The 10 Best Hammock Stands
Special Honors
Hatteras Hammocks Deluxe Roman Arc It's both expensive and large, but the Hatteras Hammocks Deluxe Roman Arc is an eye-catching conversation piece that will offer you relaxation for years to come. Crafted from sustainably managed cypress, it should take on a charming silver coloration over time. hatterashammocks.com
Editor's Notes
July 17, 2020:
There are a handful of new additions to this list, namely the Sorbus Bed, Zupapa 2 Person, and the Russian Pine and Swing from Lazy Daze Hammocks. These products were chosen for a variety of reasons. The Russian Pine was selected for its stylish build, while the Swing was picked out to give users an option that deviates ever so slightly in form from the traditional hammock. The Zupapa 2 person and Sorbus bed are versatile and can be incorporated into many outdoor and indoor decor schemes and activities. Unfortunately, the Sunnydaze 2 Person Brazilian, Zupapa 550-lb, Vivere Heavy Duty, Eno SoloPode, and Petra Leisure Wooden Arc have been removed due to fulfillment concerns and confirmed complaints pertaining to quality.
July 02, 2019:
Most folks who take their hammocks seriously already know the name Eagles Nest Outfitters thanks to their high-quality, durable products, so it should come as no surprise that the ENO SoloPod remains the top choice for stands at this time. It has a more stylish look than much of the competition, doesn't require tools for assembly, and boasts sturdy feet you can count on. The only potential drawback for some users is the weight; at 63 pounds, it's not exactly a cinch to pick up and carry around. On the other hand, this ensures it feels studier than some, so this beefy construction isn't necessarily a bad thing. If you don't have the cash to drop on this somewhat expensive pick, we'd recommend looking at the Sorbus Double or Vivere Space Saving. They both include a hammock, although the latter offers far more choices in terms of fabric, color, and pattern.
Suspension Without Complexity
Depending on their design, stands can reach maximum lengths of up to 15 feet with bases around four feet wide to ensure stability on most hard surfaces.
People are always coming up with new and innovative ways to break from traditional relaxation orthodoxy. While chairs, couches, and mattresses certainly provide comfort around the house, the ability to lull yourself to sleep with a gentle swaying or rocking motion while suspended on a hammock can be an equally effective method of catching those much-needed extra "Zs". But when you don't have the convenience of two nearby trees or posts between which to suspend your hammock, the next best alternative is to use a dedicated stand to fully support this sleeping accessory.
Hammock stands are essentially designed as inverted arcs with two curved ends between which a hammock can hang in order to support a user's weight. They are usually around two or three feet longer than hammocks themselves for accommodating the extra room needed for setup. Depending on their design, stands can reach maximum lengths of up to 15 feet with bases around four feet wide to ensure stability on most hard surfaces.
While a traditional hammock setup requires suspension between two stationary objects (e.g. trees or poles), the hammock stand offers a completely standalone solution for lounging around without the dependence on other objects as attachment points. It is relatively lightweight and convenient to transport, which means that it can be quickly set up anywhere you choose, regardless of whether you're looking to laze around outdoors on the patio, in the backyard, the living room, or in the wilderness while on a camping trip. It's also a great choice for those with trouble tying knots, people who don't wish to install additional hardware in their homes, and even those with an intense fear of heights, who still want to enjoy the experience of being in a hammock.
Hammock stands are constructed from a variety of durable materials, including bamboo, other moisture-resistant hardwoods like cedar, and heavy-gauge steel. Many of the top models pn the market are constructed from steel due to its durability, resiliency, and rust-resistant properties, but that doesn't discount the style and elegance of a wooden hammock stand. Wooden stands typically feature oil or stain coatings for superior protection against the elements when left outdoors for extended periods of time.
Choosing The Best Hammock To Suit The Situation
The most important considerations to make when investing in a hammock stand include its intended location, and construction materials. Location will often inform the most practical stand material. Steel stands, for example, are great for traveling and camping purposes, as they're easy to put together and have powder-coated exteriors that resist the harshness of the outdoors. A good steel hammock stand comes equipped with several hook holes, so you can easily adjust the sag or tightness of the hammock, ensuring both a high degree of control and maximum comfort. Should your adventures lead you into the wilderness and you prefer something more comfortable than a sleeping bag, a metal hammock stand gives you a low-cost, easy-to-assemble solution that keeps you above the ground and away from the bugs. Also, consider a stand that is accompanied by an additional canopy attachment to keep you dry when it starts to rain. If you plan to set up lounging arrangements indoors or by the pool, a wooden hammock stand will do nicely, as it can be used as both a functional piece of furniture as well as a complement to your home's decor.
Most options have a maximum weight limit of up to 600 pounds, which is more than enough to safely support couples who prefer a romantic setting outdoors under the stars.
Think about the weight limits of your stand of choice. Most options have a maximum weight limit of up to 600 pounds, which is more than enough to safely support couples who prefer a romantic setting outdoors under the stars.
Depending on the type of hammock you're using, it's always a good idea to consider a stand that accommodates hammocks with and without spreader bars. Made from any combination of wood, plastic, or nylon, spreader bars help keep the hammock open at both ends for a taught, flat sleeping surface, but they're also more prone to tipping. If your hammock is equipped with spreader bars, all the more reason to choose a stand with a durable base to maintain superior balance and stability, regardless of the surface on which it's placed.
The steps to actually hang your hammock from the stand should also be on your mind. If you purchase a hammock and stand together, look for a package that includes S-hooks and two lengths of chain, minimizing the amount of fanfare or extra time involved in the setup of your equipment.
A Brief History Of Hammock Stands
The hammock has a rich history that dates back nearly 1,000 years. The earliest references to the hammock were made by Spanish colonists in their observations of Native Americans living in the West Indies at the time of the Spanish conquest. These early hammocks were woven from tree bark and later by sisal fibers. Driving the popularity for hammocks in Central and South America at this time was their use as a form of protection against disease transmission, insect stings, and animals capable of attacking from the ground.
The hammock has a rich history that dates back nearly 1,000 years.
Christopher Columbus was later responsible for introducing the hammock to Europe by the end of the 15th century. By the end of the 16th century, hammocks found their way onto sailing ships for use on gun decks where space was extremely limited.
Fast forward to the beginning of the 20th century, and the hammock truly caught on both as a leisure item for wealthy families as well as a cheap, practical sleeping solution for frontier farmers in the United States. With the abundance of metal and wood materials following the World Wars, hammock stands crafted with steel tubing and wood in a variety of shapes and sizes became much more popular for mainstream consumer use.
Regardless of the intended application, today's hammock stands are available in a variety of shapes and colors, while being designed with portability, functionality, and style in mind.