Original Article: 5 Best Beach Hammocks to Hammock at the beach + Tips
Living in Vermont for a number of years, with the abundance of beautiful White Pine trees, I quickly discovered a love for hammocking. When I first moved to Burlington, I would see people setting up hammocks all over town, and so I ran to the local Outdoor Gear Exchange to purchase one for myself.
There’s no better feeling than setting up your hammock on the summit after a long hike up, finding the perfect spot to lay back and watch the sunset, or simply relaxing between two trees in the backyard. I absolutely love the feeling of floating and as you gently sway in the breeze, time just seems to drift away.
Growing up and working as a professional lifeguard in Rockaway Beach, NY, a small beach town just outside the city, I’ve discovered many innovative ways to relax comfortably on the beach and since moving back, I’ve enjoyed bringing my love of hammocking to the sand.
Setting up a hammock on the beach can be challenging but oh so rewarding. Check out these 5 recommendations so you too can hammock at the beach and relax comfortably as you listen to the waves.
5 Best Hammocks for the Beach
Eno SingleNest Camping Hammock
This is the hammock that I personally own and I bring it everywhere with me. Though it is a bit pricier than similar camping hammocks, it’s definitely worth it. Eno makes an incredibly durable yet lightweight hammock that stuffs away into its own storage bag. This style camping hammock is perfect if you are lounging on a beach with trees or pilings, as you’ll need a sturdy structure to set it up properly. This will require you to purchase straps separately and will take a bit of practice to know how to use them in all types of situations. This hammock does come equipped with aluminum wire gate carabiners, so once you’re comfortable safely setting up your straps, it’s a quick and easy process that you can trust. Don’t worry, we’ll give you a quick rundown of how to do that at the end of this article.
FEATURES
- Storage bag attached to allow for easy setup/break down
- Weighs only 16 oz
- Made from 70D high tenacity nylon taffeta, which can support up to 400 lbs
- Packed Dimensions: (L x W) 4″ x 5″; Unfolded Dimensions: (L x W) 9′ 4″ x 4′ 7″
- Incredibly lightweight and durable
- Breathable material ensures you won’t get too hot in the sun
- Perfect for hammocking on a beach with abundant trees, pilings, or other sturdy structures
- Straps sold separately
Kootek Camping Hammock
This camping hammock is very similar to the Eno, however, it is slightly cheaper and comes prepackaged with straps. I tend to bring my Eno everywhere and set it up in some pretty sketchy spots, so I rely on the superior construction and durability. However, if you are looking for a more entry-level hammock, and will be setting it up in much safer places, then this one is for you! Being that it comes with adjustable hammock straps, this is all you’ll need to hang comfortably while hammocking on the beach.
FEATURES
- Double person hammock
- Lightweight and comes with an attached storage bag
- Made from 210T parachute fabric material
- Double hammock is 118”L X 78”W, holding up to 500lb
- Comes with 10ft tree-friendly straps
- Lightweight and durable
- Straps included
- Material is not as breathable, which can get very hot in the sun
Wekapo Inflatable Hammock
I know what you’re probably thinking; “This isn’t a hammock, this is some weird inflatable pool toy or something.” Although this doesn’t look like a traditional hammock, it feels quite the same and the ease of use makes it a great beach accessory. You might not be able to sway in the breeze with this one, but you will undoubtedly feel like you’re floating. This inflatable hammock can be set up anywhere and doesn’t require a pump, so it’s great to bring on many different types of adventures. I had seen this product on Instagram and was skeptical at first, but considering there aren’t many trees on my beach, I decided to give it a shot and borrowed one from a friend. Though I would much rather set up my Eno, I really appreciated the ability to set this up anywhere, especially when hanging in a large group that isn’t near hammock friendly structures. All you have to do is whisk it through the air to inflate. The trick is to close the panels after each swoop, only opening them with each pass in order to keep the air inside. Tie it off, stake it into the sand, and you can hammock on the open beach.
FEATURES
- Inflatable hammock, no pump required
- Doesn’t require trees, pilings, or structures to tie straps to
- Will stay inflated for 5-6 hours
- Strong plastic inner lining and ripstop polyester outer layer. Won’t puncture on rough surfaces (I.e. sand/rocks) and can support up to 500lbs
- Pillow shaped headrest, side pockets, and one elastic bottle holder
- 7 ft long when fully inflated. Stores away into a small 2.65lb storage bag
- Freestanding
- Easy to set up/break down
- Allows you to sit on top so you can soak up all the sun
- Won’t allow you to swing, if that’s your thing
- Low to the ground, leaving you vulnerable to incoming tides or blowing sand
- Depending on the color, the material can get very hot in the sun
Vivere Cotton Hammock with Stand
If you like the idea of being able to set up your hammock on the beach without needing nearby structures to tie off to, but want a more realistic hammock feeling than the inflatable hammock, then this one is for you! I personally have one of these in my backyard, as there are no trees back there and I got tired of drilling anchors into the house. To me, its the perfect mix between the camping hammock and the inflatable hammock. It’s very comfortable, it’ll still swing, and you can leave it outside all the time so you never have to waste time setting up your straps. The only issue I have with it is that the steel stand makes it very difficult to travel with. Though it comes with a carrying bag, I wouldn’t recommend lugging the steel poles too far. This product is perfect if you drive to the beach, have beach access right in your backyard, or if you are able to set it up and leave it there.
FEATURES
- Woven Cotton hammock suitable for two people- up to 450lbs
- Strong steel stand that is easy to set up/break down- no tools required and comes with premium carrying bag. Stand is 9ft long and weighs 35lbs
- Pure polyester end strings that will last much longer than cotton strings
- Hooks allow for easy adjustments to the height
- Patented Sunbrella fabric will allow this hammock to last through all seasons
- Can be bought with helpful accessories like a wheel kit, tree straps, wall hanging kit, and hammock sleeve
- Independent stand
- Strong material and durable hammock stand that can actually fit many different hammock types
- Authentic camping hammock feel
- Very heavy and not very portable
- Though the cotton material is comfortable, it can make you very hot in direct sun
- Much more expensive than most hammock options
Republic of durable goods Portable folding hammock
This is another style of hammock that can be set up anywhere, however, it is the most versatile option between the three that I’ve laid out here. With the ability to fold and unfold in under 60 seconds, and many cool features such as padded ends, side pockets, cup holders and even a sunshade, this is a great way to hammock on the beach. The folding design allows you to break it down into a compact carrying pack so you can take it with you on the go. Though the shape of the hammock feels more like a lounge chair and won’t allow you to swing freely, it is still incredibly comfortable, and like the inflatable hammock, it’s great for setting up on an open beach.
FEATURES
- Folds up quickly and easy, weighing 14.5 lbs
- Hammock is made of 210T parachute nylon and rated 75D
- Comes with UPF 50+ rated Sun Shade Canopy, basket and drink pockets, and extended feet grips for added stability
- Heavy-duty steel frame can support up to 250lbs
- Folds up neatly so you can bring it anywhere you feel comfortable carrying it
- Accessories and special features make it a great option for hammocking at the beach
- Very comfortable sitting position and lightweight material make it great for getting a tan
- The hammock itself is static, meaning you can’t swing on it
- Much heavier than traditional camping hammocks, so you won’t be able to take it on hikes or other adventures
- Much more expensive than other options
Things to consider when buying a beach hammock
If you’re looking to hammock at the beach this summer, there are a few important things to consider before you can lounge out and work on that tan.
Location
The main thing to consider when looking at hammock options is where you’ll be hanging (pun intended). If the beach you frequent has an abundance of trees, pilings, or other structures that you can tie straps to, then a camping hammock is your best bet. It’s cheap, easy to carry and you can take it with you on all kinds of adventures, so it’s value increases exponentially. However, if your beach is much more open and lacks trees or sturdy structures, you’ll need to look at the ‘set up anywhere’ hammock options. These options are not as versatile as a camping hammock, but they are equally as comfortable and allow you to lounge out anywhere you want.
Cost
The next thing to consider is cost. As is the case with any type of gear you buy, you’ll want to weigh your options by considering how much you will use your hammock and how much you’re willing to spend on one. If you’re only hammocking on the beach on certain occasions, then it might be best to save some money. However, if you plan on hammocking all the time, or if you’re going to take your hammock on other adventures, then spending the extra cash will benefit you in the long run.
Size
The last thing to consider is who you’ll be hammocking at the beach with. If it’s just you in the hammock, you can save some money by investing in a single hammock. But if your significant other wants to snuggle up, or if you’ll be sharing with friends, then you’ll want to invest in a double hammock that has a superior build quality. Also, if you go to the beach in a large group, unless your friends also have camping hammocks, it would be best to get a “set up anywhere” hammock as it can be hard to convince the group to spend the day in the shade of the trees.
With so many awesome hammock options available out there, it can seem daunting to pick the right one, however, asking yourself these questions can help you quickly and easily narrow it down so you find the perfect set up for hammocking at the beach in style.
Tips for Hammocking on the beach
Hammocking at the beach is similar to hammocking anywhere else, however you’ll need to factor in the unique characteristics of the beach in order to set up your hammock effectively.
Keep it clean
The first thing that comes to everyone’s mind is the sand. Do your best to keep the sand out of your hammock and storage bag. It can be mighty uncomfortable to sit in a hammock full of sand as it will get in your bathing suit and no one wants that. When getting in the hammock, sit upright and wipe off your feet before laying down.
Find a good location
When looking for an ideal spot to set up your hammock on the beach, a shady spot between two trees is ideal, but be sure to keep an eye on the sun, as the shade will shift during the day. Make sure that you are setting up out of the way of beach paths or anywhere lifeguards might need to run and find a nice secluded spot to add to your relaxation.
Make a sturdy set-up
Most importantly, make sure that the trees or pilings you are using as sturdy enough to support your weight. The poles themselves should be roughly one foot in diameter and should be dug in at least ⅓ of their total height.
Don’t forget the sunblock!
Conversely, if you are using a “set up anywhere” hammock, you’ll likely be in direct sunlight so make sure to wear plenty of sunblock. It’s very common to overheat in a hammock, as the material can absorb and retain heat very easily. If need be, take some time to cool off in the shade, or spray your hammock with fresh water. Don’t use ocean water, as it can quickly deteriorate the material.
Watch the tide
One last thing to consider is the tide. If you are hammocking near the water’s edge, ask a local lifeguard if the tide is incoming or outgoing. If you are on the shoreline during an incoming tide, the water can quickly come up and swallow your setup. If you are on the inflatable hammock, you could float out to sea! (Just kidding)
If you’ve hammocked before, then you can easily visualize these considerations and factor them in as you adjust your set up to hammock at the beach. However, if you’re new to setting up a hammock, make sure to keep these in mind and check out these steps to ensure that you set up your hammock safely and comfortably.
How to set up a hammock
- Find two sturdy structures to tie your straps to. For the sake of convenience, I’ll be referring to using two trees, but you can also use pilings, pillars, big rocks, mainly any standing, weight-bearing, structure that allows you to wrap the straps around it safely.
- A good rule of thumb is to make sure that the thickness of the tree is similar to that of your head.
- Note that you can use rope rated to hold your weight (usually more than 9mm) but this will harm the tree. Using straps ensures that the material doesn’t dig into the bark of the tree under the tension of your hanging weight. Adjustable straps like this are ideal.
- Also, make sure that the trees are slightly farther apart than the length of your hammock.
- Wrap your strap around the tree at approximately eye level. Your hammock will sink down when you get in, but make sure to set it up at a height that is comfortable for getting in and out.
- Feed one end of the strap through the end loop and pull it tightly against the tree.
- If you are able to, wrap the strap around the tree again and feed it through the end loop for extra stability.
- Unfold your hammock and clip the carabiners to a suitable loop on the strap. You’ll want to create some tension in the line so that it doesn’t sag, but you also don’t want to stretch it too much otherwise it won’t be as comfortable.
- Before getting in, test your weight by gently leaning on the hammock. Once you’re sure it’s safe, sit on the hammock like a seat to test your full weight and then slide your feet in.
For more tips on camping on the beach, check out this article!