Choosing Your Hammock

To choose your hammock the most important thing to consider is how much space you have.

The ideal hanging distance (the distance between where the hammock is attached to hooks or a rope), is about 10 cm less than the stated overall length of the hammock. If you have a space which is much larger than the hammock, do not worry. A hammock can be hung comfortable with up to 3m of rope from each end, so a space up to 9m and more is fine.

If space is not a problem, then go for the biggest hammock you can afford. It really is a case of biggest is best when it comes to hammocks.

Then you need to consider if you would like the hammock to be in the traditional Brazillian style (without spreader bars) or with the spreader bars.

The spreader bars hold the hammock open. There are two benefits to this. Firstly it makes the hammock easier to get in to and out of. Secondly, if the hammock gets wet, it dries quicker. The advantages of the traditional Brazillian style without spreader bars are that it is considerably more stable, and that it packs up smaller and is more portable. The difference in lazing comfort is negligable, and the difference in appearance is a matter of personal taste.

Other than aesthetics , those are the main points to consider. You might also want to consider whether you prefer a cotton hammock, or the weatherproof hamactex hammocks (which feel very like cotton).