Hammock with Inka XL ALBIZIA stand

How to Choose a Freestanding Hammock Properly

We are all influenced by the price of the items we browse on the Internet, yet there is a world of difference between two styles of freestanding hammocks. The price, the warranty, and the advertised lifespan are the main factors that hold you back. However, almost always, comfort is overlooked even though it is just as important.

There are two styles of hammocks, the one that has... wooden bars or spreader bars (Western version of the hammock) and the one without them (Latin American version, our specialty, our passion). The one with spreader bars must be taut when installed (positioned lengthwise only and on the back), while the one without must be curved (positioned diagonally flat, curled up, or sitting). However, most of the offers on the Internet concern supports made somewhat for both styles.

The ratio between the length and height of the hammock's foot is crucial for the final comfort.If your hammock is too tight, you will be stuck and curved like a banana in its fabric. If it is curved, you will lie flat comfortably with a soft and stretchable sleeping surface. Learn more about how to lie down properly: What positions can you use in a hammock ?

At Tropical Hamac, we have been working directly with support manufacturers for a long time to be able to offer you well-measured supports. Between 1995 and 2005, we even manufactured our own models in our workshops before arc-shaped hammock stands appeared, made possible by laminated wood. Take a close look at the heights of a hammock stand with us, and you will see that they have nothing in common with the competition. All our metal supports

Maintenance of your hammock stand:

Metal can be eternal but with a minimum of care. The material used is not stainless steel, so this support will eventually rust. The first signs of rust will mainly appear in areas where there is friction (junctions between tubes, screw locations). Here in our oceanic salty climate, we notice rust appearing after 2 to 3 years. There is a miraculous paint for this support. Find a 0.5-liter can at your local DIY store from the brand "Hammerite." This very thick paint, containing tiny magnetic metal beads, is applied in a single coat with only light sanding beforehand. There is no need to apply a rust inhibitor. A single coat of this paint will protect the metal for about 3 years.

The art of choosing a hammock well

Just like with stands, when it comes to hammocks, nowadays you can find everything on the internet. As French people, we know how to choose a camembert from a wide selection, but when it comes to hammocks, we don’t have the same expertise. Trust us. We are passionate, and it has been a pleasure to advise you since 1988, back when the internet didn’t even exist yet.

some important facts to know:

There are details that are easy to compare. The weight of the product (good information regarding its durability), the composition of the fabric, which should have as little polyester as possible (for softness and good contact with the skin), the size of the canvas (rely on the measurements and not on labels like "double" or "family") because a true... two-person hammockIt starts at 160cm in width and not 120cm as can be seen on some sites, and finally, the number of suspension cords.

But there are two things you will never be able to know: the quality of the thread used and the weaving method (will the fabric eventually sag or not?). The thread used is, for me, the most important detail of a hammock. When we arrive at a factory, the first thing we do is test the thread. Then, we move on to the dyeing machine (cold? hot? under pressure? computer-controlled?). Today, technology has advanced, and we use recycled cottons with very strong colors. Be careful, therefore, depending on the source, you might end up with a hammock that stretches so much that you’ll feel like you’re trapped in a pocket!

Also be careful with hammocks that are promised to be guaranteed for outdoor use. The names of their materials sound appealing, but in reality, they are 70 to 100% polyester. In other words, plastic. These hammocks are hot, sometimes static, and UV rays have a negative effect on polyester (premature degradation of the thread). They age very poorly after a few machine washes, and mold fungi still develop on them. Why our hammocks are eco-friendly

Don't forget that it is your skin that will be in direct contact with your hammock. Treat it gently! Speaking of softness, we highly recommend our Albizia hammock cushion. A Tropical Hammock creation!

Caring for your hammock:

A hammock is a textile product that can be machine washed. A Brazilian who sleeps every night in this hammock washes it approximately every 10 to 15 days. For us, who mainly use it outdoors, it is therefore essential to wash it at least once a year at the end of the season in a machine at 40°C, dry it well outside (no tumble dryer), and store it in a dry place during the winter.

For more essential information on using a hammock, I recommend watching our video:The 6 tips.

Quality, ethics, durability, longevity, and comfort. A Tropical hammock offer! Passion for hammocks since 1988.