Spoiler Alert: Conquerwild named the MalloMe XL Hammock Straps as the best hammock straps of 2021!!
Nothing compares to the feeling of lounging in a free swinging hammock. It’s a sensation that never seems to get old. Unfortunately, if your hammock isn’t suspended correctly, you’ll lose out on comfort and run the risk of hurting yourself.
If you plan on setting up your hammock efficiently, you’re going to have to find the right suspension straps. Without them, your hammock is nothing but a tarp on the ground. The best hammock straps are durable, tree friendly and lightweight.
Here are the 5 best hammock suspension systems on the market:
What We’ll Be Reviewing:
- MalloMe XL Hammock Straps
- Grand Trunk Store Tree Straps
- CANWAY Tree Swinging Straps
- ENO Atlas Hammock Straps
- Hammock Sky Extra Long Hammock Straps
ENO Atlas Hammock Straps – Best Pick Overall / Most Lightweight Hammock Straps
Suspension System: Daisy chain
What would a list of hammock straps be without the most popular product on the market? Many people consider these ENO hammock straps to be the industry standard- and for good reason. Being made of 1000D polyfilament, they’re super tough and ultralight.
Few products include the attention to detail that the ENO straps do, and this shows most in their reflective stitching. You’ll thank ENO for this when it’s pitch dark at your campsite and you’re easily able to find your hammock. With a width ranging from 0.75 – 1.5 inches, the straps are able to hold up to 400 pounds without harming trees. I really appreciate this product for the creative innovation and ENO’s environmental consciousness.
Pros
- They fit into a super compact, 3.5” x 5.5” carry bag.
- They’re the most lightweight hammock straps on this list at 9 ounces.
- ENO is partnered with Trees For The Future which is an organization focused on saving trees and minimizing environmental impact!
- Each strap is 9 feet long with 15 attachment points.
Cons
- They only support 200 pounds per strap (400 total), which is a bit less than most of the other products on this list.
- Carabiners are not included.
Grand Trunk Store Tree Straps – Most Colorful Hammock Straps
Suspension System: Daisy chain
For those of you who are looking for a little bit of color in your hammock setup, these Grand Trunk Store straps have got you covered. This product comes in black, blue, green and orange- each with its own custom color bag.
The Grand Trunk straps can’t hold quite as much weight as the products from MalloMe or Cutequeen, but the 400 pound weight capacity is still sufficient for most single hammock campers. With a total of 36 adjustment points (18 per strap), you’ll be able to use almost any size of tree as an anchor. These straps are great for anyone who’s looking to max out on customization and user-friendliness.
Pros
- They’re 1 inch wide with tree friendly, polyfilament webbing.
- They’re lightweight at only 12 ounces.
- Each strap is 10 feet long, making for a 20 foot suspension system.
- They make setup super easy.
Cons
- They don’t come with carabiners, so you’ll have to buy them separately.
- They’re not triple stitched.
- They’re the most expensive straps on this list.
CANWAY Tree Swinging Straps – Best Hammock Buckle Straps
Suspension System: Buckle strap
Not everyone needs a super long suspension system for their hammock. The Canway Tree Swing Straps come in variations of either 5 or 10 feet (per strap), and this type of customization is great for camping in forests that are densely packed with trees.
The beauty of the CANWAY straps is in the fact that you can use them for more than just hammock suspension- they’re also great for hanging swings. The dense nylon makeup of this product means that, no matter what you’re using it for, it does an excellent job of supporting huge amounts of weight. Since these are buckle straps, they use D-shaped rings instead of a series of loops. There’s a bit more of a learner’s curve than there is with daisy chains, but these straps are simple enough for most campers to master.
Pros
- They’re versatile and can be used for swings or hanging chairs.
- The 5 foot straps can support up to 1,100 pounds and the 10 foot straps can support up to 1,320 pounds.
- They come with 2 heavy-duty carabiners.
- They’re 2 inches wide and super tree friendly.
- They’re made of weather-resistant, commercial-grade nylon. It can handle UV rays and cold temperatures.
Cons
- They’re slightly less user-friendly than daisy loop straps.
MalloMe XL Hammock Straps – Best Value Hammock Straps
Suspension System: Daisy chain
MalloMe is a company that seems to consistently make quality camping products, and their hammock straps are no exception. These daisy chain straps are each set at 10 feet long (20 total), which is a nice, average length for a hammock suspension system.
These two straps combined can support up to 1,000 pounds, which is likely much more than you’d ever need. This means double, or even triple hammocks are covered in most cases. Even with all that weight packed on, the 1 inch width of the straps ensure that trees are not damaged if you use them as an anchor. Also, the daisy chain suspension system provides 12 loops on each rope. This makes setup super simple for beginners. This product leaves little to be desired as far heavy duty hammock tree straps go, and I would expect nothing less from MalloMe.
Pros
- They’re made of 100% polyester, high-quality webbing material.
- They’re user friendly.
- They’re tree friendly.
- 2 carabiners and a carry bag are included.
- They’re triple stitched, which prevents stretching.
Cons
- They’re the heaviest pair of hammock straps on this list. The entire package weighs over 2 pounds.
- 12 loops per rope is on the low side for a daisy chain.
Hammock Sky Extra Long Hammock Straps – Longest Hammock Straps
Suspension System: Buckle straps
When it comes to length, the Hammock Sky Store one-ups every other product on this list. Each strap is 10.17 feet long, meaning you’ll have more options when choosing trees to use as an anchor. The buckle suspension system allows for a super tight and secure hold on any tree, no matter what size.
The feel of these straps is very similar to a car seatbelt. They’re made of heavy-duty polyester and they can support up to 600 pounds per strap. This means that, on top of being lightweight and versatile, these tree straps are ridiculously durable.
Pros
- They’re the longest straps on this list.
- They include 2 S hooks (instead of carabiners) for hammocks with thick end loops.
- They come in a forest brown and sunset gold color.
- The Hammock Sky Store is known for their creative and humorous customer service.
- They have reinforced stitching.
Cons
- The buckle suspension system has a slight learner’s curve to it.
Choosing A Hammock Suspension System
Before you fully commit to a set of straps, you should know that there are several different ways to suspend your hammock. Depending on your skill level, budget and environment, you can choose between the following suspension systems:
Daisy Chain Straps
Perhaps the simplest and most common type of hammock suspension system, the daisy chain is a type of strap which has several loops (usually about 12 – 20 per strap) along its length. The more loops, the more adjustability you’ll have.
Once you wrap a daisy chain around your anchor (which is usually a tree), you feed the end of the strap through one of the loops and pull. Then, you can use a carabiner to fasten the end of that strap to your hammock. Nice and simple.
Daisy chains are great because they’re able to hold a large amount of weight and they’re super user-friendly.
Buckle Straps
Also one of the most widely used hammock suspension systems, the buckle strap is exactly what it sounds like: a strap with a buckle. Instead of loops along the length of the strap, there’s simply a buckle that you can tighten or loosen at your own accord.
These straps are made with less material than daisy chains and tend to be more lightweight. However, they can be slightly more difficult to deal with. Plus, you always run the risk of breaking the buckle.
Side note: All of the products I’ve recommended in my hammock strap reviews are either daisy chains or buckle straps.
Whoopie Sling
This type of suspension system is reserved for more advanced campers. It’s basically a specially-designed, adjustable rope that you attach from your anchor point to your hammock.
On the plus side, these are the most lightweight hammock suspension systems out there, and they allow for maximum adjustability. On the down side, they’re not very user or tree friendly, and their performance really depends on your ability to set it up.
The Old Fashioned Rope
The most classic and basic suspension system is reserved for advanced hammockers only. Some campers prefer to use a plain old rope to hang their hammock. This requires you to be pretty well-versed in knot-tying.
Even if you’re the master of knots, I wouldn’t recommend this system, as it can cause the most damage to trees.
What To Look For In A Good Pair Of Hammock Straps
A quality hammock is nothing without a pair of efficient straps. That’s why you should be very critical about the product you purchase. Here’s what you should look out for when choosing a pair of hammock hanging straps.
Durable Material
If you’re on the prowl for some high quality hammock straps, you need to find something that’s made of durable material. Polyester webbing tends to be the best option because it’s sturdy and weather-resistant. Nylon works as well, but it’s a bit more prone to stretching.
Some products will advertise the Denier rating of their material. This is a rating system that represents the thickness of each individual thread of fabric. It’s expressed with a number followed by the letter D (for example, 1000D polyester). The higher the rating is, the better.
If you choose a fabric that’s thin and weak, your straps might begin to fray after repeated uses. Either way, I always recommend checking them regularly, just in case.
If hammock fashion is something you’re passionate about, then choose a product that comes in a nice assortment of colors, like the Grand Trunk Store Tree Straps.
Stitching
It’s not just the material of your strap that matters. The stitching that holds it all together is super important for durability.
When it comes to daisy chains, there’s going to be a lot of pressure on the area in between each of the loops. This is where stretching is most likely to occur and where stitching is most important. I always recommend finding a product that’s triple stitched.
It’s also a good idea to buy straps that advertise themselves as being “no stretch.” After your first couple of uses, check them and make sure that there hasn’t been any serious stretching. Your straps might stretch about ½ an inch after your first time using them, but this is completely normal.
Some straps are made with reflective stitching. This is always a nice little touch that’ll make it easier to see your hammock at night.
Weight Capacity
Every pair of hammock straps has a listed weight capacity. If you don’t plan on tearing your straps in half, then you need to take this into consideration before making a purchase.
Figure out the amount of weight that you’ll be loading into your hammock and double it. That’s the number you should be looking for in a weight capacity.
Strap Length
Most campers will be using trees as anchor points for their hammock. For this reason, you’ll need to buy hammock straps that can span the distance between 2 trees.
The average hammock strap is around 10 feet long (20 feet with both straps combined). You can find shorter straps (like the CANWAY Tree Swinging Straps) for areas where trees are closer together. Just remember that a shorter strap usually means a lower weight capacity.
Even if you don’t plan on using the full length of your straps, I’d still recommend going with a larger option. This will allow for more versatility. Besides, you can always adjust your straps to a shorter length if you need to.
Are They Tree Friendly?
Whenever we camp, we must always abide by the “leave no trace” rule. This means leaving our environment in the same condition that it was in before we arrived. That’s why finding tree friendly hammock straps is so important.
If your hammock straps are too thin, they’ll put too much concentrated pressure on the trees you’re using as anchors. This can cause damage, especially if the tree is thin-barked. Try to find a pair of straps that are at least 1 inch wide so that the pressure is more evenly dispersed.
If you do decide to go with a pair of straps that are narrower than 1 inch, wrap a towel or some other layer of padding around the tree before applying any pressure.
Portability And Weight
When it comes to backpacking with your hammocking straps, you should make sure that the product you choose is easy to carry. This means finding something that’s both lightweight and compact.
Unless you’re using a whoopie sling or rope, the buckle suspension system is usually the most lightweight option. Either way, it’s rare that you’d find a pair of straps that weigh more than 3 pounds all together.
Most ultralight hammock straps come with a convenient little carry bag, which makes them much easier to pack up and transport.
Price & What’s Included
Before you purchase your hammock straps, make sure that you know exactly what you’re getting. Sometimes, we see a picture of a product and simply assume that everything we need is included. This isn’t always the case, though.
Remember that some products don’t include carabiners, which are an essential part of your hammock suspension system.
If you have your own carabiners, you might as well find a product that doesn’t include them and save a few bucks. I also appreciate when a carry bag is included with a pair of hammock straps.
Most quality straps start around $8 dollars, but some of the higher quality ones can extend upward of $25. If you’re buying something that’s on the expensive side of the spectrum, make sure that they at least include carabiners and a carry bag.
How To Set Up Your Hammock Tree Straps
Now that you know exactly what to look for when buying hammock straps, it’s time to learn how to actually set them up. You can follow these steps:
- Find your 2 anchor points. As stated previously, most campers use trees. The 2 trees should be about 15-20 feet apart, but this will depend on the length of your straps and hammock.
- Figure out the right height to secure your straps. In order for your hammock to work properly, you need to place them at the right height and angle. The sweet spot tends to be 6 feet off the ground at a 30 degree angle with the tree. For a better idea of how to place your straps, you can use this innovative hammock calculator.
- Secure your strap to the tree. Wrap it around the tree trunk and feed the end of the strap through the appropriate loop, then pull it tight. Do this with each strap on opposite trees. Make sure you make them nice and tight. Remember, you’ll be putting all of your body weight onto these straps. If you make them too loose, your hammock will sag and you’ll essentially be spending your night as the letter “V.” Give the straps a test by tugging downward on them and seeing if they budge.
- Use your carabiners to secure your straps to the hammock. Most hammocks have metal rings as attachment points.
- Lie in your hammock and see if you need to adjust. The hammock should be no less than 18 inches off the ground. If you’re not satisfied with the height, then get out and redo steps 2-5.
If these instructions weren’t clear enough for you, here’s a great video guide on how to set up a hammock suspension system:
Conquerwild’s Conclusion
The important thing to remember is that you can’t successfully use a hammock without a pair of good hammock suspension straps. The best products out there are durable, compact, easy to use, well-stitched and tree friendly. Once you know exactly what you value in a pair of straps and how to set them up, you should be ready to make a choice on which product to buy.
There are lots of quality tree straps for hammocks out there, but one product seems to stand out the rest in terms of efficiency and quality.
Our Top Pick Is….
The ENO Atlas Hammock Straps!!
It’s probably no surprise to anyone that I chose the Atlas Straps as my top pick, but it’s hard to find anything more qualified. The detail that goes into ENO’s products is unmatched and their partnership with Trees For The Future earns them 50 bonus points for environmental activism. They may not come with carabiners, but that’s a small price to pay for such a quality product.
If you prefer buckle straps, then I’d go with the CANWAY Tree Swinging Straps.
