Live Your Best Summer Life in One of These Outdoor Hammocks

"Hearst Magazines and Yahoo may earn commission or revenue on some items through these links."

At their best, hammocks are a portable vacation. When the summer sun is out—whether you’re camping, headed to the beach, or chilling in your backyard—there are few better ways to turn the chill up to maximum than kicking back in a hammock.

We rounded up the 10 best on the market (both tree-hugging and free-standing), to provide you with an instant relaxation zone in any space. Ready to live your best summer life ever? Read on for 10 swingin’ picks, perfect for backyards, beaches, the camping trail, and more.

Best Hammocks

What to Consider

Budget, color, and style will probably top your list of considerations, but if you want to snag a hammock you can use this summer, and for many more in the future, also keep the following in mind.

Type

Before clicking “buy now,” think about where you want to put the hammock. Do you picture yourself tying it up to trees in your yard and letting it be? On the other hand, you may want a completely portable option, or one that stands alone (no trees required).

Material

Some materials (like nylon) can start to feel oppressive on really hot and humid days. If you plan to spend a lot of time in a very hot place, you may want to avoid nylon and find a more breathable fabric such as cotton. Also consider how durable the hammock is, and how you plan to use and abuse it. Larger families with a lot of small kids should look for a fabric with maximum durability such as polyester which is also easier to clean.

Size

Will you be swinging solo, or do you want your hammock to be roomy enough to fit a few people? We offer a range of options.

How We Selected

We tapped our extensive experience relaxing in hammocks at home and at friends’ places for this article. We also consulted expert reviews and assessments at CNN, Good Housekeeping, and more. We aimed to select a good range of hammocks that would suit every relaxation style and need. Read on for our 10 best.

Oasis Hammock

If you’re looking for a roomy hammock that fits two, with a breathable fabric, this Vivere is a great place to start. Have a full-on hammock party with this freestanding, 100% cotton pick. The extra width accommodates up to two or more loungers, with a maximum weight capacity of 450 pounds. Plus, the sturdy steel frame is easy to assemble and take apart for when the summer storms come rolling in. It's available in 38 different colors and styles that are all equally vibrant, too — take your pick. More than 86% of 36,880+ reviewers on Amazon give this hammock five stars for its durability, roominess, and versatility.

Deluxe Duracord Rope Hammock

This classic hammock comes in eight colors, seats two, and is made from a synthetic blend that feels like cotton but is as durable as polyester. This hammock is all-weather friendly, so you can leave it up year-round if you’d like. Invite a more relaxed feel to the backyard or pool area with this traditional rope-style hammock. It includes oak stretchers that let you rig it up between any pair of trees for immediate enjoyment! More than 89% of reviewers on Amazon give this hammock five out of five stars, dubbing it “worth every penny.”

Portable Camping Hammock

This super affordable hammock comes in 22 colors, two sizes, and a carrying bag so you can bring it with you on the road. The camping-friendly hammock can be installed on your patio too—at 2.2 pounds, it is easy to fold up and bring with you, even if you like to travel light.

The setup is easy, and the hammock comes equipped with tree-friendly straps and carabiners with the ability to adjust height without struggling with knots. Kootek offers a step-by-step guide to securing the hammock on trees and porches, with easy-to-follow instructions and pictures.

The hammock fits two people and will hold up to 500 pounds. Reviewers love the “good quality,” “great deal,” and appreciate that you can just throw it in the washing machine when it needs to be cleaned. More than 83% of users give the hammock 5 out of 5 stars on Amazon.

Outdoor Quilted Fabric Hammock

This hammock begs to be strung up next to a pool, or in a roomy backyard with a ton of sun. The quilted double hammock will easily fit two adults, and holds up to 450 pounds. Made from dye-treated polyester, the hammock is comfortable, stylish, and UV-resistant—which means its brightness won’t fade, even after several months by the pool.

It also features hardwood spreader bars, making it easy for two adults to get in the hammock at once without struggling for space. The hammock also comes with a pillow and two zinc-coated 9-inch hanging chains, making it easy to set up and place on the hammock stand. It should be noted that if you need to stand, it is sold separately for $135. If you want to secure it to trees and you don’t have the right ropes, you’ll also have to buy the hammock straps separately, for $18. Assembly, once you have everything you need, is easy.

Reviewers love the “stylish,” “comfortable” hammock—saying it is easy to get in, but warn that “when getting out, the material is very slippery.”

Single or Double Hammock

This is Amazon’s No. 1 Best-Selling hammock, and it’s easy to see why it earns an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars from more than 47,000 users. This hammock was designed for life on the trail—it is compact, lightweight (2 pounds), and folds up until it’s about the size of an eggplant.

But when it’s unfurled, the medium measures about 9 feet long and 4.5 feet wide, and the large measures about 10 feet long and 6.5 feet wide, making the latter ideal for two adults or anyone who likes extra space for their books, magazines, and personal devices. The setup is easy, and the relaxed, comfortable style will also look great in your backyard, or on a porch or patio.

Despite the highly competitive price, this hammock is made from durable material, which means it will last you for many summers of swinging fun. It also comes with strong carabiners and tree friendly hammock straps. The hammock is machine washable, which is a big win for camping and family life. Reviewers dub this a “favorite buy,” saying it “looks great” and is “sturdy too!”

Hammock Chair Hanging Rope Swing

This hammock chair is super comfortable and durable, making it a favorite for the whole family (fur children included). The safe, strong construction comes fitted with a sturdy wooden bar that keeps the chair safe and stable.

The chair features anti-slip grooves on each side, which prevents the rope and bar from shifting and sliding. Busy people, and those who love relaxing in a hammock with a book will appreciate the built-in 8.7 x 8.7-inch side pocket, perfect for drinks, personal devices, magazines, and books. The hammock comes with an S hook and a stainless-steel chain, which means it can be hung anywhere and easily moved. The stainless steel spreader is 38-inches long, which helps make the hammock wide and roomy enough for two.

It is suitable for use inside and outside. Reviewers love how “comfortable,” “sturdy,” and “stylish” the hammock is.

Portable Hammock with Stand

This hammock is about as practical as you can get. It’s completely collapsible, and can be broken down or set up in 60 seconds or less. And at 15 pounds (with a carrying case), you can bring it on the road or camping trails with you.

This hammock will also appeal to people who don’t want to have to scout out trees to tie the hammock to. The built-in sun shade canopy is a bonus for when it drizzles, or you want to be able to drift off to sleep without getting a ferocious sunburn. The hammock also features a basket and drink pockets if you plan to settle into the hammock for a big day.

The durable materials are built to last, with nylon that is 30% stronger than the competition. Reviewers say the hammock is “easy to assemble,” “super stable,” and “worth every penny.”

Hand-Braided Hammock in a Bag

If you want your hammock to look as good as it feels, check out this boho-chic number. The Brazilian style hammock brings together tradition, comfort, and style in one compact package. It also comes with a drawstring bag, for easy storage and portability. At just 3 pounds, you can easily carry this bag to the beach or on a camping trip.

The cotton and polyester blend means it’s soft to the touch, durable, eco-friendly, and easy to clean. The hammock comes with all of the hardware you need to hang it, including steel reinforced hand-woven rope loops, two eye screws and hanging hooks, so you can easily secure it on trees or wooden posts. Reviewers dub it the “best thing ever,” “very sturdy,” with free returns and replacements if there are any issues.

Double Hammock with Stand

This uber-soft hammock is big enough for you and a friend to relax for hours. It comes with its own stand, so you don’t have to worry about setting it up between trees. The rubber feet on the bottom of the hammock stabilize it and minimize scratching on delicate patios and decks—or inside if you’d rather chill there.

The durable, smooth construction also ensures that every swing is smooth and creak-free. If you don’t have a lot of space, this is a hammock you should consider because it is collapsible, making it easy to tuck away and store. The adjustable notch design also means you can customize the height and set up.

The hammock comes with a carry bag, and everything else you need for an easy and smooth set up. Reviewers love how “easy” it is to set up, and how “comfortable” and “adjustable” it is.

Patio Hammock Bed With Stand

If you and your family like to live and play hard, this hammock may be the one for you. It is inviting and pillow soft, yet extremely durable. The heavy-duty, powder-coated steel frame holds up to 500 pounds, and is rust and weather resistant.

The water resistant fabric makes this a good buy for swinging by the pool. Plus, the built in storage pocket allows you to stash your tablet, phone, magazine, and anything else you might need for the ultimate relaxation. The detachable pillow is also a nice touch.

The frame features skid resistant feet, which aid with stability and prevent floor scratches. Reviewers say this hammock is the “perfect vacation,” providing “much needed relaxation.” Others swear by it, saying sometimes they even sleep in it overnight outdoors during fine weather.

You Might Also Like

• The Paris Hilton Housewares Collection Brings ‘That’s Hot’ Energy to Your Kitchen

• 16 Best Noise-Canceling Headphones Perfect for Rocking Out in Quiet Bliss

• Beyoncé Uses This $26 Amazon Product for Her Glossy Blonde Hair