Best Backyard Hammocks - Reviews and Buyer's Guide

Whether you’re trying to cling to any remnants of warm weather, or allowing the invitation of the crisp cooler weather to envelope you, we’ve got an amazing way to spend any free time you may have while the heat dissipates. We’ve reviewed some of the best backyard hammocks out there, for you to enjoy some much-deserved time off. Take a look at the list below and all the details we’ve provided, then choose the best one for you to relax into peaceful bliss.

Best Backyard Hammocks – Reviews and Buyer’s Guide

What’s a Hammock?

You may think this is the silliest question of all, and even though we may all know what a hammock actually is, it’s probably more important to know what a hammock can actually offer you, and what the benefits are of enjoying one even for a few moments.

Hammocks have been around for ages, used everywhere from travelers in the jungle to seamen on their ships. Hammocks have been essential survival tools and are all-round super convenient and space saving options.

What are the benefits?

With my personal hammock experience, I can name a few benefits that you should definitely consider when searching for the perfect one for you:

1. A hammock can cradle your body perfectly.
2. We all know taking a few moments to yourself daily is vital to emotional and mental health. Maybe you have just a few minutes to nap in between shifts, or let your little ones run around in the backyard while you’re keeping an eye on them, enjoying a few quiet moments to yourself. 
3. Given that these are backyard hammocks that can be used on your patio or out in your garden, you’ll be enjoying some time in nature. This closely fits in with our point above. Breathing in fresh air, listening to the birds and crickets, enjoying the sun and the breeze, even the stars and the moon – all of these can be instant mood enhancers. Laying in a backyard hammock can aid in relaxation and give your heart a bit of a break.
4. It’s a great place to nap! Combine each of the factors above, and if you’re actually able to close your eyes in the middle of a long (or even a lazy day), it may just be the best nap you’ve ever had.

Types of Hammocks

Hammock types and styles depend on a few different things such as the materials, their purpose, but mostly the design itself. We’re going to discuss two different kinds that are nice for backyard purposes:

1. The Brazilian Hammock is a large cocoon style bed. It can be made out of numerous materials that are tightly woven, perfect for deflecting chilly wind. These can be made with vibrant colors and include lots of pretty embellishments. They’re supported at the ends by two individual points. These types of hammocks work nicely with a stand, but can be tied off at two points as well.

2. A Spreader Hammock is a wide flat bed that’s kept in its shape by two wooden poles that are openly woven through to reach the supported ends. The materials also vary from open weave cotton to poolside fabric. These don’t have the cocoon effect that the Brazilian hammock does, but are considered less stable to some. These can also be used with a stand or tied off at the ends.

Factors to Consider

– Room and Space

The Brazilian and Spreader styles of hammocks are most conveniently used with a stand that could take up to 12 feet (or larger), plus you have to add in room to sway if that’s what you enjoy doing. It’s a big consideration if you have a smaller yard or porch. Pay attention to a hammock’s dimensions and how much room you can spare. If you’re anything like me, your hammock will become a permanent part of your home or backyard decor!

– Indoor vs. Outdoor

Most outdoor stand hammocks can be used indoors – make sure to find your hammock a home with enough space for its setup.

Materials and Upkeep

Yes, not all materials are meant to be left outdoors through heavy rain and shine. You may have to clean them thoroughly by hand to keep them looking appetizing enough to lay on, depending on the material. It’s important to choose your material wisely.

Weather

As we’ve just touched on, not all materials are meant to be left outdoors through snow and storms. Leaving them outdoors could result in weather damage, fading and maybe even mildew. Make sure you store your hammock in a place with good air circulation to avoid this kind of damage.

Stand vs. Hung

There are a lot of options for hanging hammocks to include chains, straps and hooks. They can be hung from trees, poles and even the ceiling. I had to get the stand because my yard doesn’t have two trees or poles close enough together to even consider that option.

Purpose, Comfort and Location

Okay, so the purpose of a hammock is pretty much a given. But if you don’t think you’ll be comfortable on an open weave cotton rope, then you’ll have to consider the tightly woven cocoon of the Brazilian style, or the poolside fabric spreader style.

Price

There’s no price you can put on your happiness, comfort and sanity, but hammocks can get expensive. And while quality is certainly a main factor in this decision, there are budget-friendly options that can still offer you all the long term comfort you desire.

Size

Is this hammock for one or two people? Maybe you have a heavier build, or you’re more on the slender side. This question matters when it comes to weight bearing constraints and, more importantly, single vs. double hammock options. The double sized Brazilian style hammocks are going to be very wide, and because they aren’t on a spreader, there’s nothing to separate all of that fabric. This option is perfect for larger body types or someone who will lay in the hammock with a buddy consistently. It’s possible for a smaller person to lay in this style individually, you’ll just have to turn your body 90° and lay on the hammock width wise, instead of the more traditional length wise.

Conclusion

As choosing which backyard hammock to buy is pretty individualistic and subjective to preferences, it’s hard to pick just one! But considering all of the factors, options, pros and cons, we’ve come down to the best hammock for your money: The Best Choice Products Double Brazilian Hammock.

Though it isn’t the cheapest hammock, this hammock is more affordable and has a similar style, setup and durability compared to its much more expensive counterpart, the Vivere hammock. It’s easy to set up, easy to use for two people, and if it’s just going to be one person, the position can be modified to relax all by yourself. This hammock is highly rated among its users, and if properly taken care of, ir will be long-lasting and enjoyed in the long term.

Recent Updates

March 3, 2022: Verified availability of all products. FAQs and Additional Resources have been added to address popular customer queries, as well as refer readers to related content. 

Additional Resources

• Hammock vs Bivy
• The Amazing Benefits of Sleeping in a Hammock

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you leave hammocks outside?

Most hammocks can be left outside, particularly those that are built for camping and the outdoors. However, it’s recommended to bring them inside if you live in an area with particularly cold or scorching hot temperatures, so you can prolong the lifespan of your hammock.

Are hammocks bad for your back?

Lounging or having the odd nap in your hammock shouldn’t be damaging to your back in the long term, but if you do sleep in your hammock frequently, this might cause or worsen existing back issues. You should always speak with your doctor if you plan to go on a longer trip that requires more time spent in your hammock, and particularly sleeping it in regularly.

How do I choose a backyard hammock?

As we’ve mentioned in our Factors to Consider section of this article, you should choose a backyard hammock based on overall comfort needs, how much space you have, whether you’d like to hang it or have it stand freely, durability of materials, the weather conditions where you live, and importantly, your budget.