My husband grew up with a hammock from LLBEAN that was perfect and grew with the family. He had the same hammock for over 10 years until his godmother decided that that one had enough. The new one came and we were excited to set it up, but were surprised that to get it off the ground it had to be on its tightest setting. Even as we first sat on the hammock it touched the ground. The quality has gone down in the materials, and the hammock is unusable. Very un happy with this and It doesn't make me want to be an LLbean customer in the future.
I did a lot of research to find the right hammock, and was worried at first about buying this one given the mixed reviews. But after comparing it to the other quality rope hammocks out there (which btw also got mixed reviews) and peppering the helpful LL Bean customer service staff with questions, I decided to give it a shot. And I could not be happier with it.
Rope is very sturdy, the hammock is long enough to fit my 6' 4" husband comfortably, and when we strung it between two trees that are 13 feet apart (at about 6 feet high) it didn't sag to the ground. LL Bean recommended they be 15 feet apart, but these were established trees with existing hammock hooks from a previous homeowner and honestly the fit is perfect. We have it on the furthest chain link (meaning, there is room for it to stretch out over time) and when someone is sitting in it the hammock is still at least a couple feet off the ground. My toddler and I like to lay in it together and look up at the trees as the wind gently rocks us. My husband is convinced the relaxation it brings our family will add years to our lives. : )
Also, I chose a rope hammock versus duracord or other synthetic materials because I try very hard to be an eco-conscious consumer. I was pleased to see that this really is just rope, wood, and metal, and well-constructed regardless of the country it was made in.
Despite the complaints I read, this looks and feels like a quality hammock, the kind I remember from my youth. So really it's exactly what I was hoping it would be.
I look forward to my hammock after a long days work. I prefer the cotton rope, it's soft and is a better feel than the fabric. If it wasn't raining right now I'd be in it!! Good quality at an amazing price. :)
I have three llbean hammocks hanging in my backyard. My family and I swing for three seasons. They are very comfortable and durable. Most of mine have lasted about 8 years. I look forward to swinging right after I get home from work and a jog!
