How to hang a hammock without trees?

Selecting the right hammock size isn’t just about comfort – it impacts safety, weight capacity, and camp viability. We cut through marketing jargon with hard data to match you to your perfect fit.

📏 The Critical Dimensions

🔍 Deep Dive: Pros, Cons & Real-World Use

1. Single Hammocks (9-10 ft): The Ultralight Workhorse

• Best For: Backpackers prioritizing weight savings.
• Reality Check:✅ Pros: Packs tiny (softball size!), weighs 12-18 oz, fits narrow trees.⚠️ Cons: "Banana lay" for users >5'10"; tight for side sleepers.
• Pro Tip: Tall? Choose 10 ft+ models (e.g., Sea to Summit Ultralight).

2. Double Hammocks (10-11 ft): The Misnamed "Couple" Solution

• Shocking Truth: Most "doubles" are wider but not longer – ideal for one spacious sleeper, not two adults long-term.
• Math Doesn’t Lie: Two people need 30% more width (7+ ft) – only family hammocks deliver.
• Sweet Spot:✅ Solo campers wanting diagonal sleeping (no shoulder squeeze)✅ Parents with young children✅ Capacity for heavy gear users
• Top Pick: Wise Owl Double (11 ft x 6 ft, 500 lbs)

3. Family Hammocks (12-15 ft): The Basecamp Beast

• Essential For: Group hangs, car glamping, or tall/broad users.
• Hidden Challenges:⚠️ Requires 18-25 ft tree spacing (impossible in many forests)⚠️ Heavy (4-7 lbs) with complex suspension✅ Game-changer for stargazing with kids!
• Pro Setup: Pair with spreader bars to prevent "cocooning".

⚠️ 3 Costly Mistakes to Avoid

1. Ignoring Tree Distance:Rule: Trees must be 1.5x hammock length apart (e.g., 15 ft for 10-ft hammock).Family hammocks often fail in dense woods!
2. Prioritizing Width Over Length:A short/wide hammock causes knee hyperextension. Length > width for spinal health.
3. Assuming "Double = Two Adults":Most doubles comfortably fit one adult + child or gear. Two adults need 12+ ft.

📐 Your Size Cheat Sheet

💡 Pro Tips for Perfect Sizing

• Height Rule: Your hammock should be 2 ft longer than your height (e.g., 6’ user → 8 ft min).
• Weight Safety Margin: Always choose 100+ lbs over your total weight (body + gear).
• Test Before Trek: Borrow sizes to check comfort – side sleepers often need 6 ft width.
• Hybrid Solution: Two synchronized singles beat an overcrowded family hammock!

The Verdict

Ultralight backpackers thrive with 10-ft singles (save 12+ oz). Most campers are happiest in 11-ft doubles – not for couples, but for luxurious solo sprawl. True group hangs demand 13+ ft family units (accept the weight penalty). Remember: Length prevents back pain, width prevents claustrophobia, and honest capacity math prevents ground-falls!

🌲 Final Tip: Pair your hammock with adjustable straps (e.g., ENO Atlas) – they adapt to imperfect trees when size limits your campsite.