Hammock Selection Guide

Choosing the right hammock or hanging chair shouldn't be difficult and if you are a little worried about the benefits and drawbacks of material types or styles, we understand. We have put together a quick reference guide to help you choose the perfect hammock or hanging chair for your own unique situation.

Rope Hammocks - View all rope hammocks

Cotton - Everyone loves the soft feel of cotton and it's used in most common hammocks, but cotton rope will absorb more moisture which will likely lead to mildew over time. More precautions need to be taken with cotton rope hammocks, but most people enjoy the feeling so much they don't mind the extra work.

• Unbeatable Feel
• Absorbs moisture which can lead to mildew
• Colored hammocks will eventually fade
• More care is required to take care of them
• Usually a lot less expensive than other types

Polyester - Polyester is still very comfortable like cotton, but it doesn't stretch as much as cotton. The "sinking in" feeling just isn't the same. However, it is much more durable and will hold out in high humidity and salt water air. They usually have a longer life span than cotton because of their resistance to those.

• Almost as comfortable as cotton
• Doesn't stretch as much as cotton
• Very durable - good for high humidity and salt water air
• Less maintenance required

Duracord - Duracord materials are a hybrid of cotton and polyester. It has the soft feel of cotton and the strength and longevity of polyester. It is fade resistant, therefore the color will remain unchanged throughout it's lifetime. It's also stain resistant and will not rot, mold, or develop mildew. It is also quick drying.

• Hybrid of cotton and polyester qualities
• Has soft feel of cotton and strength of polyester
• Stain resistant - Wont rot or mold
• Quick drying

Quilted Fabric Hammocks - View all quilted fabric hammocks

Quilted hammocks are great for cooler climates because of their solid fabrics. They aren't woven like rope hammocks are and this has it's benefits too. Some people can't stand feeling "trapped in" rope hammocks and with quilted fabric hammocks you can move around freely. Fabric hammocks are made of various materials some more weather resistant, some with fade resistant fabrics, and some with both.

• Better for cooler climates
• You're able to move around freely
• Still very comfortable, but a different feel than rope hammocks

Camping Hammocks - View all camping hammocks

Camping hammocks are great for when you are planning a long hiking trip or want to set up a hammock quickly near your campsite. They are usually very lightweight (in the range of under 10oz to a few pounds) depending on what is included. Some have very fine netting which will keep the bugs and gnats away. They are usually made of durable nylon and dry very quickly.

• Very fast set up - 5-10 minutes
• Best for when you are on the go - lightweight (usually under 2 pounds)
• Most are made from weatherproof nylon
• Some include fine netting to keep the bugs out

Hammock Chairs & Swings - View all hammock chairs and swings

Hammock chairs and swings are unique from traditional hanging chairs because they use rope or nylon and it contours to your body when you sit down. If you like the feeling of hammocks and you are looking for something a little different, then a hammock chair or swing might be right for you. They are usually made of cotton, polyester, or duracord (see the differences in rope hammock section above).

• Contour's to your body
• Usually made of cotton, polyester, or duracord
• Very comfortable

Hanging Chairs - View all hanging chairs

Traditional hanging chairs materials do not contour to your body, but are still very comfortable. They are also much easier to sit in and out of than hammocks or hammock chairs and most are very stylish. Some are made of high quality materials such as wicker or durable woods, which means they will last a very long time. The sizes range from 1 person chairs to 3 person chairs with many different styles to choose from. You can either hang it from a tree or from a stand.

• Easy to sit in and out of
• Made from high quality materials like all-weather wicker or durable woods
• Very stylish and comfortable designs to choose from
• Great for relaxing outdoors while swinging