Stress Management The 9 Best Hammocks of 2022 And how they can help relieve stress By Elizabeth Yuko, PhD Elizabeth Yuko, PhD Elizabeth Yuko, PhD, is a bioethicist and journalist, as well as an adjunct professor of ethics at Fordham University. She has been published in The New York Times, The Washington Post, Rolling Stone, The Atlantic, CNN, Teen Vogue, and more. Learn about our editorial process Published on October 20, 2021 Print We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Learn more. If you're looking for a simple way to keep stress at bay, you can try relaxing or unwinding through mindfulness. You can practice mindfulness almost anywhere, but lounging in a hammock may be a good place to start. “One of the ways that using a hammock can be helpful as a tool for mental health is by facilitating grounding, which can be a part of practicing mindfulness,” Erin Miers, PsyD, a psychology consultant at Mom Loves Best says. “Just like other strategies to help you ground yourself, using a hammock can help some individuals connect to nature and help them feel more present in their body,” she adds. According to Anne-Marie Emanuelli, a meditation educator and creative director of Mindful Frontiers in New Mexico, mindful movement is a healthy addition to meditation. “Movement can be soothing and relaxing,” she says. Emanuelli explains that using a hammock to sway to the rhythm of your breath can be a great meditation and grounding strategy and may add to your overall practice. Whether you're looking for a meditation tool or simply a place to unwind and relax, regularly swinging in a hammock could help you melt your daily stress away. Here are the best hammocks on the market. Our Top Picks Best Overall: Vivere C9POLY-13 Double Polyester Hammock at Amazon Jump to Review Best Budget: Arlmont & Co. Natoma Double Camping Hammock at Wayfair Jump to Review Best Portable: ENO SingleNest Lightweight Camping Hammock at Amazon Jump to Review Best With Stand: Best Choice Products Brazilian-Style Cotton Double Hammock Bed at Amazon Jump to Review Best Rope: Highland Dunes Dacian Double Spreader Bar Hammock at Wayfair Jump to Review Best Double: Vivere Double Cotton Hammock at Amazon Jump to Review Most Durable: Patio Watcher Store Patio Watcher 11 FT Quick Dry Hammock at Amazon Jump to Review Best Waterproof: LA SIESTA Weather-Resistant Double Classic Hammock at Amazon Jump to Review Best for Trees: Wise Owl Outfitters Camping Hammock at Amazon Jump to Review In This Article Expand Our Picks What to Look For FAQ Why Trust Verywell Mind Best Overall Vivere C9POLY-13 Double Polyester Hammock Amazon View On Amazon Pros Sturdy steel stand Comes with carrying case Durable woven polyester Cons Powdery coating on the stand No step-by-step instructions If you’re looking for a stylish, space-saving hammock, this one from Vivere is a solid option. It comes in a wide range of colors and patterns, as well as three fabrics—cotton, woven polyester, and patented Sunbrella fabric. We’re partial to the polyester version because it doesn’t only resist fading but also fights mildew and rot, all while feeling soft. Plus, it comes with its own steel stand and carrying case, making it easy to set up and even easier to take on the go. Price at time of publication: $270 Material: Woven polyester | Weight capacity: 450 pounds | Type: Comes with stand | Dimensions: 110 x 47 x 43 inches Best Budget Arlmont & Co. Natoma Double Camping Hammock Courtesy of Wayfair View On Wayfair Pros Great for camping and traveling Quick and easy setup Excellent value Cons Doesn’t come with a stand Material is fairly thin This lightweight and portable hammock is easy to pack up and bring with you when you head out on an outdoor adventure. Plus, the parachute nylon is both soft and strong, ensuring that you’re comfortable and that it’ll last a long time. However, it's worth noting that it doesn't come with its own stand, so you’ll have to find two trees, poles, or other sturdy objects to hang it from. Price at time of publication: $38 Material: Parachute nylon | Weight capacity: 250 pounds | Type: Portable | Dimensions: 55.12 x 102.36 inches Best Portable ENO SingleNest Lightweight Camping Hammock Amazon View On Amazon View On Appoutdoors.com View On Dick's Pros Breathable and quick-drying material Comes with compression sack Single secure method for trees Cons Hammock straps not included Fabric quality may be inconsistent If you're going on a camping trip, a mindfulness retreat, or simply heading into your own backyard, this compact hammock is easy to move from one place to the next. The triple-stitched fabric softly surrounds your body and makes you feel like you’re in a cozy cocoon. “The key to relaxing or sleeping in a hammock is to lie at an angle across it so that it conforms to your body without pressure points," says Kimberly. "These hammocks are created with this in mind and are a great investment for your overall health and wellbeing," she adds. Price at time of publication: $55 Material: 70D high tenacity nylon taffeta | Weight capacity: 400 pounds | Type: Camping | Dimensions: 108 x 48 x 3 inches We Spent 8 Hours Testing to Find the Best Yoga Mats for Every Practice Best With Stand Best Choice Products 2-Person Brazilian-Style Cotton Double Hammock Bed Amazon View On Amazon View On Walmart View On Bestchoiceproducts.com Pros Comes with carrying bag and stand Weather-resistant Easy to assemble Cons Frame can rust Not easy to move once assembled If you’re looking for a solid hammock for indoor or outdoor use that comes with its own stand, this model from Best Choice is a great option. It’s made with a tightly woven, water-resistant cotton blend that's still comfortably soft to the touch. And unlike many other hammocks on the market that come with a stand, this one is relatively easy to assemble. Price at time of publication: $90 Material: Cotton blend | Weight capacity: 450 pounds | Type: Comes with stand | Dimensions: 118.75 x 48 x 43 inches The 10 Best Yoga Blankets of 2023 Best Rope Highland Dunes Dacian Double Spreader Bar Hammock Wayfair View On Wayfair Pros Includes chains for hanging Comes with pillow Cons Webbing separates into gaps Can stretch out easily Ask a child to draw you a picture of a hammock, and chances are they’ll come up with something made of rope. If you would rather have one of the classics, the Dacian Double Spreader Bar Hammock is a safe bet. Suitable for indoor or outdoor use, it comes with its own pillow. Plus, the open woven rope allows more air circulation around your body, helping to keep you cool. Price at time of publication: $110 Material: Polyester | Weight capacity: 400 pounds | Type: Hanging | Dimensions: 1 x 55 x 144 inches Best Double Vivere Double Cotton Hammock Amazon View On Amazon View On Walmart View On Home Depot Pros Comes with stand and carrying case Multiple colors and patterns Soft and comfortable Cons Frame may lack quality May hang too close to the ground This extra-large Brazilian hammock is ideal for an afternoon nap for two. In addition to all the color and design options, this model from Vivere scores high on versatility. It comes with its own portable stand but can also be set up between two trees. The soft cotton is perfect for lounging the day away in comfort. Price at time of publication: $140 Material: Cotton | Weight capacity: 450 pounds | Type: Comes with stand | Dimensions: 108 x 48 x 44 inches The 10 Best Sleep Gadgets of 2022 Most Durable Patio Watcher Store Patio Watcher 11 FT Quick Dry Hammock Amazon View On Amazon Pros Breathable and waterproof Great value For indoor or outdoor use Cons Stand not included Material may be too slick for some Made of a combination of Textilene and Olefin materials, this hammock is built to withstand the elements—including the sun, as it’s UV-resistant—while still being comfortable. It’s also easy to wipe clean. Though it doesn’t come with its own stand, chain hanging kits and hooks are included. Price at time of publication: $83 Material: Textilene and olefin | Weight capacity: 400 pounds | Type: Hanging | Dimensions: 55.7 x 6.8 x 3.5 inches What Experts Say “Hammocks give us the feeling of being wrapped up and supported, which can result in relaxation because our brains can link that sensation to the unconscious experience of living in the womb; the safest place that we have all experienced. Just as easily though, when we settle into a hammock, we can take in the sunshine, the breeze, and the trees. Slowing down and noticing the world around us can bring us a sense of contentment and ease, distracting us from our problems and thoughts.” — Erin Miers, PsyD, a psychology consultant at Mom Loves Best Editor-in-Chief Amy Morin Reveals Her 10 Favorite Stress Relief Products Best Waterproof LA SIESTA Brisa Sea Salt Weather-Resistant Double Classic Hammock Amazon View On Amazon Pros Resistant to sun and water damage Machine washable and quick-drying Two-year warranty Cons Doesn’t come with stand Customer service issues This La Siesta hammock is made from a lightweight material that can be left outside in all types of weather, and it is also easy to clean. It also comes in several colors and patterns, so you can pick one that matches your outdoor decor. Though it doesn’t come with a stand, it’s possible to order the hammock with tree straps or a hanging kit. Price at time of publication: $90 Material: Olefin | Weight capacity: 355 pounds | Type: Hanging | Dimensions: 8.86 x 5.87 x 5.55 inches Editor-in-Chief Amy Morin Reveals Her 10 Favorite Stress Relief Products Best for Trees Wise Owl Outfitters Camping Hammock with Tree Straps 5 Amazon View On Amazon View On Walmart View On Target Pros Affordable Lightweight Several color options Cons Straps can be difficult to maneuver Some quality control issues If you’re looking for a comfortable, easy-to-transport hammock that doesn’t require a stand, consider this one from Wise Owl Outfitters. There’s no messing around with attaching chains or hooks since the tree straps come built-in. And did we mention that assembly usually takes about a minute? On top of that, it’s a great value and comes with a lifetime warranty. Price at time of publication: $30 Material: Nylon | Weight capacity: 500 pounds | Type: Hanging | Dimensions: 108 x 54 inches Final Verdict If you want to add a relaxing hammock to your space, the Vivere Double Cotton Hammock (view at Amazon) is a good option. It comes with a sturdy steel stand that securely holds the hammock at each end—meaning you don't need large trees for hanging purposes. And since it's crafted with cotton, it has a soft-to-the-touch feel for ultimate relaxation. The Natoma Double Camping Hammock (view at Wayfair) is another high-quality option at an affordable price point. While you will need trees or a sturdy hook to hang it up, it's exceptionally compact and easy to move from one place to the next. It has a load capacity of 265 pounds and thanks to the nylon composition, it's both durable and lightweight. What to Look For in a Hammock Material Just like our clothing, everyone has a preference when it comes to hammock material. For instance, Snyder suggests “looking for something that is silky and smooth and uses parachute nylon, such as Trek Light Hammocks.” She also recommends getting a hammock made out of material that is water-resistant, breathable, and moisture-wicking. However, Emanuelli is a fan of “the woven cloth hammocks that stand up to outdoor challenges better than the nylon ones.” And Schultz likes something comfy in cotton. “As for material, I’d go with cotton for cozy, gentle hug feels, and ideally, the hammock should come with padding for that extra touch of comfort,” she says. In addition to the feel of the material, also consider where you’re going to hang the hammock. For example, if it’s going to stay outdoors, opt for something that can withstand the elements. But if the hammock will only be set up inside, you can use whatever material feels best. Design With so many hammock options out there, take the time to find one with a design that meets your needs. So if your main goal is finding a hammock that’s comfortable to sleep in, make that the focus of your search. “Make sure you have a hammock that’s designed with a full night’s sleep in mind,” Snyder advises. “You don’t want to worry about falling/flipping out of it in the middle of the night (or during nap times). You also don’t want to wake up with rope burns from sleeping on strings or knots.” Also consider where you plan to hang the hammock—whether it’s between two trees or poles, or from its own stand. “From a purely functional perspective, I prefer hammocks that have their own stands,” Emanuelli explains. “The practicality of this is that the hammock can be moved anywhere outdoors to relate to nature and the environment.” Spreader bar If you’re someone who consistently ends up in frustrated tangles when getting in and out of hammocks, Schultz recommends getting one with a spreader bar—which is attached at each end of the hammock to keep the fabric spread out. “The spreader bar also ensures an even weight distribution when you are lying down, allowing for a more relaxing swing rhythm and motion,” she says. “However, if you prefer escaping in a cocoon-like snuggle, go for one without. Neither one is better than the other, it’s just a matter of personal preference.” Frequently Asked Questions How do you hang a hammock? How you hang a hammock depends on the kind of hammock you have, and the setup that’s available. Some involve using straps and/or hooks to hang a hammock between two trees, while others come with their own stand that you can set up (basically) anywhere. Every hammock is different, so read the instructions that came with yours to find out how to hang it. How do you clean a hammock? How you clean a hammock depends on the materials that it’s made out of. For example, some hammocks can be cleaned in a washing machine, while others require a bit more attention. To hand wash a hammock, use warm water and a mild detergent, and don’t forget to rinse it. Then let it dry thoroughly before using it again. Are hammocks good for your back? This comes down to the condition of your back. For some people, the act of getting in and out of a hammock can cause pain and strain. But for others, it can help minimize back discomfort. "As a hammock has no pressure points, it allows your body to sink into complete physical relaxation, prompting the release of any aches or pains,” says Schultz. “In addition, its design helps to improve blood circulation, as it keeps the upper body slightly elevated.” If you’re interested in trying a hammock but are concerned about potential back pain, talk to your doctor about your options, and see if they have any recommendations. Why Trust Verywell Mind Elizabeth Yuko, Ph.D., is a bioethicist and journalist, as well as an adjunct professor of ethics at Fordham University. She has been published in The New York Times, The Washington Post, and more writing on health issues. See Our Editorial Process Meet Our Review Board Share Feedback Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! What is your feedback? Other Helpful Report an Error Submit