Written by Devin Cowens and photos by Andrew Hetherington (header) and Aja Pijeaux

So, you say you want to hammock, but have yet to try it. You see people relaxing in hammocks and are curious but have no idea where to start. You wonder, how do I hang a hammock? How do I get into a hammock? Where do I buy a hammock? Is hammocking really as fun and relaxing as it looks?

I've been there too, and I’m glad you’re here.

Getting started with hammocking can be intimidating at first, especially if you’re by yourself and don’t have friends or another person to check in with about the process. Let me be that friend for you. 

I’ve included some tips and tricks below or things I wish I knew before I’d gotten started, as I’ve been hammocking all over Atlanta and during my travels over the past year. 

Photo by Aja Pijeaux

How to hang a hammock 

First, let’s talk about trees. Trees have been around longer than humans, and they’re just as diverse and unique as us! Which means there’s a lot to choose from when it comes to hanging hammocks; and some options are better than others. 

That being said, it’s important to find mature, living trees - which typically have a wide trunk, lots of branches, and depending on the season, lots of leaves. You want the trees to be at least 6 inches in diameter and not wiggle around when you get into your hammock. 

Once you’ve found some mature, living trees, it’s time to check their spacing. I use my feet as a loose measure - with each step, from heel to toe, being about a foot (and my feet are tiny) but you’ll want to aim for 10 to 14 feet apart. This can vary depending on how you like to hang your hammock, and the thickness of the trees, but it’s a great place to start. 

Place the widest portion of your ENO hammock straps around the tree at about eye level, threading the multi-loop end through the single loop end of the strap and pull tight. Be sure to give your tree a big hug.

Clip in your portable hammock and adjust your hanging height so it is not higher than 18 inches from the ground when in use. Remember, NEVER stack hammocks on top of one another. 

For more hammock safety and instructions, check out ENO's full guidelines. 

Finding the perfect hammock spot can be tricky, but that’s part of the fun. It takes a bit of trial and error, especially if it’s your first time. The more I hammock, the better I’ve gotten at spotting viable trees from afar, but I’m still honing my skills.

Photo by Aja Pijeaux

Depending on what hammock straps you have, the adjustability range allows you to account for the variation of the distance between the trees and the diameter of the trees. I own the Helios Ultralight Hammock Straps which are lightweight and effortlessly fit in my pack, while its easy adjustment system gives me lots of flexibility when hanging my hammock. 

In addition, XL ENO Hammock Straps allow for more space between trees, and can accommodate larger trees when hanging your hammock.

Photo by Aja Pijeaux

How to choose a hammock 

ENO hammocks are made of super durable yet soft material and feature triple stitched seams which means they are strong and can support you but are also comfortable and soft to the touch.

The gist: these hammocks are built to be used over and over again; it’s durable against stretching and allows for long term use, as long as you take care of it.

I’ve had friends who have been interested in hammocks but were concerned about things like… how much weight can a hammock hold, do hammocks feel constricting, and if it would be comfy as a tall person, etc. 

These fears subside once you try hammocking for the first time, but here’s the rundown of the specs of the gear.

I have the lightweight Helios Hammock Straps which can support up to 150 lbs per strap or 300 lbs total while hammocking; while the Atlas Hammock Straps can support 200 lbs each, so 400 lbs total inside of the hammock. 

ENO’s DoubleNest and SingleNest hammocks have 400 lb capacity. The hammock body is 9 ft 5 inches long, and easily fits any human creatures (plus fluffy ones too)! 

Finally, these hammocks look good! They come in a myriad of colors, prints, limited edition designs, and size options (SingleNest, DoubleNest, ultralight, and backyard) so you can choose what fits your style best.

Photo by Aja Pijeaux

Just throw it in the bag! 

The odds of you finding places to hammock are greater than you NOT finding places to hammock; so why not keep the lightweight gear in your knapsack, backpack, bike bag, or car just in case? It’s the perfect remedy for a stressful day in a matter of minutes. 

Laying in a hammock has been one of the most relaxing past times I’ve come to find joy in over the past year, and I cannot recommend it enough. So the next time you see some sturdy trees about, grab your hammock & straps, and even a few friends, and get to chillin!

Devin’s go-to items:

• Lounger DL Chair
• DoubleNest Hammock
• SuperSub Ultralight Hammock
• Helios Ultralight Hammock Straps 
• SkyLite Hammock

Author Bio

Devin is an ENO Ambassador. She’s an outdoor enthusiast and community organizer who spends a lot of time cycling, running, and spending time in nature.