Cover for a Hammock
A cover for a hammock is an indispensable accessory designed to protect both the user and the hammock fabric from inclement weather, intense ultraviolet solar degradation, airborne tree sap, and biting insects. Whether you have a luxury quilted fabric spreader-bar hammock permanently mounted on a backyard patio stand or an ultralight ripstop nylon hammock packed for backcountry wilderness camping, selecting the appropriate cover dramatically extends equipment longevity and enhances outdoor comfort. From heavy-duty protective storage sleeves to aerodynamic hexagonal rain tarps and insulating thermal winter socks, understanding the varied cover architectures ensures you invest in optimal outdoor protection.
Categorizing Hammock Covers by Function and Application
Hammock covers fall into two distinct operational categories: protective storage covers that shelter an empty backyard hammock when not in use, and active functional shelters that shield an occupant sleeping inside during harsh outdoor weather.
Patio hammock storage covers typically feature heavy-duty 600D marine-grade polyester shells with PVC or polyurethane waterproof backings designed to zip over an entire hammock and stand assembly, preventing mildew and UV fiber rot. In camping applications, active covers take the form of catenary-cut rain tarps (such as hex, diamond, or winter four-season tarps with closable storm doors), breathable thermal overcovers, and fine no-see-um mesh bug nets.
| Cover Type | Primary Purpose | Common Materials | Weight & Portability | Weather Resistance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Patio Storage Cover / Cocoon | Protects backyard hammock & stand while idle | 600D Oxford Polyester with PVC backing | Heavy (4 to 8 lbs); stationary | 100% Waterproof, UV 50+ blocking |
| Hexagonal Rain Fly Tarp | Backcountry rain, wind, and sun shelter | Silnylon (20D/30D) or Silpoly (silicone/PU) | Ultralight (12 to 22 oz); packable | High hydrostatic head (2000-3000mm) |
| Winter Tarp with Storm Doors | Four-season blizzard and gale protection | 70D Ripstop Nylon with PU coating | Medium (24 to 36 oz); packable | Maximum wind-blocking and snow shedding |
| Winter Hammock Sock / Pod | Thermal wind-breaking cocoon around hammock | Breathable ripstop DWR nylon fabric | Light (10 to 18 oz); packable | Adds 10°F to 15°F internal heat retention |
| Integrated Bug Net Shield | Flying insect, mosquito, and tick defense | Ultra-fine 0.5 oz No-See-Um mesh | Ultralight (6 to 12 oz); compact | High airflow; zero precipitation barrier |
Material Technology: Silnylon, Silpoly, and Oxford Polyester
The performance of any hammock cover hinges on textile engineering. While heavy patio covers prioritize thick abrasion-resistant woven yarns to withstand sun bleaching and patio cat claws, backpacking rain fly covers demand a balance of tear strength, pack volume, and wet-weather tension stability.
For outdoor camping tarps, silicone-impregnated polyester (Silpoly) has largely superseded traditional silicone nylon (Silnylon). Silnylon naturally stretches and absorbs water when wet, requiring campers to re-tension guy lines in the middle of a rainy night to prevent the wet tarp from sagging against the hammock. Silpoly exhibits virtually zero stretch when saturated, maintaining a drum-tight pitch through torrential storms while repelling water with an exceptionally high hydrostatic rating.
| Fabric Material | Tensile & Tear Strength | Water Absorption & Sag | UV Resistance | Average Price Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Silpoly (Silicone Polyester) | High tear resistance | Zero water stretch; stays taut when wet | Excellent (naturally UV resistant) | $70 - $140 |
| Silnylon (Silicone Nylon) | Exceptional tensile strength | Absorbs water; stretches and sags when wet | Moderate (degrades with prolonged sun) | $65 - $130 |
| Dyneema Composite Fabric (DCF) | Ultra-high molecular weight strength | Completely waterproof; zero stretch | High (unmatched strength-to-weight) | $280 - $450 |
| 600D Oxford Heavy Polyester | Extreme rugged durability | Heavy waterproof PVC inner laminate | Treated with high UV inhibitors | $35 - $75 |
Pitching Techniques and Guy-Line Rigging Essentials
A high-quality hammock tarp is only as effective as its suspension rigging. To guarantee adequate coverage, your rain fly ridgeline length should measure at least 12 inches longer than your hammock total length (for example, an 11-foot hammock requires a 12-foot tarp ridgeline) to prevent blowing rain from soaking hammock ends.
Utilizing a continuous ridgeline (CRL) with Dutchware titanium hardware or prusik friction loops allows you to center the tarp effortlessly over the hammock before staking out guy lines. In high wind conditions, pitching the tarp sides low in an A-frame configuration shields against sideways rain, while propping one side up on trekking poles creates a spacious open porch mode for scenic daytime lounging.
How to Properly Pitch a Rain Fly Cover Over a Hammock
Follow these step-by-step procedures to pitch a taut, storm-proof rain cover over your camping hammock.
Hang the Continuous Ridgeline Above the Hammock
Anchor a 30-foot reflective cord between the two support trees approximately 6 to 12 inches higher than your hammock tree straps, pulling the line hand-tight.
Center the Tarp Over the Hammock
Slide the tarp along the continuous ridgeline using prusik loops or carabiners, ensuring an equal 6 to 12-inch overhang extends past both ends of the hammock.
Stake Out the Windward Corner Guy Lines
Drive aluminum ground stakes at a 45-degree angle on the side facing incoming wind. Secure guy lines using lineloc tensioners or taut-line hitch knots.
Stake Out the Leeward Side or Set Porch Mode
Secure the remaining corner guy lines at a wide angle for optimal airflow, or prop the corners up with hiking trekking poles to create a sheltered porch awning.
Check Clearances and Add Drip Lines
Tie short pieces of shoelace or cord onto your hammock suspension inside the tarp footprint to redirect water running down suspension straps before it reaches your bedding.
Frequently Asked Questions (7 Questions Answered)
Q1: How big should a rain fly cover be for an 11-foot hammock?
For an 11-foot hammock, your rain fly should feature a ridgeline length of at least 11 to 12 feet. A 12-foot tarp provides 6 inches of overhang on each end, keeping blowing rain out of your bed.
Q2: Can I leave a backyard hammock outside all summer with a cover?
Yes, utilizing a weather-resistant 600D Oxford polyester cover protects the fabric from rain rot, bird droppings, and UV fading, extending the lifespan of your patio hammock by years.
Q3: What is the difference between a hex tarp and a diamond tarp?
A diamond tarp is lighter and sets up with only two ground stakes, ideal for calm, warm weather. A hex tarp has six tie-out points, offering broader side coverage against wind-driven rain.
Q4: Do hammock covers keep you warm in winter?
A specialized winter cover or hammock sock traps a micro-climate of body warmth, raising the ambient interior temperature by 8°F to 15°F while blocking chilling wind gusts.
Q5: Why does my hammock rain tarp sag in the middle of the night?
If your tarp is made of traditional nylon (Silnylon), the nylon fibers absorb moisture from rain and morning dew, expanding and causing noticeable fabric slack. Silpoly eliminates this issue.
Q6: What are water drip lines on a hammock cover setup?
Drip lines are small pieces of cord tied around your hammock suspension straps underneath the tarp. Rainwater running down the tree straps hits the cord and drips onto the ground rather than soaking your hammock.
Q7: Can you wash a hammock cover in a washing machine?
Avoid machine-washing waterproof covers as the agitator can delaminate waterproof PU coatings. Instead, hand wash with a sponge, lukewarm water, and mild detergent, then hang to air dry.
Final Thoughts & Key Takeaways
In conclusion, understanding cover for a hammock provides essential clarity, practical strategies, and actionable advice. By incorporating these foundational insights, adhering to verified safety guidelines, and following structured best practices, you ensure reliable, long-term outcomes while preventing common mistakes. Stay informed, consult certified professionals when needed, and maintain consistent quality care.