Outdoors & Adventure

Hammocks

8 kinds worth knowing, 8 picks, and what to check before you buy.

Representative photo-style image of hammocks — generated, not a specific product
Representative image, generated

Hammocks suit almost anyone who likes to slow down: a partner who reads on the porch, someone who just bought a house with a yard, or a friend who camps every summer. The ones that get used most fit the space the person already has. A hammock chair works on a covered deck or in a corner indoors, while a camping hammock packs small for trips. Before you pick one, find out where it will hang. Check for trees, beams, or room for a stand. A plain gift that fits the space gets used far more often than a fancy one with nowhere to go.

Kind 1 of 8

Hammock chairs for reading and relaxing

A hammock chair holds you upright in a fabric or rope seat that hangs from a single point. It suits people who want a cozy spot to read, sip coffee, or watch the yard, and it fits spaces too small for a full hammock. Before buying, find out where it will hang: a sturdy ceiling beam, a porch joist, or a separate stand. Look at the listed maximum load, the seat width, and whether it comes with a hanging kit. Pillows or a padded seat make it far more comfortable.

  • Representative photo-style image of hammocks — generated, not a specific product

    Gift ideaUsually $25–$50

    Hanging hammock chair

    Ideal for creating a serene reading nook on a porch or a stylish, comfortable seating option indoors or out.

Kind 2 of 8

Hanging chairs for porches and sunrooms

A hanging chair is the sturdier, more furniture-like cousin of the hammock chair, often with a woven frame, a cushion, or an egg or pod shape. It suits homeowners dressing up a sunroom, balcony, or covered patio. Check whether it includes a stand or needs a ceiling mount, since many homes lack a beam in the right place. Measure the space for swing clearance, and see whether the cushion cover comes off for washing. Weather-resistant materials matter if it will stay outside.

Kind 3 of 8

Camping hammocks for trips and trails

A camping hammock is made from light parachute-style nylon and packs into a small attached pouch. It suits campers, hikers, and cottage-goers who want a nap spot between two trees. Many come in single and double widths, and a two-person size gives extra room even for one sleeper. Check whether straps and carabiners are included, since some sell the hammock alone. For overnight use, ask whether they already own a bug net or tarp that would work with it.

  • Representative photo-style image of hammocks — generated, not a specific product

    Gift ideaUsually $25–$50

    Two person hammock

    Designed for shared relaxation, this large hammock is perfect for couples or anyone desiring extra room to stretch out.

Kind 4 of 8

Portable hammocks that pack small

A portable hammock is built to go anywhere: the beach, a park, a backyard, or the trunk of a car. It suits people who like having a lounge spot on day trips without hauling gear. Look at the packed size and total weight, how fast it sets up, and whether the stuff sack is attached so it doesn't get lost. Quick-dry fabric is useful near water. If there won't always be trees nearby, a compact stand can make it far more useful.

  • Representative photo-style image of hammocks — generated, not a specific product

    Gift ideaUsually $25–$50

    Lightweight portable camping hammock

    An essential for adventurers and backpackers, providing a compact, elevated sleeping solution in the wilderness.

Kind 5 of 8

Backyard hammocks that stay outside

An outdoor hammock is meant for the yard or deck, often with a spreader bar, quilted padding, or heavier fabric that holds up in sun and rain. It suits new homeowners and anyone planning long summer afternoons outside. Check the fabric for fade and mildew resistance, and find out whether it needs trees, posts, or a freestanding frame. Spreader bar styles lie flatter and are easier to get into, while styles without bars wrap around you more. Plan where it will be stored over the winter.

  • Representative photo-style image of hammocks — generated, not a specific product

    Gift ideaUsually $25–$50

    Durable outdoor fabric hammock

    Perfect for anyone seeking a comfortable backyard retreat, offering a relaxing spot to unwind in nature.

  • Representative photo-style image of hammocks — generated, not a specific product

    Gift ideaUsually $25–$50

    Flat lay spreader bar hammock

    Offers a stable and open lounging experience, perfect for sunbathing or relaxing on a patio or by the pool.

  • Representative photo-style image of hammocks — generated, not a specific product

    Gift ideaUsually $50–$100

    Freestanding hammock frame

    Offers the flexibility to set up a hammock anywhere, perfect for backyards, patios, or even indoors without needing trees.

  • Representative photo-style image of hammocks — generated, not a specific product

    Gift ideaUsually $50–$100

    Luxurious quilted padded hammock

    Provides ultimate comfort and warmth, ideal for cooler evenings or for those who prefer a softer, cushioned lounging experience.

Kind 6 of 8

Hammock straps for easier setup

Hammock straps are wide webbing bands with loops that wrap around a tree and connect to the hammock with carabiners. They make a good add-on gift for someone who already owns a hammock but still ties it up with rope. Look at the strap length, the number of adjustment loops, and the listed maximum load. Wider webbing spreads pressure and is gentler on bark. Make sure the carabiners or hooks match the hammock's ends before you buy.

  • Representative photo-style image of hammocks — generated, not a specific product

    Gift ideaUsually $15–$25

    Heavy-duty hammock tree straps

    An essential accessory for safe and easy hammock setup, protecting trees while providing adjustable hanging options.

Kind 7 of 8

Tree hammocks for the yard or cottage

A tree hammock hangs between two trunks instead of from a stand, which makes it an easy fit for cottages, campsites, and yards with mature trees. It suits people who already have a shady spot and want to use it. Before buying, ask roughly how far apart the trees are, since hammock length and strap length both need to cover that gap. Choose a fabric suited to where it will hang, and check that straps come in the box.

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Tree straps as a practical add-on

Tree straps are the simple bands that go around a trunk so a hammock, swing, or tarp can hang without rope or hardware. They suit campers and backyard loungers who want quicker setup and less wear on trees. Check the total length, how many attachment points they have, and whether they fold into a small pouch. They pair well with a hammock as a combined gift, or on their own for someone whose straps have worn out.

How to choose hammocks as a gift

  • Ask where it will hang first, since trees, beams, and stands each call for a different style.
  • For people without trees or beams, a hammock with a freestanding frame avoids any installation.
  • Choose weather-resistant fabric for anything left outdoors through a Canadian summer.
  • Pair a hammock with straps or a hanging kit so it can be set up right away.
  • Two-person widths give one person more room to stretch out and are worth considering.

Usually safe to skip

  • Hammock chairs for people with no beam, porch, or room for a stand usually end up in a closet.
  • Bulky padded backyard hammocks miss for campers who need something light enough to carry.
  • Straps alone rarely land unless you know the person already owns a hammock that fits them.

Questions people ask about hammocks

What is the difference between a hammock chair and a hanging chair?
A hammock chair is usually a soft fabric or rope seat hanging from one point. A hanging chair tends to be more like furniture, with a woven frame, cushion, or pod shape, and often comes with its own stand.
Do I need to buy straps separately for a camping hammock?
Sometimes. Some camping hammocks include straps and carabiners, while others include only the hammock. Check what comes in the box, and add a set of tree straps if they are missing.
Can you use a hammock without trees?
Yes. A freestanding hammock frame lets you set one up on a deck, patio, or lawn. Hammock chairs and hanging chairs can also hang from a ceiling beam or a separate stand.

Looking for one person in particular? Shop by person.

Everything else

All hammocks picks

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