A well-set-up hammock provides a comfortable outdoor experience, but achieving the perfect hang relies on balancing the components of the system. The hammock body must interact correctly with the suspension system (straps and hardware) connecting it to the trees. Finding the correct distance between anchor points ensures the hammock achieves the right tension and curve. This precision is necessary for comfort, support, and managing the forces placed on the suspension and trees.
The Standard Formula for Hammock Spacing
The distance between the two trees is directly related to the length of your specific hammock (the end-to-end measurement of the material). For gathered-end hammocks, a common rule is to aim for an anchor distance that is approximately 83% of the hammock’s full length, plus the length of your suspension straps. For instance, an 11-foot hammock body ideally requires about 9.1 feet between the suspension attachment points.
The suspension system length must be added to this base measurement to calculate the total tree-to-tree span. For a typical 10 to 12-foot hammock, look for trees spaced between 10 and 15 feet apart. A good starting estimate is a span that is at least two feet longer than the hammock’s length, which allows for the necessary slack and curve.
Adjusting When Trees Are Too Close or Too Far
Real-world tree spacing rarely matches the ideal calculation, requiring adjustments to the suspension setup. If trees are spaced too far apart, use longer suspension straps or a daisy-chain system to bridge the distance. When the distance is excessive, secure the straps higher up the tree trunk to maintain the proper hang angle and prevent the hammock from hanging too low. Raising the anchor points helps restore the desired slack, as increased distance naturally pulls the hammock tighter.
When trees are too close for the hammock’s length, you must “eat up” the excess distance in the suspension. This is accomplished by wrapping the tree straps multiple times around the trunk before securing the hammock, effectively shortening the usable strap length. A structural ridgeline, a fixed-length cord running between the hammock ends, is also useful. The ridgeline forces the hammock to maintain the correct length and sag, preventing it from being pulled too taut.
Achieving the Correct Sag and Hang Height
Once the horizontal distance is managed, the quality of the hang is determined by the vertical components of the setup. The goal is to achieve an optimal curve, known as “sag,” which provides a flat, supportive lay when resting diagonally across the hammock. This ideal sag corresponds to a 30-degree angle between the suspension strap and the tree trunk. This angle minimizes the tension required to support the weight, reducing strain on the fabric and suspension system.
If the angle is shallower than 30 degrees, tension increases significantly, resulting in a tight, uncomfortable, and less stable hang. The optimal height for the lowest point of the hammock, once occupied, is 16 to 18 inches off the ground (about chair height). This height allows for easy entry and exit. Secure the straps at a height that allows the 30-degree angle to be achieved while keeping the hammock body near this comfortable resting height.
Selecting Safe and Healthy Trees
The integrity of the anchor points is important for safety. Select healthy, mature trees that can safely support the weight without damage. A good rule is to select trees with a minimum trunk diameter of six inches, though eight to twelve inches is preferable for stability. Always inspect the tree for visible signs of rot, disease, or dead branches overhead, as these indicate a weakened anchor point.
To protect the tree’s bark, use wide, tree-friendly straps made of nylon or polyester webbing, at least 0.75 inches wide. Thin ropes or cords can cut into the bark and damage the underlying layers, impeding the tree’s ability to transport nutrients. Never use nails, screws, or other hardware that punctures the tree trunk.