Best Beach Hammock
Legit Camping – Double Hammock
The Legit’s hammock sits at or near the top of our list in so many different categories, the fact that you need to figure out how to support it is a mild inconvenience at best.
Once you do, you will be treated to the largest unfolded surface area on our list with a hammock spread that measures 120″ x 78″ and is more than large enough to accommodate two adults. Even better, you likely do not have to worry too much about the combined weight either as this hammock boasts a 400 lb weight limit.
Even getting it to the beach is a breeze as it weighs less than any of the other options we reviewed at only 1 ⅞ lb. Just as convenient as the lightweight design, this beach hammock also packs down smaller than the rest of the competition at 9″ x 4″.
Bottom Line: The Legit Camping Double Hammock checks all of the boxes that you might want from a hammock, both packed and unfolded, and also happens to be an inexpensive option.
Best Hammocks for the Beach Reviewed
Looking for a great hammock for the beach?
You’re in the right place! In this guide, we will be covering the following:
- Break down the different hammocks into niches
- Favor durability, size, and ease over other factors
- Examine which features are the most important and why
The beach is a beautiful place to hang out, whether you want to get on a boat and go fishing, dive underwater and scuba, or just lay out in the sun and relax. While a beach towel or reclining lounge chair is a great way to accomplish the latter goal, hammocks can be significantly more comfortable.
That said, most beaches are not plentiful with trees and may have a shortage of man-made supports, which can make setting up a hammock difficult. Thankfully, there are plenty of different options to tackle this challenge, but figuring out which one works best for your needs can be difficult.
That is why we put together a list of the five best beach hammock reviews of 2020, highlighting what each one does best. We also provide a helpful buyer’s guide, so you can find the perfect beach hammock to make your next trip to the shoreline a relaxing one.
Hammock Types
Traditional Hammock
From an outside perspective, there may not seem like that much of a difference between a conventional and camping hammock. However, the term “traditional” here refers to how the hammock is constructed rather than how it sets up. Specifically, traditional hammocks are those made of interlaced rope fibers and tend to be some of the most durable hammocks available. Conversely, traditional hammocks are also some of the least comfortable as the ropes can create odd pressure points.
Camping Hammock
Most of the hammocks made today are camping hammocks or traditional hammocks, depending on the intended setting more than anything else. If you plan on only using your hammock at home or in a singular place, there is a good chance you consider a traditional hammock. However, if you plan on taking your hammock with you anywhere, you are more likely to look at a campsite hammock, which tends to be more durable. On top of that, camp hammocks also often come with extra features that make using them in campsite situations easier.
Further reading: Check out our guide on the ins and outs of going camping in a hammock.
Foldable Hammock
A foldable hammock can come in a couple of different forms, but the premise remains pretty much the same regardless of the model. In fairness, a folding hammock could be seen more as a modified cot than anything else, but the frame of the folding hammock supports your body differently. This is an excellent type of hammock if you want to take it with you on the go without having to worry about setting it up. On the other hand, folding hammocks are not the most durable in general, often support less weight, and are smaller than most other types of hammocks.
Inflatable Hammock
While folding hammocks may stretch the limits of what a hammock is, inflatable hammocks blur the line entirely. From the outside, there is very little that separates an inflatable hammock from many other types of inflatable furniture. Generally, inflatable hammocks use more durable materials than other types of inflatable furniture since they are often used outdoors. That said, this type of hammock tends to be the least durable in general but often easily patched if punctured.
How To Pick The Best Hammock For Your Needs: Buying Guide
Upper Weight Limit & Size
While these aspects are not always the most important for hammocks, they tend to be a bit more critical for beach hammocks, specifically because this type of hammock comes in so many different forms. Depending on the type of hammock you plan to take to the beach, these qualities can weigh far heavier than normal.
For example, folding hammocks have some of the lowest weight limits and are often smaller than traditional or camp hammocks. The hammock size is also usually smaller for inflatable models, though the weight limit may not be as affected.
Traditional and camp hammocks almost always win-out because they do not use self-contained methods to support the fabric. That said, unless you intend to use your hammock to hold more than one person, there is a good chance you do not need to worry too much about either of these features.
Hanging Mechanism
Much like with the weight limit and size of a hammock, the hanging mechanism differs greatly depending on the type of beach hammock you use. A traditional or camp hammock uses the standard model of the hanging mechanism whereby ropes lash to some form of support.
This type of hanging mechanism is often significantly stronger than other methods, but it also requires plenty of time and effort to set up. Conversely, a folding beach hammock employs a metal frame similar to a cot, though the structure can rarely rival a rope hanging mechanism in terms of strength or durability.
The inflatable hammock does not employ a hanging mechanism and relies entirely on the inflated air to keep you off the ground. While this type of hammock can be the most comfortable and supportive, the hammock itself remains on the ground and at risk.
Materials & Durability
While the materials used for a hammock influence the hammock’s durability, there is no genuine one-to-one connection between these qualities. For example, most folding hammocks use metal for their supporting frame, but the use of metal does not necessarily allow the hammock to support more weight than those that utilize ropes for support.
One area where the materials often coincide with the hammock’s durability comes from the fabric where more robust fabrics generally produce more durable hammocks. That said, a hammock’s fabric might be strong, but if the seams are not similarly strong, the material may still fail.
Packed Size & Weight
Considering our article focuses on hammocks meant to be used on the beach, the packed size and weight of the hammock in question is one of the more important aspects to consider. That said, it is just as important to figure out where you intend to set your hammock up on the beach.
If you have the luxury to lounge on a remote or private beach, you may not need to worry about the proper support but might be more concerned with how far you have to transport the hammock by hand. On the other hand, a public beach is unlikely to provide anywhere to lash a hammock, and bringing support might be necessary.
In both instances, the ease with which you can carry the hammock matters as self-contained hammocks are larger and weigh more. However, standard hammocks often require that you bring your supports with you, making their relative transportation ease more difficult in the end.
Best Beach Hammock: The Results
Pure Garden Portable Hammock
Best Folding Beach Hammock
Pure Garden is one of the few companies on our list that does not specialize in outdoor goods, but their focus on outdoor products allows them to make a tremendous folding beach hammock. For example, out of all of the non-standard or self-contained beach hammocks we reviewed, the Pure Garden Portable Hammock offers the largest space at 97 ½” x 31 ½” x 32 ¼”.
On top of that, as a folding beach hammock, this model is much easier to set up than the standard options on our list, requiring little more of you than unfolding the frame and hooking the fabric onto it. While not known for an exceptional weight limit, this hammock supports up to 250 lbs, which is good for a folding beachhammock.
One of the more surprising qualities of the Pure Garden Portable Hammock is the sheer number of protections it provides, including UV protection for the fabric and water resistance for both the fabric and frame. A big part of these protections come inbound thanks to the construction of aluminum and polyester fabric.
That said, you do not simply get one of the most capable folding beach hammocks for nothing, and the Pure Garden Portable Hammock is an expensive option. It also does not help that this beach hammock is less portable than most weighing in at 21 lbs with a packed profile of 44 ½” x 7 ½” x 7 ½”.
PROs
- Is easy to use
- Is 97 ½” x 31 ½” x 32 ¼”
- Is made of aluminum and polyester
- Has numerous protections
CONs
- Is more expensive
- Not the most portable
Bottom-Line: In terms of a folding beach hammock, the Pure Garden Portable Hammock tops our list with numerous protections and a solid build that is much easier to use than most options we reviewed.
Chillbo Shwaggins Inflatable Couch
Best Inflatable Beach Hammock
Chillbo is one of the few companies on our list specializing in outdooring goods, which undoubtedly helped inform them how to make the best inflatable beach hammock we found. Easily one of the more surprising aspects of this beach hammock is that it offers a weight limit of 400 lbs, which is on par with standard hammocks.
It also does not hurt that this is one of the more portable beach hammocks that we came across with a compact packed profile of 13″ x 7″ x 3 ½” when tucked into it’s carry bag. As if that were not enough, the Chillbo Shwaggins Inflatable Beach Couch is also one of the lightest entries on our list, tipping the scales at a measly 3 lbs.
One thing you often have to worry about with inflatable hammocks is their puncture durability, but the use of ripstop nylon for this model helps alleviate those concerns. It seems as if the Chillbo Shwaggins Inflatable Beach Couch has everything you need, but its low price might be the best thing.
Of course, you have to pay the piper somewhere, and when it comes to inflatable beach hammocks, that cost often comes in the form of inconvenience from inflating it. It also does not help that the Chillbo Shwaggins Inflatable Beach Couch is the smallest option on our list at 84″ x 36″ x 24″.
PROs
- Packs down to 13″ x 7″ x 3 ½.” in carry bag
- Only weighs 3 lbs
- Has a weight limit of 400 lbs
- Is less expensive
CONs
- Not the easiest to use
- Not the largest
Bottom-Line: If you want an inflatable beach hammock, the Chillbo Shwaggins Inflatable Beach Couch is an excellent option with a reasonable weight limit, it is easy to transport, and is durable enough to withstand use outside.
Miles Kimball Portable Hammock
Most Convenient Beach Hammock
Miles Kimball is another company that does not specialize in outdoor camp gear, but its focus on general consumer goods provides insight into how to make a convenient product. To wit, the Miles Kimball Portable Beach Hammock is by far the most straightforward product on our list to use, in part due to the foldable design.
However, this beach hammock takes the convenience of a folding hammock to new heights by not even requiring you to set up the fabric separately. The entire package stays together even when collapsed. The use of breathable parachute nylon fabric and a steel frame also make this a comfortable beach hammock.
Although the Miles Kimball Portable Hammock is easy to use and comfortable, the parent company’s consumer-goods focus leaves this as an inexpensive product. Finally, the Miles Kimball Portable Hammock only weighs 12 lbs, making it easier to carry to remote beach or private locations.
You should be careful while considering the Miles Kimball Portable Hammock as it is easily the least durable entry on our list, including the other non-standard hammocks. This fragility is reflected in its long term durability, but you can see it in its weight limit of 220 lbs– the lowest on our list.
PROs
- Easy setup
- Only weighs 12 lbs
- Parachute nylon with steel stand
- No need for tree straps or trees
- Is less expensive
CONs
- Not the most durable
- Has a lower weight limit
Bottom-Line: The Miles Kimball Portable Hammock is one of the most straightforward beach hammocks on our list to use thanks to its folding design and lightweight build that makes it easy to take and set up anywhere you go.
Vivere Double Cotton Hammock with Space Saving Steel Stand
Best Beach Hammock Combo
Vivere is another company that does not specialize in camping or beach gear, but they focus on outdoor furniture, which is likely why they thought of making a complete package hammock. Unlike most standard beach hammocks, the high-quality Vivere Double Cotton Hammock is the only model we reviewed that comes with its own stand.
In terms of pure specs, the Vivere Double Cotton Hammock tops our list in a couple of categories, with the most notable being its weight capacity of 450 lbs. Just as impressive, this beach hammock measures in at 114″ x 48″ x 44″ which is more than enough to hold two people comfortably.
The hammock stand is made of steel and zinc and is easily the most durable support system that we reviewed. As if that were not enough, the Vivere Double Cotton Hammock provides a wealth of different options in terms of style and materials from cotton to polyester.
That said, it is worth noting that by getting a double hammock and a supporting frame, you have to pay plenty of money for this model. And for the beach, the Vivere Double Cotton Hammock is not the easiest to use as it weighs 35 lbs, only packs down to 52″ x 9″ x 7″ in it’s carrying case, and still requires assembly.
PROs
- Comes with heavy-duty steel stand & carrying case
- High quality manufacturing
- Has a weight capacity of 450 lbs
- Is 114″ x 48″ x 44″.
- Comes in multiple styles
CONs
- Is more expensive
- Not easy to set up
Bottom-Line: The Vivere Double Cotton Hammock is an excellent option if you want plenty of choice and versatility in a standard type of hammock but do not have the necessary trees to support it.
Legit Camping – Double Hammock
Best Double Beach Hammock
Legit Camping is only the second company on our list specializing in outdoor gear, but that may be what allows them to produce the best double beach hammock on our list. From top to bottom, the Legit hammock comes first or second in all major categories.
So that it lives up to its name, Legit’s hammocks come with the largest unfolded spread we found at 120″ x 78″– wide enough for two people to spread out if desired. So you do not have to worry about the combined weight of those two people, this hammock has a weight limit of 400 lbs.
What is even better is that it is one of the most portable beach hammocks we encountered as well weighing only 1 ⅞ lb and packing down to 9″ x 4″. With some of the best packed and unfolded specs, the biggest surprise of this entry is its low price.
However, part of what you are not paying for is a support system, and the Legit Camping Double Hammock is also the only option on our list that requires separate tree straps. While getting or finding additional support is trouble enough, this model’s standard hammock design also makes it more challenging to use.
PROs
- Suitable for two adults
- Packs down to 9″ x 4″
- Only weighs 1 ⅞ lb
- Is less expensive
CONs
- Not easy to set up
- Requires tree straps + trees (or other supports)
Bottom-Line: In terms of a plain beach hammock without unique designs or features, the Legit Camping Double Hammock can accommodate two adults and be taken to more places than most.
Further reading
Check out our guides on:
- Best camping hammock with mosquito net
- Best heavy duty camping hammock
- Best inflatable hammock
- Best portable folding hammock
Last update on 2024-04-25 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API