Hammock with Azteka XL Sertao Stand

How to choose a hammock stand?

We are all influenced by the price of items we search for on the Internet, yet there is a world of difference between two styles of hammock with stands. Price, 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. Let me explain: there are two styles of CARIBE XL Sertao hammock, one with wooden spreader bars (the Western version of the hammock) and one without (the Latin American version, our specialty, our passion). The one with wooden bars must be stretched during installation (positioned lengthwise only and on the back), and the one without must be curved (positioned diagonally flat, fetal position, or sitting). However, most offers on the Internet concern stands made somewhat for both styles.

The ratio between the length and height of the hammock stand is decisive for the final comfort. If your hammock is too tight, you will be stuck and curved in its fabric. If it is curved, you will be comfortably flat with a soft and stretchable bed.

At Tropical Influences, we have long worked directly with stand manufacturers to offer you stands with good dimensions. Between 1995 and 2005, we even made our own wooden models in our workshop before stands appeared on the internet. Take a close look at the heights of a hammock stand with us, and you will see they have nothing to do with the competition. Note, DIY enthusiasts can contact us; we offer free plans for making this hammock stand.

Origin of the hammock stand: China. Tubes with a diameter of 60 mm. Height 145 cm, length 340 cm. Maintenance: "Hammerite" paint.

The art of choosing a hammock well.

Just like with stands, nowadays you can find all kinds of hammocks on the net. As French people, we know how to choose a camembert from a large selection, but when it comes to hammocks, we do not have the same knowledge. I would like to tell you, trust us—we will be happy to advise you. But I will still explain some important facts to know. There are details that are easy to compare. The product weight (a good indicator of durability), the thread composition (not always reliable depending on the sellers), the size of the fabric (rely on measurements and not on labels like "2-person" or "family") because a two-person hammock starts at 160 cm wide and not 100 as you can find 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 I arrive at a factory, the first thing I do is test the thread. Then, I check the dyeing machine (cold? hot? under pressure? Computer controlled?). Today, technology has progressed, and we use recycled cottons with very firm colors. So be careful, depending on the origin, you may end up with a hammock that stretches so much you will feel like you’re trapped in a pocket!

Also be careful with hammocks promised to be guaranteed for outdoor use. Their material names sound charming but they are actually 100% polyester. In other words, plastic. These hammocks are hot, sometimes static, UV rays have a negative effect on polyester (premature thread degradation), they age very poorly after a few machine washes, and mold fungi still settle on them.

Remember that it is your skin that will be in direct contact with your hammock. Offer it softness!

If you are taller than 1.85 m, we strongly advise you to choose a XXL Hammock with wooden stand.

Quality, ethics, durability, longevity, and comfort. An offer from Tropical Influences! The passion for hammocks since 1988.