Hammocking has quickly become one of America’s favorite past times. From just lounging at the park to full on primitive camping in the wilderness, hammocks have evolved to suit the needs of outdoor enthusiasts. They’re touted as one of the most comfortable ways to sleep while on the trail and have even proven to be good for back pain!
While everybody may know about how great hammocks are, not many people consider the importance of what makes it all possible; hammock straps. Hammock straps are straps that connect to the hammock, usually by way of a carabiner, and then attach to whatever you’re trying to hang your hammock from.
Why do you need hammock straps?
You have 2 options for hanging a hammock, hammock straps or rope. If knots aren’t your thing and you don’t feel like either learning knots or carrying a book of knots, hammock straps are the next best option. Tree straps give you the ability to hang your hammock from anywhere you see fit and use carabiners to secure the hammock around the tree.
Not only are they easier to use than ropes, but they are also generally more secure. The width and design of the straps are made to wrap firmly around the trunk of a tree and not slip down when you inevitably move as you sleep.
The type of strap you use has a significant impact on the trees you attach too. If a strap is too thin, it can cut into the tree you’re hanging from and significantly damage it. This may not seem like such a big deal, however, if you consider all of the other people who are using hammocks, it adds up to a lot of wear and tear.
Keeping you in the air: Making sure that you have a strap that is durable enough to support the weight of you and your gear is vital. Otherwise, you might find yourself taking an unpleasant fall to the ground when your strap snaps!
Reasons to use hammock straps
- Easier to use than rope
- Straps are secure
- Prevents damage to trees
- No need for knots
Hammock strap buying guide
When considering what straps to buy, here are a few important factors to keep in mind.
Strap length
Strap length is important because it’s the deciding factor as to what you can hang from. Longer straps are more versatile and can wrap around larger trees and longer distances, while shorter straps limit your options.
Strap weight
While this isn’t as important for casual hangers who are just hammocking in the park, this is a crucial factor for backpackers. Heavier straps are going to weigh more and take up precious room.
Strap capacity
Not to be confused with the strap weight, the strap weight capacity dictates how much weight the straps can support without breaking. Buying a strap with a high weight capacity is a good idea if you don’t want to take an unexpected tumble.
Adjustment points
Adjustment points are used to adjust how your hammock hangs. Hammock straps with multiple adjustment points mean you have more options on how high or low you want your hammock to hang.
Strap extensions
Strap extensions are exactly what they sound like: they connect to your regular hammock straps and give them multiple feet of extra reach. Strap extensions are a great addition to any hammock setup because they allow you to keep your kit light and small, only bringing the extensions when you need them.
Strap use
There are several different suspension systems to choose from. Before buying, make sure you understand how to use it and that you’re able to set it up without difficulties.
Hammock strap suspension systems
As mentioned before, there are several different suspension systems available to hammockers.
1. Whoopie hook suspension
Whoopie hook suspension systems use an adjustable whoopie sling that allows you to adjust your hammock to any point on the sling, offering total control of how your hammock hangs.
2. Cinch buckle suspension
Cinch buckle suspension systems are exactly how they sound! They attach to your tree webbing using a dutch hook and then attach the end of the hammock to the cinch buckle.
3. Dutch buckle suspension
The Dutch buckle suspension system is one of the simplest suspension systems out there. Simply thread your tree webbing through the buckle and you’re ready to go!
The Downside of Hammock Straps
While there are several different ways to use hammock straps, there will always be some inherent downsides to hammocking. Hammock straps can cause trouble in several ways.
No matter what strap you use, there will always be some effect on the tree you hang from. Although this damage is negligible if the straps are utilized in the right way, it’s still not good for the tree.
When hammocking, always be aware that the only thing separating you and the ground are your hammock straps. Even the best hammock straps can wear down over time, so always keep in mind that your straps could fail you at any time.
When camping, your hammock straps are essential. If your straps aren’t long enough to wrap around your tree, then you’re stuck sleeping on the ground!
- Strap friction can damage trees
- They’re subject to wear and tear
- Short straps limit your location options
How to use hammock straps – video tutorial
The 5 best hammock straps
Now that you know a little more about hammock straps and what to look for, here are our favorite hammock straps!
Nature’s Hangout Hammock Straps XL
Nature’s Hangout is a large contender in the hammock market and for good reason! They’re well known for their affordable, but quality, hammocking gear.
The Nature’s Hangout Hammock Straps XL is a great option for anyone who wants to hang between large trees or wider distances. The straps span up to 28 ft total and contain 48 loops total, meaning you have multiple ways to configure your hammock to get the ultimate hang.
The straps are also touted as one of the strongest on the market. They are reinforced with double stitched and have a 2,200 lb combined breaking strength.
Pros:
- 28 ft long
- 48 loops
- 2,200 lb breaking strength
- 700 lb working load strength
- 100% money back guarantee
- 100% polyester material, which means no stretching
- Affordably priced
Cons:
- Large straps weigh more and take up more room in your pack
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Wise Owl Outfitters Hammock Straps
Wise Owl Outfitters is a great brand to buy from for the beginning hammocker on a budget. Wise Owl offers discount codes for customers that buy multiple products and is geared towards simple gear that works well.
The Wise Owl Outfitters Hammock Straps are a great option for anyone who wants a simple hammock strap kit that works well. The straps come with carabiners, small carrying case, and a 100% money back guarantee.
Pros:
- 20 ft long combined
- 38 loops
- Included carabiners
- 400 lb working load strength
- 100% money back guarantee
- 1-inch wide tree friendly straps
- Affordable price point
- Discount for buying multiple products
Cons
- For the money, you can get more bang for your buck with other brands
- MULTIPURPOSE: Convenient and versatile, our camping hammock straps work with all types of hammocks - double, single, portable, parachute, you name it!
- DURABLE: Built to last a lifetime, our heavy-duty hammock suspension system is made from premium polyester with strong, reinforced stitching.
- ADJUSTABLE: Easily move the included tree straps with carabiner to any one of the loops to attain the perfect height and comfort level.
- SIMPLE SETUP: Equipped with carabiners and a carry bag for easy transport, our hammock extender straps make setting up a breeze.
Soulfull XL Hammock Straps
The Soulfull XL Hammock Straps are a great option for those of you looking for durable straps that can handle whatever you throw at them. Soulfull is a great brand that pays attention to the details, such as making their loops smaller than normal for better precision when hanging your hammock!
The Soulfull XL Hammock Straps are rated at 1400 lbs breaking strength and are made of 100% polyester, meaning they won’t stretch with time. It comes with 40 loops total and even includes a 100% money back guarantee.
Pros:
- 1400 lbs breaking strength
- 100% polyester
- 40 loops
- 100% money back guarantee
- 20 ft long
- Smaller loops
- Affordable price point
- Includes 2 carabiners
Cons:
- The straps are a little heavy at 11.2 oz
- MULTIPURPOSE: Convenient and versatile, our camping hammock straps work with all types of hammocks - double, single, portable, parachute, you name it!
- DURABLE: Built to last a lifetime, our heavy-duty hammock suspension system is made from premium polyester with strong, reinforced stitching.
- ADJUSTABLE: Easily move the included tree straps with carabiner to any one of the loops to attain the perfect height and comfort level.
- SIMPLE SETUP: Equipped with carabiners and a carry bag for easy transport, our hammock extender straps make setting up a breeze.
WEHE Hammock Straps
The WEHE Hammock Straps are a good option for the beginning hammocker looking for a budget-friendly start into the world of hammocking. These straps are guaranteed to hold up with their triple stitched seams and are 100% polyester so they won’t stretch with time.
They’re a fairly versatile set that measures 20 ft total and have a breaking point of 2,000 lbs. Even better, these straps are some of the cheapest on this list, giving you a good bang for your buck.
Pros:
- 20 ft long
- 1-inch wide
- 100% polyester
- Triple-stitched seams
- 2,000 lb breaking point
- 100% money back guarantee
- Affordable
- 1 carrying bag
Cons:
- They don’t include carabiners
- They’re on the heavy side at 13.8 oz
Pro Hammock Tree Straps
Pro Venture’s Hammock Tree Straps with Carabiners is the complete package, including tree straps, carabiners, and a small travel bag to keep it all in. Best of all, it all comes at an affordable price!
Pro Venture’s Tree Straps are rated to a working load of 400 lbs and a breaking strength of 1200 lbs! They stretch out up to 16 ft total, which is not as far as most of the straps on this list but is still not a bad deal considering carabiners are also included.
These tree straps are sure to last long with their triple stitched safety loops, and if they don’t, Pro Venture’s 100% money back guarantee will make sure you’re taken care of.
Pros:
- Carabiners included
- 400lb working load
- 1200lb break strength
- 100% money back guarantee
- Triple-stitched safety loops
- 16 ft long
- 30 loops
- They’re fairly light at 11.2 oz
Cons:
- At 16 ft long, these straps are shorter than the others on the list
- FAST + EASY SETUP: 1 minute to set up your hammock with 30+2 total loop anchor points. Also make fine adjustments to your hammock hang in seconds. No knowledge of complicated knots or ties required – a piece of cake!
- SAFE + RELIABLE: You’ll always feel secure using your Pro Venture straps. Made from high density, 100% no-stretch, heavy duty, triple-stitched polyester webbing, our 8ft hammock tree straps have a combined breaking strength of 1200lbs (safety rated at 500lbs). They won't sag, stretch, or absorb water/ mildew, and won’t deteriorate from UV light. Your straps will last you many years, and many adventures.
- TREE FRIENDLY - PERFECT FOR ANY HAMMOCK: these straps won’t damage trees like other brands’ straps, and when hanging your hammock, you can choose trees that are up to 20FT apart! Our straps are 100% compatible to use with any hammock.
- LIGHTWEIGHT + PORTABLE: Ultralight and compact, weighing just 11oz including the small carry bag and 2 carabiners. Excellent for backpacking, hiking, camping and travel. Also included for FREE are two 5kN (1100lbs) ultralight, ultra-strong aluminium wire gate carabiners. Each strap is 8 ft long (16 ft total) with 15 loops (30 total).
Now What?
Now that you know what to look for when choosing hammock straps, get out there! All of our favorite picks are quality straps that will serve you well on your outdoor adventures. Leave a comment and let us know which straps were your favorite!
