11 Best Portable Hammock Stands

This stand from Sunny Daze is a slightly more portable version of their top-selling universal stand that I rated as my overall best hammock stand. The portable stand is 10ft long with a capacity of 300lbs and with the dual-legged design is ideal for softer ground such as sand or gravel.

The reason this is my top stand is for its versatility, it’s one of the only stands that can be used for both gathered-end hammocks (such as Brazilian-style hammocks or camping hammocks) and spreader bar hammocks.

It’s really quick to put up and take down in less than 5 minutes, and the quick-lock system means you don’t need any screws or tools so there is never anything to lose. There are 8 pieces in total that weigh just 19lbs so it’s easy to take around.

It’s made from steel tube framing which is durable, although despite big claims from the manufacturer that it’s rust-resistant, it can start to rust if frequently left out in the rain. One saving grace about a 2 legged stand is that you don’t’ stub your toe on the legs as you might find with the 4 leg stands!

The Kammok Swiftlet is my premium pick because it’s super portable compared to the others here. This is because it’s made from aluminum rather than steel like most other portable stands so it weighs just 15lbs and comes with a portable carry case. There are no tools required as every piece just slides into place, you don’t even need to put any screws in.

One of the best features about the Swiftlet compared to the other portable hammock stands is that it has a chair mode. Simply swap out the long base bar for a shorter one and you can use it as a chair with the same hammock. Here’s a side-by-side image to show the two different modes.

When in lounge mode, the Kammok Swiftlet is suitable for hammocks between 8-11ft long and has a weight capacity of 300lbs which is suitable for one person. The design of the stand with Y-shaped arms means it can only be used with gathered-end hammocks, I’d recommend pairing it with their Kammok Roo single hammock.

The Vivere space-saving hammock stand is one that I frequently use in my back garden or when I’m traveling to my parent’s house. It’s a 4-legged stand design with forks on the top making it best suited for non-spreader bar hammocks such as Mayan and Brazilian. The Vivere stand assembles in just a few minutes and doesn’t require any tools at all. There’s a full demonstration video on the amazon product page that shows it being put together.

It comes with one of Vivere’s cozy double hammocks which is what they are best known for. You have the choice to choose between cotton, polyester or sunbrella (see more on choosing hammock material) and there are more than 30 patterns to choose between.

The stand is 9ft long and has a 450lb capacity and manages this with ease, I have loaded two adults into the stand and it’s managed fine. The stand is made from powder-coated steel, which gives it a lot of strength without being too heavy. The hammock and stand weighing in around 27lbs when packed away in the included carry case.

Here are some photos of me with the stand so you can get a feel for it:

Most of the recommendations so far (except for the top pick) have been aimed at gathered-end style hammocks such as Brazilian hammocks or camping hammocks. However, if you think spreader bar hammocks are better, this next recommendation is for you.

The Zupapa stand can accommodate both spreader bar hammocks and non-spreader bar hammocks between 8.5-11ft long. It comes with chains included for attaching smaller hammocks. Similar to most stands here, it’s made from steel tubing which gives it lots of strength, it can hold up to 450lbs of weight which exceeds the capacity of the other hammocks.

However, at 142” long, it’s by far the biggest stand here when erected although at 27lbs it’s still lighter than the ENO SoloPod. Despite its large size, the Zupapa stand is highly portable due to minimal setup time and the inclusion of a carry case.

If you want a portable hammock stand for your backyard that will look stylish, the ENO SoloPod is a great pick. Unlike the other portable stands here which have prioritized functionality, ENO have made an elegant-looking stand with curved edges.

Like the other stands here, it’s made from powder-coated steel tubing, however, the steel used is much thicker so overall the stand is much heavier at 63lbs. This means it’s less portable than the others although it breaks down easily into 8 smaller pieces which you can easily throw it in the trunk. I would recommend at least two people to carry this stand and put it together due to the extra weight.

The stand has been designed specifically to fit ENO SingleNest and DoubleNest hammocks which are 9’4ft long, however, you could use it with any camping hammock that’s a similar length.  It’s suitable for a weight capacity up to 400lbs which is the same as their hammocks. Whilst I recommend this as the best stand for the backyard, the nonslip feet mean it can be used anywhere from the beach to the poolside.

If you’re looking for a portable hammock stand for the beach, I can highly recommend the Mock One from Republic of Durable Goods. Originally created as a Kickstarter campaign, it has fast become a popular brand. This is because it has been designed for complete ease of setup making it ideal for taking on day trips to the beach where you want a quick no-hassle setup.

It has a built-in hammock made from 210T parachute nylon (similar to most budget camping hammocks) which is far more durable than cotton and much easier to clean, this will be appreciated when you need to wash all the sand out of it! You can only use the included hammock so I wouldn’t recommend it if you already have a favorite hammock. It’s suitable for users up to 6’4″ which should cover most people.

This stand is very portable as it weighs just 14.5lbs, however, it does also have the lowest weight capacity of all those reviewed here at 250lbs so you’ll need to be mindful not to load too much weight into it. One final feature worth mentioning is the built-in sun shade which is a nice addition for those bright days by the sea.

Eagles Nest Outfitters (ENO) are one of the leading makers of hammocks and hammock stands. Their Nomad stand is easily the best stand for serious hikers, travellers and outdoor enthusiasts who need a stand that doesn’t rely on using trees.

It’s extremely portable and folds up in to the included 32×10” carry case, which is about the size of a medium duffel bag. At 15lbs, it’s the lightest stand currently available, however it’s still not quite light enough to replace a tent altogether during backpacking trips.

The cross bar is suitable for use as a ridge line if you want to use a tarp to protect yourself from the elements. ENO do also have a bespoke shelter for the Nomad stand if you’re wiling to splash out. It has convenient straps each end for hanging your belongings off the ground to avoid dirt or water.

The pyramid style legs provide the most stable base for hanging a hammock than any of the other stands which make it ideal for all ground types, although ENO recommend a maximum of 300lbs weight capacity due to the lightweight materials used. The biggest downside to this product is the price which puts it out of reach of many casual hammock dwellers.

Another portable stand that utilises the stability of your vehicle is the Hammaka hitch stand. It easily attaches to the standard 2 inch hitch receiver that’s typically found on trucks, SUVs and some sedans.

The stand is capable of both hammock mode to hold a single hammock for lying in up to 300lbs capacity, or chair mode where it can hold two hammock chairs, each with 300lb capacity.

It has a 10ft span and is made from durable powder coated steel which easily breaks down when not in use so you won’t need to drive around with it on. When broken down, it weighs just 56lbs, although only breaks in to 3 pieces so can be a bit big to keep in some vehicles.

If you’re looking for something that is quick and easy to set up, I’d recommend the Tranquillo. Similar to the Mock One shared earlier, this stand is incredibly fast and easy to put together; it’s possible to put the Tranquillo together in less than 35 seconds and doesn’t require any screws or tools whatsoever. If you don’t believe me, watch this video on the Amazon listing and you’ll be blown away.

However, it’s a slightly different design to the Mock One as the polyester net material is softer so it’s better for relaxing whereas the Mock One uses a tougher nylon which is more durable.

Not only is it super simple, but it has a weight capacity of 550lbs which far exceeds any of the other portable hammock stands I reviewed. The stand itself weighed in at 25lbs with the hammock included, so easily portable for camping or a day trip to the beach.

The stand does come with a 2 layered polyester hammock in a choice of colors, or you can attach your own hammock. The length of the stand when put together is 9ft which is adequate for the majority of hammocks.