Outdoor camping is a popular activity nowadays. There are many equipments needed for camping, but there is one thing that is absolutely a must-have for every family, that is a hammock. So how do we choose a hammock?
When choosing a hammock, you should consider the following factors:
- Size: The main distinction here is between single and double. Most people choose the larger space of a double for comfort, not necessarily because they actually plan on hanging out with friends.
- Fabric: According to different scenarios and needs. Common hammock fabrics on the market include mesh, cotton /canvas, polyester/nylon. The price also varies according to the material.
- Accessories: Hammocks need to be equipped with a suspension system (straps, buckles, etc.) and other accessories according to the scene requirements. More popular options include cold-proof mats, rainproof tarpaulins, and insect-proof nets.
- Hammock tents and sleeping systems: Hammock tents usually include an overnight hammock and all the accessories you need for a full night's sleep. You can also build your own system, starting with a hammock and gradually adding accessories to create your own hammock camping gear system.
- End Use: For backpacking, weight is a key consideration. For camping and party time, durability is most important.
1. How to choose hammock size and specifications?
One of the key deciding factors when buying a hammock is whether you want a single or double. Here are tips for choosing between a single and double hammock:
1. 1 Hammock Width
- Single hammock: Most single hammocks are around 1.5 meters wide. A single can save weight compared to a double (an advantage for backpackers), but the trade-off is that a single provides a less spacious resting or sleeping experience. Single weight limits range from 250-350 pounds, and ultralight weights are closer to 200 pounds.
- Double hammock: Most models are between 1.5 and 2 meters wide. In addition to providing a more spacious leisure or sleeping experience than a single hammock, a double hammock allows two people to share the fun of hammock together. The capacity of a double ranges from 350 to 450 kilograms, and the capacity of an ultralight model is close to 300 kilograms.
1.2 Length of the hammock
When you lie down, the hammock forms a downward arc due to gravity, and the human body is easily squeezed at both ends. Therefore, for sleeping hammocks, it is recommended to choose a hammock with a length of more than 2.5 meters after laying flat. The longer the more comfortable it is. In addition , if you are tall, then when choosing a hammock, you must choose a hammock that is at least 6cm longer than your height.
2. Fabric material and craftsmanship of hammock
Common hammock fabrics on the market include: mesh, cotton /canvas, polyester/nylon. Prices also vary depending on the material.
2.1 Fabric material
- Cotton: Cotton /canvas is the traditional fabric for making hammocks, and it has been around for a long time. Its biggest advantage is softness and comfort. It has a large load-bearing capacity, is easy to clean, and is more comfortable to lie down on, but it has poor moisture resistance! The breathability is not that good!
- Mesh: A common mesh hammock is suitable for use at the seaside, lakeside, and swimming pool. It is very breathable, but the comfort of lying on it is average. Especially for those who are heavier and have more flesh , it is easy to get marks, which can be a bit embarrassing in public places! The biggest advantage of a mesh hammock is that it is more breathable. This style of hammock has the best heat dissipation performance, so it is very suitable for hot places.
- Polyester /Nylon : Polyester /Nylon is generally used in the production of mid- to high-end hammocks, and its price is higher than that of mesh, cotton/canvas. You may be more familiar with the common names of polyester, nylon, and parachute cloth . This type of material has the advantages of being lightweight, quick-drying, easy to clean, durable, and resistant to fading. It is suitable for long-term use and is more favored by professional players, and is gradually penetrating into mass consumers.
2.2 Selection of D (denier) index
In terms of product details, 70 D (denier) fabrics are generally used in more sturdy models , and 20-30 D (denier) fabrics are used in lightweight models. The trade-off between the D (denier) numbers can be considered that materials with low D (denier) numbers will wear out more easily and faster than similar fabrics with higher D numbers when used roughly.
2.3 Fabric technology
As for fabric processing, the most prominent process in the world is wrinkling. The unique wrinkle treatment and fiber interweaving make the hammock have excellent softness and packability , skin-friendly and comfortable, and fit the skin without irritation or discomfort.
When it comes to stitching, the time-tested, triple-stitched seam construction offers unmatched durability and tear resistance.
3. The hammock’s suspension system
The greatest stress on a hammock falls on the chains and rings from which it is suspended, so choose a suspension system that can withstand greater sudden strain and more normal wear and tear.
3.1 Hanging buckle
Most hammocks include carabiners with sufficient strength levels. Depending on the size and usage of the hammock, we can also match additional suitable hammock hooks.
- Product workmanship: Poorly made hooks are prone to friction and cuts on the ropes. If you are using a hammock at this time, it will be very serious if you fall. So it is safer to choose a hammock hook with a flat angle and smooth polishing .
- Anti-corrosion: Because hammocks are used outdoors, they are easily rusted and peeled off when in direct contact with moisture, affecting the overall load-bearing capacity. Choosing a hook with strong corrosion resistance is more stable and safer.
- Weight: Lightweight hammock buckles are light in weight and more convenient to carry when traveling, so they are more popular among consumers.
3.2 Binding strap
Hammock straps (also called tree straps) are almost always purchased separately. The domestic market is more consumer-friendly, and most hammocks include a pair of straps with a sufficient strength rating.
When choosing a hammock, you must pay more attention to the straps that match the hammock. Choose ones that are thick and strong enough , because the hammock is to be hung on a tree off the ground after all, safety first!
Traditional hammock straps are mostly thin wires that can easily dig into the tree trunk and damage the tree. For environmental reasons, it is recommended to choose straps with a flatter and wider structure. Make sure any straps you purchase are at least 0.75 inches wide, as thinner straps may dig into the bark and damage the tree.
In addition, the traditional straps are more complicated and difficult to operate, not easy to untie, and not easy to adjust the height of the hammock. It is recommended to give priority to the quick-adjust straps, which are equipped with multiple connection rings, do not need to tie knots, and multiple nodes are convenient for installing and adjusting the tightness of the hammock at any time, making outdoor life more convenient.
3.3 Rope loop
The quality of hammock rope rings on the current market is uneven. The rope rings connect the hammock and the hanging buckles, so it is necessary to carefully select rope ring configurations with high load-bearing capacity and strong stability to avoid casualties and damage caused by the rope rings falling off and collapsing.
4. What are the accessories of a hammock?
If you plan to spend the night in a hammock, rather than just setting it up near your camping tent, you will also need to purchase a number of matching equipment depending on the weather conditions. The difference is that you can choose a larger, heavier hammock with its own functional attributes. You can also purchase a combination of them to create a rich and luxurious camping equipment.
- Multifunctional hammock
If you don't want to carry the hammock body, rain shelter, and mosquito-proof net separately, professional mosquito-proof hammocks, mosquito-proof and sun-proof hammocks, and mosquito-proof, sun-proof and rain-proof three-in-one hammocks are all good choices.
- Poncho
It is suspended above the hammock, using ropes to keep it tautly spaced. As with any tarp, larger models offer more protection and allow rain to escape from under the tarp when the wind blows from the side.
- Insect net
Choose models with 360- degree protection , as they can be hung underneath to protect your back. Also make sure your insect screen is breathable and dense to keep out those small insects, ants and swarms.
- Sleeping pad/sleeping bag
When sleeping in a hammock, the body is suspended in the air and there is air flowing underneath, which can easily cause cold back symptoms. Therefore, the hammock sleeping bag was invented, which covers the outside of the hammock and is specifically designed to solve the problem of keeping the back warm when camping in a hammock.
Another option is to slide a sleeping pad into the hammock. Besides retaining heat, this will also increase the camper's comfort.
The accessories listed above are some of the most common accessories, and you can also match other interesting and suitable accessories according to your hobbies, such as portable folding tables, moon chairs, picnic mats ...
5. How to install a hammock? Things to note when installing a hammock
5.1 How to install a hammock
- Check whether the hammock is intact. There are many kinds of materials for hammocks. When we use it, we should check whether the connection of the hammock is firm and can bear the weight of an adult.
- Determine the installation location. When we travel outdoors, we can find two relatively stable and strong trees, and then tie the ropes on both sides of the hammock to the corresponding positions of the trees. If it is installed indoors, we can install fixing screws on the wall, and then install both sides of the hammock on the fixing screws.
- Prepare tools and materials. Depending on the type of hammock, prepare the necessary tools and materials, such as expansion screws, hooks, steel chains, ceiling hooks, screws, etc.
- Install anchor points. When installing a hammock indoors or outdoors, you need to install anchor points on load-bearing walls or trees. Use expansion screws or hooks to ensure security.
- Assemble the hammock. Follow the hammock's assembly instructions to connect the hammock to the metal frame or ropes. Make sure the ropes are straight and adjust the hanging height for a comfortable fit.
- Adjust the height of the hammock. Adjust the height of the hammock to your personal height to ensure that it is comfortable and has enough height.
- Secure the hammock. Attach the hammock's ropes or frame to the brackets and tighten them using a wrench or other tool.
- Check the safety of the hammock installation. After the hammock is installed, you should first tentatively pull it to see if it is fixed. If you are sure it is fixed, you can lie on it to try to see if the height is appropriate. It is better to have a height of about 1 meter between the hammock and the ground, so that it will be more convenient for us to use.
5.2 Precautions for installing a hammock
- Don't tie it too tight during installation, otherwise the hammock will feel tight and uncomfortable when we lie on it.
- Use some stronger ropes to install it, so it will be safer to use.
- Before using the hammock, be sure to check whether the ropes are damaged and ensure that the ropes are tightly connected.
- The load-bearing capacity of a hammock can only bear the weight of an adult, so be careful when using a hammock and do not jump on it, as this can easily lead to danger.
