Maya XL 3 Blue Freestanding Hammock

The art of choosing the right freestanding hammock.

We are all influenced by the price of the items we search for on the Internet, yet there is a world of difference between two styles of hammocks 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 hammocks—one that has wooden spreader bars (the Western version of the hammock) and one that does not (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), while the one without bars must be curved (positioned diagonally flat, curled up, or sitting). However, most offers on the Internet involve stands made somewhat for both styles. Neither too high nor too low. It's a bit like trying to pair red wine with white wine to go with all dishes, and the problem is solved !

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 bedding.

At Tropical Influences, We have been working directly with support manufacturers for a long time in order to offer you accurate, genuine measurements of supports. In fact, between around 1995 and 2005, we even made our own models in our workshop before hammock stand offers in the shape of an arc appeared thanks to laminated wood. Take a close look at the heights of a hammock stand with us, and you will see that they have nothing to do with the competition. Note: DIY enthusiasts can contact us; we offer the manufacturing plans for this hammock stand free of charge.

Origin of the hammock stand: Poland, from a specialist in outdoor furniture. 10-ply glued laminated spruce, heart-treated class 4. Height 155 cm, length 370 cm.

Our entire selection ofwooden hammock stand.

The art of choosing a hammock well.

Just like with stands, when it comes to hammocks, nowadays you can find all sorts of things on the internet. As French people, we know how to choose a camembert from a large selection, but when it comes to hammocks, we don't have the same knowledge. I would like to tell you to trust us, who are passionate and started with hammocks in the last century (1988!) when the internet didn’t even exist yet. But I will still explain a few important facts you should know. There are details that are easy to compare. The weight of the product (a good indicator of its durability), the composition of the thread (not always reliable depending on the sellers) which should have as little polyester as possible (for softness and good contact with the skin), the size of the fabric (rely on the measurements and not on labels like "double" or "family") because a double hammock starts at 160 cm wide and not 100 cm 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?). For me, the thread used is the most important detail of a hammock. When I arrived at a factory (at the beginning of my career), the first thing I did was take a piece of thread and perform two very simple tests to determine its breaking strength and whether it stretches or not. Then, I would head to the dyeing machine (cold? hot? under pressure? computer-controlled?) to find out if the thread could bleed or not. Today, technology has advanced, and we use recycled cottons with very solid colors. So be careful, depending on the origin, you might end up with a hammock that stretches so much you'll feel like you're trapped in a pocket!

Also be cautious of hammocks that are promised to be guaranteed for outdoor use. The names of their materials sound appealing, but in reality, they are just 100% polyester. In other words, plastic. These hammocks are hot, sometimes static, and UV rays have a negative effect on polyester (causing degradation) when it is thin. They age very poorly after a few machine washes, and mold fungi still settle in to feed on the microscopic organic debris that falls onto the fabric (pollen, twigs, leaves).

Don't forget that it is your skin that will be in direct contact with your hammock. Treat it gently !

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