The pleasure of lying in a hammock with a stand, unwinding after a hectic week and enjoying a temporary break from the robotic routine is a feeling unmatched. There’s nothing like curling up in a hammock with a book, your phone, or nothing but your thoughts to keep you company.
With the ease in lockdown restrictions, an increasing number of people have turned to outdoor recreation. And this increase in nature tourism has widely attracted hammock camping – yeah, people are done camping the conventional way! But imagine arriving at a campground hoping to sleep in a hammock, only to find there are no trees around.
While camping in a hammock has many perks over traditional camping, they have one main flaw: it isn’t easy to find a suitable spot to hang a hammock. You’ll need to pick trees that are the proper distance apart and straps that have just the perfect amount of tension and friction.
But what if I inform you that there is an end to this frustration? How is that, you ask? By investing in a hammock stand! In this post, I will unveil some of the best portable hammock stands with a guide on what you should consider before investing in one. So, let’s get started!
Is a Wood or Metal Hammock Stand Better?
When it comes to choosing between a wooden or metal hammock stand, there are a few things to consider. If you’re looking for something that’s easy to move around and maintain, a lightweight aluminum metal stand is way to go. They’re generally more durable and rust-proof than wooden stands, and they’re also easier to assemble and disassemble .
A wooden stand requires extra maintenance effort and but rewards in aesthetic appeal, for a backyard oasis the wooden hammock stand might be the better choice for you. They offer a natural, warm aesthetic that can create a relaxing oasis in your backyard or patio . However, wooden stands require more maintenance than metal stands as they are susceptible to rotting, warping, and insect damage .
5 Best Portable Hammock Stands
With the increase in hammock camping, many suppliers have entered the market. So, it has become more difficult than ever to select a hammock stand. But we have compiled a list of the five best portable hammocks so that you can buy the best one for your next camping adventure.
1. ENO Nomad Hammock Stand
If you’re searching for a collapsible hammock stand to take camping, the Eagle Nest Outfitters Nomad stand is our top pick. This lightweight aluminum stand sets up in seconds with its simple shock-corded structure. So EASY!
One of the best features of this stand is that you can use it on uneven surfaces, unlike others. When fully completed, the frame measures 13 feet by four feet by four feet. Despite the small weight of the materials, the stand can sustain a whopping 300 pounds. Moreover, the ENO Nomad Hammock Stand works with all ENO hammocks and folds easily into its carrying case, which makes it effortless to carry on any excursion.
Pros
Portable design
Easy to set up
Sturdy design
Comes with a carry bag
Easy to store
Cons
Low capacity
Expensive
2. Zupapa 550lbs Capacity Portable Hammock Frame
The Zupapa Steel Hammock Stand is being used by an increasing number of individuals and hammock fans, owing to its extreme durability and functionality.
Zupapa’s steel hammock structure is adaptable, accommodating a variety of hammocks ranging in length from 12 to 15 feet. This simple to install steel tube stand is lightweight (25 pounds overall) but strong enough to support a total load of 550 pounds, making it ideal for a two-person hammock.
This is a great option if you already have a hammock or two and only need a stand. Thanks to an easy-to-use spring pin interlocking system, it’s simple to install anywhere in minutes. Moreover, this item is compatible with a range of Brazilian-style hammock fabric.
Pros
Breaks down into 5 segments for easy storage
Comes with rubber caps for the feet to protect the surface
Easy to transport
Easy assembly
Comes with a hand-operated rotating knob for quick assembly
Cons
Does not include hammock fabric
Not compatible with hammock beds with spreader bars
3. Best Choice Products Double Hammock with Stand
If you are searching for a hammock to go camping for the first time, you would ideally be looking for something with the fabric included. The Best Choice Product Double Hammock is the best for you in such a case.
The item is affordable and long-lasting and comfortably supports two people with its excellent 450 pounds weight capacity. The product features a sturdy resin steel frame ideal for backyard and outdoor camping excursions. This stand is 115 inches long, 48 inches broad, and 43 inches tall when assembled.
The best part is that you can choose from a range of hammock colors to catch your patio decor and taste. The Best Choice Product Double Hammock with Stand comes with a carrying case that enhances its portability feature.
Pros
Collapsible and portable
Lightweight
Easy to assemble
Comes with a laminated instructions manual
Ideal for 2 persons
Many colors to choose from
Durable design
Cons
Not suitable for uneven terrains
Some customers had complaints about the hammock fabric.
4. Vivere Double Cotton Hammock with Stand
Another 2-in-1 hammock stand idea for campers is the Vivere Double Cotton Hammock with the space-saving stand. This freestanding cotton hammock has a 450-pound capacity, making it ideal for two people or a person with their pet.
The product is quite lightweight, around thirty pounds, making it ideal for enthusiast hammock campers. The space-saving steel stand comes with a travel box and a one-year warranty and requires no tools to assemble. The ends of the steel tube are covered with plastic caps, making sure it doesn’t wobble on uneven grounds. When fully assembled, the steel stand is eight to nine feet tall.
Additionally, the Vivere Double Cotton Hammock and Stand features adjustable hooks, making adjusting the hammock’s height easy. Lastly, the package includes a carrying bag for easy transport.
Pros
Compact design
No tools are required for assembly
Robust frame
Attractive colour choices
Lightweight
Cons
Carrier bag lacks pockets for organization
Manual assembly takes time
5. ENO Solopod Hammock Stand
Another Eagle Nest Outfitters product that made it to our list is the ENO Solopad Hammock Stand. It is as aesthetically beautiful as any portable hammock stand can be. Moreover, the ENO Solopad Hammock Stand comes with a stand and two steel carabiners, perfect for setting up a comfortable sleeping and lounging area in the garden or for vehicle campers.
Setup is a breeze because of the tool-free, quick-release assembly. You don’t need to waste half an hour on understanding the instructions manual – it’s just that easy! Additionally, the Solomon hammock stand is made of powder-coated steel and is extremely durable. When fully completed, it weighs 63 pounds and has a weight capacity of 400 pounds, enough for handling two hammock dwellers. The narrow, non-slip feet make it excellent for use on slick terrain and improves stability.
Pros
Powder-coated steel body
Easy to assemble
Aesthetic design
Compatible with various ENO hammock fabric
Sturdy construction
Cons
A bit heavy to transport
Invest in a Portable Hammock Stand, you won’t regret it!
Camping with a hammock allows campers to avoid many of the drawbacks of traditional tents. They are portable, inexpensive, and most importantly, keep us away from the reach of insects. Although it may not appear necessary to purchase a hammock stand, there are numerous advantages to using one over anchoring a hammock to a tree. Here are a few advantages of purchasing this extremely popular piece of camping gear:
1- Easy Setup
If you have had the experience of setting up a hammock, you must know how difficult the task is. You need to pick a location with two trees spread apart at a suitable distance, which, by the way, is solely up to your luck.
On the other hand, portable hammocks are extremely easy to set up. You can even set up a hammock tent if there are no trees or anchors and on terrains with sloped surfaces.
2- Portability
If you want to bid farewell to the days when you set up a hammock and realize that you can’t reposition it no matter how hard the sunlight is hitting you, investing in a portable hammock stand is your only way!
Because of their lightweight, hammock stands allow you to relocate your hammock countless times effortlessly. You know what that means? No more coping with the sunlight in the daytime and sleeping in the cold at night because your hammock is tied too far away from the campfire.
3- Increased Camping Opportunities
The number of campsite possibilities can be limited, and many of the available ones are crowded, sloping, or otherwise unsuitable. Hammock camping is feasible, but trees aren’t always available or in the right place to hang a hammock.
But with portable hammock stands, campers can set their tents anywhere, even in the Sahara. And the most pleasant part is that they don’t add much weight to your luggage –I can bet that they weigh less than your snack bag.
4- Environmental Friendly
Traditional hammocks cause damage to the environment by affecting trees’ abilities to absorb nutrients and moisture from the soil.
Portable hammock stands are a perfect, eco-friendly means of using a hammock. Because they don’t harm the environment, hammock stands are permitted everywhere. So you can rest assured not to return from a campsite because it didn’t allow hanging hammocks from trees.
A Portable Hammock Stand for Every Need
Considering that you would be spending a significant time and a good amount on the best portable hammock stand, it is necessary that you search for it in the right direction. Here are some of the things that you should consider when buying a portable hammock stand:
1- Weight capacity
As yourself: why do I need a hammock stand? If the answer is “to peacefully sleep in the open,” you need to make sure that you can sleep in your hammock. This is essential to remember, especially if you share the hammock to leave some spare capacity.
2- Portability
A portable hammock should be simple to set up and take down, as well as lightweight. If you are traveling in a van, a foldable hammock stand will work great, but those that come with carrying cases are the best because they keep all the pieces together.
3- Weatherproofing
No matter how considerate you are not to damage your hammock stand, the outside elements will damage its exterior. Humidity, moisture and even excessive sunlight can cause the stand to rust, which is why you need to consider the material before buying one. Powder-coated steel frames protect steel from the elements, extending its lifespan. Aluminum is another fantastic weather-resistant material since it does not rust.
4- Size
Unless you want to buy a hammock stand as a showpiece, you must verify that the hammock stand is the appropriate size for you to fit in. Ideally, should add two feet to the length of your hammock. So, if your hammock is 11ft, go for a 15ft stand.
Conclusion
A hammock is much more than a beautiful view of the beach or rainforest from between two palm trees. Sometimes, something as minute as misaligned trees can ruin the entire hammock camping experience. However, investing in the best portable hammock stand is a fantastic option to relax off the ground anywhere.
You’ll immediately appreciate the practicality of portable hammock stands when you get the flexibility to enjoy a good night’s sleep wherever you chance to park your car. That said, make use of our list of the five best portable hammock stands to buy one for yourself.