Choosing the Right Size and Style of Mayan Hammock

Mayan hammocks are all individually hand woven, so like any handmade product they aren't all the same — in fact they vary in size quite considerably. When we buy a Mayan hammock from the weaver in Mérida, Mexico, we pay for it by the weight of the material used. So on our site, and on every other site, the measurements for Mayan hammocks are approximations. Use the written descriptions below as a guideline rather than an exact spec.

Medium Mayan hammocks

Medium Mayan hammocks are designed to be compact. There's just enough room for one person, and they'll fit into tight spaces as close as 9 feet apart. A good choice for backpackers, campers and hikers. They carry about 300 lbs.

Large Mayan hammocks

Large Mayan hammocks are roomy for one person and cozy for two medium-size people — cozy meaning just enough room. They can hang in spaces 10 feet or more apart. Although a large Mayan will hold two close friends, it's still best enjoyed alone. They carry up to 500 lbs.

XXL Mayan hammocks

XXL Mayan hammocks are luxurious for one person, with plenty of room for two to spread out — they'll hold a whole family. Hanging distance is typically around 10.5 feet or more. They carry in excess of 800 lbs.

XXL thick cord Mayan hammocks

XXL thick cord Mayan hammocks are roughly the same size and dimensions as the standard XXL, but woven from a thicker, more robust cotton cord that won't snag, pull or break as easily. That makes them a good choice for families with kids, for anyone who entertains, or for someone who occasionally wants to leave the hammock out in the elements.

Caribbean Mayan hammocks

Caribbean Mayan hammocks are family sized and woven from soft-spun polyester cords that won't snag, break, rot, mold or mildew. They can be left outside in the sun and rain. All the comfort of a cotton Mayan with none of the care. Typically a Caribbean Mayan will last up to ten times longer than a traditional cotton one.

Which size should you buy?

The general rule when ordering a Mayan hammock is to buy the largest one you can, without going over your budget or exceeding the space you have to hang it in. A larger Mayan is always going to be more comfortable than a smaller one.

For most people, the Caribbean Mayans are the strongest and most robust, and represent the best value over the long term.

One thing worth settling before size, though, is style. A Mayan and a spreader bar hammock behave very differently — how you lie in them, how high they need to hang, whether they'll go on a stand. We've compared the two properly in Mayan vs Spreader Bar Hammock: Which Should You Buy?

More on Mayan hammocks

• Mayan vs Spreader Bar Hammock: Which Should You Buy?
• How to buy a Mayan hammock in Mexico
• Easy ways to hang a Mayan hammock
• Mayan hammock care and use instructions
• How to hang a hammock between two trees
• Shop Mayan hammocks