How To Hang a Hammock for Maximum Relaxation

Choose a suitable location

Ideally, find a space between two objects that’s two to four feet wider than your favorite hammock is long. These can include any combination of trees, wooden or metal posts, beams, car racks or other stable structures you can wrap a strap around.

Pro tip: Get a set of adjustable hammock straps like these from Yellow Leaf, which take all the frustration out of tying knots and fine-tuning the hang height.

No matter what you hang your hammock from, proceed as follows:

• Check for insect nests or hazards above and below the hammock that could fall on you, or that you could fall onto if the hammock fails.
• Stay at least 200 feet away from any water source, as per outdoor courtesy and water contamination regulations in many camping areas.
• Make sure your site isn’t blocking the path of animals or people.
• For optimal comfort, anticipate how the sun and shade will progress during the day.

If you’re hanging your hammock from a tree:

• The trunk should be a minimum of six inches in diameter, to avoid snapping or over-stressing the tree.
• Avoid breaking branches or damaging other vegetation around the hammock site.
• Always use tree-friendly straps made of flat webbing, and avoid narrow-gauge rope that can cut into the bark.
• Don’t hang a hammock in a tree where birds are nesting, or there are broken or dead branches above you.
• Never hang a hammock from a dead tree.
• Never drill or nail into a tree.

If you’re hanging your hammock from wooden posts or beams:

• Make sure they are at least four inches by four inches and anchored at least three feet into the ground with concrete reinforcement.
• Steer clear of rotting wood.

If you’re hanging a hammock from pipes:

• Never hang a hammock from water or sewer lines, for obvious reasons.

If you’re hanging a hammock from a vehicle rack:

• Make sure the rack is solid and rated for your weight.
• Make sure the vehicle is in park.

If you have a hammock stand:

• You’re done. Skip to Step 4.