The Best Hammocks

Buying Guide

To get babies to sleep, parents will often cradle them in their arms and rock them gently. Being swaddled helps them feel surrounded, just as they were in the womb. But rocking also has benefits, and those benefits don’t end in adulthood. One study found an increase in sleep quality among adults who rocked while they slept.

Rocking and swaddling are both found in one unique adult product, the hammock. Hammocks surround you and even move as you do. With a little effort, you can even get some rocking action started. Whether you’re sleeping outdoors or you just want a cozy place to read or relax on a nice day, a hammock is a great addition to any back yard.

But as comfortable as hammocks can be, there are some differentiating factors between them. The sleeping area of the hammock is especially important, as certain materials are better than others. You’ll need a hammock that’s weather resistant without sacrificing comfort, which often means some form of polyester material. A few hammocks even have a weather-resistant polyester filling that creates a cushion.

Washability is also a consideration. You might want a hammock that lets you remove the sleeping section and toss it in the washing machine. If not, make sure your hammock can easily be wiped clean. Over time, it’s likely to gather some grime, and a lighter-colored hammock will show that dirt.

It’s also important to take a close look at the size of the sleeping area. Lengths can vary widely, but you’ll need to pay special attention to length if you or someone in your household is tall. As a rule, look for a hammock that’s 2 feet or longer than your height. Width is important, too, though. With wider hammocks, you can’t relax in your hammock with someone else.

If you’re looking for a hammock to take camping, check out our top recommendations.

• A detachable pillow can come in handy for truly relaxing, especially if you like to read or enjoy the view while you’re resting. The detachability gives you the option of removing it if you or one of your guests wants to go pillow free.
• Weight capacity is important, especially if you’re buying a double hammock. Many wider hammocks have a limit of between 400 and 500 pounds, so you’ll need to balance that out when choosing.
• If you’re taking your hammock on the go with you, pay close attention to its weight. This is especially important if you’ll be taking your hammock backpacking.
• Setup is important, particularly if you’ll be using your hammock while camping. You’ll want one you can put in place in just minutes.
• You can sleep overnight in your hammock, but not all hammocks are comfortable enough for that. Look for one with the cushioning you need if you’ll be spending the night in it.
• Heavier fabrics will hold up over many uses. This is especially important if you’ll be leaving your hammock outside for days, weeks or months at a time. Exposure to the elements can wear down lighter-weight fabrics. However, you might find heavier fabrics aren’t quite as comfortable and can’t be tossed in the washing machine when they need a good cleaning.
• Before buying, make sure all the parts necessary to set your hammock up are included.
• The look of the fabric of any hammock is a consideration. You’ll find solids, as well as those that are available in fun patterns. If you’re choosing a hammock for permanent installation in your yard, you’ll want to make sure it will be a good fit for your outdoor aesthetic.