Going to hammock outdoors can be pretty fun. You will get to enjoy the sun, have a nice time with family, and do a host of other fun things. Hammocking outdoors is something you will love to do. However, you might be wondering if it is possible to hang your hammock on a tree instead of using a hammock stand.
Well, it is possible to hang your hammock on a tree. The steps to hang your hammocks on a tree are pretty simple as long as you have all the necessary tools. We are going to be giving you the necessary tools you need to hang your hammock to a tree. We will also guide you on how to hang your hammock to a tree while giving you other relevant information.
Table of Contents
What Do I Need to Hang My Hammock to a Tree?
The tools you need to hang your hammock to a tree largely depend on the hanging method you intend to use. Do you intend to drill holes as anchor points on a tree or do you simply intend to just tie your hammock to the tree? Below are the general tools you need to hang your hammock to a tree.
- A role or strap
- A hanging kit or carabiner
- A hammock
- Scissor
- Pillow
- A hand Drilling machine
- Hooks or expansion bolts
How Do I Hang a Hammock to a Tree?
Hanging your hammock to a tree is pretty simple. It largely depends on the method you use. You should know there are two main methods you can use to hang your hammock to a tree. Below is a list of those methods.
Method 1: Hanging your Hammock to a Tree Using a Strap
This is the first method you can use when it comes to hanging your hammock to a tree. You can easily hang your hammock to a tree using a rope or a hammock trap. Below is the step-by-step guide.
- Locate/select a Strong Tree
- Measure the Distance Between the Branches or The Tree
- Use a Strap to Tie the Hammock to The Tree
- Ensure the Hammock Is Not Too Far from The Ground
- Sit/ Rest in Your Hammock to Confirm Its Firmness
Here is full detailed explanation with pictures to guide you 👇👇👇
Step 1: Locate/select a Strong Tree
This is the first thing you need to do if you want to hang your hammock on a tree. You need to take your time to select a tree that is strong enough to accommodate the weight of your hammock. If you want to hang your hammock on only one tree, you should check the branches of the tree to know if they are strong enough.
However, it is completely different if you are hanging your hammock on 2 trees. You do not necessarily have to check the branches unless you intend to tie your hammock to the tree branches. Check the barks of the tree to confirm if they are not slippery. If they are not, you can use the tree to hang your hammock.
Step 2: Measure the Distance Between the Branches or The Tree
Once you have selected a tree that has strong branches, the next thing you should do is mark the branches you intend to tie your hammock to and measure the distance. The distance of the branches shouldn’t be more than 5 to 6 feet apart.
If you are going to be tying your hammock to 2 trees, you should know the distance differs from tying your hammock to only one tree. The distance between the 2 trees for your hammock should be between 6 to 8 feet. Anything more will likely result in a lack of balance whenever you get into your hammock.
Step 3: Use a Strap to Tie the Hammock to The Tree
Once you have marked out the distance or measurement, the next thing you should do is use a strap to tie your hammock to the tree branches. If you are tying your hammock to only one tree, ensure there is a distance of 3 to 5 feet between one strap and another.
The distance doesn’t apply to tying your hammock to 2 trees. If you are trying your hammock to 2 trees, your distance between the hammock can pass 5 feet, however, it shouldn’t be more than 8 feet for comfort purposes.
Step 4: Ensure the Hammock Is Not Too Far from The Ground
This is one thing you need to do the moment you tie your hammock to the tree. You need to check and ensure the distance of your hammock to the ground is not more than 3 to 4 feet. This is to guarantee your safety.
Some people love tying your hammock as far away from the ground as possible. This puts them at risk of getting an accident if they fall from the hammock. Use a ruler or any measuring device to measure the distance between the hammock and the ground. Remember, the lower the hammock, the better.
Step 5: Sit/ Rest in Your Hammock to Confirm Its Firmness
Sitting/resting in your hammock is the last thing you should do when it comes to hanging your hammock on the tree. Once you have successfully tied the hammock and checked the necessary distance to the ground, you can go ahead and sit in the hammock.
While sitting in the hammock, you need to observe the straps to see if they are firm enough. Apart from the straps, you also need to look at the branches to see if they are bending or showing any signs of breaking. If they don’t show any sign, it simply means your hammock was well set up or tied properly to the tree(s).
Method 2: Hanging Your Hammock to A Tree Using a Hanging Kit or An S Hook
While hanging your hammock with a rope is pretty easy, some people prefer to use a hanging hit or an s hook. Below is the method to hang your hammock using a hanging kit
Step 1: Locate the Tree You Will Like to Use
Just like hanging your hammock with a rope, the first thing you need to do whenever you intend to use a hanging kit or an s hook for your hammock is to find the perfect tree. Also, ensure the distance between the 2 trees is not more than 6 to 8 feet.
Step 2: Use a Hand Drill to Make a Hole in The Tree
This is the next thing you should do the moment you have found the tree and marked out the branch or bark you want to hang your hammock. You will have to use a hand drill to make 2 holes in the marked-out parts. Ensure the holes are around 3 to 4 inches deep.
Step 3: Screw the S Hook Into the Hole and Connect Your Hanging Kit
Once you have successfully drilled your holes, you should steadily screw the s hook into the holes. The s hook should be around 6 inches long. Push or screw the hook inside the holes. Once you have done so, you can connect your hanging kit to the hooks. The hanging kit will serve as an anchor for your hammock.
Step 4: Connect Your Hammock Strap to The Hammock Hanging Kit
You should connect your hammock strap to the hammock hanging kit. this is the next thing you should do when you connect the kit to the s hook. Remember to observe the angle 30-degree rule when tying your strap to the hanging kit.
Step 5: Observe Safety Measures
Which Is the Best Method to Hang Your Hammock on A Tree?
Many people often wonder about the best possible method to hang their hammock on a tree. While some people believe tying the hammock is best, some other people have contrary ideas. You should know that each method has its advantages and disadvantages.
However, the best method you should use whenever you want to hang your hammock to a tree is the role or strap method. You do not require many tools when using this method. You also do not expose yourself to the danger of using the hand dill by using the rope or strap method. Lastly, you get to protect the tree from injuries as making holes in the tree would harm the tree.
Conclusion
While Relaxing in your hammock under a tree can be pretty fun, you should know that there are methods you can use to go about it. All of these methods and more have been discussed in this article.
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