The 10 Best Two Person Hammocks
Special Honors
L.L.Bean Quilted Sunbrella Hammock Made of a breathable, fade- and mildew-resistant acrylic fabric, the L.L.Bean Quilted Sunbrella Hammock features long-lasting polyester rope and rust-resistant steel hanging hardware. It’s also advertised as having the strongest grommets in the industry. This reversible choice is available in either navy and gray or green and sand-colored stripes, with a solid color on the other side. The recommended hanging distance is 15 feet, and it can be used with the hammock stand sold separately from the manufacturer. It’s wide enough to accommodate two people comfortably, and is made in the United States of both American and imported materials. llbean.com
Lee Valley Mayan Hammock This sling-style hammock is handmade by the Amerindian people of the Yucatán peninsula in Mexico. It boasts a generous width of seven feet, and can hold up to 350 pounds. Its open weave is both supportive and well ventilated, making it great for hot, endless summer afternoons in the yard. It’s also comfortable enough to hang indoors and sleep in all night. Its material is 100% cotton, with strong nylon end attachments. leevalley.com
Warbonnet Outdoors Double Blackbird This lightweight model is purpose-built for overnight use, with an innovative asymmetrical design that makes it easy to achieve the diagonal sleeping position preferred by experienced hammock campers. It has a roomy area for your feet, a spacious interior pocket for your gear, and an integrated bug net with a high canopy and guy lines to keep it out of your face. The company also offers a number of sturdy suspension options, quilts, and rain flies to help you complete your setup. warbonnetoutdoors.com
Editor's Notes
December 14, 2020:
Though hammocks may seem like they're all about simplicity of design, the best models are the result of quite a bit of thought and engineering. That's especially true for those designed for camping, which require designers to strike a balance between comfort, durability, and the weight the user has to hoist in their backpack. We think the best 2-person choice in that category is the Kammok Roo Full, a highly durable yet surprisingly cozy choice, with the added bonus of several gear loops on the side for hanging small bags and gadgets. They can also be attached to stakes to spread the surface wider and flatter, which is great when you're sharing it with another person. It's replacing the ENO DoubleNest, a close competitor that can't quite match the Roo for comfort, weight capacity, and price.
Another new addition is the Kootek Portable Large, which incorporates a mosquito net on one side so that you can sleep outdoors without fear of bug bites. Unlike many of the pricier models available, it comes with all the equipment you'll need to suspend it from a pair of trees, making it a great budget pick.
We removed the Best Choice Products Double, based on a number of reports that its padding tends to get waterlogged and moldy, which makes it tough to recommend as a backyard hammock. The Patio Watcher PD-24588 offers better weather resistance, along with curved spreader bars that reduce the wobbliness present in many similar models. It's also easy to fold up quickly, which is handy when you're bringing it with you to a beach or a park, and the bamboo bars will appeal to those who value sustainability.
You'll need to buy straps to mount some of these items between trees or posts, and we also have a list of folding hammocks you can check out if your chief concern is portability. Or, if you're trying to create the perfect backyard lounge area, you might like one of these sun-shading umbrellas or pergolas.
December 15, 2019:
These two-person hammocks are ideal for lounging with a significant other or a four-legged friend, and most come with breathable construction and sturdy hanging hardware that make them well suited for long, lazy afternoons in the yard. They're also great for indoor use when paired with a sturdy hammock stand. They’re available in a wide variety of colors and patterns, so those who plan to take one on camping trips are sure to find one that matches any tent nicely.
Joining the list today are a couple of tried-and-true models that come from established manufacturers, and their heavy-duty fabrics and top-notch hardware can provide years of enjoyment. The Original Pawleys Island Large Duracord features the classic, breathable rope design – and this rope is dense, at 85 feet per pound, which results in strong support without stretching. Since its double-latch weave features ropes that pull against each other for a lattice-like design, there isn’t the need for knots in the bed area itself, making it comfortable to lie upon for hours. Its hardware is plated with zinc to protect against rust and to ensure a long life outdoors. The century-old company makes its hand-crafted products in plants in North and South Carolina.
For an equally durable design but one made of fabric instead of ropes, look to the Hatteras Hammocks Quilted, which is handcrafted in the USA with the popular outdoor fabric Sunbrella. It consists of 100% solution-dyed acrylic, which means its fibers are dyed and printed before they’re woven into the fabric. This selection also incorporates Duracord rope, which is soft to the touch yet resistant to mold, mildew, abrasion, and rot. Also incorporated into the design are two spreader bars made of Cumaru wood, which is known for its durability and density, and which gradually ages from brown to silvery-gray. The O-rings, chains, and tree hooks are all made of hard-wearing, zinc-plated steel.
If you’re looking for a more affordable option, yet one that still can be counted on for both durability and comfort, check out the newly added Vivere Double, which conveniently comes with a stand for those who cannot or don’t want to hang it from trees. The stand comes in your choice of white, charcoal, or rubbed bronze, and you can choose from more than 2 dozen striking fabric colors that include both solids and stripes.
Leaving the list in this update, due to issues with availability, are the Rusee Double, the WolfWise Ultralight Double, and the WolfWise Ultralight Camping.
No matter which choice you go with, for safety’s sake, follow the assembly instructions carefully, and always supervise young children in hammocks.
Why You Should Start Sleeping In A Hammock
It may be a good idea to set one up in your bedroom, or even let a hammock replace your actual bed, though.
Perhaps you've sequestered your hammock in your backyard, and only lie down on it occasionally to read a book or drink a glass of wine. It may be a good idea to set one up in your bedroom, or even let a hammock replace your actual bed, though. Okay, perhaps that is going a little too far, but you should know there are some benefits to catching some winks in one of these swinging cocoons that a traditional bed doesn't offer. Considering that we rock babies in our arms to help them fall asleep, it should come as no surprise that that same rocking motion can help an adult get deeper rest.
Research has found that the rocking motion of a hammock can help you get better N2 sleep (that's the second phase of the REM cycle). The research suggests that the swinging sensation activates something in your brain that tells you it's time to doze off. Sleeping in a hammock also helps you fall asleep faster. If you waste a lot of time trying to shut your brain off at night, consider using a hammock. The swinging motion has also been found to increase sleep spindles. These are essentially periods of time when your brain is purposefully not processing new information so that you can stay asleep. If you're someone who is easily woken by small sounds or movement, you could benefit from an increase in sleep spindles — they help your brain disregard surrounding stimuli and remain tranquil.
Lying in a hammock is good for your body, too. Some chiropractors say that the best position in which to sleep is on one's back, with the head slightly elevated. That sounds a lot like sleeping in a hammock, doesn't it? When you sleep in a hammock, there is almost no pressure on any part of your body. This can make hammocks ideal for those with certain back problems. Even the softest of mattresses still put some pressure on your body. If you struggle with night sweats, sleeping in a hammock can also mean the end of waking up to a soaked mattress. In many ways, a hammock can be far more comfortable than a bed.
The History Of Hammocks
Most historians agree that the indigenous people of Central and South America invented the hammock around 1,000 years ago. The word hammock comes from the Taino word hamaka, which means fishnet. The Taino people were indigenous inhabitants of the Caribbean, Puerto Rico, Cuba, Hispaniola, Jamaica, and Trinidad. The first hammocks were likely made from plant fibers or tree bark and people hung them above the ground to sleep away from snakes, bugs, and other creatures that might have bothered them during the night. It's believed the original hammock sleepers would build a small fire beneath their swinging bed to stay warm.
The word hammock comes from the Taino word hamaka, which means fishnet.
In the 16h century, during his explorations of the Bahamas, Columbus and his crewmates observed the natives sleeping on hammocks and decided to bring the concept back to Europe. Not long after, canvas and cotton were introduced to the New World, and Europeans began weaving their hammocks from these fabrics. The European and Spanish navies quickly adopted hammocks as their main way of sleeping. Because they swing, they were much safer than the bunk beds the sailors had previously slept in – they would often fall out of these on rough waters. But the navy tended to make them from canvas, which isn't as well-ventilated as the materials the indigenous people of central America used and some sailors were too hot.
In the 19th century, hammocks started to appear in British prisons. They were hung from the bars of the jail cells until inmates started using the hooks as weapons. After that, under the rule of a strict chairman of the Prison Commission, British jails started using hard wooden slats as beds. The first American commercial hammock manufacturer didn't come about until 1889, on Pawley's Island in South Carolina. From there, hammocks graduated from being utilitarian items on navy ships and in prisons to being luxury items found in family backyards and the favorite sleeping vessels of campers.
What To Look For In A Two-Person Hammock
When you get a two-person hammock, you can enjoy the swinging splendor of this item with a loved one. Set it up near some outdoor heaters with your projector, and you can have the coziest outdoor movie night. Just make sure your two-person hammock is rated to handle a lot of weight and features interlocking stitching so it can support you and your honey easily. Some have built-in pillows to give you neck support if you like to read in your hammock or keep your head elevated while you sip a cocktail.
You may also want one with an attached mosquito net, especially if you plan on taking it camping in tropical regions.
If you plan on using your hammock outdoors and your area sees all sorts of weather, make sure your model features some waterproof fabric or coating to survive the rain. You may also want one with an attached mosquito net, especially if you plan on taking it camping in tropical regions. You don't want bug bites and malaria scares ruining a lovely evening outdoors. Some two-person hammocks also feature storage pockets, which are very helpful when you're camping and want to keep your valuables nearby when you sleep. If you do plan on traveling with your hammock, make sure it is lightweight while still durable, and packs down into a small size. Some come with a drawstring carrying bag, too, that keeps your hammock compressed.
Something else to consider is whether you like the curved hammocks that offer a cocoon environment, or flatter models that resemble a floating lounge chair. There is no right or wrong answer; it's all about your preference. Just know that if you prefer a flatter hammock, you'll want one with sturdy spreader bars on either end. Meanwhile, the cocoon-style ones typically won't feature spreader bars.