How to Tie Hammock Straps Like a Pro
The first time I hung a hammock I used skinny rope, tied three "scouty" knots I barely remembered, and woke up kissing pine needles. Since then I've hung more hammocks than I can count—and wide, tree-friendly straps are the way.
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Ben's Quick Picks
The classic 9' daisy-chain set with 30 attachment points and 400 lb rating. Rock-solid, idiot-proof.
→ Check price on AmazonTree-friendly, 10' straps with Nanoweave construction and ~20 connection points per strap. Burly but compact.
→ Check price on AmazonWhoopie-style Dyneema lines + tree loops; ~8' per side, ~300 lb system rating. My go-to when counting ounces.
→ Check price on AmazonWhat you'll need
- Tree-friendly straps (1" wide or wider). Daisy-chain style is the easiest (lots of sewn loops). See my picks below.
- Carabiners (most hammocks include them). Locking gate optional.
- Optional: 2" tree protectors for delicate bark, or if your park requires wider contact.
My no-knot method (daisy-chain straps)
This is the quick, clean setup I use 80% of the time.
- 1Pick two healthy trees 10–15 ft apart (8–12" diameter or bigger). Look up for dead limbs. Clear the ground under the hang.
- 2Wrap strap #1 around the first trunk at about head height (5–6 ft). Keep the strap flat—no twists.
- 3Feed the free end through the sewn end loop and pull snug so the strap "hugs" the tree.
- 4Repeat on tree #2. Try to mirror the height, but don't sweat perfection—you'll fine-tune in a second.
- 5Clip your hammock to a loop on each strap with your carabiners. Aim for a ~30° suspension angle from the tree to the hammock. When you sit, the low point should land about 18–24" off the ground (chair height).
- 6Proof-load slowly. Sit with feet down, listen/feel, then lay diagonally for that sweet flat lay. Adjust one loop up/down as needed.
Ben's field note: If you set it guitar-string tight, you'll feel tippy and wake up sagging. The 30° rule saves your back and your dignity.
Other strap setups I actually use
Some kits use a metal cinch buckle on the strap and short continuous loops on the hammock. Thread strap → buckle, then micro-tune by the inch. Super secure, still tree-friendly, and no knots. (Plenty of cottage makers sell these; swap in where you'd use daisy-chains.)
UL folks pair short straps ("huggers") around the tree with whoopie slings (adjustable Dyneema cords) to the hammock. The strap protects the bark; the sling gives you huge adjustment range at featherweight. Great for backpacking. (See ENO Helios or Haven whoopies in the picks.)
Buy 1" polyester webbing by the foot. Melt the ends. Tie a permanent loop with a water knot at one end to mimic a sewn loop. Around the tree, feed free end through that loop exactly like store straps. At the hammock, clip a carabiner and use a simple Becket hitch or a marlinspike hitch + toggle for adjustment. Still add a bark sleeve if your webbing is thin.
Tree care & safety (non-negotiables)
1" minimum; 2" is even kinder and often required by parks.
If you must use cord (whoopies), always pair with short straps (tree huggers).
Keep that loaded seat height ~18–24" and never hang over rocks, water, or sharp junk.
Frayed webbing, bent links, or rusty hardware = replace. Re-check after the first week and each season.
Common mistakes I've made (so you don't)
Cranking it tight
Feels "secure," sleeps awful. Add sag.
Twisted straps
Cuts into bark and creeps down the trunk. Keep them flat and snug.
One tree closer than the other
Compensate by moving to a different loop or raising that side a bit.
Using cheap carabiners
Hammock-rated 'biners aren't expensive; skip novelty keychain clips.
Ben's trusted hammock straps on Amazon (2025)
All links use our affiliate tag and were live in the U.S. on Aug 17, 2025.
ENO Atlas Suspension System
the classic 9' daisy-chain set with 30 attachment points and a 400 lb rating. Rock-solid, idiot-proof.
ENO Atlas XL
extra length for wide tree gaps; same simplicity.
Kammok Python 10
tree-friendly, 10' straps with Nanoweave construction and ~20 connection points per strap. Burly but compact.
Wise Owl Outfitters 10' Straps
budget favorite with 38 loops and carabiners in the kit. Great starter set/loaners.
Nature's Hangout HangTight XL
10' straps, 32 loops total, no-stretch polyester. Simple and reliable.
Foxelli XL 20' (combined)
long reach, 40+2 loops, beefy build for tricky spans and trees.
Pro Venture Tree Straps
classic daisy-chain set with 30+2 loops and a generous span; includes carabiners.
Bear Butt Kodiak Straps
20 ft total, 20 points each strap, stout and straightforward.
ENO Helios (Ultralight)
whoopie-style Dyneema lines + tree loops; ~8' per side, ~300 lb system rating. My go-to when counting ounces.
Optional: 2" Tree Protectors
add under any strap where rules or delicate bark demand wider contact.
Fast FAQ
Start around head height; fine-tune so the loaded seat is ~18–24" off the ground with ~30° suspension angle.
Proper wide straps, kept flat and snug, are bark-friendly. Avoid bare rope. Add 2" protectors if required.
Pick longer straps (Foxelli XL, Atlas XL) or step up to whoopie/Helios systems for more reach and fine adjustment.
Wrap-up
Straps make hammocking fast, comfy, and tree-friendly. Keep them wide, keep that angle, and proof-load before you nap. Do it right once and you'll spend the rest of your time arguing over who gets the hammock next. (Pro tip: bring two.)
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