Understanding how much weight a hammock can support is one of the most important aspects to consider before buying one. However, many people still are unsure about the average weight hammocks can hold.
Most hammocks on the market can hold from 300-450 pounds on average. Some larger hammocks have a weight limit of as much as 800 pounds. How much it can hold depends on factors such as its suspension, fabric, and the manufacturer’s weight limits since it can increase or decrease its weight capacity.
Before purchasing a hammock, it’s important to think about its weight rating. Read on to learn everything you need to know about hammock weight capacity.
Table of Contents
How Much Weight Can a Hammock Support?
Understanding what is the weight limit on a hammock is critical before you buy and use one.
If a hammock can’t hold your weight whether you intend to use it alone, with a friend, or with your pets, knowing its weight limit can spell the difference between comfort and a hammock breaking, causing you to fall to the ground - which is not only uncomfortable but dangerous.
The weight limit of a hammock is dependent on several factors including its suspension, anchor, and the hammock’s design. A majority of hammocks on the market today are made to hold 300 to 450 pounds, making that the average weight capacity but this is not the same for all models out there.
Here are other factors that determine how much weight a hammock can support.
Hammock Suspension and Anchor
Hammock suspension systems and the type of anchor used plays a role in how much weight it can hold.
Hardware is the most secure way to hang a hammock and ensure that it holds weight safely on the higher end of the weight scale. Examples of these include finger nines, ring buckles, and J-hooks, all of which offer easy adjustment mechanisms so that you can find the ideal tension while increasing its weight limit.
Other common suspension and anchoring systems include:
Straps
Straps have a good weight hold capacity, which is why they are widely used by campers. They are also simpler to use and more durable. Tree straps are always recommended when camping outdoors since they are environmentally-friendly without causing damage to trees.
Ropes
Ropes are usually made from natural fibers, or synthetic ones such as nylon or polypropylene. Natural fibers are known for their strength, so you can have peace of mind that they will prop you up securely though it holds less weight than synthetic fibers. They also tend to absorb water when it’s wet, and can cause the ropes to get more taut when wet.
On the other hand, some tend to stretch – most especially nylon, which can extend up to 40% in length depending on the weight.
This means that hanging your hammock on nylon ropes will enable it to withstand more weight though the hammock could be closer to the ground.
Carabiners
There are many types of carabiners out there, but it always pays to invest in solid, sturdy ones. They are extremely effective in ensuring that even low quality hammocks will be able to hold up their weight capacity.
Hammock stands: Hammock stands have their own corresponding weight capacity, which depends on the height and type of hammock you use it with. Generally speaking, hammock stands can hold anywhere from 350 to 650 pounds. Steel stands are a common choice and they have a more durable weight capacity while their wooden counterparts hold less.
Hammock stands are suitable for indoor use when you don’t have any poles or trees to suspend hammocks from. It can also be used in your backyard or patio, and can be made extra versatile when you opt for a portable stand.
Hammock chairs
Hammock chairs are becoming increasingly popular in varying designs for indoor or outdoor use. They can hold weight ranges from 250 to 500 pounds, depending on designs, material, and construction.
Manufacturer’s Weight Limit
Hammock manufacturers indicate their weight limit, which is usually explicitly indicated on its website as well as its packaging and tags. The simplest and most effective way to check which hammock can carry how much weight is by checking the rating provided by the manufacturer though it is affected by the factors previously listed.
The reason why the manufacturer has to indicate its weight limit is because it protects them from any liability while providing customers with important guidelines on how to properly use the hammock. In addition, manufacturers set a weight limit as a guarantee that the hammock will not break or fail when used by people of a certain weight. For this reason, most manufacturers usually indicate a lower weight limit than what they believe is its maximum carrying capacity.
It’s good to note that manufacturer’s weight limits should be taken with a grain of salt if you are buying a low-quality hammock because there’s a good chance its actual weight capacity is much lower. Go with a renowned hammock brand that you can trust as they are much better at communicating safety and weight aspects.
Hammock Use
Before deciding on how much weight a hammock should have before buying it, it’s necessary to think about the purpose and use of your hammock – as well as who will be using it.
For example, if you intend to use the hammock for occasional camping trips, you can make use of one with a carrying capacity of 450 pounds. However, if you intend to use the hammock as a frequent outdoor shelter that you may have to share with family or friends sometimes, you’re better off with a hammock that can hold 700 pounds or more.
It’s also important to note that you should test your hammock before using it.
Hammock Fabrics
The fabric used for hammocks has a significant impact on its quality and its carrying capacity. There are dozens of choices in the market when it comes to hammock fabrics, so it’s good to choose one based on your purpose to ensure that it lasts you a long time.
The most popular hammock fabrics used are polyester, cotton, nylon/polypropylene, and olefin. These are their specific weight limits:
Polyester
Polyester hammocks are usually made using quilt or rope designs. It can carry a weight of 350 to 450 pounds on average. Polyester is durable and comfortable, and because it’s inorganic, better for weather resistance and use outdoors.
Cotton
Cotton hammocks can hold from 250 to 350 pounds though strong, high-quality cotton hammocks can hold as much as 450 pounds. Cotton is a soft and comfortable material, widely used for rope hammocks and double hammocks that are suitable for indoor use since cotton can easily weaken when exposed to the sun, rain, and water.
Nylon/Polypropylene
Nylon, polypropylene, and other fabrics that are made as a hybrid using one of these materials are among the most durable outdoor camping hammocks. They can hold weights from 450 to 550 pounds on average, though there are also many nylon hammocks that can hold as much as 1,000 pounds.
The best way to determine the strength of a nylon hammock is to look at the denier count, which refers to the thickness of fibers in the fabric (nylon or otherwise). The higher the denier count is, the more durable it is though that also means the hammock would be heavier.
Olefin
Olefin is a newcomer in the hammock fabric niche, which is widely being used together with nylon. It is quite popular because it can hold a weight from 500 to 700 pounds, making them appropriate for use in double hammocks because of its superior weight holding capacity.
With all these factors, now you know how to determine what goes into how much average hammocks can hold.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the strongest fabric of hammock for large and heavy people?
The best heavy-duty material to look for in hammocks for large and heavy people are synthetic fabrics such as high denier nylon (at least 70D) as well as polyester. Oftentimes a combination of materials is used to come up with a heavy-duty hammock that can hold over 400 pounds.
Always check the manufacturer’s weight rating to be sure of the hammock’s holding capacity.
How much weight can a macramé hammock hold?
Macramé hammocks can hold anywhere from 150 to 350 pounds. They come in different sizes and shapes, and are usually designed for light cradling and swinging.
