After a year of being stuck inside, most of us are itching to be outdoors more than ever. There are so many amazing things that you can do all year round to take advantage of the beauty of nature.
Whether you’re an active sports and hiking enthusiast or someone looking to relax in the backyard or a local park, one of the most fun things you can do is to set up a hammock and enjoy!
Don’t let the fear of a complicated setup process stop you from starting a fun, relaxing hobby like hammocking. Anyone can enjoy hammocking with just a few easy steps.
What Is a Hammock?
If you’re new to the world of hammocking, no judgment here! A hammock is a great place to sit or lay down. It’s typically used outside, but some people like to use them indoors as well.
They are made from a few different materials like nylon, rope, or canvas. They have loops, rings, or carabiners on either end so that you can hang them in many different places.
How To Setup a Hammock
Hammock setup is fairly easy; in fact, hanging up a hammock can be the trickier part! To get started with your hammock setup, simply remove the hammock from the storage pouch or wherever you keep your hammock.
There are a few additional items that you may need, including hammock straps, so be sure that you have all your supplies before you begin setting up.
How To Hang a Hammock
There are a few different ways that you can hang a hammock. You don’t even have to be an outdoor enthusiast to be able to enjoy the relaxing comfort of a hammock. You can hang your hammock inside, outside, or even just from a stand. We’ll cover each of these setup options here.
Hanging a Hammock Outdoors
The most popular option is, of course, the outdoors. When you think of a hammock, you likely picture it swinging between two beautiful trees.
To set up a hammock between trees, here are some steps to follow:
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Find the perfect trees. Avoid small, thin, or rotting trees. Add two feet to the total length of your hammock, and identify two strong, sturdy trees that are far apart to hang your hammock between.
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Place tree straps around each tree trunk. These straps will help protect the tree from damage, which is one of the most important things to keep in mind when hammocking outdoors. The straps typically have loops on them to assist in hooking up your hammock.
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Hook your hammock ends to your hammock straps. This will get your hammock swinging in no time.
A few other things to keep in mind as you hang your hammock outside:
- Don’t hang it too tightly, or it won’t be as comfortable. Take your height and weight into consideration when deciding how far off the ground to hang your hammock. You don’t want to be too high up that it’s dangerous, but you also don’t want your body to hit the ground when you lay down in your hammock.
- Do a quick glance through the tree to make sure there are no birds nests or other creatures hanging out in your chosen trees. That would definitely be an unwelcome surprise for you both!
Hanging a Hammock Indoors
Whether you’re in a dorm room and want to add a hammock in your space or if you have a teen looking to make a more fun bedroom, an indoor hammock is a great option.
To hang a hammock indoors, consider these steps:
- Measure out your space relative to the length of your hammock. If there isn’t enough room straight across, consider hanging it diagonally across the room.
- Find a stud on both sides of the wall. (if you’re in a dorm, be sure to check out the rules. This may not be a possibility.)
- Drill a hole in each wall, and insert an eye-bolt. Make sure it’s heavy-duty enough to hold your weight and the weight of the hammock.
- Use a carabiner or S-hook to secure your hammock to the eye-bolt.
Now we’ve covered two common uses for the hammock, but what if neither of these are options for you? We have your back; check out our final idea!
Hanging a Hammock Outdoors (No Trees Required)
If you’re looking to create a little backyard getaway, but you don’t have the right type of trees to hang up a hammock safely, consider getting a hammock stand! These sturdy stands are the perfect solution for hanging a hammock on a deck, patio, or anywhere else with level ground.
Simply get a hammock (preferably with a spreader bar), and hook it up to a nice hammock stand and let it hang freely.
Where To Hang a Hammock
We’ve covered some general locations where you can hang your hammock, but what about specific ideas?
If you’re looking for a good hammocking spot, here are some places to start:
- Your own backyard
- Your college campus
- The beach
- A local park
- A state or national park The woods
- Special hammocking “forests”
If you’re a daredevil, you could even check out some extreme hammocking spots like over a glacier, across a canyon, or in the middle of the ocean! Of course, those are good places for professionals, so don’t do it unless you really know what you’re doing and you’ve practiced and know all of the safety risks. For now, you can just check out some cool photos of others who have done it already!
Where Not To Hang a Hammock
Hammocking is so much fun, and finding the perfect place to set up your hammock can feel like a great accomplishment. However, it’s important to make sure you know the rules and regulations of the outdoor spaces you intend to occupy.
If you’re hanging a hammock in your own yard, you shouldn’t have any problems. But, if you’re looking to take your hammock with you on a camping or hiking trip, or if you want to take it to a local park or college campus…things might be a little trickier.
Trees are one of our most valuable natural resources, and with an increase in interest in hammocking, some trees need to be protected. Many national parks, city parks, and college campuses have strict regulations or even ban hanging altogether.
Before you take your trip, a simple internet search or phone call to your destination will help you decide if you can bring your hammock along and, if so, what additional measures you may need to take to hammock safely and sustainably.
If there aren’t good outdoor spaces nearby, do a little digging. Some areas have begun to place man-made “hammocking forests” in parks, on college campuses, and more. These are open areas with hammocking poles that allow you to hammock without disrupting nature. It’s the best of both worlds.
How To Pick the Right Hammock
There are many different types of hammocks, and where you plan to set your hammock up will be the main way you decide which kind is right for you.
Here’s a quick crash course on different hammock types:
Travel Hammock
If you’re looking to hammock outdoors on the go, especially on hikes or other outdoor trips, a travel hammock is the best option. It fits one to two people and is made with RipStop nylon, which is strong, durable, and comfortable.
It folds into its own side pouch, which makes it super convenient and portable. Throw it in the car for your next camping trip or hiking adventure, and you’ll have a blast!
Spreaderbar Hammock
For those looking to set up a hammock in their backyard or patio on a hammock stand, a spreaderbar hammock will do the trick. The most stylish and classy option, our spreaderbar hammock is made from soft spun polyester. You can leave them outside without worrying about mold, rot, or mildew. They also have a 600-pound weight capacity, making them the perfect option to sit and relax with friends.
Cotton Hammock
Our cotton hammocks are great for the environmentally-friendly hammock enthusiast. Made from organic cotton with sustainable threads, these hammocks are stylish, comfortable, and good for the planet. They’re good for one person and have a weight limit of approximately 290 pounds.
Hang Out in Style
Now you know some great options for how to set up and hang up your hammock. Nature is calling you to get outside and get to it! Or, if you prefer to stay indoors, it’s time to get creative and find the perfect spot in your house to hang up a hammock. Either way, be sure to have fun and hammock safely!
Sources:
How to Hang a Hammock | Popular Mechanic
The History of the Hammock Is One of Indigenous Innovation | Hunker
