7 types of hammocks

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  Lightweight backpacking hammocks
  Ideal for: thru-hikers, bikepackers and adventurers who like to travel light and fast and are willing to sacrifice features and a bit of comfort in order to cut down on grams.
  
  Desirable features: ideally weigh under 1lb (454g), pack small, and are simple to set up and take down.
  
  
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  Double hammocks
  Ideal for: snugglers and cuddlers who enjoy hanging out together whilst enjoying a spectacular view. Or single sleepers who prefer a little extra wiggle room.
  
  Desirable features: at least 6ft (1.83m) wide and can hold up to 400lb (182kg) in weight.
  
  
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  Expedition hammocks
  Ideal for: those venturing to places where tented accommodation would be a terrible idea (jungles, forests, swamps, icefields etc).
  
  Desirable features: built-in bug net and double layered bottom for extra warmth if needed.
  
  
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  Hammock tents
  Ideal for: those who seek versatility and like hammock camping in all conditions and scenarios.
  
  Desirable features: built-in waterproof rainfly and the ability to use as a bivvy, regular tent, or even a poncho! (see the Flying Tent).
  
  
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  Suspended tents
  Ideal for: those who like the best of both worlds and like monkeying around in the trees. An excellent way to hammock camp in bad weather.
  
  Desirable features: a waterproof rain fly and a high tension flat-ish base.
  
  
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  String hammocks
  Ideal for: relaxing at the beach in the shade of a palm tree, pina colada in hand. Or for backyard lounging.
  
  Desirable features: enough space to hold at least two people and sometimes with spreader bars at each end (as pictured).
  
  
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  Brazilian hammocks
  Ideal for: providing more comfort than string hammocks (no diamond patterned skin after laying in one!).
  
  Desirable features: gathered ends, strong, comfortable, and big enough for a small family to hang out in!
  
  

How to hang a hammock

A step by step guide on how to hang a hammock

01Choose your anchor points

• Around 12-15 feet apart – that’s roughly 6-8 steps
• At least 6in (15cm) in diameter and strong enough to hold the weight of your loaded hammock.
• Free from dead or unstable branches overhead, known as ‘widow-makers’.

02Attach your suspension system to your anchor points

03Attach your hammock to the suspension system

04Adjust your suspension straps

05Check the height of the hammock

06Try out your sleeping position

07Measure the hang angle

The easiest and simplest way to measure if your hammock hanging is going to be a success or not is to do the quick finger test:

• Make an 'L' shape with your fingers
• Hold your hand out in front of you so that your pointing finger is horizontal (if you are on a slope then don't use the ground as a measure if this!)
• Your thumb should be pointing vertically up to the sky
• The suspension lines should roughly run from the top of your thumb to the end of your pointing finger. This is around a 30º angle.

Use a hammock hang calculator

Where to hang a hammock

Other possible hammock anchor points:

• Vehicles
• Goal posts
• Gazebos and pavilions
• Telephone poles
• Between rocks
• Underneath a single horizontal tree branch