ANOW Double Rope Hammock Review: Your Backyard Oasis or a Frayed Dream?

There’s a universal moment that arrives at the end of a long week. The emails are answered, the errands are run, and a quiet weekend stretches out ahead. In those moments, my mind doesn’t drift to crowded venues or complicated plans; it drifts to my backyard. It’s the search for that perfect, quiet corner—a personal sanctuary where the only things on the to-do list are reading a book, listening to birds, and maybe dozing off in the dappled sunlight. For years, I tried to capture this feeling with patio chairs and benches, but they always felt too formal, too rigid. What I was truly chasing was the effortless, weightless relaxation that only a classic hammock can provide. The challenge, however, is navigating a sea of options to find one that is not only comfortable and stylish but also sturdy and safe enough to truly let go and relax in. This search for the ultimate backyard retreat is what led us to test the ANOW Double Rope Hammock.

What to Consider Before Buying a Rope Hammock

A rope hammock is more than just a piece of outdoor furniture; it’s a key solution for creating a dedicated space for decompression and leisure. It transforms an unused patch of lawn or a barren patio into a destination for relaxation, encouraging you to spend more time outdoors and disconnect from the hustle of daily life. The gentle swaying motion has been shown to promote relaxation and even quicker sleep, making it an investment in your well-being. Unlike enclosed “cocoon” hammocks, the open-weave rope design with spreader bars offers a more shared, airy experience, perfect for lounging with a partner or simply enjoying an unobstructed view of the sky.

The ideal customer for this type of product is a homeowner, a couple, or a family with a backyard, garden, or sturdy porch who wants to create a permanent or semi-permanent relaxation spot. They value classic aesthetics and prioritize comfort for casual lounging over the portability needed for camping. On the other hand, this style of hammock might not be suitable for those who are avid campers or hikers, as its nearly 9-pound weight and bulky spreader bars make it impractical for trekking. Likewise, individuals living in apartments with small balconies or those without suitable trees or the space for a 13-15 foot stand should consider more compact, stand-alone, or portable alternatives. You can see the full dimensions and space requirements to ensure it’s a perfect fit for your intended area.

Before investing, consider these crucial points in detail:

• Dimensions & Space: The most critical factor is where you’ll hang it. The ANOW Double Rope Hammock requires a hanging distance of 13 to 15 feet. Before you buy, measure the distance between your two chosen anchor points, whether they are trees, posts, or the ends of a hammock stand. Remember to account for the natural sag of the hammock; you don’t want to be brushing the ground.
• Capacity & Performance: A hammock’s weight capacity is a non-negotiable safety feature. This model boasts a 450-pound limit, which is robust enough for two average-sized adults. It’s crucial to respect this limit to prevent accidents and premature wear on the ropes and hardware. Performance also relates to how the hammock feels—spreader bars, like the 55-inch ones on this model, create a flatter, more open laying surface that is easier to get into and out of.
• Materials & Durability: The material dictates comfort, longevity, and maintenance. The ANOW uses a blend of polyester and cotton for its ropes, aiming to combine the softness of cotton with the weather resistance and strength of polyester. The hardwood spreader bar is another key component; look for bars with countersunk holes, which reduce friction on the ropes and significantly extend the hammock’s life.
• Ease of Use & Maintenance: Consider the setup process. Does it come with the necessary hardware like chains and hooks? For long-term care, rope hammocks should ideally be stored indoors during harsh weather or the off-season to prevent mildew and sun degradation. While a polyester blend helps, no material is completely immune to the elements over time.

While the ANOW Double Rope Hammock is an excellent choice, it’s always wise to see how it stacks up against the competition. For a broader look at all the top models, we highly recommend checking out our complete, in-depth guide:

First Impressions: Unboxing the ANOW Double Rope Hammock

The ANOW Double Rope Hammock arrived neatly rolled and secured in a surprisingly compact box. Upon opening it, the first thing we noticed was the pleasant, faint scent of finished wood from the 55-inch spreader bars. The hammock itself was bound tightly, and unrolling it revealed the thick, 8mm ropes woven into a classic net pattern. The “Natural” color is a clean, off-white that looks timeless and blends seamlessly into any garden aesthetic. Included in the package were the hammock bed, two chains with S-hooks for hanging, and a simple carrying bag. The ropes felt substantial and softer than the pure polyester ropes we’ve handled on other models, a testament to the cotton blend. The hardwood spreader bars felt solid and smooth, with the ropes running through countersunk holes—a premium detail that immediately inspired confidence in its design. Compared to more modern fabric hammocks, the ANOW has a classic, almost nostalgic appeal. It feels less like a piece of gear and more like a permanent fixture of a leisurely lifestyle. You can check the latest price and availability to see if it fits your budget for a backyard upgrade.

A Deep Dive into the ANOW Hammock’s Performance

A hammock’s true worth is only revealed after hours spent swaying in it. We put the ANOW Double Rope Hammock through extensive testing, evaluating everything from the weave of its ropes to its ability to withstand a lazy Sunday afternoon with two people. Here’s our detailed breakdown of its real-world performance.

Craftsmanship and Material Quality

The foundation of any great rope hammock is, unsurprisingly, the rope itself. ANOW utilizes hand-woven, 8mm thick ropes made from a blend of polyester and cotton. This hybrid approach is a smart design choice. In our testing, the ropes offered a discernibly softer feel than all-polyester alternatives, which can sometimes feel abrasive. This sentiment was echoed by numerous users, with one noting, “The ropes are nice and thick and do not hurt at all when I am laying down on the hammock.” The cotton component provides that comfortable, gentle touch, while the polyester lends crucial strength, durability, and resistance to mildew and stretching—a common failing of pure cotton hammocks. The weave is tight and uniform, creating a supportive net that distributes weight evenly and alleviates the fear of falling through, another point of praise from reviewers.

The 55-inch hardwood spreader bar is the hammock’s structural backbone. It feels robust and is finished with a weather-resistant coating. The most impressive detail here is the use of countersunk, drilled holes where the ropes pass through the wood. This isn’t just for looks; it creates a smooth, rounded channel that drastically reduces the friction and chafing that can wear down and eventually snap ropes. It’s a small, thoughtful feature that points to a design focused on longevity. However, it’s essential to address the elephant in the room: durability concerns. A handful of users reported significant issues, with one stating, “after purchasing in April, nine of the ropes have frayed and broken by mid-September.” Another had a similar experience with ropes disintegrating after just a few months of light use. While our test model has held up perfectly, these reports suggest a potential for inconsistency in manufacturing or material batches. It’s a critical point to consider, though it’s reassuring that the manufacturer provided a refund in one of these cases, indicating good customer support.

The Comfort and Lounging Experience

A hammock can be built like a tank, but if it’s not comfortable, it’s useless. The ANOW Double Rope Hammock excels in this department. Thanks to the wide spreader bars, the hammock bed remains open and inviting, making it incredibly easy to get in and out of without the comical flipping and tangling associated with non-spreader “cocoon” hammocks. This flat, open design creates a stable platform that feels secure, whether you’re lounging alone or with a partner. The bed itself measures 78.7 inches long by 55 inches wide, providing ample space. We tested it with two adults (well under the 450 lb capacity), and there was no uncomfortable sagging or squishing together. The feeling is one of shared relaxation, side-by-side.

Many potential buyers wonder if a rope hammock can be truly comfortable without a pad. We found the ANOW’s thick, soft ropes to be surprisingly pleasant. One user, initially skeptical of the holes, reported, “its actually really comfy.” You don’t get the “waffle-print” on your back that thinner, harder ropes can leave. The open weave also provides fantastic airflow, making it a far cooler option on hot, humid days compared to solid fabric hammocks that can trap heat and sweat. That said, for peak, all-afternoon comfort, adding a hammock pad or a few pillows takes the experience from great to sublime. Many users mentioned pairing it with their own pads and pillows to create the ultimate relaxation station. The gentle sway is smooth and predictable, perfect for lulling you into a state of calm. It truly is, as one user put it, “so comfortable to swing in it, enjoying the weather and just being in your thoughts.” You can explore user photos to see how others have styled it for maximum comfort.

Installation, Versatility, and Adjustability

Setting up the ANOW Double Rope Hammock is straightforward, though it depends entirely on your chosen location. The hammock comes equipped with heavy-duty metal O-rings at each end, attached to built-in 12.6-inch chains and S-hooks. This hardware provides excellent versatility. If you have perfectly spaced trees or posts, you can use heavy-duty straps (sold separately) or eye bolts to connect directly to the O-rings. If your anchor points are a bit further apart, the included chains allow you to easily bridge the gap. We tested the setup on a 14-foot metal stand, and the process took less than five minutes. The chains gave us several links of adjustability to set the perfect height off the ground. One owner confirmed this flexibility, stating it “fit perfectly on our existing stand (12ft), with room on the chain to raise or lower it as needed.”

It’s vital to reiterate that this hammock is compatible with 13-15 foot stands, which are not included with the purchase. This is a standard size for this style of hammock, but it’s a significant additional purchase if you don’t have suitable trees. The hammock also includes a carrying bag, but at 8.82 pounds and over 55 inches long even when folded, its portability is limited. It’s better suited for seasonal storage or moving it from the shed to the lawn rather than taking it on a camping trip. This is fundamentally a backyard hammock, designed to be a semi-permanent fixture for your personal outdoor space, and it serves this purpose exceptionally well. The entire package represents a fantastic value for establishing a dedicated relaxation zone at home.

What Other Users Are Saying

Across the board, the feedback for the ANOW Double Rope Hammock paints a picture of a product that delights users with its initial comfort and ease of use, but raises some questions about long-term durability. The positive sentiment is overwhelming, with many calling it the best hammock they’ve owned. One happy customer exclaimed, “Our whole family loves it! it’s so comfortable to swing in it.” Another highlighted the simple setup, saying, “Right out of the box, this hammock was incredibly easy to set up (had it set up in less than… 10 min).” The quality of the materials upon arrival is another frequent point of praise, with comments like, “The wooden spreaders did feel like they were good quality upon inspection and seem very sturdy.”

However, it’s crucial to consider the critical feedback. The most concerning recurring issue is the potential for the ropes to fail prematurely. One user provided a stark warning: “Bought in April, laid on it 3 times and the ropes broke when my 120 lb daughter laid on it. It disintegrated in 4 months.” This experience, while not the norm, is a significant red flag regarding quality control. Another user who used theirs only on weekends also reported frayed and broken ropes within a single season. This suggests that while the design is sound, the material may not hold up to sustained UV exposure and weather, making it imperative to store the hammock when not in use to maximize its lifespan. For those weighing the pros and cons, you can read through the full spectrum of user feedback here.

How the ANOW Double Rope Hammock Compares to Alternatives

The ANOW Double Rope Hammock occupies a popular niche, but it’s not the only option available. Understanding how it stacks up against different types of hammocks is key to making the right choice for your specific needs.

1. Bestrip Single & Double Hammock with Carrying Bag

The Bestrip hammock represents a completely different philosophy. This is a portable, “cocoon-style” hammock made of lightweight parachute nylon, designed for camping, hiking, and travel. It packs down into a small stuff sack and uses tree-friendly straps for setup anywhere. While it also comes in a double size, it lacks spreader bars, meaning it will envelop the users. For those who prioritize portability and plan to take their hammock on adventures, the Bestrip is unequivocally the better choice. However, for a permanent backyard fixture, the ANOW offers superior ease of entry/exit, a more open and social lounging experience, and a classic aesthetic that the Best-trip’s technical fabric can’t match.

2. SUNCREAT Two Person Hammock Outdoor

The SUNCREAT hammock is a more direct competitor to the ANOW, often featuring a similar spreader bar design but typically utilizing a solid quilted fabric bed instead of a rope weave. The primary difference comes down to feel and climate. A fabric hammock like the SUNCREAT can feel softer initially and doesn’t have the “holes” of a rope hammock, which some users prefer. However, it lacks the exceptional breathability of the ANOW’s rope design, making it potentially much warmer on hot days. The ANOW’s rope construction allows for superior air circulation, keeping you cooler. The choice between them comes down to personal preference: do you prefer the padded, solid surface of fabric or the airy, classic feel of rope?

3. JAMNOLA 2 Person Hammock Stand 550lbs Capacity

This product isn’t a hammock but a crucial accessory. The JAMNOLA stand is an alternative to having perfectly spaced trees. If you love the design and comfort of the ANOW Double Rope Hammock but your yard is treeless, a heavy-duty steel stand like this is your solution. It’s important to note that the JAMNOLA stand is sold separately and represents a significant additional investment. It provides the freedom to place your hammock anywhere—on the patio, by the pool, or in the middle of the lawn. This isn’t an alternative to the ANOW hammock itself, but rather an alternative to a pair of trees, enabling the use of the ANOW in a much wider variety of outdoor spaces.

Our Final Verdict: Is the ANOW Double Rope Hammock Worth It?

After extensive testing and careful consideration of user feedback, our verdict is in. The ANOW Double Rope Hammock is an excellent choice for anyone looking to add a comfortable, classic, and incredibly relaxing feature to their backyard or patio. Its sturdy hardwood spreader bars, soft-touch rope blend, and generous two-person capacity create a luxurious lounging experience at a very accessible price point. The ease of setup and timeless aesthetic make it a standout option for transforming an outdoor space into a personal oasis. We recommend it for couples, families, and solo relaxers who want a dedicated, semi-permanent spot to unwind.

However, this recommendation comes with a crucial caveat regarding longevity. The reports of ropes fraying after a single season cannot be ignored. To get the most out of this hammock, we strongly advise storing it out of the sun and rain when not in use. If you are diligent with its care, it offers unbeatable comfort and value. For those who prioritize maximum durability above all else or require a portable option for travel, looking at alternatives might be wise. But for the quintessential backyard lounging experience, the ANOW Double Rope Hammock is a fantastic investment in your own relaxation. If you’re ready to claim your corner of paradise, you can check the current price and order yours today.