How to Hang a Hammock with Straps
Most hammocks and double hammocks for hiking feature designs using straps which need to be secured. Your straps can either be tied to a tree, support poles, or a specifically purchased hammock frame. Some hammocks even come with their own support frame designed to be compact and secure.
Hammocks with straps are extremely versatile and can be tied down to almost anything at the right height which is within reach. Here we’ll be taking your through a comprehensive look at the different types of straps which you can find, while also showing you exactly how to hang a hammock with straps no matter where you find yourself.
Hanging a Hammock with Straps Step by Step
Once you have found the right set of trees or a tree and a boulder at the right height and distance, all you need to do is follow these four step by step instructions.
Tie the Hammock to the Support
Wrap the end of one strap around your chosen support by looping your strap’s metal hook through the open nylon hoop and tug it through
Determine the Right Height
Position the looped strap at the height at which you want your hammock to hang from and tighten the loop around the support
Secure the Straps
Wrap the hooked end of the strap around the tree or your support pole/boulder away from the nylon looped end and continue to wrap until another full rotation can’t be reached
Tie the Last Loop
Get the hook end of your strap through the open loop at the end for the last time. Your hammock is now hung
Choose a Hammock with Strong Straps
If your hammock is intended for use while camping or hiking, then you need to make sure that it has durable straps. The massive amount of weight placed on the trees to which your hammock is typically affixed vastly ups the risk of them ripping if the straps are of poor quality. Woven straps, at times referred to as webbing, are far better than rope straps.
They cause little to no harm to trees, while multiple woven strap systems work even better, allowing you to affix your hammock to just about anything including rocks and boulders. Alternatively, you can purchase hammock tree straps with designs featuring webbing from any reputable outdoor retailer.
Finding the Right Supports for Your Hammock
If you are securing your hammock to support posts or a frame, then make certain that the feet of your poles are sunk at least 3 ft. into the ground. Many people prefer to sink their own supports when setting up a hammock at home.
The same rule applies. Cement the legs of your support poles to a depth of 3 ft. Some go as far as firmly believing that support poles should be sunk to one-third of their total length in order to grant support which will not waver over extended periods of time.
A support pole should also always be at least a 4 x 4 pole which has an actual size of 3 1/2" x 3 1/20-inches. If the pole is going to be very high, as is necessary for very long hammocks, then sink 6 x 6 support poles instead.
Hanging Distance and Hanging Your Hammock
The optimal hanging distance for any hammock measures roughly 2 ft. greater that the total length of the hammock itself – you measure the length of your hammock from ring to ring. Find two trees which are roughly the right distance apart (equating to between 12 to 15 ft. apart for most double hammocks and 10 to 12 for a single).
At the very least, your two trees (or two supportive structures) have to be at least 10 ft. apart. Another general rule of thumb to follow is to distance the supports of your hammock at 83% of its total length. This gives a comfortable flat hang when laying diagonally in your hammock.
Find the Best Hammock with the Best Straps
Eco-friendly tree straps are the optimal choice for most campers; however, those who will be hanging a hammock in a fixed place such as a barbecue area, swimming pool patio or entertainment area can look for tougher options.
Tree straps come specifically designed to minimize the damage which they do to trees, but a permanent fixture comes with no restrictions.
FINAL VERDICT
Make sure that your straps are rugged and long lasting as the best hammocks will seldomly need replacing, lasting you through many years of reliable use. All good-quality hammocks specifically designed for rugged outdoor use will come with straps which are not only easy to use on a variety of supports such as trees and boulders, but also come easily adjustable and at times eco-friendly. If not, separate straps are readily available and fully compatible with most leading hammocks.