The bed’s dimensions are 6.5 feet long by 4.5 feet wide, so there’s plenty of room for curling up or spreading out, depending on how you like to snooze. The double-layered quilted padding adds extra cushion so you don’t notice the woven ropes that hold this hammock together. There’s even a removable pillow to rest your head on at night (but feel free to add your own, too). And if you’d rather use this hammock outside, it’s weather-resistant enough to withstand occasional exposure to rain and harsh sunlight. The biggest thing to keep in mind with this hammock is its size, especially if you plan to use it indoors. The entire length of the hammock is nearly 12 feet, so be sure to measure in your home to ensure the place you have in mind is large enough to accommodate it. Product Details: Capacity: Two people | Weight Capacity: 450 pounds | Dimensions: 78 x 55 inches | Material: Polyester and hardwood Keep in Mind: This hammock comes with limited instructions, and the setup process can be difficult if you’re new to camping. Spending the night outdoors in a hammock may seem like a comfier option than a sleeping bag on the ground, but many hammock types offer less protection from the elements than a tent does. To keep yourself safe from bugs, mosquitos, or unexpected rain overnight, you can purchase a tent hammock to combine the cozy aspect of hammock sleeping with the overhead cover of a tent. The Easthills Outdoors Jungle Explorer Camping Hammock is extremely lightweight at just slightly more than 2 pounds, and it condenses into a small bag for easy storage. To hang the hammock between two trees, use the 10-foot adjustable tree straps, which let you suspend the hammock even if the trees are somewhat far apart. You’ll be able to attach your hammock to the straps using two heavy-duty carabiners, meaning there’s no complicated knots involved in the setup process. And if you’re worried about bugs or water getting into your hammock, the Easthills Outdoors model includes an attachable mosquito net and waterproof rainfly to help shield you from the elements. If you’re not familiar with hammock camping, setting up this hammock and its accessories comes with a few learning curves at first. While it arrives with all the equipment you need to use the hammock, the instructions aren’t very helpful, so you’ll need to watch an online tutorial or attempt to set it up on your own. Price at time of publish: $79.99 for Gray Product Details: Capacity: Two people | Weight Capacity: 600 pounds | Dimensions: 118 x 79 inches | Material: Taffeta parachute and mesh Keep in Mind: The crisscrossing ropes are less comfortable to lay on than a fabric cover, so you may want to consider adding a weather-resistant pad or a blanket. If the idea of relaxation conjures up images of a beach, a rope hammock, and a pina colada in hand, then the Pawleys Island Duracord Rope Hammock is the perfect way to recreate a similar scene without having to leave your yard. While the colorful drinks aren’t included in your purchase, what you will receive is a durable woven hammock made from weather-resistant polyester that feels soft like cotton. Two wooden spreader bars keep this hammock flat at all times, making it easy to get in and out of without falling. Plus, all of the materials have been coated with weather-proofing varnish to protect it from getting moldy, faded, or rotten. While this model is less comfortable to lie in than a fabric hammock or one that includes a pad, the hammock’s crisscrossing design does eliminate the need for lumpy knots across the hammock bed to eliminate pressure points. To add more softness, you can simply add a thick blanket or a weather-resistant cushion. Product Details: Capacity: Two people | Weight Capacity: 450 pounds | Dimensions: 13 x 4.5 feet | Material: Synthetic rope and oak We also love the high-quality materials and wide range of color options to fit your design tastes. If you’re looking for a lightweight camping hammock, the ENO DoubleNest Hammock is an extremely durable option while still remaining small enough to carry in your backpack with the rest of your camping gear.
What to Know About Hammocks Before Shopping
Intended Use
Different hammocks can serve a wide variety of purposes, whether you want to use it for camping, setting up the perfect outdoor patio, or even to replace your own bed. However, some types of hammocks are better suited for one purpose over another. If you’re looking for an outdoor hammock that’s portable for camping trips or hiking excursions, you’ll want to find a hammock with water-resistant fabric, compact storage capabilities, and possibly even an added mosquito net with a rain cover. Someone searching for a backyard hammock may prefer a flat-laying rope hammock that can withstand rain and harsh sunlight without fading or getting rusty. And users who want to add a hammock inside their home will want to find a hammock that combines functionality with an aesthetically pleasing design and features like bright colors, crocheted tassels, and plush cushions.
Material
Hammocks are built for relaxation, so it only makes sense that you’d want to purchase a hammock that’s comfortable to lie in for hours at a time. Since hammocks come in a variety of materials, including rope, nylon, and yarn, you’ll want to consider which option works best with your intended use and climate “Material choice is important for durability,” Demin says “Cotton is too delicate to be left out in the elements for long and nylon tends to fade rapidly in the sun, [while] a softspun acrylic performance yarn … will stay strong and vibrant even if it’s left out in the sunshine all summer.” However, if you’re planning to install your hammock indoors, comfort and aesthetics may be more important to you. In this case, Demin recommends choosing a hammock that matches your unique design style while remaining functional.
Hammock Dimensions
Another important feature to consider when selecting the best hammock for yourself is its size and weight capacity. Many people choose to buy a double hammock over a single, even if they don’t plan on sharing, because the added fabric can prevent you from feeling too cramped. You’ll also want to find a hammock capable of holding you up without tearing. Most hammocks are capable of holding between 250 and 600 pounds at a time, depending on the type of hammock you choose, so be sure to consult the product specifications before buying. Whether you’re hammocking solo or planning to share the space with a friend, you’ll need enough length to fit your entire body and enough width to keep you securely in place.
Portability
Different types of hammocks will offer different levels of portability, and it’s useful to consider where and how often you’d like to use your new hammock before buying one. If you’re planning to bring your hammock on a hike or a camping trip, you’ll want to find a lightweight option that can easily fold up to fit inside a backpack. Since some hammocks need a metal stand or installation into your home’s walls or ceiling in order to hang properly, these options are better suited for a more permanent location, like inside the house or in the backyard.
Your Questions, Answered
How do you hang a hammock?
Depending on the type of hammock you choose, there are a variety of ways your hammock can be hung. Camping hammocks typically rely on a rope or strap suspension system that can be tied or clipped to your hammock using a carabiner, then wrapped around nearby trees. However, you can also use a metal stand to suspend most hammocks or have a professional hang your hammocks from the ceiling inside your home using heavy duty screw hooks. “When you hang a hammock, the most important thing is to have a nice arc between the two ends,” Demin says. “If it’s strung up too tightly, you won’t be able to sink in and relax. But if it’s hung up too loosely (with the ends too close together), you’ll end up on the ground when you sit down. You want a nice gentle curve, kind of like a smiley face emoji.”
What is the most comfortable hammock material?
While cotton tends to be the most comfortable hammock material for lounging in, it’s less weather-resistant than other types. Polyester hammocks are a great option for outdoor hammocks, as they’re still comfortable to lie in but offer added durability against rust, rain, and the sun. However, even rope hammocks can be made more comfortable if they include a removable cushion or pad to cover the crisscrossing rope design.
Who We Are
Samantha Jones is a commerce home editor at Better Homes & Gardens, covering a wide range of topics including vacuums, window air conditioners, and patio furniture. For this story, she spent several hours researching camping hammocks, indoor hammocks, hammock chairs, and more by comparing product specifications, intended uses, and customer reviews. She also consulted Joe Demin, the CEO of Yellow Leaf Hammocks, to learn more about hammock materials and designs.
