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Enjoying a hammock is always great, but there are some rules that you should stick to to ensure you are getting maximum comfort and safety when having a sleep, or simply chilling, in a hammock.

One important one is how high your hammock is off the ground.

Too high and you’re at risk of injury if when getting in and out. Too low and you’re in for an uncomfortable nights sleep as you scrape along the floor.

So, how high should your hammock be? And how can you ensure you’re always at the right height?

Let’s take a look.

How High Should a Hammock Be?

Like many things to do with hammocks, the answer varies depending on the person using it.

While the weight, height, and type of hammock you are using may vary the height your hammock should be, a good rule of thumb to stick to is to have the lowest point at your hammock at about 18 inches above the ground.

Of course, some people like to be higher than this, and some like to be lower, but for beginners looking to start at the average, this is the number to aim for.

How High is Too High to Hang a Hammock?

While we’ve mentioned above there are no set rules, there is guidance on the best heights to hang your hammock.

If your hammock is too high, you are at risk of injury if you fall.

It is generally considered that a hammock hung higher than around 5 feet is too high. This would be dangerous if you were to slip out, and will also make it uncomfortable when getting in and out of your hammock.

How Low is Too Low to Hang a Hammock?

It can be tempting to try and hang a hammock by any means, even if you don’t have trees handy, but sometimes your poles may be too low.

The best way to judge if a hammock is too low, is to simply put some weight in it and take a look. If the hammock is nearly touching the ground, then it’s not good!

While there is no exact minimum height for hanging a hammock, it’s generally considered that a hammock hung lower than 12 inches off the ground is too low.

A hammock that is too low can be uncomfortable, tricky to get in and out of, may lead to injury, and also can not provide all the support needed to make your sleep in a hammock as comfortable as possible.

Should one end of a hammock be higher?

Yes!

I would always suggest having one end of your hammock slightly higher than the other. THis is because this helps to create the ideal shape and angle for a comfortable spot of relaxation.

What you are looking for is the ‘banana’ shape that hammocks are famous for. This position is ideal for providing support to your body and distributes your weight nice and evenly throughout your hammock.

So, how much higher should the other end be?

Well, the magic number when it comes to hammocks is 18 inches. As we mentioned earlier, this is good height to be off the ground, and it is also a good distance for one your ends to be higher than the other.

Of course, you can get away with having hammocks with both ends the same height, and many people do this, but for extreme comfort, try and add a bit of distance in between.

How to Make Sure Your Hammock is the Right Height

Want to make sure your hammock is the right height?

Here are the five steps you should take:

1. Choose a suitable location: Select a location with sturdy supports such as trees, posts, or hammock stands the right distance apart for your hammock (you should aim for about a ten foot gap).

2. Hang your hammock: Attach the hammock to the supports using tree straps, chains, or ropes. Hang one end of the hammock slightly higher than the other as mentioned earlier, creating a gentle curve or “banana” shape.

3. Test the height: Sit or lie in the hammock and adjust the height until it feels comfortable and safe. The ideal height is typically around 18 inches (45 cm) off the ground, but you can adjust it based on your personal preferences.

4. Check the stability: Test the stability of the hammock by gently rocking or swaying back and forth. If the hammock feels unstable or wobbly, adjust the height or the hanging points until it feels secure.

5. Make final adjustments: Once you are satisfied with the height and stability of the hammock, make any final adjustments to the hanging points or the tension of the straps or ropes.

Remember to always follow the manufacturer’s instructions for hanging your specific hammock, and to ensure that the supports and hanging materials are strong and secure enough to support your weight.

With these simple steps, you can get your hammock to the right height and enjoy a comfortable and relaxing experience.

Hammock Life

We hope you enjoyed this guide from Hammock Life.

Want more hammock tips, then check out our blog.