If you ask your average person to picture their ‘happy place,’ you’ll get a variety of responses. Some might say the beach; others might say on the couch with their favorite TV show or book. But at least a few would tell you their happy place would be out in the sunshine, lounging in a hammock swaying in the breeze.
However, not everyone’s backyard has the landscaping or the space for a tree-hanging hammock which means you’ll be looking for the best hammock stand available to you. While it might seem like a simple idea, it can make all the difference when turning your ‘happy place’ into a real happy place.
Product Spotlight
Kammock really know their hammocks and hammock accessories. After years of R&D their Swiftlet Portable Hammock Stand is hands down the best on the market. Weighing just 15lbs it’s as easy to travel with as it is to move around your backyard.
But don’t take my word for it… Their page is flooded with hundreds of 5* reviews so I’d encourage you to read some of those and decide for yourself. Check it out here >>
We’ll also be taking an in-depth look at the following:
- ENO Nomad hammock stand
- Kammok Swiftlet
- ENO ENOpod
- Crua Outdoors hammock stand
- Zupapa 10ft Portable Hammock Stand
- Sunny Daze 12′
- Sunny Daze 15′ Heavy
Kammok Swiftlet
Specs
This portable aluminum alloy stand retails for $279.95 and has a long bar set up of 96 (L), 74(W) x 39(H) inches, and a short bar set up of 66 x 41 inches.
Its packed dimensions are 50 x 8.5 x 8.5 inches with a weight of 17.4 and a weight limit of 300lbs.
Verdict
Another popular portable hammock stand thanks to its manageable weight, which makes it easy to transport, and its simple, intuitive, and easy setup.
With no need for screws and tools, the Swiftlet uses a simple push pin system with quick-release buttons, so it snaps together with zero effort, making it ideal when you need a quick build for setting up basecamp.
In Summary
The Swiftlet is a touch heavier than the Nomad, but the 2lb difference is negligible. In any case, both are too heavy to sling over your back for long-distance hiking.
The Kammok Swiftlet’s structure is much more like standard hammock stands than the Nomad, with a simple (and easy) four-leg setup. Once assembled, its more rigid structure makes it much easier to move around on the fly.
ENO Nomad Hammock Stand
Specs
This portable hammock stand is made out of an aluminum alloy with assembled dimensions of 132(L) x 53 (H)x 122(W) inches and packed dimensions of 34.5 x 9.7 x 8.5 inches. It weighs 15.4lbs and has a weight capacity of 400lbs. It retails for $299.95.
Verdict
The Nomad is purpose-built to be a portable hammock stand. All the components fit comfortably in a carrying case and can be tied together with integrated cargo loops.
When it comes to assembly, all parts slot together neatly; the large hollow tubes are 34″ at their longest and link together quickly with simple shock-corded construction, taking less than ten minutes to assemble.
The Nomad hammock relies on two wide bases with eight legs to give you maximum support. Its clever design allows it to hold 20 times its weight comfortably, meaning you can relax on this sturdy hammock stand without rocking or tipping.
In Summary
The easy setup of this portable hammock stand earns it unanimous praise. Campers agree it’s a perfect sleeping solution that requires next to no fuss to assemble.
Some users may be put off by the 15.4lb total weight, which, while small for the amount of weight it carries, makes it cumbersome and unfeasible for backpacking camping trips. It’s not made from slender tentpoles; its chunky, broad poles are necessary for a stable product that stays upright even in high winds.
So if you are looking for the best portable hammock stand for car camping, the Nomad is an obvious choice.
ENO ENOpod (Best multi-person)
Specs
This powder-coated steel stand retails for $499.95 and has a weight capacity of 400lbs per hammock, with a total product weight of 101lbs and dimensions of 10.2(L) x 11(H) x 4’4 (W)ft.
Verdict
If you’re planning a camping trip or festival getaway with friends or family and need a one-size-fits-all solution, the ENOpod is a unique hammock stand that allows three people to sleep on the same rig – quite an upgrade from a single hammock stand.
This fun stand is a cozy way to bring everyone together and saves you the hassle of organizing separate sleeping spaces. The powder-coated steel structure is designed to withstand harsh weather conditions, and with a 400lb weight capacity per hammock, it’s as sturdy as they come.
In Summary
The ENOpod has, of course, been designed for a particular situation, so while it’s the perfect hammock stand for some cases, it’s entirely unsuited to others.
The ENOpods size makes it restrictive as it requires plenty of space to set up and keep it in, so if you’re looking for an easily portable hammock stand, this isn’t the one for you.
The $499.95 price point may, of course, make your eyes water. Still, the whole point of the ENOpod is that it’s saving you the cost of buying three separate hammock stands.
Crua Outdoors Hammock stand
Specs
The Crua outdoors stand has a weight capacity of 400lbs and a total product weight of 30lbs. When assembled, the powder-coated steel stands dimensions are 138 (L) x 39 (W) x 41 (H) inches. It retails for $219.95
Verdict
This portable stand is designed for quick and easy assembly, using a push pin and knob system that secures each part into place. The components are clearly labeled, making construction intuitive and straightforward.
The frame is rust-resistant, powder-coated steel and designed to withstand the elements wherever you want to take it.
Attaching and removing your hammock is easy, as you can slot it over the hooks at either end of the ridgeline. Though this stand is designed for the Crua Koala hammock, its universal design means it can support other hammock brands.
In Summary
The Crua outdoor stand is a solid, nuts-and-bolts kit with no frills, so it might be just the thing if you’re looking for a simple portable camping stand.
Some customers have said that setting up the stand took 30 mins and that tools were required to tighten the parts correctly. Although this stand is a solid choice, construction isn’t as easy as some other portable hammock stands, like the Nomad or Swiftlet.
Zupapa 10ft Portable hammock stand (Best Budget)
Specs
This stand retails for $79.99 without a hammock or $125.99 with a hammock.
The powder-coated steel frame has assembled dimensions of 118 (L) x 53 (W) inches and dimensions of 53 (L) x 14 (W) x 7(H) inches when disassembled with a weight of 28lbs. Its weight capacity is 550lbs.
Verdict
This stand comes in just five sturdy steel pieces that can be assembled using a knob system to tighten the components together. Each tube has six slots, allowing you to adjust this portable hammock stand with no fuss.
There are only five components, making for a sturdy frame with few weak spots. When you break down the five weather and rust-resistant components, they can be easily stowed in the carrying case for easy transport to the picnic or camping site.
In Summary
The average ten-minute setup time for such a solid structure is another handy boon that doesn’t require two pairs of hands to assemble.
It’s also hard to wrap your head around how, as the cheapest hammock stand on our list, the weight capacity sits at a might 550lbs. Few users have tested this capacity to its limit, and it’s worth noting that this stand is designed for Brazilian hammocks only and has no space for a more oversized spreader bar hammock.
Sunnydaze 12′ (Best 12′ hammock stand)
Specs
The powder-coated steel frame of the Sunnydaze 12′ stand has dimensions of 144 (L) x 36 (W) x 48 (H) inches. Its product weight is 25lbs and has a weight capacity with an RRP of $145.99.
Verdict
This oversized stand is perfect for seating multiple people, and its structure is designed to fit Brazilian and spreader bar hammocks.
The Sunnydaze can be pieced together in minutes, and its components lock firmly into place using the built-in pin system, so there’s no need for tools for an assembly process that takes moments and creates a hammock stand that feels like it’s made from a single piece of metal.
In Summary
The Sunny Daze is a solid bet if you’re looking for a large hammock stand that will stay in your yard or patio. It’s surprisingly light for a 10ft stand at only 25lb, making it easy to move around your property to chase the sun or the shade.
The product description states this hammock stand can accommodate hammocks up to 11ft, but some users say that hammocks at the upper end of its suggested limit only reach the end and don’t provide as much comfort.
Sunnydaze 15′ Heavy (Best hammock stand for the backyard)
Specs
This large powder-coated steel stand retails for $185.00. It has a weight capacity of 400lbs with assembled dimensions of 180(L) x 48(W) x 48 (H) inches and a total product weight of 50lbs.
Verdict
This giant stand can hang hammocks ranging from 10-15ft using the included stainless steel chains to adjust for hammocks on the smaller end of the spectrum. This hammock stand also has built-in hooks to make attaching your hammock quick and painless.
The assembly process is a satisfying blend of simple and solid. The pieces lock firmly into place without fuss or the need for tools, resulting in a solid structure that feels like it arrived at your house welded together.
In Summary
Both on paper and in practice, the 15ft SunnyDaze stand is the same as the 12ft. The setup, rigid and robust structure, and sturdy finish are the same for both metal hammock stands and have users raving about their simplicity and ease.
How to choose the best hammock stand?
Size
The 15ft Sunnydaze hammock stand is far and away the largest stand on our list, making it ideal for a backyard with plenty of space.
What size hammock stand do I need?
What size stand for a 9ft hammock?
A 9ft hammock will need a stand between 9 and 12 feet.
What size stand for a 10ft hammock?
A 13ft hammock stand will be needed for a 10ft hammock.
What size hammock for a 12ft stand?
A 12ft hammock requires a minimum stand size of 14ft.
What size stand for a 15ft hammock?
A 15ft hammock requires a 17ft hammock stand.
What size hammock do I need for my stand?
What size hammock for a 9-foot stand?
A 7ft hammock is best suited to a 9ft stand.
What size hammock for a 10-foot stand?
The best size hammock for a 10ft stand is 8ft.
What size hammock for a 12-foot stand?
Hammocks between 8-11ft long are best suited to 12ft stands.
What size hammock for a 15-foot stand?
A 13ft hammock stand is best for a 15ft hammock stand.
Weight capacity
Overall, the hammock stand with the heaviest weight capacity is the Zupapa portable stand at 550lbs. However, the ENO Pod’s three separate hammocks also have a 400lb weight capacity three times over.
Design and materials
Portable hammock stands – The ENO Nomad hammock stand is the lightest and smallest stand on our list, and its shock cord design offers the most straightforward setup.
Backyard hammock stands – If you’re looking for a jumbo stand for maximum relaxation, the giant 15ft powder-coated steel frame of the Sunnydaze 15ft stands offers the most generous proportions for a backyard hammock stand. This is an excellent option if you are also considering a hammock chair.
Chair hammock stands – Unlike the other hammocks on our list, the Zupapa 10ft portable hammock stand has a series of adjustable knobs allowing you to configure your hammock into a chair set, so you can relax or sit depending on your mood.
Multi-hammock stands – The ENOpod hammock stand is the perfect multi-person solution with a lightweight powder-coated steel frame that accommodates three people with 440lbs of weight per hammock.
Wooden hammock stands – Wooden hammock stands are traditionally made with sturdy, weather treated-European pine and often come in minimalist arc designs, such as the Petra Leisure Wooden Arc Stand. These simple, stylish stands make a striking addition to any backyard.
Fit different types of hammocks – The 13 and 15ft Sunnydaze stands allow freedom to use either a Brazilian or spreader bar hammock with steel chains to allow hammocks of different sizes.
Hanging mechanism
The Crua outdoors hammock stands have simple hooks on either end of the stand, making for the quickest and easiest hanging and detaching of your hammock of all the hammock stands on our list.
Indoor vs. outdoor use
If you feel like setting up your hammock stand indoors, the portable hammock stands on our list best suit the task.
Feet
The Kammock Swiftlet’s soft nylon plastic feet won’t damage the floor if you choose to use it indoors.
Ease of assembly
Our hammock stands offer intuitive setups, but the Nomad and the Swiftlet are the easiest and quickest to build and take down.
Portability
Weight
The Eno Nomad is the lightest hammock at only 15.4lbs.
Packed Size
The Nomad has the smallest dimensions when packed up in its carry case at a manageable 34.5 x 9.7 x 8.5 inches.
Price
If you’re looking for value, you can pick up the Zupapa stand for only $75.99 or $125.99 to purchase it with a hammock.
FAQS
Are hammock stands worth it?
If you’re looking for a way to relax in style, you can’t beat a hammock stand for a sturdy, long-lasting piece of garden furniture.
Do hammock stands work?
The hammock stands on our list receive glowing feedback and offer simple, straightforward setups.
How tall should hammock stands be?
The spreader bar hammock stands should stand 1.25-1.5m off the ground. Hammocks without spreader bars should stand 1.8-2.4m off the ground for optimal hanging height.
Can you use any hammock on a stand?
No, some stands only accommodate Brazilian hammocks, while some only hang spreader bar hammocks, while some can be configured to handle both. Check your hammock stand specs before purchasing.
How much weight can a hammock stand hold?
The stands on our list vary in weight capacity from 350lbs up to 550lbs.
How do you hang a hammock stand on a metal stand?
Each hammock stand on our list will use a hooking system for spreader bars and Brazilian-style hammocks, which you can use to attach your hammock.
Do hammock stands come in different sizes?
All the hammock stands on our list vary in length and width, so you can find a large or smaller one to suit your needs.
How much space do you need for a hammock stand?
That depends on the size of the hammock stand you choose, and a 15ft stand will require more space than an eleven-foot stand. Whichever size you settle on, you should always allow extra space to set it up and move it around if you choose to.
Conclusion
There’s a broad market of permanent and portable hammock stands made of various materials to suit every need. The stands on our list offer easy setups with a sturdy finished product, making relaxing in style and comfort a cinch.
The best portable hammock stand on our list is undoubtedly the ENO Nomad, thanks to its easy setup, manageable weight, and compact size.
The Sunnydaze 13ft and 15ft hammock stands offer the most space for permanent fixtures in your garden (plus great value for money). They have simple, tool-free setups and solid, sturdy structures with manageable weights that make moving them around your yard easy.
