Hammock Options Guide
This guide explains hammock fabrics, sizes, suspension systems, and accessories to help you understand your configuration choices. Available selections vary by model; refer to the individual product listing.
Hammock Length and Sizing
Hammock length is primarily based on your height, although fabric width and personal preference can influence comfort.
| Length | General height guidance |
|---|---|
| 9 ft | Under 5′2″ |
| 10 ft | Up to 5′10″ |
| 11 ft | Up to 6′6″ |
| 12 ft | Taller users |
These are general guidelines. Wider hammocks may allow some users to comfortably use a shorter length. The Starter also offers an 8-foot size, primarily suited to smaller users. Streamliner length is measured along the center of the hammock rather than its shaped edges.
Hammock Fabrics and Layers
Hammock fabric affects weight, durability, stretch, and finished width. Most hammocks are available in single- or double-layer construction.
Single Layer: One layer of hammock fabric, generally providing the lightest configuration.
Double Layer: Two fabric layers provide additional strength and increased weight capacity. Double-layer capacities are not simply the sum of the individual fabric ratings.
Fabric Weight Capacities
The table below compares single-layer capacities with established double-layer capacities using two identical fabric layers.
| Fabric | Single layer | Double layer |
|---|---|---|
| Hexon 1.2 | 275 lbs | 400 lbs |
| Hexon 1.6 | 350 lbs | 525 lbs |
| Hexon Wide 1.6 | 350 lbs | 525 lbs |
| HyperD 1.6 | 300 lbs | 500 lbs |
| MTN 1.2 XL | 275 lbs | 450 lbs |
| MTN 1.7 XL | 400 lbs | 600 lbs |
| HEX70 XL 2.2 | 400 lbs | 600 lbs |
| Monolite 1.0 | 200 lbs | 275 lbs |
| Charcoal Grey nylon ripstop 1.4 | 250 lbs | 400 lbs |
| Green Tea nylon ripstop 1.6 | 300 lbs | 500 lbs |
| Foliage Grey nylon ripstop 1.9 | 350 lbs | 550 lbs |
Standard double-layer options use the same fabric for both layers; mixed-fabric configurations can be discussed individually.
Finished Fabric Widths
Finished widths are approximate and rounded to the nearest inch. Standard construction generally uses the advertised fabric width minus 3 inches for hems.
| Fabric | Approx. finished width |
|---|---|
| Hexon 1.2 | 57″ |
| Hexon 1.6 | 57″ |
| Hexon Wide 1.6 | 69″ |
| HyperD 1.6 | 57″ |
| MTN 1.2 XL | 65″ |
| MTN 1.7 XL | 71″ |
| HEX70 XL 2.2 | 71″ |
| Monolite 1.0 | 60″ |
| Charcoal Grey nylon ripstop 1.4 | 57″ |
| Green Tea nylon ripstop 1.6 | 59″ |
| Foliage Grey nylon ripstop 1.9 | 71″ |
Starter exception: Foliage Grey finishes approximately 66″ wide on the Starter.
Streamliner: Finished width at the center is approximately 10″ narrower than the corresponding standard hammock made from the same fabric. For example, a 57″ standard width becomes approximately 47″.
Pad Openings
Double-layer hammocks can be configured with or without a pad opening. A pad opening is required to insert a sleeping pad between the fabric layers.
Structural Ridgelines
A structural ridgeline helps maintain consistent hammock sag within proper setup limits, making setup more repeatable.
| Option | Function |
|---|---|
| No Ridgeline | Hammock sag is controlled through the suspension setup |
| Fixed Ridgeline | Maintains a consistent hammock sag |
| Adjustable Ridgeline | Allows you to fine-tune hammock sag |
Available options vary by model. Trail Lair requires a fixed structural ridgeline.
Suspension Systems
Suspension connects the hammock to its anchor points. Systems differ in weight, adjustment method, hardware, and setup preference.
| Option | Description |
|---|---|
| Cinch Buckles | Adjustable strap-and-buckle suspension |
| Whoopie Slings | Lightweight adjustable rope suspension used with tree straps and connection hardware |
| Beetle Buckles | Adjustable buckle system using compatible straps |
| No Suspension | For customers supplying their own compatible suspension |
Whoopie Sling Connection Hardware
| Hardware | Description |
|---|---|
| Aluminum Toggles | Used with a Marlinspike hitch |
| Climbing-Rated Aluminum Carabiners | Quick connections between whoopie slings and tree straps |
| Dutch Whoopie Hooks | Small titanium hooks that connect whoopie slings to compatible tree straps |
Continuous Loops
Continuous loops connect the hammock’s gathered ends to compatible suspension systems.
| Option | Description |
|---|---|
| Removable Loops | Can be removed or replaced without opening the end channels |
| Permanent Loops | Installed through the end channels, allowing the fabric to spread slightly more at the gathered ends |
Head Left / Head Right
Direction is defined from the sleeper’s perspective while lying on their back and looking toward their feet.
Head Left: Your head is positioned toward the left side of the hammock.
Head Right: Your head is positioned toward the right side of the hammock.
On hammocks that support either diagonal lay, accessory locations may still be configured for a preferred sleeping direction.
Hammock Accessories
Comfort and Attachment
| Accessory | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Knotty Mods | Adjustable shock cord gathers the hammock’s loose side fabric |
| Underquilt Hooks | Provide attachment points about 20" from the hammock ends for compatible underquilt suspension |
| Knee and Shoulder Tie Outs | Allow guylines to pull the hammock sides outward, opening the interior and holding loose fabric away; also useful for attaching accessories |
Storage
| Accessory | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Peak Shelf | Elevated storage near the gathered end for clothing and lightweight items |
| Ridgeline Gear Pouch | 8 x 12" storage pouch for small items suspended along the ridgeline |
| Zippered Shoulder Pouch | 10 x 14" enclosed storage near the sleeper’s shoulder |
Simply Light Designs hammocks are designed for one person. Each product listing identifies included equipment and available options.