Top Hammocks for 2023

woman with a dog in a hammock near a lake
Courtesy of Ilya Kovalchuk
  • There are numerous hammocks on the market for all kinds of needs:
    • Best Overall for 2023
    • Best with a Stand
    • Best Swing Chair
    • Best for Camping
    • Best Rope Hammocks
    • Best Double Hammocks

Whether outdoors or indoors, hammocks boast several benefits for improved posture, enhanced comfort, and sleep efficacy. The structure of a hammock prevents tossing and turning, which results in back pain, and the swaying motion lulls one to sleep better than a bassinet. But, there are countless types of hammocks with varying fabrics, tensions, and support systems. To ease your purchasing questions, here are our top hammocks for 2023.

Best Hammock for 2023

Yellow Leaf Signature

Courtesy of Yellow Leaf

As seen on the hit show Shark Tank, Yellow Leaf Hammocks’ Signature Hammock is our pick for the top hammock in 2023. For only $199, the lightweight hammock boasts a sleek look, feels ultra-comfortable, and supports a good cause. The high-quality fabric is weather-safe and endures rain, snow, or shine without rot or mold. Each product comprises 15,000 hand-woven loops, and the Classic size stretches 10 feet and supports up to 400 pounds. Family-size versions are slightly larger at 11 feet and sustain up to 550 pounds. Their signature, eye-catching product comes in 13 variants and includes a customizable option.

Set up is easy. These versatile hammocks need only two sturdy connection points attached to the included straps. From there, it’s as simple as placing the main loop on the hook and relaxing the day away. While primarily hung, these pieces fit nicely into stands, and Yellow Leaf recommends their own Hammock Throne for the job. Tote bags for easy transport are provided with purchase, and they offer free shipping in the United States.

Courtesy of Yellow Leaf

But there’s a story behind how these pieces came to be. While on vacation in Thailand, the company’s co-founder, Joe, traversed the country’s northern regions on a motorcycle ride. On his adventure, he encountered the Mlabri Tribe, whose name means “The People of the Yellow Leaves,” and he rested from his journey in one of their hammocks. Today, Yellow Leaf works with the Mlabri people, and a significant portion of revenue from sales goes back to the weavers to support their community. Most of the weavers are women, and their names are stamped on every tag.

Best Hammock with a Stand

Outsunny Arc Hammock with Canopy

Outsunny’s Arc Hammock with Canopy is the quintessential pool-side hammock. Perfect for patios, pools, and gardens, its contemporary wood and cotton design inspires dreams of sand, coconuts, and the smell of SPF. The slender wooden curvature, made of Russian larch, turns upward to support a canopy, sometimes called a sunbrella, to shield the eyes and face from harmful sun rays. In addition, its fabric is weather resistant and reduces the likelihood of fading, staining, mold, and dry rot.

This combination of style and comfort will transport you back to the beach for just $355.99. Spending the afternoon in a sunny haze is what hammock days are all about.

Best Hammock Chair

Kings River Swing Lounger Chair

The best of both worlds, this next hammock combines the leisurely bliss of a swing with the familiar trappings of a chair. Whether inside knitting or fishing by the lake, Kings River’s Swing Lounger Hammock Chair fits perfectly indoors or outdoors. This new travel and camping essential costs $74.99, supports up to 300 pounds, and comes in vibrant shades such as Pepper Green, Tap Shoe, and Hawaiian Surf. Made of lightweight aluminum, the chair offers trouble-free folding, and storage in the accompanying travel bag is as easy as squeezing the arms together.

Designed for comfort, the hammock includes an attached pillow for neck and head support. In addition, the ribbed chairback supports spinal stability, and the padding prevents typical and uncomfortable bending in the fabric. Among its many features, the chair includes an integrated cup holder attached to the hardware to ensure a never-spill situation. A tripod leg structure guarantees steadiness without compromising a full range of motion.

Best Camping Hammock

Warbonnet Original Blackbird

Warbonnet Original Blackbird Hammock in the woods
Courtesy of Warbonnet Outdoors

For the adventurer and outdoorsman, the Warbonnet Original Blackbird is the top camping hammock on the market. A world-class purveyor of hammocks, Warbonnet designs with camping in mind. This made-in-the-USA brand capably handles extreme climates, from the winter snow of New York to the arid terrain of New Mexico. Warbonnet makes the Original Blackbird with their proprietary Deam-Tex fabric blend, and its durable yet comfortable cotton-like texture retains its stability for several years.

For only $175, the Original Blackbird offers more features than typical hammocks. One of the primary draws for the product is the built-in bug net, which has a zipper for entering and exiting but is movable. The elastic guylines ensure the net is taut and out of the way. Sleeping comfortably in hammocks often proves difficult, but the foot box — an area towards the end with extra fabric — provides extra foot space. A desirable feature, the product includes a “shelf” — a pocket on the side — for storing essentials.

person sleeping in the Warbonnet Original Blackbird hammock
Courtesy of Warbonnet Outdoors

Additionally, Warbonnet sells accessories to improve comfort. For example, products such as top and under quilts retain warmth in exceptionally cold conditions, and tarps keep users dry and out of the rain.

Best Rope Hammock

Miami Rope Series

From plastic to polyester, Fab Habitat‘s Miami Rope hammocks showcase classic boho charm. Fab Habitat uses recycled plastic bottles, typically soda bottles, to create a polyester weave. Due to their material, the Miami Rope series is resistant to mold, mildew, UV damage, and staining. Comfortably fit for two, the product sustains up to 460 pounds. The hardwood spreader bar keeps ropes taut and minimizes dipping and tangling. Miami Rope hammocks come in varying shades and are great for indoor and outdoor use.

Best Double Hammock

ENO DoubleNest

Two people in an ENO hammock looking off to the mountainside
Courtesy of NBC

After a long day of flying, birds return to their roost, and ENO’s DoubleNest cradles more than one egg. This double hammock — one that fits two people — is a refreshed and refurbished version of ENO’s original. The triple-stitch seamed product expands to 9.5 feet in length, weighs only 19 ounces, and supports up to 400 pounds. In addition, ENO hammocks come with integrated packing bags, and the sack rests on the side when in use. When packaged, the bag is about the size of a grapefruit. The hammock fits easily into the bag due to crinkle-resistant FreeWave® fabric and is secured with a drawstring and buckle. Despite the increased size, DoubleNest remains compatible with other ENO accessories.

ENO keeps sustainability and philanthropy at the heart of their company. DoubleNest and their other hammocks are approved by bluesign® — an organization that ensures sustainable sourcing and production practices. Additionally, ENO plants two trees per hammock sold. When purchasing the DoubleNest, consider buying from the Giving Back Series; hammocks from this series feature standout patterns and each print supports six nonprofit organizations, including Appalachian Trail Conservancy, Leave No Trace, and the National Park Foundation.

From hanging on the patio to hanging in the woods, these top hammocks for 2023 embody the spirit of summer. Now you need a place to go; check out our top lake-based travel destinations for your next adventure.

Yellow Leaf Hammocks was featured on the hit show Shark Tank.

Yellow Leaf Hammocks are made by the Mlabi people in Thailand

Unlike many contemporary hammocks, Outsunny’s Arc Hammock has an integrated hammock.

The Kings River’s Swing Lounger Hammock Chair is made of lightweight aluminum, easy to store, includes a pillow, and has a built-in cupholder.

Warbonnet makes their hammocks in the United States.

The Original Blackbird by Warbonnet costs $175.

A footbox is an area towards the end of a hammock with extra fabric that provides extra foot space.

Due to their material, the Miami Rope series is resistant to mold, mildew, UV damage, and staining.

bluesign® is an organization that ensures sustainable sourcing and production practices.

Hammocks from this series feature standout patterns and each print supports six nonprofit organizations, including Appalachian Trail Conservancy, Leave No Trace, and the National Park Foundation.

Camping Series #4: Five Camping Gear Must-Haves

Photo courtesy of Fresh Off the Grid.

You might be familiar with the famous Franz Kafka quote: “Better to have and not need than to need and not have.” This quote certainly applies to camping gear. When you’re in the woods, it’s every camper’s nightmare to need something that you’ve forgotten at home desperately. 

However, this rule is difficult to follow when there’s limited space in your backpack or car. How can you know what’s essential? To help you with that list of essentials, our final installment in our Camping Series is dedicated to the topic. Check out this list of five camping gear must-haves for your next outdoor adventure.

Bag Water Bottles

When you’re out camping, especially with a smaller backpack, space is precious. Carrying around an empty Camelback or Swell can feel like a serious waste of room in your pack, although these are excellent brands. 

While plastic water bottles are certainly an option because you can crumple them when you’re done, they are not reusable and wasteful to the environment—introducing the perfect solution – bag water bottles. 

This piece of camping gear’s novelty is that they’re both foldable and reusable. When you’re done, fold the bag in your backpack to save space and refill it when you’re ready! Essentially, it’s every camper’s dream. You can find this product from brands like Platypus or on Amazon

Camp Kitchen

Portable Camp Kitchen – Costway.

If you’re out hiking for just an afternoon, it’s easy to pack a non-refrigerated sandwich like a classic PBJ or a Cliff Bar. However, when you’re camping overnight, you need more than just snacks. If you’re wondering how to replicate your home kitchen at a campsite, camp kitchens are the answer. 

Smaller kitchen supplies like the Soto Amicus Cookset are perfect for backpacking or picnic trips. This compact, lightweight piece includes two pots and a stove, ideal for cooking pasta in the woods. 

If you’re staying at a campsite with the luxury of bringing your car, try this set from Trail Kitchens. Portable, yet comprehensive, this piece of camping gear is ideal for outdoor trips with large groups. 

Portable Furniture

Photo courtesy of Caleigh Waldman via NYTimes.com.

When roasting marshmallows around the fire at your campsite, you may not be lucky enough to find solid logs for sitting. And even then, it might be uncomfortable. Incorporate more relaxation into your camping trip with portable furniture. 

For low-to-the-ground seating, Crazy Creek chairs are an excellent choice. The original chair has been popular for over 30 years, earning the title of “toughest gear” from Backpacker Magazine. For more elevation from the ground, check out the co-op chair from REI. Sturdy, flexible, and easy to assemble; this product is ideal for campers. 

Headlamp

Photo courtesy of Vincent Guth via Popular Science.

Although stars are undoubtedly brighter when you’re out in the woods than at your lake house, they likely won’t be sufficient for guiding your way if you’re lost. If you’re camping overnight, a high-quality headlamp is a must-have piece of hiking equipment. 

One of the top-ranked products is the Petzel Actik Core Headlamp. With night vision features and a rechargeable battery, this piece of camping gear is sure to last for years of adventures. However, it’s also not necessary to break the bank on a headlamp. 

For a more affordable option, check out the similar Petzel Tikkina Headlamp. Although it isn’t rechargeable, it comes with multiple lighting levels and an adjustable head strap. 

Collapsible Dog Bowl

Photo courtesy of The Dog Outdoors.

If you frequently go on camping adventures with your pup, a collapsible dog bowl is an essential piece of camping gear. Since it’s foldable, it can easily store in your backpack, and you can reuse it whenever your dog needs a refreshing drink of water. Ruffwear’s collapsible dog bowl is one of the top brands, made with a durable fabric. 

Besides dog bowls, this company makes various camping and outdoor activity equipment for our furry companions. 

For more information about camping, check out our previous blog posts in the Camping Series. From activities like starting a campfire to pitching a tent, we’re covering the essentials of braving the great outdoors. 

Camping Series #2: Pitching a Tent

Photo courtesy of Pinterest.

Nothing says “autumn” more than a good old fashioned camping trip near your lake house. This time of year, roasting marshmallows and sleeping under the stars is a great way to get in touch with nature. However, this classic activity comes with some arduous responsibilities, such as building a campfire. But perhaps the most daunting task is pitching a tent. Unless you’re a seasoned camper or former Eagle scout, this endeavor isn’t intuitive. With so many poles, ties, and fabric, how do you know where to start? To help you prepare for your next camping adventure, we’ve compiled a list of pointers for pitching a tent!

1. Make Sure You Have Everything

Photo courtesy of Fresh Air Junkie.

There’s nothing worse than starting your journey, being deep in the woods, reaching into your tent bag, and realizing that you’re missing pieces. You don’t want to be stranded without everything you need to construct your tent. As such, it’s best to make sure everything’s in the bag first. Ideally, you should accomplish this step before you leave your lake house. Better yet — set up a practice tent in your backyard by the water! 

Depending on the type of tent that you have, the required components will be different. However, the most standard tents include the main body, a rain fly, ground cloth, and stakes.

2. Lay the Groundwork

Photo courtesy of Camping Maniacs.

Just like a proper foundation is essential for any home, it’s also crucial for pitching a tent. This means choosing a site with a flat surface and clearing away any sharp rocks, twigs, and stones from the general area. After all, you want to create a comfortable environment conducive to sleeping soundly. Once you’ve found your spot, lay all of your components out of the bag onto the ground and line them up visibly. This way, you’ll be able to assemble them quickly without fumbling around at every step. 

Once you’ve found a spot, cleared the ground, and laid out your pieces, the real work comes next. First, lay the tent’s main body on top of the ground cloth. The hooks should be facing up so that you can assemble the poles later. Typically, the tent corners have color-coded tags, making sure the colors on the ground cloth align with those on the main body.

3. Assemble the Poles

Photo courtesy of REI.

Usually, a standard tent comes with four poles – two larger ones and two smaller ones. Since the tent curves at the top, assemble the poles so that the smaller pieces are facing towards the center. Then, lay the assembled poles onto the main body and set them up one at a time. 

To set up a pole, first, insert the end piece into the holder on the tag. Then loop it through the provided slots in the tent, as though you’re looping a belt onto a pair of jeans. Once you’ve pulled the pole through all the loops, insert the other end into the hole or slot provided. Repeat the process for other poles! 

If this step is the most frustrating for you, you’re not alone! It’s the most detailed step, and you’re bound to make errors, especially if this is your first time pitching a tent. If you’re camping with others, ask for help on this part to minimize errors. 

4. Stake the Tent

Photo courtesy of GudGear.com.

Each corner of the tent should come with loops for staking. Loop these features around the stake. Then, using a foot or hammer, stake the tent into the ground at a 45-degree angle (this angle should be facing away from the tent to create tension and keep the tent standing). Do this for all four corners of the tent. As a pro tip, it’s helpful to stake opposite corners first for the utmost stability. 

Finally, slide the rain fly over the tent’s top and attach it to the same loop as the stake loops. Hopefully, you won’t catch too much rain. But if you’re unlucky, there’s plenty of advice on pitching a tent in bad weather.

5. Enjoy the Tent

Photo courtesy of @heidi.mag via Twenty20.

Finally, your tent is ready! It’s time to unroll your sleeping bags inside and enjoy your camping trip to the fullest. Clean air and cool temps make for the best sleeping experience. Waking up to a slice of nature is divine. If you have never tent camped or if it has been a while, do yourself a favor and reconnect with the natural world in a tent!

Camping Series #1: A Guide to Campfires

Photo courtesy of lovetoknow.com.

Especially in the fall, camping is a fan-favorite hobby for lake homeowners who love the outdoors. There’s nothing better than waking to beautiful foliage when the leaves are in peak season

Since the air is crisp this time of year, making a bonfire is a beloved part of camping. However, if you’ve recently been watching the news in California, you’re aware of how wildfires can quickly spread. 

Luckily, there are plenty of ways to stay safe while still enjoying a warm fire on the trail. Check out our advice on how to create a safe and fun bonfire while camping this fall! 

Know the Local Rules

Photo courtesy of Zion National Park.

Depending on your campground, the rules surrounding where and when you can light a fire may differ. It’s best to call the campground or visitor center before making the trip (and before you lose cell phone service in the woods) so you can find out the regulations.

These fire rules can also change depending on weather conditions. If it’s been windy or dry lately, for example, the park might ban campfires due to potential hazards.

Use Local Kindling Wood

When choosing wood to start a campfire, be sure to buy it near the campground. Better yet, choose a variety of sticks and tree branches from the local campground.

 If you buy wood elsewhere, you never know what pests it might bring along with it! The last thing you want to do is introduce non-native pests to the natural environment. 

Once you have the firewood, remember not to stack them in a dense pile. Instead, lay down larger pieces in a crosshatch pattern (much like when playing Jenga).

Place the dried leaves and twigs at the bottom of your “tower’ and light the fire. For more detailed insight, check out REI’s video “How to Build a Campfire.” 

Know What Accelerants to Use

Photo courtesy of lovetoknow.com.

Next to starting a fire, the second challenge is keeping the fire going. Perhaps “gasoline” is the first word that comes to mind when you think of accelerants, but it’s hazardous to add gas to a campfire.

Instead, stick to using lighter fluids if you must use an accelerant — and remember to never use it directly on open flames. Also, be sure to confirm with the campground’s visitor center that the use of lighter fluids is okay. 

Besides accelerant products, one practical way to create long-lasting campfires is by picking the right wood. Dry wood will burn quickly, but wetter woods tend to burn slower. If you can, choose the latter! 

Don’t Sit So Close

Photo courtesy of Marthastewart.com.

Although you created the fire, you’re not immune to getting burned. As a general rule, campfires should be close enough for marshmallow roasting but far away to prevent burning your hands. 

Also, remember that fires can burn synthetic materials. So, keep your fleece coat’s wellbeing in mind, as well as your own, next time you build a campfire. As for the distance from your tent, a good rule of thumb is 50 feet.

Extinguish Properly

Photo courtesy of REI.

According to the National Parks Service, almost 85% of wildland fires are caused by humans. This statistic includes campfires that are left unattended and not extinguished properly. 

To keep the site safe, be sure to extinguish the fire with water (but don’t stand too close to the steam), then stir the ashes and pour water again. You should repeat this process until the ashes are cool to the touch. 

Although some recommend it, don’t use dirt or sand to extinguish campfires. In doing so, hot coals can remain insulated and cause another flame. 

Before leaving the campsite, remember to burn trash that can be fully consumed by fire. Anything that can’t burn (e.g., plastic, cans, and aluminum foil) should be carried and thrown away accordingly. It’s just good etiquette! 

As nature lovers who live on the lake, we find it essential to leave no trace when camping. By taking these precautions, you can ensure that your campfires are safe, effective, and fun! 

Online Spotlight: Lake-Link: “Beyond The Water”

Lake-Link

 

 

The Midwest’s largest site dedicated to fishing!

Lake-Link provides fishing reports, topographical maps, a lake database and message boards and much more!

Additionally, the site features articles, fishing tips and tactics, moon charts. 

Outdoor enthusiasts from New York to the Dakotas have a valuable resource in Lake-Link, a website with everything from fish reports and boating equipment bargains, to forums on camping and archery.

This site also allows anglers to buy discount bear bait online (Lake-Link’s tagline is “Beyond the Water.”)

Lake-Link offers visitors customized outdoor information and resources across 12 states from the eastern seaboard to the Rockies.

For sale-priced j-plugs, tales of the meanest walleye, on-demand outdoor radio shows and more, visit www.lake-link.com.

20 Items That Belong In Your First Aid Kit

Illnesses and injuries can happen anywhere and run the risk of ruining your lake outing. Making sure you have the right first aid kit can really make a difference in how potential problems are addressed. It is always safe to make sure you are prepared and double check to make sure that you have everything that you need.

You can always pick up a ready made first aid kit from the store, but if you would like a more comprehensive kit that will prepare you for most occasions, read on.

Bandages

Cuts and scrapes can happen anytime and anywhere, especially when you are outdoors hiking the lake or even boating. You must make sure that you have everything you need to bandage up those bumps and cuts. Here are some of the bandage supplies you will need on your camping trip.
• Medical tape
• Pads for blisters
• Sterile gauze
• Adhesive bandages in a variety of sizes such as butterfly bandages and triangular bandages.

Sterilization and Infection Prevention

Those cuts and scrapes that you get can soon become infected if you do not have the proper supplies to prevent that from occurring. Here are a list of items that you will need to take with you on your camping trip that will help prevent you and your family from getting an infection.
• Cotton swabs
• Prep wipes containing alcohol
• Antibacterial cream
• Hand sanitizer to use to clean your hands with before you handle the first aid kit.

Medications

Photo courtesy of Yachting Pages.

Aches and pain can happen at any time, but are especially common when you are hiking or doing any kind of physical activity. It is important to bring certain over-the-counter medications with you to help relieve pain.
• Pain relievers such as Tylenol, Aleve, or Advil.
• Digestive medication for nausea and diarrhea.
• Allergy medications

Tools and Gadgets

These tools will help you prepare bandages, remove sharp objects such as splinters, and more.
• Scissors
• Tweezers
• Digital thermometer
• Safety pins

Sprays and Creams

You are bound to encounter bugs in the outdoors so it is beneficial that you have the right sprays and creams to keep those bugs away or treat bug bites.
• Anti-itch creams
• Burn relief sprays
• Bug sprays
• Petroleum jelly

Finally, adding a first aid manual to your kit will also help with anything that you may not be sure about. Purchase a large waterproof container to put your first aid supplies in and double check for everything before you go. It is better to be safe than sorry so make sure you have everything you need in case of an emergency.

For a comprehensive list of essential safety items to keep at your home, keep reading here.