Since the late 1980s, North Carolina’s Hatteras Hammocks has pioneered innovative hammock designs that redefined luxury, comfort, and durability. As a family-run brand devoted to heritage craftsmanship, Hatteras utilizes premium materials, patented enhancements, and meticulous hand construction to create hammocks made to last generations.
Their unique focus on ergonomics and engineering pushes the limits of hammock relaxation while retaining classic appeal. Hatteras introduced numerous hammock firsts, from their custom high-performance fabrics to their signature spreader bars and rope suspension systems. Their continual refinement of quality and comfort transformed recreational hammocking expectations worldwide.
This blog will explore the key proprietary features, manufacturing processes, and innovations that enable Hatteras to stand out as the pinnacle of premium, American-made hammocks.
1. Patented Spreader Bar
A core innovation of Hatteras hammocks is the spreader bar, introduced in the 1960s as the first-ever rope hammock. Without a spreader bar, rope hammocks tend to sag uncomfortably in the middle. Hatteras’s patented solid oak spreader bars use a counter-tensioning system to keep the bed open and stable.
The ropes extending from each end ring are threaded back through holes in the bar ends. This creates opposing tension forces along the bar’s length to keep the ropes taut. It distributes weight evenly over the bed rather than sagging.
The spreader bars also utilize marine-grade stainless steel hardware and weather-resistant polycarbonate end caps for strength. Adjustable hooks allow easy changing of the angle and tension. This robust spreader bar is the key to Hatteras’ signature flattened comfort profile.
2. Premium Fabrics
At the heart of Hatteras Hammocks’ comfort is their specialized line of Solution-Dyed Acrylic yarns, developed exclusively for their hammocks. These custom yarns are made in the USA from premium outdoor performance fibers. Solution-dying fully saturates the acrylic fibers with color for superior UV resistance that won’t fade or degrade over time. The result is a luxuriously soft, lightweight, quick-drying, mold/mildew-resistant mildew-resistant fabric. It adds breathability and a comforting stretch to the hammock bed.
Hatteras also utilizes top-grade marine-quality ropes. Their Harvest DuraCord rope features stain- and rot-resistant PermaBlok3 technology. It remains supple even after prolonged sun and saltwater exposure. Sturdy DuraCord makes up the hand-woven rope borders along the edges of the hammock bed for enhanced comfort.
3. Innovative Hanging System
Hatteras engineered an innovative “in the round” hanging system to make their hammocks more stable, flexible, and durable. It uses a continuous loop of rope threaded through the four corners of the hammock bed and gathered by a galvanized O-ring. This evenly distributes tension for a flatter, more comfortable lay than traditional hammocks.
The flexible O-ring and free-moving rope allow the hammock to twist naturally with your movements. Traditional hammocks use separate vertical and horizontal lines that restrict movement and put more stress on suspension points. Hatteras’s revolutionary design makes achieving the optimal 30° hang angle easier for maximum comfort and proper spinal alignment.
4. Unmatched American Craftsmanship
Every Hatteras Hammock is masterfully handcrafted by skilled artisans at their Greenville, North Carolina factory using time-perfected techniques. The intricate process of attaching over 1000 feet of rope to each hammock bed features precision Copperhead Cotton lacing for shape and tension. The spreader bars receive 18 coats of varnish for a gleaming finish resistant to weathering.
This meticulous construction results in heirloom-quality hammocks capable of outlasting cheaper imported options by decades. As Hatteras says, they “build each hammock like it’s the last we’ll ever make.” It’s a level of loving American craftsmanship you can’t get from mass manufacturing.
As proof of their confidence, Hatteras offers an unprecedented lifetime warranty on all ropes and hardware – no other hammock maker offers such a guarantee. For generations of unbeatable relaxation, Hatteras has no rival.
5. Ergonomic Designs
Hatteras uses engineering and ergonomic skills in addition to their Classic rope hammock to provide even more cutting-edge comfort designs:
- The Hammock Pillow: Provides zero-gravity relaxation by contouring to the head and neck.
- Bed Kit: This device turns hammocks into a level, steady surface for better slumber.
- Oasis Hammock: Its tilting structure makes it easy to move between sitting and lying.
6. Eco-Conscious Ethos
Hatteras strives to create hammocks that are both elegant and ecological. Recycled stainless steel is used in their hardware, and recycled polyester is used in their custom-performance materials. Their managed forests, not old growth, are the source of their FSC-certified oak spreader bars.
Bottomline
To sum up, Hatteras Hammocks pioneered several advancements in comfort, quality, and performance—from their revolutionary spreader bars and “in the round” rope suspension—and established the standard for luxury hammocks. Beyond simple hammock swinging, their emphasis on ergonomic designs supported by science offers full-body relaxation. Ultimately, each hammock is meticulously crafted in America to ensure heirloom durability. So, choose wisely and make the most of it.