Hammocks are relaxing, but how sure are you that a hammock can hold your weight?
First of all, a hammock is intended to hold a person’s weight. Some could even hold two people.
However, people are built differently and have varying weights.
Some are heavier than others and may be conscious about sitting or lying in a hammock thinking they may break it.
So, how much weight can hammocks support?
Let’s discuss.
Hammocks vary in material, weight, and purpose. Every hammock also has a different weight limit. Generally, they can hold between 200 and 800 pounds. Heavier individuals must read the label to ensure they could get comfortable in the hammock. When buying a hammock, the weight limit should be one of the things you consider.
How Much Weight Can Most Hammocks Hold? Examples By Brand
There is no standard on how much weight a hammock holds.
Generally, it ranges between 200 and 800 pounds.
Here’s the breakdown:
- Single hammocks usually hold between 200 and 400 pounds
- Double hammocks may hold between 400 and 600 pounds
- Heavy-duty hammocks can accommodate up to 800 pounds
Hammocks differ in material and size, which affects weight capacity.
The weight limit will help you decide if the hammock you are eyeing is the right one for you.
To give you an idea of how much weight most hammocks hold, let’s take a look at the most popular hammock brands and how much weight their most popular products support:
Eagles Nest Outfitters
ENO, founded by the Pinholster brothers in 1999, set out to change the hammocking world with its hammocks sold in a van outside music festivals and other community gatherings. It is one of the brands trusted in the backpacking industry.
| Product | Item weight | Weight capacity |
| TravelNest | 794 grams | 400 pounds |
| TechNest | 510 grams | 350 pounds |
| SkyLoft | 1.3 kilograms | 250 pounds |
| JungleNest | 567 grams | 300 pounds |
Warbonnet Outdoors
Brandon Waddy started Warbonnet in 2008 and it quickly became known for creating high-quality and lightweight hammocks. Every line is made in small batches to ensure quality over quantity.
| Product | Item weight | Weight capacity |
| Single Layer Blackbird XLC | 726 grams | 350 pounds |
| Heavyweight Double Blackbird XLC | 998 grams | 400 pounds |
| Single Layer Ridgerunner | 544 grams | 200 pounds |
| Double Layer Ridgerunner | 635 grams | 250 pounds |
Wise Owl Outfitters
Wise Owl Outfitters sells backcountry and backyard gear for outdoor enthusiasts. It has hammocks, accessories, and many other items for backpacking and camping for every season.
| Product | Item weight | Weight capacity |
| Single Camping Hammock | 454 grams | 400 pounds |
| Double Camping Hammock | 454 grams ++ | 500 pounds |
Hennessy Hammock
A magazine once dubbed a Hennessy Hammock product “the coolest tent in the world.” The brand has been making cool tents for the past 20 years. It also continues to make innovative hammocks for outdoor enthusiasts.
| Product | Item weight | Weight capacity |
| 4Season Survivorman Zip XL | 2.5 kilograms | 350 pounds |
| Jungle Expedition Zip | 1.3 kilograms | 250 pounds |
| Ultralite Backpacker Classic | 868 grams | 200 pounds |
| Leaf Lounger XL | 700 grams | 300 pounds |
| Cub Zip | 924 grams | 120 pounds |
Grand Trunk
Founded in 2001, Grand Trunk makes comfortable outdoor gear to encourage people to go out more and discover the wonders of the earth. It offers a lifetime warranty for all its products, which suggests confidence in its hammocks.
| Product | Item weight | Weight capacity |
| Trunktech | 499 grams | 500 pounds |
| Double Deluxe | 793 grams | 400 pounds |
| Ultralight Starter | 340 grams | 300 pounds |
How Important Is Weight Limit?
When buying a hammock, always check the manufacturer’s weight limit, which you can find on the packaging or information page.
It is there for a reason.
Manufacturers are basically telling you that if you weigh over 200 pounds, then don’t go for the Hennessy Hammock Ultralite Backpacker Classic.
Instead, choose the Jungle Expedition Zip or Leaf Lounger XL.
And no one will stop you if you prefer the 4Season Survivorman Zip XL, which can hold a maximum weight of 350 pounds.
It doesn’t matter if you have a home hammock or the backpacking one, the weight limit is just as important.
One of the reasons you purchase a hammock is the comfort it provides.
There will be no such comfort if you break it just because you didn’t check the manufacturer’s weight limit.
Even if it doesn’t break, your mind won’t be at ease knowing you are a heavier person on a hammock with a lower weight limit.
It Doesn’t Stop at the Weight Limit
And just because you have the 500-pound Wise Owl Outfitters Double Camping Hammock doesn’t mean you can rest easy.
You still need to attach your hammock properly, whether you use trees, while backpacking or camping, or brick walls when installing a hammock at home.
You also need the right accessories to ensure the hammock remains sturdy and will support you overnight or however long you stay in it.
The hammock suspension system also has a weight capacity label.
Plus, anything you add to the hammock, pillow, blanket, and sleeping pad, among others, will add weight.
Final Thoughts
When you buy a hammock, one of the most important questions you must raise is: How much weight can a hammock hold?
Choosing the right hammock means digging into your purpose, selecting the suitable material based on your goal, and looking at the weight limit.
A hammock with a higher weight capacity will allow you to share a relaxing day or night with a family member, significant other, or friend.
The perfect weight is all up to you.