![5 Best Hammock Stands For 2021 [Buyers Guide]](https://ablecamper.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/20201227_160725-1280x640.jpg)
A hammock is a fantastic piece of gear for hanging out and relaxing in the outdoors. But, if you don’t have an abundance of trees to use to pitch your hammock, you might think you’re out of luck. Thankfully, there are plenty of great hammock stands that can be used to create a mobile floating oasis anywhere you might go.
Finding the right hammock stand can be tricky, though, since there are so many great models available. So, here’s our guide to the best options on the market today, plus some top tips and reviews for making your selection.
What Is A Hammock Stand?
A hammock stand is a wooden or metal rack that can be used to pitch a hammock even when there are no trees nearby. They are strong enough to hold the weight of one or more adult humans without breaking.
Hammock stands are ideal if you want to set up a hammock without having to worry about it slipping down the trunk of a tree. They also often allow you to adjust the tension of a hammock with ease, for a better overall hammocking experience.
How Do I Choose A Hammock Stand?
Choosing the right hammock stand comes down to knowing what you plan to use it for. If you’re looking to set up your stand in your backyard once and leave it there for years, your needs are going to be very different from someone that wants to go hammock camping.
So, to choose a hammock stand, start by writing a list of the most important features for your needs. Good things to consider when shopping around include:
- Stand length and size
- Overall weight of the stand
- Packed size and included carry bag
- Type of hammock (regular or spreader bars)
- Design and aesthetics
- Durability
Benefits Of A Hammock Stand
Hammock stands offer a wide range of benefits that you just can’t get when you sling your hammock to a tree. Here are some of the main advantages of using a stand:
- Treeless Set-Up. With a stand, you can set up your hammock anywhere you want, regardless of if there are two perfectly-spaced trees. This is particularly beneficial if you have a small backyard or if you live somewhere with few trees.
- Portability. Besides some wooden models, most hammock stands are highly mobile, so you can pack them away for the winter. There are even purpose-built portable options that are great for car camping and taking your hammock on the go.
- Easy Pitching. When you use a stand, you don’t have to worry about measuring the distance between. Stands are purposefully designed for hammocks, so you just need to clip your hammock on to set up your lounging system.
- Adjustability. Most hammock stands are very easy to adjust. So, you can quickly loosen or tighten them to modify the tension in a hammock without having to mess around with ropes, slings, and knots.
- Versatile. The majority of stands can be used with a variety of different hammock types. This includes hammocks with spreader bars and lightweight camping models.
- Beautiful Designs. Some stands, particularly those made of wood, have some truly stunning designs. This makes them a fabulous and stylish addition to your backyard retreat.
The 5 Best Hammock Stands
The Best Choice Products Portable Hammock Stand is designed to accommodate any hammock up to 9 feet long, including spreader, Brazilian, rope, camping, and quilt models.
It is made of a durable and weather-resistant powder-coated 12 gauge steel. This helps to prevent rusting even after extended periods of time outside.
The stand itself weighs 26lbs (12kg) and can support up to 450lbs (204kg). So, it’s a good choice for solo hammocking and occasional use with two smaller people.
It also has an easy set-up design that requires no tools to assemble or disassemble. The stand packs down into its space-saving carry sack for easy transport or storage.
pros
- Easy, tool-free set up and disassembly
- Lightweight for a steel stand
- Can accommodate all hammock types
- Affordable
cons
- No chains so adjustment is tricky
- Fairly low weight capacity for two adults
#2 – Zupapa Hammock Stand
The Zupapa Hammock Stand is designed for both single and double hammocks of any design or style.
It is built using burly 12 gauge heavy-duty steel that’s powder-coated for added durability. The ends of the metal tubes also have rubber end caps to prevent accidental scrapes or cuts due to sharp metal.
This stand can support up to 550lbs (249kg), which is enough for two adults. It’s quick and easy to assemble the Zupapa hammock stand, thanks to its spring pin interlocking design.
This design also adds stability and security even with two people in the hammock.
Plus, the stand packs down into a small size carry case for easy transport. You can even quickly adjust the tautness of your hammock using the included chains and hooks for a simplified pitching process.
pros
- Strong enough to support two adults at once
- Packs down into small carry case for transport
- Easy to set up
- Quick adjustment chains and hooks
cons
- Fairly expensive for a metal stand
The Eno Roadie Hammock Stand is a great accessory for any camping hammock. The main advantage of this stand is that it’s ultra-portable and can pack down to a small size for easy transport in the back of your car.
This stand is made from powder-coated steel and has two separate posts. The baseplates of both attachment posts can be secured right under the wheels of your car to create the perfect place to hang your hammock.
Setting up this stand is quick and simple as it has a tool-less construction and quick-release function. It also comes with an Atlas Suspension System for easy adjustments.
The drawback to this stand is that it can’t be set up without a vehicle. But, for car camping adventures where portability is key, it’s a solid bet.
pros
- Very packable and perfect for car camping
- Uses your vehicle’s weight for support
- Easy to set up and adjust
cons
- Can only pitch your hammock near a car
Simple, yet functional, the AmazonBasics Hammock Stand is an affordable option for backyard hammocking. This stand is made from heavy duty steel tubes that have a sleek black finish.
It has a strong enough foundation to support up to 400lbs (181kg) and can be used with hammocks that are up to about 7 feet long (2.1 meters). Plus, it can easily be extended to accommodate longer hammocks for added versatility.
Setting up the stand is quite simple as it has a tool-less construction. It can pack down into an included carry bag for use on car camping trips or for winter storage.
This stand is also one of the most affordable options out there, so it’s a good choice for hammocking on a budget.
pros
- Extendable length design
- Easy to set up and packs into a carry case for transport
- Affordable
cons
- Only 400lb (181kg) weight limit
- No metal chains for hammock adjustment
The Sunnydaze Universal Hammock Stand is a stylish stand for use with any hammock. It has a unique design that provides ample stability while still looking nice enough to use with a high-end hammock.
This stand can accommodate hammocks between 9.5 and 14 feet (2.9-4.2 meters) long and up to 550lbs (249.5kg) of weight. It’s built with 1.5 inch (3.8cm) tubular steel with a powder-coated finish that’s rust-resistant.
The stand has a tool-free assembly that takes just a few minutes to complete. It can be packed down for storage, which is good for car camping.
It also comes with all necessary hardware, including chains for easy adjustments on your hammock.
pros
- Stylish and durable
- Can accommodate a wide range of hammocks
- High weight maximum limit
- Includes chains for easy adjustment
cons
- Doesn’t have a carry bag
- Takes up a lot of space
What To Look for In A Hammock Stand
You have a lot of great options to choose from when it comes to hammock stands. Here are some of the most important things to keep in mind as you shop:
Weight Capacity
All hammock stands will have a maximum weight capacity. This is usually no less than 200lbs (90kg) and can be as high as 600lbs (272kg). A maximum weight capacity of at least 250lbs (113kg) is ideal for most individuals.
But if you’re taller or plan to have multiple people hammocking at the same time, a stand with a 500lb (226kg) maximum is the suggested minimum.
Height
The majority of hammock stands are designed to hang your hammock about 18”-24” (45-60) above the ground. But, if a stand has chains, it’s easy to adjust the height of the hammock to suit your needs.
This is particularly important if you have kids that will use the hammock. Although hammocks aren’t dangerous when used properly, children often play around on hammocks and sometimes fall out of them. In these situations, being able to lower the height of the hammock can help prevent any injuries.
Adjustable Features
Some stands are adjustable, so you can customize the length to best fit your hammock. This is ideal if you want to be able to modify the tautness of the hammock for added lounging comfort.
Materials
Modern hammock stands are made from two different materials: wood and metal.
Wood stands are popular because they come in a variety of beautiful designs. They are often a nice way to accentuate your garden and add a bit of flair to your living space.
But, they tend to be quite expensive and very heavy, which means they’re not very portable. Additionally, they can warp and rot fairly easily, so you’ll need to seal and stain them regularly.
Metal stands, on the other hand, aren’t always as eye-catching. But, they are lighter, easier to set up, and often less expensive. However, they can rust, particularly if they’re made with non-stainless steel metals.
Assembly & Disassembly
If you’re planning on keeping your hammock stand assembled in your backyard, then you’ll only need to set it up once. Alternatively, if you want to take it apart for transport or for storage during the winter, having a model that’s easy to assemble is quite helpful.
Some models, particularly those made from metal, are quite easy to set up. There are also some purpose-built portable stands that offer quick assembly and disassembly for added convenience. On the other hand, wood stands tend to be a bit tricker to set up because they have more bolts and screws that need to be well tightened to support the weight of a human.
Cost
As with any piece of gear, cost is always a factor when buying a hammock stand. Keep in mind, though that more affordable stands are often less durable. Additionally, many more expensive stands can support larger weight capacities, which might be important based on your individual needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are our answers to some of your most frequently asked questions about hammock stands:
IN IS IT BAD TO SLEEP ON A HAMMOCK EVERY NIGHT?
There’s no scientific reason why sleeping in a hammock every night would be bad for you.
In fact, there are plenty of cultures (particularly those in the Yucatan Peninsula of Mexico, Belize, and Guatemala) where people almost exclusively sleep in hammocks. Plus, for centuries, sailors used to sleep in hammocks on large ships as they take up less space than traditional beds.
In reality, sleeping in a hammock, when done properly isn’t going to hurt you. However, if you’re experiencing a lot of back pain from snoozing in your hammock, then you might want to try adjusting your sleeping position.
The best thing to do is to sleep diagonally in a somewhat slack hammock. This actually provides more support than lying down the center in a very taut hammock. You can even try using a pillow for your knees for added comfort. That being said, if your back pain persists, it’s worth talking to a doctor for some advice on what to do.
HOW DEEP SHOULD A HAMMOCK POST BE?
If you’re interested in creating a permanent place in your backyard for a hammock, posts are a good option. But, it’s critical that your hammock posts are deep enough to withstand the torque forces placed on them when someone sits in the hammock.
These post holes should be at least 3 feet (0.9m) deep. Then, once the posts are placed inside, the holes should be back-filled with concrete for added durability and strength.
DO HAMMOCK STANDS COME WITH ALL THE NECESSARY EQUIPMENT SUCH AS HOOKS?
Most hammock stands will come with all the necessary equipment you need to pitch your hammock. This usually includes any hooks and metal chains that you need to attach the hammock to the stand.
DO HAMMOCK STANDS USUALLY COME WITH THE HAMMOCK INCLUDED?
For the most part, hammock stands don’t come with the hammock included. But, this is not unheard of and you certainly can buy packages with both the stand and hammock.
However, it’s often best to buy the stand and the hammock separately because this allows you to better customize the set-up to your needs. That way, you can get a stand that looks good and fits your needs as well as a hammock that’s super comfortable without having to compromise on either one.
WHAT ARE THE HIGHEST RATED HAMMOCK STANDS?
All five of the hammocks we’ve reviewed here are some of the highest rated on the market. The Eno Roadie is our top choice for car camping adventures, while the Sunnydaze Universal is a great stylish option for your backyard.
Additionally, the Best Choice Products stand is a simple and affordable option for single-person hammocking. Meanwhile, the Zupapa Hammock Stand is best for hammocking with a friend. Finally, the AmazonBasics Stand is our pick for a budget-friendly model.
ARE HAMMOCKS SAFE?
When set up properly, hammocks are quite low risk. While we wouldn’t necessarily recommend leaving a small child in one alone, for adults and supervised children, hanging out in a hammock is no more dangerous than sitting on a bench or sleeping in your bed – when done properly.
Of course, the main danger of a hammock is falling out of one and hitting the ground. Indeed, some of the most common injuries from hammocks are the result of falls. However, these injuries can often be avoided by pitching a hammock lower down toward the ground.
Generally speaking, hammock stands will pitch your hammock at just the right height to prevent any injuries, but this is something to consider as you shop.
The best advice we can give here is to never hang your hammock at any height higher than you’re comfortable falling down. Although falling out of a hammock isn’t very likely, if it does happen, you want to be sure that, at worse, you’re just going to bruise, not break a limb.
You can further reduce your risk of getting hurt by ensuring that your hammock isn’t too taut. The tauter the fabric, the easier it is to flip over.
The Verdict
Hammock stands are a great investment for your backyard, particularly if you don’t have a lot of trees. Additionally, they’re great for lounging around during car camping adventures. You have plenty of great options to choose from, regardless of what kind of hammocking you like to do.
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