DIY Hammock Stand: Simple, Affordable, and Lightweight
Here's how to build a lightweight carbon hammock stand using only off-the-shelf parts — no tools or crafting needed.
Total cost starts at $25.
This stand is my own original design, steadily refined through years of use and testing.
Many others have used it successfully, confirming its reliability and ease of setup in different environments.
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✨ Features
No crafting or tools required: Just combine ready-made parts.
Affordable: Material costs start at $25. Prices may vary due to occasional discounts.
Lightweight carbon pole: just 12 oz (322 g).
Compact: It packs down to just 19 inches (48 cm). You can reuse your existing hammock gear for all parts except the poles.
Easy Setup: Setup takes just a couple of minutes — once you get the hang of it.
Highly customizable: Optional enhancements improve the stability, setup efficiency, and adaptability — even in challenging locations like sandy beaches.
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⚙️ Materials (Cost: starting at $25)
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Carbon fiber pole
The pole introduced in this guide is a sectional type, originally designed for large tarps, but it is also suitable for hammock stand setups.
Where to buy
These are the stores where I actually purchased my poles.
In my experience, they offer reliable products at good prices.
However, availability and shipping may vary depending on your country or region.
These listings may be useful if AliExpress isn’t available or is restricted in your country.
I haven’t personally bought from these sellers, so I can’t confirm the product quality.
That said, the photos and product descriptions look identical to what I received from AliExpress.
🙏 Please share any reliable sources if you've found in your country in the Reddit discussion. It would be incredibly helpful to everyone!
Pole lengths
3 sections = 4 ft (123 cm)
Setup options
A single 3-section pole is already useful — you can hang your hammock, as long as you have one tree.
This corresponds to the 1.7m option.
Note: the section with a pin is not used in my setup design.
With two poles (6 sections total), you can hang it anywhere — no trees needed.
This corresponds to the 2.9m option.
Working height for full-size hammocks
Even with just 3 sections (4 ft / 123 cm) on each side, the stand can support a full-size hammock with a ridgeline — for example, a DutchWare 11 ft. Netless Hammock — even one made with soft, stretch-prone fabric Hexon 1.0. Strength and testing
I’ve tested it in real conditions dozens of times at a body weight of 176 lb (80 kg).
Others have also reported success with up to 198 lb (90 kg).
I've also experimentally tested it in a multi-person stand setup, successfully supporting the combined weight of two people. I saw this pole in this DIY stand post, which takes a different approach from mine. I appreciate the post for pointing me to this lightweight and affordable pole option.
Titanium washer
A washer is used to help secure the hammock in place and is set at the step near the top of the pole.
This step is a flat edge where the pole sections connect. (More on this later.)
Size: M22 — ⚠️ important!
Where to buy
Additional Gear You'll Need
Ropes and stakes to support the poles can be reused from standard hammock gear (e.g., whoopie slings or daisy chains).
Here’s an example of what you’ll need — mostly just standard hammock gear (hammock not shown):
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On firm ground, standard 12 inches (30 cm) titanium stakes usually provide enough stability for users weighing up to 176 lb (80 kg). For softer terrain or heavier users, consider using longer or wider stakes and longer rope to improve stability. /icons/hr.icon
💡 Mechanism for Supporting the Hammock
Just place the washer at the step near the top of the pole.
This step is a flat edge where the pole sections connect.
It’s created by the difference between the outer and inner diameters of the pole.
This step acts as a natural stopper that holds both the washer and the rope in place, supporting the hammock.
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🛠️ How to Set Up the Stand
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1. Attach one end of the hammock to a tree.
2. Support the other end with the pole.
3. Connect the pole to the ground with a whoopie sling.
4. Secure the sling with a stake.
After a few tries, setting it up takes just 2 minutes. Here's a quick video → ▶️ 2-minute video. A detailed guide on how to set up the stand is thoroughly explained in this article with illustrations and actual examples:
(🇯🇵 This link is in Japanese — machine translation works well. I’m planning to translate it into English soon.)
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🔧 Optional Enhancements
You can add some optional enhancements to make the stand even safer and more convenient — e.g., tips to prevent pole breakage.
This guide covers the simplest setup, but I’ve put together a list of enhancements — for better safety, stability, setup efficiency, and more. https://scrapbox.io/files/6819bcff20706f5c3d7a3896.jpg https://scrapbox.io/files/6856103cc165bde02774cfcc.jpg
After testing various options, this is the setup I personally use and love:
https://scrapbox.io/files/6819d3f22d5d3645a6820667.jpg
It’s compact, easy to carry, and works great even on soft ground.
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⚠️ For Safety
Building and using a hammock stand may involve unexpected risks.
Even simple setups can fail in surprising ways.
Please take care and ensure you're using the stand safely.
To help prevent misuse or unsafe use,
if you share a hammock stand based on this guide in a public post,
a simple attribution would be appreciated.
This helps ensure that accurate safety information is passed along.
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🏖️ Anywhere Hammocking
I hope this helps you enjoy lightweight hammocking — truly anywhere.
Feel free to message me if you have questions or feedback.
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