Nothing beats relaxing in a hammock, whether it’s after a long day of work or when watching the sunset on a camping trip.
Hammock beds and their stands are a wonderful accessory for a camping trip due to their lightweight nature and extreme comfort.
However, finding suitable trees to tie your hammock to isn’t always possible. The last thing you want is to sit on the ground after a long day of adventuring. Thankfully, portable hammocks are the answer to this problem.
You can use these hammocks anywhere so you can relax off the ground whether it’s in a field, the beach, or even your own backyard.
With so many portable hammocks on the market, we have researched hundreds and come up with the best 5 models on the market today.
Continue reading to find out the pros and cons of each so you can decide which is best for you.
OUR TOP PICK
Versatile with a robust frame, the Zupapa Hammock Stand fits a wide range of hammocks between 12 and 15 feet.
It is possible to fit single-person and double-person hammocks to this 12 gauge steel frame with a two-inch diameter supporting a weight capacity of 550-pounds.
The Zupapa Hammock Stand is protected against possible water damage thanks to its powder coating so it should last a long time.
If you already own one or two hammocks, this is the one for you. It is very easy to set up and use with a spring pin interlocking system so you can be relaxing within minutes.
Pros
- Versatile - Fits one and two-person hammocks between 12 and 15 foot long
- Robust, durable frame - Powder coated 12 gauge steel frame is water-resistant for long-lasting use
- Easy to assemble - Spring interlocking system is easy and fast to set up
Cons
- No hammock included - This is just the frame so you would need to purchase a hammock separately
BEST BUDGET STAND
We all have a budget in mind when it comes to purchasing hammock stands and, thankfully, we have found an inexpensive, yet durable product that is a great choice.
The Best Choice Products Double Hammock Stand has an impressive weight capacity of 450-pounds so it should be able to support two people comfortably.
Measuring 115-inches long x 48-inches wide x 43-inches high, this is big enough to fit most hammock sizes. You can pick from a range of colors to fit your preferences and surroundings.
Whether you are going for a day out at the beach or heading to the desert for a relaxing camping trip, you will be able to transport this stand easily thanks to an included carrying case.
You can fold the stand down into a compact size for easy storage in your home or in the trunk of your car.
Pros
- Large weight limit - Supports up to 450-pounds so should support a couple easily
- Includes a carrying case - Easy to store and transport
- Durable and weather-resistant - Built with an all-weather resin steel frame for use outdoors and indoors for years to come
Cons
- Hammock fabric could be stronger - Customers have reported that the fabric is poorly woven and stretches easily becoming damaged after some time
BEST VALUE
Are you looking for a hammock stand that is quick to set up in under 5 minutes? If so, you may love the Vivere Double Cotton Hammock with Space Saving Steel Stand.
No tools are required to assemble this so you can be relaxing within minutes and watching that sunset in style.
This double hammock and stand easily fits two people and has a generous weight capacity of 450-pounds.
The hammock is 87-inches long and is made of 100% breathable cotton for supreme comfort. Its heavy-duty 9-foot steel stand is powder-coated along with zinc-coated legs for long-lasting and reliable use.
Worried about the legs marking your decking? No need to, as this comes with end-caps to protect your floor as well as prevent the stand from moving. Included is a carry bag which makes for a convenient hammock stand for when you are on the go.
Pros
- Quick and easy assembly - Set up this stand easily with no tools required so you can relax within minutes
- Fits two people - Ideal for couples on camping trips together
- Heavy-duty steel frame - Powder-coated to prevent corrosion from the weather so it should be long-lasting
Cons
- Lower quality hammock fabric - Not as solid as the steel frame stand so the hammock may need replacing after some time
RUNNER UP
This large multi-use hammock stand is compatible with nearly all 9.5 - 14 foot long hammocks and offers superb resistance against rust and corrosion.
The Sunnydaze Universal Heavy-Duty Steel hammock stand measures 124-inches in length, 40-inches in width, and 52.5-inches in height with two 55-inch long base bars to offer added stability and comfort.
This is a solid construction with 1.75mm thick tubular steel with a powder-coated black finish that should last many years.
We love its versatility as it can be kept indoors and outdoors. Furthermore, weighing only 25-pounds, it is light enough to carry and transport anywhere.
Pros
- Effortless setup - Using a spring-pin lock mechanism, you won’t need any tools for a quick and simple assembly
- Comes with a carry bag - Lightweight and easy to carry on camping trips
- Strong - Sturdy and durable frame can hold up to 2 people comfortably and last many years
Cons
- Unsteady as you got on - Can easily flip out as you try to sit in the hammock but very stable once you’re in
RUNNER UP
If you’re looking for a hammock to laze in your backyard with, the Lazy Daze Double Hammock Stand is worth considering.
Strong and durable, this is the perfect choice for backyards and days out to the beach. You can easily fold it down into five pieces to transport it wherever you want without fuss.
To prevent rust and weather damage, this solid steel stand is powder-coated to protect against wear and tear so you should get many years of use out of it.
A bonus of this stand is that it comes with an extra-wide hammock that can hold up to 450-pounds.
With a durable, yet soft canvas, you and your partner could relax comfortably in this for hours.
Pros
- Comes with a hammock - Includes a very comfortable and durable hammock that can fit 2 people
- Weather-resistant - Strong steel frame is powder-coated to withstand harsh weather conditions and last for years
- Includes a carrying case - Easy to fold up and store away in the case or carry on days out
Cons
- Large size - Not ideal for backpacking or long treks to various locations
Best Portable Hammock Stand Buying Guide
Here are a few factors to consider when investing in a new hammock stand.
Capacity
Consider the load-bearing capacity (weight) of your hammock stand. Most hammock beds and stands weigh between 150kg and 250kg.
Heavier load capacities are better if you have children as they may want to join you in the hammock too.
Material
When choosing a hammock stand, the two main materials you come across are wood and metal.
Wood is usually coated with weather-resistant oil that lasts longer outdoors and is generally heavier. However, metal models are more portable and ideal for camping trips or days out.
Dimensions
Some stands come separate from the hammock bed. If this is the case, you must ensure their dimensions meet up to fit together properly.
The stand should be a minimum of two-feet longer than the hammock bed to fit correctly.
Also, think about the number of people who will use it at once and whether the stand is wide enough for more than one person.
Portability
The lighter the stand, the easier it will be to carry. You never know when you may want to pick up your hammock and its stand to move to another location.
Whether you are dodging the rain, trying to get more sunlight, or need to move into the shade, the lighter a stand is, the quicker you’ll be able to move.
Metal stands are generally lighter than their wooden counterparts and some are designed to fold away into a carry bag. This makes them ideal for traveling or hiking.
Adjustability
It is always useful to find a stand that can adjust its height or width to suit various hammocks.
Most hammocks come with hooks, chains, or carabiners (metal loop with a spring-loaded gate). These allow you to adjust the height of the hammock bed easily and conveniently.
These mechanisms also allow you to adjust your hammock to a certain degree when it is stretched to guarantee absolute comfort.
You can contact the manufacturer or customer support if you’re not sure how to adjust your hammock stand and they should guide you through the steps to get comfortable.
Footprint
Hammock stands come in all shapes and sizes so you need to think about their overall footprint. Usually, you will require around 10-15 feet of stretching space for a hammock.
You should consider whether you have enough space to set up the stand and hammock whether it’s in your backyard or in a camping facility.
Always buy the right-sized stand for your hammock to avoid the risk of you tipping over or the stand collapsing.
Overall, the stand should have a complete length of a few to several inches more than the whole hammock length.
FAQ's
What is the best hammock stand?
During our research, we found the best hammock stand was the Zupapa model. For versatility at an affordable price, this came out on top. There is no doubt that once you fit a hammock into this stand, you will be fully secured and safe.
Although it doesn’t come with an actual hammock, it can fit single-person and double-person hammocks so you can swap and choose which one suits you on any given day or trip.
It has one of the heaviest weight capacities of 550-pounds thanks to a very robust 12 gauge steel frame with a two-inch diameter. This means it will support two people easily and heavier individuals won’t have to miss out on its comfort.
It is powder-coated to protect the frame against water damage so you can leave it out in all weathers and it should last many years. However, it is always advised to bring in hammock stands when heavy rain arrives to ensure it maintains its quality.
What is the best portable hammock?
There are many excellent portable hammocks on the market. Choosing the best can depend on various factors such as how many people will be using it at once and how large you may want it to be.
From our research, we found that the best portable hammock was Vivere Double Cotton Hammock with Space Saving Steel Stand.
Unlike the Zupapa hammock stand, this bundle includes a hammock and a stand. Therefore, it helps you save time and money when having to buy a separate hammock.
The Vivere Double Cotton hammock is very easy to set up, taking only 5 minutes. We love that there are no tools required to assemble this so you can be relaxing within minutes.
The hammock itself is long enough for most individuals to lie comfortably and made from 100% breathable cotton, which is comfortable on your skin and doesn’t heat up under the sun’s rays.
The stand that is included is very durable and should last many years with end-caps on its legs to protect your decking and prevent the whole setup from moving whilst you are lying down. This hammock has everything you need from a portable point of view.
Are hammock stands safe?
Hammock stands are generally very safe to use. Most go through rigorous testing to ensure they can support and withstand a certain amount of weight. This is why you will always find a maximum weight capacity on all hammock stands.
You should never go over this weight limit as this is when hammock stands can become unsafe to use as added weight can damage the stand’s structure and increase the likelihood of breaking while someone is lying in the hammock.
Most hammock stands are made from metal or wood. Wooden stands tend to be heavier and can survive different weather conditions better thanks to an oil coating.
However, these are usually non-portable. Metal frames are very strong and if you keep within the weight limit, you should be completely safe.
Can any hammock go on a stand?
Every hammock should be able to fit one stand or another. Some stands, such as the Sunnydaze Universal Hammock Stand can accommodate any hammock. However, most hammock stands can support hammocks of certain widths, lengths, and weights.
You should always make sure that the hammock and the stand’s dimensions meet up as planned.
You should also consider the width as most longer hammock beds are typically wide enough to fit an extra person. Some hammock stands can only support single-person hammocks while others can support more.
Always check the dimensions of your hammock and stand to see if they are compatible. Nonetheless, there is certainly a stand out there for every hammock.
Can I leave my hammock stand outside?
Hammock stands are a valuable commodity for many campers. They offer stability for your hammock bed and are generally easy to set up.
As they are regularly used for camping, many wonder if they can leave the stand outside in all weather conditions.
Some hammock setups are designed to be left outside but even these need to be cleaned and dried regularly to prevent a build-up of mold that could damage the structure over time.
While hammock stands are typically made from wood or metal, the latter variety tends to become damaged when left out in the wet seasons. It is advised to store metal hammock stands while it rains as they could become prone to rust.
Wooden stands are usually treated with some kind of weather-resistant oil so can handle the weather better. The weather will have an impact on your stand, especially the sun’s UV rays.
Over time, a hammock stand will begin to break down so it is best to store it somewhere dry and away from the sun’s rays when not in use.
What size hammock fits a 12-foot stand?
A 12-foot stand should be able to fit standard spreader bar hammocks or any hammock that measures between 8 and 11 feet long.
Different hammocks require different sized stands so always measure the hammock bed to ensure it is compatible with the hammock stand.