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Kick back and hang out.

Summer days are perfect for hanging out in the great outdoors. A good hammock is a comfortable way to relax whether you're playing backyard games or beach games, diving into your summer reading list or trying out new camping activities with the family.

From rope construction to padded-mattress models, hammocks come in a wide variety of styles, fabrics (like comfy cotton to mold-resistant nylon) and uses. We rounded up our editors' and experts' favorites and picks from popular brands with top reviews from consumers. Whether you're looking for a durable camping hammock, a comfortable backyard hammock or something stylish to create the outdoor area you've always wanted, these are the best hammocks you can buy.

Read on for advice on what to look for when shopping for a backyard hammock. We provide insight on the most durable fabrics and the hardware you'll need if you plan to install your hammock. We also discuss ways to keep trees safe if you plan to hang out in nature.

Available in a whopping 44 different color and pattern options and three fabric choices, this hammock is a super versatile pick for anyone looking to add some comfort to their backyard. It comes with a nine-foot steel stand for hanging, or it can be hung between two trees (though the straps required to do so are not included). It also comes with a carrying bag so you can take the hammock and stand on the go — though note that the stand is a bit heavy.

According to the brand, it can hold up to 450 pounds to comfortably accommodate two adults. You can pair it with accessories like a wheel kit for the stand, wall mounts and a hammock sleeve, though all are sold separately. One online reviewer liked it so much, they bought three and had one delivered to their hotel on vacation.

• Material: Polyester; steel stand • Capacity: 450 lb • Bed dimensions: 63" x 94" x 43" • Weight: 27.5 lb

At just under $30, Winner Outfitter's camping hammock is a great choice for those looking for comfort that won't break the bank. Sarah Wharton, senior editor and analyst at the Good Housekeeping Institute, is a fan of its comfort and durability: "I've been using mine for at least five years," she says. "It's held up beautifully. It packs away in its own little pouch, and it can be sprayed off if needed."

Each included tree strap has 16 loops for height adjustment, and the carabiner attachments make it quick and easy to set up and take down. One caveat: Since it's designed for two people, there can be a slight cocooning effect when used by a single occupant.

• Material: Nylon • Capacity: 500 lb • Bed dimensions: 118" x 78" • Weight: 2.33 lb

This luxury hammock features a super-tight weave, which means you get the aesthetic of a rope hammock without all of the uncomfortable bumps from knots. According to the brand's website, each hammock is handwoven so it has its own unique pattern and color sequence — it's even signed by the craftsperson who made it. The artisans reside in rural Thailand, and one of the company's aims is to create ethical jobs to help alleviate poverty in the area.

The hammocks can hold up to 550 pounds and comfortably fit two people, though the brand says you may even be able to fit three if you don't mind getting a bit cozy. While it doesn't come with a stand, it fits most standard hammock stands, and Yellow Leaf sells its own stand and straps separately.

• Material: Acrylic • Capacity: 550 lb • Bed dimensions: 132" x 108" • Weight: 2.8 lb

This quilted freestanding hammock adds a layer of cushion to create an optimal napping environment. The included A-frame stand supports not only this hammock but also with many other standard hammock styles.

The hammock also comes with a matching pillow for maximum comfort. While the brand says that it's rust-, UV- and weather-resistant, it's still best to make sure it's covered when it rains to prevent the cushion from becoming soaked through. According to the brand, the hammock has a capacity of 450 pounds and can hold two adults.

• Material: Polyester; steel stand • Capacity: 450 lb • Bed dimensions: 128" x 55" • Weight: 12 lb

This affordable and lightweight hammock from ENO comes in different color combos and weighs only one pound, making it super portable and travel-friendly. It packs down into its attached storage bag so you can easily fold it up and throw it into your bag to take it to the park or to a campsite.

The hanging straps are not included with the hammock, so you'll have to buy them separately. Make sure they're wide straps — like the brand's suspension system — rather than rope to ensure that they don't cut into trunks and cause tree rot.

• Material: Nylon • Capacity: 400 lb • Bed dimensions: 112" x 55" • Weight: 1 lb

Good Housekeeping Institute Deputy Editor Jessica Teich loves "how this hammock is roomy but folds down into its own tiny pouch (it's sewn in, so you never have to worry about losing it!). The attachments feel sturdy, and its compact size makes it perfect for camping or hiking, but it's also great for lounging in the yard or a park." It comes with two, nine-foot-long straps, and the double hammock is ten feet long, so you can set up between trees that are farther apart. There are 15 color options and two sizes for a double or single hammock. At less than $40, it also won't break the bank. The straps are tree-friendly as well, which means they're wide enough so they don't dig into the trunk and harm the tree like thin straps or rope might.

• Material: Nylon • Capacity: 500 lb • Bed Dimensions: 120" x 78" • Weight: 1.625 lb

The Original Pawleys Island Rope Hammock provides that classic hammock look. Since the rope is woven in a lattice-like pattern instead of knotted together, you won't be lying on a bunch of little bumps while you're trying to relax. According to the brand, the hammock is made from a proprietary synthetic material called DuraCord, which it claims combines the softness of cotton with the durability of polyester, making it mold-, mildew- and rot-resistant. It comes in nine different colors, so you can choose something besides the traditional light beige.

• Material: Polyester • Capacity: 450 lb • Bed dimensions: 156" x 55" • Weight: 14 lb

This camping hammock from Easthills Outdoors comes with a removable bug net and rain fly to make a fun alternative to tent camping. According to their website, this hammock can hold up to 700 lbs to fit two adults while only weighing just four pounds. The average weight of a two-person tent is five pounds and if you're going for a long hike, every pound counts. Plus, it comes with handy pockets to hold personal belongings like your phone (so it isn't sitting on the ground for critters crawl over). Some online reviewers noted that it did not come with instructions, so set up can be tricky if you've never used a camping hammock with a bug net and a rain fly. However, Easthills Outdoors does recommend a YouTube video of the hammock that provides a demo — just be sure to review it before you're out in the woods with no Internet access.

• Material: Nylon • Capacity: 700 lb • Bed dimensions: 118" x 79" • Weight: 4 lb

This hammock for two comes with a frame and carrying case for easy transport, so you can lay back and relax no matter where you want to go. Online reviewers love how easy the stand is to assemble and disassemble — no tools are required. According to the brand, it can hold up to 450 pounds and is made from a weather-resistant cotton blend. It also comes in a variety of colors so you can match it to your outdoor decor. If you want to venture out from the backyard, this hammock is also a great portable option if you don't want to rely on trees for support: The stand breaks down to fit in the included carrying case, giving you a hammock stand on the go. This is a great option if you enjoy frequenting public parks (particularly in large cities), since they often don't allow visitors to use the trees as hammock support.

• Material: Cotton blend • Capacity: 450 lb • Bed dimensions: 118.75" x 48" • Weight: 31.8 lb

This super chic, tasseled hammock chair comes with all of the hardware needed for installation. You can either sit upright as a chair or adjust the fabric for more of reclined position. The pillows can keep you propped up, and the built-in side pocket is perfect for a stashing book or a tablet.

Installation is versatile as well: It can be hung from a stand, a sturdy structure or straight from your ceiling. Keep in mind that if you plan to hang the hammock from the ceiling, it requires a more permanent installation from a beam. You might want to consider calling a professional to ensure that the hammock is installed correctly and no one gets hurt while using it.

• Material: Polyester/cotton blend • Capacity: 330 lb • Bed dimensions: 59" x 47" • Weight: 7.33 lb

✔️ Weight capacity: All hammocks have a maximum weight capacity that they can support safely. When looking for a hammock, it's important to keep in mind the number and size of the intended users. If two people are planning to use the hammock at once, it's a good idea to consider options that have a capacity of 500 pounds or more to make sure there isn't undue strain on the fabric or stand.

✔️ Material: Nylon is going to be the most durable and weather-resistant, but polyester is also a durable option that may be more affordable. Cotton won’t hold up as well to the weather, but it may be more stylish and more comfortable to lie on.

✔️ Hanging style: There are a few different ways to hang your hammock: straps, stands, even permanent installation. Straps are generally the most portable, but there are stands that break down and pack away into cases so they can be taken on the go. If you plan to use straps, make sure they're at least one inch wide and made of webbed material, because thin straps and rope can cut into tree trucks and hurt the tree, causing tree rot and other types of damage. If you'll be using a hammock stand, make sure it placed on level ground. For permanent installations, drive a pair of coarse-threaded 4-inch eyebolts into a pair of sturdy trees, wall studs or ceiling joists. Use heavy-duty carabiners or S-hooks to fasten the hammock ends to the eyebolts.

✔️ Intended use: If you want a hammock for camping, look for lightweight options that pack into a small size. You might also consider options with a bug net or rain cover. If you're looking for a backyard hammock, opt for weather-resistant materials. For both indoor and backyard hammocks, you'll find a wide variety of colors and styles to match your existing decor.

In her role as the assistant to the general manager of the Good Housekeeping Institute, Abigail Bailey brings a passion for home goods and all things that make life easier and more comfortable. She covers everything from toys and travel games to home goods.

For this roundup, Abigail consulted Lexie Sachs, executive director of the Textiles, Paper and Apparel Lab at the Good Housekeeping Institute, who provided insight into the fabric component of hammocks. Lexie has over 15 years of experience in the textiles industry and a degree in fiber science from Cornell University. She researches, tests and reports on all fabric-based products ranging from sheets, mattresses and towels to sports bras and other clothing.