Whether setting a hammock up in your backyard, on a camping adventure, or using one as an alternative to a bed, these unique, fun, and comfortable sleeping accessories are becoming the go-to for many.
Yet, ensuring a great sleep all comes down to how you hang it. Whether a seasoned ‘hanger’ or a beginner, we’ve listed top tips to make the most of your hammock. Read on to learn more.
1. Find Two Solid Posts
Want to know how to sleep in a hammock? First, you’ll need to find two solid posts to hang it from. This may be from a car door, metal posts, beams, or in most cases, two trees. When searching for the perfect setup, consider height and distance.
You must also ensure the structure you choose to hang your hammock from is strong enough to withstand your weight.
2. Consider Measurements
Depending on your hammock’s length and how much tension you wish to achieve, try to pick posts or trees that sit 10 to 15 feet apart. For example, a hammock measuring 12 feet will require you to source trees with a space of 12 feet between them.
As well as width, you must consider height. As a guide, this should be around the same height as an average chair, which measures 18 inches. This will make it easy to get in and out of your hammock and lie comfortably.
For extra security and hammocks housing heavier weights, such as two-man versions, consider securing rope, tree straps, or additional suspension and anchors at 48 inches up the posts. If you can, opt for tree straps as they cause less harm to the trees.
3. Setting Up a Hammock on Your Porch
If you wish to set your hammock up closer to home, such as on your porch, you’ll need to locate an overhead beam. Before hanging a hammock from this structure, ensure it’s sturdy enough to hold the weight of you and the hammock.
Once you’ve confirmed this, you’ll need to invest in straps, ropes, or cords and wrap them around the beam. Using a carabiner, knot, or a similar accessory, attach your chosen suspension to the hammock eye.
4. Attaching a Hammock to Your Vehicle
Want to attach a hammock to your car? Invest in a hardy roof rack. This is for your protection and the protection of your vehicle. This structure needs to be able to hold your weight. Your vehicle and roof rack manual will tell you everything you need to know about weight restrictions.
The best step involves parking your vehicle at the recommended distance from a tree. Using ropes, cords, or tree straps, tie them around the tree and the roof rack. You can use the straps to secure the eyes of the hammock. When tightening the straps, ensure there is enough sag. This will promote good sleep.
5. Ensure Good Sag
A common misconception about hanging a hammock is stringing it up as tightly as possible. For a comfortable sleep, ensure a good sag. This will create a cocooning effect that is comforting and not claustrophobic. To avoid tight shoulders and a bowed back, hang your hammock at a 30-degree angle.
The correct angle and a deep sag will lower the center of gravity. The result? A stable sleeping environment that is nearly impossible to fall out of. New research suggests rocking on a hammock can soothe you into a quicker, deeper, more satisfying sleep.
6. Lay Diagonally
Once you’ve perfected the sag of your hammock, lay down diagonally. This positioning is not only comfortable, it’s good for your posture and your back. Why? Hammocks keep your back perfectly flat. Your head and feet on the other hand mold into the fabric, encouraging your muscles and joints to relax.
If you find that your body is sliding to the middle of your hammock, you raise the foot end of your hammock. For best results, try raising it between 8 and 10 inches. This will prevent the heavier part of your torso from moving too far right or left.
The Bottom Line
Hanging a hammock is a lot more time-efficient than putting up a tent. Once you’ve mastered the above tips and tricks, you’ll be a pro! The key points to remember? Ensure the structures you are attaching your hammock to are sturdy enough to hold your weight. Allow for enough sag and always lie diagonally.
Following these guidelines will ensure a great sleep from a location of your choice. Be this your home or further afield. In addition, this simple, centuries-old structure is a great way to embrace nature and relax your mind and body. Why? The rocking motion forces you to slow down and disconnect, which does wonders for your mental health.