HAMMOCK POPULARITY IN UPSWING

October 09, 2019 6 min read

A smiling woman looking up, holding a drink in her hand and lounging in a hammock.

Audio Version

Why Hammocks are So Trendy These Days

Maybe you've seen them around your friend's cottage, while backpacking or camping, or maybe at the local spa. No matter where you are, there's usually a hammock close by.

But how did this seemingly simple product become so internationally known and loved by all who rest in one? To answer that question, here’s a look at reasons for the influx in hammock popularity over the years, including the many uses for hammocks and types of hammocks available.

HOW HAMMOCKS ARE BECOMING POPULAR

Hammocks are more popular now than they were 5, 10, and especially 100 years ago.

Hammock sales have more than doubled worldwide over the past five years. Companies have seen upwards of a 140% increase in hammock sales in recent years. And the global hammock market is expected to keep growing, with a forecasted 17% increase over four years—between 2017 and 2021.

While there are many factors driving this increase in hammock popularity, and making for popular hammock brands, the three major factors that are no doubt driving up hammock sales globally are:

More people getting out of the house and enjoying outdoor recreational activities;
Cool, innovative ideas for hammock materials, designs, and uses; and,
More campers and outdoor enthusiasts choosing to bring hammocks along on their outdoor adventures.

PREVIOUS USE FOR HAMMOCKS

Way back in history, hammocks were used as beds to keep people off the ground and safe from fatal creatures of the night.

In more recent times, hammocks became popular among hippies and retirees who appreciated the calm and relaxation that hammocking outdoors provides. And perhaps the hippies and retirees passed on their love of hammocks to their kids, who are now one of the largest generations buying hammocks and sharing an appreciation for the great outdoors.

WHAT'S CAUSING THE INCREASE IN POPULARITY?

Ease of Use, Convenience, & Portability

These days, you don’t have to be an outdoors survivalist to set up a hammock. With so many easy-to-use accessories (such as tree straps) hammocks are now simpler than ever to hang up and use.

Many hammocks have lightweight, portable fabrics with improved compact designs. They are easier to pack and carry, taking up very little space and weighing only around 1 lb.

Hammocks are also easier to set up compared to a tent. Instead of looking for the perfect flat spot to pitch a tent, you just need to find two trees that are well spaced and tie your hammock up with tree straps.

And if you’re hanging your hammock at home, and you don’t have two trees or posts to hang it from, all you need is a hammock stand.

Experience

Hammocks are products consumers can share with their friends and family and turn into an experience. Hammocking is a way to hang out with friends in the backyard, and it’s an inexpensive way to enjoy many afternoons.

Versatility

Hammocks these days are designed for everyone, not just the rugged outdoorsman. While you can still enjoy camping hammocks, there are so many types and uses for hammocks nowadays.

Some of the best hammocks available today are multipurpose hammocks because they offer a spot to chill both outdoors and indoors. And with living spaces becoming increasingly smaller in size, hammocks provide an excellent, affordable alternative to furniture that helps save space and money.

An Increased Love of the Outdoors

Outdoor activities are more popular than ever before. An increase in hectic, fast-paced lifestyles and health consciousness has led to an appreciation for nature, mindfulness, and wellbeing. And growing health consciousness has driven more people to take up outdoor activities for fun physical exercise.

Health-conscious nature lovers who want to unplug and take a break have helped spark this trend toward leisure activities, outdoor sports, and hammocking, often in the form of hiking and resting in a hammock while enjoying the view.

People are taking more time to de-stress, recharge, and take care of their mental health along with their physical health. And nothing beats hanging in a hammock outdoors on a beautiful day to give your mind a break and relax.

An Increase in Disposable Income

After years of going through recessions, paying off debts, and saving money for the future, there has been a global increase in disposable income. With extra disposable income these days, consumers are more likely to treat themselves to the luxury of relaxing in a hammock.

MORE USES FOR HAMMOCKS

Here are some of the many uses for hammocks that make them so popular these days.

Lounging & Resting

Hammocks are a great spot to rest and relax after a long day or anytime that you have free.

Replacement for Beds

Can you use a hammock as a bed? Using a hammock as a bed is another growing trend thanks to these benefits of sleeping in a hammock:

Better, deeper sleep and ability to fall asleep faster due to the swinging motion of a hammock
Increased concentration during the day (thanks to a better night’s sleep)
Alleviate back pain by relieving pressure points
Comfortable reading and increased learning
More affordable than a bed

Mental Health

Getting outside, especially out in nature, is one of the best ways to clear your mind. And relaxing in a hammock outdoors is the ultimate way to calm the mind and take care of your mental health, especially during times of elevated stress.

Camping

Camping hammocks are lightweight, durable, and water-resistant with quick-drying material. And the portability of camping hammocks makes it easy for campers to pack light, go hiking, set up camp, and enjoy the view that Mother Nature has to offer.

Hammock camping has become a popular alternative to camping with tents. And thanks to accessories, like mosquito nets and tarps, you can still have shelter from the bugs and elements while enjoying a comfortable night’s sleep under the stars.

Outdoor festival-goers have also taken up hammock camping as a fun way to be comfortable and not overheat in their tents. Friends often create a web of hammocks in the shade of trees and close enough to the stage to still enjoy the music while lounging in their hammocks.

Children with Autism

The rocking motion of hammocks can help soothe children with autism, as can the pressure of cocooning while lying in a hammock.

Home Décor

With so many colours and design options available, people bring their hammocks indoors as a seating option and to spruce up their interior décor.

Even on a cold winter day, you can close your eyes and pretend you’re relaxing outside in a colourful hammock that complements your living room décor.

TYPES OF HAMMOCKS

With so many types of hammocks to choose from, there are hammocks available for almost every person, preference, and use.

FEATURED PRODUCT: COTTON ROPE HAMMOCK

FEATURED PRODUCT: MAYAN XL HAMMOCK

Brazilian Hammocks

FEATURED PRODUCT: BRAZILIAN DOUBLE AND UNIVERSAL STAND

Nicaraguan Hammocks
Columbian Hammocks
Camping Hammocks
Hammock Chairs—Hammock chairs are a popular option for those who want a comfortable alternative to a chair but who may not be able to get into a hammock—e.g., for small children and those with limited mobility.

FEATURED PRODUCT: MAYAN HAMMOCK CHAIRS

FEATURED PRODUCT: BRAZILIAN CHAIR

Hammocks with Stands

FEATURED PRODUCT: BAMBOO STAND

Spread Bars vs. Non-Spreader Bars—Spreader-bar hammocks have wooden rods at each end, which help keep the hammock flat, allowing for multiple users. Spreader-bars also help poolside hammocks dry faster. And hammocks without spreader bars are more portable and easy to bring with you while camping.

HAMMOCK POPULARITY IN UPSWING