Hammocks Buying Guide

Hammocks should ideally never been left outside exposed to the elements. If you intend to use your hammock mainly outside, possibly on your boat or while camping, then nylon will definitely be the better choice. Nylon dries quickly and with the Super Nylon option the hammocks are not only extra strong, but also UV, rot and mould resistant.

Cotton hammocks are unbeatable in comfort due to the softness of natural cotton. 

Size
Hammocks come in different sizes and different load ratings. Every manufacturer has different sizes ranging from single, double, family to Queen, King and Jumbo size. Make sure that you select the right hammock for your needs.

How you install
When you select the place for your hammock, make sure that the structures and fixtures are suitable and safe to use (load rated).

The typical distance to hang the hammock is approximately 3-4m, with spreader bar hammocks requiring potentially even a bit more distance. This width corresponds to an approximate hanging height at each end of 1.8-2.4m. You can adjust the distance if required with extra rope attached to one or both sides. If you add extra rope to one side, you need to mount the fixture point higher to level the hammock (approximately 90cm higher per 1m extra rope). The centre of the hammock should be approximately the same height as a chair. 

You can use sufficiently rated S hooks or snap hooks to connect your hammock with the fixtures. Snap hooks provide extra safety and avoid the rope or hammock to slip off by accident.

For a bit more comfort or bounce - especially when hanging a hammock chair - you may consider an additional hammock spring.

Whatever hanging method you select make sure that the selected support structure can withstand the extra load especially the horizontal loads. The selected application should have load ratings similar or higher than the load capacity of the hammock. We recommend that you test the fixtures before the first use to ensure the safe use. 

We recommend to seek advice from an expert or building professional and have the fixtures installed by a professional.

Trees
Tree straps are the preferred solution for this application. The strap spreads the load across a larger contact surface and helps to protect the tree against damage. If you use a rope you should select a thicker rope and wrap the rope multiple times around the trunk and use a tree trunk protector. This method minimises the pressure on the bark and increases the friction to hold the rope in position.

We do not recommend to drill any hooks into the trunk as it damages the tree and the tree sap can attack the metal over time and reduce its load rating.

Posts
For timber posts suitable screw anchors can be used. We recommend to use either a through bolt arrangement using a large washer or plate on the other side or a plate mounted eye with multiple connectors to the post.

Free standing posts should also have a suitable ground anchoring to avoid collapse. 

Walls and pillars
You should only consider solid brick or concrete walls/pillars which are suitable to absorb horizontal forces. The fixture should be suitable to be used in the wall material. 
If you use a rope around pillars you should use an edge protector to avoid micro damages to the rope.

We do not recommend to use free standing or screening walls. Make sure that the wall anchor fixture is suitable for the wall material and provides the necessary firm connection.

Stands
Alternatively, stands especially designed for hammocks and hammock chairs provide you with maximum flexibility and take away the concerns to find suitable supports. 

How you care
Storage
When not in use, you should store your hammock in a cool, dry place and make sure that the hammock is dry. Prolonged exposure to direct sunlight and rain may fade the colours and deteriorate the fabric.

To store the hammock tie one or more loose knots on each end of the hammock to keep the strings in place. When you hang the hammock the next time make sure that the strings are evenly fanned out and not entangled with each other.

Minor repairs
If you find a broken thread tie the ends to the next suitable string intersection.

Cleaning
To wash your hammock tie a loose knot of the string sections. You should only hand wash your hammock with mild detergent and rinse thoroughly afterwards. You should not use bleach as it may impact on the colours and should not wring the hammock. Afterwards undo the knots and hang the hammock to fully dry before you store the hammock. 

How you use 
To get into the hammock you should sit down first in the middle and then turn yourself into the hammock. Hold on to the far end of the hammock and slide in. The most comfortable way to lay in a hammock is when you place yourself in slightly diagonally into the hammock.

You should not use the hammock as a swing or jump into it as this can cause damage to the hammock and the supports.

Questions?
If you have still got questions, please Contact Us! We love helping people select the perfect hammock for their needs!