Buying Guide - Hammock with spreader bars

The origins of the hammock with spreader bars

The hammock was discovered in combination with the Americas. From then on, sailors did not have to sleep on the hard deck anymore but were softly rocked into sleep by the swell of the sea. Due to the lack of space though, they could not lie in their hammocks diagonally. But lying down lengthwise meant that the body was completely closed in by the fabric and they could no longer look outside. The addition of a spreader bar solved this problem, as it opened the fabric and enabled them to look around.

Among sailors news about the benefits of the spreader bar travelled fast. And so, the hammock with spreader bars was born.

Usage today of hammock with spreader bars

For sun worshippers, a hammock with spreader bars is perfect, as, thanks to the spreader bars, the fabric does not cast any shadow on the person lying in the hammock. Thus hammocks with spreader bars are exceptionally popular for usage outside the house – especially among those who love sun on their skin.

Everyone who has ever used a hammock with spreader bars knows that it swings more intensely than a conventional hammock. This tipping effect is caused by the spreader bar, as it distributes the weight differently than a hammock without spreader bar.

The opened fabric surface makes hammocks with spreader bars a visual treat, even when it is not used. This is why it is often used as a symbol for relaxation, freedom and well-being in commercials. Hammocks with spreader bars are exceptionally popular in North America, where it is a traditional feature in almost every garden.

Characteristics of hammocks with spreader bars

For hammocks with spreader bars different criteria have to be applied than with classic hammocks without a spreader bar. In order to be able to fully enjoy the possibilities of a hammock with spreader bars, the following points are decisive:

Suspend the hammock tautly

When suspending a hammock with spreader bars it is essential to suspend it tautly. The more taut the hammock with spreader bars, the higher the lying comfort will be.

For a hammock with spreader bars you need a bit more space than for a hammock without spreader bars. The height of suspension (y) must amount to 25% of the suspension distance (x). For a hammock with spreaderbars with a length of 4 metres this means, that the height of suspension needs to be about 1 metre. If the hammock is smaller, less distance and less height are required.

Lying position for hammock with spreader bars

While a hammock without spreader bars is best occupied diagonally, a hammock with spreader bars is most comfortable if lying in it lengthwise.

As with all other kinds of hammocks, hammocks with spreader bars need to be protected from moisture and should be stored in a protected room inside over the winter.