It’s one of the questions we get asked most at Simply Hammocks — “Can I leave my hammock outside?” The short answer? Yes — but it depends on the material.
Your hammock becomes your favourite place to unwind, so the idea of taking it down every time it rains feels… annoying. The good news? Most hammocks can handle the outdoors.
What Material Is it?
1. Cotton Hammocks
Most of our hammocks are made from Brazilian cotton , the same material used for centuries in rainforest communities.
- Do not leave cotton hammocks outside permanently.
- They’re fine with occasional showers.
- Long-term dampness leads to mildew and weakened fibres.
tip If the weather turns bad for days, bring your cotton hammock inside. It prevents mould and fading. Read our full guide: How to Prevent Mildew
How to make cotton hammocks last longer:
- Ensure they dry fully after rain.
- Hand wash occasionally to prevent mildew.
- Store indoors for winter.
2. Weather-Resistant Fabrics
EllTex (Extra Long Lasting Textile) is our most weather-resistant fabric — perfect for outdoors.
- Can be left outside in rain and sun
- Highly tear-resistant
- Hardly fades
- Still soft like cotton
tip Look for the rain icon on the hammock picture, or go to Weather Resistant Hammocks
3. Silk Hammocks
Lightweight, strong and extremely fast drying, silk hammocks (parachute nylon) are designed for explorers and is the material used in many parachutes!
- More durable than cotton
- Not as weatherproof as EllTex
- Shouldn’t be left out for long rainy periods
tip If it rains, hang your silk hammock somewhere breezy — it will dry in minutes.
4. Should I Use a Weather Cover?
If you want your hammock and stand to last even longer, a weatherproof cover can save you time, cleaning and maintenance. Shop Hammock Weather Cover →
tip Covers are ideal if you want to leave your hammock outside but don’t want to take it down every evening. Be mindful, that mildew can still develop on the hammock if left outside for a long period and its damp.
5. Wooden Hammock Stands
Our wooden stands are made from European Spruce — the same timber used to build the Wright Brothers’ early aircraft. Strong, durable and ideal for outdoor use. It is a very strong hardwood.
How to care for a wooden stand
- Clean with warm soapy water occasionally.
- Apply an exterior wood protector every few years.
- Allow the stand to stay ventilated — don’t wrap tightly.
tip Read about Doug's stand that is still going strong in the Scottish elements
