Nowadays, every family dreams of having a country house far from the bustle and pollution of the city, where they can have a wonderful weekend, admire nature and enjoy life. Benches and cots are a thing of the past. Now preference is given to a special bed suspended on strong ropes from two trees (rarely independently constructed metal supports). The hammock originated in South America and was intended to allow one to sleep outside on hot nights without ants and all sorts of crawling creatures bothering one’s healthy rest.
Hammocks were especially popular among Spanish sailors. They are considered the suppliers of this device to European countries. The rocking bed, made of durable fabric, is compact and comfortable, and has certain relaxation abilities. Thanks to it, people not only relax, they relax, are filled with positivity, set themselves up to achieve their goals, and think about the future. Hammocks can be found everywhere: at the dacha, in the countryside, in the forest. They are an integral attribute of fishing and hiking. You can also find it in an ordinary apartment.
- Hammock for a summer house with frame
Types of hammocks
Before deciding on the rules for installing a hammock, you need to find out what types there are. Many companies produce such stocks, annually improving the models, making them more convenient, practical, and lightweight. Each product has a service life determined by the manufacturer. This criterion is worth paying attention to, but it is not the main one. Much depends on other parameters:
- Forms. Classic hammocks have a “boat” shape, convenient for relaxation. However, there are models in the form of tents, swings, and chairs. They may be accompanied by a footrest, canopy, mosquito net and other functional accessories.
- Type of fastening. The hammock is attached to the supports using metal rings. To do this, you need to have special devices on trees or installed stationary structures. The main thing is to have enough space to install it.
- Fabric base. As a rule, specimens are made from the material and are intended for lying indoors. In the fresh air, it is preferable to relax in a hammock made of canvas, strong mesh and other durable materials that are not afraid of moisture.
Before attaching the hammock, it is worth understanding whether the place you have chosen is correct. The site should be free, spacious, with a beautiful view of nature. The absence of constant direct sunlight and strong gusts of wind will be of no small importance. Comfortable conditions are necessary for rest and complete relaxation.
Where to hang a hammock
If you choose trees as a support, then pay attention to their diameter. The trunk cannot be less than 15 - 20 centimeters in diameter, and the distance between trees must be at least four meters. Only these parameters will enable the structure to be reliable and the trees to be safe and sound. Moreover, the trees must be healthy, strong, without cracks, with long branches located above the ground at a height of at least a couple of meters. They will make it possible to securely secure the hammock and make it safe.
How to hang a hammock correctly
Helpful advice! With frequent use of the hammock, the ropes stretch, causing it to sag. When hanging, you need to remember this and install the fasteners slightly above the expected mark.
How to hang a hammock correctly?
Just hang up and jump in?
Quite a bit of! Hanging a hammock is much easier than you might think at first glance. But it's also very easy to make mistakes. Hang it too high and you won't be able to get in or out without the help of a precariously balanced stack of logs. Hang it too low or on trees that are too close together and you might end up sleeping on the floor. Hang it between trees that are too far apart and the whole thing will be too spread out to provide any comfort.
How to hang a hammock on a tree - mounting methods and knots
There are several ways to attach such a structure. The most commonly used and simplest method is to use a strong rope (rope). The rope must be strong and thick. Rings for fastening are included with the hammock. The number of ropes required is 2 pieces. They are threaded through rings and tied to trees.
The most standard method of fastening is a strong rope
There are several principles for tying ropes. Reliability will be determined by which node you choose for this. Let's focus on the main ones.
Bowline
Even an uninitiated person can master it. Before making a knot, the rope is tied around the tree trunk several times, after which the work ends with a control knot.
Running simple knot
First, take a rope and make a loop out of it, which is tied around the trunk. To avoid untying, the free end of the rope is inserted into the loop and tightened tightly.
Noose - noose
It resembles a slip knot, but the loop is open and is made at the long end of the rope. The loop is tied around the barrel and tightened under the load. If there is no proper load, you can simply tie it.
Video about knots that are suitable for a hammock:
Hammock slings
They resort to using slings if the tree trunk is very rough and there is a possibility of the rope rubbing together with the subsequent fall of the hammock. Or the trunk is very slippery and the hammock may soon end up on the ground, gradually sliding down the trunk. To prevent this from happening, you need to take parachute lines and use them to make two meter-long strips (wide). The ends of the ribbons are folded and then stitched. As a result, loops are formed.
Attaching a hammock with slings
The trunk is wrapped with these ribbons, a rope is inserted into the loops and a hammock is hung. When working, you need to resort to the help of a carabiner. Slings are taken, wrapped around the barrel, and fastened together with a carabiner. Then rings are attached to hang the hammock.
Stores also sell special slings for hammocks.
Detailed video instructions on how to hang a hammock:
How to hang a hammock in a country house without trees
It happens that at the dacha there are no trees of suitable size, or there are none at all. But if you don’t want to give up lazily lying in a hammock, you will need to invent other methods. For example, you can attach one anchor to the facade of the house, and put a pole opposite it. If the fence is high enough and strong enough, then one part of the hammock can be attached to it, and, again, a post can be dug under the second.
If you have a terrace or large gazebo, you can attach a hammock to its ceiling. If you don’t have the length to fit a whole hammock a couple of meters away, you can hang a special hammock swing or a hammock chair - they will require much more space and are often supported by one mount.
Are there no such opportunities? Then you can offer a few more options so as not to be left without a hammock at the dacha.
Hammock for a summer house with frame
Owners of suburban land plots do not always plant gardens. Many are content with front gardens, flower beds, and a vegetable garden. The absence of trees is not a reason to refuse to relax in a hammock. Instead of the classic version, you can use homemade or purchased designs. The best option is a “constructor”, consisting of many parts, which is assembled and disassembled, installed and transferred to a new location.
Prefabricated frame hammock
This design has many positive qualities:
- no need for additional supports;
- assembly and disassembly takes up to 10 minutes;
- mobility;
- compactness (can be disassembled, folded and stored in winter until warm days arrive).
There are also negative points that you should be aware of:
- high cost: such a frame costs from 10,000 rubles, and the average price tag for them is about 20,000 rubles;
- difficult to pick up broken parts;
- Requires a lot of space for installation.
If you have an ordinary hammock, free time and hands from the right place, then you can always make a frame with your own hands. It can be made from either wood or metal.
Here's an example of how to make a frame for a hammock out of wood (clickable image):
How to make a hammock frame with your own hands
Where to hang a hammock?
While hanging a hammock between two trees is probably the most common anchor points, there will be times when those ideal trees aren't present despite your best efforts to find them. Luckily, a reliable hammock and its heavy-duty hanging system can also be hung in places other than between two trees. And many of these spots are great if you only have one tree available and just need another anchor point to cling to.
Other possible hammock attachment points:
- Cars
- Goal posts
- Gazebos and pavilions
- Telephone poles
- Between the rocks
- Under one horizontal tree branch
Hanging between two trees is a good place to start if you're new to hammock camping. But finding the right trees is one of the hardest parts until you get your eye on it!
How to hang a hammock on poles
In the absence of trees and the reluctance to spend a lot of money to purchase a structure, they resort to the help of poles. The distance between the supports and the height of the hammock suspension are pre-calculated - usually 4-4.5 m and 2.5 m, respectively.
Calculation of the height of the support based on the distance between the pillars
For the upcoming work you must have:
- high-quality cement;
- perforator;
- pliers and hammer;
- hooks - self-tapping screws;
- metal poles with a diameter of 20cm and a sufficient height for attaching a hammock.
Then we take the following steps:
- we decide on the site;
- we dig holes up to 1 m deep at a distance of the length of the hammock plus half a meter;
- we concrete the pillars and let the concrete harden well;
- we hang fastenings on poles;
- we attach the hammock.
As soon as the work is completed, do not immediately fall into the hammock. You need to make sure your actions are correct once again. To do this, one person must fall sharply into the hammock, and another, standing in close proximity to the structures, must look to see if the pillars are tilted or if the ropes are untied.
Step-by-step instructions: how to hang a hammock
Traditionally, a hammock is usually hung on a tree, although any other vertical support is suitable for this purpose. To hang the structure correctly, you will need the product itself, a strong rope and a hook (Figure 1).
Figure 1. It is advisable to hang the hammock with a strong enough tension so that it does not sag
Installation of the structure in nature or a summer cottage is carried out as follows:
- If there are no suitable strong trees nearby, you can fix the product on poles dug into the ground at least a meter.
- It is also necessary to determine the distance between the supports. To do this, add 30 cm to the full length of the fabric. If the trees grow closer than the recommended distance, you can simply fasten the hooks a little higher.
- Each model includes rings with which it is attached to a tree or pole. It is important that the tree trunk is at least 20 cm in diameter. Then the structure will be strong and reliable.
- For hanging you will need two pieces of strong rope. They are threaded into rings and then tied to a tree.
If you do not have the opportunity to tie the structure to a tree or pole, it is better to immediately buy a frame model. It has a special metal stand that can be installed almost anywhere.
How to hang a hammock in an apartment: attaching it to the walls
Many people strive for comfort and reconnection with nature, even while in their apartment. When buying a hammock, few people think in advance about where and how to attach it. An incorrectly chosen location and poor-quality fastenings can lead to the destruction of the load-bearing structures of the room and subsequent major repairs. In order not to create problems and avoid negative consequences, you should follow these recommendations:
- The chosen place should be spacious and uncluttered, based on the fact that it is not easy to hang a hammock; it also has the ability to swing. Ideally, the distance between the walls should be 3-4 m (it is advisable to leave approximately 0.5-1 m to the right and left of the hammock to swing), and the ceiling height should be from 3 m. The height of the anchors for fastening should be approximately 1.8-2 m from the floor,
- Using a pencil, make marks on the walls taking into account how comfortable it will be for you to climb into the hammock.
- Holes are made in the wall to the length of the anchor bolts. To avoid overheating of the drill, you should first make the holes of a smaller diameter and then widen them.
- We clear the hole from dust and cement chips. You can use a flat screwdriver, a thin manicure file or another similar device for these purposes.
- Using a hammer, insert the anchor into the wall. Attach the hook to it and tighten the nut clockwise until it stops.
- We do the same with the second wall. We thread the rope through the hooks, make knots and hang the hammock.
Helpful information! Avoid installing hooks in wooden posts, pipes, or other fragile surfaces that will not withstand the load of the hammock with a person there.
Useful video instructions on how to hang a hammock in a house or apartment:
Hanging hammock under the loft bed
The simplest option is when the house has a loft bed. Preferably iron. Then hanging such a device will not be difficult. The metal bed can easily support any weight; it has thick rods on which you can hang a hammock using the ropes. In Decathlon, a simple hammock that can be tied anywhere costs 1000 rubles, it can even support an adult up to 100 kg - we checked it ourselves. The main thing is not for an adult to jump in it. Even in the smallest apartment, if you have a loft bed, you can add a hammock.
What to do if there is no bunk bed?
How to hang a hammock on the balcony: mounting to the ceiling
If there is no other free space in the apartment, but you really want to relax in a hammock, you can allocate a balcony for this purpose. As a rule, there is not enough space for a full-fledged structure. Therefore, manufacturing plants have launched the production of hammocks - armchairs, hammocks - pears, which are attached not to the walls, but to the ceiling. Installation rules vary and depend on what material was used to make the mounting base.
Floor hammock chair
If there is a wooden beam on the ceiling, then the fastening is done in the manner of a swing (using two fastenings). The main point is to tie the knots so that the hammock does not break at the wrong moment. If you have a concrete or stone slab, it is possible to mount it with one hook. You need to drill one hole, drive an anchor bolt into it, screw a nut into it and attach a hook. Then a thick and strong rope is attached to the hook for hanging the hammock.
Attaching a compact hammock chair
Recommendations from experts! Before purchasing self-tapping screws for a hammock, consult with the seller. A significant load on the bolt can cause the hammock to fall and cause abrasions and injuries to a person.
How to secure a hammock in the country?
Hammock between the trees
To secure a hammock with tree supports, use a “noose” knot. This option of tying a knot is suitable when the rope needs to be secured around something - for example, a tree. The “noose” is easy to untie, which is convenient when you quickly need to remove the hammock from the tree.
TIP: The distance between the trees should be 20–30 cm greater than the length of the hammock canvas. This way, after installation, the hammock will not sag too low. And the diameter of each tree should be approximately 20 cm. And the height of the hammock hanging above the ground is 1.5–2 meters. Make sure that the wood is secure, without splits or serious damage.
How to tie a figure eight knot to secure a hammock between trees. Scheme
Wicker hammock between trees
Hammock between pillars
If there are no trees, then pillars/metal pipes/veranda beams, etc. can serve as supports. In the case of pillars, it is important to know a few rules:
The height and diameters of the supports, as in the case of trees, are 20 cm in diameter, 1.5–2 meters above the ground. The distance between the posts - add 20–30 cm to the length of the hammock fabric.
If the length of the pillars is about two meters, then the burial depth should be at least half a meter. To ensure that the supports are reliable, concrete is poured into the bottom of the beam pit and the supports are placed in it. So, the soil will not become soggy over time due to rain. The fasteners are the same as for trees.
Wicker hammock between trees
How to climb onto a hammock correctly
How to use a hammock correctly without causing injury to yourself? There are certain safety regulations that must be strictly followed. They are as follows:
- Approach the hammock with your back and sit in the middle. Straighten the hammock material so that its top is level with the person’s shoulders. Then lean back on the hammock and spread it underneath you.
- Lie down gently in the hammock without making any sudden movements. First the body is laid down, then the legs are thrown in. You will be in it like in a cocoon.
- In the hammock, you can carefully turn over and take a comfortable position. The main thing is that the design is reliable.
Rules for using a hammock
In order for a recreational device to please you for a long time, to give you the opportunity to have a great time, completely rest, relax, and be filled with strength and energy for further achievements, it is necessary not only to hang the structure well, but also to properly operate it.
The basic rules for using a hammock are as follows:
- The hammock should be hung at such a distance as to avoid its contact with the ground. Otherwise, over time it will become dirty and will not be able to swing.
- When relaxing in a hammock, avoid smoking and using sharp objects. They can cause cuts and holes in the product, which will render it completely unusable.
- When purchasing a fabric hammock, it must be constantly dried and ventilated. Otherwise, fungus and mold will appear on the fabric.
- If the hammock is not going to be used for a long time, it must be removed, packed and placed in a warm and dry place for long-term storage. It would be nice to put anti-moth tablets in a fabric copy.
- Fabric hammocks can be washed at a temperature of 30 degrees. Otherwise he may sit down. If there are cross bars, the hammock can be washed by hand.
- When purchasing a mesh hammock, before using it, you should lay a thick blanket or blanket there. If this is not done, the entire body will be “covered” with a mesh.
- To protect against mosquitoes, flies, and beetles, use a mosquito net.
- If the tree trunk is slippery or too rough, and the attached rope can rub against the bark, you need to wrap the trunk with artificial leather or thick fabric.
