When you’re out camping or just lounging in your backyard, nothing beats the serene experience of relaxing in a hammock. It’s one of those simple pleasures that take outdoor relaxation to the next level. But when it comes to setting up your hammock, you might ask yourself: “Will a paracord hold a hammock?” This question frequently arises among outdoor enthusiasts and survivalists because paracord is known for its strength and versatility. However, several factors must be considered when using paracord for hammock suspension, including safety, weight limits, and alternatives.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll delve into the paracord’s ability to hold a hammock. These factors affect its use and whether there are better alternatives for a secure and comfortable setup.

What is a Hammock?

A hammock is a suspended bed or sling, typically made from fabric, rope, or netting, and is hung between two anchor points, such as trees or posts. Initially used by indigenous people in Central and South America, hammocks have become popular worldwide for their comfort, portability, and versatility. They are commonly used for outdoor relaxation, camping, or lounging in backyards. Hammocks provide a gentle swaying motion, which many find soothing, and they are often associated with leisure, rest, and a connection to nature. Their simple design allows for easy setup, making them a favorite for adventurers and casual loungers.

What is Paracord?

Before we discuss whether a paracord can hold a hammock, let’s define a paracord.Paracord, often known as parachute cord, is a lightweight nylon rope first created for parachutes during World War II and is renowned for its strength and flexibility.

Paracord typically comes in different varieties, often referred to by “types,” with Type III (550 paracord) being the most popular. The “550” refers to its breaking strength of 550 pounds. While this may sound like a substantial amount of weight, it’s essential to understand that breaking strength and working load differ. The working load of paracord is usually much lower than its breaking strength, meaning it should only be used up to a specific capacity to ensure safety.

Understanding the Load-Bearing Capacity of Paracord

When considering if a paracord can hold a hammock, the critical factor to look at is its load-bearing capacity. Here’s where we introduce two essential terms:

• Breaking Strength: This is the maximum load a rope can handle before it snaps. For Type III paracord, that’s 550 pounds.
• Working Load: This is the safe weight the rope can support without risk of failure, typically around 10-30% of the breaking strength. For paracord, the working load would be roughly 55-165 pounds.

Now, let’s consider the weight a hammock typically needs to support. The weight that a single person may require from a hammock might range from 150 to 300 pounds, depending on their size. Add in any sudden movements (like shifting positions or getting in and out of the hammock), and the stress on the suspension system can increase rapidly.

While 550 paracord may seem like a strong candidate, it’s important to note that you should never push a rope to its breaking strength. The working load of the paracord is considerably lower than its breaking point, meaning it’s generally recommended to rely on something other than the paracord for hammock suspension.

Why Paracord May Not Be the Best Choice for Holding a Hammock

Even though paracord is strong, flexible, and versatile, there are several reasons why it may not be the best option for holding a hammock.

Stretch Factor

Paracord is not static—it has some elasticity. This can be beneficial in specific applications, but not when you’re trying to set up a secure hammock. Over time, the paracord will stretch, especially under consistent weight, resulting in a hammock that sags or even drops to the ground. A sagging hammock can lead to discomfort, making it less ideal for a relaxing outdoor experience.

Abrasion and Wear

Despite its durability, paracord is nonetheless prone to deterioration, particularly when exposed to friction and outdoor conditions. When you tie a paracord to trees or other anchor points, the friction caused by movement can gradually wear down the rope. Over time, this weakens the paracord and increases the risk of snapping, mainly if you rely on it to hold significant weight.

Tensile Strength vs. Dynamic Loads

As mentioned earlier, paracord’s breaking strength of 550 pounds sounds impressive. However, the loads can become dynamic rather than static when using a hammock. Dynamic loads, such as the force exerted when you move, bounce, or shift positions in the hammock, can far exceed the static weight you would typically expect. This increases the risk of the paracord failing under pressure.

Knot Weakening

Tying knots in any rope can reduce its strength, sometimes by as much as 50%. This is particularly relevant when using paracord, as knots are necessary for hammock suspension. Improperly tied or excessively tight knots can further weaken the paracord, reducing its already limited working load and potentially leading to failure.

What Happens if You Use Paracord to Hold a Hammock?

What happens if you decide to use paracord for your hammock? In the best-case scenario, the paracord holds up temporarily, but you’ll likely experience sagging as the rope stretches. In the worst-case scenario, the paracord could snap, dropping you to the ground and possibly causing injury.

Additionally, using paracord for hammock suspension isn’t just a safety risk—it can also damage the environment. Thin paracord can dig into tree bark, potentially harming the trees you’re using as anchor points. This is why many hammock campers recommend wider straps, often called “tree-friendly straps,” to minimize damage to the environment.

Safer Alternatives to Paracord for Hammock Suspension

While paracord is an excellent tool for many survival and outdoor tasks, there are better alternatives when it comes to hammock suspension. Let’s explore some of these options:

Hammock Straps (Tree Straps)

Hammock straps, often called tree straps, are designed explicitly for hammock suspension. They are typically made from durable, non-stretch materials like polyester, which doesn’t stretch under load. These straps distribute weight more evenly, reducing the risk of damaging trees. Tree straps are also much more comprehensive than paracord, which adds to their stability and prevents environmental damage.

Numerous tree straps have several attachment points, making changing the hammock’s tension and height simple.  They are generally rated to hold much higher weights than paracords, often over 1,000 pounds, ensuring safety and comfort.

Climbing Rope

Climbing rope is another excellent alternative to paracord. It is strong and durable and designed to handle significant weight and dynamic loads. Unlike paracord, climbing rope is less likely to stretch under weight and can support the shifting movements that come with hammock use. Additionally, it comes in thicker diameters, which lessen the possibility of environmental harm and aid in more evenly distributing the weight.

Whoopie Slings

Whoopie slings are adjustable loops made from high-strength rope, often made from Dyneema or Amsteel, which are lightweight yet incredibly strong. These slings are popular among hammock campers because they are easy to adjust and hold significant weight. Whoopie slings do not stretch and have a high breaking strength, making them a safer option than paracord.

Polyester Webbing

Polyester webbing is another sturdy, non-stretch material for hammock suspension. It is frequently used in climbing and other outdoor sports because of its strength and resilience to wear and strain.  Webbing can be tied into loops or combined with carabiners and other hardware to secure your hammock without stretching or sagging.

How to Properly Set Up a Hammock

Now that we’ve discussed the limitations of using Paracord and the better alternatives let’s walk through the basics of safely setting up a hammock.

Choose the Right Location

Pick two sturdy anchor points about 12-15 feet apart, like trees. Make sure the trees are healthy and robust enough to support your weight.

Use Tree Straps or a Suitable Alternative

As mentioned, tree straps are the best option for attaching your hammock to trees without causing damage. If you’re using climbing rope, whoopie slings, or webbing, make sure they are securely fastened around the tree and tied with a suitable knot or hardware.

Hang the Hammock at the Right Height

Aim to hang your hammock with a suspension angle between 30 and 45 degrees. The ideal height for the middle of the hammock should be around 18 inches off the ground. This allows for comfortable lounging while also ensuring safety in case of accidental slippage.

Test Before Use

Before settling into your hammock, gently push or tug it to ensure its security. Double-check knots, straps, or any hardware you’re using to ensure nothing is slipping or stretching.

Other Materials Use to Hang a Hammock

Here’s a table listing various materials that can be used to hang a hammock, along with key details about each material:

Material	Strength	Stretching	Durability	Environmental Impact	Ease of Use
Tree Straps	High (usually supports over 1,000 lbs.)	Minimal to none	High (resistant to wear)	Low (wide straps protect trees)	Easy to use, adjustable, safe
Climbing Rope	Very High (rated for dynamic loads)	Low to moderate (dynamic ropes)	High (designed for heavy use)	Medium (can cause damage if thin)	Requires knots, very strong
Whoopie Slings	Very High (often made from Dyneema/Amsteel)	None	High (resistant to wear)	Low (light and adjustable)	Adjustable, lightweight, and compact
Polyester Webbing	High (supports significant weight)	Minimal	High (resistant to weather)	Low (tree-friendly if wide)	Requires proper tying, very sturdy
Nylon Rope	Moderate to High (depends on type)	Moderate (nylon stretches)	Moderate (wears faster outdoors)	Medium (can damage trees)	Requires knots, stretches over time
Polypropylene Rope	High (resistant to water)	Low	Moderate (weathers over time)	Medium (can dig into trees)	Easy to tie, moderate strength
Steel Chains	Very High (extremely strong)	None	Very High (resistant to wear)	Medium (can damage trees if not padded)	Very strong, but heavy and bulky

This table highlights some of the most common materials used for hanging hammocks, along with key attributes to consider such as strength, stretching properties, durability, environmental impact, and ease of use.

FAQs

Can a paracord hold a hammock?

Paracord can temporarily hold a hammock, but due to its stretching and lower working load, it’s not recommended for long-term or secure suspension.

What is the best material for hanging a hammock?

Tree straps are the best material because they are strong and durable and protect trees from damage. Other good options include climbing ropes, whoopie slings, and polyester webbing.

What is the breaking strength of 550 paracord?

Although 550 pounds is its breaking strength, only 55–165 pounds is its safe working load for 550 paracord.

Why is stretching a problem with paracord?

Stretching causes sagging over time, making your hammock uncomfortable and unsafe.

Resources

• Paracord Usage: Various outdoor and survivalist forums.
• Hammock Setup Guides: Outdoor gear websites like REI and hammock camping blogs.
• Climbing Rope Specifications: Climbing equipment manufacturers and retailers.
• Whoopie Slings and Tree Straps: Hammock camping communities and product guides from brands like ENO (Eagle’s Nest Outfitters).

Conclusion

While paracord is a versatile and strong material, it is not the best choice for holding a hammock due to its tendency to stretch, reduced working load, and susceptibility to wear and tear. For a safe and comfortable hammock experience, use purpose-designed materials such as tree straps, climbing rope, whoopie slings, or polyester webbing.

These alternatives provide greater strength, stability, and environmental protection, ensuring your outdoor adventures are enjoyable and safe. When setting up a hammock, always prioritize safety over convenience to avoid accidents and ensure a relaxing time outdoors.