If you’re looking for a great way to kill time this summer, there’s nothing better than lying back on a hammock with a cold drink in hand. However, it all starts with finding the right hammock and possibly a hammock stand if you don’t have any trees in your backyard.
When stretched out, a typical hammock will measure around 9 feet long and 4.5 feet wide. The dimensions of a hammock stand can vary, but it will usually measure between 5 and 15 feet long and 4 feet in width.
So, are you looking for a hammock and hammock stand to chillax on this summer? If so, this guide can help you learn about hammock and hammock stand dimensions, as well as how to find the right hammock for your backyard.
Hammock Dimensions
Before you even think about purchasing a hammock, it’s a pretty good idea to familiarize yourself with hammock dimensions. After all, you would want a hammock that doesn’t just support your head down to your legs, but it should be wide enough to support your love handles or additional hammock partners.
It goes without saying that hammocks come in a wide variety of sizes, as well as types. The standard dimensions of a hammock will usually be 9 feet long and 4.5 feet wide when stretched out, but is this the size you’re looking for?
Before breaking down hammocks into various size groups, let’s first take a look at the important measurements of a hammock.
Total Length
There are 2 lengths to look for in a hammock—its total length and the length of the bed. The total length refers to the distance between the ropes, carabiners, or clamps on each end. This measurement is used to determine how far apart the mounting trees or posts should be to set up the hammock. Hammock lengths typically range between 9 and 15 feet long.
Bed Length
The bed length refers to the section of the hammock that the user lies in. Some hammocks will have wooden posts or metal rods woven into the hammock that serve as barriers for the hammock’s bed. The bed of a standard hammock will usually measure between 6 and 7 feet long.
Bed Width
A hammock’s bed will also be the widest point of its overall design. You can usually get a feel for how wide the hammock bed is by measuring the length of the wooden posts or metal rods. On average, single-person hammocks will measure between 4 and 6 feet wide. Hammocks for multiple users can measure as wide as 9 feet.
Hammock Stand Dimensions
Do you want to lie down on a hammock but don’t have any trees in your backyard? Don’t worry—all you need is a hammock stand!
A hammock stand is a banana-shaped tool with 2 long arms that jut upward at an angle. The arms are distanced far enough to support a specific hammock length. As such, they come in a variety of sizes, so you should make sure that it corresponds to the precise length of your hammock.
The typical hammock stand will measure 15 feet long, and its leg supports will measure 4 feet wide. The precise measurements will vary from model to model.
Do I Need a Hammock Stand?
Yes, you do, but only if you don’t have any sturdy posts or trees where you want to hang your hammock.
A hammock stand is a portable hanger for your hammock. Unlike trees or posts that have been cemented into the soil, you can transport your hammock stand to whatever spot on your property you want. This means that you can move it to shady spots in your backyard at all times of the day.
The thing is that hammock stands aren’t exactly cheap. Some of the fancier models, such as the Vivere C8SPCT-20, can cost upwards of $200. Luckily, there are budget-friendly options, like the FDW Heavy-Duty Steel Stand, but nothing beats using mother nature’s natural hammock posts to hang a hammock, financially speaking.
How to Choose the Right Hammock and Hammock Stand
Here’s where things can get a bit tricky. Finding the right hammock size isn’t just a matter of choosing a hammock that can hang between whatever trees or posts you have in your yard. Here are the variables you need to keep in mind.
User’s Height
A 9-foot-long hammock might be the standard size, but the right size depends on your physical stature. A good rule for choosing the right hammock length is to add 2 feet to your height and rounding down to the nearest foot.
For instance, a 5-foot-9-inch person should get a hammock that’s 7 feet long. Any longer, you might find yourself dropping toward the center of the bed without proper head and leg support.
User’s Weight
Many hammocks are designed to handle up to 500 pounds of weight at a time—not including the additional weight of jumping on a hammock, which you should never do!
In terms of weight capacity, the dimensions of the hammock won’t do much for you. You’ll have to investigate the various types of materials used to make hammocks. You can check out this guide on hammock materials, but to sum it up for you, the most durable materials are nylon and canvas.
User Count
Some people might want to look for a hammock that accommodates multiple users at once. This is where bigger is almost always better. Sure, getting a smaller hammock forces you and your partner to get up close and personal, but it doesn’t do much in terms of comfort. If you’re going to share a hammock with another person, find a hammock that is at least 11 feet long.
Mounting Post Distance/Hammock Stand
Even though a 7-foot-long hammock might be the right choice for your height, if the mounting posts or trees are too far or too close together, your hammock won’t fit.
A common rule for sizing a hammock is to get one that is 2 feet shorter than the distance between mounting posts or the stand’s length. For instance, a 12-foot hammock is ideal for measuring posts spaced 14 feet apart or for a 14-foot-long hammock stand.
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