Different Types of Hammocks

Hammock life is the best life, and anyone who has ever had a nap or only sat in a hammock knows this is true. Hammocks are one of the most comfortable things that you can own. They will make you feel like you are sitting on a cloud above the Panama Canal!

All jokes aside, hammocks are something I recommend you invest in. They are great for trips to the beach, the poolside, a regular backyard, as well as trips to the great outdoors. If you are an outdoor enthusiast, having hammock chairs or hammock swings will change your life.

In today’s guide, you and I will look into all the different types of hammocks, what kind of materials they are made from, and their must-know characteristics. All this information will help you decide which hammock you need to get for yourself and which you should avoid.

So, if you want to get some more hammock-related knowledge, you have come to the right place. Let’s get right into the guide and see what you need to know about the amazing thing called a hammock!

What Are Some Types of Hammocks?

When you first start researching hammocks, you will find out that there are many different types of hammocks. They come in all shapes and sizes; they can be made with various materials and have different characteristics. Most hammocks are quite comfortable, while some are more durable than others. There are even different hammocks that you can use depending on the season!

This is all knowledge you need before taking your first trip to the hammock store. But I also want to go into greater detail about all the different types of hammocks. So, you and I will look into them one by one. Let’s get started with that!

Rope hammocks

Rope hammocks are the first type of hammock that comes to my mind when I hear the word hammock. These are great for the beach, for a poolside area, as well as for your backyard. Usually, the rope used for these hammocks is cotton or polyester rope.

Most rope hammocks come with two spreader bars on the ends. The spreader bar has holes in it. You can use these holes to secure the rope while also gathering all ropes at the end and using them to tie the hammock to two trees or two posts.

Even though many consider the rope hammock one of the best hammock types, this hammock is not the best for sleeping or napping. You can find more stability in other hammocks, but this one is still quite durable and comfortable.

Brazilian hammocks

Brazilian hammocks are also quite popular because they are comfortable and robust. They are usually cotton hammocks with a tight weave, making it impossible for you to feel cold when lying in them. Since this is also an in-line type of hammock, you will feel wrapped in the warm fabric all the time.

The only setback of this type of hammock is that it is not best when left in rain or snow. It can get soaked and then take hours to dry. This might lead to some mold or mildew growing on it, which is a serious problem you will have to deal with.

Because of this, I recommend that you keep it in dry areas or use it only in good weather. If you expect rain, make sure that you cover the hammock up and keep it from getting soaked.

Quilted hammocks

Quilted hammocks are another thing to look into. These are also considered as the traditional hammock made of fabric. They are great for all locations and year-round use!

The quilted hammock is comfortable, soft, warm, and very stable. Since it has a spreader bar, you will be able to get on and off it without any problem. So, this is a great choice for everyone looking for an easy-to-access hammock.

Hiking hammocks

Hiking hammock is the type of hammock that every hiker needs to get. These are lightweight, and they pack small. At the same time, you can secure them to trees without posing a threat to the tree. The design of the straps ensures that the tree will be safe at all times.

Hiking hammocks are convenient and comfortable, they are easy to use and clean, and they usually come at affordable prices. If you are looking for a comfortable chair for your hiking trips, one of these hammocks or hammock chairs can be the perfect thing for you!

Camping hammocks

You can also find the camping hammock under the name jungle hammock. These camping hammocks are like tents, but there is one significant difference. These do not stay on the ground – they are tents attached to trees!

You can find a great camping hammock for one or more people. It will be compact and lightweight if you go to the campsite on foot. It will usually be a nylon hammock with a detachable mosquito net and rain tarp. They also have small windows that give you the best view of the surrounding nature.

If you hike often, I give you the warm recommendation to look into these camping hammocks. You will be surprised by how cool and convenient they are!

Poolside hammocks

Poolside hammocks are like rope hammocks. The only difference is in the materials used in the making. Since these are supposed to be used around water, they will come with water-tolerant fabric that is easy to clean and dry.

You can expect the fabric on a poolside hammock to be fade-resistant as well as durable. Even if you splash it with water often, you will not have to worry about it getting damaged. Trust me; these are suitable even for areas around rough seas!

Hammock chairs

Hammocks chairs are best for people that have a large backyard. These can be the most comfortable seat for all family members! You can choose the design you want, the size, and the fabric that you want the chair to be made of.

I would recommend going either with a cotton chair or a rope one. The first is better for comfort, while the second is better for durability. So, consider this when making your choice!

Hammock beds

Hammock beds are also a thing, and they are the best if you are having problems with achieving deeper sleep. Doctors recommend them for people who deal with insomnia, back problem, migraines, and many other conditions. So, if you deal with any of these things, consider replacing your regular bed with a hammock bed!

Are All Hammocks The Same?

As you must have noticed from what I explained above, all hammocks are not the same. There are a ton of things that can be different about a hammock!

First of all, the size and shape can be different. When choosing your new hammock, do not forget to look into its length and width. You need to make sure that it will fit you well!

Then, you should decide if you want a single hammock or a double one. You can even go for the jumbo hammock if you plan to use it with friends or family.

Another thing to think about is the weather that you will be using the hammock in. If you plan to take it out in cooler climates, you will need it to be warm, with double fabric layers and a thick filling. For warmer weather, you need something that will allow air to move through it without any restrictions!

Depending on where you plan to use the hammock, you can choose from the many types of hammocks mentioned above. If you ask me, these hammocks discussed above are great for all kinds of outdoor use, so you should have no problem finding the perfect one for your needs!

Hammock Fabric Types

There are so many manufacturers of hammocks these days that it is hard to keep track of all the materials they use for their hammocks. Most hammocks that you will find in specialty stores are specifically designed for a certain use.

It will probably be a rope hammock if the hammock is for beach use. It will probably be from nylon or polyester if it is for camping. The hammock's fabric can vary between different hammocks, but there are a few types of fabric that you will come across most of the time. Let’s see what those fabrics are!

Cotton

Cotton hammocks are quite popular. You can even find several variations of these hammocks. There are cotton rope hammocks, hammocks from heavy cotton, regular cotton hammocks, etc. In some cotton rope hammocks, you can also find some degree of polyester.

Cotton is a great fabric for hammocks because it gives great comfort. Cotton hammocks can have a spreader bar, but they are usually cocoon-like hammocks. Great examples of the latter are the Mayan and Nicaraguan Hammocks.

Quilt

The quilt is a similar fabric to cotton. Quilt hammocks usually have two layers with a soft filling between them. These hammocks are comfortable but difficult to maintain.

Once you wash a quilted hammock, it will take quite a while for it to dry. You will have to wash it for at least a couple of days before taking it anywhere. Also, you will have to check and see if it is wet – wet hammocks can grow mold and mildew, and you should avoid having that happen to your hammock!

Polyester

Polyester is another great fabric for hammocks. This is one of the most durable fabrics compared with those mentioned above, while it is also water-tolerant and fade-resistant.

Still, polyester is not the most comfortable of materials. If you are looking for comfort, you should go with either cotton or quilt.

Other

Among other common materials for hammocks, you can find nylon, canvas, and others. They can also be used for the strings! You can find henequen twine strings, nylon strings, or other types of strings that have a tight weave.

What Type of Hammock is Better?

It is not the easiest thing to decide what type of hammock is best or if one type is better than another. What type of hammock you go with will depend on your preferences and your needs. That will be the thing you need to go by when deciding what type of hammock you want to get!

If you are looking for something comfortable, you should go with the cotton fabric hammocks. It can be a regular cotton one, but you should also look into the Mayan hammocks and Nicaraguan hammocks.

If you are looking for something durable, you should look into polyester hammocks. They are great for all weather conditions, so you will be able to take them on both winter and summer hikes.

You see, it is all based on your needs and preferences. When you decide to get a hammock, I recommend that you think about size first, whether it should be single or double. Then, think about fabric. Finally, make sure it is durable, suitable for 4-season use, and lightweight.

These are all the things that you need to be able to enjoy your time in your hammock. Anything that comes extra is very welcomed, but not necessary!

What Type of Hammock is Best for Sleeping?

When it comes to the hammock best for sleeping, I will introduce another type of hammock that I did not mention thus far – the parachute hammock! Double parachute hammocks are amazing for overnight camping or hiking trips. They are so good that you will even try attaching them somewhere in your house and using them instead of your bed.

Parachute hammocks are nylon hammocks that are weather-resistant and can dry quite fast. The best thing about them is that they pack small and lightweight. This means you will be able to attach them to your backpack and take them everywhere you go.

Having a double parachute hammock means having a ton of space around you when sleeping. You can lay in a horizontal or vertical position – the space is all yours! You can even add pillows, blankets, or quilts if the weather calls for it.

As I mentioned before, sleeping in a hammock is a great idea if you are dealing with back pain, neck pain, migraines, and so on. Having a double parachute hammock will help you deal will all this. Your body will feel comfortable, and you will be well-rested as long as you use this type of hammock.

So, I recommend that you get it as soon as possible. You will not regret it, and your body will thank you for it!

Wrap-Up

Well, you and I have reached the end of this guide. This means that by now, you should know all about the many types of hammocks, their good sides as well as their shortcomings. I bet you even have a good idea about which hammock you want to get and which you would avoid for now!

Again, look over all types of hammocks – the fabric hammocks, quilted hammocks, rope hammocks, camping hammocks, as well as the hammock chairs and beds. These are all great options that you will enjoy having, so I recommend getting as many of them as possible!

Thank you for sticking with me through this guide. I would love to read all about your experience with different types of hammocks, so do not hesitate to share your stories in the comments below. I cannot wait to read them all!