Buying guide for Best floating hammocks
Lounging in the sun and cooling off in the water: what’s not to love about a floating hammock? Floating hammocks are a fun and affordable way to enjoy summer. Whereas inflatable rafts sit atop the water, keeping you relatively dry, floating hammocks are suspended just at the water’s surface. Your body is partially submerged in the water while your head rests above for maximum comfort.
Traditional hammocks feature a suspended middle section hung by two elevated ends. Floating hammocks — also called floating loungers — work on a similar principle. A thin middle section is suspended in the water and kept afloat by an inflatable outer edge. Some floating hammocks use air pillows to keep the ends afloat, while others feature an inflatable ring that runs the entirety of the hammock.
As floating hammocks are a small investment, they are readily available, and one can seem similar to another. Still, there are more advanced hammocks that add extra conveniences. Our guide offers you insight on the subtle differences and fun variations floating hammocks offer.
Key considerations
Type
Floating hammocks have two different types which we can describe as either “open” or “closed.” An open floating hammock is inflated at both ends, offering a head and footrest but no armrests. A closed hammock is inflated the entire way around.
Open floating hammocks tend to be less expensive and offer more variety in terms of positioning yourself. Closed hammocks are likely more expensive but may provide more overall comfort and come with convenient features.
Length
When choosing a size for your floating hammock, you don’t need one that is as long as you are tall. While your head rests on one end, your feet are intended to dangle off the other side to a certain extent. However, you don’t want a hammock so short that your legs are mostly in the water. A floating hammock that is no more than a foot shorter than you are tall is comfortable.
Weight capacity
Around 250 pounds tends to be the average weight allowance of floating hammocks. Some may be higher or lower depending on size and durability. Consider who will be using the hammock in the water and also whether more than one person will be on it at one time, such as a parent and child.
Assembly
As simple as they appear, some floating hammocks require assembly. All floating hammocks need to be inflated, but only certain styles come with inflatable pillows, which are slightly more complicated. You have to inflate them yourself (either with an air pump or your mouth) and insert them into the mesh openings on either end of the hammock. Some hammocks include the appropriate pumps, while others require you to purchase one separately.
For your safety
Be aware of windy days on the water. Floating hammocks offer little protection from waves and may upend your day of relaxation.
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Features
Variations
There are variations on the traditional floating hammock to consider. Some hammocks are versatile and can be used in different ways, while others have a static design.
Double hammock: Some floating hammocks are extra-large in size, designed to allow two people to lounge on the hammock at the same time. These are great if you have a partner or child you want to relax alongside in the water. However, this does not mean it has a greater weight allowance than a single floating hammock. A double is more expensive than a single.
Floating chair: Instead of the rectangular or oval shape of a hammock, a floating chair is circular. They are smaller and provide less comfort for your head, but because they have an inflatable ring all around, they are easier and cozier to use.
Saddle: An open floating hammock can also be used as a saddle, allowing you to sit more upright in the water. Instead of lying down and positioning your head and feet along the inflated ends, you sit upright in the middle with your legs draped over one side, using the ends as arm rests.
Mat: Instead of a thin piece of nylon or plastic to make up the middle “lounger” part of the hammock, some feature a thicker, more comfortable mat style instead. Where most floating hammocks are too thin to be used comfortably outside of the water, the mat style can be used on sand or grass. This style can be partially submerged, but you may want to add a little bit of extra padding when on the beach or in the park.
Colors
Part of summer fun involves choosing accessories with bright and vibrant colors. Floating hammocks come in all varieties of popular colors, and some even have specific designs and patterns.
Tethering
Closed hammocks may come with side clips or hooks to allow you to tether a rope from the hammock to another hammock, a dock, or other inflatable devices, such as a cooler or raft. This keeps you from floating too far while you relax.
Cup holders
Because closed floating hammocks are inflated all the way around, they may be designed with one or two cup holders along the side. While they do offer convenience, drinking an open beverage in a pool is always risky business. The size of the cupholder is not adjustable, they tend to be shallow, and movement and splashing leads to the chance that water gets in the drink or the drink goes in the water.
Accessories
Rash guard: Rash guards are shirts that protect you from the sun’s ultraviolet rays. They are comfortable and light when wet and also dry quickly. If you’re lounging for a long time in the water, a rash guard precludes you from having to regularly reapply sunscreen (at least to unexposed parts) and protects you from getting sunburned. You can find ones designed for men, women, and kids.
Waterproof speaker: Adding music to your day in the water can buoy spirits. A portable waterproof Bluetooth speaker offers convenience and entertainment poolside. Though a waterproof speaker may be able to get a little wet, you still wouldn’t want to drop it in the water.
Floating Bluetooth speaker: While any waterproof speaker can hang around the pool, only so many can float in it. A floating Bluetooth speaker offers more peace of mind and convenience than a portable waterproof speaker. However, the sound quality may not be quite as good as that of a traditional speaker.
Inflatable bar: For maximum convenience, you can have your beverage of choice nearby with an inflatable bar. They keep drinks cool and handy.
Floating hammock prices
Inexpensive
You can find a few floating hammocks for under $15. These are most likely the open type, offered in different colors.
Mid-range
Most floating hammocks are priced between $15 and $25. These may be open or closed and feature a variety of colors and designs.
Expensive
For over $25, your floating hammock should be durable and slightly above-average in size. This price range may also bundle the product with an air pump or tote bag.
Tips
Use a hand pump. If your purchase does not come with its own pump, it’s best to use a manual air pump. Because floating hammocks don’t require a great deal of air, it’s safer to avoid a fast electric pump that can overinflate and burst the material.
Use your hammock with water sports. The chair variation of the floating hammock is handy if you’re playing catch or volleyball in a backyard pool or a lake in depths over your head. You can float and move easily without expending too much energy trying to stay afloat on your own.
Drape a towel out of water. To use as a lounger on the beach or grass, it’s best to lay a towel over the top of the hammock. It’s slightly more comfortable and prevents you from getting too hot and sticky on the plastic materials.
Inflate one air pillow less than the other. If you’ve a floating hammock that comes with insertable air pillows of the same size, inflate one less than the other. The smaller one can be used for your feet to create a more comfortable experience.
- Do not use as a life preserver. Floating hammocks are meant for fun and recreational use and not as a lifesaving device. They do not offer security for those who cannot swim or need adult supervision.
FAQ
Q. How do I store my floating hammock?
A. Let the hammock dry before deflating, folding, and storing. It’s best to put it in a bag (some come with their own) and then set it aside in a cool, dry place. Extreme temperature changes may damage the hammock.
Q. Can I purchase replacement air pillows?
A. Some hammocks require special air pillows to be pumped up and then inserted into the mesh of the hammocks. Unfortunately, should one burst, replacements are hard to come by. In most cases, it’s easier and less expensive to simply buy a new floating hammock. While the original won’t be able to float in the water anymore, it can still be used as a lounger in the beach or park.
Q. Can you adjust the size of the hammock?
A. Unfortunately, the length of the hammock cannot be adjusted. If you’re buying specifically for a child, you may want to opt for a shorter one. However, most people fit comfortably in most floating hammocks when they’re in the water. If you intend to use the hammock occasionally on land, size is more of an issue.
