How to Hang a DayLoft Hammock: Setup and Positioning

By ENO Hammocks & Outdoor Gear | Published: 2026-10-16

Category: How-to Guides

Learn how to hang the ENO DayLoft hammock with a simple step-by-step setup. Get positioning tips for the right lounger hammock angle and comfortable spreader bar use.

Quick answer

Hang your ENO DayLoft hammock with the spreader bars level and the fabric gently curved, not pulled tight. Aim for a lounger hammock angle where the center sits lower than the ends, and keep the hammock low enough that you can step in without lifting your knee above hip height. Test the hang before you commit to sitting.

Choose a spot with enough clearance

The DayLoft is a spreader bar hammock, so it needs a clear rectangle rather than the narrow strip a gathered-end hammock uses. Measure the distance between your two anchor points and check that the space is at least as wide as the spreader bars. Leave room at both ends for the hammock to hang without rubbing against a wall, tree trunk, or fence. If you are using a stand, place it on level ground so the frame does not rock when you get in.

Set your anchor height and distance

For most people, anchor points around 4 to 5 feet high work well for the DayLoft. If the anchors are farther apart, you may need to raise them slightly so the hammock does not bottom out. If they are closer together, lower them a little. The goal is a gentle curve, not a deep sag. A hammock that hangs too flat feels unstable; one that sags too much is hard to get out of.

Attach the hammock and check the spreader bars

Clip or tie each end of the DayLoft to its anchor, following the hardware that came with your hammock or stand. Once both ends are attached, step back and look at the spreader bars. They should sit roughly level with each other and perpendicular to the hammock body. If one bar tilts, the hammock will feel lopsided. Adjust the straps or suspension on the low side until both bars are even.

Fine-tune the lounger angle

Sit in the hammock gently, then lie back. A good lounger hammock angle puts your head slightly higher than your feet, with your knees supported by the fabric. If you feel like you are sliding toward the center, the hammock is too flat; increase the sag slightly by lowering one or both anchors. If you feel cocooned or your shoulders are pinched, the hammock is too deep; raise the anchors or shorten the suspension.

Use a stand when trees are not an option

The DayLoft works with a compatible hammock stand, which is useful for patios, decks, and rental yards. Set the stand on a flat surface and follow the stand instructions for attaching the hammock. If you plan to hang more than one hammock, a multi-hammock stand lets you keep the DayLoft and other hammocks in the same footprint. Check that the stand is rated for the hammock you are using and that all bolts are tight before you sit down.

Step-by-step DayLoft hang

Pick your anchors: Choose two trees, posts, or a compatible hammock stand. Measure the gap and make sure it is wider than the spreader bars with extra room at each end. Checkpoint: you should be able to walk around both ends without ducking.
Set anchor height: Aim for anchors around 4 to 5 feet high. If the distance is longer, raise them; if shorter, lower them. The hammock should hang in a gentle curve. Mistake to avoid: anchors set too high make the hammock tippy and hard to enter.
Attach both ends: Connect the DayLoft to your suspension or stand using the supplied hardware. Pull the suspension snug but not tight. Checkpoint: both ends should be attached at the same height.
Level the spreader bars: Look at the bars from the side. They should be level with each other and perpendicular to the hammock body. Adjust one side if needed. Mistake to avoid: a tilted bar makes the hammock feel unstable and can wear the fabric unevenly.
Test the lounger angle: Sit in the center, then lie back. Your head should be slightly higher than your feet, with knees supported. Adjust height or sag until it feels right. If you slide toward the middle, add sag; if you feel pinched, raise the anchors.
Do a final safety check: Confirm all straps, clips, and stand bolts are secure. Make sure the hammock is not rubbing against anything sharp. Recheck after the first few uses, since straps can settle.

Products that fit this setup

DayLoft® Hammock: The DayLoft Hammock is a space-saving spreader bar hammock designed to keep you cool and suspend you in maximum comfort, with all-season durability and a minimal footprint. Its spreader bar design means you need a wider clear space than a gathered-end hammock, but it also gives you a flatter, more lounger-like lie.
ENOpod® Hammock Stand: The ENOpod Hammock Stand lets you hang 3 ENO hammocks and is built with time-tested materials for yard, festival, and travel use. If you want to hang a DayLoft alongside other hammocks, this stand gives you a single anchor point for multiple hangs without needing trees.
DoubleNest Hammock Print + Parklite Stand Bundle: The DoubleNest Hammock Print + Parklite Stand Bundle pairs a roomy DoubleNest hammock with a lightweight, portable stand so you can relax almost anywhere without trees. This bundle is a good option if you want a portable stand for a gathered-end hammock, which sets up differently from the DayLoft spreader bar design.