NICOLE DOSTER/TASTE OF HOME
NICOLE DOSTER FOR TASTE OF HOME
Pros:
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Swaddling, cozy hammock style perfect for napping
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Supports two people and a range of body shapes
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Solid variety of patterns and styles
Cons:
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A bit tricky to assemble
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May be too hot for warmer climates
NICOLE DOSTER FOR TASTE OF HOME
When comfort is king, look no further than the Best Choice Products Brazillian-style hammock. This cozy swaddler envelops the user for top-notch naps. “This hammock is super comfortable to lay in,” says Content Director Nicole Doster. “It’s a cocoon-style hammock that wraps around you to keep you inside. While I prefer the breeziness and style of a lay-flat hammock, I have to admit that laying in this hammock was like being swaddled!”
Nicole found this hammock a bit tricky to put together. The instructional diagram leaves much to be desired, and she accidentally installed the S-hooks incorrectly. But once assembled, it’s supportive and sturdy with a capacity for two people and a weight limit of 450 pounds. “It’s nice that you can also adjust the hammock to be higher or lower by adjusting the placement of the S-rings on the vertical poles,” says Nicole. “You have to untangle yourself a bit to get out of the ‘swaddle’ but the hammock doesn’t tip or flip as much as the other lie-flat model I have. It really wraps you up tightly!”
Keep in mind that this style of hammock may not be ideal for warmer climates, as it is akin to being wrapped in a blanket. There are also no manufacturer cleaning instructions.
Other Hammocks We Tested
While the five hammocks above passed our rigorous tests, three options did not:
- Sunnydaze Rope Hammock: If you’re looking for a solid rope option, this hammock is perfectly adequate. However, its 275-pound weight limit is not as diverse as other options we tested. Our reviewer also noticed some fraying on the pad right out of the box, and the care instructions were finicky.
- Vivere Double Cotton Hammock with Stand: We liked the bright colors and easy assembly of this hammock, but it did not meet its advertised 450-pound weight limit. Even on the highest rung, our tester sagged so far to the ground she could feel the metal bar beneath her. While this hammock could work for children or small adults, it certainly could not support two people as it claims.
- Style Selections Quilted Hammock with Stand: This hammock looks attractive in the backyard, but it’s incredibly slippery. I tested this hammock and found I needed to focus to keep my center of gravity stable—not exactly conducive to relaxing! Plus, the bed itself is fairly short, so anyone over 6-foot will find their head or feet butting into the spreader bars. The pillow also provides minimal support.
How We Found the Best Hammocks
To find the best hammocks, I first had to narrow down to one type. After all, there are so many options to choose from, including standalone nets and hammocks designed for camping. To best serve our readers (who love to relax in their backyards!) I focused on hammocks bundled with stands. This style is generally the easiest to set up and is versatile for use in treeless backyards or on a patio. The downside is that they’re less portable.
Next, I spent several hours researching brands and reading user reviews. I considered a mix of popular merchants—including picks from Amazon, Walmart, Home Depot and Lowe’s—as well as a variety of price points.
Next, I assembled a crew of five testers and called in nine hammocks. Collectively, we spent over a month assembling, relaxing and cleaning our hammocks in backyards across the U.S. We rated each hammock on its packaging, delivery, assembly, comfort, sturdiness, longevity, care instructions and overall value.
Why You Should Trust Us
At Taste Recipes, we spend a lot of time testing and reviewing outdoor products. To date, we’ve tested over a dozen pizza ovens, 15+ gas and charcoal grills and a bevy of smokeless fire pits. We put in the time and effort so you can feel confident spending your hard-earned money on vetted products. For this hammock test, we utilized five team members with expertise in reviewing furniture and summer essentials. Collectively, we have over 35 years of professional experience.
FAQ
What is the most comfortable hammock setup?
When setting up a hammock, it’s important to strike a balance between flat and bent. REI Experts suggest aiming for a 30-degree angle of the straps against the tree or rod for an ideal shape.
Is it better to have a hammock with or without a spreader?
A spreader is a bar attached to a hammock that maintains its structure, but not all hammocks have one. Spreaders have pros and cons, as they can make the hammock easier to climb into, but some claim they are less comfortable than an alternative that cocoons the body.
Is sleeping in a hammock bad for your back?
It all depends on pre-existing back issues (which can be exacerbated by sleeping in a hammock), as well as the quality of the hammock itself. Not all hammocks provide the support the body needs, but high quality ones offer benefits like relieved back pressure and promotion of spinal alignment.